Friday, April 03, 2009

Interactive: Why Michiganians are leaving the state and where they're going

Interactive: Why Michiganians are leaving the state and where they're going

More might go -- if they could

More might go -- if they could
"As bad as Michigan's exodus has become, it could be even worse if thousands of frustrated homeowners like Owens could leave. Residents trying to escape Michigan's hard times today are finding their path to the border more difficult than those who left in recent years. Jobs in other states, plentiful through much of Michigan's recession, are drying up. And those who find jobs elsewhere often struggle to sell their Michigan homes.
About 109,000 more people left Michigan in 2008 than moved in, quadruple the number from the beginning of the decade. Dana Johnson, senior vice president and chief economist for Comerica Bank, says that number represents only a portion of the people who want to leave."

Granholm to host town hall meeting in Muskegon Heights

Granholm to host town hall meeting in Muskegon Heights
"Gov. Jennifer Granholm will visit Muskegon Heights Friday to discuss funding options with area government leaders, then hold a town hall meeting on the same topic with the public.
A spokeswoman for the governor confirmed the closed-door meeting with area government officials will start at 2 p.m. at Muskegon Heights City Hall, 2724 Peck.
The town hall meeting, which is open to the public, begins at 2:30 p.m. in the city council chambers, also at city hall. The governor will give a presentation on federal stimulus funding opportunities and answer questions, said Granholm spokeswoman Tiffany Brown."

Congressional Votes - The New York Times

Congressional Votes - The New York Times

Thursday, April 02, 2009

Daniel Hannan MEP: The devalued Prime Minister of a devalued Government

Why do we never hear this eloquence from our GOPer leaders?

Taxpayers make up the losses in public pension funds' portfolios

Taxpayers make up the losses in public pension funds' portfolios: "There is one guarantee, though: the market swoon has decimated public pension funds, and those losses will be covered by taxpayers."

We tighten our belts so we can pay for their pay increases and pension guarantees.

Isn't ANYONE thinking this ain't right?

PROMISES, PROMISES: Obama tax pledge up in smoke

PROMISES, PROMISES: Obama tax pledge up in smoke
"One of President Barack Obama's campaign pledges on taxes went up in puffs of smoke Wednesday.
The largest increase in tobacco taxes took effect despite Obama's promise not to raise taxes of any kind on families earning under $250,000 or individuals under $200,000.
This is one tax that disproportionately affects the poor, who are more likely to smoke than the rich.
To be sure, Obama's tax promises in last year's campaign were most often made in the context of income taxes. Not always.

'I can make a firm pledge,' he said in Dover, N.H., on Sept. 12. 'Under my plan, no family making less than $250,000 a year will see any form of tax increase. Not your income tax, not your payroll tax, not your capital gains taxes, not any of your taxes.'"

Basketball fans beware: Sheriff's Department gets report of scam from Craigslist ticket sale


Basketball fans beware: Sheriff's Department gets report of scam from Craigslist ticket sale "A local fan complained to the sheriff's department Wednesday after he realized he was suckered out of $800 for four seats to Saturday night's NCAA Final Four game between Michigan State University and the University of Connecticut.
The man shared the news of his Craigslist purchase on a Spartan basketball fan Web site, only to find that another fan reported he bought the same seats for the same price......The address where the men sent their money is in a California town near the Mexican border and is likely a phony drop spot where scammers pick up the cash"

What's "Doh!" in Spanish?

Finding a Doctor Who Accepts Medicare Isn’t Easy

Finding a Doctor Who Accepts Medicare Isn’t Easy
"EARLY this year, Barbara Plumb, a freelance editor and writer in New York who is on Medicare, received a disturbing letter. Her gynecologist informed her that she was opting out of Medicare. When Ms. Plumb asked her primary-care doctor to recommend another gynecologist who took Medicare, the doctor responded that she didn’t know any — and that if Ms. Plumb found one she liked, could she call and tell her the name?
Many people, just as they become eligible for Medicare, discover that the insurance rug has been pulled out from under them. Some doctors — often internists but also gastroenterologists, gynecologists, psychiatrists and other specialists — are no longer accepting Medicare, either because they have opted out of the insurance system or they are not accepting new patients with Medicare coverage. The doctors’ reasons: reimbursement rates are too low and paperwork too much of a hassle."

This is reality in EVERY country that has adopted socialized medicine.

Why would ANYONE be surprised it's happening to us now?

President Barry has promised more to come!

Kent County commissioners say 2009, 2010 budget deficits will be larger than expected

Kent County commissioners say 2009, 2010 budget deficits will be larger than expected
"Kent County leaders say the economic storm has left them a larger-than-expected budget deficit for this year and next.
A projected $2 million gap for 2009 has been revised to more than $5 million, forcing officials to dig deeper into the county savings or make budget cuts. The fundamental problem is that county expenses are expected to dramatically outpace revenues beginning this year.
Forecasts now call for about $1 million less in property tax revenues because of the housing slump and less interest income on county investments...

So, a $1 million shortfall in property tax revenue results in a $5 million budget deficit and it's the fault of "the economic storm"?
No mention of out of control spending, waaay over market pay and compensation to county employees.

Simply "not our fault!"

gimme a break....

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Michigan smoking ban backed by public - Michigan Political Report

Michigan smoking ban backed by public - Michigan Political Report: "An indoor workplace smoking ban in Michigan was supported by two-thirds of those questioned in a fresh survey of the issue sponsored by smoking opponents.http://www.epicmra.com/
Sixty six percent of those polled by the Lansing firm EPIC-MRA supported a blanket smoking ban that would include bars and restaurants with 52 percent 'strongly' in favor. Sixty four percent supporting banning smoking in the three commercial casinos in Detroit as well."

Cops Bust Stool Fool


Cops Bust Stool Fool
"In a law enforcement first, Ohio cops this month arrested a man for drunk driving on a motorized bar stool."

THIS IS AN OUTRAGE!

The Carmen's invite


And, no!

You are not invited.

Bummer...


President Obama now has promised an extended warrantee for our Cadillacs so why not for our omelets?

If we don't like our Carmen-cuisine we gotta a brotha in the White House who feels our indigestion and demands retribution!

Heck, we might even get Carmen's owner fired!

How cool would that be!

And why don't we, "the people" have any say in the Carmen's menu!


Coffee is nice but why do we have to wait for our coffee when we WANT OUR COFFEE NOW?

Isn't it time for our President Obama to bring the efficiency of our USPS to small towns in America!

http://muskegonpundit.blogspot.com/2009/03/us-postal-service-seeks-25-billion.html

Isn't it time to harness the efficiency those who administer our border fence to make our local dining emporiums.... more efficient!

Isn't it time that the promise of congressional oversight and expertise that so well served us mope American taxpayers during the S&L scandal and the recent world wide financial decomposition be expanded to Indian Toast and poached eggs!

How lucky we are to have our betters making those tough decision for us mere taxpayers!


See ya Thursday!

Lansing to reimburse $550K in parking overcharges

Lansing to reimburse $550K in parking overcharges
"Lansing plans to reimburse drivers up to $550,000 for overcharged parking fines and monthly parking permits, dating back to 2006 in some cases.
The city said it has identified more than 112,000 cases where parking fines were overcharged since July 1, 2006. Three quarters of the fines were issued for a single parking violation. Drivers were overcharged by $2 or $5. It was not immediately clear how or why drivers were overcharged.


Great news reporting!
No one knows what happened!
No one asked!
No worries cuz Jenny is gonna send us $550,000!

It don't get better than this!

I can't wait til they take over Toyota of America......

Longtime county official retires

Longtime county official retires
"But he doesn't plan on staying that way long. He's searching for his next opportunity to serve the community.
Elwell, 60, has completed a stint as Muskegon County's interim administrator. He will remain at the county building this week to help his replacement get acquainted with employees and the issues.
Wisconsin's Bonnie Hammersley becomes the county's first female top administrator on Monday.
Elwell, the county's former director of mental health, retired in 2007. A year later, county commissioners tapped him to serve as interim administrator.

Is there a possible triple-dip on our state pension system about to happen?

Longtime Montague Principal Gary Beaudoin retiring

Longtime Montague Principal Gary Beaudoin retiring
"After retiring last summer but continuing to serve as Montague's middle school principal this year, Gary Beaudoin will end his 22-year tenure with the district in late June.
The Montague school board approved his retirement last July and reaccepted it at a meeting this week. Beaudoin, an educator for 37 years, started in June 1987 as principal of Nellie B. Chisholm Middle School.
Beaudoin worked this year on a one-year contract through a private educational consulting business owned by Beaudoin and his wife, Jane. The couple is now ready to 'change the pace of life a little' and are moving to East Lansing to be closer to family, he said.
'It's been a wonderful ride,' he said. 'It's been a wonderful place to work, and I will miss the kids, but I'm looking forward to the change.'
The contract with Key Points Consulting paid Beaudoin $79,050, similar to his annual salary, this year. The arrangement was designed to provide a financial savings to the district and allow Beaudoin to reduce his workload and draw from his retirement while continuing to work.
Superintendent Dave Sipka has said the change would save the district about $36,000 in money it would have spent on health insurance benefits, FICA and annual retirement contributions."

This is disgusting!
The Montague fools paid him full time wages for part-time work!
So, if they need a part timer, why EVER pay $115,050 for a middle school principal, plus our state funded mega retirement?

Michigan auto insurance rates going up

Michigan auto insurance rates going up
"Michigan motorists will pay $20 more per vehicle for unlimited medical coverage in their auto policies, $104.58 to $124.89 effective July 1, the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association decided Monday."

I thought Obambi promised tax cuts for ALL Americans!

Michigan smoking ban backed by public

Michigan smoking ban backed by public
"Posted by generalsn on 03/30/09 at 7:10PM
After over a year of experience here in Chicago, now that the fanfare has worn off and the lobbyists have moved on to other states, it's clearly obvious that trying to ban smoking in small neighborhood 'shot and beer' bars is pretty useless. Many small bars in my area ignore the ban to keep their customers, neighbors, and local police (many are patrons when off duty) satisfied. In areas where real crime is an issue, the problem of undesirables being attracted by groups of people outside the bars and causing disturbances on the PUBLIC street, property that the owner has no control over, far outweighs the issue of people peacefully smoking inside a bar, bothering absolutly no one, All of the complaints are from neighbors of bars that comply. It's fading into history in many small neighborhood bars. The only places it becomes an issue seems to be in rural areas where local police have little to do except visit local bars and monitor their parking lots."

Interesting!
Another law that will be used to selectively exert power over the opposition.

Tonight 7:00 PM!

View a Live Simulcast at 7 p.m. of Economist David Littmann at MSU
“Littmannomics: Crisis and the Road to Recovery”

To view and listen, click:http://www.michiganliveevents.com/MPPI-3.html

DATE: Tuesday, March 31, 2009
TIME: 7 p.m.
LOCATION: Wonders Hall, Room C100Michigan State University

Live Webcast Q&A Session to Follow

Mackinac Center Senior Economist David Littmann will explain how the economy reached such a low point and will highlight what Michigan and the nation must do to regain a stable footing. He will also discuss how the natural forces of recovery are working overtime and will right the economy if permitted. The interference of policymakers in the market is delaying the recovery, which Littmann fears may lead to a depression. He points to Michigan’s economy as proof of what happens when government intervention is unchecked.
The event is sponsored by the Mackinac Center’s Students for a Free Economy and the MSU chapter of Young Americans for Liberty. It is open to the public and free of charge.

Two Wheels on my Wagoner - Mark Steyn - The Corner on National Review Online

Two Wheels on my Wagoner - Mark Steyn - The Corner on National Review Online: "Two Wheels on my Wagoner [Mark Steyn]

Incidentally, the government 'overhaul' of GM is a useful shorthand for where we're heading:
The first quid pro quo for the government giving you money (or 'investing', as President Obama and David Brooks say) is that it gets to regulate your behavior. Not just who sits on your board or (see Sarkozy last week) where your factory has to be. When the government 'pays' for your health care, it reserves the right to deny (as in parts of Britain) heart disease treatment for smokers or hip replacement for the obese. Why be surprised? When the state's 'paying' for your health, your lifestyle directly impacts its 'investment.'
The next stage is that, having gotten you used to having your behavior regulated, the state advances to approving not just what you do but what you're allowed to read, see, hear, think: See the 'Canadian Content' regulations up north, and the enforcers of the 'human rights' commissions. Or Britain's recent criminalization of 'homophobic jokes.'
You'd be surprised how painlessly and smoothly once-free peoples slip from government 'investing' to government control.
03/30 09:41 AMShare"

Officer, dog square off against Modesto mob of 60

Officer, dog square off against Modesto mob of 60
"Some members of the crowd told the officer that 'he was not going to leave the scene alive,' according to police.
The crowd of as many as 60 people included some known gang members, Findlen said. Police believe the group was gathered for a party in the 1700 block of Pelton Avenue. The officer happened upon the group when he was responding to another call in the area."

Is our entire country going to descend back to the days of Mayor Dinkins' NYC?

Spartan Pep Rally!

Umm, warm Spartan blog-happy!

U.S. Postal Service seeks $25 billion federal bailout

U.S. Postal Service seeks $25 billion federal bailout
"The U.S. Postal Service — known in the tech world as “snail mail” — is in the midst of a financial meltdown of its own."

Wow! I can't wait for these wizards to work their magic on our financial and auto industries!

Whither GM?

Whither GM?
"The more I read about these plans, the more I wonder what the end game is supposed to be. The administration is acting serious: firing Wagoner, and threatening to cut off funds if Chrysler doesn't make a deal with Fiat. Then you read the report, and the government's statements seem . . . kinda silly."

Friday, March 27, 2009

Editorial: Pensions add to Detroit budget problems

Editorial: Pensions add to Detroit budget problems
"City and pension fund officials aren't saying with any precision the amount of the damage the market's current decline has wrought on the investment assets of the city's pension funds.
But they acknowledge it is serious. And it will put added pressure on the next few city budgets."

Why should teachers be a protected class?

Why should teachers be a protected class?
"Their unions are whipping up hysteria about possible layoffs, but they don't seem to care about getting rid of bad educators."

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Reading Eagle Newspaper

Reading Eagle Newspaper: "Birdnapper snatches Gordon the skateboarding parrot from his front-porch cage in California"

Senate reviewing how college football picks No. 1

Senate reviewing how college football picks No. 1
"Behind the push for the hearings is the subcommittee's top Republican, Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah. People there were furious that Utah was bypassed for the national championship despite going undefeated in the regular season.
The title game pitted No. 1 Florida (12-1) against No. 2 Oklahoma (12-1); Florida won 24-14 and claimed the title.
The subcommittee's statement said Hatch would introduce legislation 'to rectify this situation.' No details were offered and Hatch's office declined to provide any.
Hatch said in a statement that the BCS system 'has proven itself to be inadequate, not only for those of us who are fans of college football, but for anyone who believes that competition and fair play should have a role in collegiate sports.'
In the House, Rep. Joe Barton of Texas, the top Republican on the Energy and Commerce Committee, has sponsored legislation that would prevent the NCAA from calling a football game a 'national championship' unless the game culminates from a playoff system."

Hoekstra to announce Monday!

West Michigan News
"U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra is expected to make an announcement Monday in three locations across Michigan concerning his possible candidacy for governor"

This early announcement and apparent organization bodes well for Pete's campaign.
Let's see how the campaign communicates with the SE counties of Michigan.