Thursday, June 11, 2009

President Obama: No more federal bucks planned for General Motors, Chrysler

President Obama: No more federal bucks planned for General Motors, Chrysler
"President Barack Obama's auto task force told skeptical lawmakers Wednesday the government had no plans to pump more dollars into General Motors and Chrysler and that the public had a 'reasonable probability' of getting its money back."

Yeah, right.....

Patriotic rally set for Friday in Montague

Patriotic rally set for Friday in Montague
"A patriotic rally designed to honor current and former members of the military and emergency services may produce a memorable flag-waving moment Friday afternoon.
Beginning at 4 p.m., people are invited to bring little American flags and wave them as part of the rally at Ellenwood Park"

"little American flags..."?

Embattled Muskegon school board member Charles Nash resigns

Embattled Muskegon school board member Charles Nash resigns
"Charles Nash, forced out by a circuit court ruling, submitted a letter of resignation to the Muskegon school board Tuesday that railed against the justice system, called on the public to mount a defense campaign on his behalf and instructed the board on the direction it should take."

Who is paying this fool's legal bills and how much has he cost the taxpayers in Muskegon to get his idiotic butt out?

Sparta man who allegedly was rifling through neighbor's car while wearing bra charged with resisting arrest, home invasion

Sparta man who allegedly was rifling through neighbor's car while wearing bra charged with resisting arrest, home invasion
"A 20-year-old Sparta man who was wearing a purple bra and boxer shorts when he was discovered allegedly rifling through his neighbor's car was charged Wednesday in Rockford District Court."

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Cherry has image problem in bid to be next Michigan governor

Cherry has image problem in bid to be next Michigan governor
"Cherry, 58, is the kind of guy who gets angry if you don't call him John"

Classic

Classic - Jonah Goldberg

A Democratic Underground dweller buys a doohickey so he can turn off Fox News in any public place he finds it. So courageous.
'It's time to get aggressive when it comes to people playing FOX News in businesses, doctor's offices and other public places.'"

Norton Avenue reconstruction put off

Norton Avenue reconstruction put off
"Money through the Transportation Improvement Program will be used for the Norton and Harvey projects. In most cases, the local municipality is required to provide a 20 percent financial contribution for those projects."

Web site shows which cars are least, most expensive to insure

Web site shows which cars are least, most expensive to insure
"Before buying your next car, check out eye-opening lists of the most and least expensive 2009 vehicles to insure. It could save you hundreds of dollars a year."

CNN Co-Founder: “CNN’s Ratings Have Gone Down The Drain”

CNN Co-Founder: “CNN’s Ratings Have Gone Down The Drain”
"seven months after Barack Obama’s victory, CNN’s ratings have gone down the drain.

From May of last year to May of this year, CNN lost 22% of its total primetime audience. MSNBC was down 2%, while FoxNews was up 24%. .......

Total day was nearly as bad, with Fox up 24% and CNN down 7%. MSNBC was down 2% in total viewing. Fox is beating CNN almost two-to-one in most categories."

Flint mayor says GM job losses mean big city needs

Flint mayor says GM job losses mean big city needs
"Flint's mayor says a city that has seen its General Motors Corp. work force fall by 90 percent over the years needs lots of federal stimulus aid."

Tuesday, June 09, 2009

The Proposed Coal-Fired Power Plant in Rogers City, MI Part 3 « Jennerationx

The Proposed Coal-Fired Power Plant in Rogers City, MI Part 3 « Jennerationx: "that I found out that CEI was going around to all the townships of Presque Isle county and distributing copied versions of An Inconvenient Truth and telling the board members that they are just a small group interested in asking questions."

Obama's Enemies List Grows

Obama's Enemies List Grows
"The targeting of perceived political enemies by the Obama Administration has grown from mere individuals to entire groups. Evidence emerged that a common thread among the list of 789 Chrysler dealerships ordered closed by the White House is that the owners donated to GOP candidates, Republican-leaning causes or donated to Hillary Clinton or John Edwards during the Democratic presidential primaries."

Newspaper's future is in your hands

Newspaper's future is in your hands
"While I can make that pitch, it's clear the future shape of The Chronicle is in the hands of its readers and advertisers.
And that's the way it should be."

saved...created?

The Weekly Standard
"And, as if 'saved or created' wasn't a fatuous enough standard to begin with, Obama continues to claim that he's 'saved or created' 150,000 jobs during the same time the economy has lost 1.6 million.
He could at least drop the 'created' half of the canard. Then, I guess, 'Hey, if we hadn't gone $700 billion further into debt in the last three months, we would have lost 1.75 million jobs' isn't an argument he wants to make."

Obama turned down Bush proposal on autos

Obama turned down Bush proposal on autos
"President Barack Obama's transition team turned down a pitch last November from Bush administration officials to publicly join forces in setting tough conditions on General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC in return for money to survive."

'Buy American' will lose U.S. more jobs

'Buy American' will lose U.S. more jobs
"'Buy American' provisions make sense politically, because they create huge political payoffs for elected officials who protect jobs in domestic industries. But, economically, Buy American rules, like all forms of trade protectionism, make no sense at all, since research shows that for every job protected and saved, about two jobs are lost.
Why? Because Buy American provisions and tariffs protect inefficient domestic producers from more efficient foreign rivals. Take steel manufacturers. American firms that buy domestic steel are forced to charge consumers more. So retail sales decline, and thousands of jobs are then lost in countless industries that use steel as raw material."

Gun owners show support for open-carry law at picnic in Kalamazoo

Gun owners show support for open-carry law at picnic in Kalamazoo
"It resembled most any Sunday afternoon picnic in Bronson Park.
Except most of the people assembled around tables filled with watermelon and grilled goodies had firearms in holsters strapped to their waists.
The Glocks and the Smith & Wessons remained holstered but visible during a three-hour Open Carry Picnic designed to raise public awareness of what organizers called Second Amendment rights in Michigan to openly carry a firearm in most places."

Muskegon Heights rejects proposal to lower water rates

Muskegon Heights rejects proposal to lower water rates
"The Muskegon Heights city council on Monday rejected a request from Fruitport Township and Norton Shores to lower their municipal water rates.
The council's decision prompted a short but testy verbal exchange between city and township leaders, and resulted in Fruitport and Norton Shores officials leaving Monday's meeting in a huff.
'Are you ready?' Fruitport Township's Matt Farrar asked David Geyer, director of Norton Shores water and sewer division, after both men publicly made their pleas to the council and had returned to their seats.
'Yeah, it doesn't matter,' responded Geyer"

CAPTIONS, PLEASE


CAPTIONS, PLEASE
"You write the caption....

MANIC MONDAY

MANIC MONDAY
"Wow.....Hotair provides quick recap of the day's breaking news....

What better way to complete a day in which Barack Obama’s economic policies lose the majority in a Gallup poll, Dems lose the edge on the GOP in a Rasmussen poll on economics, and the Supreme Court apparently blocks Obama’s dictatorial dissolution of an American carmaker than to highlight a “parliamentary coup” in Albany, NY? Manic Monday turned literal in the New York state Senate, where Democrats Pedro Espada and Hiram Monserrate switched sides and gave control of the chamber to the Republicans...,"

Lynn Hahn, J.D. Driver bring back memories of racquetball's glory days

Lynn Hahn, J.D. Driver bring back memories of racquetball's glory days
"Racquetball was so popular back then that the facility now known as the Omni Fitness Club was simply Racquetball Plus, with 15 courts and a waiting list to get on them at most hours of the day.
It was also the heyday of two of the state's all-time best players -- Lynn Hahn of Whitehall and J.D. Driver of Muskegon.
Hahn and Driver were back in the news recently, when the Racquetball Association of Michigan Hall of Fame held a banquet in Lansing honoring the inductees from the hall's first 25 years, with Hahn and Driver the only two local players in that group."

That Didn't Take Long

That Didn't Take Long
"Today's Rasmussen survey finds that voters now trust Republicans over Democrats on six of ten issues, most notably the economy, 45 percent to 39 percent. Another one is government ethics, 35-29. And immigration, by a wide 43-29 margin.

I think a lot of voters are figuring out that what the Democrats meant by 'change' wasn't quite what they had in mind."

Monday, June 08, 2009

Senate could vote today on tougher tobacco laws

Senate could vote today on tougher tobacco laws
"After more than a decade of debate, Congress is poised to approve the most sweeping effort ever to regulate tobacco products.
The Senate could pass a bipartisan bill as early as today that would require larger health warnings on cigarette packs, ban candy flavorings, ban the use of claims such as 'light,' 'mild' and 'low tar,' and further restrict tobacco advertising."

GOP falls flat with its auto arguments

GOP falls flat with its auto arguments
"Just ask the surviving UAW members whose base wages, health-care benefits and pensions are unaffected by their concessionary deal with GM, in particular.
Yes, you read that right."

Government Motors: Quotes of the Day

Government Motors: Quotes of the Day
"The government that runs Amtrak (which has lost $23 billion, in today's dollars, just since 1990) vows to make GM efficient. But one reason Amtrak runs on red ink is that legislators treat it as their toy train set, preventing it from cutting egregiously unprofitable routes.

~George Will"

Not Your Father's Playboy

Not Your Father's Playboy
"Not every liberal engages in this kind of despicable conduct, but I have never seen a prominent liberal condemn it, either. That is, sadly, the political world in which we live,"

Watchdog or lapdog? It depends on who is in power

Watchdog or lapdog? It depends on who is in power
"Continuing its pro-Obama spin, the Post claimed that the May job loss of 345,000 was far smaller than economists had predicted. It failed to mention that the employment picture is not only worse than what the Obama administration predicted it would be if Congress passed the stimulus package, it also is worse than the administration predicted it would be without that package."

“Funny that this is a story now.” DENVER — The thick-muscled man with c…

“Funny that this is a story now.” DENVER — The thick-muscled man with c…
"They were too busy investigating Joe The Plumber back during the election.
You’d think this would have been a tipoff, though: “He claimed to have lost a finger, but had 10 digits.” Note, however, the way the NYT story executes damage-control as it goes."

Obama's Enemies List Grows

Obama's Enemies List Grows
"Just having the appearance of someone who might possibly vote for an opponent of Barack Obama could land them on the President's enemies list where proxies do the dirty work. Political appointees in the Justice Department killed a six-month investigation by career DOJ lawyers into the most blatant voter intimidation case in 40 years. Last November, jack-booted, uniformed, baton-wielding thugs from the New Black Panther Party calling themselves 'security' obstructed a Philadelphia polling location and behaved in an intimidating manner toward white voters.


Days after dismissing charges against the menacing thugs, the Justice Department moved in the opposite direction by blocking responsible steps to stem voter fraud. The DOJ barred the administrative procedures Georgia authorities put into place – under federal court guidance -- to verify voter registrations. The DOJ claimed the procedures violated the rights of minority voters.
A de facto Obama enemies list and dirty political machine have been expanding since last year. Obama has established several embarrassing presidential firsts including targeting private individuals by names, assigning a well-known 'partisan dirt-digger' and non-lawyer to the White House Counsel's Office to likely gain access to Bush Administration documents protected under attorney-client privilege, and moving the senior political advisor into the West Wing. These are heretofore unseen partisan practices."

Obama's Enemies List Grows

Obama's Enemies List Grows
"Just having the appearance of someone who might possibly vote for an opponent of Barack Obama could land them on the President's enemies list where proxies do the dirty work. Political appointees in the Justice Department killed a six-month investigation by career DOJ lawyers into the most blatant voter intimidation case in 40 years. Last November, jack-booted, uniformed, baton-wielding thugs from the New Black Panther Party calling themselves 'security' obstructed a Philadelphia polling location and behaved in an intimidating manner toward white voters.


Days after dismissing charges against the menacing thugs, the Justice Department moved in the opposite direction by blocking responsible steps to stem voter fraud. The DOJ barred the administrative procedures Georgia authorities put into place – under federal court guidance -- to verify voter registrations. The DOJ claimed the procedures violated the rights of minority voters.
A de facto Obama enemies list and dirty political machine have been expanding since last year. Obama has established several embarrassing presidential firsts including targeting private individuals by names, assigning a well-known 'partisan dirt-digger' and non-lawyer to the White House Counsel's Office to likely gain access to Bush Administration documents protected under attorney-client privilege, and moving the senior political advisor into the West Wing. These are heretofore unseen partisan practices."

Think twice about 'green' transport, say scientists

Think twice about 'green' transport, say scientists
"In some circumstances, for instance, it could be more eco-friendly to drive into a city -- even in an SUV, the bete noire of green groups -- rather than take a suburban train. It depends on seat occupancy and the underlying carbon cost of the mode of transport."

Liberal media on life support Opinion Articles - Noemie Emery | Editorials on Top News Stories | Washington Examiner

Liberal media on life support Opinion Articles - Noemie Emery Editorials on Top News Stories Washington Examiner: "On May 17, Edmund Andrews wrote a piece in the Times about how the mortgage meltdown and fiscal collapse of last autumn left him over-extended, facing foreclosure, and broke. He blamed himself (which was nice, since as one of the Times’ economic reporters he should have known better), but also heaped blame on Alan Greenspan and others for his debacle, and of course, on then-President Bush.

Days after this, bloggers exposed the fact he had neglected to mention that his wife had gone bankrupt twice, once in the ‘90’s, and each time on a six-figure income, changing the story from one of hapless homeowners gulled by unscrupulous lenders to one of compulsive super-consumers who overspent wildly on things with which Bush and Greenspan had nothing to do."

Sunday, June 07, 2009

Wings of Mercy event draws huge crowd

Wings of Mercy event draws huge crowd
"For those with deep pockets, plane rides were popular.
Vanderlinde said 21 people forked over $400 each for a ride in the B-25 bomber and three others took a lift for $1,000 on the P-51 Mustang. Others dropped between $25 and $30 for a ride in a helicopter and Executive Air Transport's commercial planes."

Communities headed for clash over water rates

Communities headed for clash over water rates
"Muskegon Heights' administration 'is pulling an arbitrary number out of the air and choosing to implement that rate,' Werschem said, pointing to the six or so meetings during which the committee members worked with numbers to calculate their recommended rate."

As school years shrink, state lawmakers seek return to minimum of 180 days


As school years shrink, state lawmakers seek return to minimum of 180 days
"Take note, K-12 students, as you embrace the start of summer vacation: People in high places think the school year is not long enough. At least, not anymore.
Michigan used to require at least 180 days of school annually. The Legislature dropped that six years ago so districts could have flexibility to manage operating costs while achieving the minimum required number of hours, 1,098. The result is that most districts have swapped longer school days for shorter school years."

Saturday, June 06, 2009

Bills would boost 'Pure Michigan' funding -

Bills would boost 'Pure Michigan' funding
"A legislative package proposed in Lansing could provide as much as $40 million annually to promote Michigan as a travel destination and lure business investments to the state.
One of the four bills introduced this week in the Democratic-controlled state House would create a temporary $2.50 per-day assessment on vehicles rented within five miles of a commercial airport or convention center, or if the rental begins at a motel or hotel, assuring the assessment is paid mostly by out-of-state visitors."

Crews begin taking out Detroit's Tiger Stadium

Crews begin taking out Detroit's Tiger Stadium
Friday June 05, 2009, 4:18 PM
DETROIT -- Crews began demolishing what's left of Tiger Stadium on Friday as fans looked on and said goodbye to the historic ballpark.
AP PhotoA backhoe drops a concrete block to break up the seating area at Tiger Stadium in Detroit on Friday.
A backhoe tore apart a portion of the lower deck along the former third base line about an hour after Detroit Economic Growth Corp. executive vice president Waymon Guillebeaux emerged from an onsite meeting with the demolition contractor and told The Associated Press he had given the green light to begin.

Demolition ordered to stop at Tiger Stadium
by Ben Leubsdorf The Associated Press
Friday June 05, 2009, 11:01 PM
DETROIT (AP) -- Tiger Stadium's final out appeared at hand Friday as crews began demolishing what's left of the venerable ballpark, until a judge halted the demolition -- with an assist from a fan who charged the mound armed with the court order.
A temporary restraining order issued by Wayne County Circuit Judge Isidore Torres around 5 p.m. EDT halted demolition work that had started several hours earlier.

Doh!

Canadians angered over Buy American rule

Canadians angered over Buy American rule
"Canadian municipal leaders threatened to retaliate against the 'Buy America' movement in the United States on Saturday, warning trade restrictions will hurt both countries' economies.
The Federation of Canadian Municipalities endorsed a controversial proposal to support communities that refuse to buy products from countries that put trade restrictions on products and services from Canada.
The measure is a response to a provision in the U.S. economic stimulus package passed by Congress in February that says public works projects should use iron, steel and other goods made in the United States."

Let the trade wars begin!

Wal-Mart and Chicago's South Side Food Desert

Wal-Mart and Chicago's South Side Food Desert: "Various surveys have shown the dearth of supermarkets in Chicago's poor neighborhoods and how the attendant health problems ripple through the state and city. But you don't need a survey to know there's a problem. Wander around parts of the South or West Sides. Look. People shop for meals in liquor stores and fast-food joints, in little shops where fresh means moldy tomatoes and tired meat."

Prison closing packs another economic punch to Muskegon

Prison closing packs another economic punch to Muskegon
"Muskegon community leaders, law-enforcement officials and ordinary citizens were dismayed at Friday's news that Muskegon Correctional Facility will close this year."

Thursday, June 04, 2009

Executive correspondence

Executive correspondence
"Forgive my abruptness, but would you kindly provide me with your wire transfer information?
I have all this money here that I’d would really like you to take, but I have been unable, thus far, to find a way to jam it down your throat.
Oh sure, you claim you don’t need it (you arrogant SOB) but I’ll never be able to complete the full-scale destruction of American free-market capitalism if I don’t get this money in your company’s checking account post-haste."

THE UAW'S SWEEEET DEAL

THE UAW'S SWEEEET DEAL
"Other union concessions were 'painful' only by the peculiar standards of Big Three labor relations: At a time when some American workers are facing stiff pay cuts, UAW workers gave up their customary paid holiday on Easter Monday and their right to overtime pay after less than 40 hours per week."

Terrible story

Terrible tragedy
"A former West Michigan woman's wedding day turned from joy to tragedy when she suffered a brain aneurysm and died during her reception celebration."

Michigan collects $1B to boost education

Michigan collects $1B to boost education
"Michigan can collect more than $1 billion in federal funding to help save teachers’ jobs and turn around schools, U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan announced today. The money is part of the $787-billion stimulus bill passed by Congress this year."

I can't wait to hear their ideas on "turning around schools".
Yeah, right.....another billion down the rathole.......

Hit & Run > Who Is John Hamilton? - Reason Magazine

Hit & Run > Who Is John Hamilton? - Reason Magazine: "An Ohio man arrested for mowing unkempt grass at a public park said he just wanted to make his city look nice. John Hamilton said he took control of the situation because the grass in Sandusky's Central Park was about a foot high. According to a police report, a witness said Hamilton was blowing grass onto the sidewalk and shredding trash in the park that had not been picked up.

Police said they arrested 48-year-old Hamilton after he refused to stop mowing and charged him with obstructing official business and disorderly conduct."

Monday, June 01, 2009

Clinton vows to fight for gay rights abroad

Clinton vows to fight for gay rights abroad
"US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton vowed Monday to fight for gay rights, calling for all nations to stop violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation."

Great priorities, Hill.....

Chicago has 7 shooting deaths in 24 hours

Chicago has 7 shooting deaths in 24 hours
"Chicago had seven shooting deaths in 24 hours this weekend, and police say they have no suspects in custody.
All seven victims were men in their 20s or 30s, and all were shot to death.
The shootings occurred between 6:15 a.m. Saturday and just before 6 a.m. Sunday."

This is BHussein's hometown!
Is he for pre-emption or does he have an exit strategery?

OUR AMAZING FUTURE

OUR AMAZING FUTURE
"The Astounding World of the Future!"

Saturday, May 30, 2009

First President in US History to Have Voted to Filibuster a Supreme Court Nominee Now Hopes for Clean Process

First President in US History to Have Voted to Filibuster a Supreme Court Nominee Now Hopes for Clean Process
"In January 2006, then-Sen. Obama joined 24 colleagues in a futile effort led by Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., to filibuster the Supreme Court nomination of now-Justice Samuel Alito.
On January 29, 2006, Mr. Obama told George Stephanopulos on 'This Week' that he would 'be supporting the filibuster because I think Judge Alito, in fact, is somebody who is contrary to core American values, not just liberal values, you know. When you look at his decisions in particular during times of war, we need a court that is independent and is going to provide some check on the executive branch, and he has not shown himself willing to do that repeatedly.'"

NASA - New Solar Cycle Prediction

NASA - New Solar Cycle Prediction: "The 1859 storm--known as the 'Carrington Event' after astronomer Richard Carrington who witnessed the instigating solar flare--electrified transmission cables, set fires in telegraph offices, and produced Northern Lights so bright that people could read newspapers by their red and green glow."

Backlash grows against Obama's preventive detention proposal

Backlash grows against Obama's preventive detention proposal
"The backlash against President Obama's extraordinary proposal for indefinite 'preventive detention' -- already widespread in the immediate aftermath of his speech -- continues to grow. On Friday, Sen. Russ Feingold sent a letter (.pdf) to Obama which, while praising some aspects of his speech, vowed to hold hearings on his detention proposal, and in the letter, Feingold rather emphatically highlighted the radical and dangerous aspects of Obama's approach"

Facts and myths about Obama's preventive detention proposal

Facts and myths about Obama's preventive detention proposal
"(1) What does 'preventive detention' allow?
It's important to be clear about what 'preventive detention' authorizes. It does not merely allow the U.S. Government to imprison people alleged to have committed Terrorist acts yet who are unable to be convicted in a civilian court proceeding. That class is merely a subset, perhaps a small subset, of who the Government can detain. Far more significant, 'preventive detention' allows indefinite imprisonment not based on proven crimes or past violations of law, but of those deemed generally 'dangerous' by the Government for various reasons (such as, as Obama put it yesterday, they 'expressed their allegiance to Osama bin Laden' or 'otherwise made it clear that they want to kill Americans').
That's what 'preventive' means: imprisoning people because the Government claims they are likely to engage in violent acts in the future because they are alleged to be 'combatants.'"

Ted Rall: It’s increasingly evident that Obama should resign

Ted Rall: It’s increasingly evident that Obama should resign
"Obama has officially reneged on his campaign promise to acknowledge the Armenian genocide. When a president doesn’t have the nerve to annoy the Turks, why does he bother to show up for work in the morning?"

This is from a hyper-lefty!
Is the "love" waining?

Friday, May 29, 2009

Major Grand Rapids arts groups suffer state cuts - Grand Rapids Movies, Music, Events and Entertainment – MLive.com

Major Grand Rapids arts groups suffer state cuts - Grand Rapids Movies, Music, Events and Entertainment – MLive.com: "Some $286,000 was stripped from MCACA's budget in May in an effort to deal with the state's growing deficit for the 2009 fiscal year."

Lions ranked worst NFL franchise

Lions ranked worst NFL franchise
"Adam Schein of Sirius NFL Radio and Fox Sports has ranked every NFL franchise according to a cumulative score from eight categories: owner, front office, head coach, coaching staff, quarterback, offense, defense and intangibles.
The Lions finished dead last"

"...pumped five more bullets......"

Lucianne.com News Forum - Thread: "Confronted by two holdup men, pharmacist Jerome Ersland pulled a gun, shot one of them in the head and chased the other away. Then, in a scene recorded by the drugstore's security camera, he went behind the counter, got another gun, and pumped five more bullets into the wounded teenager as he lay on the floor."

Read the comments.

How much money do West Michigan school administrators make?

How much money do West Michigan school administrators make?
"Contract disputes have put teacher salaries into the spotlight in recent years, but rarely discussed are the salaries of school administrators.
Administrators' pay seems to have risen dramatically over the last five years.

Five years ago there were 65 area school employees making more than $100,000. Today that figure is 165, with four of them topping $200,000.
It's not just superintendents or even their deputies. Press education reporter Dave Murray has talked to area school districts to find why these salaries have risen so much.
Find his results in Sunday's Grand Rapids Press or on mlive.com/grand-rapids."

Bond Vigilantes Confront Obama as Housing Falters

Bond Vigilantes Confront Obama as Housing Falters
"Treasuries have lost 5.1 percent in their worst annual start since Merrill Lynch & Co. began its Treasury Master Index in 1977."

HOA Asks Vet to Remove Bumper Stickers

HOA Asks Vet to Remove Bumper Stickers: "Frank Larison is a disabled veteran with more than 14 years of service, including more than a year of combat duty in Vietnam.
The 58-year-old former Marine now finds himself under attack by his Dallas homeowners association for displaying seven decals on his vehicle supporting the Marine Corps."

Editorial: Scammers love us, so be careful


Editorial: Scammers love us, so be careful
"Apparently, scam season is moving from a springtime and holiday thing to a year-round profession"

Wait a minute!
Hold on here.... where's THE REST OF THE STORY?
What about the biggest scam EVER!
From government?
They promise "give us ever increasing amounts of you money and we'll make life better for you"?
And they keep on returning with the same old, same old "we're out of your money but if you will just give a little more, things will be GREAT"!

Area unemployment rates drop slightly

Area unemployment rates drop slightly
"In Muskegon and Ottawa counties, the number of those listed as unemployed dropped but so did the number of those having jobs. It is not immediately known whether the drop in April unemployment rates is due to an improved job market or a case of frustrated job seekers dropping out of the labor force altogether."

The lack of curiosity among Chronicle reporters is stunning.
No mention of those who have left our county to find jobs in other more employer friendly places.
No interview (or even any interest, I'd bet) of local employers asking what might be done to improve their business and job market.

Nothing 'cept the same old "things are bad......but it's not Jenny's fault!.... or Barry's either!"

West Michigan students showcase environmental work

West Michigan students showcase environmental work
"'Some people just mow their yard without caring what plants they're mowing down,' Charles said. 'They could mow down the lupine and hurt the Karner Blue butterfly. We don't want to see that butterfly go extinct.'"

These poor kids have been brainwashed in the same manner the Islamic madrasah's brainwash their children.
Though our kids only want to kill capitalism and our way of life.

From Golden State to 19th-century backwater

From Golden State to 19th-century backwater
"Imagine a state that considers itself progressive, cutting edge, the envy of the world.
Imagine a state with the globe's fifth largest economy.
Imagine a state, population 37 million, with more wealthy people than practically any other spot on earth. Imagine a state that once had by far the best public infrastructure in America and a voting public that was deeply committed to its premier institutions.
Now imagine that state so cash-strapped, because of decades of anti-tax revolts and irresponsible, unfunded, spending mandates, that it can't pay even its basic bills"

Stimulus projects bypass hard-hit states

Stimulus projects bypass hard-hit states
"In Michigan, for example — where years of economic tumult and a collapsing domestic auto industry have produced the nation's worst unemployment rate — federal agencies have spent about $2 million on stimulus contracts, or 21 cents per person."

An Open Letter to GM President Obama

An Open Letter to GM President Obama
"With the UAW owning 20%, only 11% of GM will remain in the hands of private investors of any stripe. In effect, GM will have been nationalized, putting Barack Obama in charge."

Obama’s European Energy Vacation

Obama’s European Energy Vacation
"Turns out there really is a downside to forcing the marketplace to shift to energy sources that are less economical than those currently used. Spain, which instituted a green jobs program a decade ago, found this out the hard way.

A study by researchers at King Juan Carlos University found that 2.2 jobs were destroyed for every green job created through government mechanisms, and those green jobs are rarely permanent"

Thursday, May 28, 2009

U.S. Inflation to Approach Zimbabwe Level


U.S. Inflation to Approach Zimbabwe Level,
"The U.S. economy will enter “hyperinflation” approaching the levels in Zimbabwe because the Federal Reserve will be reluctant to raise interest rates, investor Marc Faber said......
“The problem with government debt growing so much is that when the time will come and the Fed should increase interest rates, they will be very reluctant to do so and so inflation will start to accelerate.”"

“The Associated Press called it: GM is set to enter popular parlance as ‘Government …

“The Associated Press called it: GM is set to enter popular parlance as ‘Government …: "As the New York Times recently asserted (welcome!), we can blame GM’s sclerotic corporate culture for their abject failure to create a complete line of compelling/profitable vehicles. The idea that the United States government will reform GM’s way of being and reverse the curse is completely preposterous. It’s like asking a cocaine dealer to sponsor a crack addict.”"

Federal "Terrorist" Legislation Could Threaten Gun Owners

Federal "Terrorist" Legislation Could Threaten Gun Owners
"'Critics say the names of suspected terrorists could be drawn from existing government watch lists that cover such broad categories as animal rights extremists, Christian identity extremists, black separatists, anti-abortion extremists, anti-immigration extremists and anti-technology extremists.'

In effect, any group or people who someone might want to label as 'extremist' or 'anti.'

'It doesn't say anything about trials and due process,'
Larry Pratt, executive director of Gun Owners of America, told Fox News. 'This is one of the most outrageous pieces of legislation to come along in some time. It's basically saying, ‘I suspect you, so your rights are toast.’'

The bill’s Constitutionality was a big question."

Not another Runaway Entitlement Program

Not another Runaway Entitlement Program
"However high the current cost estimates might seem to be, actual costs will turn out to be thousands of times higher. Entitlement spending by its very nature cannot be controlled. Having determined the qualifications for participating in an entitlement program, the government is obligated to pay whoever shows up. If, as often happens, it turns out that more people than expected qualify for an entitlement program and therefore spending exceeds estimates, politically it’s almost impossible to stop."

Couple: County Trying To Stop Home Bible Studies

Couple: County Trying To Stop Home Bible Studies
"'The county asked,
'Do you have a regular meeting in your home?' She said, 'Yes.'
'Do you say amen?' 'Yes.'
'Do you pray?' 'Yes.'
'Do you say praise the Lord?' 'Yes.''"

RED ALERT: Did anti-Obama campaign contributions dictate which Chrysler dealers were shuttered?

RED ALERT: Did anti-Obama campaign contributions dictate which Chrysler dealers were shuttered?: "Click here for the latest Dealergate post, which shows statistical evidence that Chrysler dealers were shuttered on partisan grounds"

Is Obama closing GOP car dealers? | Mark Tapscott | San Francisco Examiner

Is Obama closing GOP car dealers? Mark Tapscott San Francisco Examiner: "Bloggers on the Right side of the Blogosphere are up in arms over data suggesting that President Barack Obama’s White House auto industry potentates are targeting for closure Chrysler dealers with records of contributing either to Republicans like Sen. John McCain or to other Democrats in the 2008 presidential primary.
Posts at RedState, Reliapundit, American Thinker, Gateway Pundit, Joey Smith and Doug Ross pointed initially at the remarkable number of closed Chrysler dealerships whose owners happen to have been contributors to Obama opponents, mainly Republicans."

Woman Upset After American Flag Taken Down At Work - cbs11tv.com

Woman Upset After American Flag Taken Down At Work - cbs11tv.com: "When McLucas came to work Friday, her boss told her another supervisor had found her flag offensive. 'I was just totally speechless. I was like, 'You're kidding me,'' McLucas said."

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Police: Last words by would-be robber, ‘Let’s get it on.’

Police: Last words by would-be robber, ‘Let’s get it on.’
"A Northwest Side pharmacy owner fatally shot a would-be robber on Wednesday morning. That’s according to San Antonio police detectives.

The robbery suspect entered the Babcock Square Pharmacy around 9 a.m. at 5824 Babcock Rd. Inside were the owner/pharmacist, his wife, and an employee. The employee saw the man had a gun and told the pharmacist, who then pulled out his own handgun.

Seeing this, the robber reportedly responded by saying “Let’s get it on.” That’s when the owner shot him. The man died inside the business."

Sotomayor reversed 60% by high court

Sotomayor reversed 60% by high court

Mental health center closes

Mental health center closes
"The steady increase of mentally ill residents combined with Sacramento County's budget woes forced the county's main psychiatric hospital late Friday to close its doors to new patients.
The doors remained closed through Tuesday – and might stay closed for several more days, officials said, until its caseload falls.
Officials said the scene could repeat itself throughout the year as local and state funding continue their decline.
The situation, officials and advocates say, suggests the state is at the brink of a mental health catastrophe."

"BRAVE NEW WORLD" Pest control company charged with animal cruelty

Pest control company charged with animal cruelty
"The owner of a New Jersey pest control company has been charged with animal cruelty after a squirrel was found dead in a rooftop trap.
The Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals charged Kathleen Buck, owner of Critter Ridder, on Friday.
Chief Buddy Amato says a professional complex hired Critter Ridder to help get rid of the squirrel. He says a trap was set Wednesday for the animal, and no one returned to check on it.
Amato says the squirrel was found 'cooked to death on the hot roof' Thursday afternoon.
Buck faces four counts of animal cruelty, including one that cites her for not providing the squirrel with adequate food, water and shelter."

This is the new "amerika" folks...... unless we rise up!

Judge: Nash must resign a position

Judge: Nash must resign a position
"Judge Timothy G. Hicks agreed to the county prosecutor's request that he rule immediately on the inappropriateness of Nash serving on both boards, which have contractual agreements with one another.
Nash said he would appeal Hicks' decision, but declined to comment further.
He will need an order from the Michigan Court of Appeals staying Hicks' decision in order to remain on both boards while an appeal is being considered.
'The case was pretty clear-cut,' said Muskegon County Prosecutor Tony Tague. 'It was just a matter of Michigan law.'"

How much is this idiocy costing the taxpayers of Muskegon, the Muskegon schools and the County?

Plan to ax dealers not Chrysler's decision -lawyer | Industries | Consumer Goods & Retail | Reuters

Plan to ax dealers not Chrysler's decision
"'It became clear to us that Chrysler does not see the wisdom
of terminating 25 percent of its dealers,' Bellavia said. 'It
really wasn't Chrysler's decision. They are under enormous
pressure from the President's automotive task force.'"


Why did Obama's acadenic "car czar" bankrupt those dealer- employers and their employees?

Once Considered Unthinkable, U.S. Sales Tax Gets Fresh Look

Once Considered Unthinkable, U.S. Sales Tax Gets Fresh Look
"'There is a growing awareness of the need for fundamental tax reform,' Sen. Kent Conrad (D-N.D.) said in an interview. 'I think a VAT and a high-end income tax have got to be on the table.'
A VAT is a tax on the transfer of goods and services that ultimately is borne by the consumer. Highly visible, it would increase the cost of just about everything, from a carton of eggs to a visit with a lawyer. It is also hugely regressive, falling heavily on the poor. But VAT advocates say those negatives could be offset by using the proceeds to pay for health care for every American -- a tangible benefit that would be highly valuable to low-income families."

Understand that "fundamental tax reform" means MORE TAXES!

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Buying Brand New $23,000 Cars For Commuters in Phoenix is Cheaper Than Light Rail for $1.4B

Buying Brand New $23,000 Cars For Commuters in Phoenix is Cheaper Than Light Rail for $1.4B
"Well, if we bought each of these folks a brand new Prius III for $23,000 it would cost us just over $425 million.
This is WAY less than the $1.4 billion we pay to move them by rail instead.
We could have bought every regular rider a Prius and still have a billion dollars left over!"

The world according to Americans


Monday, May 25, 2009

Online news fees: financial salvation or suicide?

Online news fees: financial salvation or suicide?: "'To me, an online subscription is just the commonsense thing to do,' says Roger Plothow, editor and publisher of the Post Register in Idaho Falls, Idaho. 'To just give it all away on a Web site is completely and blindly idiotic.'"

Online news fees: financial salvation or suicide?

Online news fees: financial salvation or suicide?: "The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette is a rarity among large U.S. newspapers—it's selling more weekday copies than a decade ago. In Idaho, the Post Register's circulation has remained stable, while many other print publications have lost readers to the Internet. How can this be?
The executives behind the Arkansas and Idaho newspapers believe it's because they've been giving free access to their Web sites only to people who subscribe to the printed edition. Everyone else has to pay to read the Democrat-Gazette and the Post Register online. Meanwhile, most publishers have been giving away their stories and photos to all comers on the Internet."

Legislature shuts door on nurse care

Legislature shuts door on nurse care
"The word in Washington is that health care reform, not immigration or energy, is Congress' top priority this year.
This means universal, or near universal, insurance coverage is likely. Insuring nearly everyone means more health care, right? Wrong. If the number of health care providers remains the same, it means less health care for everyone. If universal coverage materializes, you won't want to fall ill, especially in Texas.
Look at Massachusetts, where waits to see primary care doctors grew to as long as 100 days as of last September. The state's new insurance policy extended coverage in 2006 to 439,000 more people. The number of doctors putting out “no new patients” signs also is rising, the Boston Globe reported."

Where are the proofs of cheaper, more efficient health care provided by ANY government?

Obama don't dig guns!

NRA-ILA ::: "On the Second Amendment, Don’t Believe Obama"

ORGANIZE - Take Muskegon Back: Voulnteering and just watching#links

ORGANIZE - Take Muskegon Back: Voulnteering and just watching#links

Hope and Change's Shelf Life


Hope and Change's Shelf Life - Victor Davis Hanson
"In other words, rather than explaining the bleak choices before us and explaining why his preferences have the best chance of succeeding, Obama has so far reduced his presidency to two themes: 'Bush did it' and 'I'm not your normal white male President.' If he keeps this monotony up, at some point even the comedians are going to notice the predictability.
Sorry, we need more than that to keep us safe from some creepy enemies and get the economy back on track."

Sunday, May 24, 2009

An amazing WW2 story


Look carefully at the B-17 and note how shot up it is - one engine dead, tail, horizontal stabilizer and nose shot up.. It was ready to fall out of the sky. (This is a painting done by an artist from the description of both pilots many years later.) Then realize that there is a German ME-109 fighter flying next to it. Now read the story below. I think you'll be surprised.....

Charlie Brown was a B-17 Flying Fortress pilot with the 379th Bomber Group at Kimbolton, England. His B-17 was called 'Ye Old Pub' and was in a terrible state, having been hit by flak and fighters. The compass was damaged and they were flying deeper over enemy territory instead of heading home to Kimbolton. After flying the B-17 over an enemy airfield, a German pilot named Franz Steigler was ordered to take off and shoot down the B-17. When he got near the B-17, he could not believe his eyes. In his words, he 'had never seen a plane in such a bad state'. The tail and rear section was severely damaged, and the tail gunner wounded. The top gunner was all over the top of the fuselage. The nose was smashed and there were holes everywhere. Despite having ammunition, Franz flew to the side of the B-17 and looked at Charlie Brown, the pilot. Brown was scared and struggling to control his damaged and blood-stained plane.
Aware that they had no idea where they were going, Franz waved at Charlie to turn 180 degrees. Franz escorted and guided the stricken plane to, and slightly over, the North Sea towards England. He then saluted Charlie Brown and turned away, back to Europe.
When Franz landed he told the CO that the plane had been shot down over the sea, and never told the truth to anybody. Charlie Brown and the remains of his crew told all at their briefing, but were ordered never to talk about it.
More than 40 years later, Charlie Brown wanted to find the Luftwaffe pilot who saved the crew. After years of research, Franz was found. He had never talked about the incident, not even at post-war reunions.

They met in the USA at a 379th Bomber Group reunion, together with 25 people who are alive now - all because Franz never fired his guns that day. (L-R) German Ace Franz Stigler, artist Ernie Boyett, and B-17 pilot Charlie Brown.
When asked why he didn't shoot them down, Stigler later said, "I didn't have the heart to finish those brave men. I flew beside them for a long time. They were trying desperately to get home and I was going to let them do that. I could not have shot at them. It would have been the same as shooting at a man in a parachute."
Both men died in 2008.
This story is essentially true:

Reagan's Impromptu Speech at 1976 GOP Convention

Saturday's wonderful, Muskegon Patriots gathering to honor our American fallen vets mentioned this short speech by President Reagan.

I've added another link to his moving "Shining City on a Hill" speech in 1974:

http://www.originofnations.org/books,%20papers/quotes%20etc/Reagan_The%20Shining%20City%20Upon%20A%20Hill%20speech.htm

Veterans Appreciation Event recap


Bottom Up Politics:
"I left the above meeting and hurried down to the “Veterans Appreciation Event” being put on by “Muskegon Patriots”. I have been working with Josh Charney the leader of Muskegon Patriots along with several others to help put on the event. Compared to the previous Tea Party event, the turnout was smaller. We planned on that due to the nature of the event, and the threat of rain also played a part. We did have a nice event with by my count, over 50 people braving the elements."

Nice recap of a proud event recognizing those who gave their all.

Splat! Former SKorean leader leaps to death over scandal


Former SKorean leader leaps to death over scandal
"Former President Roh Moo-hyun, embroiled in a penetrating corruption investigation, leaped to his death Saturday — a shocking end for a man whose rags-to-riches rise took him from rural poverty to Seoul's presidential Blue House. He was 62."

Wouldn't the USA be a better place if more "American" politicians took this option?

Snarky Huntress-tax grab!

Snarky Huntress: "When government leaders claim to oppose tax increases and promise not to create new taxes but then raid trust funds, they have deceived you because THEY HAVE CREATED A NEW TAX.

In a last minute sneak attack on gun owners, the Florida Legislature raided the concealed weapons and firearms licensing trust fund and CREATED A TAX ON THE EXERCISE OF THE SECOND AMENDMENT.

They took $6 million from the Division of Licensing Concealed Weapons and Firearm Trust Fund that is intended, by law, to be used solely for administering the concealed weapons and firearms licensing program. THAT IS A DEFACTO TAX ON GUN OWNERS (Read background Information below)."

Obama Addresses US Naval Academy Graduation | A Soldier's Perspective

Obama Addresses US Naval Academy Graduation A Soldier's Perspective: "Oddly enough, the midshipmen in attendance didn't applaud until Obama promised to 'to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat al Qaeda and its allies in Afghanistan and Pakistan.' Only then, did the soon-to-be Naval Ensigns and Marine Corps Lieutenants applaud his words. It's strength and resolve that we want, not candy-ass defeat and premature withdrawal."

Obama addressing ANY US military academy is just not right.

Saturday, May 23, 2009

USS Silversides "Lost Boat Ceremony" Sunday May 24! Be There!


"GLNMM's annual Lost Boat Ceremony will be held this Sunday, May 24, 11 a.m.
Americans, this is a truly moving event that honors those who have kept us free for so many decades.
Bring your pride, gratitude... and a hankey.
Rear Admiral Stephen E. Johnson (www.ssp.navy.mil/about/Johnson_bio) will be guest speaking. The ceremony will also include a War Birds flyby and the starting of SILVERSIDES' engines.
A free walk-through tour will conclude the ceremony.
A hot dog luncheon will follow."

Saturday thoughts


Did you ever notice the anti-war types never show up at Memorial Day events?

Why does Gov. Granholm order flags at half-mast when soldiers die, but not police or firefighters? Or American contractors, most of whom are military vets?

And why aren't military deaths outside of Iraq/Afghanistan not worthy of a lowered flag?

I think we know the answer......




Malaria, Politics and DDT

Malaria, Politics and DDT
"In 2006, after 25 years and 50 million preventable deaths, the World Health Organization reversed course and endorsed widespread use of the insecticide DDT to combat malaria.

So much for that. Earlier this month, the U.N. agency quietly reverted to promoting less effective methods for attacking the disease. The result is a victory for politics over public health, and millions of the world's poor will suffer as a result."

June 6th Obama-style




Organizing for America BarackObama.com Host or Attend a Health Care Organizing Kickoff
The subject of this e-mail from Obama's crew was: "June 6th: It all begins!"

"On June 6th, thousands of people just like you are beginning to organize for health care reform by hosting or attending a Health Care Organizing Kickoff."

I guess June 6th means different things to different Americans.

Friday, May 22, 2009

Muskegon Patriots Memorial Day event


Muskegon Patriots!
"When: May 23, 2009 Promptly starting at 1030AM (aprox 1hr)

Where: Veterans Memorial Park, Causeway

Parking: Please reserve south end of the park for Handicap Parking Only. All other parking will be in north end of Park, more parking areas will be announced on Tuesday, and they will all be near the park.

Event: At this event we will be honoring our Veterans and Service Men and Women.
If it were not for the time honored traditions of our armed services from President Washington to our current volunteer military we would not be able to enjoy this great Nation.

Bring with:
Please bring signs supporting our troops and veterans.
Cameras, video for sharing after the event
Money for t-shirts, hats, buttons, and beverages ($10, $10
$2)
YOU!

Activities:
There will be three Speakers
We will have a large signing area with a petition calling for the
removal of Janet Napoitano
Fundraising for continued support of the Muskegon Patriots"