Urban Meyer to Notre Dame rumors are magically delicious
"'I was contacted by one, but I'm not interested. I love it here. We have a lot of work to do. That's the bottom line.' — Bowling Green coach Urban Meyer, 2002. Six days later, he was coach at Utah.
'All I keep saying is I plan on being the coach here at Utah.' — Utah coach Urban Meyer, 2004. Five days later, he was coach at the University of Florida.
'I'm not going to Notre Dame. Ever.' — UF Coach Urban Meyer, 2009.
So UF Coach Urban Meyer says he is never coaching at Notre Dame. Ever. No way. Nu-uh. Never. Ever. Not in your dreams. Not in a billion years. Nope. Not me.
We've heard that one, oh, seemingly a million times."
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Will Small Be Beautiful for GM?
Will Small Be Beautiful for GM?
"This time, the Orion plant is a symbol of government regulation run amok as Washington keeps GM on life support so that it will produce the cars Washington wants to build.
On June 1, GM Vice President for Global Manufacturing Gary Cowger announced as part of the company's bankruptcy filing that it would close the Orion facility in its drive to become a 'leaner, stronger and more flexible' company. Though still a relatively modern facility making midsize Chevy Malibu and Pontiac G6 sedans, Orion's once 5,000-strong labor force had shriveled to 1,200 as the recession ravaged sales and the company planned to eliminate its Pontiac brand and consolidate Malibu production at a Kansas City facility.
But a few weeks later, the company reversed course. GM now says it will retool Orion to make compact, gas-sipping cars. The change of heart says a lot about how GM's new owners -- the federal government owns 60% of the company and the United Auto Workers (UAW) owns 17% -- are making considerations other than profitability a top priority for the auto maker.
The Obama administration is increasing Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) mandates to 35.5 mpg for all vehicles in a company's fleet by 2016, up from 27.5 mpg for cars and 23 mpg for light trucks now. Not a single GM vehicle meets the new CAFE standard, so the company is scrambling to make new high-mileage cars.
It was planning to build a new compact car in China (it already works with Daewoo to make the tiny Chevy Aveo in South Korea). Most auto makers have similar arrangements -- profit margins are so low for compacts made in America that not a single auto company makes a compact inside the U.S. Not the Japanese. Not the Koreans. And not even Ford, which plans to make its new Fiesta in Mexico."
"This time, the Orion plant is a symbol of government regulation run amok as Washington keeps GM on life support so that it will produce the cars Washington wants to build.
On June 1, GM Vice President for Global Manufacturing Gary Cowger announced as part of the company's bankruptcy filing that it would close the Orion facility in its drive to become a 'leaner, stronger and more flexible' company. Though still a relatively modern facility making midsize Chevy Malibu and Pontiac G6 sedans, Orion's once 5,000-strong labor force had shriveled to 1,200 as the recession ravaged sales and the company planned to eliminate its Pontiac brand and consolidate Malibu production at a Kansas City facility.
But a few weeks later, the company reversed course. GM now says it will retool Orion to make compact, gas-sipping cars. The change of heart says a lot about how GM's new owners -- the federal government owns 60% of the company and the United Auto Workers (UAW) owns 17% -- are making considerations other than profitability a top priority for the auto maker.
The Obama administration is increasing Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) mandates to 35.5 mpg for all vehicles in a company's fleet by 2016, up from 27.5 mpg for cars and 23 mpg for light trucks now. Not a single GM vehicle meets the new CAFE standard, so the company is scrambling to make new high-mileage cars.
It was planning to build a new compact car in China (it already works with Daewoo to make the tiny Chevy Aveo in South Korea). Most auto makers have similar arrangements -- profit margins are so low for compacts made in America that not a single auto company makes a compact inside the U.S. Not the Japanese. Not the Koreans. And not even Ford, which plans to make its new Fiesta in Mexico."
Unions Seem Determined to Kill Michigan Film Industry
Unions Seem Determined to Kill Michigan Film Industry
"A lot can be said about unions supporting wage earners and creating a middle class. However, a lot can also be said about unions ruining this country. Case in point: Michigan.
You would think that after the UAW destroyed the auto industry and the tax base in Michigan, the people of the state and the unions based there would have learned.
However, this is not the case.
In the latest union disaster for the state of Michigan, the IATSE has decided that the blooming film industry in the state must be stopped before it even gets started."
"A lot can be said about unions supporting wage earners and creating a middle class. However, a lot can also be said about unions ruining this country. Case in point: Michigan.
You would think that after the UAW destroyed the auto industry and the tax base in Michigan, the people of the state and the unions based there would have learned.
However, this is not the case.
In the latest union disaster for the state of Michigan, the IATSE has decided that the blooming film industry in the state must be stopped before it even gets started."
Room to roam: House votes to rescue wild horses
Room to roam: House votes to rescue wild horses
"The Congressional Budget Office estimated that enacting the Restore our American Mustangs Act would cost about $200 million over the next five years. Currently, the wild herds roam over about 33 million acres of Western land.
To To comply with the bill, the Bureau of Land Management would need to find an additional 20 million acres, primarily after 2013, at a cost of up to $500 million, according the CBO.
........ House Republican leader John Boehner of Ohio said even debating the bill was an insult to people looking for work and small businesses trying to keep their doors open.
"It doesn't make any sense that we're debating a welfare program about wild horses when the American people really want to know, 'where are the jobs?'"
This idiot bill passed????
"The Congressional Budget Office estimated that enacting the Restore our American Mustangs Act would cost about $200 million over the next five years. Currently, the wild herds roam over about 33 million acres of Western land.
To To comply with the bill, the Bureau of Land Management would need to find an additional 20 million acres, primarily after 2013, at a cost of up to $500 million, according the CBO.
........ House Republican leader John Boehner of Ohio said even debating the bill was an insult to people looking for work and small businesses trying to keep their doors open.
"It doesn't make any sense that we're debating a welfare program about wild horses when the American people really want to know, 'where are the jobs?'"
This idiot bill passed????
Government Employee Benefits
Government Employee Benefits
"Michigan’s private sector has shed 12.1 percent of its jobs since 2000. The number of jobs lost — 484,200 — is about the size of the total employment in Rhode Island. But the blows to Michigan’s public sector were much lighter. Local government employment dropped 6.1 percent, while the state government and state enterprises like universities actually expanded its workforce."
"Michigan’s private sector has shed 12.1 percent of its jobs since 2000. The number of jobs lost — 484,200 — is about the size of the total employment in Rhode Island. But the blows to Michigan’s public sector were much lighter. Local government employment dropped 6.1 percent, while the state government and state enterprises like universities actually expanded its workforce."
Larry Summers cites Google search as progress
Larry Summers cites Google search as progress
"Of all the statistics pouring into the White House every day, top economic adviser Larry Summers highlighted one Friday to make his case that the economic free-fall has ended.
The number of people searching for the term “economic depression” on Google is down to normal levels, Summers said."
True success, Obama style?
"Of all the statistics pouring into the White House every day, top economic adviser Larry Summers highlighted one Friday to make his case that the economic free-fall has ended.
The number of people searching for the term “economic depression” on Google is down to normal levels, Summers said."
True success, Obama style?
Obama’s Economy: 84.8% Of Jobs In Michigan “Created Or Saved”
Obama’s Economy: 84.8% Of Jobs In Michigan “Created Or Saved”
"That’s the positive spin. The bad news is that over 15% of the Michigan labor force is out of work. Oh, and by the way, 16 states passed 10% unemployment in June."
"That’s the positive spin. The bad news is that over 15% of the Michigan labor force is out of work. Oh, and by the way, 16 states passed 10% unemployment in June."
House OKs bill to let judges rewrite mortgages
House OKs bill to let judges rewrite mortgages
"The deal would require judges to consider whether homeowners were offered a “qualified” loan workout consistent with Obama’s plan. That program would let eligible homeowners rework their mortgages to bring their monthly payments down to no more than about one-third of their incomes."
"The deal would require judges to consider whether homeowners were offered a “qualified” loan workout consistent with Obama’s plan. That program would let eligible homeowners rework their mortgages to bring their monthly payments down to no more than about one-third of their incomes."
Friday, July 17, 2009
CBO Lowballs Waxman-Markey Cost
CBO Lowballs Waxman-Markey Cost
"Climate Change: Supporters of economy-killing cap-and-trade legislation not only misquote the Congressional Budget Office's report lowballing the costs.
They ignore how CBO cooked the books to get its numbers."
"Climate Change: Supporters of economy-killing cap-and-trade legislation not only misquote the Congressional Budget Office's report lowballing the costs.
They ignore how CBO cooked the books to get its numbers."
27-year-old who police say caused tanker explosion in Detroit offers no apology
27-year-old who police say caused tanker explosion in Detroit offers no apology
"Twenty-seven-year-old Saied Haidarian-Shari of Clawson was one of three drivers who escaped Wednesday night's fiery explosion along Interstate 75 with minor injuries.
When asked Thursday night by Fox 2 whether he felt he should apologize for the crash that also included a tractor-trailer, Haidarian-Shari said: 'No.'"
"Twenty-seven-year-old Saied Haidarian-Shari of Clawson was one of three drivers who escaped Wednesday night's fiery explosion along Interstate 75 with minor injuries.
When asked Thursday night by Fox 2 whether he felt he should apologize for the crash that also included a tractor-trailer, Haidarian-Shari said: 'No.'"
Grand Rapids Community College bookstore rentals may take sting out of high cost of college textbooks - Grand Rapids News - The Latest News, Blogs, Photos & Videos – MLive.com
Grand Rapids Community College bookstore rentals may take sting out of high cost of college textbooks - Grand Rapids News - The Latest News, Blogs, Photos & Videos – MLive.com: "Brad Ellison says he typically pays more than $100 for a college textbook and only sometimes is able to sell it back to the bookstore.
'There are times that you just get stuck with it, and it's a lot of money,' said Ellison, 37, of Spring Lake, before a Friday algebra class."
'There are times that you just get stuck with it, and it's a lot of money,' said Ellison, 37, of Spring Lake, before a Friday algebra class."
CNSNews.com - Pelosi Will Read Full Final Text of Health Care Bill Before House Vote and Give Public 'Ample' Time to Do Same, Says Spokesman
CNSNews.com - Pelosi Will Read Full Final Text of Health Care Bill Before House Vote and Give Public 'Ample' Time to Do Same, Says Spokesman: "House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) will read the entirety of the final text of the health care reform bill before the House votes on it and will provide the public “ample time” to review the legislation, says Pelosi's spokesman.
However, the speaker’s office declined to specify what is meant by “ample time.”"
However, the speaker’s office declined to specify what is meant by “ample time.”"
Car convoy planned to raise awareness of dangers of road rage
Car convoy planned to raise awareness of dangers of road rage
"A car convoy is planned 9 a.m. Saturday at Mona Lake Park in Muskegon Heights to raise awareness of the dangers of road rage.
Two car convoys will leave Muskegon and Grand Rapids simultaneously Saturday as part of Road Rage Awareness Week activities scheduled in both communities."
They better not get in MY way!
"A car convoy is planned 9 a.m. Saturday at Mona Lake Park in Muskegon Heights to raise awareness of the dangers of road rage.
Two car convoys will leave Muskegon and Grand Rapids simultaneously Saturday as part of Road Rage Awareness Week activities scheduled in both communities."
They better not get in MY way!
And Now For Something Completely Crazy
And Now For Something Completely Crazy: "The news is coming so thick and fast these days that it's hard to keep up. The Supreme Court, socialized medicine, cap and trade, record deficits, foreign policy fecklessness--it's easy to lose track of smaller issues with all that is going on. Still, H.R. 1018 shouldn't be allowed to pass unnoticed.
H.R. 1018 is the 'Restore Our American Mustangs Act.' It can fairly be described as a welfare program for horses. Believe it or not--this isn't satire--here is what the bill will do:
[T]he 'Restore Our American Mustangs Act' ... would create a new $700 million welfare program for wild horses. The program:
* Conducts a horse census every two years
* Provides 'enhanced contraception' and birth control for horses
* Establishes an additional 19 million acres of public and private land for wild horses
* Covers $5 million tab to repair horse damage to land
* Mandates that government bureaucrats perform home inspections before Americans can adopt horses
'Enhanced contraception' for horses? Maybe I'm out of touch, but I didn't realize that wild horses use contraception at all. Maybe the measure would be worth voting for if Nancy Pelosi would commit that she will personally attempt to fit a wild stallion with an 'enhanced contraception' device at a critical moment. (Just kidding, liberals.)
Nineteen million acres, by the way, is around 28 times the area of Rhode Island. If you think Rhode Island is too small to worry about, it's also more than a third of the state of Minnesota.
The Democrats have scheduled a vote on H.R. 1018 tomorrow."
H.R. 1018 is the 'Restore Our American Mustangs Act.' It can fairly be described as a welfare program for horses. Believe it or not--this isn't satire--here is what the bill will do:
[T]he 'Restore Our American Mustangs Act' ... would create a new $700 million welfare program for wild horses. The program:
* Conducts a horse census every two years
* Provides 'enhanced contraception' and birth control for horses
* Establishes an additional 19 million acres of public and private land for wild horses
* Covers $5 million tab to repair horse damage to land
* Mandates that government bureaucrats perform home inspections before Americans can adopt horses
'Enhanced contraception' for horses? Maybe I'm out of touch, but I didn't realize that wild horses use contraception at all. Maybe the measure would be worth voting for if Nancy Pelosi would commit that she will personally attempt to fit a wild stallion with an 'enhanced contraception' device at a critical moment. (Just kidding, liberals.)
Nineteen million acres, by the way, is around 28 times the area of Rhode Island. If you think Rhode Island is too small to worry about, it's also more than a third of the state of Minnesota.
The Democrats have scheduled a vote on H.R. 1018 tomorrow."
Joe Biden: ‘We Have to Go Spend Money to Keep From Going Bankrupt’
Joe Biden: ‘We Have to Go Spend Money to Keep From Going Bankrupt’
“And folks look, AARP knows and the people with me here today know, the president knows, and I know, that the status quo is simply not acceptable,” Biden said at the event on Thursday in Alexandria, Va.
“It’s totally unacceptable.
And it’s completely unsustainable. Even if we wanted to keep it the way we have it now. It can’t do it financially.” “We’re going to go bankrupt as a nation,” Biden said.
“Now, people when I say that look at me and say, ‘What are you talking about, Joe? You’re telling me we have to go spend money to keep from going bankrupt?’” Biden said. “The answer is yes, that's what I’m telling you.”
“And folks look, AARP knows and the people with me here today know, the president knows, and I know, that the status quo is simply not acceptable,” Biden said at the event on Thursday in Alexandria, Va.
“It’s totally unacceptable.
And it’s completely unsustainable. Even if we wanted to keep it the way we have it now. It can’t do it financially.” “We’re going to go bankrupt as a nation,” Biden said.
“Now, people when I say that look at me and say, ‘What are you talking about, Joe? You’re telling me we have to go spend money to keep from going bankrupt?’” Biden said. “The answer is yes, that's what I’m telling you.”
Muskegon school district buys computers, school buses
Muskegon school district buys computers, school buses
"The school board during a special meeting Tuesday agreed to pay Entre Computers, 540 W. Hovey,
$171,210 for 390 Hewlett-Packard computers,
and $146,144 for 113 Hewlett-Packard printers."
"The school board during a special meeting Tuesday agreed to pay Entre Computers, 540 W. Hovey,
$171,210 for 390 Hewlett-Packard computers,
and $146,144 for 113 Hewlett-Packard printers."
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Michigan State Spartans get schedule deals with West Virginia Mountaineers, Alabama Crimson Tide
Mark your calendar: Michigan State Spartans get schedule deals with West Virginia Mountaineers, Alabama Crimson Tide
"Michigan State beefed up its future nonconference schedules Monday, announcing agreements with West Virginia and Alabama, and extending its series with longtime rival Notre Dame.
The school has signed contracts for a home-and-home series with West Virginia in 2014 and 2015, and a home-and-home series with Alabama in 2016 and 2017."
Let's get the motel reservations in NOW!
"Michigan State beefed up its future nonconference schedules Monday, announcing agreements with West Virginia and Alabama, and extending its series with longtime rival Notre Dame.
The school has signed contracts for a home-and-home series with West Virginia in 2014 and 2015, and a home-and-home series with Alabama in 2016 and 2017."
Let's get the motel reservations in NOW!
Baker College construction boom continues
Baker College construction boom continues
"In recent years, Baker has invested millions of dollars to improve its facilities, including a student fitness area and meeting rooms in the school's main campus building"
Your tax dollars at work folks!
Who needs potholes filled when student loans and government grants to Baker get us 20% graduation rates and 10% employment rates?
"In recent years, Baker has invested millions of dollars to improve its facilities, including a student fitness area and meeting rooms in the school's main campus building"
Your tax dollars at work folks!
Who needs potholes filled when student loans and government grants to Baker get us 20% graduation rates and 10% employment rates?
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