More West Michigan schools offer free breakfast to all students

More West Michigan schools offer free breakfast to all students

"As students filed into the cafeteria one recent morning at Godwin Heights Middle School, custodian-turned-breakfast-pitchman Jose Rivera welcomed them with food.
'Here, you like cheese? Take a milk, too.'
Then, when a boy slipped past the table empty-handed, Rivera called him back.
'Free breakfast! Come on down, buddy. Take one of each, please.'"


WHY IT MATTERS
Benefits of breakfast
Academic and nutritional claims for students who eat a morning meal:
• Less tardiness and fewer abscences
• More energy
• Fewer disciplinary problems
• More attentiveness in the classroom
• Lower body-mass index
• Higher standardized test scores
• Better diet of nutrients, vitamins and minerals

This is so wrong on so many levels:

1. We are paying an adult to cajole kids into putting food on their tray that the kids don't want.

Nice carbon footprint of uneaten food going to the dump, right.

2. Let's teach our kids that "free food" is the normal way of life in America at an early age!

3. With SOOO many reasons ("Why it matters") to give more free food to kids, why aren't we already seeing all the wondrous benefits from "free lunch"? Oh, it's a bogus lie? OK.

4. If free lunch and breakfast are producing such marvelous benefits to our children's education, why not free dinner?

5. Where is all this "free" money coming from?

Gimme a break!

CARPE DIEM policy vs politics

CARPE DIEM
Michael Barone -- About one-third of the $787 billion stimulus package was directed at state and local governments, which have been facing declining revenues and are, mostly, required to balance their budgets.

The policy aim, Democrats say, was to maintain public services and aid.

The political aim, although Democrats don't say so, was to maintain public-sector jobs -- and the flow of union dues to the public employees unions that represent almost 40% of public-sector workers."

United Solar Ovonics reports $39 million loss in second quarter

United Solar Ovonics reports $39 million loss in second quarter
"USO's parent company, Energy Conversion Devices Inc., reported a grim $39 million loss for its second quarter Tuesday, disappointing analysts and sending its stock to record lows."

No homeowner or any company would buy their worthless products so they depend on "extra" government money (like Jenny's mansion) to pay for their boondoggle.

And government mandates that energy producers to use 10% "green" energy.

Just another way to say "tax" to us fools who vote for the AlGore koolaid drinkers in our state government.

Most of whom are are in the democrat party.

Yes Virginia. There is a Santa Clause...but he ain't in government.

10 of the Dumbest Cops Ever

10 of the Dumbest Cops Ever - Oddee.com

You've GOT to click on the first video.

Big Government: Big Labor's "Bread and Butter"

Big Government: Big Labor's "Bread and Butter"
"In it, NILRR points out that in 2008 and the first 11 months of 2009, unionized private-sector workers lost their jobs at more than double the rate than their private-sector non-unionized colleagues.
Meanwhile, for the first time ever, more than half of our nation's government workers are now under union boss monopoly bargaining control and the number is growing with disastrous consequences:"

State Pension Funds Fall Off a Cliff

ALEC State Pension Funds Fall Off a Cliff
"The financial crisis encountered over the past decade reveals that many state pension plans are fundamentally fawed.
Using more realistic assumptions regarding the rate of return on assets, as well as assumptions regarding the actuarial value of liabilities, it is highly unlikely that these plans will achieve actuarial balance over the amortization period.

The solution to the funding crises in state pension plans will require fundamental reform.

Everything should be on the table, including changes in benefits and increased employee contribution rates, as well as employer contribution rates.
These plans should consider replacing their defined benefit plans with defined-contribution plans for new employees."

Snowpocalypse now?

Snowpocalypse now?
Watch hilarious weather video and heed National Weather Service's winter storm warning

Patrick Henry Hughes

Beautiful!

Recession chugs on, except in government

Recession chugs on, except in government

"But the back story behind the figures provides cold comfort.

First, the drop to 9.7 percent unemployment does not reflect the creation of new jobs that normally accompanies an economic recovery.

Second, anybody who thinks the job situation is going to improve dramatically in coming months is not paying attention to what's going on behind the unemployment rate. ...."the labor force participation rate is the lowest since mid-1985." This means that fewer Americans are in the labor force.

Third, among the few sectors of the economy showing net employment growth over the past year is the federal government.
The federal civil service is rapidly expanding as Obama increases the size of government, with 33,000 new positions being added in January alone.
Only 9,000 of those new slots were for temporary census jobs.

In other words, what we are seeing is good times for the public sector and the growing prospect of a continuing and perhaps even deepening recession for everybody else.

A Tale Both Positive and a Cautionary: President Obama's Phantom $15 Billion Program for Small Businesses

A Tale Both Positive and a Cautionary: President Obama's Phantom $15 Billion Program for Small Businesses
"Last March 16, President Obama and Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner announced a new $15 billion program to help encourage loans to small businesses -- the Unlocking Credit for Small Businesses, or UCSB program.
Subsequently, wrote Neil Barofsky, Special Inspector General of the Troubled Asset Relief Program, in his latest report, 'two additional initiatives were announced to support small-business lending, and Treasury announced an increase of the TARP funding dedicated to support these efforts to $30 billion.'

But oddly, Barofsky noted, as of December 31, 2009, 'the details of the initiative under this program had not been announced and no funds had been disbursed.'

A $15-30 billion program for small businesses and no details have been released?

And no money disbursed??"

The Secret History of the Birthers

The Secret History of the Birthers - The Daily Beast
"Investigating the roots of the Obama birthplace conspiracy theory, John Avlon—author of Wingnuts: How the Lunatic Fringe Is Hijacking America, available now on Beast Books—uncovers the first Birther and finds she's a Hillary Clinton supporter also implicated in Dan Rather's exit from CBS."

Sarah Palin caught with crib notes on her hand

Sarah Palin caught with crib notes on her hand

"A close examination of the former vice-presidential candidate speaking at the National Tea Party Convention in Nashville at the weekend revealed she had the words 'Energy', 'Tax,' and 'Lift Americans Spirits' scrawled in ink on the inside of her left hand.

'Budget cuts' was written and then crossed out."

Hell Hath No Fury More Childish Than Andrea Mitchell Scorned

Hell Hath No Fury More Childish Than Andrea Mitchell Scorned NewsReal Blog

Pretty pathetic for the not pretty feminist NBC "gal".

Sticker Shock: Experts Say World Food Program's Afghan Relief Effort Overpriced

Sticker Shock: Experts Say World Food Program's Afghan Relief Effort Overpriced
"The United Nations’ World Food Program, or WFP, is preparing to launch a mammoth, three-year relief operation in Afghanistan this year for 7.4 million people at a cost of $1.2 billion — but less than half of that amount will actually go to purchasing food for the war-ravaged country.

The majority of the money — nearly $730 million — is being spent on shipping, land transportation, handling, office construction and U.N. staffing and administration costs, according to program documents obtained by Fox News.

Outside experts consulted by Fox News say that some of the costs are more than 100 percent higher than they need to be"

General Dynamics to close Norton Shores facility

General Dynamics to close Norton Shores facility
"General Dynamics Land Systems, a national defense contractor based in the Detroit area, announced Monday it will close its Muskegon Technical Center on June 14, company officials said.

About 100 employees — mostly engineers — will have the option to transfer to General Dynamics headquarters in Sterling Heights or another facility in nearby Shelby Township, said spokeswoman Rae Higgins."

More "hopie, changie" for Muskegon from Jenny and her "yes we can" friend in DC.

Green Police: Audi Super Bowl Ad

This is a weird ad.

Red Eye Celebrates Third Year By Topping CNN Prime Time Last Week

Red Eye Celebrates Third Year By Topping CNN Prime Time Last Week
"And it’s coming at a time when the 3amET show is seeing big ratings in the A25-54 demographic – even topping CNN prime time last week.

....This time, the show had better ratings in the A25-54 demographic than Campbell Brown at 8pmET and Larry King at 9pmET, and tied Anderson Cooper at 10pmET (Monday-Thursday)."

Holy moley!

A 3 AM Fox show that no one has heard about beats CNN PRIME TIME!

Imagine the loneliness of the mokes on MSNBC....is Prozac generic yet?

Obama's Budget Means Higher Taxes and Lower Living Standards - WSJ.com

Obama's Budget Means Higher Taxes and Lower Living Standards

"Moody's Investors Service's warning last week that the AAA credit rating of the United States is in jeopardy raises fresh concern about the nation's fiscal health.
The question to ask about the president's eye-popping budget, also rolled out last week, is whether it prepares the country for its future—or shackles it to past decisions that our leaders would rather not confront.

President Obama's blueprint gave us a federal budget deficit for fiscal year 2010 of $1.6 trillion, about 10.6% of GDP.
While one expects bigger budget deficits in a downturn, the administration expects the deficit and debt buildup to persist.

By 2013, it forecasts that deficits will bring about a debt-to-GDP ratio of 72%, unprecedented in our experience except during a major war.

The problem is spending.

Despite Mr. Obama's words about restraint, the new budget proposes more spending—1.8% of GDP for 2011 to be precise—and a higher level, roughly one percentage point of GDP higher, in subsequent years"

2013 is only 3 years away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And EVERY city, county and state in our country is ignoring the very SAME disaster that will hit us ALL soon!

The local problem is government employee pay and benefits!

Too much pay for too little work for too little benefit for the taxpayer.

And automatically growing every year!

If you love your kids or grandkids, you MUST get involved!

Iran anniversary 'punch' will stun West: Khamenei

Iran anniversary 'punch' will stun West: Khamenei
"Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Monday that Iran is set to deliver a 'punch' that will stun world powers during this week's 31st anniversary of the Islamic revolution.
'The Iranian nation, with its unity and God's grace, will punch the arrogance (Western powers) on the 22nd of Bahman (February 11) in a way that will leave them stunned,' Khamenei, who is also Iran's commander-in-chief, told a gathering of air force personnel."

Mark your calendar!
Obama will probably send out invites to his class action lawyer comrades in advance.

‘We Weren’t Told’: Hoekstra Fires Back at Claim GOP Knew Christmas Bomber was Mirandized

‘We Weren’t Told’: Hoekstra Fires Back at Claim GOP Knew Christmas Bomber was Mirandized

Our next governor is calling the Obama administration "LIARS".

And provides proof!

I like it when one of the good guys takes a powerful stand against those who lie to the citizens of our great country.

You go Pete!

10 Amazing Free Fall Survivors

10 Amazing Free Fall Survivors - Oddee.com

Obama's Approval Most Polarized for First-Year President

Obama's Approval Most Polarized for First-Year President
"The 65 percentage-point gap between Democrats' (88%) and Republicans' (23%) average job approval ratings for Barack Obama is easily the largest for any president in his first year in office, greatly exceeding the prior high of 52 points for Bill Clinton."

Seriously!

88% of democrats approve of Obama's performance as president?!

And we let those people have drivers licences?!

Where are the "studies" corrolating voting patterns with IQ .......

Taxpayers to Fork Out $2.5 Million for Single Census Ad During Super Bowl

Taxpayers to Fork Out $2.5 Million for Single Census Ad During Super Bowl
"Taxpayers might want to pay close attention to this Sunday's Super Bowl broadcast or they'll miss Uncle Sam's 30-second, $2.5-million reminder to stand up and be counted."

You have to click the link to see this very odd TV ad from last night's Super Bowl telecast.

Not only is it another idiotic wast of taxpayer future-money, it is so weird that most who watched didn't have a clue what is was about.

This article is from FoxNews.

You probably didn't see it on any of the other Obama pandering "news" operations.

Update: Suspect in custody after security breach at Detroit Metro Airport

Update: Suspect in custody after security breach at Detroit Metro Airport
"The Detroit Free Press reports it appeared the man , who they describe as Arabic, did not appear to understand English as he passed through screening.
But police who took him into custody said that was not the case."

This could be another clear case of terrorists "testing the system".
Or not.
But it is sad that I tend to trust a newspaper over the local police in matters of terrorism and security.

AirTran to begin flights out of Grand Rapids, airfare price competition expected

AirTran to begin flights out of Grand Rapids, airfare price competition expected
Discount airline AirTran Airways will begin air service from Gerald R. Ford International Airport in May, with two flights a day to Baltimore and one to Orlando."

This is wonderful news.

But the newspaper's headline "... price competition expected" is perplexing.

Either they think their average reader needs help in understanding the concept of competition or that concept is new to the writer.

I'm not sure which is more disappointing.

Illinois lieutenant governor nominee Scott Lee Cohen withdraws

Illinois lieutenant governor nominee Scott Lee Cohen withdraws
"Illinois Democratic Lieutenant Governor nominee Scott Lee Cohen announced Sunday evening that he is withdrawing from the race amid revelations about his personal history."

YouTube - AccuWeather.com Snowpocalypse Now! Meteorologist Freakout

YouTube - AccuWeather.com Snowpocalypse Now! Meteorologist Freakout

Danica!

Danica Patrick!

"Danica Patrick appeared to earn that respect Saturday night, in several ways, during the most famous sixth-place finish in Daytona history:"

Paterson denies Business Insider Report on Monday resignation

UPDATE: Paterson denies Business Insider Report on Monday resignation - Water Cooler - Washington Times
"We asked Paterson's deputy communications director Marissa Shoenstein for a response and she emailed the following: 'There is absolutely zero truth to these rumors.
The governor is not resigning.'"

After Toyota's Hit, Why Invest Here?

Investors.com - After Toyota's Hit, Why Invest Here?
"Toyota isn't just a foreign company operating in the U.S.
It's a foreign investor, with a $16 billion investment here and 30,000 American workers."

Investors.com - Jobless Recovery?

Investors.com - Jobless Recovery?: "The jobs data for January showed modest improvement, with unemployment dropping to 9.7% from 10% and the number of jobs lost coming in at a mere 20,000. Good news, but not nearly good enough."

Investors.com - The Great Unraveling

Investors.com - The Great Unraveling

The Great Unraveling
Posted 02/05/2010 07:16 PM ET
Climate Change: Professional global warming alarmists better think about looking for new jobs. It looks like they're in for a long, cold winter — and a frigid spring and summer as well.
Those who've been spreading global-warming fears must be waking up each morning and asking themselves: What's going to happen today? A new revelation about the corruption of climate science has become almost a daily event.
On Thursday, the U.K.'s Telegraph reported that India was pulling out of the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and forming its own agency to study global warming. Why? Because the Indian government feels it can't depend on the IPCC's work.
And why should it? The concerns about the IPCC's accuracy are justified. A day after India's announcement, the Netherlands asked the U.N. to explain why the IPCC had said in its 2007 report that 55% of the country was below sea level when the Dutch themselves have reckoned that only 26% of the nation is that low.
This is the same IPCC that said in the same 2007 report that the Himalayan glaciers would melt by 2035 — though there's no scientific study to confirm the claim. It was based on the hunch of one scientist who expressed his opinion to a reporter.
The IPCC withdrew the assertion when it became widely known that it was bogus. But if the panel hadn't been called out, we suspect it would have kept mum.
Compounding the headaches for warm-mongers is a probe being launched by the British Parliament into the Climate Research Unit e-mail scandal. The inquiry is intended "to determine whether there is any evidence of the manipulation or suppression of data which is at odds with acceptable scientific practice and may therefore call into question any of the research outcomes."
This isn't terribly fresh news, having been announced on Jan. 22 by Parliament. But news that casts doubt on global warming tends to move slowly, if at all, in the U.S. media. If not for the foreign press, the inquiry would be virtually unknown in this country.
That 2007 report helped the IPCC win a share of the Nobel Prize. But its work is looking less credible by the day. Can any of its claims be trusted?
Its authors — who merely compiled others' work and did no research of their own — sure haven't inspired confidence in their work. In fact, their blunders are quickly pushing the global warming farce toward a grand collapse.

Swine Acronym Ordered Out of Barclays Capital Reports

Swine Acronym Ordered Out of Barclays Capital Reports
"The securities unit of London-based Barclays Plc told analysts yesterday not to use the acronym for Portugal, Italy, Ireland, Greece and Spain in notes to clients, according to a memo obtained by Bloomberg News.
The mandate from Valerie Monchi was sent to research staff.

The Piigs nickname has grown increasingly popular in the last month as investors dumped assets in the euro zone’s smaller economies on concern the countries will struggle to control budget deficits."

Anti-Greed Michael Moore Wants Taxpayer Money

CARPE DIEM: Anti-Greed Michael Moore Wants Taxpayer Money
"'A Michigan Republican state senator is calling out filmmaker Michael Moore for requesting $1 million in tax subsidies for his movie “Capitalism: A Love Story,” in which the filmmaker decried the government bailout of Wall Street executives."

This $million subsidy would be coming from a bankrupt state.
You know the one.
The state with no money to fill pot holes or plow highways.
Yeah, that one.

India forms new climate change body

India forms new climate change body
"The Indian government has established its own body to monitor the effects of global warming because it “cannot rely” on the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change"

Inside the New World of Airline Coupons - WSJ.com

Inside the New World of Airline Coupons
"'Now just about every airline has a promo-code box on its Web site,' says George Hobica, founder of Airfarewatchdog.com, which sends alerts to its members when promotional codes are issued.
Some of the stealth deals are eye-popping.
UAL Corp.'s United Airlines, for example, is offering a free ticket plus two domestic-upgrade coupons to certain members of its frequent-flier program."

Tea Party Convention organizer: Tancredo gave 'fantastic speech' - CNN.com

Tea Party Convention organizer: Tancredo gave 'fantastic speech' - CNN.com
"Asked if he agrees with Tancredo's description of Obama, Phillips said,
'The word 'socialist' is a word you don't want to be labeled with in the American political system.
It's got a lot of negative connotations, but it also has a very specific political meaning.
It refers to a specific political ideology.
I think it is very clear that that is the political ideology of Barack Obama.'"

If he walks like a socialist, talks like an ignorant socialist, bullies like a dictatorial socialist and hangs around with socialists and Communists, he's gotta be a socialist.

I get the sense that the author of this article intended to shock with the "socialist" comment and denegrate the Tea Party movement.
He fails.

Seeking Security for Retirement Funds

Seeking Security for Retirement Funds

"And for the record, the one group that ought to wholeheartedly support this idea is AARP, the association of retired persons. But they won't.
Know why? Because they receive millions of dollars from insurance companies they endorse and co-market.
AARP rarely bites the hand that feeds them.
So I would encourage the AARP nonprofit directors to put their members’ interests ahead of their corporate subsidiary’s business interests, for a refreshing change."

AARP is a liberal whore that preys on its unsuspecting customers in order to buy senators and congressmen..

There is also the fact that public pensions are going broke in just every state in the USA.
Check this out:
http://www.nebraska.tv/Global/story.asp?S=11912755

This is an awful idea!

Portugal near political crisis over debt

Portugal near political crisis over debt
"His warning came as Portuguese bonds and shares came under fire for the second day running as concerns over sovereign debt spread from Greece to other high-deficit countries in the eurozone."

Ten Most Wanted Corrupt Politicians for 2009

Ten Most Wanted Corrupt Politicians for 2009
"Judicial Watch, the public interest group that investigates and prosecutes government corruption, today released its 2009 list of Washington's 'Ten Most Wanted Corrupt Politicians.'
The list, in alphabetical order, includes:"

The FEC and the Federal Campaign Finance Law Brochure

The FEC and the Federal Campaign Finance Law Brochure

Lucianne.com News Forum - corpse_man

Lucianne.com News Forum - corpse_man

Pension Pulse: Whither Deflation?

Pension Pulse: Whither Deflation?

School Crisis In Nevada; Governor Seeks To Cancel Collective Bargaining With Schools Because The State Is Broke

Mish's Global Economic Trend Analysis: School Crisis In Nevada; Governor Seeks To Cancel Collective Bargaining With Schools Because The State Is Broke
"Governor Gibbons is investigating options of canceling collective bargaining agreements with school districts."

Republicans find loophole in budget ploy to push through healthcare legislation

Republicans find loophole in budget ploy to push through healthcare legislation
"As it turns out, Senate Democrats may not be able to force healthcare legislation through the chamber on a simple majority vote.
Republicans say they have found a loophole in the budget reconciliation process that could allow them to offer an indefinite number of amendments."

Tesla's IPO Prospectus Has Lots of Surprises for Investors

Tesla's IPO Prospectus Has Lots of Surprises for Investors
"So what if Tesla Motors, the luxury electric-car maker, lost $31 million in the first nine months of last year and $236 million since its inception.
So what if it's canceling its $100,000 Roadster -- its single current product -- in 2011 and a replacement won't be available until at least 2013. So what if Tesla won't even begin producing its $50,000 Model S 'family' sedan until 2012, leaving an unknown period of time when this new company won't be selling any cars at all.
And so what if Tesla admits that CEO Elon Musk (pictured, with Model S) 'does not devote his full time and attention' to the company.

Tesla's IPO filing -- the company hopes to raise an additional $100 million -- sure contains some eyebrow-raising disclosures."

JD Hayworth: Why I Will Challenge John McCain

JD Hayworth: Why I Will Challenge John McCain
"So I will soon formally announce that I will challenge John McCain in the Republican primary for senator"

U.S. May Lose 824,000 Jobs as Employment Data Revised: Analysis

U.S. May Lose 824,000 Jobs as Employment Data Revised: Analysis
The U.S. may lose 824,000 jobs when the government releases its annual revision to employment data on Feb. 5, showing the labor market was in worse shape during the recession than known at the time."

Border fence plagued by glitches, long delays

Border fence plagued by glitches, long delays
"An ambitious, $6.7 billion government project to secure nearly the entire Mexican border with a 'virtual fence' of cameras, ground sensors and radar is in jeopardy after a string of technical glitches and delays.
Having spent $672 million so far with little to show for it, Washington has ordered a reassessment of the whole idea.
The outlook became gloomier this week when President Barack Obama proposed cutting $189 million from the venture.
Ultimately, the project could be scaled back dramatically, with the government installing virtual fences along a few segments of the nation's 2,000-mile"

OK.
Barry and Bush can't build a fence.

So we taxpayers just give them a few $billion EXTRA and give up on border security?

And the liberal media is OK wit dat?

Gimme break!

Tesla's IPO Prospectus Has Lots of Surprises for Investors - DailyFinance

Tesla's IPO Prospectus Has Lots of Surprises for Investors - DailyFinance: "So what if Tesla Motors, the luxury electric-car maker, lost $31 million in the first nine months of last year and $236 million since its inception. So what if it's canceling its $100,000 Roadster -- its single current product -- in 2011 and a replacement won't be available until at least 2013. So what if Tesla won't even begin producing its $50,000 Model S 'family' sedan until 2012, leaving an unknown period of time when this new company won't be selling any cars at all. And so what if Tesla admits that CEO Elon Musk (pictured, with Model S) 'does not devote his full time and attention' to the company."

Is Keith Olbermann's Shtick Getting Stale? - DailyFinance

Is Keith Olbermann's Shtick Getting Stale? - DailyFinance: "Countdown was down 44% year-over-year in January."

Energy Calculator

Energy Calculator: "Your family's increased costs of energy due to cap and trade: $1908 per year"

This is scary.

Massachusetts Miracle

I never saw this before the election.

Yikes!

It gave me chills even today!

Scott Brown Should Be Seated Immediately, or the Senate Must Stop Holding Important Votes Until He Is

Scott Brown Should Be Seated Immediately, or the Senate Must Stop Holding Important Votes Until He Is: "Scott Brown was elected to the open Massachusetts Senate seat on January 19th, but has yet to be seated. This, despite the fact that he won by over 109,000 votes. The Democrat Massachusetts Secretary of State has yet to certify the results. And until then, the Democrat Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has refused to seat the Republican Senator-elect."

Seeking Qualified Mentally Retarded Lawyers?

Seeking Qualified Mentally Retarded Lawyers?
"From a Justice Department job announcement for “up to 10 experienced attorneys for the position of Trial Attorney in the Voting Section in Washington, D.C.”:

The Civil Rights Division encourages qualified applicants with targeted disabilities to apply. Targeted disabilities are deafness, blindness, missing extremities, partial or complete paralysis, convulsive disorder, mental retardation, mental illness, severe distortion of limbs and/or spine. Applicants who meet the qualification requirements and are able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation are encouraged to identify targeted disabilities in response to the questions in the Avue application system seeking that information.

I’m pretty sure I know what happened here: Boilerplate that was designed for a wide range of federal jobs — including the ones (probably a relatively small percentage of all federal jobs) for which one can be qualified even though one is mentally retarded — is just being copied here; and the limitation to “qualified applicants” who “are able to perform the essential functions of the position” ensures that no mentally retarded lawyers will indeed be hired.
Still, the result looks pretty striking in a call for applications from experienced attorneys."

Premier of Newfoundland To Have Open Heart Surgery in U.S.:

Premier of Newfoundland To Have Open Heart Surgery in U.S.
“It was never an option offered to him to have this procedure done in this province,” said Ms. Dunderdale, refusing to answer whether the procedure could be done elsewhere in Canada."

U-M regents hold closed session for NCAA update

U-M regents hold closed session for NCAA update
"The University of Michigan Board of Regents held a special session this morning to hear an update on the NCAA investigation into possible training violations in the football program as the probe appears to be drawing to a close, sources told the Free Press.

Regents attended the hastily called meeting in a closed conference room"

"Hastily called" usually ain't good.
Bummer dudes!

12 Wackiest Masks

12 Wackiest Masks - Oddee.com

The Enduring Controversy Over Stepin Fetchit, The First Black Actor To Become a Millionaire

Tom McMahon: The Enduring Controversy Over Stepin Fetchit, The First Black Actor To Become a Millionaire

Massive Layoffs Coming in NYC, Nevada, California, Colorado, Arizona, Everywhere

Mish's Global Economic Trend Analysis: Massive Layoffs Coming in NYC, Nevada, California, Colorado, Arizona, Everywhere

"More than a third of the streetlights in Colorado Springs will go dark Monday.

The police helicopters are for sale on the Internet.

The city is dumping firefighting jobs, a vice team, burglary investigators, beat cops — dozens of police and fire positions will go unfilled.

The parks department removed trash cans last week, replacing them with signs urging users to pack out their own litter.
Neighbors are encouraged to bring their own lawn mowers to local green spaces, because parks workers will mow them only once every two weeks.
If that."

This IS coming to Michigan AND Muskegon.
And no one seems to care.

Sup wit dat?

» Inspector General: TARP Has Created a Looming Disaster

» Inspector General: TARP Has Created a Looming Disaster - Big Government
"Stated another way, even if TARP saved our financial system from driving off a cliff back in 2008, absent meaningful reform, we are still driving on the same winding mountain road, but this time in a faster car."

Not Loyal Yet? Our Guide to Becoming a Frequent Flyer

Not Loyal Yet? Our Guide to Becoming a Frequent Flyer

Latest Muskegon County employee criminal investigation: Friend of the Court worker allegedly stole public funds

Latest Muskegon County employee criminal investigation: Friend of the Court worker allegedly stole public funds
"Also on Monday, the sheriff’s office was turning its criminal investigation of fired Deputy County Treasurer Dan Joslyn over to the prosecutor’s office, Roesler said. “It should be reaching their desk by the end of the day,” the sheriff said.

Joslyn was the county’s second-ranking treasury official for the past 12 years.
After being on administrative leave for several weeks, he was fired last month for an undisclosed reason as an investigation into his activities in the office continued.

A third investigation of Muskegon County employees continued internally Monday, with no report of a police investigation being requested."

Lots of crooked "dominoes" falling at the county.
Who is minding the store?
Whose head will take the ax?

15 Funny Yahoo Answers Fails

15 Funny Yahoo Answers Fails - Oddee.com

The State of U.S. Kids

Time For Kids Classroom Home The State of U.S. Kids
"National Issues
Kids graded President Barack Obama on his first year in office.
Obama's Grades:
A: 19%
B: 30%
C: 24%
D: 10%
F: 16%"

Pension Pulse: Canada's $58 Billion Debt Time Bomb?

Pension Pulse: $58 Billion Debt Time Bomb?
"The federal government's bookkeeping of its pension promises for public servants is out of whack with the real costs, understating Canada's national debt by $58 billion, says a report by a leading think-tank."

Influx of bears a nuisance across Nunavut

Influx of bears a nuisance across Nunavut
"Ikummaq, a wildlife officer for 28 years who’s travelled on the land around Igloolik since the 1950s, says polar bears are indeed coming closer to human settlements in search of food, but they’re not skinny or sickly.

Instead, hunters in the region are reporting well-fed bears and mothers travelling with multiple cubs, another sign that bears are having no trouble finding food.
The male population is also up, he said.

“They [hunters] are guaranteed to be seeing polar bears at camp,” Ikummaq said.
“This much we know now.”

“Twenty years back, you went caribou hunting, there was never a time you saw a bear.
But in the last six years, that’s when polar bear-human encounters have occurred more constantly.”"

But AlGore and his minions promised us these dang bears were disappearing!

Sup wit dat?

It's a Guy Thing! - Weird Inventions

Dark Roasted Blend: It's a Guy Thing! - Weird Inventions

"Harry’s Homocopter
(Patented 1977)"

Shortfalls for U.S. cities could reach $56 billion

Shortfalls for U.S. cities could reach $56 billion
"U.S. cities will face a collective budget shortfall of at least $56 billion over the next two years, with the current recession not seen hitting bottom until 2011, according to a report on Wednesday.
The National League of Cities said that because economic recoveries in cities lag national ones by about two years, the pain from the recession that began in 2007 could continue for years to come"

$56 BILLION in the next TWO Years??!!!!!!

And the automatic annual step up in pay and COL and pension increases just keep on rolling along......

The Ninth Annual Year in Ideas - NYTimes.com

The Ninth Annual Year in Ideas - Magazine - NYTimes.com
"And so we hereby present, from A to Z, the most clever, important, silly and just plain weird innovations we carried back from all corners of the thinking world."

Illinois Careens Toward Bankruptcy

Illinois Careens Toward Bankruptcy: Report NBC Chicago
"The question is: what can Illinois do about its near-bankrupt status?
Answer: not much."

Daily Gun Pictures: Video: R Lee Ermey Presents the AA12, Lock-n-Load Shotgun

R Lee Ermey Presents the AA12, Lock-n-Load Shotgun

This IS GREAT!

401k/IRA Screw Job Coming? - The Market Ticker

401k/IRA Screw Job Coming? - The Market Ticker
"401k/IRA Screw Job Coming?
Now this is a guaranteed rape job.
In a short conversation this noontime that CNBC apparently has omitted from their archives (Why's that folks?) Rick Santelli was talking about a potential to effectively force money into the Treasury market.
Where would they get this?
From your 401k and IRA accounts!
From Businessweek:
The U.S. Treasury and Labor Departments will ask for public comment as soon as next week on ways to promote the conversion of 401(k) savings and Individual Retirement Accounts into annuities or other steady payment streams, according to Assistant Labor Secretary Phyllis C. Borzi and Deputy Assistant Treasury Secretary Mark Iwry, who are spearheading the effort.

West Michigan Environmental Action Council to provide 5,000 energy-efficient bulbs to Muskegon area residents

West Michigan Environmental Action Council to provide 5,000 energy-efficient bulbs to Muskegon area residents
"Putting 5,000 such light bulbs into use saves $235,000 in energy costs and prevents the release of 3.6 million pounds of carbon dioxide over the lifetime of the bulbs, Hood said.

She said each bulb can save $20 to $30 per year in energy costs.

The bulbs will be distributed door-to-door in various neighborhoods and at locations such as churches and food pantries during March and April, said Ann Erhardt, the project coordinator."

OK, we know these "savings" numbers are bogus.
And we know that global warming is bogus.
But we don't know who is paying for all these "free" mercury bulbs......OK...we do..... it's us.
But where specifically is this idiocy coming from?

Maybe a republican running for office could call this scam out for us taxpayers?

5th Kent County person dies of H1N1 flu

5th Kent County person dies of H1N1 flu
"A woman in her late 60s with underlying health conditions is the fifth person in the county to die of H1N1, commonly known as swine flu, since this fall, according to the Kent County Health Department."

Remember waaaay back when the same guys who are now "helping" Haiti (the UN) told us all that the swine flu was a pandemic and without EVERYONE getting a show the world would bla bla?

Given the FACT that we see no comparisons between this flu season and other years, it's a safe bet that we just saw another government led boondoggle.

Will we EVER learn?

Saving the euro from a Greek tragedy

Saving the euro from a Greek tragedy
"Keen to keep Greece from crashing the euro, European Union governments pressed the country Tuesday to stick to a painful austerity program that could cut its ballooning debt at the risk of social unrest."

Greece appears to be the "California" of the EU.
bummer dudes....

Greater accountability needed for county department heads

Greater accountability needed for county department heads
"It would be better to have the county administrator fill those positions, with the consent of county commissioners. Then the administrator could supervise the department leaders and hold them accountable, just like the county board holds the administrator accountable.

With so much happening out of the public eye, it’s a wonder that more small county departments have not experienced the same sort of nightmares as the drain commissioner’s office.

The elected officials who run those departments are not accountable to anyone except voters, and the voters lack the time or inclination to keep them in check.

Let’s take a lesson from Hulka and Hepler and allow the people who know county government to fill these quiet but important posts. That way somebody will be supervising and watching, and future problems may be avoided."

And maybe a little "sunshine" from our local newspaper might help too?

Police prepare for more guns in public

Police prepare for more guns in public
"No one was charged because Michigan law does not prevent people over 18 who do not have a felony record from carrying a gun in the open -- as long as they don't try to enter certain gun-free locations like a church, day care center, bank or court, Saylor said."

Go ahead, make my day!

Employee Compensation in State and Local Governments

Table 1 shows average compensation per hour worked in state and local governments and the U.S. private sector.

Public sector pay averaged $39.66 per hour in 2009, which was 45 percent higher than the private sector average.
The public sector advantage was 34 percent in wages and 70 percent in benefits.


Read it all.
This disparity between the two Americas may well tear us apart if it continues.

Unions Get Exempt from Cadillac Tax

Unions Get Exempt from Cadillac Tax - WSJ.com
"Democrats seem impervious to embarrassment as they buy votes for ObamaCare, but their latest move makes even Nebraska's Ben Nelson look cheap: The 87% of Americans who don't belong to a union will now foot the bill for a $60 billion giveaway to those who do.

The Senate bill was financed in part by a 40% excise tax on high-cost insurance coverage. The White House backs this 'Cadillac tax' as one of the few remaining cost-control tokens. But Big Labor abhors the tax because union benefits tend to be far more generous than average, and labor leaders and House Democrats have been throwing a political tantrum for weeks.

So emerging from their backrooms, Democrats have agreed to extend a special exemption from the Cadillac tax to any health plan that is part of a collective-bargaining agreement, plus state and local workers, many of whom are unionized.
Everyone else with a higher-end plan will start to be taxed in 2013, but union members will get a free pass until 2018.

Ponder that one for a moment.
Two workers who are identical in every respect—wages, job, health plan—will be treated differently by the tax system, based solely on union membership.

Michigan: 17,000 state workers to take up to 10 furlough days

Michigan: 17,000 state workers to take up to 10 furlough days
"LANSING – About 17,000 state employees will take up to 10 furlough days, as bargaining failed to produce $16 million in concessions.

The employees are represented by the UAW and work in administrative services and human services.

Mitchell said the union offered more in concessions than the state asked, but was rejected.
He said the union would not agree to a two-tier health benefit system, with reduced benefits for new hires such as higher deductibles and co-pays."

Americans Traveling to Vancouver Olympics Warned of Possible Terror Threats

Americans Traveling to Vancouver Olympics Warned of Possible Terror Threats
"Americans traveling to Vancouver for the 2010 Winter Olympics are being warned by the U.S. State Department to stay vigilant about terrorist threats.

A recently issued fact sheet from the agency warns that al Qaeda's 'demonstrated capability to carry out sophisticated attacks against sizeable structures – such as ships, large office buildings, embassies, and hotels – makes it one of the greatest potential threats to the Olympics.'"

No worries, the Mounties will protect ya, you betcha.

Michigan leaders downplay state's Race to the Top chances as Obama announces $1.35 billion expansion of program

Michigan leaders downplay state's Race to the Top chances as Obama announces $1.35 billion expansion of program


"Michigan educators had their Race to the Top application in Washington by today’s deadline, and some state leaders and lawmakers are now downplaying the state’s chances at winning one of the initial grants.


The deadline comes as President Obama announces he’ll add $1.35 billion to next year’s budget to expand the reform program, even setting aside some of the money to allow districts to submit plans directly to the federal government.....


There has been speculation since last month that Michigan’s chances faded when the state cut education funding and then failed to land a planning grant from the Gates Foundation.
It also likely didn’t help that Michigan’s teachers unions withheld their support, though the New York Times reports they’re not alone, as labor groups in Minnesota and Florida also balked."



Anyone getting this "union" /"failure" connection?

More Details on Obama's Big Bribe to Big Labor

More Details on Obama's Big Bribe to Big Labor
"Back when he was taken seriously as a politician, John Edwards used to talk about there being two Americas.

Well it turns out, that's a good description of life under President Obama.
If you're part of one America, you have to pay a tax if you receive generous health benefits.

But if you're part of the other America that has contributed handily to Democratic campaigns and has access to the White House, you can receive those same benefits without paying a tax."

To Help Haiti, End Foreign Aid

Bret Stephens: To Help Haiti, End Foreign Aid - WSJ.com
"For actual Haitians, however, just about every conceivable aid scheme beyond immediate humanitarian relief will lead to more poverty, more corruption and less institutional capacity.
It will benefit the well-connected at the expense of the truly needy, divert resources from where they are needed most, and crowd out local enterprise.
And it will foster the very culture of dependence the country so desperately needs to break.

How do I know this?
It helps to read a 2006 report from the National Academy of Public Administration, usefully titled 'Why Foreign Aid to Haiti Failed.'
The report summarizes a mass of documents from various aid agencies describing their lengthy records of non-accomplishment in the country.

Here, for example, is the World Bank—now about to throw another $100 million at Haiti—on what it achieved in the country between 1986 and 2002: 'The outcome of World Bank assistance programs is rated unsatisfactory (if not highly so), the institutional development impact, negligible, and the sustainability of the few benefits that have accrued, unlikely.'"

Task force says Lansing-Detroit rail line needs more study

Task force says Lansing-Detroit rail line needs more study
"A proposed high-speed rail line between Detroit and Lansing needs further study, said a legislative task force that has studied the idea since the summer.

....... The construction would cost roughly $10 million per mile of construction.

The rail would run off solar-powered hydrogen and use magnetic levitation technology to propel rail cars about 200 miles per hour.
A combination of 40-seat passenger cars, private cars, car ferries, freight and even medical triage cars could run along the line."

A combination of billions of American tax dollars and millions of Michigan borrowed tax dollars will be sucked into this replica of Detroit's People Mover.
Stop this disaster NOW!

Copenhagen Accord on Climate Change Collapsing?

Copenhagen Accord on Climate Change Collapsing? - Hit & Run : Reason Magazine
"The nonbinding Copenhagen Accord was hastily cobbled together at President Barack Obama's insistence as the United Nations' Copenhagen climate change conference whimpered to its end in December.
Under the Accord, countries are supposed to make their commitments to cut greenhouse gases official by January 31.
It now appears that most countries will miss that deadline."

Getting the Olympics Ready, One Snow Delivery at a Time - NYTimes.com

Getting the Olympics Ready, One Snow Delivery at a Time - NYTimes.com

Fool us once, shame on you. Fool us twice...

RightMichigan.com Fool us once, shame on you. Fool us twice...:

State Senator Wayne Kuipers recently announced that he is the first candidate in the race for the 2nd Congressional District to sign Club for Growth's 'Repeal it!' pledge to repeal Obamacare should it become law.
What's better than being first, of course, is being credible.

The Repeal It! pledge states:
'I, Wayne Kuipers, hereby pledge to the people of my district (MI-02) upon my election to the U.S. House of Representatives, to sponsor and support legislation to repeal any federal health care takeover passed in 2010, and replace it with real reforms that lower health care costs without growing government.'

But this is not the first pledge Wayne Kuipers has made to the tax payers of Michigan.
Several years ago, Wayne Kuipers signed Americans for Tax Reform's, 'Taxpayer Protection Pledge', in which he pledged to the taxpayers of his district 'and all the people of this state that I [Kuipers] will oppose and vote against any and all efforts to increase taxes.'
Sen. Kuipers is listed as a signatory to ATR's Taxpayer Protection Pledge on the ATR website.

Unfortunately, in 2004 Kuipers either forgot his pledge, or hoped that the taxpayers would.
He voted to raise taxes three different times, and earned himself inclusion into ATR's Taxpayers' 'Hall of Shame'."

Supreme Court Vindicates Political Speech, Pulverizes McCain-Feingold

Supreme Court Vindicates Political Speech, Pulverizes McCain-Feingold
"In a landmark 5-to-4 ruling, the Supreme Court today in Citizens United v. FEC struck down major portions of the McCain-Feingold campaign-finance law. The Court left in place the disclosure requirement for corporations and the disclaimer requirement that identifies whether an ad is not paid for by the campaign. But little else remains. The Court overruled the highly controversial 1990 decision in Austin v. Michigan Chamber of Commerce, which upheld restrictions on corporate spending to support or oppose political candidates. As this report notes:
The majority, invoking the Constitution’s free-speech clause, said the government lacks a legitimate basis to restrict independent campaign expenditures by companies. . .“The government may regulate corporate political speech through disclaimer and disclosure requirements, but it may not suppress that speech altogether,” Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote for the majority. Companies, which had been barred since 1947 from spending money in support or opposition to a candidate, potentially now will pump millions of dollars into campaigns. Companies, and possibly labor unions as well, will be able to use their general-treasury dollars to punish or reward lawmakers for their votes on legislation.
This is a vindication of the First Amendment and a victory for the protection of political speech, which is at the heart of our political system. It will certainly increase the amount of speech."

Local gal on Salon.com part 2 Cultivating Failure - The Atlantic (January/February 2010)

Cultivating Failure - The Atlantic (January/February 2010)
"Imagine that as a young and desperately poor Mexican man, you had made the dangerous and illegal journey to California to work in the fields with other migrants.

There, you performed stoop labor, picking lettuce and bell peppers and table grapes; what made such an existence bearable was the dream of a better life."

Local gal on Salon.com

Education - Salon.com
"Last month, Alissa Novoselick wrote a wonderful story for Salon about starting a school garden in rural Camp Verde, Ariz.

So when Caitlin Flanagan wrote her sneering attack on Alice Waters, the Edible Schoolyard, and school gardening in general, Alissa chose to respond.

Also read Andrew Leonard's response here."

Big Hollywood » Blog Archive » ONE YEAR GONE: Hitler Finds Out Scott Brown Won ‘The Lying of the Senate’s’ Seat

Big Hollywood » Blog Archive » ONE YEAR GONE: Hitler Finds Out Scott Brown Won ‘The Lying of the Senate’s’ Seat

Michigan Senate GOP: Cut all public workers' pay, benefits | lansingstatejournal.com | Lansing State Journal

Michigan Senate GOP: Cut all public workers' pay, benefits
"Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop said Tuesday the pay of teachers, professors and state and local government workers should be cut by 5 percent and held at that level for the next three years to save money."

The Rochester Republican told reporters he is proposing a constitutional amendment to go to the voters in August that would suspend collective bargaining rights and allow the pay cut to take effect.

Another constitutional amendment would be needed to require that all public employees pay 20 percent of their health care premiums unless they participate in a health savings account or wellness program.......

It's all part of a plan Bishop said would save up to $2 billion, enough to eliminate the estimated $1.6 billion deficit in next year's budget.
Both the pay cut and the higher premiums cost would affect lawmakers.

Bishop said he's not trying to be mean-spirited, but wants to solve the money woes of public institutions, including state government, by decreasing costs rather than raising taxes.

"We cannot afford the government that we have today," he said.

"We're asking that our public servants ... step up to the plate to be a part of the solution."

Our problem is too many state employees making too much money and benefits.

This is an excellent first step.

And an shrewd political move by the republicans.

Rep. Frank lashes out over accusations that Mass. Dems would stall a Brown certification

Rep. Frank lashes out over accusations that Mass. Dems would stall a Brown certification
"'That is the stupidest thing I've been asked in a long time.

That is insane, the suggestion could only come from a demented right wing source,' erupted Representative Barney Frank (D - MA), when asked by The Washington Times about what he thought of assertions that Massachusetts Democrats would stall the certification process should Mr. Brown win.

'There isn't the slightest possibility of it happening---a way of doing it.

That is conspiracy theory at its most contemptible.'"

We'll know just how contemptible real soon.

Unions nab sweetheart health-care deal

Unions nab sweetheart health-care deal
"In another major concession to labor, the value of dental and vision plans would be exempt from the tax even after the deal expires in eight years, negotiators said."

Why Is This Woman Handing out Absentee Ballots?

Breitbart.tv » Why Is This Woman Handing out Absentee Ballots?

Residents pack Shelby meeting to voice opposition to offshore wind farm proposal

Residents pack Shelby meeting to voice opposition to offshore wind farm proposal
"Another benefit as outlined by the wind farm developers is a “compensation” agreement where the wind farm owner would pay local units of government.
That would be on top of royalty or lease payments to the state of Michigan, which controls the bottomlands of the lake.

But such economic benefits are many years down the line, if they ever materialize, the developers said."

Quick question:
How much money is our bankrupt state and our bankrupt country going to funnel to these scam artists?

A Dollar Crisis?

Investors.com - A Dollar Crisis?
"Recession: As federal spending and debt soar to new highs, many economists have alarmingly concluded that the dollar will soon collapse and take the economy with it."

Illinois enters a state of insolvency

Illinois enters a state of insolvency
"As Illinois' fiscal crisis deepens, the word 'bankruptcy' is creeping more and more into the public discourse.
'We would like all the stakeholders of Illinois to recognize how close the state is to bankruptcy or insolvency,' says Laurence Msall, president of the Civic Federation, a fiscal watchdog in Chicago.

'Bankruptcy is the reality that looms out there,' Republican gubernatorial candidate Andrew McKenna Jr. says."