Tuesday, July 26, 2011

USDA: 6,501 ‘Food Deserts’ Are Spread Across Most of U.S. Mainland

USDA: 6,501 ‘Food Deserts’ Are Spread Across Most of U.S. Mainland CNSnews.com
"In general, a food desert exists where low-income people must travel more than 1 mile in urban communities and 10 miles in rural communities to access retailers that have fresh fruits and vegetables and other healthy food offerings."

http://www.ers.usda.gov/data/fooddesert/fooddesert.html

Playing Games Out of Plac

Playing Games Out of Place - NYTimes.com
"This year, Michigan State and ESPN entered into discussions with the United States Navy, along with the Morale Entertainment Foundation, which arranges events for troops. Nick Dawson, the director of programming at ESPN, said his first thought was, “How in the heck can we pull this off?”"

Michigan: 53% More Administrators Than Faculty

CARPE DIEM: Michigan: 53% More Administrators Than Faculty
"In other words, there are 53% more full-time administrators than full-time faculty.
Is this evidence of 'administrative blight.'"

Today's county board secret!

http://co.muskegon.mi.us/clerk/07122011_board_minutes.pdf

Holland City Government to Subsidize Garages

Holland City Government to Subsidize Garages WOOD News
"In Holland, the city council last weeks decided that a two-car garage is so necessary to city living, that the government will pay $3,000 to homeowners in parts of the city who build one.
The Holland Sentinel said Monday that the 'Year of the Garage' program is aimed at trying to get people to move into some older houses. in the Washington Square and Historic District neighborhoods.
Holland's city hall has received almost $24,000 from the state government for these garage subsidies.
The Sentinel quoted Mayor Kurt Dykstra justifying this public expense for private homes by saying a two-stall garage is “a simple necessity of modern American life.”"

Monday, July 25, 2011

Michigan State Spartans | Former MSU star Abdelkader takes jabs at U-M's Big House during flyover

Michigan State Spartans Former MSU star Abdelkader takes jabs at U-M's Big House during flyover The Detroit News
"'We were joking around (when) we went over the Big House,' the Red Wings forward and former Michigan State star said of Michigan Stadium. 'If we'd had a couple of bombs on it (the jet), maybe we would have dropped a couple on there.'"

Sunday, July 24, 2011

The soaring cost of back-to-school basics

The soaring cost of back-to-school basics - money - TODAY.com
"parents of elementary school students can expect to pay an average $530 this year.
That's up from $474 last year, an increase of almost 12 percent."

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Central Falls, R.I., Asks ‘Great’ Sacrifice of Its Retirees

Central Falls, R.I., Asks ‘Great’ Sacrifice of Its Retirees - NYTimes.com
"CENTRAL FALLS, R.I. — The retirees came from near and far, gathering in a muggy auditorium here to listen to an urgent pitch: give back a big chunk of your pension or risk losing it all.

This city of 19,000 is broke and headed for bankruptcy, partly because it has promised retired police and firefighters millions of dollars in pensions and benefits that it cannot begin to afford."

Nike Equips Elite College Football Teams With Combination Of Creativity & Advanced Technology

Nike Equips Elite College Football Teams With Combination Of Creativity & Advanced Technology - MICHIGAN STATE OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE
"The teams selected to sport the 2011 Nike Pro Combat system of dress uniforms include Army, Boise State, Georgia, LSU, Michigan State, Navy, Ohio State, Oregon and Stanford."

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

NYT: Today's playgrounds may be too safe

NYT: Today's playgrounds may be too safe - Parenting & Family - TODAY.com
"His philosophy seemed reactionary at the time, but today it’s shared by some researchers who question the value of safety-first playgrounds.
Even if children do suffer fewer physical injuries — and the evidence for that is debatable — the critics say that these playgrounds may stunt emotional development, leaving children with anxieties and fears that are ultimately worse than a broken bone."

The Financial Fall of Lenny Dykstra

The Financial Fall of Lenny Dykstra - NYTimes.com
"Before promoting a single stock or venturing into the perilous world of magazine publishing, Lenny Dykstra lived the good life, essentially risk-free. He signed autographs, shook hands and banked the profits from his car-wash business."

Former U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra will challenge Sen. Debbie Stabenow, according to news source

Former U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra will challenge Sen. Debbie Stabenow, according to news source MLive.com
"Former U. S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, a Holland Republican, has decided to run for the U.S. Senate after all, challenging incumbent U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, a Democrat, reports Gongwer News Service."

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Analyzing the Spartans' 2012 recruits

Analyzing the Spartans' 2012 recruits Detroit Free Press freep.com
"'With some of the top names on the board that are still considering Michigan State, I think they have a chance to finish real strong here and finish toward the top of the conference.
There are still some big fish out there.
Five-star defensive end Adolphus Washington has recently put Michigan State in his top group.
Four-star wide receiver Monty Madaris could be close to committing.'"

Air Canada Loses Lawsuit Over Stewardess Failing To Speak In 'Mother Tongue'

Air Canada Loses Lawsuit Over Stewardess Failing To Speak In 'Mother Tongue' - AOL Travel News
"Thibodeau has a history of being litigious. He sued an Ottawa bus company in 2002 because the bus driver said 'Hello' not 'Bonjour.'"

Sunday, July 17, 2011