Saturday, August 25, 2012

Could Todd Akin ripple effect influence Michigan's U.S. Senate race?

Could Todd Akin ripple effect influence Michigan's U.S. Senate race? | MLive.com
Democrats are using the issue to campaign against Michigan's Republican U.S. Senate candidate, Pete Hoekstra.
They say the former congressman from Holland's opposition to abortion including in cases of rape or incest is extreme, and it will hurt him in the November election.

10 Worst Cars of All Time

10 Worst Cars of All Time - TheStreet

"The Aztec became such a punchline for a bad car that Pontiac was damaged goods.
After the Aztec, GM couldn't save Pontiac no matter what they did."

Reminder: Before Obama ran for president, he falsely claimed to have been born in Kenya

Reminder: Before Obama ran for president, he falsely claimed to have been born in Kenya | The Daily Caller
At some point over the next few days, until the next Election 2012 outrage crops up, a lefty may start shrieking “BIRTHER!!!” at you because Romney made an attempt at humor.
If that happens, all you have to do is show the shrieking lefty this:

This was the author bio Obama provided to his literary agent in 1991, and it was uncovered months ago by our friends at Breitbart.com.
Obama used this bio for over 15 years, and it was revised a number of times.
But he only changed it to indicate his true place of birth, Hawaii, once he decided to run for president.

He has yet to explain why he lied in the first place, but he doesn’t have to. He lied because he’s Barack Obama, and that’s what Barack Obama does.

So just show that to your high-strung lib friend, and watch the cognitive dissonance reduce what’s left of his or her brain to an even less cohesive puddle of mush. Better’n anything on the TV, at least.

Whitehall teachers contract includes 'high deductible' insurance, wage freeze

Whitehall teachers contract includes 'high deductible' insurance, wage freeze | MLive.com
The contract includes a wage freeze and no “step” increases in salary provided for longevity and educational attainment.
Most significantly, according to Superintendent Jerry McDowell, the 114 teachers agreed to a high deductible for their health insurance.
The deductible for individuals is $1,250 and $2,500 for families.

Shelby couple killed when powered parachute crashes into Silver Lake sand dune

Shelby couple killed when powered parachute crashes into Silver Lake sand dune | MLive.com
Henry Austin was well-known around Muskegon for years with his hobby of flying powered parachutes. He trained dozens of people how to fly powered parachutes over the years through Shelby Paraflite School, the business he owned with his wife.

Friday, August 24, 2012

PolitiFact | Viral Internet story says Mitt Romney helped locate missing teen daughter of Bain Capital partner

PolitiFact | Viral Internet story says Mitt Romney helped locate missing teen daughter of Bain Capital partner
"So, here’s my epiphany:
Mitt Romney simply can’t help himself.
He sees a problem, and his mind immediately sets to work solving it, sometimes consciously, and sometimes not-so-consciously.
He doesn’t do it for self-aggrandizement or for personal gain.
He does it because that’s just how he’s wired."

Michigan's casino landscape could expand as tribes seek 'off-reservation' gaming operations

Michigan's casino landscape could expand as tribes seek 'off-reservation' gaming operations | MLive.com

Teacher evaluation methods using student exams to be tested in 14 Michigan districts

Teacher evaluation methods using student exams to be tested in 14 Michigan districts | MLive.com
The annual evaluations were included in the law that revamped tenure in Michigan, allowing even veteran teachers to be dismissed after a series of poor reviews.
The council also is expected to come up with potential changes to the state’s teacher certification program.

Land cap author Casperson wants nonprofit land conservancies to pay property taxes

Land cap author Casperson wants nonprofit land conservancies to pay property taxes | MLive.com
A state senator who introduced Michigan’s controversial land cap law now wants nonprofit land conservancies to pay property taxes -- unless they provide unlimited public access and allow motorized vehicles in privately owned nature preserves.

Detroit bus system leader 'reassigned' after it's learned he's also employed in New York

Detroit bus system leader 'reassigned' after it's learned he's also employed in New York | MLive.com: Naomi Patton, a spokeswoman for Detroit Mayor Dave Bing, said Nojay has been "reassigned" and is no longer the Detroit Department of Transportation chief operating officer.

State elections staff: Anti-bridge, 'two-thirds' tax proposals have enough signatures but challenges to ballot status pending

State elections staff: Anti-bridge, 'two-thirds' tax proposals have enough signatures but challenges to ballot status pending | MLive.com

Guest column: Politicians get big favor with IRS-backed spending accounts

Guest column: Politicians get big favor with IRS-backed spending accounts | MLive.com
I think what's wrong with accounts like the City Administrative Account is that it appears that a lot of the money is being spent on Bernero's personal living expenses, rather than the "ordinary and necessary expenses" of carrying out his mayoral duties.

Four companies receive $2.3 million in Michigan business incentives to add more than 400 jobs

Four companies receive $2.3 million in Michigan business incentives to add more than 400 jobs | MLive.com
The Michigan Economic Development Corp. announced more than $2.3 million in incentives for four companies that plan to add 415 jobs in Michigan.

GISD administrator accused of misusing public dollars to fund affair with former superintendent

GISD administrator accused of misusing public dollars to fund affair with former superintendent | MLive.com
For nearly a decade, more than $87,000 in taxpayer dollars was misused to facilitate an extramarital affair between a Genesee Intermediate School District administrator and her boss, according to an audit ordered by the ISD.

Michigan Labor Market Information, Mi Fast Facts, Employed/Unemployed

Michigan Labor Market Information, Mi Fast Facts, Employed/Unemployed

Current Michigan Industry Employment

Current Michigan Industry Employment
Muskegon - Norton Shores MSA
Current Employment Statistics
Unadjusted Data
July 2012

Unemployment rate up in most Michigan counties, see who has the highest and lowest jobless figures

Unemployment rate up in most Michigan counties, see who has the highest and lowest jobless figures | MLive.com
Unemployment rates rose in 75 of Michigan’s 83 counties in July, but most counties were better off than July 2011.

All Grand Rapids schools students can eat lunch and breakfast for free, under a new federal pilot program

All Grand Rapids schools students can eat lunch and breakfast for free, under a new federal pilot program | MLive.com
“This pilot acknowledges the important role school meals make in supporting academic achievement. We know that academic performance is tied directly to students being prepared, mentally and physically,” said Baumgartner.
“Breaking down the last remaining barriers to accessing healthy and nutritious breakfast and lunch at school will allow every student in GRPS to fuel their body for a more productive day of learning.”

Under the option, schools utilize preexisting data to determine the amount of reimbursement they can claim from USDA.
According to the department, the determination is primarily based on the percentage of households in that community who are already participating in the Food Stamp Program.
Schools that utilize this option agree to provide meals to all children free of charge, and USDA reimburses them for the appropriate amount based on this preexisting data.

Intensive four-day planning session for Muskegon County Jail, juvenile facilities set for next week

Intensive four-day planning session for Muskegon County Jail, juvenile facilities set for next week |
An intensive four days of discussions, opinions and statistics are planned for Aug. 28 through 31 at Grand Valley State University’s Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center, 200 Viridian in downtown Muskegon.

Former Roundy's, Lift-Tech still potential Muskegon County Jail sites

Former Roundy's, Lift-Tech still potential Muskegon County Jail sites | MLive.com
County officials have said they are considering three basic options for replacing the jail and juvenile facilities:
Building a new facility on vacant land, renovating existing structures to serve as a jail and juvenile center or expanding the jail at its current site adjacent to the Hall of Justice.

BBC Louisiana docking in Muskegon was a sight to behold

BBC Louisiana docking in Muskegon was a sight to behold | MLive.com
Six more ships are expected to deliver the German-made blades in the coming weeks.
A schedule for their arrivals has not been announced publicly.

Odds of Global Recession Are 100%: Marc Faber

Odds of Global Recession Are 100%: Marc Faber - US Business News - CNBC

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Muskegon Retail Incubator focused on downtown redevelopment, new business start-ups

Muskegon Retail Incubator focused on downtown redevelopment, new business start-ups | MLive.com
MRI’s programs are being launched on the strength of a $125,000 grant from the Consumers Energy Foundation.

Today! Jail & Juvenile Transition Center Citizens Review Committee

Muskegon County, Michigan
Jail & Juvenile Transition Center Citizens Review Committee
When: Thursday, August 23 – 1:30 PM
Location: Board Room - 4th floor, Hall of Justice, 990 Terrace, Muskegon, MI 49442

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

CBO warns of deep recession if Congress fails to avert 'fiscal cliff'

CBO warns of deep recession if Congress fails to avert 'fiscal cliff' - The Hill's On The Money
In its most dire warning yet about the fiscal cliff, the CBO said the economy would contract by 0.5 percent in calendar year 2013 if the George W. Bush-era tax rates expire and automatic spending cuts are implemented.

Exposing the Real Barack Obama

Exposing the Real Barack Obama | FrontPage Magazine
It was refreshing to see how addressing adults as adults could be effective, in an age when so many parts of the media address the public as if they were children who need a constant whirlwind of sounds and movements to keep them interested.

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Binge Drinking Makes Students Happy

Binge Drinking Makes Students Happy | Inside Higher Ed
Further, "higher status" groups on the campus (wealthy, white, male, heterosexual and Greek students, among others) were more likely than others to binge drink and to be happy about it.

Pennsylvania school board says no more raises until teachers demonstrate their value

Pennsylvania school board says no more raises until teachers demonstrate their value - EAGnews.org :: Education Research, Reporting, Analysis and Commentary
“we have the highest paid teachers in Fayette County and we have the worst test scores in the state,” the Herald Standard reports.

Tim Skubick: Michigan ACLU chapter wants citizenship check box off voter registration forms

Tim Skubick: Michigan ACLU chapter wants citizenship check box off voter registration forms | MLive.com

Democrats spent $1.5 mil to help Akin win GOP primary

Democrats spent $1.5 mil to help Akin win GOP primary | WashingtonExaminer.com
The Post notes that these ad buys were actually more that Akin spent on his own campaign:
According to a Republican strategist tracking ad buys in the race, McCaskill’s campaign and [the Democratic-aligned] Majority PAC have each spent about $850,000 on ads during the last two and a half weeks – more than Akin has spent on commercials during the entire campaign.