Saturday, September 01, 2012

Letters: Many questions need to be answered about jail

Letters: Many questions need to be answered about jail | MLive.com
In other words, county leaders don't believe they have public support for a new jail but they want one anyway.
So they'll just do it quietly and deprive the citizens of Muskegon county of a vote on the millions necessary for the new facility.
I think that those who must make the final decision, our county commissioners, need to answer some questions if they decide to ignore taxpayer input on this most expensive issue.

Obama Plans to Keep Campaigning Even After He Wins

Obama Plans to Keep Campaigning Even After He Wins
The Wall Street Journal says President Obama "has fundamentally shifted his view of modern presidential power" and "is now convinced the most essential part of his job, given politically divided Washington, is rallying public opinion to his side.
As a result, if he wins a second term, Mr. Obama plans to remain in campaign mode."

"The president views a second term in some ways as a second chance, an opportunity to approach the office differently... He would like to tackle issues such as climate change, immigration, education and filibuster reform.
He has told some aides that a sizable mistake at the start of his administration was his naiveté in thinking he could work with Republicans on weighty issues."

Which Muskegon County precincts didn't understand primary voting? Muskegon Chronicle analyzes 'crossover' ballots

Which Muskegon County precincts didn't understand primary voting? Muskegon Chronicle analyzes 'crossover' ballots | MLive.com
Fuller said she heard of three voters in Norton Shores who got angry when they were told they had to choose one party.
When she was explaining the voting procedure to one person asking for an absentee ballot, he asked her where he could get a ballot that would let him vote for both parties.
“I said, ‘In November,’” she said.

The Unseen Class War That Could Decide The Presidential Election

The Unseen Class War That Could Decide The Presidential Election | Newgeography.com
“Labor” increasingly means not guys with overalls and lunch pails, but people whose paychecks are signed by taxpayers.

Muskegon County jail, juvenile center planning event generates much input, concern about size

Muskegon County jail, juvenile center planning event generates much input, concern about size | MLive.com
Joseph Mrak, vice president of RQAW, said the design team will go over the information Tuesday night and “make some reasonable planning assumption” for the number of beds for the proposed jail, an amount that could be adjusted later by county officials.
Much of the criticism centered on the overall justice system and requested more efforts to implement additional jail-diversion programs to reduce those incarcerated.
The consultant team members pointed out that they can’t use speculative items for their projections, but Mrak said the concerns would be passed on the county officials.

S&P lowers Illinois credit rating over pensions

S&P lowers Illinois credit rating over pensions - chicagotribune.com
Standard & Poor's downgraded the credit of the state of Illinois on Wednesday because of its weak funding levels for pensions, a move that could make it more expensive for the state to borrow money.

S&P lowered its rating on Illinois to A from A-plus and said its outlook is "negative."

Wisconsin AFL-CIO leader busted in prostitution sting

Wisconsin AFL-CIO leader busted in prostitution sting - EAGnews.org :: Education Research, Reporting, Analysis and Commentary
Bill Brockmiller sought to “express extreme sorrow” in admitting to being busted in a prostitution sting in western Wisconsin.
Brockmiller, president of the Western Wisconsin AFL-CIO, said he’s been dealing with “extreme personal baggage,” according to the La Crosse Tribune.

Arbitrator: Mullin's Detroit airport contract valid

Arbitrator: Mullin's Detroit airport contract valid | The Detroit News | detroitnews.com
She began work Sept. 2 and was fired Oct. 31 for undisclosed reasons, two weeks after the FBI served subpoenas on Ficano's administration for Mullin's severance and deals she and other officials helped broker since 2007.
Her three-year airport contract called for her to receive the balance of her salary if she was let go without just cause.

Michigan group to protest report urging circumcision

Michigan group to protest report urging circumcision | The Detroit News | detroitnews.com
Royal Oak — Protesters outraged over a recent medical report blessing circumcision plan to demonstrate today outside Beaumont Hospital.

The Greatest Piece of Performance Art in American Political History

Blog: The Greatest Piece of Performance Art in American Political History
However, something uniquely American happened during the Republican convention -- a new, never seen before play was run.
An iconic and extremely successful artist created an original, entirely unique moments in our political history.
Clint Eastwood gave one of the greatest pieces of performance art ever seen.

Clint Eastwood knew exactly what he was doing -- as both an actor AND director he knows full well how to deliver a message that resonates.
As a simple, practical matter his speech will be discussed for a very very long time and that will bring positive focus back to a very successful GOP convention again and again.

DOJ Targeted Public Library for Lending E-Books 'Inaccessible' to the Blind

DOJ Targeted Public Library for Lending E-Books 'Inaccessible' to the Blind | cnsnews.com
DOJ and the National Federation of the Blind objected to the program on grounds that blind people could not use the NOOK e-readers for technological reasons.

Friday, August 31, 2012

Stanford Cooling Glove More Dope than Steroids (video)

Stanford Cooling Glove More Dope than Steroids (video)
Then in the next six weeks he went from doing 180 pull-ups total to over 620,” said Heller.
“That was a rate of physical performance improvement that was just unprecedented.”

NEWS FROM THE WORLD OF GOVERNMENT HEALTHCARE

Instapundit » Blog Archive » NEWS FROM THE WORLD OF GOVERNMENT HEALTHCARE
Caesareans and pain relief for mothers giving birth ‘should be cut to save the NHS money.’
“Family doctors are being told to try to talk women out of having Caesareans and very strong painkillers during birth to save the NHS money.
New guidelines drawn up for GPs urge them to encourage women to have natural labours with as little medical help as possible.
 They also remind doctors to tell women to consider having their babies outside hospital in midwife-run units or in their own homes.”

I don’t remember this from the dancing NHS tribute at the Olympics.

Posted by Glenn Reynolds at 2:39 am

Thursday, August 30, 2012

When It Comes to ‘Brazen Lies,’ Nobody Excels Joan Walsh

When It Comes to ‘Brazen Lies,’ Nobody Excels Joan Walsh : The Other McCain
UPDATE: Remember when CNN’s Soledad O’Brien was caught reciting liberal blog Talking Points Memo on air?
This is even worse: People who are claim to be professional journalists accused Paul Ryan of lying, based on talking points issued directly from the Democratic National Committee and the Obama campaign, which the journalists themselves didn’t bother to verify, and which are provably false.

FACT CHECK: Obama promised and failed to keep Janesville GM plant open

FACT CHECK: Obama promised and failed to keep Janesville GM plant open | WashingtonExaminer.com
The Washington Post, and a host of other liberal media outlets, are calling this passage “misleading” because the Janesville plant “closed before the president was inaugurated.”
The Post is dead wrong.
Here are the facts:

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Gallup: Americans Rate Public Schools the Worst Place to Educate Children

Gallup: Americans Rate Public Schools the Worst Place to Educate Children | CNSNews.com

HighPoint Flats: Muskegon officials can't wait until downtown apartments are available

HighPoint Flats: Muskegon officials can't wait until downtown apartments are available | MLive.com
With expected approval of a state financial loan and grant package from the Michigan Economic Development Corp. in September, a development agreement with the city calls for construction to begin in the next three months. The HighPoint Flats apartments would take 18 months to construct, developer Jon Rooks has said......The city is assisting HighPoint Flats with a “brownfield” redevelopment incentive, allowing future increases in property taxes on the property to be used to help pay off Parkland’s state loans up to $750,000.
“The sooner we can get those apartments available the better,” said Cindy Larsen, president of the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce......
“There is a huge market for young professionals looking for upscale residential, but they are not ready to buy a house yet.
They are looking for urban apartments like these.”

And just who will be paying off those "loans", grant packages and "brownfield incentives"?

Burlington, Vermont, restaurants automatically adds tip onto foreigners' bills

Burlington, Vermont, restaurants automatically adds tip onto foreigners' bills | Mail Online
Restaurant owners say it's their solution to an influx of French-speaking Canadians from Quebec who are extraordinarily bad tippers -- sometimes leaving just $1 or a few cents tip on $50 or $100 tabs.

"2016: Obama's America" expanding into 1,800 theaters

"2016: Obama's America" expanding into 1,800 theaters - Yahoo! News Canada
That's up from the 1,091 theaters it played in over the weekend, when it took in $6.2 million between Friday and Sunday for a per-screen average of $5,940 - the best of any film in wide release.
It added another $1.2 million at the box office Monday.

Wayne Co. jail costs run $65M over budget

Wayne Co. jail costs run $65M over budget | The Detroit News | detroitnews.com
Wayne County officials say a controversial new jail, which has been awash with complaints about favoritism for a year, could cost another $65 million.
Aides to Executive Robert Ficano made the rounds to commissioners in the past week breaking the news: The $300 million jail now could cost about $365 million and grow to 2,300 beds from 2,200.

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

TONIGHT! Tea party forum on Islam - Holland, MI

TO DO NEXT WEEK: Tea party forum on Islam - Holland, MI - The Holland Sentinel: 2. This presentation may be seen as controversial, according to Ottawa County Patriots President Jim Chiodo. “Two Islam programs were held last year at Hope College, with a politically correct view of Islam,” he said. “This same presentation, countering

HighPoint Flats project to become a downtown Muskegon apartment development with city, state assistance

HighPoint Flats project to become a downtown Muskegon apartment development with city, state assistance | MLive.com
HighPoint Flats remains in a state low-tax Renaissance Zone, which for the Parkland property has been extended until 2023 with special legislation adopted earlier this year.
Residents in the apartments will not pay state or city income taxes until 2023 and the developer will not pay property taxes until the same date.

Calcium Scan Best Heart Risk Diagnosis Tool: Study

Calcium Scan Best Heart Risk Diagnosis Tool: Study
A new study of six methods of determining a patient's risk for heart disease has shown a CT scan of calcium build-up in the arteries around the heart might be the most accurate test.

Monday, August 27, 2012

Most Americans say the rich don't pay enough taxes

Most Americans say the rich don't pay enough taxes - seattlepi.com

Mitt Romney: What I Learned at Bain Capital

Mitt Romney: What I Learned at Bain Capital - WSJ.com

Muskegon County planning session for jail, juvenile facilities begins Tuesday

Muskegon County planning session for jail, juvenile facilities begins Tuesday | MLive.com
The design, location and potential cost of replacement facilities for the Muskegon County Jail and Juvenile Transition Center will be the focus of a four-day planning event beginning Tuesday.
http://www.co.muskegon.mi.us/boardofcommissioners/agendas/mcj_jtc_charrette_12_08_28.pdf

Tyson Plant Drops Labor Day for Muslim Holiday

Tyson Plant Drops Labor Day for Muslim Holiday | Fox News
Workers at a Tyson Foods poultry processing plant in Tennessee have opted to trade a paid Labor Day holiday for the Muslim celebration of Eid al-Fitr.

Muskegon County Jail and Juvenile Transition Center Project Conceptual Planning and Design Charrette

Muskegon County, Michigan
Muskegon County Jail and Juvenile Transition Center Project Conceptual Planning and Design Charrette
When: Tuesday, August 28th - Friday, August 31st
Location: MAREC - 200 Viridian Drive
Agenda available by clicking here (pdf).

Port/Rail/Transportation Committee

Muskegon County, Michigan
Port/Rail/Transportation Committee
When: Monday, August 27th - 3:00 PM
Location: Admin Conference Room - 4th Floor, Hall of Justice, 990 Terrace, Muskegon, MI 49442

RealClearPolitics - 2012 Election Maps - Electoral Map

RealClearPolitics - 2012 Election Maps - Electoral Map

Detroit Housing: Photographs of crumbling houses that litter Detroit's dilapidated neighbourhoods

Detroit Housing: Photographs of crumbling houses that litter Detroit's dilapidated neighbourhoods | Mail Online
An amazing collection of photographs has captured the utter devastation of Detroit -- the once bustling American city that now sits largely derelict.
Perplexed at the state of his hometown, photographer Kevin Bauman began taking pictures of the scores of abandoned homes littering the city in the mid 1990's.

EYE ON MUSKEGON 8-26-12 Video!

-Video!

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Jennifer Granholm: God Shut Down Republican Convention

Jennifer Granholm: God Shut Down Republican Convention
This is a real howler coming from a woman replaced by a Republican after her failed policies rained as much misery on the State of Michigan as any hurricane.

But let's talk about the real issue, and that's the media.

If some obscure, no-name Republican City Councilman in some unincorporated small Southern town tweeted these exact words out after President Obama's convention was delayed by a hurricane, right now it would be the lead on Politico, Andrea Mitchell's wig hair would be on fire, Michael Steele and Joe Scarborough would've called a joint press conference to condemn the remarks, and the entire media-collective would be tut-tutting Romney's unwillingness to distance himself from
The RacistHateTheocraticExtemismThatWillSurelyGiveSwingVotersPauseBecauseRomneysTaxReturns.

But Hurricane Granholm --a former freakin' governor and current broadcaster who just today appeared on ABC's "This Week" -- will get a full pass for declaring God is on the side of The State because Obama's media punks know that Democrats like Granholm and Obama never mean what they say about God…

…Because they don’t believe in God.

"Oh, wait," the corrupt media will tell you, "It was just a joke. Lighten up."

You first, Bedwetters For Obama.

Gritty N.J. city of Camden to scrap police department amid budget woes

Gritty N.J. city of Camden to scrap police department amid budget woes | Fox News
Crime-ridden Camden, New Jersey - often referred to as the most dangerous city in the United States—is getting rid of its police department.

21 Club New York: Diners spend $16k on two bottles of wine

21 Club New York: Diners spend $16k on two bottles of wine | Mail Online
The men's check closed at $18,736.18, with a $400 gratuity and two complimentary cookies thrown in on the side.

Famous lost word in Armstrong's 'mankind' quote

News from The Associated Press
Was the walk on the moon one small step for man, or a man?

EyeOnMuskegon 8-26-2012


FCC eyes tax on Internet service

FCC eyes tax on Internet service - The Hill's Hillicon Valley
The FCC issued a request for comments on the proposal in April. Dozens of companies and trade associations have weighed in, but the issue has largely flown under the public's radar.

New York Times editor Jill Abramson rebuts Arthur Brisbane bias charge

New York Times editor Jill Abramson rebuts Arthur Brisbane bias charge - POLITICO.com
The executive editor of the New York Times is disputing an accusation of liberal bias made by her very own public editor, Arthur Brisbane.
In his final column for the Times, Brisbane wrote that his fellow staffers "share a kind of political and cultural progressivism" that "virtually bleeds through the fabric of The Times."
Brisbane even argued that Times reporters approached some liberal issues, like gay marriage and the Occupy movement, "more like causes than news subjects."
But Times executive editor Jill Abramson says she disagrees with Brisbane's "sweeping conclusions."
"In our newsroom we are always conscious that the way we view an issue in New York is not necessarily the way it is viewed in the rest of the country or world.
I disagree with Mr. Brisbane's sweeping conclusions," Abramson told POLITICO Saturday night.

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Muskegon County commissioners, opposition group skeptical of jail-size recommendation

Muskegon County commissioners, opposition group skeptical of jail-size recommendation | MLive.com
County Commissioner Ken Mahoney said he is interested in seeing the consultant team’s data concerning the jail and future projections during the four-day charrette next week, but he leans more toward a 500-bed facility.

Agema sues Allegan over Saleem shutdown

Agema sues Allegan over Saleem shutdown | WOOD TV8
State Rep. Dave Agema (R-Grandville) has filed a federal lawsuit against nine individuals along with the City of Allegan and the Allegan Public School District in connection to an event shut down at which he and a self-proclaimed former terrorist were scheduled to speak.
The Jan. 26 event was organized by Allegan County Commissioner Bill Sage, who rented out the Allegan High School auditorium to host it.

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.

Oklahoma kindergartner banned from wearing Michigan shirt

Oklahoma kindergartner banned from wearing Michigan shirt
An Oklahoma City kindergartner was forced to turn his University of Michigan shirt inside out last week because it violated a city ban on any apparel not supportive of the state's college teams.

Kelloggs has turned your collegiate logo into a tasty toaster pastry

Kelloggs has turned your collegiate logo into a tasty toaster pastry | Dr. Saturday - Yahoo! Sports
Kelloggs announced a deal to make its famous Pop Tarts with five collegiate logos on them — Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Michigan and North Carolina.
I'm sure you can all add in your own jokes about what eating a specific team will do for your day.
Not sure how Kelloggs picked these particular teams, but perhaps the markets were the most ripe for Pop Tarts fans.

US teen invents advanced cancer test using Google

BBC News - US teen invents advanced cancer test using Google
Fifteen-year-old high school student Jack Andraka likes to kayak and watch the US television show Glee.
And when time permits, he also likes to do advanced research in one of the most respected cancer laboratories in the world.
Jack Andraka has created a pancreatic cancer test that is 168 times faster and considerably cheaper than the gold standard in the field.

Listen to radios? Watch TVs? Not for Class of '16

My Way News - Listen to radios? Watch TVs? Not for Class of '16
The Class of 2016 has no need for radios, watches television everywhere except on actual TV sets and is addicted to "electronic narcotics."

All Muskegon Public Schools students to get free lunches and breakfasts

All Muskegon Public Schools students to get free lunches and breakfasts | MLive.com
That means parents have been freed of the chore of making school lunches.
“We’re pretty gosh darn excited about it,” said Colleen Johnson, director of food services for the district, told school board members Monday.

What!!!!!
The kids goin' to bed with no DINNER???!!!!

Gov't Report: Wind Energy Needs Taxpayer Support To Survive

Gov't Report: Wind Energy Needs Taxpayer Support To Survive [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
"Of course it is highly uncertain," he said. "Without government’s help, it would be pretty much extinct.”

woman kills elderly neighbor with her bra

News from The Associated Press
Investigators say the woman was drunk on a July evening when she and her boyfriend called on their 65-year-old neighbor for money to buy drinks.
Angry that he refused to lend them money, the woman punched him in the face and tried to strangle him with her hands, before taking off her bra and strangling him with it, they say.

After Veto, Gov. Snyder's Commitment To Transparency Questioned

After Veto, Gov. Snyder's Commitment To Transparency Questioned [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
Considering Gov. Snyder's commitment to transparency, his veto of House Bill 4116 on June 28 puzzled many.
The legislation, which passed unanimously by the House and the Senate, appears to do little more than assure that the attorney general review memorandums of agreement the governor can make with other nations.
The bill also ensures access to information for the legislature and the public.

The Crazy Nastyass Honey Badger (original narration by Randall)

Monday, August 20, 2012

Michigan needs to spend unused federal earmarks on transportation projects or else other states will get the money

Michigan needs to spend unused federal earmarks on transportation projects or else other states will get the money | MLive.com

Marriage Drives Women to Drink, Study Suggests

Marriage Drives Women to Drink, Study Suggests - Yahoo! News
Marriage may drive a woman to drink, not because she's unhappy but because she's influenced by her husband's alcohol consumption, new research suggests.
 And men, on average, drink more than women.
Men, on the other hand, spend less time with their drinking buddies and more with their wives after tying the knot.
The result?
Married men down fewer beers than their single counterparts.

A Glass All Empty — Modern Love -

A Glass All Empty — Modern Love - NYTimes.com
WHEN I picture my favorite moments with my husband over our 23 years together, someone is always holding a glass, or a bottle of wine, or a plastic cup — well, except for the last 11 years, since Rob stopped drinking.

General Motors Is Headed For Bankruptcy -- Again

General Motors Is Headed For Bankruptcy -- Again - Forbes
GM is unlikely to hit the wall before the election, but, given current trends, the company could easily do so again before the end of a second Obama term.

Illinois' pension math

Illinois Policy Institute - Blog - Illinois' pension math
A democrat-controlled state, with the second-worst funded pension system in the nation, passed a series of reforms that cut the state’s unfunded liabilities by almost 50 percent.
What triggered Rhode Island into action?
The math.

Casino ballot proposal group files election emergency with Supreme Court

Casino ballot proposal group files election emergency with Supreme Court | MLive.com
The proposal would permit casinos at specific sites in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Romulus, Pontiac, DeWitt Township north of Lansing, Birch Run, Clam Lake Township near Cadillac and Clinton Township near Mount Clemens.
It also would raise the casino tax rate.

Lansing police collect 99 firearms during inaugural gun buyback program

Lansing police collect 99 firearms during inaugural gun buyback program | MLive.com
Individuals who turned in weapons were given a $100 Meijer grocery gift card. Those who turned in assault rifles received an additional $50card.
All guns collected will be destroyed per department protocol.

Editorial: Engaging the public means meeting them halfway

Editorial: Engaging the public means meeting them halfway | MLive.com

No Horses, But Detroit Water Department Employs 'Horseshoer'

No Horses, But Detroit Water Department Employs 'Horseshoer' [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) has a large debt, rising water prices and inefficient services — using almost twice the number of employees per gallon as other cities like Chicago.

Sunday, August 19, 2012

An Unexpected Ass Kicking | Blog Of Impossible Things

An Unexpected Ass Kicking | Blog Of Impossible Things
The old man turned back at his coffee, took a sip, and then looked back at me.
“In fact, I’ve done lots of things that haven’t been done before”, he said half-smiling.

Not sure if he was simply toying with me or not, my curiousity got the better of me.
Oh really? Like what types of things?, All the while, half-thinking he was going to make up something fairly non-impressive.
I invented the first computer.
Um, Excuse me?
I created the world’s first internally programmable computer. It used to take up a space about as big as this whole room and my wife and I used to walk into it to program it.

Thieving Actuaries and Corrupt Governments

Thieving Actuaries and Corrupt Governments « Burypensions Blog
The big question is, if the actuaries and politicians are so corrupt, why haven’t senior actuaries and politicians been arrested?

Social Security’s long-term funding gap exceeds $30 trillion, dwarfing short-term surplus

Social Security’s long-term funding gap exceeds $30 trillion, dwarfing short-term surplus - The Washington Post
Add up 75 years’ worth of shortfalls and you get an astonishing figure: $134 trillion.
Adjusted for inflation, that’s $30.5 trillion in 2012 dollars, or eight times the size of this year’s entire federal budget.

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Union contracts driving pension crisis

Union contracts driving pension crisis | WashingtonExaminer.com
It all stems from an open yet corrupt bargain: Unions spend millions to help elect labor-friendly politicians.
Once in office, the politicians repay them with bountiful benefits for government workers.
Everyone wins except the taxpayer, who is effectively sidelined as the public pie gets carved up between the politicians and unions.

Hermosa Beach meter maids making nearly $100K?

Hermosa Beach meter maids making nearly $100K? - Brian Calle: Uncommon Ground : The Orange County Register

Matty Maroun could foil many politicians' plans for campaign promotion

Tim Skubick: Matty Maroun could foil many politicians' plans for campaign promotion | MLive.com
Here’s the ”X":
What if he continues to gobble up every available minute on the tube?
What happens when less wealthy candidates show up at their favorite TV station wanting to buy some time?

Average Total Compensation for San Jose City Worker is $175,000 Per Year

Average Total Compensation for San Jose City Worker is $175,000 Per Year | Union Watch
Does this seem incredible? Well it isn’t.
It is based on actual payroll records obtained from the city of San Jose for 2011, with just one assumption added – that pension funds will no longer earn 7.5% per year, but instead earn a more realistic 4.5% per year.
If you want to stick with 7.5%, the average is still $150,000 per year.

Friday, August 17, 2012

Crisis? What crisis?

Crisis? What crisis? | UTSanDiego.com
The U.S. Postal Service lost $5.2 billion for the three months that ended June 30. It is now losing $25 million a day.
On Aug. 1, the agency defaulted on a $5.5 billion payment to the U.S. Treasury for future retirees’ health benefits and said on Monday that it expects to default on an additional $5.5 billion payment next month. And it is predicting that it will “temporarily” run out of cash in October.

What are the top 10 'best-looking' cars of all time?

What are the top 10 'best-looking' cars of all time? | MLive.com
1. 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300SL

2. 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California

3. 1963 Chevrolet Corvette

4. 1964 Aston Martin DB5

5. 1965 Jaguar E-Type

6. 1966 Ford GT40

7. 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4

8. 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T

9. 1971 Lamborghini Miura SV

10. 1973 Porsche Carrera RS

Sharpie Parties | NBC Southern California

Sharpie Parties | NBC Southern California

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Sen. Carl Levin seeks solution to keep the S.S. Badger operating without discharing coal ash into Lake Michigan

Sen. Carl Levin seeks solution to keep the S.S. Badger operating without discharing coal ash into Lake Michigan | MLive.com
“That’s the most likely solution and one that I have asked the EPA to work on with the company,” Levin said.
Lake Michigan Carferry co-owner Robert Manglitz earlier has said storing the hot ash on the ship that sails between Ludington and Manitowoc, Wis., doesn’t seem to be a feasible solution.