Great tune from the 70s for Chicago folks.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Muskegon County eyes alternative-energy vehicles
Muskegon County eyes alternative-energy vehicles
"As of now, a portion of the county sheriff's vehicles can run on ethanol. And eight Muskegon Area Transportation System buses and trolleys use natural gas.
The first opportunity to purchase alternative fuel vehicles could come later this month.
On Dec. 11, the county department heads could release a request for 16 vehicles, pending approval from the board of commissioners.
Even though the county is considering bidding on alternative fuel vehicles, the county could face significant barriers when incorporating them into its fleet.
Two major issues are cost and availability of fuel, said Joe Siedenstrang, the county's accounting manager.
'The department will have to decide whether or not there will be enough of a savings to go with alternative fuels or not,' Siedenstrang said. 'But the absolute final decision on what vehicles to purchase comes down to the board.'"
"As of now, a portion of the county sheriff's vehicles can run on ethanol. And eight Muskegon Area Transportation System buses and trolleys use natural gas.
The first opportunity to purchase alternative fuel vehicles could come later this month.
On Dec. 11, the county department heads could release a request for 16 vehicles, pending approval from the board of commissioners.
Even though the county is considering bidding on alternative fuel vehicles, the county could face significant barriers when incorporating them into its fleet.
Two major issues are cost and availability of fuel, said Joe Siedenstrang, the county's accounting manager.
'The department will have to decide whether or not there will be enough of a savings to go with alternative fuels or not,' Siedenstrang said. 'But the absolute final decision on what vehicles to purchase comes down to the board.'"
Camille Paglia on Obama choosing Hillary as Secretary of State, and more | Salon
Camille Paglia on Obama choosing Hillary as Secretary of State, and more Salon: "Awarding such a prize plum to Hillary may be a sop to her aggrieved fan base, but what exactly are her credentials for that position? Aside from being a mediocre senator (who, contrary to press reports, did very little for upstate New York), Hillary has a poor track record as both a negotiator and a manager. And of course both Clintons constantly view the world through the milky lens of their own self-interest. Well, it's time for Hillary to put up or shut up. If she gets as little traction in world affairs as Condoleezza Rice has, Hillary will be flushed down the rabbit hole with her feckless husband and effectively neutralized as a future presidential contender. If that's Obama's clever plan, is it worth the gamble? The secretary of state should be a more reserved, unflappable character -- not a drama queen who, even in her acceptance speech, morphed into three different personalities in the space of five minutes."
Harvard prof slams US nut allergy hysteria •
Harvard prof slams US nut allergy hysteria
"the extreme example of when a potentially fatal peanut was 'spotted on the floor of a school bus, whereupon the bus was evacuated and cleaned (I am tempted to say decontaminated), the extreme example of when a potentially fatal peanut was 'spotted on the floor of a school bus, whereupon the bus was evacuated and cleaned (I am tempted to say decontaminated),"
"the extreme example of when a potentially fatal peanut was 'spotted on the floor of a school bus, whereupon the bus was evacuated and cleaned (I am tempted to say decontaminated), the extreme example of when a potentially fatal peanut was 'spotted on the floor of a school bus, whereupon the bus was evacuated and cleaned (I am tempted to say decontaminated),"
Blago-Obama timeline
The Volokh Conspiracy
"Yet, looking at this timeline of Blagogate, it seems quite possible that someone in the Obama Camp is either lying or at least not revealing what they know. I also find it hard to believe that Obama’s closest advisors were hiding major corruption from him, especially as he was making decisions about where to place Senate candidates such as Jarrett.
"Something important is missing from this story. Let's hope that, whatever it is, the absent fact or explanation will allow the narrative to fit Obama's denial more naturally.
Since by all accounts, the Obama camp refused Blagojevich’s bribery attempt, it would be extremely unwise to lie about it. Remember, it’s not the crime that trips you up; it’s the cover-up."
"Yet, looking at this timeline of Blagogate, it seems quite possible that someone in the Obama Camp is either lying or at least not revealing what they know. I also find it hard to believe that Obama’s closest advisors were hiding major corruption from him, especially as he was making decisions about where to place Senate candidates such as Jarrett.
"Something important is missing from this story. Let's hope that, whatever it is, the absent fact or explanation will allow the narrative to fit Obama's denial more naturally.
Since by all accounts, the Obama camp refused Blagojevich’s bribery attempt, it would be extremely unwise to lie about it. Remember, it’s not the crime that trips you up; it’s the cover-up."
The GOP Must Take Out the Trash
The GOP Must Take Out the Trash
"Now that the snows have come, the summer soldiers are sneaking off to warmer climes. No sense being a hustler where there's nothing to hustle. This process will send large numbers of future indictables home to the Democrats where they belong.
But plenty of rotten apples will remain. What can be done with them?
The simple answer is: expose, expose, and expose. Somebody -- possibly everybody -- knew what Foley, Cunningham, and Stevens were up to. Somebody should have spoken up."
Kick out the crooks, perverts and cowards.
Stand for SOMETHING!
It seems so simple.
Can our old, entrenched GOP leopards change their spots?
I doubt it.
A complete transfusion is necessary but will it come too late for our country?
"Now that the snows have come, the summer soldiers are sneaking off to warmer climes. No sense being a hustler where there's nothing to hustle. This process will send large numbers of future indictables home to the Democrats where they belong.
But plenty of rotten apples will remain. What can be done with them?
The simple answer is: expose, expose, and expose. Somebody -- possibly everybody -- knew what Foley, Cunningham, and Stevens were up to. Somebody should have spoken up."
Kick out the crooks, perverts and cowards.
Stand for SOMETHING!
It seems so simple.
Can our old, entrenched GOP leopards change their spots?
I doubt it.
A complete transfusion is necessary but will it come too late for our country?
Woman convicted of smuggling monkey
Woman convicted of smuggling monkey
: "A Spokane woman who hid a sedated monkey under her blouse on a flight from Thailand to Los Angeles – pretending she was pregnant – has been convicted of smuggling charges."
No word on whether she was accused of monkey abuse or spanking the...
: "A Spokane woman who hid a sedated monkey under her blouse on a flight from Thailand to Los Angeles – pretending she was pregnant – has been convicted of smuggling charges."
No word on whether she was accused of monkey abuse or spanking the...
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Governor has one choice left: Sing?
Governor has one choice left: Sing?
"Blagojevich's buddies—the ones he still has left—surely aren't amused. They must be wondering how long it will take for Blagojevich to crack under the federal weight and start singing about all his friends.
This is the governor who once bragged that he had the 'testicular virility' to make tough decisions. This is the governor who compared himself to John Wayne."
"Blagojevich's buddies—the ones he still has left—surely aren't amused. They must be wondering how long it will take for Blagojevich to crack under the federal weight and start singing about all his friends.
This is the governor who once bragged that he had the 'testicular virility' to make tough decisions. This is the governor who compared himself to John Wayne."
Granholm expects big stimulus
Granholm expects big stimulus
"'It may lessen the need right now to do immediate, drastic cuts,' she said. 'With this stimulus coming up, it would be foolish to put up drastic cuts when we know that relief is on the way.'"
"'It may lessen the need right now to do immediate, drastic cuts,' she said. 'With this stimulus coming up, it would be foolish to put up drastic cuts when we know that relief is on the way.'"
Great, our cute gov is delusional.....our state is bankrupt but she's waiting for Daddy Obama to pour moolah into michigan.
Great......
Mich. lawmakers still get health care perk.... pork
Mich. lawmakers still get health care perk
"Michigan lawmakers seem likely to finish the year without halting or scaling back a perk that's the envy of most workers - full health care coverage in retirement after six years of service."
Under current law, former lawmakers can tap into the health insurance once they turn 55.
The House and Senate overwhelmingly voted last December to make lawmakers work longer before having most of their health care premiums picked up by taxpayers. Neither chamber passed the same version, however, so the old system remains in place.
While the bill wouldn't affect current legislators, future lawmakers would have to work 14 years - six in the House and eight in the Senate, the most allowed under term limits - to get 90 percent of their premium paid by the state, the same percentage legislators now get after six years.
Unless new legislators work other state government jobs, they could have no more than 42 percent of their premium covered - 3 percent for each year if they serve the maximum 14 years.
"Michigan lawmakers seem likely to finish the year without halting or scaling back a perk that's the envy of most workers - full health care coverage in retirement after six years of service."
Under current law, former lawmakers can tap into the health insurance once they turn 55.
The House and Senate overwhelmingly voted last December to make lawmakers work longer before having most of their health care premiums picked up by taxpayers. Neither chamber passed the same version, however, so the old system remains in place.
While the bill wouldn't affect current legislators, future lawmakers would have to work 14 years - six in the House and eight in the Senate, the most allowed under term limits - to get 90 percent of their premium paid by the state, the same percentage legislators now get after six years.
Unless new legislators work other state government jobs, they could have no more than 42 percent of their premium covered - 3 percent for each year if they serve the maximum 14 years.
Yankee extortion?
The Volokh Conspiracy
"The New York Yankees have just asked New York City for an additional $259 million in tax-exempt government-backed bonds to finance the construction of their new stadium. This comes on top of the $940 million in previously approved bonds and up to $450 million in direct government spending on the project. Even prior to the current funding request, the new Yankee stadium had already gotten more government subsidies than any other stadium project in American history. The rival Mets are also asking for additional government bond for their new stadium, albeit a much smaller amount."
Remember this when NYC demands a bailout....likely soon......
"The New York Yankees have just asked New York City for an additional $259 million in tax-exempt government-backed bonds to finance the construction of their new stadium. This comes on top of the $940 million in previously approved bonds and up to $450 million in direct government spending on the project. Even prior to the current funding request, the new Yankee stadium had already gotten more government subsidies than any other stadium project in American history. The rival Mets are also asking for additional government bond for their new stadium, albeit a much smaller amount."
Remember this when NYC demands a bailout....likely soon......
PensionWatch
PensionWatch: "But California state government employees have an employer who regularly and by law provides a $40-50,000 contribution to each employee’s pension account — year in and year out — good budget times and bad. (And in bad years they borrow the money!)"
Pension Tsunami
Pension Tsunami
"That approaching wave of pension debt is bigger than it looks. The purpose of this site is to provide an overview of the multiple pension crises that are about to drown America's taxpayers."
If you need more worries, read this.
Yikes!
"That approaching wave of pension debt is bigger than it looks. The purpose of this site is to provide an overview of the multiple pension crises that are about to drown America's taxpayers."
If you need more worries, read this.
Yikes!
Muskegon ranks highest in nation for unemployment
"Muskegon's jobless rate averaged 22.1% in the latest period. That's more than twice the rate from 2000.
Detroit ranked second with a 21.6% jobless rate. Pontiac was ninth at 19%.
Detroit ranked second with a 21.6% jobless rate. Pontiac was ninth at 19%.
Muskegon Mayor Steve Warmington says the census information is flawed. He says the study is based on all people in the city. He says people 16 and up, including students, senior citizens and people who aren't actively looking for work are included in the census survey.
Warmington said he understands the number is very high and is disappointed but also says 'The number doesn't accurately reflect everyone in Muskegon.'"
Warmington said he understands the number is very high and is disappointed but also says 'The number doesn't accurately reflect everyone in Muskegon.'"
The unemployment numbers would have been WAAAY lower if they'd have included only employed persons.....
We're #16!
Report: Local schools' air quality among the worst
"Children playing outside Lincoln Park Elementary School in Norton Shores are possibly breathing the worst air in the state.
That's according to an investigative report published in Monday's USA TODAY.
Over the span of eight months, reporters identified and ranked 127,800 public, private and parochial schools based on the concentrations and health hazards of chemicals likely to be in the air outside.
Only 15 schools nationwide were identified as having worse air quality than Mona Shores' Lincoln Park, according to the newspaper.
Other schools in the Mona Shores, Muskegon and Muskegon Heights public school districts were identified as having some of the worst air in the nation.
However, the report may not be current. The findings were based on emissions reports from 20,000 industrial sites that were filed in 2005.
Junk science RULES!
"Children playing outside Lincoln Park Elementary School in Norton Shores are possibly breathing the worst air in the state.
That's according to an investigative report published in Monday's USA TODAY.
Over the span of eight months, reporters identified and ranked 127,800 public, private and parochial schools based on the concentrations and health hazards of chemicals likely to be in the air outside.
Only 15 schools nationwide were identified as having worse air quality than Mona Shores' Lincoln Park, according to the newspaper.
Other schools in the Mona Shores, Muskegon and Muskegon Heights public school districts were identified as having some of the worst air in the nation.
However, the report may not be current. The findings were based on emissions reports from 20,000 industrial sites that were filed in 2005.
Junk science RULES!
We're #1
Muskegon, Detroit lead nation's cities in unemployment
"Census Bureau report on U.S. communities with at least 20,000 people says Muskegon and Detroit are first and second in unemployment.
The report compares the jobless rate in 2000 with the average for 2005 through 2007 and says unemployment increased in 71% of the cities and towns.
It says Muskegon's unemployment averaged 22.1% in the latest period, more than twice its rate in 2000.
Detroit's rate was 21.6%, while Pontiac was ninth at 19%."
Everything I hear is that it's Engler/Bush's fault.
Let's see... worst state.... worst city.... re-elected most everyone..... anyone see a pattern here?
"Census Bureau report on U.S. communities with at least 20,000 people says Muskegon and Detroit are first and second in unemployment.
The report compares the jobless rate in 2000 with the average for 2005 through 2007 and says unemployment increased in 71% of the cities and towns.
It says Muskegon's unemployment averaged 22.1% in the latest period, more than twice its rate in 2000.
Detroit's rate was 21.6%, while Pontiac was ninth at 19%."
Everything I hear is that it's Engler/Bush's fault.
Let's see... worst state.... worst city.... re-elected most everyone..... anyone see a pattern here?
Monday, December 08, 2008
The Palm Pistol
The Palm Pistol: "The Palm Pistol is an ergonomically innovative single shot double action only defensive firearm chambered in 9mm that may be fired using either hand without regard to orientation of the stock. Suited for home defense, concealed carry or as a backup gun. It is also ideal for seniors, disabled or others who may have limited strength or manual dexterity."
Gimp gun!
Ain't ergonomics great!
Locally made wind turbines to create jobs
Locally made wind turbines to create jobs
"Energy savings improves to 30 percent when combined with the 30 CFL low-energy light bulbs included in the package, which will retail for $2,899 plus about $500 for professional installation.
Governmental rebates and tax credits could save buyers hundreds of dollars more."
This is lunacy!
30 light bulbs will reduce home electricity use by 15%!!!!!
How much did that "study" cost?
And it all make sense because "government rebates and tax credits".
The junk science dark ages have descended upon us.
"Energy savings improves to 30 percent when combined with the 30 CFL low-energy light bulbs included in the package, which will retail for $2,899 plus about $500 for professional installation.
Governmental rebates and tax credits could save buyers hundreds of dollars more."
This is lunacy!
30 light bulbs will reduce home electricity use by 15%!!!!!
How much did that "study" cost?
And it all make sense because "government rebates and tax credits".
The junk science dark ages have descended upon us.
No more "corporate welfare"?
My Way News - White House says auto deal is 'very likely'
"The size of the package hasn't been finalized, but it is expected to be between $14 billion and $17 billion."
The MSM has sort of forgotten one of their favorite terms of old, "corporate welfare".
Tax cuts to businesses used to be "corporate welfare" but enormous checks to the same companies are now simply a "bailout".
Gotta love the MSM. So much gravitas!
"The size of the package hasn't been finalized, but it is expected to be between $14 billion and $17 billion."
The MSM has sort of forgotten one of their favorite terms of old, "corporate welfare".
Tax cuts to businesses used to be "corporate welfare" but enormous checks to the same companies are now simply a "bailout".
Gotta love the MSM. So much gravitas!
harrassing an intern is OK!
The Volokh Conspiracy
"this case also reflects that it is not a violation of the federal Title VII to sexually harass interns in D.C. or elsewhere."
Ummmm... interns... immune from Title VII..... ummmmm...... interns.....
"this case also reflects that it is not a violation of the federal Title VII to sexually harass interns in D.C. or elsewhere."
Ummmm... interns... immune from Title VII..... ummmmm...... interns.....
Saturday, December 06, 2008
New graduation requirements offer flexibility
New graduation requirements offer flexibility
"The 2006 law that established the graduation requirements allows students to ask for a 'personal curriculum' that would allow them to waive some of the required courses. They can waive part of the dreaded algebra II requirement as well as some of the other required courses in social studies, physical education, health or arts.
Schools can develop a customized personal curriculum for transfer students, students who have disabilities, or whose career paths would be better served by taking more of a different core class."
Huh?
"The 2006 law that established the graduation requirements allows students to ask for a 'personal curriculum' that would allow them to waive some of the required courses. They can waive part of the dreaded algebra II requirement as well as some of the other required courses in social studies, physical education, health or arts.
Schools can develop a customized personal curriculum for transfer students, students who have disabilities, or whose career paths would be better served by taking more of a different core class."
Huh?
Free discount prescription drug card offered to Michigan residents
Free discount prescription drug card offered to Michigan residents
"In an effort to reduce health care costs, the Michigan Retailers Association is offering a discount prescription drug card program that can save an average of 30 percent on many prescription drugs.
Free to all Michigan residents, the Michigan Retailers Free Rx Card has no income restrictions, age limits or applications to fill out. The card is accepted at more than 50,000 national and regional pharmacies in Michigan and around the country.
Members can download a card by visiting http://retailers.com"
"In an effort to reduce health care costs, the Michigan Retailers Association is offering a discount prescription drug card program that can save an average of 30 percent on many prescription drugs.
Free to all Michigan residents, the Michigan Retailers Free Rx Card has no income restrictions, age limits or applications to fill out. The card is accepted at more than 50,000 national and regional pharmacies in Michigan and around the country.
Members can download a card by visiting http://retailers.com"
Michigan News
Michigan News
Bankrupt ethanol maker VeraSun Energy Corp. will mothball its ethanol plant here until it finds permanent financing to fund its operations."
Bankrupt ethanol maker VeraSun Energy Corp. will mothball its ethanol plant here until it finds permanent financing to fund its operations."
Michigan gets more federal home heating aid
Michigan gets more federal home heating aid
"The federal government earlier this year released $5.1 billion in fuel assistance to states, nearly doubling federal money to help poor people cope with high home heating bills expected this winter."
A "double" here, a "double" there and pretty soon we're talkin' some real money, eh?
"The federal government earlier this year released $5.1 billion in fuel assistance to states, nearly doubling federal money to help poor people cope with high home heating bills expected this winter."
A "double" here, a "double" there and pretty soon we're talkin' some real money, eh?
Friday, December 05, 2008
Army cadets take trash-talking to new heights - wtop.com
Army cadets take trash-talking to new heights - wtop.com: "Perhaps bothered by losing the last six Army-Navy football games, a few Army cadets took trash-talking to a whole new level this week. College football's most storied rivalry just got a bit more personal."
UNC libraries to forgo Christmas trees
UNC libraries to forgo Christmas trees
"The trees, which have stood in the lobby areas of Wilson and Davis libraries each December, were kept in storage this year at the behest of Sarah Michalak, the associate provost for university libraries.
Michalak's decision followed several years of queries and complaints from library employees and patrons bothered by the Christian display, Michalak said this week.
Michalak said that banishing the Christmas displays was not an easy decision but that she asked around to library colleagues at Duke, N.C. State and elsewhere and found no other one where Christmas trees were displayed."
"The trees, which have stood in the lobby areas of Wilson and Davis libraries each December, were kept in storage this year at the behest of Sarah Michalak, the associate provost for university libraries.
Michalak's decision followed several years of queries and complaints from library employees and patrons bothered by the Christian display, Michalak said this week.
Michalak said that banishing the Christmas displays was not an easy decision but that she asked around to library colleagues at Duke, N.C. State and elsewhere and found no other one where Christmas trees were displayed."
Proposed fee on smelly cows, hogs angers farmers
Proposed fee on smelly cows, hogs angers farmers
"For farmers, this stinks: Belching and gaseous cows and hogs could start costing them money if a federal proposal to charge fees for air-polluting animals becomes law.
Farmers so far are turning their noses up at the notion, which is one of several put forward by the Environmental Protection Agency after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2007 that greenhouse gases emitted by belching and flatulence amounts to air pollution."
And just who will ultimately pay these fines?
It looks like we'll all soon be tithing to "The Church of Global Warming/Cooling/Climate Change...whatever...".
"For farmers, this stinks: Belching and gaseous cows and hogs could start costing them money if a federal proposal to charge fees for air-polluting animals becomes law.
Farmers so far are turning their noses up at the notion, which is one of several put forward by the Environmental Protection Agency after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2007 that greenhouse gases emitted by belching and flatulence amounts to air pollution."
And just who will ultimately pay these fines?
It looks like we'll all soon be tithing to "The Church of Global Warming/Cooling/Climate Change...whatever...".
To repair Rhode Island roads, report calls for new tolls, taxes and higher fees | Rhode Island news | projo.com | The Providence Journal
To repair Rhode Island roads, report calls for new tolls, taxes and higher fees
"To fix its crumbling roads and bridges and rescue the state’s financially challenged public transit system, a draft report made public yesterday says the state should consider charging tolls at the state line on every interstate highway and creating a new tax for each mile a vehicle is driven."
"To fix its crumbling roads and bridges and rescue the state’s financially challenged public transit system, a draft report made public yesterday says the state should consider charging tolls at the state line on every interstate highway and creating a new tax for each mile a vehicle is driven."
Gwinnett residents could face $500 fine for not recycling
Gwinnett residents could face $500 fine for not recycling
"We don’t intend for this to be the garbage gestapo, running around, looking in people’s garbage about what’s there and what’s not there,” said Connie Wiggins, executive director of Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful, which is administering Gwinnett’s waste disposal program. “I believe the fine applies to all categories, and certainly, if we saw excessive abuses of materials being thrown in the garbage.”"
Maybe not a "gestapo" but certainly a police state.
I imagine Christmas giving to your local Sturmabteilung ... I mean garbage man, will increase this year.... massively.
"We don’t intend for this to be the garbage gestapo, running around, looking in people’s garbage about what’s there and what’s not there,” said Connie Wiggins, executive director of Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful, which is administering Gwinnett’s waste disposal program. “I believe the fine applies to all categories, and certainly, if we saw excessive abuses of materials being thrown in the garbage.”"
Maybe not a "gestapo" but certainly a police state.
I imagine Christmas giving to your local Sturmabteilung ... I mean garbage man, will increase this year.... massively.
Thursday, December 04, 2008
The Harbor Theater
The Harbor Theater:
"Muskegon's Only Source of Independent and Foreign Cinema"
I've been critical of The Harbor's marketing in the past but I somehow got signed up for their excellent e-mails of movies and events at The Harbor.
Well worth your visit.
Plus they have a blog!
"Muskegon's Only Source of Independent and Foreign Cinema"
I've been critical of The Harbor's marketing in the past but I somehow got signed up for their excellent e-mails of movies and events at The Harbor.
Well worth your visit.
Plus they have a blog!
Do it!
The Volokh Conspiracy - -
The Volokh Conspiracy - -: "Why Isn't Ohio's Indoor Smoking Ban Reducing Smoking? In 2006, Ohio voters approved a ban on smoking indoors, including bars and restaurants. The ban took effects in December 2006. One would think that the prohibition would reduce smoking rates, right? After all, the prohibition increases the costs of smoking quite significantly for many smokers (particularly in the winter). Yet according to this story, the smoking rate in Ohio has increased by three percent since 2007. What gives?
48 Comments"
48 Comments"
Jobless rate up less than feared
Jobless rate up less than feared
"Muskegon community leaders and economic developers were bracing for the worst with the release of the local October unemployment figures from the state.
But despite the meltdown in the national economy and continued woes in the state's automotive industry, Muskegon County's unemployment rose to only 9.8 percent in October, from 9.3 percent in September."
WOW!
"Experts" had "feared" for worst.
And were wrong AGAIN!
Can anyone tell me why anyone listens to "experts" who are so consistently wrong in their expectations, fears, prognostications, bla,bla,bla?
"Muskegon community leaders and economic developers were bracing for the worst with the release of the local October unemployment figures from the state.
But despite the meltdown in the national economy and continued woes in the state's automotive industry, Muskegon County's unemployment rose to only 9.8 percent in October, from 9.3 percent in September."
WOW!
"Experts" had "feared" for worst.
And were wrong AGAIN!
Can anyone tell me why anyone listens to "experts" who are so consistently wrong in their expectations, fears, prognostications, bla,bla,bla?
And isn't it interesting that the focus of this story is on the "experts" and not the awful 9.8% unemployment!
City manager warns of possible layoffs
City manager warns of possible layoffs
"City Manager Natasha Henderson recently notified city employees of the pending financial crisis by memo.
'I am sure that you are aware that the City of Muskegon Heights is facing severe economic challenges,' Henderson wrote in the Nov. 19 memo. 'As a result, we may be forced to make some difficult decisions relative to reductions in our work force.'
Her memo indicates that no decisions have been made on which employees might be affected. But the 'possibility of layoffs' presumably includes police and fire officers."
Why not?
The old "if you don't give us more money we'll fire police, cops, road crews" threat ALWAYS works.
"There's a sucker born every minute" has been the backbone of support for big government.
Ain't gonna change soon.
"City Manager Natasha Henderson recently notified city employees of the pending financial crisis by memo.
'I am sure that you are aware that the City of Muskegon Heights is facing severe economic challenges,' Henderson wrote in the Nov. 19 memo. 'As a result, we may be forced to make some difficult decisions relative to reductions in our work force.'
Her memo indicates that no decisions have been made on which employees might be affected. But the 'possibility of layoffs' presumably includes police and fire officers."
Why not?
The old "if you don't give us more money we'll fire police, cops, road crews" threat ALWAYS works.
"There's a sucker born every minute" has been the backbone of support for big government.
Ain't gonna change soon.
New jobless claims drop unexpectedly:
New jobless claims drop unexpectedly
"New claims for jobless benefits fell unexpectedly last week but the number of people continuing to receive government aid reached a 26-year high and large companies announced more job cuts Thursday."
Good golly!
This is really getting OLD!!!
EVERY piece of good economic news is "unexpected" and accompanied by a negative economic sound bite contrived to appear as "new" news.
And the MSM wonders why we turn them off?
"New claims for jobless benefits fell unexpectedly last week but the number of people continuing to receive government aid reached a 26-year high and large companies announced more job cuts Thursday."
Good golly!
This is really getting OLD!!!
EVERY piece of good economic news is "unexpected" and accompanied by a negative economic sound bite contrived to appear as "new" news.
And the MSM wonders why we turn them off?
Clueless Amazon?
Nothing says "city-in-decline" like a major sign with lighted letters out.
Our Amazon Building (in the "NEW downtown!") has 1/3 of its rooftop lights out.
How many thousands of Shoreline Dr. motorists drive by each day?
And what message are they getting about Muskegon from The Amazon?
Obama "holiday mug"
Barack Obama and Joe Biden: Change We Need
Barack Obama Donate Contribute:
"This holiday season, celebrate our historic victory with a limited edition Obama coffee mug."
How festive!
And that warm glow of Christmas cheer just radiates without even having to mention Christmas!
Ummmm, Christmas warmth without the need to mention Christmas... ummmmmm.......
Barack Obama Donate Contribute:
"This holiday season, celebrate our historic victory with a limited edition Obama coffee mug."
How festive!
And that warm glow of Christmas cheer just radiates without even having to mention Christmas!
Ummmm, Christmas warmth without the need to mention Christmas... ummmmmm.......
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Hoekstra will announce he's not running for Congress before he commits to governor's race
Hoekstra will announce he's not running for Congress before he commits to governor's race
"U.S. Rep. Peter Hoekstra will not seek re-election in 2010, according to a Lansing news service.
MIRS, an online Capitol newsletter, reports Hoekstra will soon form an exploratory committee for a gubernatorial campaign, the result of a trial balloon floating for months."
"U.S. Rep. Peter Hoekstra will not seek re-election in 2010, according to a Lansing news service.
MIRS, an online Capitol newsletter, reports Hoekstra will soon form an exploratory committee for a gubernatorial campaign, the result of a trial balloon floating for months."
Governor Pete?
Sounds pretty good to me.
And GREAT for Michigan!
Metal prices fall further than during Great Depression - Telegraph
Metal prices fall further than during Great Depression
"Kevin Norrish, the bank's commodities strategist, said the average fall in the price of copper, lead, and zinc has been roughly 60pc since the peak in July this year"
The massive building for the China Olympics were the reason for the jump.
The 8-8-08 Olympics started on ...... 8-8-08..... and the prices fell when?
Right after the Olympic spending binge ended.
Who'd of guessed!
(much like the Y2K tech binge ended on..... Y2K.)
"Kevin Norrish, the bank's commodities strategist, said the average fall in the price of copper, lead, and zinc has been roughly 60pc since the peak in July this year"
The massive building for the China Olympics were the reason for the jump.
The 8-8-08 Olympics started on ...... 8-8-08..... and the prices fell when?
Right after the Olympic spending binge ended.
Who'd of guessed!
(much like the Y2K tech binge ended on..... Y2K.)
Karzai Agrees to Cluster Bomb Treaty
Karzai Agrees to Cluster Bomb Treaty
"In a surprising last-minute change of policy, the government of President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan agreed on Wednesday to join about 100 nations in signing a treaty banning the use of cluster munitions, a senior Afghan official said.
.....Representatives of about 100 nations began signing the ambitious treaty formally renouncing the use of the bombs, typically anti-personnel weapons that eject dozens of explosive bomblets when detonated. But some of the world’s biggest military powers, including the United States, China and Russia, reject the pact and many of the signatories expressed concern that the treaty they were signing fails to bind the countries most prone to military conflict. ...
Disarmament activists are already looking beyond the Bush administration and are calling on President-elect Barack Obama to sign the cluster munitions treaty and send it for ratification soon after he takes office. For good measure, they want Mr. Obama to sign a 1997 treaty banning the use and sale of anti-personnel landmines.
"In a surprising last-minute change of policy, the government of President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan agreed on Wednesday to join about 100 nations in signing a treaty banning the use of cluster munitions, a senior Afghan official said.
.....Representatives of about 100 nations began signing the ambitious treaty formally renouncing the use of the bombs, typically anti-personnel weapons that eject dozens of explosive bomblets when detonated. But some of the world’s biggest military powers, including the United States, China and Russia, reject the pact and many of the signatories expressed concern that the treaty they were signing fails to bind the countries most prone to military conflict. ...
Disarmament activists are already looking beyond the Bush administration and are calling on President-elect Barack Obama to sign the cluster munitions treaty and send it for ratification soon after he takes office. For good measure, they want Mr. Obama to sign a 1997 treaty banning the use and sale of anti-personnel landmines.
S.C. gun tax holiday: Shops see sales boom
S.C. gun tax holiday: Shops see sales boom
"Business was — you might say — booming this past weekend, as the state’s first sales tax-free weekend attracted throngs to gun shops.
“It was a tremendous incentive,” said Ronnie Thrailkill, manager of Shooter’s Choice, a West Columbia gun shop."
"Business was — you might say — booming this past weekend, as the state’s first sales tax-free weekend attracted throngs to gun shops.
“It was a tremendous incentive,” said Ronnie Thrailkill, manager of Shooter’s Choice, a West Columbia gun shop."
Jeeze, reduce taxes and increase revenue!
Who'd of guessed?
Study: Algae blooms do billions in damage
Study: Algae blooms do billions in damage
"Nutrient pollution that causes noxious algae blooms to blanket lakes is more than an environmental nightmare -- the problem also reduces lakefront property values and causes billions of dollars in other economic losses, according to a new study.
Scientists at the University of Kansas concluded that algae blooms fueled by excessive concentrations of phosphorus and nitrogen in surface waters across the U.S. cause at least $4 billion damage annually. Most of the damage comes in the form of reduced lakefront property values, degraded fisheries and other recreational activities and the loss of biological diversity."
"Nutrient pollution that causes noxious algae blooms to blanket lakes is more than an environmental nightmare -- the problem also reduces lakefront property values and causes billions of dollars in other economic losses, according to a new study.
Scientists at the University of Kansas concluded that algae blooms fueled by excessive concentrations of phosphorus and nitrogen in surface waters across the U.S. cause at least $4 billion damage annually. Most of the damage comes in the form of reduced lakefront property values, degraded fisheries and other recreational activities and the loss of biological diversity."
Grand Rapids high school students cannot get failing grade under new policy
Grand Rapids high school students cannot get failing grade under new policy
"No Grand Rapids high school students will find failing grades on their report cards when they arrive this week.
Instead, students who performed poorly will see an 'H' for 'held' and an opportunity to make up the work and earn a passing grade by the end of the next trimester.
Teachers union leaders argue the change is another late-marking period scramble to boost sagging scores and undermines their ability to get students to show up and work hard all trimester.
Superintendent Bernard Taylor said the plan gives students a second chance to overcome problems and be successful.
'We are not watering down standards or lowering standards,' Taylor said. 'We're giving people the opportunity to meet standards when they go astray.'"
Very cool, dude!
An "F" is now an "H" and we all feel better about ourselves!
Why not make an "F" a "B" and we'll all feel even better!
"No Grand Rapids high school students will find failing grades on their report cards when they arrive this week.
Instead, students who performed poorly will see an 'H' for 'held' and an opportunity to make up the work and earn a passing grade by the end of the next trimester.
Teachers union leaders argue the change is another late-marking period scramble to boost sagging scores and undermines their ability to get students to show up and work hard all trimester.
Superintendent Bernard Taylor said the plan gives students a second chance to overcome problems and be successful.
'We are not watering down standards or lowering standards,' Taylor said. 'We're giving people the opportunity to meet standards when they go astray.'"
Very cool, dude!
An "F" is now an "H" and we all feel better about ourselves!
Why not make an "F" a "B" and we'll all feel even better!
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Governing: Vallejo bankruptcy/November 2008
Governing: Vallejo bankruptcy/November 2008: "Are other cities with budget trouble on the verge of asking the courts for relief?
When the town of Vallejo, California, declared bankruptcy this spring, Mayor Osby Davis predicted — and rightly so — that he'd get an earful from his constituents, employees and retirees. What he didn't anticipate was the chorus of phone calls from mayors outside the city, both close by and clear across the country. They told him they were watching Vallejo's bankruptcy proceedings closely, and some of them, he says, indicated that 'they find themselves not too far behind us.'
Vallejo, a city of 120,000 about 35 miles northeast of San Francisco, flat-out went broke this year through a combination of generous public-safety salaries, declining property values and fiscal mismanagement. The city is estimating a $17 million deficit for the current fiscal year.
Previous municipal bankruptcies generally arose from adverse legal rulings or poor investment decisions. But Vallejo's predicament stems largely from economic conditions felt by cities across the nation, namely declining revenues and rising employee costs. And that scares the dickens out of cities, unions and municipal bondholders.
'Vallejo was sort of the canary in the coal mine — the sickest patient goes first,' says Dean Gloster, an attorney representing Vallejo's unions. 'Even better-run cities are going to be facing similar issues as health care costs rise and the baby boomer generation reaches retirement age.'"
When the town of Vallejo, California, declared bankruptcy this spring, Mayor Osby Davis predicted — and rightly so — that he'd get an earful from his constituents, employees and retirees. What he didn't anticipate was the chorus of phone calls from mayors outside the city, both close by and clear across the country. They told him they were watching Vallejo's bankruptcy proceedings closely, and some of them, he says, indicated that 'they find themselves not too far behind us.'
Vallejo, a city of 120,000 about 35 miles northeast of San Francisco, flat-out went broke this year through a combination of generous public-safety salaries, declining property values and fiscal mismanagement. The city is estimating a $17 million deficit for the current fiscal year.
Previous municipal bankruptcies generally arose from adverse legal rulings or poor investment decisions. But Vallejo's predicament stems largely from economic conditions felt by cities across the nation, namely declining revenues and rising employee costs. And that scares the dickens out of cities, unions and municipal bondholders.
'Vallejo was sort of the canary in the coal mine — the sickest patient goes first,' says Dean Gloster, an attorney representing Vallejo's unions. 'Even better-run cities are going to be facing similar issues as health care costs rise and the baby boomer generation reaches retirement age.'"
My Way News - Rastafarian can sue over Jiffy Lube hair policy
My Way News - Rastafarian can sue over Jiffy Lube hair policy: "A Rastafarian man who refused to shave off his beard or cut his hair to comply with a Jiffy Lube employee grooming policy can take his religious discrimination case to trial, Massachusetts' highest court ruled Tuesday.
The Supreme Judicial Court reversed a decision by a Superior Court judge who had dismissed Bobby T. Brown's lawsuit against a Jiffy Lube franchisee before a trial."
The Supreme Judicial Court reversed a decision by a Superior Court judge who had dismissed Bobby T. Brown's lawsuit against a Jiffy Lube franchisee before a trial."
We won't smell the tourists anymore
We_wont_smell_the_tourists_anymore
"The Capitol Visitors Center, which opened this morning, may have tripled its original budget and fallen years behind schedule, but Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid found a silver lining for members of Congress: tourists won't offend them with their B.O. anymore.
'My staff tells me not to say this, but I'm going to say it anyway,' said Reid in his remarks. 'In the summer because of the heat and high humidity, you could literally smell the tourists coming into the Capitol. It may be descriptive but it's true.'
But it's no longer going to be true, noted Reid, thanks to the air conditioned, indoor space.
And that's not all. 'We have many bathrooms here, as you can see,' Reid continued. 'Souvenirs are available.'
$621 million well spent."
"The Capitol Visitors Center, which opened this morning, may have tripled its original budget and fallen years behind schedule, but Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid found a silver lining for members of Congress: tourists won't offend them with their B.O. anymore.
'My staff tells me not to say this, but I'm going to say it anyway,' said Reid in his remarks. 'In the summer because of the heat and high humidity, you could literally smell the tourists coming into the Capitol. It may be descriptive but it's true.'
But it's no longer going to be true, noted Reid, thanks to the air conditioned, indoor space.
And that's not all. 'We have many bathrooms here, as you can see,' Reid continued. 'Souvenirs are available.'
$621 million well spent."
Sunday, November 30, 2008
NBC Exec: Obama's Skin Color Gives Him More Legitimacy Than Any American Leader In History | NewsBusters.org
NBC Exec: Obama's Skin Color Gives Him More Legitimacy Than Any American Leader In History NewsBusters.org: "Imagine that. Because Obama is black, before he even steps into the White House and accomplishes one darned thing he already has more legitimacy around the world than possibly every American president that came before him."
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