Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Leap year is a sign of the shifting times

Leap year is a sign of the shifting times – USATODAY.com
Chaos, basically, without Feb. 29. Thank goodness for Julius Caesar, Pope Gregory XIII, and leap years to keep our calendar from misbehaving.

Lakeshore SlimDown Challenge Week 2 TV Show! on Vimeo

Lakeshore SlimDown Challenge Week 2 TV Show! on Vimeo

BARACK OBAMA DOESN’T CARE ABOUT WHITE PEOPLE

BARACK OBAMA DOESN’T CARE ABOUT WHITE PEOPLE
Obama: I’ll veto bill that will provide water to California’s Central Valley.

The Other GM Bailout

Review & Outlook: The Other GM Bailout - WSJ.com
by manipulating corporate tax rules by fiat, "Treasury gave the firm (and its owners, including the UAW) $18 billion more in assets."
Thus a Democratic Administration gave "a massive tax benefit to one of the party's biggest supporters."
The other problem is that the move put Ford and GM's other competitors at a disadvantage, as bailouts always do.

Dead People Receive Ballots in NH Primary

Unthinkable Thoughts

Unthinkable Thoughts - WSJ.com
How feminism deforms intellectual culture.

Sex-Crazed Co-Eds Going Broke Buying Birth Control, Student Tells Pelosi Hearing Touting Freebie Mandate

Sex-Crazed Co-Eds Going Broke Buying Birth Control, Student Tells Pelosi Hearing Touting Freebie Mandate CNSNews.com
"Forty percent of the female students at Georgetown Law reported to us that they struggled financially as a result of this policy (Georgetown student insurance not covering contraception), Fluke reported.

It costs a female student $3,000 to have protected sex over the course of her three-year stint in law school, according to her calculations.

Republican Joe Graves captures most of 51st District in special election victory

Republican Joe Graves captures most of 51st District in special election victory MLive.com
He won every precinct in Argentine, Atlas and Fenton townships as well as the cities of Fenton and Linden -- Losey's hometown.
He also won a majority of precincts in Grand Blanc Township.
The only community Losey dominated was Mundy Township, where he won eight of the nine precincts.

More on the MEA defeat for Paul Scott's seat.
How'd that recall work out for ya, MEA?
Do teachers really like wasting their big union dues?

Who says your vote doesn't count!

February 28, 2012 Election - Local Proposals (Muskegon County Results Only)

RAVENNA PUBLIC SCHOOLS PROPOSAL

             4 of 4 Precincts Reporting               Total
  YES                                                   334
  NO                                                    335




73  of   73   Precincts Reporting

Unofficial Results

Greimel wins state House seat

Greimel wins state House seat The Detroit News detroitnews.com
In Genesee County, Republican Joseph Graves will replace state Rep. Paul Scott, R-Grand Blanc, who was recalled in November. Graves took 53 percent of the vote for the 51st state House District, beating Democrat Steven M. Losey, for the term that expires in December.

THIS IS BIG!
The MEA spent tons of $$$$$ and reputation defeating a republican...and a republican just won!
How'd that recall work out for ya, MEA?

Congressional district results prove to be close

Congressional district results prove to be close Detroit Free Press freep.com
As a result, Romney wins 21 delegates from the congressional district results, according to results posted by the Michigan Republican Party. However, only 14 will be allowed to vote at the national convention because the state party broke national GOP rules when it moved its primary ahead of the Super Tuesday contests next week.

Santorum wins 18 delegates from the congressional districts, but only 12 of those will be able to vote.

The statewide popular vote will be distributed between Romney and Santorum on a proportional basis with 14 at-large delegates at stake.
Only two of those can vote.
How those will be divvied up hasn't been determined.

U.S. Rep. Ron Paul of Texas, who ended up with 12% of the statewide vote, won't get any at-large delegates because he needed to get at least 15% of the statewide vote to qualify

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Obama's Food Stamp Fetish

The American Spectator : Obama's Food Stamp Fetish
The food stamp program, part of the Department of Agriculture, is pleased to be distributing the greatest amount of food stamps ever.
Meanwhile, the Park Service, also part of the Department of Agriculture, asks us to "Please Do Not Feed the Animals" because the animals may grow dependent and not learn to take care of themselves.
-- Recent viral e-mail (author unknown)

Report: Government Wasting 'tens Of Billions' Of Dollars Annually On Duplication, Overlap

Report: Government Wasting 'tens Of Billions' Of Dollars Annually On Duplication, Overlap Fox News

Fighting in Amateur Hockey Leagues May Be on Way Out

Fighting in Amateur Hockey Leagues May Be on Way Out - NYTimes.com

Why Did This Landing Go Wrong?

Market crash and street riots within a year: Americans should plan for an economic 9/11

Market crash and street riots within a year: Americans should plan for an economic 9/11 Mail Online
But analysts say Americans will riot when another Great Depression hits

Muskegon Heights starting teachers would earn $21,000 under latest plan

Muskegon Heights starting teachers would earn $21,000 under latest plan MLive.com
Teachers' starting salary currently is $35,096, and the most teachers there can earn is $67,916, according to a salary schedule posted on the district's website.

On goals, fans, walk-ons, legends and Hoosiers

On goals, fans, walk-ons, legends and Hoosiers - LSJ Blogs: Hey, Joe
MSU coach Tom Izzo said he gradually saw more possibilities for the Spartans as they answered his questions.
That started with junior center Derrick Nix’s offseason push to get in shape.
“What he really did is work his butt off, literally,” Izzo said of Nix. “And took his stomach with him.”

Great quote.
Great article.
Go Green!

Soldiers don fake belly, breasts to better understand pregnant troops' exercise concerns

Soldiers don fake belly, breasts to better understand pregnant troops' exercise concerns - Army - Stripes
The Army is ordering its hardened combat veterans to wear fake breasts and empathy bellies so they can better understand how pregnant soldiers feel during physical training.

Hopin' for change NOW!

The Work Ethic and U.S. Unemployment

Articles: The Work Ethic and U.S. Unemployment
Quality does not mean technical skills acquired in college classrooms or what is learned on the job.
It refers to basic dispositions required for every job, from ditch-digger to neurosurgeon -- even for sports, --and summarized by the term "work ethic."
Absent these, all the billions in educational spending or tax cuts are pointless.
Here's the discouraging point: in today's social climate, imparting a solid work ethic in those who lack it is exceedingly difficult -- and in some cases, impossible.

Monday, February 27, 2012

Milwaukee Clipper's proposed move to Heritage Landing on Muskegon County agenda

Milwaukee Clipper's proposed move to Heritage Landing on Muskegon County agenda MLive.com
The planning session is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at the county’s training center on the South Campus near the intersection of Apple and Pine in Muskegon.

EVERYONE IS INVITED!!!!!!!!!
Be there!

Self-Employed Workers vs. Government Workers

Self-Employed Workers vs. Government Workers – A Financial Comparison « Union Watch
In both cases, the annual compensation used for comparison is $70,000, which is the average base salary paid to state and local government employees in California (ref. U.S. Census data for California: State, and Local).
But the impact of benefits paid by the government employer, combined with the impact of mandatory employee contributions (taxes, retirement set-asides, and healthcare costs), yield dramatically different end results in terms of total net compensation.
Both the self-employed worker and the government worker make $70,000 per year.
But to say they make the same amount of money is grossly misleading.

The loony Left, out to destroy youngsters' hopes of a job

The loony Left, out to destroy youngsters' hopes of a job - Telegraph
And yet there are a tiny number of bellyachers from the Socialist Workers Party who have decided that they hate the scheme, that it is a ramp for bullying and exploitation, and that they are going to disrupt it in any way they can.
The amazing thing is that they appear to be succeeding.
They have been sitting with their placards in McDonald’s and Tesco, and wailing about “slave labour”.

UN Ready to Adopt Report Praising Gaddafi Human Rights Record

UN Ready to Adopt Report Praising Gaddafi Human Rights Record - Katie Pavlich
Two points:
The first being yes, the report was drawn up before the Libyan uprising, however, the fact that the UN is still even considering the report's adoption is ridiculous.
Second, is it really possible the UN can embarrass itself further?

Spartans win Big Ten with unselfishness

Michael Rosenberg: Spartans win Big Ten with unselfishness Detroit Free Press freep.com
It is a testament to Green's unselfishness that he can take credit for the team's unselfishness and still sound unselfish

Chevy Volt - Building A Better Tomorrow

Michigan Retirement

Michigan Retirement

Vintage fighter plane lands safely after landing gear trouble

Vintage fighter plane lands safely after landing gear trouble al.com
After the landing gear problem arose, the owner of the plane Gardner was flying, Cavanaugh Flight Museum of Dallas, got the pilot in contact by radio with Bob Hoover, a 90-year-old P-51 veteran from World War II and the Korean War

The Unstoppable Teacher Pension Fund Monster

The Unstoppable Teacher Pension Fund Monster [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
The upward trend of these payments is striking:
In 1984, they cost just 3.22 percent of school payroll expenses.
Today they swallow nearly 25 percent of payroll.

Algae, European Gas Prices, and Born in the U.S.A

Algae, European Gas Prices, and Born in the U.S.A - By Victor Davis Hanson - The Corner - National Review Online
As gas nears $5-a-gallon out west, the president, who has cancelled a key pipeline and frozen federal leases from Alaska to the East Coast, teaches us about American algae potential, in the way he used to emphasize the importance of tire pressure and “tune-ups.”

UK has run out of money

George Osborne: UK has run out of money - Telegraph
The Government 'has run out of money' and cannot afford debt-fuelled tax cuts or extra spending, George Osborne has admitted.

AAA Michigan: Gas prices up 24 cents in past week

AAA Michigan: Gas prices up 24 cents in past week Detroit Free Press freep.com

Read the entire article.
No frowny faces, no angst about the poor.
Just "nothing going on here, move along".
If "it's Bush's fault" won't work anymore, just bury the story....and it'll go away?

Marshals Service shares loot forfeited from criminals

Marshals Service shares loot forfeited from criminals Detroit Free Press freep.com
Seizing criminals' ill-gotten gains has become a booming business for Uncle Sam, especially in these lean economic times.

Edmunds: Spring For U.S. Car Sales, Winter For GM

Edmunds: Spring For U.S. Car Sales, Winter For GM The Truth About Cars
Edmunds has handed in its predictions for February sales.
Its bottom line is similar to the forecast made by Kelley Blue Book a few days ago: More than a million cars sold, GM the big loser of the month.

Bill in works to let Michigan's community colleges offer 4-year degrees in nursing, other fields

Bill in works to let Michigan's community colleges offer 4-year degrees in nursing, other fields Detroit Free Press freep.com

A way to reduce college costs......or just add another bunch of crooks to the student ripoff bandwagon?

Oscars 2012 - The Real Winners and Losers - Forbes

Oscars 2012 - The Real Winners and Losers - Forbes
Crystal was a late addition to the Oscar telecast after Eddie Murphy and Brett Ratner dropped out.
While he helped the show move quickly his bits felt incredibly out of date and he made the whole event feel very much like a small group of old people patting themselves on the back.

Billy Crystal’s Shtick, and the Academy, Need Freshening - NYTimes.com

Billy Crystal’s Shtick, and the Academy, Need Freshening - NYTimes.com
The industry congratulates itself on its big, progressive heart but it’s the progressivism of a 62-year-old white man — the median age of Academy voters, according to a study by The Los Angeles Times.

Sunday, February 26, 2012

EyeOnMuskegon

Engineering Society of Detroit creates ‘pipeline’ to address state’s shortage of engineers

Engineering Society of Detroit creates ‘pipeline’ to address state’s shortage of engineers Crain's Detroit Business
Other actions that need to be taken, he said, include:

• The state Legislature’s creating a Michigan Investment Corporation Act before the next election to lower the cost of doing business in the state by 30 percent without relying on tax or fiscal incentives.
He said that “a new mega-authority that lowers the cost of doing business by 30 percent (could turn) Michigan into the Hong Kong of the U.S.”

• Enacting a health care delivery system based on best practices.

• Organizing a manufacturing symposium by the engineering society to help Michigan better compete against the Chinese and others.

• Gov. Rick Snyder’s signing an executive order mandating the use of best practices to reduce waste in public construction projects.

Editorial: What does 'something big' mean in Muskegon?

Editorial: What does 'something big' mean in Muskegon? MLive.com
rightofyou posts:

"You are coming at this problem from the wrong angle.
In a nutshell, Muskegon's problem is it's reputation as a 'far left, pro-union' town and government that refuses to get out of the way of those that want to do truly 'big things' here in Muskegon.
This will never change until Muskegon wises up and finally elects a 'pro-business' representation.
Until then, dream on as you continue to whither!"

Riders oppose bus cut plan

Riders oppose bus cut plan The Detroit News detroitnews.com
Detroit— Frustrations with the city's bus operations boiled over Friday as dozens of residents voiced opposition to the city's plan to eliminate routes and weekend service next week for the system's 104,000 daily riders.

A look at Romney’s big economic speech

A look at Romney’s big economic speech « The Enterprise Blog
Here’s a lovely Wordle word cloud of Mitt Romney’s speech yesterday in Michigan:

"Wordle"
Cool!

Ficano's move to end 401(k) perk OK'd

Briefs: Ficano's move to end 401(k) perk OK'd The Detroit News detroitnews.com
The board of the Wayne County Retirement System signed off Friday on a plan by Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano to end a perk that pays his appointees $5 for every $1 they kick into their retirement.

Green Energy Company Struggles, Lays Off Workers — But Rewards Top Executives

Green Energy Company Struggles, Lays Off Workers — But Rewards Top Executives [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
In the nine months since David Prystash was named ChiefFinancial Officer of A123 Systems — thebattery manufacturer that received $390.1 million in federal and state subsidies — the company has laid off 125 employees and had a net loss of $172 million throughthe first three quarters of 2011.

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Passerby ignore 86-year-old carjacking victim crawling for help at gas station

Video: Passerby ignore 86-year-old carjacking victim crawling for help at gas station MLive.com
An 86-year-old World War II veteran whose leg was broken when he was carjacked at a gas station was ignored by customers as he crawled through the parking lot for help.

Thieves hit Aaron Brantley from behind and stole his 2010 Chrysler 200 (recently purchased to replace another stolen car) at 10:40 a.m. on Wednesday, according to the Detroit Free Press.
The gas station is located at W. McNichols and Fairfield, just west of the campus of University of Detroit-Mercy.

Halftime in Detroit

Review & Outlook: Halftime in Detroit - WSJ.com
Halftime in Detroit
Taxpayers will be paying for the auto bailouts for decades to come.

Networks Hype Rising Gas Prices 4 Times More for Bush, Than Obama

Networks Hype Rising Gas Prices 4 Times More for Bush, Than Obama Media Research Center

Operation Hilarity: Could the 'mischief vote' from Democrats and independents shake up the Romney-Santorum race in Michigan?

Operation Hilarity: Could the 'mischief vote' from Democrats and independents shake up the Romney-Santorum race in Michigan? MLive.com

Lindzen totally pwns the alarmists

Lindzen totally pwns the alarmists – Telegraph Blogs
"Stated briefly, I will simply try to clarify what the debate over climate change is really about.
It most certainly is not about whether climate is changing: it always is.
It is not about whether CO2 is increasing: it clearly is.
It is not about whether the increase in CO2, by itself, will lead to some warming: it should.
The debate is simply over the matter of how much warming the increase in CO2 can lead to, and the connection of such warming to the innumerable claimed catastrophes.
The evidence is that the increase in CO2 will lead to very little warming, and that the connection of this minimal warming (or even significant warming) to the purported catastrophes is also minimal.
The arguments on which the catastrophic claims are made are extremely weak – and commonly acknowledged as such.
They are sometimes overtly dishonest."

A pro-military film

A pro-military film—Michael A. Walsh - NYPOST.com
After a string of anti-war, anti-military (and arguably anti-American) war movies, Hollywood finally gets it right.
The Navy SEAL drama “Act of Valor” opens tomorrow in theaters nationwide.

Aging of Eyes Is Blamed in Circadian Rhythm Disturbances

Aging of Eyes Is Blamed in Circadian Rhythm Disturbances - NYTimes.com
Aging of Eyes Is Blamed for Range of Health Woes

The Perversion of Rights

The Perversion of Rights - Mark Steyn
The transformation of “human rights” from restraints upon state power into a pretext for state power is nicely encapsulated in the language of Article 14 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, which states that everyone has the right “to receive free compulsory education.”
Got that?
You have the human right to be forced to do something by the government.

The Perversion of Rights

The Perversion of Rights - Mark Steyn
The transformation of “human rights” from restraints upon state power into a pretext for state power is nicely encapsulated in the language of Article 14 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, which states that everyone has the right “to receive free compulsory education.”
Got that?
You have the human right to be forced to do something by the government.

Acclaimed physicist Stephen Hawking 'a regular' at Calif. strip joint

Acclaimed physicist Stephen Hawking 'a regular' at Calif. strip joint - NYPOST.com
Stephen Hawking certainly has discovered some new heavenly bodies — at a California jiggle joint.

The apparently sex-crazed 70-year-old genius astrophysicist, who is confined to a wheelchair by Lou Gehrig’s disease and uses a computer to speak, has been spotted several times getting lap dances at California sex club Devore, RadarOnline reported today.

Hawking, whose work on black holes earned him international acclaim, arrives at the club with an entourage of nurses and assistants and has "naked women grind on him," RadarOnline reported.

Debt ceiling: Doomsday may come sooner than expected

Debt ceiling: Doomsday may come sooner than expected - POLITICO.com
Analysts from the Bipartisan Policy Center projected that the United States will hit its $16.4 trillion debt ceiling between late November 2012 and early January 2013 due to lower-than-expected corporate tax revenues and the recent extension of the payroll tax holiday

Registering Tim Tebow and Tom Brady to Vote in Minnesota

St. Louis Fed President Says ‘Bad Luck’ Responsible for Economy

St. Louis Fed President Says ‘Bad Luck’ Responsible for Economy Washington Free Beacon
On CNBC Squawk Box:

JAMES BULLARD: The economy, I think 2011, you know, I think the chairman said maybe obliquely, but it’s a bit of bad luck in 2011, I have to say. I was expecting better things in 2011. I thought that that would be the year…

HOST: Bad luck for the economy?

BULLARD: Bad luck for the economy

Democrats Are Praying for a Santorum Nomination

Dorothy Rabinowitz: Democrats Are Praying for a Santorum Nomination - WSJ.com
The Republicans have already provided President Obama with high-value gifts this election year, but none nearly as delectable as the prospect of a run against Mr. Santorum.

'Privilege of Being an American' Is Why Rich Need Higher Taxes

Geithner: 'Privilege of Being an American' Is Why Rich Need Higher Taxes The Weekly Standard
"That’s the kind of balance you need," said Geithner.
"Why is that the case?
Because if you don't try to generate more revenues through tax reform, if you don't ask, you know, the most fortunate Americans to bear a slightly larger burden of the privilege of being an American, then you have to -- the only way to achieve fiscal sustainability is through unacceptably deep cuts in benefits for middle class seniors, or unacceptably deep cuts in national security."

‘Lunch-In’ Protests Crackdown on Homemade Lunches

‘Lunch-In’ Protests Crackdown on Homemade Lunches The Weekly Standard
The location of today’s protest “lunch-in,” Freedom Plaza, is on land owned by the federal government, under the management of the National Park Service.

Who Will Be The Next Ron Paul?

Who Will Be The Next Ron Paul? - Reason Magazine
As Dr. No retires, here are three House members who might claim his libertarian mantle.
.......1.) Rep. Justin Amash (R-Mich.)

Friday, February 24, 2012

Police Called As Fights Break Out Before Release Of New Nike Sneaker In Florida

Police Called As Fights Break Out Before Release Of New Nike Sneaker In Florida Fox News
The shoes cost $220 and on Craigslist, someone offered a car -- a 1996 Cavalier -- for a pair, with others prepared to pay $2400.

A re-release by Nike of Air Jordan XI late last year sparked a U.S.-wide shopping frenzy which led to fights, vandalism and arrests as desperate shoppers scrambled to buy the limited edition shoes.

GOP-Dominated Senate To SEIU

GOP-Dominated Senate To SEIU: 'Here's $4 Million' [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
Last June, the House passed legislation (House Bill 4003)that would outlaw the “skim.”
But so far the Senate has refused to pass themeasure.

WHO do we recall?!!!!!!

Government, big data pose bigger 'Net threat than criminals

Schneier: government, big data pose bigger 'Net threat than criminals
Unlike the security risks posed by criminals, the threat from government regulation and data hoarders such as Apple and Google are more insidious because they threaten to alter the fabric of the Internet itself.
They're also different from traditional Internet threats because the perpetrators are shielded in a cloak of legitimacy.
As a result, many people don't recognize that their personal information or fortunes are more susceptible to these new forces than they ever were to the Russian Business Network or other Internet gangsters.

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Chart: Nearly Half of All Americans Don't Pay Income Taxes

Chart: Nearly Half of All Americans Don't Pay Income Taxes
This year’s Index of Dependence on Government presented startling findings about the sharp increase of Americans who rely on the federal government for housing, food, income, student aid or other assistance

Hallucination: Obama wants 80% of energy from ‘clean’ sources by 2035

Hallucination: Obama wants 80% of energy from ‘clean’ sources by 2035 JunkScience.com
President Obama’s business tax reform plan released today says:
...................Cleaner energy will play a crucial role in slowing global climate change, meeting the President’s goal of producing 80 percent of our nation’s electricity from clean sources by 2035…
Obama plans to accomplish this goal as follows:

Insanity?

THE TWEET OF THE DAY

THE TWEET OF THE DAY:
FROM JAMES TARANTO, THE TWEET OF THE DAY:
Weird religion: Satan is against America. Normal religion: “God damn America.”

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

CARPE DIEM: First the Dutch Pull the Plug on Wind Subsidies, Now Germany Throws in Towel on Solar Subsidies

CARPE DIEM: First the Dutch Pull the Plug on Wind Subsidies, Now Germany Throws in Towel on Solar Subsidies
"One of the world’s biggest green-energy public-policy experiments is coming to a bitter end in Germany, with important lessons for policymakers elsewhere.

Unemployment Rate Not as Rosy as it Appears

Unemployment Rate Not as Rosy as it Appears [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
But a big reason for the state’s rosier outlook is a large drop in the state’s labor force, something University of Michigan economist Don Grimes calls “one of the least understood results” of the economic recovery.

Michigan’s workforce has dropped from 5.1 million in January 2006 to 4.6 million in December 2011.
Michigan added 13,000 jobs in December of 2011, but the labor force decreased by 11,705 jobs.

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Rick Santorum here in Muskegon Monday!

Holiday Inn-Downtown Muskegon
3:00PM
Everyone invited.
Be there!
I will.

The threat from Iran grows ever graver

The threat from Iran grows ever graver - Telegraph
As William Hague, the Foreign Secretary, warns in his interview with this newspaper today, any such decision on the part of the regime would trigger a “new Cold War in the Middle East without, necessarily, all the safety mechanisms”.

The threat from Iran grows ever graver

The threat from Iran grows ever graver - Telegraph
As William Hague, the Foreign Secretary, warns in his interview with this newspaper today, any such decision on the part of the regime would trigger a “new Cold War in the Middle East without, necessarily, all the safety mechanisms”.

Tax-Raising Rick Snyder ‘Positively’ Imperils Michigan’s Recovery

PJ Media » Tax-Raising Rick Snyder ‘Positively’ Imperils Michigan’s Recovery
The state still has a long, long way to go, which makes it absolutely appalling that the big agenda item right now in Lansing is how to raise gas taxes and vehicle registration fees in a “bipartisan,” politically survivable way.

The Scariest Housing Market Chart Ever

The Scariest Housing Market Chart Ever

Muskegon County concerned about governor's incentive-based funding proposal

Muskegon County concerned about governor's incentive-based funding proposal MLive.com
“I’m not in favor of an incentive-based system because it’s subjective, so there’s a chance we won’t receive the money we were promised,” Hammersley said.

Hit or miss: Quick opinions about newsmakers and events | MLive.com

Hit or miss: Quick opinions about newsmakers and events MLive.com: A brief Editorial Board look at the recent actions of Muskegon area newsmakers and events:

HIT
• Love Muskegon: We all love our home community, but many of us get bogged down in the challenges the community faces instead of embracing what's fantastic about living here. Now you can download a logo that will remind you every day. Sure it's a little thing, but one small step can launch a giant leap for our community. Check out www.LoveMuskegon.com.

• Muskegon City Commission diversity push: City commissioners have made expanding the diversity of the city police force and all city staff one of their top five goals. They're going to have their work cut out for them. Changing the city's civil service system, which has been defeated at the polls nine times, is not going to be easy. Commissioners better brush up on their arguments now. And it wouldn't hurt to try to generate quality police academy applicants from among area high school and college students. Maybe an internship like Muskegon Heights just implemented or adapting the Citizens Academy to young people would be a place to start.

• Global Awareness Festival: Muskegon Community College's emphasis on the Middle East at this year's event couldn't come at a better time. It will help area residents sort out the 2011 Arab Spring and what it means for the U.S. Events continue through Thursday featuring lectures, documentaries, seminars and an art exhibit. Best part: You don't have to be a student to attend.

Muskegon County takes step toward bus service for rural areas

Muskegon County takes step toward bus service for rural areas MLive.comThe grant would cover 100 percent of the capital costs.
County officials said the operation expenses for the proposed rural service would be eligible for federal and state assistance programs.

Controversial wood-to-ethanol plant may finally get under way in Upper Peninsula

Controversial wood-to-ethanol plant may finally get under way in Upper Peninsula Detroit Free Press freep.com
After a lengthy delay, construction of what could be the nation's first large-scale wood-to-ethanol plant in the country is to start this year in Michigan's eastern Upper Peninsula.
If successful, the $232-million biorefinery in Kinross Charter Township would transform the production of ethanol and spawn dozens of other facilities like it.
It sounds like something out of science fiction: create 20 million gallons of ethanol each year by combining bugs with half a million tons of wood chips.
That's the premise behind the ethanol plant.
It's one of a number of projects around the country that are racing to become the first to produce large quantities of ethanol from non-food materials, such as trees, garbage and algae

Friday, February 17, 2012

MI5 files: Was Chaplin really a Frenchman and called Thornstein?

MI5 files: Was Chaplin really a Frenchman and called Thornstein? - Telegraph
MI5 investigated whether Charlie Chaplin was actually a Frenchman called Israel Thornstein, previously secret files on the Hollywood film star have revealed.

Slow walking 'predicts dementia'

BBC News - Slow walking 'predicts dementia'
They also told a conference that grip strength in middle-age was linked to the chance of a stroke.

Dead will rise on Election Day

MURDOCK: Dead will rise on Election Day - Washington Times
Reports of dead voters are greatly understated.
While Democrats dismiss vote fraud as a collective Republican hallucination, a study released Tuesday by the Pew Center for the States confirms the GOP’s concerns.
The ghosts in America’s voting machines may be the least of our worries.

Pew has discovered that 1.8 million dead Americans are registered to vote.
Perhaps worse, 2.75 million Americans are enrolled in two states each, while 68,725 are signed up in three.
Indeed, Pew found, “24 million - 1 of every 8 - active voter registrations in the United States are no longer valid or are significantly inaccurate.”

There is only ONE political party that resists fixing this fraud against the American voter......can ya guess who?

Who Killed the Jobs?

Who Killed the Jobs? Power Line
This chart tells you just about everything you need to know as you prepare to vote in 2012

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Why I'm rooting for Barack Obama

Why I'm rooting for Barack Obama – Telegraph Blogs
Let's get one thing clear: Obama unquestionably ranks among the bottom five presidents in US history.
In terms of sublime awfulness he's right up there with our late and extremely unlamented ex-PM Gordon Brown – which is quite some doing, given that Brown singlehandedly wrought more destruction on his country than the Luftwaffe, Dutch Elm Disease, the South Sea Bubble, the Fire of London and the Black Death combined.

Agreed: the damage President Obama has done to the US economy with everything from Ben Bernanke's insane money-printing programme, to his cancellation of the Keystone XL pipeline, to his ban on deep-water drilling to his crony capitalism hand-outs to disaster zones like Solyndra to his persecution of companies like Gibson is incalculable.
And, of course, if he gets a second term the damage he and his rag-bag of Marxist cronies at organisations like the Environmental Protection Agency manage to inflict on the US small businessman trying to make an honest buck will make his first term look like Calvin Coolidge on steroids.

So why do I think this would be preferable to a presidency under Mitt Romney?
Simple.
Because I've seen what happens, America, when you elect yet another spineless, yet ruthless, principle-free blow-with-the-wind, big government, crony-capitalist RINO squish.

We Are on the Road to Bankruptcy

RealClearPolitics - We Are on the Road to Bankruptcy
But what the president was talking about is not even a cut.
The politicians just agreed that over the next 10 years, instead of increasing spending by $9.48 trillion, they'd increase it by "just" $7.3 trillion. Calling that a "cut" is nonsense.

Mitchell gave an analogy:
"What if I came to you and said, 'I've been on a diet for the last month, and I've gained 10 pounds. Isn't that great?'
You would say:
'Wait, what are you talking about?
That's insane.'
And I said:
'I was going to gain 15 pounds.
I've only gained 10 pounds, therefore my diet is successful.'"

Why did Santorum lose in 2006?

Why did Santorum lose in 2006? Campaign 2012 Washington Examiner

Right Direction or Wrong Track

Right Direction or Wrong Track - Rasmussen Reports™
Thirty-four percent (34%) of Likely U.S. Voters say the country is heading in the right direction, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey taken the week ending Sunday, February 12.

HUH??!!!!

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Obama 2012 Budget Proposes Higher Tax Credit For Plug-In Cars

Obama 2012 Budget Proposes Higher Tax Credit For Plug-In Cars - The Washington Post
The budget also suggested that the tax credit for purchase of an electric vehicle be raised from its current $7,500 to $10,000

Why I Carry A Gun (at Home): When Seconds Count Edition | The Truth About Guns

Why I Carry A Gun (at Home): When Seconds Count Edition The Truth About Guns
In any case, the fact remains that to protect herself, a gun on her hip would have been infinitely better than a phone at her ear.

Guy McPherson to discuss 'Stone Age' future at Muskegon Community College Wednesday

Guy McPherson to discuss 'Stone Age' future at Muskegon Community College Wednesday MLive.com
In the future, the human population will be much smaller and we’ll live without electricity or any of the modern conveniences most of us wouldn’t know how to survive without, Guy McPherson says.
And we’ll be healthier and probably happier for it, he said.

Say WHAT?!!!!!
This is the enviro-left so loved by the MSM.
Fear them!
But don't ignore them.
I'll be there tomorrow night.

Big Brother

Big Brother
If you don't have a holy &^% moment when watching this this video, you don't have a pulse.
At every turn, it seems, the creepiness factor of advances in drone technology seems to be accelerating.
This was one of two developments that surfaced last week that should give anyone second thoughts. The other is the sudden intense interest in drone technology by law enforcement agencies.
Taken together, these developments represent both positive potential and a scary turn for the worse.
http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/university_figure_eight_swarm_drone_206169-1.html

Yikes!

Chicago Called Most Corrupt City In Nation

Chicago Called Most Corrupt City In Nation « CBS Chicago
It’s essentially a corruption tax on citizens who bear the cost of bad behavior — police brutality, bogus contracts, bribes, theft and ghost payrolling to name a few — and the costs needed to prosecute it.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

NC preschooler’s “unhealthy” lunch replaced with cafeteria nuggets

NC preschooler’s “unhealthy” lunch replaced with cafeteria nuggets MyFOX8.com – Greensboro, High-Point, Winston-Salem
“When home-packed lunches do not include all of the required items, child care providers must supplement them with the missing ones,” the Journal reports.
The student’s mother told the Journal she received a note from the school about the incident and was charged $1.25 for the cafeteria tray, from which her daughter only ate three chicken nuggets.

The Unemployed Are Now Going On Disability And It's Costing The Government Billions

ART CASHIN: The Unemployed Are Now Going On Disability And It's Costing The Government Billions
.......where do those people go who have stopped looking for work.
Their absence is credited with distorting the unemployment rate and making it lower than most expect or believe.
The reports I allude to, contended that many went on disability.
In fact, they projected that nearly 25% of those not actively seeking a job had applied for, and been accepted, by disability - mostly Social Security.

State of Michigan could save millions of dollars by cutting office space for 40,000 employees, report says

State of Michigan could save millions of dollars by cutting office space for 40,000 employees, report says Detroit Free Press freep.com

Whitney Houston lost most of $100 million fortune after years of drug abuse, high living 

Whitney Houston lost most of $100 million fortune after years of drug abuse, high living - NY Daily News

My top 10 favorite parts of the Daily Caller’s story on Media Matters

My top 10 favorite parts of the Daily Caller’s story on Media Matters The Daily Caller
If you haven’t read it yet, it’s a doozy.
Here are the parts I liked:

Read this!
Proof of the MSM's perfidy!

Bill would post names, salaries of public employees earning $100,000 on Michigan website

Bill would post names, salaries of public employees earning $100,000 on Michigan website MLive.com
A package of bills aimed at making government more transparent would also require severance packages and contracts worth more than $25,000 to be posted, said Rep. Thomas McMillin, R-Rochester, the bills’ sponsor.

Obama’s Budget Proves He Should Not Be Reelected

Obama’s Budget Proves He Should Not Be Reelected
President Obama does not deserve to be reelected.
By refusing to address the greatest challenge this nation faces – our financial security – Mr. Obama has failed the American people.
Despite warnings from the IMF, the credit ratings agencies, China -- our principal foreign creditor -- and the American people, the president continues to offer up budgets and programs that ignore the dire trajectory of Medicare and Social Security spending, putting the future of this nation at risk.

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Steering trouble for Qantas A380 as Heathrow take-offs aborted

Steering trouble for Qantas A380 as Heathrow take-offs aborted The Australian
A QANTAS jet carrying 435 passengers has veered off course along a runway at London's Heathrow airport during two aborted take-off attempts because of a steering fault.
The superjumbo A380 pilots twice abandoned the take-off due to the steering problems with the plane.
The Singapore-bound flight was scheduled to leave Heathrow at 9.30pm local time on Saturday (8.30am AEDT on Sunday) but never left the runway.
A Qantas spokeswoman said the plane had returned to the terminal building and was being examined by engineers.
She said the plane was returned to service and took off without incident at 1.59am local time after engineers had conducted "multiple checks" on the aircraft.

Friday, February 10, 2012

Ill. man gets 3 years in erectile pump case

Ill. man gets 3 years in erectile pump case - Boston.com
An Illinois man was sentenced Friday by a federal judge in Rhode Island to more than three years in prison for shipping unwanted penis enlargers to diabetes patients

Robert Kagan on Why the World Needs America

Robert Kagan on Why the World Needs America - WSJ.com
Foreign-policy pundits increasingly argue that democracy and free markets could thrive without U.S. predominance.
If this sounds too good to be true, writes Robert Kagan, that's because it is.

Minneapolis adopts Sharia law to help Muslim businesses

Minneapolis adopts Sharia law to help Muslim businesses « Creeping Sharia
Since December 2006, the city of Minneapolis, in partnership with the African Development Center, has given out 54 loans in a way that is compliant with Islamic law by using a fixed rate in place of a variable interest rate, which some considered sinful.

Oikophobia

Oikophobia - WSJ.com
If you think it's offensive for a Muslim group to exploit the 9/11 atrocity, you're an anti-Muslim bigot and un-American to boot.
It is a claim so bizarre, so twisted, so utterly at odds with common sense that it's hard to believe anyone would assert it except as some sort of dark joke.
Yet for the past few weeks, it has been put forward, apparently in all seriousness, by those who fancy themselves America's best and brightest, from the mayor of New York all the way down to Peter Beinart.

U.S. extends travel warning to Mexico over violence

U.S. extends travel warning to Mexico over violence Reuters
Spreading drug violence, kidnappings and carjackings in Mexico have led the State Department to increase the number of places it says Americans should avoid for safety reasons for the second time in less than a year.

Go-ahead for world's first mobile euthanasia unit that will allow patients to die at home

Go-ahead for world's first mobile euthanasia unit that will allow patients to die at home Mail Online

Elderly told: go back to work and downsize

Elderly told: go back to work and downsize - Telegraph
Elderly people should be encouraged to go back to work and move into smaller homes, one of David Cameron’s key advisers said last night.

US tribe sues breweries over alcoholism

US tribe sues breweries over alcoholism
The Oglala Sioux Tribe of South Dakota said it is demanding $500 million in damages for the cost of health care, social services and child rehabilitation caused by chronic alcoholism on the reservation, which encompasses some of the nation's most impoverished counties

Maths 'too hard for students and dons': Universities drop subject from science courses

Maths 'too hard for students and dons': Universities drop subject from science courses Mail Online
Universities are dropping maths from degree courses because students – and their lecturers – cannot cope with it, a report warns today.
Decades of substandard maths education in schools has led to a ‘crisis’ in England’s number skills, threatening the future of the economy, it says.
Universities are being forced to dumb down degree courses requiring the use of maths, including sciences, economics, psychology and social sciences.

Disgusting: Planned Parenthood Executive Supports Gender Based Abortions

Disgusting: Planned Parenthood Executive Supports Gender Based Abortions - Katie Pavlich
“I wrestle with gender-based abortion more than any other reason [for having an abortion]...
From a macro perspective, I don’t think it is a good idea for us to be eliminating women.
But if you look at it at the individual level, which is what we do, I don’t have any right to say that one person’s reason is better or worse than another’s.”

If You Adopt Your Girlfriend, Is Having Sex with Her Now Incest?

The Volokh Conspiracy » If You Adopt Your Girlfriend, Is Having Sex with Her Now Incest?
The article’s abstract reports that, “For some time now adults — both heterosexual and homosexual — have been adopting their lovers and spouses all over the country for various reasons: to better guarantee the adoptee’s right to inherit directly from the adoptor; to keep collateral relatives from having standing to contest the adoptor’s estate plan; or to add a loved one to a class of trust beneficiaries (allowing the adoptee to inherit “through” the adoptor).”
And the article reports that about half the states “are subject to statutory or common laws that include the adopted parent/adult child relationship within the definition of incest.”

Muskegon County Public Works Board spends slightly more to go local

Muskegon County Public Works Board spends slightly more to go local MLive.com
The board purchased a minivan from Preferred Chrysler of Norton Shores for $22,128, $565 more than a Grand Rapids dealer’s bid, on a 4-3 vote. Commissioners Scott Plummer, Ben Cross, Rillastine Wilkins and Fisher voted in favor of it, while Commissioners Jim Derezinski, Alan Jager and Marvin Engle voted against it.
The board also bought a three-quarter-ton four-wheel-drive truck with a plow from Great Lakes Ford in Muskegon Township for $26,970, $117 more than a bid form a dealer in Owosso. Plummer, Cross, Wilkins, Fisher and Engle supported that purchase, while Derezinski and Jager voted against it.
All, but Jager, voted to buy the crossover vehicle from K&M Dodge in Grand Rapids for $21,835, the low bid.

No sweat, it's other people's money!

Report: MI students' proficiency down

Report: MI students' proficiency down WOOD TV8
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - Gov. Rick Sndyer's budget, presented Thursday, set more money aside for schools.
And a recent study indicated that if students' demonstration of proficiency is any evidence, the money may be needed.

That is the lesson kids.
If you fail, we get more money.
Got it?

Thursday, February 09, 2012

Muslim Brotherhood Demands Military Cede Power

Muslim Brotherhood Demands Military Cede Power - NYTimes.com
CAIRO — The Muslim Brotherhood demanded Thursday that Egypt’s military rulers cede control of the government, stepping closer to a long-anticipated confrontation between the ruling generals and the Islamist-dominated Parliament.

Muskegon summer festival assured for 2012 as event promoter steps forward

Muskegon summer festival assured for 2012 as event promoter steps forward MLive.com

Clean green fraud

EDITORIAL: Clean green fraud - Washington Times
Last week, House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton, Michigan Republican, and Energy and Power Subcommittee Chairman Ed Whitfield, Kentucky Republican, opened their own investigation into the fraudulent outfits that sell tradeable biodiesel fuel credits to legitimate companies that need to meet the arbitrary mandates established by the EPA and Congress.

Articles: First Global Warming - Now Global Sweetening!

Articles: First Global Warming - Now Global Sweetening!
Yes, my friends, President Obama's fellow travelers within the progressive movement have decided that they have to find a new excuse for imposing government controls since climate change (née global warming) failed to achieve their overarching goal of controlling the car you drive; the fuel you're allowed to use; the type of light bulb you are allowed to use; and, after they get the "smart grid" in place, how warm you'll be allowed to keep your home.
Apparently, three researchers from the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) have decided that sugar must be regulated in the same way in which tobacco and alcohol are regulated.

Greek death spiral accelerates

Greek death spiral accelerates – Telegraph Blogs
Another normal day at the Hellenic Statistical Authority.
We learn that:
Greece's manufacturing output contracted by 15.5pc in December from a year earlier.
Industrial output fell 11.3pc, compared to minus 7.8pc in November.
Unemployment jumped to 20.9pc in November, up from 18.2pc a month earlier.

I have little further to add.
This is what a death spiral looks like.

America’s youth has lowest employment rate in 60 years

America’s youth has lowest employment rate in 60 years Washington Free Beacon
Just 54 percent of Americans ages 18 to 24 currently have jobs, according to a study released Thursday by the Pew Research Center.

White firefighters are awarded $2.7 million in bias case

White firefighters are awarded $2.7 million in bias case - City of Buffalo - The Buffalo News
Twelve white Buffalo firefighters will get an average of $230,430 each in back pay, pension benefits and damages -- a total of almost $2.77 million -- for emotional distress because the City of Buffalo illegally passed them over for promotions, a state judge has ruled.
The 12 men sued the city in 2007, contending that the city illegally allowed two promotional lists to expire because minority firefighters had fared poorly on civil service exams.

Green Economy Sputtering

Green Economy Sputtering Washington Free Beacon
The Chronicle reports:
The green economy that California officials hoped would add jobs during the depths of the recent recession actually lost positions instead, according to a new report. …

Solyndra fire sale

Solyndra fire sale Washington Free Beacon
The Washington Times reports that Solyndra, the failed solar panel company on the receiving end of a $535 million taxpayer-guaranteed loan, made a series of suspicious inventory sales just month before filing for bankruptcy, in an effort to stay afloat:

The ‘People’s’ Convention?

The ‘People’s’ Convention? Washington Free Beacon
DNC in Charlotte to Feature Million-dollar tickets, luxury suites, concierge services for the 1 Percent

Freeze forces Germany to restart nuclear reactors

Freeze forces Germany to restart nuclear reactors: Report - The Times of India
BERLIN: The cold snap gripping Europe has forced Germany, which last year decided to abandon nuclear power, to restart several reactors taken off line, the daily Handelsblatt reports in its Thursday issue.

Hoyer: ‘The Fact Is You Don’t Need a Budget’

Hoyer: ‘The Fact Is You Don’t Need a Budget’ CNSnews.com
House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) said that Congress does not need an official federal budget because it can just adopt appropriations bills and authorization policies as needed to keep operating.

» Immigration and Customs Enforcement Hires Officer to Chat With Detainees

Immigration and Customs Enforcement Hires Officer to Chat With Detainees - Big Government
In a time when America’s immigration system is swamped – when illegal immigrants are routinely caught and released, many of whom are dangerous – it seems that one of ICE’s top priorities is public relations with illegal immigration advocates.
Yesterday, Andrew Lorenzen-Strait announced via the Department of Homeland Security website that he had been named ICE’s “first-ever public advocate.”
Lorenzen-Strait
His job will be to “serve as a point of contact for individuals, including those in immigration proceedings, NGOs, and other community and advocacy groups, who have concerns, questions, recommendations or important issues they would like to raise.”

Navy SEAL chief Bill McRaven warned to keep operations secret

Navy SEAL chief Bill McRaven warned to keep operations secret Mail Online
The commander of the Navy SEALs raids which killed Osama bin Laden and rescued hostage Jessica Buchanan has been berated by a retired Lt General for publicising such operations - and putting future deployments at risk.
Admiral Bill McRaven, who led the bin Laden raid and heads the U.S. Special Operations Command, was told by retired Army Lieutenant General James Vaught to 'get the hell out of the media' to safeguard the secrets and security of special operations.
According to ABC News, Vaught told McRaven: 'Since the time when your wonderful team went and drug bin Laden out and got rid of him, and more recently when you went down and rescued the group in Somalia, or wherever the hell they were, they’ve been splashing all of this all over the media.
'I flat don’t understand that.'

Halftime in America: Remy Chrysler Ad Parody

A National Scandal

A National Scandal - 620 WTMJ
White House spokesman Jay Carney said Wednesday that President Obama has no opinion on Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke’s assessment that not having a budget creates uncertainty and could damage the economy.

Michigan, Pennsylvania put limits on families seeking food aid

Michigan, Pennsylvania put limits on families seeking food aid MLive.com
Now, Michigan lets families exclude one vehicle and apply for food stamps as long as their second vehicle isn't worth more than $15,000 and they don't have more than $5,000 in assets.
The Moores and about 1,484 households were able to apply for aid again after the guideline was relaxed.

Washington Footing the Cell Phone Bill for Millions of Low Income Americans

Washington Footing the Cell Phone Bill for Millions of Low Income Americans - Yahoo! News
As many as 5.5 million residents in Pennsylvania alone could qualify for the program, which is funded primarily by the Universal Service Fund fee added to the bills of land-line and wireless customers.

The CIA Digs In

The Volokh Conspiracy » The CIA Digs In
But we should probably add two things. First, in Afghanistan – the strategically more important theatre – the CIA’s role is likely to be much more than simply gathering intelligence and engaging in paramilitary strikes, either using drones or its agents and Special Forces teams.
It is likely to be deeply involved in the coordination and funding of various local Afghanistan forces – in something that I suspect will look, in terms of the Agency’s historical role, much more like reversion to the mean.

America's Amazing Shovel-Ready Energy Stimulus; And It's Happening Despite U.S. Energy Policy

CARPE DIEM: America's Amazing Shovel-Ready Energy Stimulus; And It's Happening Despite U.S. Energy Policy
MP: What makes this energy stimulus even more remarkable is that it came about in spite of, not because of, any intended government energy policies.

Developer says his project to renovate four Grand Rapids elementary schools fills a housing demand

Developer says his project to renovate four Grand Rapids elementary schools fills a housing demand MLive.com
Ojibway hopes to raise more than $16 million from investors and through a complex series of tax credits that will allows them to buy the old buildings and convert them into apartments.

Maybe there’s something to the idea that Eastwood’s Chrysler commercial was an Obama campaign ad?

Maybe there’s something to the idea that Eastwood’s Chrysler commercial was an Obama campaign ad? The Daily Caller
Several members of the Wieden+Kennedy team that produced the Eastwood spot were among the creative professionals who privately supported Obama’s first election campaign.

Right-to-Work Revolution Takes on Big Labor#page1

Right-to-Work Revolution Takes on Big Labor
First, it had been more than a decade since any state adopted right-to-work laws.
But more importantly, Indiana is the first rust belt state – where manufacturing provided most of the economy and unions controlled large portions of the labor force – to pass such laws.

D.C. deploys plows to ease feds' early commute

D.C. deploys plows to ease feds' early commute - WTOP.com
WASHINGTON - Federal employees can take unscheduled leave or telework from home on Wednesday in anticipation of what many forecasts believe could be a non-event.

Michigan Must Decide What to Do With an Unexpected Surplus

Michigan Must Decide What to Do With an Unexpected Surplus - NYTimes.com
Even more surprising: Revenues, which had sunk or had been mostly flat for all but one year since 2000, have grown. Not a lot, but grown.

NYT?

'Forced Unionization' Employer Out of the Picture, But Dues Keep Flowing To SEIU

'Forced Unionization' Employer Out of the Picture, But Dues Keep Flowing To SEIU [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
But even with the dummy employer admitting it isn't the home health care workers' employer, the major effect of the forced unionization continues.

Breaking Global Warming Taboos: 'I Feel Duped on Climate Change'

Breaking Global Warming Taboos: 'I Feel Duped on Climate Change' - SPIEGEL ONLINE - News - International
Will reduced solar activity counteract global warming in the coming decades?

Wednesday, February 08, 2012

Muskegon's Bonfire Restaurant closes

Muskegon's Bonfire Restaurant closes; next restaurant concept in planning stages MLive.com
Saturday was the last day of operation for Joe Grimm’s restaurant at 2536 Henry.

Benefit Costs Sunk Benton Harbor's Finances

Benefit Costs Sunk Benton Harbor's Finances [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
Berrien County Treasurer Bret Witkowski said the city of Benton Harbor’s property tax revenue was fairly steady from 2002 to 2008.
But he said the city has so many tax-free enterprise zones that it was difficult to make an apples-to-apples comparison of property tax revenue from year to year.

The Himalayas and nearby peaks have lost no ice in past 10 years, study shows

The Himalayas and nearby peaks have lost no ice in past 10 years, study shows Environment The Guardian
The world's greatest snow-capped peaks, which run in a chain from the Himalayas to Tian Shan on the border of China and Kyrgyzstan, have lost no ice over the last decade, new research shows.
The discovery has stunned scientists...

» Chrysler Is Back? Great. Then Why Hasn’t It Repaid Taxpayers the $1.3 Billion It Still Owes Them?

» Chrysler Is Back? Great. Then Why Hasn’t It Repaid Taxpayers the $1.3 Billion It Still Owes Them? - Big Government
Amid the controversy over Chrysler’s “It’s Halftime In America” Super Bowl commercial, a glaring question remains: if Chrysler is back on top and so strong, then why hasn’t it repaid taxpayers the $1.3 billion it still owes them?

And our moolah didn't go to "Chrysler", it went to the unions.

CDC: Bread beats out chips as biggest salt source

News from The Associated Press
Bread and rolls are the No. 1 source of salt in the American diet, accounting for more than twice as much sodium as salty junk food like potato chips.

GOP lawmakers protest removal of 'God' from Air Force unit's patch

GOP lawmakers protest removal of 'God' from Air Force unit's patch - The Hill's DEFCON Hill
The patch logo was changed after a military atheist group, the Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers, protested the reference to God on the patch.

Dependent Nation: Dependency Index Surges 23% Under President Obama; 67 Million Get Aid

Dependent Nation: Dependency Index Surges 23% Under President Obama; 67 Million Get Aid - Investors.com
The American public's dependence on the federal government shot up 23% in just two years under President Obama, with 67 million now relying on some federal program

Eisenhower Family Raises Objections to Planned Memorial

Eisenhower Family Raises Objections to Planned Memorial - NYTimes.com
But the Eisenhower family objects to the design and is attempting to delay approval of the project in a dispute that has pitted a leading American family against one of the country’s most recognized architects.
The family says Mr. Gehry should portray Eisenhower as a man in the fullness of his achievements, not as a callow rustic who made good.

Poll: Voters back plan to link university funding hikes to meeting goals

Poll: Voters back plan to link university funding hikes to meeting goals MLive.com
State residents back the idea of linking state aid increases for state universities to meeting goals tied to graduation rates and other measures, according to a poll released today from Business Leaders for Michigan.

Charles Murray: Why We Dislike the New Upper Class

Charles Murray: Why We Dislike the New Upper Class TIME Ideas TIME.com
The new upper class is different.
It consists of the people who run the country.
By “the people who run the country,”
I mean two sets of people.

Norton Shores approves tax abatement for $2.5 million industrial expansion

Norton Shores approves tax abatement for $2.5 million industrial expansion MLive.com
The council also passed a resolution agreeing to pay any costs of resurfacing Norton Avenue beyond the $669,000 covered by a state grant.
The estimated cost is $1,020,800, so if the project is on budget, the cost to Norton Shores would be $351,800.
Only half of Norton Avenue would be reconstructed this year, with the other half repaired next year, City Manager Mark Meyers said.
The cost of working on both sides at once would strain the city’s budget, he said.
“We phase it over two years instead of one year to be able to budget for it,” he said.

Tuesday, February 07, 2012

'Germany's George Monbiot' turns climate sceptic

'Germany's George Monbiot' turns climate sceptic – Telegraph Blogs
"Imagine if George Monbiot were suddenly to declare himself a climate sceptic.
That's how massive this story is!"

Stuff Obama's campaign says vs. Stuff that is true

Stuff Obama's campaign says vs. Stuff that is true Campaign 2012 Washington Examiner

"Go Ahead. Make My Halftime..."

http://americandigest.org/mt-archives/driveby/go_ahead_make_my_halftime.php
"Go Ahead. Make My Halftime..."
Eastwood and Obama Get Theirs Today from Limbaugh

link to the best parody!

Six Things Everyone Should Know About The HHS Mandate

USCCB: Six Things Everyone Should Know About The HHS Mandate National Petition to Stop HHS Mandate

NUGENT: The Great Keystone XL Pipeline Massacre

NUGENT: The Great Keystone XL Pipeline Massacre - Washington Times
President Obama’s decision to put a bullet in the back of the head of the Keystone XL pipeline is all the proof you need to know that his modus operandi is to sidle up to environmental green-energy crackpots instead of creating thousands of American jobs and honestly pursuing energy independence for America.

Occupy DC Plans Mayhem for Major Conservative Conference

Exclusive: Occupy DC Plans Mayhem for Major Conservative Conference
The “Occupy DC” protest group is planning to disrupt the upcoming Conservative Political Action Conference using a range of potentially illegal tactics that could even include violence against participants...

As predicted.
What, no MSM TV frowny faces or major consternation..........?

Pete Hoekstra's Super Bowl ad message on China failed because of racial uproar, expert says

Pete Hoekstra's Super Bowl ad message on China failed because of racial uproar, expert says MLive.com
In the damage control, Hoekstra has not apologized, and instead continues to track back to the record of U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, the Democrat who Hoekstra hopes to unseat in November.
Hoekstra, a Republican from Holland, first needs to defeat competitors in the August Republican primary.

Stand tall, Pete!

Portage Schools Turns Down $270K Savings

Portage Schools Turns Down $270K Savings [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
Portage Public Schools had an odd reaction to some good financial news this week, telling a company that could save it $270,000 a year "no thanks."
That offer came from Grand Rapids Building Services, a facilities cleaning contractor that proposed taking over the school district’s first shift custodial duties.

And there is this: http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2012/02/ex-mona_shores_high_school_jan.html

Michigan School Funding Myths

Michigan School Funding Myths [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
Public school special interests groups uniformly lobby for the state to give more money to school districts.
To sell this idea to policymakers and taxpayers, these groups often claim that schools need "adequate," "stable," and "equal" funding.
These talking points give rise to some common myths about school funding in Michigan.

The short video below examines one of these myths: The Unequal Funding Myth.

Britain had to plead with US to take part in Iran flotilla

Britain had to plead with US to take part in Iran flotilla - Telegraph
The disparity in vessel numbers means the British and French presence in the flotilla was of greater diplomatic than military significance.
.....After the French intervention, the UK Government “was basically forced to plead with Washington for the Navy to be allowed to tag along. “ said the source.

Yeah, like both countries have Obamasized their military and don't have any ships of value left.
Great.
Just like the 1930s.

State of Mona Shores schools topic of upcoming meeting with superintendent

State of Mona Shores schools topic of upcoming meeting with superintendent MLive.com

In addition, Mona Shores, like other districts in the state, is preparing to move from half-day to all-day kindergarten in anticipation of state aid being cut in half for those districts without full-day instructional programs.

‘We the People’ Loses Appeal With People Around the World

‘We the People’ Loses Appeal With People Around the World - NYTimes.com
There are lots of possible reasons. The United States Constitution is terse and old, and it guarantees relatively few rights.

....In a television interview during a visit to Egypt last week, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg of the Supreme Court seemed to agree. “I would not look to the United States Constitution if I were drafting a constitution in the year 2012,” she said.

WHAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Can Belle Isle Aquarium reopen? Organizers say huge turnout at open house proves demand

Can Belle Isle Aquarium reopen? Organizers say huge turnout at open house proves demand MLive.com
But more than anything, they want to reopen.
"People care," Boardman said.
"People are going to come out.
They want it reopened" too.

"Demand" without concern for cost is what caused it to close.
I'm thinkin' they still don't get it.

There are a variety of restaurants in downtown Muskegon, really

There are a variety of restaurants in downtown Muskegon, really MLive.com
As for a downtown grocery store, FLYBOY is right.
That is something that has been lacking for decades to serve both visitors and for downtown residents.

Ah, the liberal's ultimate dream, a government owned food distribution center to replace Walmart and Meijers.....

Vigilante justice on the rise in Detroit as 'justifiable homicides' jump 79 per cent in last year

Vigilante justice on the rise in Detroit as 'justifiable homicides' jump 79 per cent in last year Mail Online
Wild West Motown:

Vigilante justice on the rise in Detroit as 'justifiable homicides' jump 79% after police budget is slashed34 self-defence killings in Michigan city last year

2,200% above U.S. average as police cuts get worse

Response times average 24 minutes for priority calls

Precincts and district HQs closed to public after 4pm


Maybe everyone would get along better if everyone was urban farming?

Muskegon Heights Fire Department unveils new pumper truck

Muskegon Heights Fire Department unveils new pumper truck MLive.com
The truck was paid for with a $300,000 federal grant and a $15,000 local match by the city.

Rep. Marcia Hovey-Wright discusses legislature's plans for personal property tax in North Muskegon

Rep. Marcia Hovey-Wright discusses legislature's plans for personal property tax in North Muskegon MLive.com
“I’m real nervous about that and probably you should be too,” she said.
“It’s huge for police, fire, schools, everything.”

Flint Mayor Dayne Walling in favor of 'recycling' city -- not shrinking it

Flint Mayor Dayne Walling in favor of 'recycling' city -- not shrinking it MLive.com
Some of Walling's suggestions for reusing those spaces included city parks and naturalized green space.
He also discussed urban farming.

Tell me, Mr. mayor, where has "urban farming" succeeded at providing anything other than sucking tax dollars to politicians supporters?

Make parks accessible to people with disabilities first, North Muskegon recreation plan says

Make parks accessible to people with disabilities first, North Muskegon recreation plan says MLive.com
If the city tackled all projects, the cost would be about $2.3 million, according to the plan.
If only the top three objectives were attempted, the cost would be at least $41,000, though some costs have yet to be determined.

Setting spending priorities based on importance and available funds.
What a concept!

Distracted-driving crashes, Day 5: From the police files

Distracted-driving crashes, Day 5: From the police files MLive.com

The attack on your ability to communicate continues.
Who do you think will pay?

Letters: Ludington mayor responds to Badger debate -- it's about jobs

Letters: Ludington mayor responds to Badger debate -- it's about jobs MLive.com
This topic should not be about one business over another; it should be about how we can help keep 700 good paying American jobs in West Michigan.

Judge: State team reviewing Detroit finances must comply with Open Meetings Act

Judge: State team reviewing Detroit finances must comply with Open Meetings Act MLive.com

Poll: How should we address Muskegon County jail issues?

Poll: How should we address Muskegon County jail issues? MLive.com
The county has saved about $8 million for the project, but would have to seek additional funding.

Lansing Police Department unveils new online reporting system for non-emergency crimes

Lansing Police Department unveils new online reporting system for non-emergency crimes MLive.com
“Online crime reporting is designed to fit the busy lifestyles of our citizens by making it more convenient to file a police report in cases where there is not an immediate need for a police officer to respond to the scene,”

New Yorkers back Andrew Cuomo pension fix

New Yorkers back Andrew Cuomo pension fix—Editorial - NYPOST.com
The unions may be dead set against it, but New Yorkers overwhelmingly support a new pension system for future government employees.

Clint Eastwood defends Chrysler ad in wake of political scrutiny on 'O'Reilly Factor'

Clint Eastwood defends Chrysler ad in wake of political scrutiny on 'O'Reilly Factor' (video) MLive.com
To date, the Obama administration has completely exited Chrysler and has recovered $11.2 billion of its $12.5 billion bailout, but still holds a 26.5 percent stake in GM as part of its $49.5 billion bailout.

Mayor Dave Bing nears union deals, guarantees Detroit will have enough cash for fiscal year

Mayor Dave Bing nears union deals, guarantees Detroit will have enough cash for fiscal year MLive.com
"This is something that's almost unheard of," Bing told radio host Paul W. Smith. "
To get a union -- or several unions -- to sit down, open up their contracts, to take reductions.
I don't know that's ever happened here."

More Muskegon and Ottawa county law enforcement agencies using Nixle to notify public

More Muskegon and Ottawa county law enforcement agencies using Nixle to notify public MLive.com
Several police agencies in both Ottawa and Muskegon counties are offering a new public notification system to instantly inform the public on accidents, road closings and emergencies.

Monday, February 06, 2012

Proposed Oil Export Curbs Reek of N. Korean Economics

RIGZONE - API: Proposed Oil Export Curbs Reek of N. Korean Economics

SEIU Sent Key GOP Senator $5K on Day Bill to End 'Forced Unionization' Arrived in Senate

SEIU Sent Key GOP Senator $5K on Day Bill to End 'Forced Unionization' Arrived in Senate [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
Michigan Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Roger Khan, R-Saginaw, received $5,000 from the Service Employees International Union on June, 9, 2011.
That was the day House Bill 4003 was sent to the Senate, one day after its passage in the House.

L.A. Teacher Accused of Molesting 23 Children to Keep Lifetime Health Benefits; Not His First Investigation

» L.A. Teacher Accused of Molesting 23 Children to Keep Lifetime Health Benefits; Not His First Investigation - Big Government
A teacher charged with 23 counts of lewd conduct for allegedly molesting and abusing children in his classroom evaded actual termination from the Los Angeles Unified School District enabling him to retain his lifetime health benefits.

Obama's made-up jobless numbers

CURL: Obama's made-up jobless numbers - Washington Times
No one in the mainstream media, busy rewriting the government’s press release on Friday, will bother to question the newest number, or explore what trimtabs.com CEO Charles Biderman said that very day:
“Actual jobs outstanding, not seasonally adjusted, are down 2.9 million over the past two months.
It is only after seasonal adjustments — made at the sole discretion of the Bureau of Labor Statistics economists — that 2.9 million less jobs gets translated into 446,000 new seasonally adjusted jobs for January and December.

Pensioner with aneurysm that could kill her any minute told NHS won't fund £15k op

Pensioner with aneurysm that could kill her any minute told NHS won't fund £15k op Mail Online
But 10 days ago, the 72-year-old received a letter which said her local NHS trust would not pay for the treatment.

Food Gestapo Seek A Bureau Of Alcohol, Tobacco, Sugar

Researchers Seek To Tax And Regulate Sugar Like Alcohol And Tobacco - Investors.com
"researchers from the University of California, San Francisco (where else?) said worldwide consumption of sugar has tripled over the last 50 years and is now contributing to 35 million annual deaths"

Cops use stun gun on woman blocking McDonald's drive-thru

Cops use stun gun on woman blocking McDonald's drive-thru - NYPOST.com
Authorities say 37-year-old Evangeline Lucca bypassed the order screen and line and pulled directly up to the pick-up window Friday afternoon at the restaurant

'The Mahdi does not negotiate. Neither should we'

'The Mahdi does not negotiate. Neither should we' TBO.com
The asset interrupted me. "You really don't have any idea who you are dealing with, do you?" he asked.

UCSF scientists declare war on sugar in food

UCSF scientists declare war on sugar in food
Like alcohol and tobacco, sugar is a toxic, addictive substance that should be highly regulated with taxes, laws on where and to whom it can be advertised, and even age-restricted sales, says a team of UCSF scientists.

"Hidden" mortgage fee paying for payroll tax cut

"Hidden" mortgage fee paying for payroll tax cut - CBS News
But there's something the politicians weren't bragging about - the fact that they're paying for the two-month tax cut with what has turned into a brand new fee on home buyers.
The new fee is a minimum of one-tenth of 1 percent on Fannie Mae- and Freddie Mac-backed loans, and is likely to go much higher.
It will be imposed for the next 10 years on most mortgages and refinancings and it lasts for the life of the loan.

Ford to GM: Pull '2012' Chevy Silverado Super Bowl ad

Ford to GM: Pull '2012' Chevy Silverado Super Bowl ad MLive.com
Officials from the Dearborn-based automaker asked crosstown rival General Motors Co. to stop showing its Super Bowl commercial for the Silverado, which hints that if the world is coming to an end and your driving a Ford, you will die (or not make it to your destination for Twinkies, see video).

Homeland Security Lexicon: You’re All ‘Militia Extremists’ Now

PJ Media » Homeland Security Lexicon: You’re All ‘Militia Extremists’ Now
So what drives militia extremism according to DHS now is “belief that the government deliberately is stripping Americans of their freedoms.”


It is demonstrated by opposing “many federal and state authorities’ laws and regulations, (particularly those related to firearms ownership).”

Even more scary is the MSM totally on board with this attitude.

Red-light cameras boost coffers, rile drivers

Red-light cameras boost coffers, rile drivers
California has the most expensive red-light camera tickets in the world - the fine is so steep that one camera in Oakland generates more than $3 million a year

Government at war with the people.

Sunday, February 05, 2012

It's takers versus makers and these days the takers are winning

It's takers versus makers and these days the takers are winning Glenn Harlan Reynolds Columnists Washington Examiner
If you tried to hold a series of potluck dinners where a majority brought nothing to the table, but felt entitled to eat their fill, it would probably work out badly.
Yet that’s essentially what we’re doing.

Uphill battle

Uphill battle Aspen Daily News Online
I find fault with your articles recently misinforming the public about uphill skiing at our local ski hills.
Uphill travel on all public land is very much a right and not a privilege.

Michigan's 'right to work' debate intensifies

Michigan's 'right to work' debate intensifies - chicagotribune.com
Right-to-work laws prohibit labor contracts that require workers to pay union representation fees.

Lighting up the night: Stunning time-lapse images of fireflies that blaze beautiful patterns in the dark

Lighting up the night: Stunning time-lapse images of fireflies that blaze beautiful patterns in the dark Mail Online

This is pretty cool!

11 injured in massive crowd for band LMFAO

My Way News - 11 injured in massive crowd for band LMFAO
Overwhelming "human gridlock" in Indianapolis' Super Bowl Village was causing police to rethink crowd control Saturday on the eve of the big game.
Eleven people were injured Friday night as an estimated 50,000 people flooded downtown streets for a free outdoor concert by the band LMFAO.

New BS BLS Report Shows Obama Costs US $20 Trillion

New BS BLS Report Shows Obama Costs US $20 Trillion - John Ransom - Townhall Finance
Hey folks, good news!
Another 1.2 million people dropped out the workforce, which means that Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) economists can say that unemployment has moved down to 8.3 percent without that messy job-creation thing getting in the way.

Muskegon County election season begins with focus on new districts

Muskegon County election season begins with focus on new districts MLive.com
One challenger has made his intentions known regarding the upcoming election.
Jim Riley, an outspoken fiscal conservative from Norton Shores, said he plans on running against Scolnik for that county board seat.
Riley regularly attends the county board meetings and is sometimes critical of the board’s actions.