Monday, January 19, 2009

Muskegon Taxpayers Alliance

Muskegon Taxpayers Alliance: "The Ways and Means Committee:
More waving of the freeze!
Golly, it's almost like going to Florida for the sun!
How did we EVER survive without a deputy drainer?
WM09/01 - 05 To waive the hiring freeze and allow the Drain Commissioner to fill the vacant Deputy Drain Commissioner, position #X27001."

New post at Muskegon Taxpayers Alliance

Muskegon Taxpayers Alliance: "'I don't get it. We had an empty supervisor position we didn't need and now they use that non-needed position to create two new positions we didn't need before.
HR09/01 - 07 To authorize the reclassification of the one (1) vacant full time Community Mental Health Residence Care Supervisor position (N69006) and two (2) hourly Resident Care Supervisor positions, effective January 1, 2009.'"

ABC News: What Recession? The $170 Million Inauguration

ABC News: What Recession? The $170 Million Inauguration: "The country is in the middle of the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, which isn't stopping rich donors and the government from spending $170 million, or more, on the inauguration of Barack Obama ."

The federal government estimates that it will spend roughly $49 million on the inaugural weekend. Washington, D.C., Virginia and Maryland have requested another $75 million from the federal government to help pay for their share of police, fire and medical services.
And then there is the party bill.
"We have a budget of roughly $45 million, maybe a little bit more," said Linda Douglass, spokeswoman for the inaugural committee.

Friday night news

If you missed Friday afternoon's news that Governor Granholm had appointed former Republican state Representative Ed Gaffney to a cushy $82,000 job on the Liquor Control Commission, it's because you were supposed to miss it.
You see, politicians hide unpopular news by announcing it on Friday afternoons. The major print media is mostly done writing their Sunday editions, talk show hosts don't return until Monday, and the public's attention has turned to weekend activities.
So, Granholm hopes nobody notices her appointment of recently term-limited Rep. Ed Gaffney. Why? Not because Ed Gaffney isn't a nice guy (he's well liked by Lansing's political class) but because Ed Gaffney was one of only two Republicans in the state House to vote for Granholm's unpopular income tax hike just over a year ago. She owes him - and now she appears to have delivered.
Media and political observers remember how furiously Granholm lobbied Republican House members to support the tax hike. The Governor wanted the income tax increase to be "bipartisan" and House Speaker Andy Dillon wanted to allow politically vulnerable Democrat House members to vote against it. Every 'yes' vote from a Republican meant one more Democrat was free to vote 'no'.
I watched from the House balcony during Granholm's lobbying efforts. One by one, Granholm called Republican lawmakers into the privacy of her Capitol office. 'Privacy' in Lansing is a relative thing, because leaks are more prevalent than on the Lion's defensive line. The Capitol media and lobbying community spread every rumor about what Granholm was offering each lawmaker in exchange for their 'yes' vote on her tax hike. Rep. Gaffney, a term-limited Republican who wouldn't face reelection and with a reputation as a moderate deal-maker, was one of Granholm's prime targets.
A judgeship was what Granholm supposedly offered Gaffney, who is also an attorney. No one except Granholm and Gaffney knows exactly what went on in the Governor's office.
After meeting with Granholm, Republican Ed Gaffney voted to raise your state income tax by 12%, a vote that cost citizens at least $750 million last year.
Now, Ed Gaffney will enjoy his new salary for years to come as a member of the state Liquor Control Commission. Very little press covered his appointment (Detroit Free Press story here.)
Of course, the Senate must first confirm Gaffney's appointment; but they certainly will. After all, Ed Gaffney is a nice guy, well liked by Lansing's political class...
Leon DroletMI Taxpayers Alliance

It's time to pray for global warming

It's time to pray for global warming, says Flint Journal columnist John Tomlinson
"If you're wondering why North America is starting to resemble nuclear winter, then you missed the news.

At December's U.N. Global Warming conference in Poznan, Poland, 650 of the world's top climatologists stood up and said man-made global warming is a media generated myth without basis. Said climatologist Dr. David Gee, Chairman of the International Geological Congress, 'For how many years must the planet cool before we begin to understand that the planet is not warming?'
I asked myself, why would such obviously smart guy say such a ridiculous thing? But it turns out he's right.

The earth's temperature peaked in 1998. It's been falling ever since; it dropped dramatically in 2007 and got worse in 2008, when temperatures touched 1980 levels."

Education reform [Mackinac Center for Public Policy]

Education reform [Mackinac Center for Public Policy]


Other than those grants required by the courts or by federal law, eliminate all "categorical grants" for state-specified school spending items, and use that money to increase unencumbered per-pupil foundation allowances.» www.mackinac.org/8584
57
Eliminate intermediate school districts (ISDs).» www.mackinac.org/5678
58
Expand public school choice programs to allow all students in all districts, not just those students within a certain proximity, to attend public schools outside their district.» www.mackinac.org/3272
59
Adopt a "Michigan Teachers' Bill of Rights" that frees individual teachers from standardized union contracts and gives them the choice to be judged and compensated based on their performance.» www.mackinac.org/1660
60
Repeal teacher certification requirements.» www.mackinac.org/1651
61
Revise the Michigan Teachers' Tenure Act to allow school districts to adopt a full-fledged teacher merit-pay system.» www.mackinac.org/9804

Harbor Theater this week!

231-457-4274(showtimes)

http://www.theharbortheater.com

"Just in time for the announcement of the Oscar nominations on January 22nd, RACHEL GETTING MARRIED has arrived in Muskegon. Come see for yourself and judge whether or not Anne Hathaway and Rose Marie Dewitt's performances are worthy of all the critical hype and awards they have been in contention for the past few months.

Look for Bill Idding's 4 star review of RACHEL GETTING MARRIED in the Muskegon Chronicle on Thursday

Also opening at The Harbor this weekend, a pickup film, which we normally don't do, but had to make an exception at least this one time. The film is DOUBT, and with it being a posisble major contender in this years Academy Awards, we felt it needed to stay in Muskegon just a little bit longer.

Don't forget, we will be open on MONDAY January 19th at 2:00 PM in the afternoon for a free screening of the documentary DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR: A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE.

We will also host a special screening this Thursday, January 22nd, of Alfred Hitchcock's BLACKMAIL. This was Hitchcock's first "talkie" film. He began filming the thriller as a silent movie, but midway through filming, the use of sound became available to filmmakers for the first time. The producers of the film originally only wanted the final reel of the film to feature sound, but director Hitchcock thought that idea was absurd and secretly refilmed almost the entire movie with a soundtrack behind their backs. The film will play Thursday night at 7:15 PM.

Tuesday, January 20th is your last chance to see the gorgeous animated feature from France, AZUR AND AZMAR. The final showtime will be at 7:15 PM. Don't miss this wonderful film from the New York International Children's Film Festival.

On January 25th, we will have a free screening of Roberto Rosselini's THE FLOWERS OF ST. FRANCIS at 3 PM. As always, a discussion will follow this screening. The film chronicles the life story of St Francis of Assisi, known as "the people's saint.""

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Circuit City-total bummer!

Circuit City: "Liquidators will start arriving in our 567 stores across the U.S. over the weekend, and closing sales will start as early as Saturday, January 17. Closing sales will run as long as it takes to sell existing inventory, but are expected to wrap up by the end of March. When the liquidation sales are completed, the stores will be closed.

Associates at our company headquarters will be asked to come back on Monday, January 19, to find out more about their status and to retrieve their personal belongings."

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Elderly NYC Lobster in Restaurant Tank Gets New Lease on Life in Mainews | US News

Elderly NYC Lobster in Restaurant Tank Gets New Lease on Life in Maine
"Lobsters typically live to be 100-plus. PETA, using a rule of thumb based on weight, estimates George is about 140.
The lobster was caught off Newfoundland, Canada. He lived in the restaurant's tank for about 10 days. He is to be released Saturday near Kennebunkport, Maine, in an area where lobster trapping is forbidden."

So, umm, like isn't it gonna die soon anyway.....

Friday, January 09, 2009

Editorial: CalPERS made a bet – and lost

Editorial: CalPERS made a bet – and lost - Sacramento Opinion
"CalPERS made aggressive investments in real estate at the worst possible time, when inflated property values had peaked and were already beginning to decline.
As The Sacramento Bee's Dale Kasler detailed in a recent article, one CalPERS real estate misstep stands out in particular. In February 2007, CalPERS invested $922 million in a deal with LandSource Communities Development LLC that involved thousands of homes and lots in seven states including Florida, Arizona and California.
A month before the investment was finalized, Lennar Homes, a principal partner in the LandSource deal, announced it was writing off $500 million in real estate assets because of deteriorating market conditions. That should have served as a clear warning to CalPERS, but it did not.
Sixteen months later, LandSource filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Depending on what assets the partnership sells to pay off creditors, CalPERS could lose its entire investment, nearly $1 billion."

Can we Save Our Secret Ballot from political and union stealth?

Can we Save Our Secret Ballot from political and union stealth?: "One of the more odious efforts of American business affairs is about to take center stage in the very early days of our new Congress. And as when the word ‘odious’ is associated with business affairs, it can almost always signal that labor unions are involved. Be prepared America for one of the biggest farcical rip-offs ever attempted, even by shoddy union standards."

More people leaving Michigan than any other state

More people leaving Michigan than any other state
"Michigan saw the nation’s most outbound migration in 2008, with 67.1% of interstate moves heading out, according to a migration study released Wednesday.
It marked the third straight year that Michigan, hard hit by the economy and layoffs in the auto industry, has seen the highest percentage of outbound migration."

State economists predict $1.6-billion deficit in 2010

State economists predict $1.6-billion deficit in 2010
"The state budget is almost $200 million out of whack now and faces an estimated $1.6 billion deficit in 2010 unless spending is cut, according to state economists today."

Why a Tiny Alabama Town Wants a $375 Million Chunk of the Stimulus

Why a Tiny Alabama Town Wants a $375 Million Chunk of the Stimulus
"The tiny town, located near the Georgia border and 26 miles from the nearest 'big city' of Anniston (population: 24,276), added 33 proposals—about two thirds of them related to 'green' energy—to the list of 'ready- to- go' projects assembled by the U.S. Conference of Mayors. Total sum: $375,076,200.
That comes out to nearly $2 million per Edwardsville resident,"

Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon indicted on perjury, theft charges

Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon indicted on perjury, theft charges
"Baltimore Mayor Sheila A. Dixon was charged today with 12 counts of felony theft, perjury, fraud and misconduct in office, becoming the city's first sitting mayor to be criminally indicted."

Another democrat bites the dust!

Thursday, January 08, 2009

Need snow shoveling help?

Tonight at about 9:00PM two 40ish women knocked on my door.....AGAIN!

I'm at the age where that normally would "make my day" ..... but sadly, they only wanted to blow my driveway...... well you get my drift.......

These last 2 years two super quality gals have been knocking on my door to see if i needed my driveway cleared.

Snow-blowed!

These hard working entrepreneurs are what America is all about!

If you need someone who will do the job, call Amy 670-3397 or Denise 798-1327.

They do a GREAT job and are dependable!

Muskegon County Board of Commissioners


Muskegon County Board of Commissioners
"Click here if you have a high speed internet connection
and would like to view/search all 2008 meeting minutes in one PDF document."

This link has ALL of the Muskegon County Commissioners meeting minutes in a searchable format.

Try searching for "floor scrubber".

Have fun!

New Muskegon bus depot "riding floor scrubber"!




No sweat. The County has oodles of extra money for a RIDING floor scrubber!

click here:
http://co.muskegon.mi.us/clerk/11252008_board_minutes.pdf
and scroll down to the bottom of page 270-271


2008-580 AWARD THE BID FOR MUSKEGON AREA TRANSIT SYSTEM
CYLINDRICAL RIDING FLOOR SCRUBBER
TR08/11-43
The Transportation Committee recommends, moved by Gill, seconded by Engle, to award
the bid for Muskegon Area Transit System cylindrical riding floor scrubber to Hull Lift Truck,
Inc. for a price of $19,995.00.
Muskegon County Board of Commissioners November 25, 2008
Regular Meeting 3:30 p.m.
271
(Continued)
2008-580 AWARD THE BID FOR MUSKEGON AREA TRANSIT SYSTEM
CYLINDRICAL RIDING FLOOR SCRUBBER
Roll Call
Ayes: Wade, Snider, Scolnik, McMurray, Mahoney, Gill, Engle, Derezinski, Collins,
Buzzell
Nays: Aley


Take a drive by our bus station and imagine a riding floor scrubber just chuggin' along.......how did we EVER live without it?

Coach accused of having sex with 8th grade girl

Coach accused of having sex with 8th grade girl
"WHITEHALL, Mich. (WZZM)- Whitehall High School Girls Basketball coach Jared Bays is accused of having sex with an 8th grade girl.
'She recently divulged the information to her mother and her mother contacted police,' says Muskegon county Prosecutor Tony Tague.
Bays faces 3rd Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct charges.
He is suspended from his job as a coach and teacher at the Whitehall Alternative School."

Nice "alternative".

U.S. companies face $409 billion pension deficit

U.S. companies face $409 billion pension deficit
"Volatile markets have saddled U.S. companies with a $409 billion deficit on pension plans, reversing a $60 billion surplus a year earlier, and will cut into earnings in 2009,"

Wednesday, January 07, 2009

Café Scientifique in Muskegon

Café Scientifique in Muskegon

"A fun, interesting, and FREE discussion!January 20, 2009
A discussion on anaerobicdigesters as a means to makeAmerica energy independent
Presenter: Sarah JenanDirector, Renewable Energy Group, Reynolds, Inc."

'The truth is that promoting science isn't just about providing resources-it's about protecting free and open inquiry. It's about ensuring that facts and evidence are never twisted or obscured by politics or ideology. It's about listening to what our scientists have to say, even when it's inconvenient-especially when it's inconvenient. Because the highest purpose of science is the search for knowledge, truth and a greater understanding of the world around us.'
-Barack Obama"

If you are interested in Obama's view of science, here is Muskegon's forum of believers on stage.

I'll be there.


Location: Carmen's878 Jefferson St.Muskegon, MI 49440January 20, 20096:00 to 7:30 pm
click here for directions

Madoff is a Piker

Madoff is a Piker
"Politicians go on and on about Wall Street 'greed' and 'irresponsibility.'
But Madoff's scam was small compared to Ponzi schemes the government itself runs: Social Security and Medicare."


Mucho MSM and politician anger at profit making, job creating, product & services creating corporations. Oh yeah. They pay taxes too!

But not much interest or anger at the political ponzis who use the power of government (at EVERY level) to steal from us who have legally earned our money. And are spending our country (at EVERY level) into bankruptcy.

Governor Granholm's trip to Washington

Fact Finder: Governor Granholm's trip to Washington
"How exactly did Governor Granholm get to Washington for her appearance on Meet the Press last weekend? And more importantly, who paid for it? A viewer emailed me wondering exactly that, and the answers I found are the subject of this Fact Finder Report."

The liberal press simply hates business leaders who are crook/hypocrites. They love government leaders who are crook/hypocrites.

Same old, same old.

Tuesday, January 06, 2009

JetBlue, TSA Officials Pay $240G in Damages Over Arab T-Shirt Flap ews | US News

JetBlue, TSA Officials Pay $240G in Damages Over Arab T-Shirt Flap
"Jarrar was approached by security officials who told him to remove his T-shirt with the words 'We will not be silent' as he waited near the front of a JetBlue flight at JFK Airport because it apparently made other passengers feel uncomfortable."

Seriously, where can I get one of those T-shirts?

4 JetBlue flights in an offensive T-shirt and $960,000 bucks for your effort?

Sure beats frequent flier miles.....

Skier Suffers Exposure - January 6, 2009

Serious "Doh!"







Skier Suffers Exposure - January 6, 2009: "JANUARY 6--In a bizarre incident that will surely lead to litigation (or an out-of-court settlement), a skier at Colorado's ritzy Vail resort was left dangling upside down and pantsless from a chairlift"

Monday, January 05, 2009

Skeptics Global Warming

Skeptics Global Warming: "Some scientists have recently remarked that 2008 could be the coolest of this century. While this does appear so, sans December data, it’s also one of the coolest of the last 25 years. In fact, year-to-date, the University of Alabama at Huntsville temperature data set suggests that 2008 will be only very slightly ..."

Obama's Science Team: A Change Of Climate? : NPR

Obama's Science Team: A Change Of Climate? : NPR: "President-elect Barack Obama filled two top science jobs Saturday. In the process, he signaled a new White House emphasis on climate change.
Harvard professor John Holdren will be the chief White House science adviser and marine biologist Jane Lubchenco will run the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Obama said his White House is determined to turn back toward science."

Be afraid..... very afraid....

Climate Change Fraud - Because the debate is not over - Wind-Farm Problems Blowin' In The Wind

Climate Change Fraud - Because the debate is not over - Wind-Farm Problems Blowin' In The Wind: "As an over-the-road truck driver, I often pass wind farms all over the country,
and usually try to make an estimate, especially on windy days, of what
percentage of the wind turbines are actually working. Typically, between 20%
and 50% of the wind turbines are NOT working, and on one wind farm in Kansas
containing at least 100 windmills, NONE of them have been working for several
months. I'll bet this knocks the hell out of the payback estimates used to
justify the massive expenditure of taxpayer dollars to build these things."

Muskegon Heights council, residents, business owners lock horns over budget

Muskegon Heights council, residents, business owners lock horns over budget
"Despite the pleas and concerns expressed by the crime victim and other residents, the city council on Monday reiterated that the city doesn't have the money to continue employing that many officers. Other budget-cutting options just don't exist, frustrated city officials said repeatedly.


Think about that.

The city leaders of Muskegon Heights are telling their citizens and businesses that every other city spending area is MORE IMPORTANT than adequate police protection.

The city is doomed.

Why is the city of Muskegon following the same plan?

Term limits law churns Michigan Legislature

Term limits law churns Michigan Legislature
"The 110-member Michigan House will have 46 new lawmakers when it reconvenes for a new session this month. Forty-four of the seats were open in last year's election because the incumbents were term-limited.
Michigan's term limits law restricts House members to three terms of two years, or six years total.
The 38 members of the Michigan Senate are limited to two terms of four years, or eight years total. Senate seats were not up for election last year. Both the House and Senate will be up for election in 2010."

And our "progressive" Chronicle tells us that those 38 term limiteds are too important and have been too successful to look for new employment.

Yeah, right....