Fifty years ago, on November 1, 1957 the Mackinac Bridge opened for business. Connecting our peninsulas, the Mighty Mac is five miles long, with a suspension bridge spanning 8,614 feet. The Mighty Mac is the third longest suspension bridge in the world.
If you can't get there to celebrate, check out these websites for a vicarious thrill.
Mackinac Bridge Authority
Straights of Mackinac and Mackinac Bridge -- loaded with pictures, including some from celebrations this summer.
Mackinac Bridge Cam
Mackinac Bridge Museum
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Monday, October 29, 2007
GM in China -- cozy commitment in communist country
People's Republic of China embraces Michigan's number one son, GM.
GM has announced it will set up a $250 million alternative-fuel research center in Shanghai to produce commercially viable alternatives to gasoline engines. According to the AP, GM also will contribute $5 million to create an automotive energy research center in Beijing with elite Tsinghua University and Shanghai Automotive Industries Corp., one of GM's local partners.
Could this work have been done in Michigan? Aren't we into developing public/private partnerships? Don't we have the academic, research and development infrastructure to handle such a project? Hasn't the state made alternative energy and advanced automotive manufacturing top economic development priorities? Isn't state government dumping millions and millions of dollars into these priorities? What the heck is going on in the Tri-tech Corridor?
The AP reports that "The new research center will work on alternative fuels, alternative propulsion systems such as fuel cells and technology to improve energy efficiency, Wagoner said. He said it will focus on the booming Chinese market but its technology also will exported to other markets."
"Wagoner said GM picked China for the research center because of its fast-growing vehicle market, large pool of talented researchers and the communist government's push to develop alternative energy sources."
There you have it. We are not competing with Mississippi; we are competing with China. And they won the deal. Wagoner was wooed by favorable business conditions created by the communist leadership in China. (So was Walmart.) Governor Granholm and our state legislature just can't keep up with Ju Jintao and his Party. China has made alternative energy a national priority. While our state economy may be the size of Sweden's, we simply cannot compete with the one-party People's Republic of China, 1,321,851,888 comrades strong. We are only 10 million and we hardly share a unity of purpose.
What else does China have that we don't? An ascendant middle class with lots of disposable income. Even if only 20 percent of the Chinese population are middle class, that is 264,370,377 people, nearly the population of the United States.
In spite of questionable labor practices, China has scads of consumers with wads of cash.
Wagoner's first reason for picking China? Its fast growing vehicle market. This move is about selling cars, not cleaning up the planet. Doing research to create cleaner fuels in China is a means to an end -- selling more cars.
It's about selling lots of cars in a very populous country and staying globally profitable.
GM has announced it will set up a $250 million alternative-fuel research center in Shanghai to produce commercially viable alternatives to gasoline engines. According to the AP, GM also will contribute $5 million to create an automotive energy research center in Beijing with elite Tsinghua University and Shanghai Automotive Industries Corp., one of GM's local partners.
Could this work have been done in Michigan? Aren't we into developing public/private partnerships? Don't we have the academic, research and development infrastructure to handle such a project? Hasn't the state made alternative energy and advanced automotive manufacturing top economic development priorities? Isn't state government dumping millions and millions of dollars into these priorities? What the heck is going on in the Tri-tech Corridor?
The AP reports that "The new research center will work on alternative fuels, alternative propulsion systems such as fuel cells and technology to improve energy efficiency, Wagoner said. He said it will focus on the booming Chinese market but its technology also will exported to other markets."
"Wagoner said GM picked China for the research center because of its fast-growing vehicle market, large pool of talented researchers and the communist government's push to develop alternative energy sources."
There you have it. We are not competing with Mississippi; we are competing with China. And they won the deal. Wagoner was wooed by favorable business conditions created by the communist leadership in China. (So was Walmart.) Governor Granholm and our state legislature just can't keep up with Ju Jintao and his Party. China has made alternative energy a national priority. While our state economy may be the size of Sweden's, we simply cannot compete with the one-party People's Republic of China, 1,321,851,888 comrades strong. We are only 10 million and we hardly share a unity of purpose.
What else does China have that we don't? An ascendant middle class with lots of disposable income. Even if only 20 percent of the Chinese population are middle class, that is 264,370,377 people, nearly the population of the United States.
In spite of questionable labor practices, China has scads of consumers with wads of cash.
Wagoner's first reason for picking China? Its fast growing vehicle market. This move is about selling cars, not cleaning up the planet. Doing research to create cleaner fuels in China is a means to an end -- selling more cars.
It's about selling lots of cars in a very populous country and staying globally profitable.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
October Consumer Confidence -- lower than expected
The Reuters/University of Michigan Index of Consumer Sentiment fell further than expected in October, as the persistent housing decline slammed expectations for the economy.
The index fell to 80.9 in October from a reading of 83.4 in September.
Trouble in the housing market is seeping into other sectors as consumers become more guarded with their resources.
The index fell to 80.9 in October from a reading of 83.4 in September.
Trouble in the housing market is seeping into other sectors as consumers become more guarded with their resources.
Promises, promises -- UAW falls in love again
Promises made the UAW contract with GM a reality. GM promised to build specific vehicles in the future including the Volt in Hamtramck in 2010. GM's promises gave Chrysler workers pause as they considered their own contract, which did not contain any such promises. Chrysler would not, and further claimed it could not, make those sorts of promises. To do so would have been irresponsible, irrational and unrealistic. In the end, the UAW did accept the Chrysler contract.
The International Herald Tribune reminds us that the Volt "is a concept car that cannot be built until the technology is available, and one that the company has not even officially announced it will build."
The piece quotes Professor Walter McManus, an auto industry economist at the University of Michigan:
Now, on to Ford...as negotiations have resumed.
The International Herald Tribune reminds us that the Volt "is a concept car that cannot be built until the technology is available, and one that the company has not even officially announced it will build."
The piece quotes Professor Walter McManus, an auto industry economist at the University of Michigan:
"The problem," he added, "is the battery technology is still not ready. I would say, when they break ground on a plant to make batteries, two years later the Volt will come out."
For the car to be built starting in 2010, he added, "a factory has to be built soon, and it doesn't look like the batteries are that near production."
Those promises to build the Volt, while well-intentioned and seductive, are premature.
Less than three weeks after ratifying the GM contract, nearly 2000 Michigan workers were laid off -- 767 of them in Hamtramck. Lay offs are a rational response to market conditions. You shouldn't build cars you can't sell. GM is in the business of building and selling cars, not guaranteeing employment. So how could they make promises about future production? After the recent lay offs, those promises seem suspect. How can GM assure future employment or promise to build something it cannot build?
Although the Chrysler agreement made no predictions beyond its four-year term, it may end up a fairer, honest commitment to workers.
Now, on to Ford...as negotiations have resumed.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Homeland Security and Michigan's New Economy
Press about the 21st Century Jobs Fund tends to focus on biotech, alternative energy and advanced manufacturing, but homeland security and defense is an equally favored and well-funded industry priority of the fund.
While Michigan struggles to make her way to a "new economy," public money, a limited natural resource, is being spooned to companies devoted to homeland security and defense. At the same time, our schools, children, the sick and the aged are getting short shrift. It's a perennial conflict of priorities, prophetic in implication.
What matters now is that Michigan citizens take notice. In Northern Michigan, a company named Sovereign Deed is proposing privatizing civil defense and the disaster relief functions normally handled by FEMA. While you might agree that FEMA has done poorly in the last seven years, that has been the result of the agency being gutted of non-partisan, career professionals. In a sense, we face a contrived and man-made crisis in crisis response and disaster management. Katrina showed us that.
So, as you read about Sovereign Deed setting up shop up North, where you like to spend time away at the cottage, ask yourself: do we really want homeland security contractors to become our growth industry? The spookiest thing about this is that of all the 21st Century Jobs Fund priorities, homeland security and defense is probably the most likely to create immediate commercialization and jobs and profit. Win-win for the lucky communities that get picked by these contractors.
You might argue, "but if we don't seize this amazing commercial opportunity, who will?" Every other state in the country where workers are freaking out over outsourcing of well-paying jobs. Homeland security, like the defense industry, will become essential to the economic viability of every state. In an environment of perpetual, unresolved, diffuse threat, this is inevitable. But we needn't rush into it.
Do you really want Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox to make way for soldiers of fortune and Hummers?
Let's give higher education a chance. And while we're at it, not forsake the most vulnerable among us. Please.
While Michigan struggles to make her way to a "new economy," public money, a limited natural resource, is being spooned to companies devoted to homeland security and defense. At the same time, our schools, children, the sick and the aged are getting short shrift. It's a perennial conflict of priorities, prophetic in implication.
What matters now is that Michigan citizens take notice. In Northern Michigan, a company named Sovereign Deed is proposing privatizing civil defense and the disaster relief functions normally handled by FEMA. While you might agree that FEMA has done poorly in the last seven years, that has been the result of the agency being gutted of non-partisan, career professionals. In a sense, we face a contrived and man-made crisis in crisis response and disaster management. Katrina showed us that.
So, as you read about Sovereign Deed setting up shop up North, where you like to spend time away at the cottage, ask yourself: do we really want homeland security contractors to become our growth industry? The spookiest thing about this is that of all the 21st Century Jobs Fund priorities, homeland security and defense is probably the most likely to create immediate commercialization and jobs and profit. Win-win for the lucky communities that get picked by these contractors.
You might argue, "but if we don't seize this amazing commercial opportunity, who will?" Every other state in the country where workers are freaking out over outsourcing of well-paying jobs. Homeland security, like the defense industry, will become essential to the economic viability of every state. In an environment of perpetual, unresolved, diffuse threat, this is inevitable. But we needn't rush into it.
Do you really want Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox to make way for soldiers of fortune and Hummers?
Let's give higher education a chance. And while we're at it, not forsake the most vulnerable among us. Please.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Finding the upbeat in Michigan
A recent anonymous reader asked, "Why are you so bitter?"
I don't feel bitter, mostly just concerned about our state's future and economy and people. Perhaps it is time to remember some good things about Michigan.
Autumn color, vast fresh-water lakes, the U.P., Cornish pasties, Detroit Institute of Arts, fudge, golf, coney dogs, lumber jacks, Tony the Tiger, the Mighty Mac, Iggy Pop, Ted Nugent, Madonna, the Soo Locks, the Real McCoy, bow hunting, Big Boy, blue berries, moose, cars, Governor Milliken, Sleeping Bear Dunes, mastodons, Lake Michigan cabernet sauvignon, Pinconning Cheese, Interlochen Arts Camp, the Tigers, the Dirtbombs, University of Michigan, the Lions, Vernors, the UAW, Michigan State University, the State Fair, tulips, motown, whitefish, Rosie the Riveter, Sojourner Truth, cherries, Sweetest Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Gerber baby food, raw milk, wolverines, Dance for Mother Earth Annual Pow Wow, community supported agriculture, fly fishing, snow, lake freighters, light houses, the Red Arrow Highway, Jiffy Mix, iron, copper, lumber, corn, the Whiting!
Ah, that's better.
Now, don't forget these things -- continuation budget, partisan gridlock, recall campaign, below national average college completion rate, 40% higher incarceration rate than neighbor states, term limits, structural deficit.
I don't feel bitter, mostly just concerned about our state's future and economy and people. Perhaps it is time to remember some good things about Michigan.
Autumn color, vast fresh-water lakes, the U.P., Cornish pasties, Detroit Institute of Arts, fudge, golf, coney dogs, lumber jacks, Tony the Tiger, the Mighty Mac, Iggy Pop, Ted Nugent, Madonna, the Soo Locks, the Real McCoy, bow hunting, Big Boy, blue berries, moose, cars, Governor Milliken, Sleeping Bear Dunes, mastodons, Lake Michigan cabernet sauvignon, Pinconning Cheese, Interlochen Arts Camp, the Tigers, the Dirtbombs, University of Michigan, the Lions, Vernors, the UAW, Michigan State University, the State Fair, tulips, motown, whitefish, Rosie the Riveter, Sojourner Truth, cherries, Sweetest Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Gerber baby food, raw milk, wolverines, Dance for Mother Earth Annual Pow Wow, community supported agriculture, fly fishing, snow, lake freighters, light houses, the Red Arrow Highway, Jiffy Mix, iron, copper, lumber, corn, the Whiting!
Ah, that's better.
Now, don't forget these things -- continuation budget, partisan gridlock, recall campaign, below national average college completion rate, 40% higher incarceration rate than neighbor states, term limits, structural deficit.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
GM is number 1? Not by .14 percent
Sports fans, don't be fooled. GM is not your favorite sports team. Resist the urge to identify with this global corporation's "success."
The Free Press reports:
"'We’ve been No. 1 for 76 years. We like being No. 1, and we’re going to stay focused on our long term goals,' said GM spokesman John McDonald."
This renewed No. 1 status amounts to 10,000 more vehicles than Toyota sold globally over the first nine months of the year. GM's total, 7.06 million.
Not to rain on your parade, GM, but that's .14 (point one four) percent more vehicles sold globally -- a statistically insignificant amount.
There's no trophy for selling a statistically insignificant greater number of significantly less profitable vehicles globally. According to the Free Press,"Last year, Toyota clearly beat GM on the profitability point. Toyota reported a profit of $14 billion, while GM reported $2-billion loss."
More troubling is the impact of lack of profitability on workers. The ink is barely dry on the recent agreement between GM and the UAW. Workers were pleased to sign the agreement with promises of future production of certain vehicles. GM proudly and strategically announced production of the Chevy Volt in Hamtramck in 2010 just before laying off 767 workers in Hamtramck last Tuesday. More Hamtramck layoffs are planned for the fall.
GM announced yesterday that 1,000 workers would be laid off by year's end at the Lansing cross over plant.
GM is only profitable in its oversees operations. There will be more pruning in North America for the foreseeable future. Workers would be well advised to consider immediate and profound retooling of their skill sets.
The Free Press reports:
"'We’ve been No. 1 for 76 years. We like being No. 1, and we’re going to stay focused on our long term goals,' said GM spokesman John McDonald."
This renewed No. 1 status amounts to 10,000 more vehicles than Toyota sold globally over the first nine months of the year. GM's total, 7.06 million.
Not to rain on your parade, GM, but that's .14 (point one four) percent more vehicles sold globally -- a statistically insignificant amount.
There's no trophy for selling a statistically insignificant greater number of significantly less profitable vehicles globally. According to the Free Press,"Last year, Toyota clearly beat GM on the profitability point. Toyota reported a profit of $14 billion, while GM reported $2-billion loss."
More troubling is the impact of lack of profitability on workers. The ink is barely dry on the recent agreement between GM and the UAW. Workers were pleased to sign the agreement with promises of future production of certain vehicles. GM proudly and strategically announced production of the Chevy Volt in Hamtramck in 2010 just before laying off 767 workers in Hamtramck last Tuesday. More Hamtramck layoffs are planned for the fall.
GM announced yesterday that 1,000 workers would be laid off by year's end at the Lansing cross over plant.
GM is only profitable in its oversees operations. There will be more pruning in North America for the foreseeable future. Workers would be well advised to consider immediate and profound retooling of their skill sets.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Recall efforts in context
Are recalls genuine grassroots activity among voters to express dissatisfaction with elected officials? Or are they a political strategy to distract, confuse and complicate the political landscape as the 2008 presidential primary draws near? Or could they be a blend of both?
Michigan Taxpayers Alliance threatened to initiate recalls against any legislator voting to increase taxes as part of the state's budget resolution. Immediately upon completion of the continuation budget process, the group named Democrats and Republicans whom they would target for recall. MTA has been consistent in its threat, but not consistent in its follow-through.
A relatively new website, MichiganRecalls.com targets Republicans and Democrats who supported the revenue portion of September's budget agreement. But the website doesn't threaten recall of all who voted in favor of the revenues. If these really were principled efforts, wouldn't they target all who voted to increase taxes? Doesn't their "no compromise" position on taxes require consistency in applying their sole criterion for recalling elected officials? In fact, they can only proceed in districts where voters can be persuaded to participate in this destructive activity.
The movement to recall legislators, while thoroughly distracting, doesn't represent the actual sentiment of a majority of Michigan citizens. In fact, numerous Republicans and Democrats have gone on record criticizing the effort as destructive to the well-being of our state now and in the future.
Here is a sampling of the conversation against recall efforts:
Phil Power wrote:
Michigan Taxpayers Alliance threatened to initiate recalls against any legislator voting to increase taxes as part of the state's budget resolution. Immediately upon completion of the continuation budget process, the group named Democrats and Republicans whom they would target for recall. MTA has been consistent in its threat, but not consistent in its follow-through.
A relatively new website, MichiganRecalls.com targets Republicans and Democrats who supported the revenue portion of September's budget agreement. But the website doesn't threaten recall of all who voted in favor of the revenues. If these really were principled efforts, wouldn't they target all who voted to increase taxes? Doesn't their "no compromise" position on taxes require consistency in applying their sole criterion for recalling elected officials? In fact, they can only proceed in districts where voters can be persuaded to participate in this destructive activity.
The movement to recall legislators, while thoroughly distracting, doesn't represent the actual sentiment of a majority of Michigan citizens. In fact, numerous Republicans and Democrats have gone on record criticizing the effort as destructive to the well-being of our state now and in the future.
Here is a sampling of the conversation against recall efforts:
Phil Power wrote:
"Recalls result in loss of local control to fringe groups supported by lots of out-of-state money. Why is it that Leon Drolet, a former state representative from Macomb County, should have the power to pick legislators from all over the state?Do voters in Warren (Steve Bieda), or Redford Township (Andy Dillon), or Northville (Marc Corriveau), or the Grosse Pointes (Ed Gaffney), or Muskegon (Mary Valentine), Norton Shores (Gerald Van Woerkom), or Brighton (Chris Ward), or Howell (Valde Garcia) or Holland (Wayne Kuipers) want to sign their rights over to Drolet?
All these folks picked their own representatives last November, and I see no reason why the choices of the Leon Drolets of the world should be more important than theirs were last November."
A Detroit Free Press Editorial from October 7:
"So recalls can have an impact. But first, they ought to have a legitimate basis.
Casting an unpopular, but fundamentally necessary and correct vote, is not. Letting recall backers set the tone for Michigan politics in the still-critical weeks ahead will be counterproductive and just plain wrong."
A Grand Haven Tribune Editorial from October 16:
"With the need to get the state in financial order, recall elections are the last thing this state needs.
Lawmakers shouldn't be punished for being willing to make courageous decisions.In fact, the 10 legislators who are being targeted should be applauded for their willingness to support decisions that they feel will serve in the state's best interest.
We only hope that our governor and the rest of the Legislature show some courage in getting Michigan back on track."
What is behind the efforts to recall legislators? Divide and conquer. Grover Norquist, who lends his name to the MTA board, managed to make his way to the GOP Mackinac leadership weekend in September to urge our state GOP to re-brand as an anti-tax party. Apparently, they really didn't need much encouragement to move that direction, seeing as how the votes around revenues were cast nearly exclusively down party lines. And this isn't really very creative as political strategy. It is, however, time-tested and consultant approved. And in the absence of a really strong, vibrant state Democratic party, it might have legs.
Make no mistake, Michigan's misfortune and internal conflict are seen as opportunity by those who would further divide us for political gain. The recall effort is not fundamentally homegrown, grassroots activism. True, there are some participants who have been fighting taxes in Michigan for decades. But their passion is being cynically tapped by outsiders with other political objectives.
We who actually live and work and seek our happiness in Michigan need to take responsibility for our future and resist forces that would seek further to divide our house at the moment we most need to come together.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
UAW resistance grows to Chrysler contract offer
UAW local opposition to the proposed Chrysler contract continues to grow. Detroit Axel; St. Louis North; Twinsburg, Ohio; St. Louis South Assembly; Newark, Delaware and Fenton, Missouri have all voted against the agreement.
The contract needs majority approval of all members voting to be ratified.
At issue, a lack of commitment to build future products and a two-tier wage system. Experts expect opposition to gain momentum as more locals decline the offer. Chrysler has some room to stand its ground. Reuters reported Wednesday that Chrysler will be eliminating some products in the near term. Fourth quarter auto sales are expected to continue to lag. So, the company is anticipating lower production demands.
According to the Detroit News, ratification votes will include:| Local | City | Vote Date |
| 75 | Milwaukee | Today |
| 76 | Fremont, Calif. | Today |
| 212 | Detroit (Conner) | Today |
| 412 | Auburn Hills | Today |
| 868 | Conyers, Ga. | Today |
| 889 | Warren (Clerical) | Today |
| 1649 | Orlando, Fla. | Today |
| 7 | Detroit (Jefferson North) | Sunday |
| 509 | Pico Rivera, Calif. | Sunday |
| 624 | Syracuse, NY (New Process Gear) | Sunday |
| 2149 | Syracuse, NY (Engineering) | Monday |
| 685 | Kokomo (Transmission) | Tuesday |
| 1166 | Kokomo (Casting) | Tuesday |
| 140 | Warren (Warren Truck, Sterling Emission) | Wednesday |
| 869 | Warren (Stamping) | Wednesday |
| 1264 | Sterling Heights (Stamping) | Wednesday |
| 1700 | Sterling Heights (Assembly) | Wednesday |
New voting requirement stirs controversy
cross-posted at Michigan Messenger
Michigan's January 15 presidential primary will be the first time since 1992 that Michigan voters will have to indicate a party preference in order to receive a ballot and vote. Experts differ in how they expect this to affect voter behavior. Some advocates think it is simply a bad idea.
Michigan's January 15 presidential primary will be the first time since 1992 that Michigan voters will have to indicate a party preference in order to receive a ballot and vote. Experts differ in how they expect this to affect voter behavior. Some advocates think it is simply a bad idea.
Voter advocates are concerned about privacy issues and inhibiting voter participation. They also criticize using public monies for political purposes, such as collecting lists of voters' presumed party preferences. But in the context of elections, gathering such information is standard procedure.
"The Republicans are going to make out very well in this presidential primary because they will have succeeded in getting the state of Michigan to pay for their ability to collect the names of their people," says Jan BenDor, statewide coordinator for non-profit, non-partisan Michigan Election Reform Alliance. "They will finally have a perfect mailing list of who the Republicans are. The state of Michigan will spend $10 million for them to do that. They have wanted this for years."
The Democratic Party will also receive a list - voters who requested a Democratic ballot. But given the incomplete field of candidates on the ballot and the possibility of cross-over voting, the Democratic list is likely to be smaller and less informative.
University of Michigan political science professor, Michael Traugott, who specializes in campaigns and elections, agrees that one purpose of the primary is to gather names of citizens and their likely voting preference. Speaking about the motivations of political parties, Traugott says,"A lot of what they do in the caucuses and primaries with these party ballots is check on the accuracy of their lists." He says that consultants and strategists collect information from local election officials to supplement and refine existing voter lists.
"What they really want are names and addresses." He says that information collected in primary elections is cross referenced and statistically analyzed to arrive at what are believed to be authoritative, up-to-date address lists of likely voters for each party.
According to Tom Frazier, legislative liaison with the Michigan Township Association, the Secretary of State's Bureau of Elections will be creating a form for all clerks to use on election day with a box to check whether a voter wants a Republican ballot or a Democratic ballot.
"They aren't declaring what their party preference is, only declaring they want to vote in the Republican primary or the Democratic primary," says Frazier. "This is different than the last time this came about, which was the presidential election in 1992, where people did have to formally declare their party preference before being given a ballot."
The League of Women Voters of Michigan is squarely opposed to "any procedures that require voters to name a party in order to cast a vote," says Jessica Reiser, president of the group. The League contends that such procedures at the time of voting inhibit voter participation.
Traugott concurs, but thinks the actual number of voters turned off by such a procedure will be small and that privacy issues don't really apply. "Registration and voting records have always been public. But in these special circumstances they can record which ballot you requested and that would become part of the record," he says. "It is an act of freewill and they don't know who you voted for. Some small proportion of voters won't come to the polls because of it."
Friday, October 19, 2007
Where's my budget!? (Trick or Treat?)
The Detroit Free Press reports that Michigan is headed for Ground Hog Day on Halloween. It's deja vu all over again. Another tie score in our extra budget inning of October. That's right -- partisan wrangling continues and threatens another government shutdown.
It really isn't too early to say that. It may even be better for our collective mental health to accept that possibility today, rather than on Halloween. What a cosmic joke that would be -- trick or treat at the state house. Trick -- sorry no budget agreement, you get a shutdown instead. Treat -- we managed to work together for the first time in nine months.
Considering human nature and what we have endured this year, which is more likely?
According to the Free Press, areas of conflict include: medicaid, the Department of Human Services, foster care, and DNR license fees.
If this ongoing inability to compromise surprises you, you may be the eternal optimist, young at heart and willing to give everyone the benefit of the doubt. If you find it boring, disappointing and lacking drama, you are probably middle-aged.
Regardless your age and world view, as one of Michigan's ten million citizens, you will be affected by what happens in Lansing on Halloween.
If we are very, very lucky on October 31st, we might only have to worry about having enough candy by the front door.
It really isn't too early to say that. It may even be better for our collective mental health to accept that possibility today, rather than on Halloween. What a cosmic joke that would be -- trick or treat at the state house. Trick -- sorry no budget agreement, you get a shutdown instead. Treat -- we managed to work together for the first time in nine months.
Considering human nature and what we have endured this year, which is more likely?
According to the Free Press, areas of conflict include: medicaid, the Department of Human Services, foster care, and DNR license fees.
If this ongoing inability to compromise surprises you, you may be the eternal optimist, young at heart and willing to give everyone the benefit of the doubt. If you find it boring, disappointing and lacking drama, you are probably middle-aged.
Regardless your age and world view, as one of Michigan's ten million citizens, you will be affected by what happens in Lansing on Halloween.
If we are very, very lucky on October 31st, we might only have to worry about having enough candy by the front door.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Pfizer posts 77% earnings decline
If you live in Ann Arbor, you might be tempted to engage in hearty Schadenfreude at the news of tough times for Pfizer.
The company reports a 77 percent decline in third quarter earnings.
Pfizer has ditched development of Exubera, an inhaled insulin product that had promised to be big. Rational exuberance has yielded to rational cutting of losses.
Pfizer reportedly does not have enough drugs in development to offset losses from generic competition. The company has recently lost exclusivity with Zithromax, Zoloft and Norvasc.
The company reports a 77 percent decline in third quarter earnings.
Pfizer has ditched development of Exubera, an inhaled insulin product that had promised to be big. Rational exuberance has yielded to rational cutting of losses.
Pfizer reportedly does not have enough drugs in development to offset losses from generic competition. The company has recently lost exclusivity with Zithromax, Zoloft and Norvasc.
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