Top 10 Video Rentals 1. Angels & Demons (PG-13) Tom Hanks 2. Four Christmases (PG-13) Vince Vaughn 3. Funny People (R) Adam Sandler 4. Star Trek (PG-13) Chris Pine 5. Ugly Truth (R) Gerard Butler 6. Up (PG) animated 7. My Sister’s Keeper (PG-13) Cameron Diaz 8. G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (PG-13) Dennis Quaid 9. Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 (R) Denzel Washington 10. Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (PG) animated Top 10 DVD Sales 1. Up (PG) (Buena Vista) 2. The Dark Knight (PG-13) (Buena Vista) 3. Angels & Demons (PG-13) … [Read more...] about TOP TEN VIDEO, DVD as of Dec. 19, 2009
TRIVIA TEST
By Fifi Rodriguez 1. ANCIENT WORLD: What Greek mathematician came up with the principle of a lever? 2. MOVIES: In what city does a large part of “Interview with the Vampire” take place? 3. LITERATURE: What is meant by an epistolary novel? 4. U.S. STATES: What is Alaska’s motto? 5. TELEVISION: In what show was the alien race known as The Borg introduced? 6. ANIMAL KINGDOM: How many whiskers does the average cat have? 7. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: Where is the United States Naval Academy located? 8 HISTORY: In what year did the … [Read more...] about TRIVIA TEST
December Column
As superintendent, I thoroughly enjoy visiting each of our schools in the district. This is when I see first hand the accomplishments of our students and the professionalism of our staff. During my visits in November and December, I noticed something else going on in our schools: the spirit of giving. A can drive to help the Elks Club fill food baskets, Toys for Tots, Beggin for Bones, students making blankets for a homeless shelter, and a variety of other activities have been taking place to help those in need. The spirit of … [Read more...] about December Column
Dear tax raisers: Please tell us where to cut
If the governor and Legislature insist on taking more money from families to solve the state’s self-created overspending crisis, they should at least tell those families where to trim the family budget. By MICHAEL D. LaFAIVE Although Michigan's fiscal 2010 budget requires no new taxes, Gov. Jennifer Granholm nevertheless has been trying to gin up support for a $600 million tax hike. This would be on top of the $1.4 billion tax hike she orchestrated in 2007. Since that tax increase, Michigan's unemployment rate has more than … [Read more...] about Dear tax raisers: Please tell us where to cut
State government reform first, then consider tax hikes
Eleven months from a pivotal state election, lawmakers in Lansing are racing to erase a decade of futility. Spending reforms and tax overhauls are competing for attention so that elected officials can claim victory before they face the voters. The question, then, becomes: What should they do? And what comes first? Many, particularly Democrats like Gov. Jennifer Granholm, are clamoring for tax hikes to make up huge budget gaps. “Do it for the schools!” they exclaim. Or, “Do it for local police and fire departments!” Better … [Read more...] about State government reform first, then consider tax hikes
Firefighters to rescue
Dearborn firefighters and a little helper unload one of six mattresses they donated to a needy east Dearborn family Dec. 10 after receiving a call that the family had been sleeping on the floor. Among them are Jack Worden (left); his father, Lt. Steve Worden; Firefighter 2 Robin Bucholz; and Firefighter 3 Ken Karustis. Students and faculty at Oakman Elemtary School also held a “Pajama Day” fundraiser for the family that raised $440 – money used to buy new bed linens, a microwave, and a toaster. The firefighters “deserve so much credit … [Read more...] about Firefighters to rescue
Two more charged in building and safety investigation Building inspector says he’s being scapegoated
By J. PATRICK PEPPER Times-Herald Newspapers DEARBORN — Two city employees were charged last Wednesday with misdemeanor fraud and ethics violations related to two alleged fraudulent home sales that took place while they were officials of the former Building and Safety Department. Both were released on a personal bond $500 each and are scheduled for a pretrial conference with a district court prosecutor on Jan. 5. The employees have been suspended indefinitely without pay. Andrew Pizzino of Dearborn is charged with four … [Read more...] about Two more charged in building and safety investigation Building inspector says he’s being scapegoated
Layoffs hit district
By J. PATRICK PEPPER Times-Herald Newspapers DEARBORN — The Dearborn Public Schools Board of Education on Dec. 14 approved layoffs for nearly 200 employees. In total, 74 noninstructional employees and 121 teachers are affected by the staffing cuts. Noninstructional cuts were effective Dec. 15, while the teaching cuts become effective Feb. 1, when the second semester begins. The layoffs are the result of less-than-projected state aid funding that has left the district scrambling for ways to make up for a midyear $12 … [Read more...] about Layoffs hit district
Changing plans, delays cause friction in development deal
“It might be better to explore our options and see what’s out there. Four years is a lot of time, and things have changed.” — Council President Thomas Tafelski By J. PATRICK PEPPER Times-Herald Newspapers DEARBORN — Frustrations over a proposed development were front and center last week as the City Council continued deliberations on whether to extend an exclusivity agreement with the project’s architect for another year. At issue was the preferred developer status for Dearborn Village Partners for a west downtown city-owned … [Read more...] about Changing plans, delays cause friction in development deal
Studio signs may point to future movie productions
By SUE SUCHYTA Sunday Times Newspapers ALLEN PARK – Officials here are hoping that new signage at the Unity Studios complex and a recent visit to Tinseltown are steps toward making the city a major attraction for movie production. City Council members Tuesday agreed to pay $25,000 to architectural firm Hobbs + Black of Ann Arbor for signage for the complex south of the municipal offices, which is anchored by the studios and the Lifton Institute for Media Skills. Officials of the company call it a nationally recognized … [Read more...] about Studio signs may point to future movie productions