http://www.fredposner.com The World of FISPosner Mon, 29 Jun 2009 18:46:47 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en To celebrate my youngest cousin’s high school graduation, Yeni and I headed to Albany to join the celebration. Instead of flying, we packed very lightly and took the Harley 650 miles east from Ann Arbor to Albany, mostly following I-90 (we were going to go through Canada, but that’s a ... http://www.fredposner.com/family/545/back-from-a-great-long-weekend/ UPDATE — Monica Conyers has resigned from Detroit City Council effective July 6, 2009. Detroit News Article This morning, in a Detroit Federal Court, Monica Conyers plead guilty to charges of Conspiracy to Commit Bribery. The presiding judge, Avern Cohn, advised the court that “the defendant now stands convicted.” At this point, ... http://www.fredposner.com/rant/542/monica-conyers-guilty-bribery-scandal/ Besides celebrating the birth of my sister, June 21st holds additional special meanings... such as the start of Summer, the Summer Solstice, and the longest "day" of the year. This year, it of course was also Father's day — so all in all, this year, June 21st was a day ... http://www.fredposner.com/family/539/a-very-nice-long-day/ DETROIT, MI — The Detroit News reports that my favorite politician, Monica Conyers, reportedly needs to consider a plea offer from the Federal Government regarding a corruption investigation of City Hall. Apparently, the feds want an answer from Conyers by the end of the day (June 16th). The short story concerns ... http://www.fredposner.com/rant/534/monica-conyers-corrupt-from-bribes/ [caption id="attachment_527" align="alignright" width="150" caption="More pics..."][/caption] Yeni and I just got back from a quick trip to Chicago... visiting her brother as well as celebrating our first month of married life. :) It was a short drive (few hours) from Michigan to Chicago, and figuring the parking in Chicago would be interesting, ... http://www.fredposner.com/family/526/welcome-to-june/ Back in 2007, I was floored by the University of Florida's President (Bernie Machen) accepting more than $200,000 in bonuses. I was so floored, I sent him a letter (below) and asked him to decline the bonus. After all, he already receives in base salary more than 10 times the ... http://www.fredposner.com/gators/523/bernie-machen-donates-some-bonus-money-to-uf/ I'm still in Florida, but headed back to Michigan on Wednesday. I've been enjoying the warm weather, although it was 98 degrees yesterday in North Florida... much, much higher than Ann Arbor. Anyway, this last weekend I: Celebrated mom's birthday with my family (including my sister and our spouses) Had an AMAZING meal ... http://www.fredposner.com/family/521/still-in-florida/ No, it's not a reference to Cinco de Mayo... but just simply, the quick and dirty news for Fred Posner. Let's see... recently I: Got married (blogged @ yenifred.com) Reviewed the Gandy Dancer at Fat Freddy Says.com Had an AMAZING cake from Cake Nouveau (review coming) And those are the biggies I guess. :) http://www.fredposner.com/rescue-me/519/quick-and-dirty-news/ [caption id="attachment_515" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Remember when flying was fun?"][/caption] As a boy, I loved going to the airport. I remember being fascinated by the TWA terminal at JFK, awed by the escalator down from LAX, and excited to see the ocean immediately after take off from Fort Lauderdale. Airports also meant ... http://www.fredposner.com/rant/514/us-airways-cancels-flight-again/ Update June 11, 2009: The Chief is now leaving in early July - 4 months earlier than he had advised. Norman Botsford, the current Police Chief of Gainesville, Florida, announced that he would be retiring from his position. Although the following Gainesville Sun article highlights his history, they don't mention how ... http://www.fredposner.com/gators/512/gpd-chief-announces-retirement/ On my way to Orange County, California (via Phoenix). It's been a while since I had to fly and I am really hopeful my airport experience will be more positive than usual. Yeni and I have had this one Bob Marley song stuck in our heads recently, so I leave you ... http://www.fredposner.com/miscellaneous/504/headed-to-socal/ I attended Ann Arbor's Cloud Camp yesterday at Google (in... Ann Arbor). Was a great "un-conference" about cloud computing and such. Took a few pictures and enjoyed the afternoon. http://www.fredposner.com/miscellaneous/502/a2-cloud-camp/ [caption id="attachment_490" align="alignright" width="200" caption="Hey... I thought it was Spring!"][/caption] So, last night Michael and I caught up over a few Bourbon's at a TGI Friday's down the road. The last time Mike and I visited Friday's together? 1989. Anyway... as the evening wore on, the window showed us something I ... http://www.fredposner.com/yeni/488/april-in-ann-arbor-means-snow/ Last night, after watching the ER finale, the news showed me something I could not believe. The President of the Detroit City Council, Monica Conyers, provided an interview to Fox News giving a statement which I would only expect to be heard on Jerry Springer. Monica Conyers stated: No, I did ... http://www.fredposner.com/rant/485/monica-conyers-a-great-example-of-why-government-fails/ Today I posted some pictures on Picasa... they include: Our trip to Cabella's (45 pictures) January 2009 (34 pictures) February 2009 (33 pictures) Disney March 2009 (46 pictures) March 2009 (15 pictures) Still to come? Pictures from my sister's wedding and more! :) There's decent pictures in each section... Now, you know you can see the entire album, ... http://www.fredposner.com/family/469/new-pics-are-up/ The smartest thing I have ever done was not leave Florida permanently. After spending 20 plus years living and working in Florida, I’ve certainly seen my share of embarrassment. From Terry Schivo to Elian Gonzalez, the 2000 election to the Anna Nicole Smith Baby Daddy trial, Florida certainly helps give ... http://www.fredposner.com/rant/459/raise-taxes-michigan-really-really/ So, back in 2007 I actually liked what Ron Paul had to say. I liked how he answered questions, but who knows... I also liked what Ross Perot had to say. In fact, maybe it's just the R.P. initials that makes me interested. We'll find out for sure if Ru ... http://www.fredposner.com/rant/456/campaign-for-liberty-stop-calling-me/ [caption id="attachment_454" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Ann Arbor . com website"][/caption] The Ann Arbor News (in Ann Arbor, MI of course) recently announced it’s closure. After 174 years, the Ann Arbor News could not see a way out of economic difficulties and will be relaunching as an online media company — AnnArbor.com. But ... http://www.fredposner.com/rant/450/ann-arbor-news-says-goodbye/ Dealing with Ann Arbor’s Downtown Development Authority (the A2DDA) definitely elicits an emotional response. Sadly, the happy emotions did not make the cut. Anyway, the experience finds me recollecting some of my favorite government quotes... When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there ... http://www.fredposner.com/rant/448/selected-quotes-about-government/ We’re not playing the Pyramid here, but wouldn’t that be great? Man, I miss good 70’s game shows. Give me the Pyramid and Match Game and I’m happy as can be. Anyway... Benjamin Franklin I’ve always liked Mr. Franklin. Some think he’s the only non-president on money… but those people probably think ... http://www.fredposner.com/family/444/benjamin-franklin-motorcycles-and-ann-arbor-parking/