http://blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/aheller/Andrew Heller's outlook and commentsenFri, 17 May 2013 08:05:41 PDTMovable Type Enterprise 4.29-advance http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/noAndrew Heller's outlook and commentsahellerhttp://feedburner.google.comhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/aheller/~3/cRZ2HQ_VF9w/andrew_heller_this_isnt_the_pr.htmlcat:Andy's Journal columnsAndrew Heller | Flint JournalFri, 17 May 2013 08:05:41 PDTtag:blog.mlive.com,2013:/flintjournal/aheller//1580.10569340 ]]>If I had the chance to say one thing to President Obama about his leadership and the actions of his administration in recent days, it would be "You're better than this."noIf I had the chance to say one thing to President Obama about his leadership and the actions of his administration in recent days, it would be "You're better than this."If I had the chance to say one thing to President Obama about his leadership and the actions of his administration in recent days, it would be "You're better than this."cat:Andy's Journal columnshttp://blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/aheller/2013/05/andrew_heller_this_isnt_the_pr.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/aheller/~3/kTPuxYvEAc4/come_heller_high_water_where_w.htmlcat:Andy's Journal columnsAndrew Heller | Flint JournalWed, 15 May 2013 08:34:32 PDTtag:blog.mlive.com,2013:/flintjournal/aheller//1580.10556836 ]]>The question, I guess, comes down to this: Is the right to “self-determine” your city into the ground absolute? I say it’s not. noThe question, I guess, comes down to this: Is the right to “self-determine” your city into the ground absolute? I say it’s not. The question, I guess, comes down to this: Is the right to “self-determine” your city into the ground absolute? I say it’s not. cat:Andy's Journal columnshttp://blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/aheller/2013/05/come_heller_high_water_where_w.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/aheller/~3/YZR_s0fBgyY/andrew_heller_i_say_old_sport.htmlcat:Andy's Journal columnsAndrew Heller | Flint JournalMon, 13 May 2013 07:30:13 PDTtag:blog.mlive.com,2013:/flintjournal/aheller//1580.10542715 ]]>At one point, just to see, I took my 3D glasses off and watched for a few minutes without them. The background was a little fuzzy, as if the camera guy had been drinking and wasn't quite on his game. But other than that, it didn't look much different. And sure enough – lush, beautiful.noAt one point, just to see, I took my 3D glasses off and watched for a few minutes without them. The background was a little fuzzy, as if the camera guy had been drinking and wasn't quite on his game. But other than that, it didn't look much different. AndAt one point, just to see, I took my 3D glasses off and watched for a few minutes without them. The background was a little fuzzy, as if the camera guy had been drinking and wasn't quite on his game. But other than that, it didn't look much different. And sure enough – lush, beautiful.cat:Andy's Journal columnshttp://blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/aheller/2013/05/andrew_heller_i_say_old_sport.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/aheller/~3/PP6wB-rvTzE/andrew_heller_warren_buffett_i.htmlcat:Andy's Journal columnsAndrew Heller | Flint JournalFri, 10 May 2013 08:30:51 PDTtag:blog.mlive.com,2013:/flintjournal/aheller//1580.10525703 ]]>I'll probably follow his tweets for a while. But I'm not going to follow him forever. With me, he's on probation until he proves that he deserves a long-term spot.noI'll probably follow his tweets for a while. But I'm not going to follow him forever. With me, he's on probation until he proves that he deserves a long-term spot.I'll probably follow his tweets for a while. But I'm not going to follow him forever. With me, he's on probation until he proves that he deserves a long-term spot.cat:Andy's Journal columnshttp://blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/aheller/2013/05/andrew_heller_warren_buffett_i.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/aheller/~3/Vtv_dCioxvI/come_heller_high_water_break_o.htmlcat:Andy's Journal columnsAndrew Heller | Flint JournalWed, 08 May 2013 09:56:16 PDTtag:blog.mlive.com,2013:/flintjournal/aheller//1580.10512186 ]]>Thirty students were kicked out of the Grand Blanc High School prom last weekend for dirty dancing. One compared the district's dancing rules -- face to face with a little space -- to the ones battled by the teens in the movie "Footloose." Oh please, kids, get over yourselves.noThirty students were kicked out of the Grand Blanc High School prom last weekend for dirty dancing. One compared the district's dancing rules -- face to face with a little space -- to the ones battled by the teens in the movie "Footloose." Oh please, kidsThirty students were kicked out of the Grand Blanc High School prom last weekend for dirty dancing. One compared the district's dancing rules -- face to face with a little space -- to the ones battled by the teens in the movie "Footloose." Oh please, kids, get over yourselves.cat:Andy's Journal columnshttp://blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/aheller/2013/05/come_heller_high_water_break_o.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/aheller/~3/ugcP_LEgYrE/andrew_heller_martha_stewarts.htmlcat:Andy's Journal columnsAndrew Heller | Flint JournalMon, 06 May 2013 18:36:59 PDTtag:blog.mlive.com,2013:/flintjournal/aheller//1580.10498906 ]]>It seems strange that Martha Stewart would need a dating service. She's rich, successful, and attractive for her age. You'd think she'd have guys falling all over themselves to date her, especially those who enjoy fresh blackberry brandy scones served on a table set with napkin swans hand-woven from gossamer.noIt seems strange that Martha Stewart would need a dating service. She's rich, successful, and attractive for her age. You'd think she'd have guys falling all over themselves to date her, especially those who enjoy fresh blackberry brandy scones served on It seems strange that Martha Stewart would need a dating service. She's rich, successful, and attractive for her age. You'd think she'd have guys falling all over themselves to date her, especially those who enjoy fresh blackberry brandy scones served on a table set with napkin swans hand-woven from gossamer.cat:Andy's Journal columnshttp://blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/aheller/2013/05/andrew_heller_martha_stewarts.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/aheller/~3/rGYHpZFeMv4/andrew_heller_little_things_ca.htmlcat:Andy's Journal columnsAndrew Heller | Flint JournalFri, 03 May 2013 13:32:35 PDTtag:blog.mlive.com,2013:/flintjournal/aheller//1580.10477049 ]]>Debbie's journey is a reminder, I think, of how much we impact one another's lives whether we realize it or not, and that's something to bear in mind as we go through our days.http://blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/aheller/2013/05/andrew_heller_little_things_ca.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/aheller/~3/9VJDBhluKhM/come_heller_high_water_college.htmlcat:Andy's Journal columnsAndrew Heller | Flint JournalWed, 01 May 2013 09:00:07 PDTtag:blog.mlive.com,2013:/flintjournal/aheller//1580.10462833 ]]>I think college students and their parents would prefer the state simply go back to providing more state aid to colleges so kids don’t graduate owing, on average (although many owe a lot, lot more) $27,451. noI think college students and their parents would prefer the state simply go back to providing more state aid to colleges so kids don’t graduate owing, on average (although many owe a lot, lot more) $27,451. I think college students and their parents would prefer the state simply go back to providing more state aid to colleges so kids don’t graduate owing, on average (although many owe a lot, lot more) $27,451. cat:Andy's Journal columnshttp://blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/aheller/2013/05/come_heller_high_water_college.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/aheller/~3/sWC8xPPwgeE/andrew_heller_some_things_neve.htmlcat:Andy's Journal columnsAndrew Heller | Flint JournalMon, 29 Apr 2013 16:24:55 PDTtag:blog.mlive.com,2013:/flintjournal/aheller//1580.10445161 ]]>So times haven't changed apparently. When I went to prom, my mom bought the boutonniere and rented my tux, which I threw on 15 minutes before leaving the house. noSo times haven't changed apparently. When I went to prom, my mom bought the boutonniere and rented my tux, which I threw on 15 minutes before leaving the house. So times haven't changed apparently. When I went to prom, my mom bought the boutonniere and rented my tux, which I threw on 15 minutes before leaving the house. cat:Andy's Journal columnshttp://blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/aheller/2013/04/andrew_heller_some_things_neve.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/aheller/~3/CPcRqa5zGfY/andrew_heller_flint_council_me.htmlcat:Andy's Journal columnsAndrew Heller | Flint JournalFri, 26 Apr 2013 10:48:14 PDTtag:blog.mlive.com,2013:/flintjournal/aheller//1580.10429034 ]]>Ed Kurtz, Flint's emergency manager, has decreed that our disenfranchised city council members must complete the Michigan Municipal League's level one core courses in order to win back 30 percent of their oh-so-justly-axed salaries. Oh, sweet mama. That's a column that practically writes itself. noEd Kurtz, Flint's emergency manager, has decreed that our disenfranchised city council members must complete the Michigan Municipal League's level one core courses in order to win back 30 percent of their oh-so-justly-axed salaries. Oh, sweet mama. That'sEd Kurtz, Flint's emergency manager, has decreed that our disenfranchised city council members must complete the Michigan Municipal League's level one core courses in order to win back 30 percent of their oh-so-justly-axed salaries. Oh, sweet mama. That's a column that practically writes itself. cat:Andy's Journal columnshttp://blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/aheller/2013/04/andrew_heller_flint_council_me.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/aheller/~3/xHkIAPiEC04/come_heller_high_water_rain_ra.htmlcat:Andy's Journal columnscat:Come Heller high water...Andrew Heller | Flint JournalWed, 24 Apr 2013 13:42:39 PDTtag:blog.mlive.com,2013:/flintjournal/aheller//1580.10414722 ]]>With the Noah-like rain/snow/sleet/hail/snail (snow and hail) we’ve had the past 12 years – OK, the last month, but it seems like 12 years -- I’m kinda surprised some editorial cartoonist hasn’t drawn the map of Michigan with the U.P. as a snorkel. noWith the Noah-like rain/snow/sleet/hail/snail (snow and hail) we’ve had the past 12 years – OK, the last month, but it seems like 12 years -- I’m kinda surprised some editorial cartoonist hasn’t drawn the map of Michigan with the U.P. as a snorkel. With the Noah-like rain/snow/sleet/hail/snail (snow and hail) we’ve had the past 12 years – OK, the last month, but it seems like 12 years -- I’m kinda surprised some editorial cartoonist hasn’t drawn the map of Michigan with the U.P. as a snorkel. cat:Andy's Journal columns, cat:Come Heller high water...http://blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/aheller/2013/04/come_heller_high_water_rain_ra.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/aheller/~3/K3mUvobs-2U/andrew_heller_i_write_you_writ_1.htmlcat:Andy's Journal columnsAndrew Heller | Flint JournalWed, 24 Apr 2013 18:10:09 PDTtag:blog.mlive.com,2013:/flintjournal/aheller//1580.10399409 ]]>Jim writes: "Looks like another left wing nut prediction is wrong again. In reading various left-leaning blogs, a lot of leftists like you are disappointed to find out that the bombers were part of 'they who shall not be named or blamed' religion."noJim writes: "Looks like another left wing nut prediction is wrong again. In reading various left-leaning blogs, a lot of leftists like you are disappointed to find out that the bombers were part of 'they who shall not be named or blamed' religion."Jim writes: "Looks like another left wing nut prediction is wrong again. In reading various left-leaning blogs, a lot of leftists like you are disappointed to find out that the bombers were part of 'they who shall not be named or blamed' religion."cat:Andy's Journal columnshttp://blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/aheller/2013/04/andrew_heller_i_write_you_writ_1.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/aheller/~3/SYReaoAdGvs/andrew_heller_once_again_the_s.htmlcat:Andy's Journal columnsAndrew Heller | Flint JournalFri, 19 Apr 2013 11:00:13 PDTtag:blog.mlive.com,2013:/flintjournal/aheller//1580.10388401 ]]>After the Senate rejected gun background checks the other day, I interviewed the Slippery Slope Argument, the most powerful force in politics today, to find out how he pulled it off. http://blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/aheller/2013/04/andrew_heller_once_again_the_s.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/aheller/~3/3R0Ymugs7U0/come_heller_high_water_hey_ter.htmlcat:Andy's Journal columnscat:Come Heller high water...Andrew Heller | Flint JournalWed, 17 Apr 2013 11:02:23 PDTtag:blog.mlive.com,2013:/flintjournal/aheller//1580.10373321 ]]>Terrorists can kill people and destroy things. But they can’t break this country. Like the T-shirt used to say, “These colors don’t run.” You watch, the Boston Marathon will be even bigger next year. noTerrorists can kill people and destroy things. But they can’t break this country. Like the T-shirt used to say, “These colors don’t run.” You watch, the Boston Marathon will be even bigger next year. Terrorists can kill people and destroy things. But they can’t break this country. Like the T-shirt used to say, “These colors don’t run.” You watch, the Boston Marathon will be even bigger next year. cat:Andy's Journal columns, cat:Come Heller high water...http://blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/aheller/2013/04/come_heller_high_water_hey_ter.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/aheller/~3/fy26Yr_dB4I/andrew_heller_rejoice_michigan.htmlcat:Andy's Journal columnsAndrew Heller | Flint JournalMon, 15 Apr 2013 11:50:10 PDTtag:blog.mlive.com,2013:/flintjournal/aheller//1580.10359081 ]]>One can only endure so much before one must act. I'd like to introduce Weather Whiners of America, an organization I just made up that is dedicated to the proposition that whining about crummy weather is better than doing nothing about it at all.noOne can only endure so much before one must act. I'd like to introduce Weather Whiners of America, an organization I just made up that is dedicated to the proposition that whining about crummy weather is better than doing nothing about it at all.One can only endure so much before one must act. I'd like to introduce Weather Whiners of America, an organization I just made up that is dedicated to the proposition that whining about crummy weather is better than doing nothing about it at all.cat:Andy's Journal columnshttp://blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/aheller/2013/04/andrew_heller_rejoice_michigan.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/aheller/~3/HIWPcbqvfsM/andrew_heller_teaching_to_the.htmlcat:Andy's Journal columnsAndrew Heller | Flint JournalFri, 12 Apr 2013 08:30:13 PDTtag:blog.mlive.com,2013:/flintjournal/aheller//1580.10347458 ]]>A New York high school history teacher named Gerald Conti posted a resignation letter to his Facebook page recently, which got a fair amount of media and social media attention. In it he touched on the two things that bother me most about public education – teaching to the test and the lousy way we treat teachers today. I'll bet a lot of people will agree with what he says. noA New York high school history teacher named Gerald Conti posted a resignation letter to his Facebook page recently, which got a fair amount of media and social media attention. In it he touched on the two things that bother me most about public educationA New York high school history teacher named Gerald Conti posted a resignation letter to his Facebook page recently, which got a fair amount of media and social media attention. In it he touched on the two things that bother me most about public education – teaching to the test and the lousy way we treat teachers today. I'll bet a lot of people will agree with what he says. cat:Andy's Journal columnshttp://blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/aheller/2013/04/andrew_heller_teaching_to_the.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/aheller/~3/NleRnBnhGZc/come_heller_high_water_pay_it.htmlcat:Andy's Journal columnscat:Come Heller high water...Andrew Heller | Flint JournalWed, 10 Apr 2013 08:30:18 PDTtag:blog.mlive.com,2013:/flintjournal/aheller//1580.10334868 ]]>What in the world would possess the Genesee County board to let Sheriff Pickell keep $114,000 of $129,000 in benefits deposited into his pension fund by mistake? He should have to pay back all $129,000 not just a fraction of it. It wasn’t his money. People have always said that if you want to retire early and with a lot of money, work for the county, but this is ridiculous.noWhat in the world would possess the Genesee County board to let Sheriff Pickell keep $114,000 of $129,000 in benefits deposited into his pension fund by mistake? He should have to pay back all $129,000 not just a fraction of it. It wasn’t his money. PeoplWhat in the world would possess the Genesee County board to let Sheriff Pickell keep $114,000 of $129,000 in benefits deposited into his pension fund by mistake? He should have to pay back all $129,000 not just a fraction of it. It wasn’t his money. People have always said that if you want to retire early and with a lot of money, work for the county, but this is ridiculous.cat:Andy's Journal columns, cat:Come Heller high water...http://blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/aheller/2013/04/come_heller_high_water_pay_it.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/aheller/~3/1w5CZ-b03PQ/andrew_heller_heres_how_you_kn.htmlcat:Andy's Journal columnsAndrew Heller | Flint JournalMon, 08 Apr 2013 07:00:53 PDTtag:blog.mlive.com,2013:/flintjournal/aheller//1580.10320655 ]]>When I think about it I haven't owned or ridden in a car other than Sam's that has crank windows for 15 years. And it's been 20 years since I last owned a rotary dial phone, which, for those of you reading this under the age of 25, was how phone calls used to be made.noWhen I think about it I haven't owned or ridden in a car other than Sam's that has crank windows for 15 years. And it's been 20 years since I last owned a rotary dial phone, which, for those of you reading this under the age of 25, was how phone calls useWhen I think about it I haven't owned or ridden in a car other than Sam's that has crank windows for 15 years. And it's been 20 years since I last owned a rotary dial phone, which, for those of you reading this under the age of 25, was how phone calls used to be made.cat:Andy's Journal columnshttp://blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/aheller/2013/04/andrew_heller_heres_how_you_kn.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/aheller/~3/AwZy7shbdlU/andrew_heller_common_sense_is.htmlcat:Andy's Journal columnsAndrew Heller | Flint JournalFri, 05 Apr 2013 09:43:51 PDTtag:blog.mlive.com,2013:/flintjournal/aheller//1580.10307411 ]]>In the end, lawmakers in Connecticut did what sane people ought to do in the wake of the insanity. They acted.noIn the end, lawmakers in Connecticut did what sane people ought to do in the wake of the insanity. They acted.In the end, lawmakers in Connecticut did what sane people ought to do in the wake of the insanity. They acted.cat:Andy's Journal columnshttp://blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/aheller/2013/04/andrew_heller_common_sense_is.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/aheller/~3/-Xkw9kLlKpA/come_heller_high_water_skin_co.htmlcat:Andy's Journal columnscat:Come Heller high water...Andrew Heller | Flint JournalWed, 03 Apr 2013 16:44:34 PDTtag:blog.mlive.com,2013:/flintjournal/aheller//1580.10294205 ]]>The NAACP wants the Obama administration to put a stop to the state of Michigan taking over cities where minorities are the majority population. I’d agree with them if it were that simple. But the truth is the state didn’t take over Detroit, Flint and others because of skin color. They took them over because local officials couldn’t or wouldn’t deal with their own finances, and it was dragging the whole state down. Michigan needs healthy core cities. I doubt anyone in state government cares who lives in or runs them. At least I hope they don’t.http://blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/aheller/2013/04/come_heller_high_water_skin_co.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/aheller/~3/IsAW3T9sUvk/andrew_heller_believe_it_or_no.htmlcat:Andy's Journal columnsAndrew Heller | Flint JournalMon, 01 Apr 2013 18:16:32 PDTtag:blog.mlive.com,2013:/flintjournal/aheller//1580.10282278 ]]>Listen, if people of the same gender getting married bothers you much then don't go to the wedding. Or if you really want to send a statement, send them the cheapest thing on their registry. That'll show 'em.noListen, if people of the same gender getting married bothers you much then don't go to the wedding. Or if you really want to send a statement, send them the cheapest thing on their registry. That'll show 'em.Listen, if people of the same gender getting married bothers you much then don't go to the wedding. Or if you really want to send a statement, send them the cheapest thing on their registry. That'll show 'em.cat:Andy's Journal columnshttp://blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/aheller/2013/04/andrew_heller_believe_it_or_no.htmlnonadult