A Kennedy/Reagan Style Stimulus

A Kennedy/Reagan Style Stimulus Package
By Dr. Timothy G. Nash and Dr. Keith A. Pretty

Earlier this year the Obama administration pushed through Congress its $787 billion stimulus package amid dire predictions for the US economy. The package was designed to get America working and keep unemployment below 8.5 percent. Now, with unemployment at 9.5 percent and predicted to go higher, Vice President Biden has seemingly opened the door for another round of government spending, stating he believed the White House underestimated the severity of “the worst economy since the Great Depression.” Yet President Obama’s own Labor Secretary, Hilda Solis, said recently that much of the stimulus money was moving slowly, especially construction projects. The glacial pace of approval has led to only 10% of the stimulus package being spent to date. At this rate, it will be three years before the entire package makes its way into the economy. Meanwhile more than 3.4 million jobs were lost to the U.S. economy so far this year. U.S. Congressman Eric Cantor (R-VA.), stated that the purpose of the Obama administration stimulus package was to preserve, protect and create jobs and “it has failed miserably.” Considering the above, why has the president’s stimulus package had less than intended results?

The Problem
The problem is not, as Mr. Biden would have us believe, that the government didn’t spend enough, or that government bureaucracy is slowing the pace of stimulus spending, which it is. Instead, failure rests with a package that didn’t cut taxes enough or in all the right places. People have little confidence in government spending as a catalyst for economic growth and long term prosperity. They know that business creates jobs, and that the government largely creates taxes and regulations, and spends. The U.S. economy is burdened by onerous regulations, the third highest corporate income tax rate (39.27%) in the world, and a personal income tax rate that can reach 35 percent.
Despite all the money coming in, the U.S. national debt is now $11.2 trillion dollars, or 78 percent of U.S. GDP, and will likely be above 100 percent of GDP by the end of next fiscal year, surpassing the 1949 level of 97.5 percent which included costs associated with World War II and post war reconstruction. Many key U.S. competitors have much lower national debt-to-GDP ratios with China at 21 percent and Russia at 10 percent. By comparison, the next stimulus package this economy needs is not more of the same but a massive incentive-based tax cut to allow the U.S. to be competitive globally—currently we are not! The Russian economy has out-performed the U.S. over the last 5 years with a smaller national debt-to-GDP ratio, often friendlier regulations, a corporate income tax rate of 24 percent, and an average personal income tax rate of 13 percent. The U.S. has higher corporate and personal income tax rates than Canada and Mexico, as well as much of the industrialized world. The accounting firm KPMG reported that the global average corporate income tax rate for all countries in 2008 was 25.9 percent with the EU average at 23.2 percent, the Latin American average at 26.6 percent, the Asia-Pacific average at 28.4 percent and the OECD average at 26.7 percent.

The Solution
It seems that the presidencies of John F. Kennedy and Ronald W. Reagan serve as strong cases for the effectiveness of tax cuts in stimulating economic growth during difficult times. Recall what President Kennedy said about his own tax-cut based stimulus package in 1962: “In short, to increase demand and lift the economy, the federal government’s most useful role is not to rush into a program of excessive increases in public expenditures, but to expand the incentives and opportunities for private expenditures.” President Kennedy’s tax cut was implemented after his death by President Johnson in 1964, with personal income tax rates declining 23.1 percent for the top income earners and 30 percent for the lowest. Corporate income tax rates were reduced by 9.6 percent the same year. The economy responded with an average annual real growth rate of 4.65 percent in U.S. GDP from 1963 to 1968, and unemployment dropped from 6.6 percent in 1961 to 3.7 percent in 1968. President Reagan’s across-the-board tax cut of 25 percent was phased in from 1981-1983 and helped bring the U.S. economy out of the severe economic recession of 1981-82 which saw the prime interest rate peak at 21.5 percent in 1981 (the highest since the Civil War), real GDP decline by 2.2 percent in 1982, and unemployment reach 10.8 percent also in 1982. The economy responded with an average annual real GDP growth rate of 3.87 percent from 1982 – 88, unemployment declined to 5.4 percent by 1988, and real tax revenue grew by 25.5 percent from 1983 to 1988. Finally, it should be recalled that average government spending exceeded average tax revenue growth by 4.22 percent for most of the 1980’s, thus creating the budget deficits of the Reagan years and hopefully providing a lesson for today’s policymakers?

Dr. Keith A. Pretty is president and CEO of Northwood University in Midland, Michigan.

Dr. Timothy G. Nash is vice president for Strategic and Corporate Alliances and holds the David E. Fry Chair in Free Market Economics at Northwood University.

Bashing Back

Muaz Halees

This is not the subject matter I usually write about. I am a writer that writes about random subjects at random times throughout the day. I write about my life and my opinions. I avoid throwing stones because my house has many windows, but I have a stone in my hand now. This article is not meant to be inflammatory, it is meant to highlight how baseless and divisive some of our leadership has become.

We are our brother’s keeper, whether that brother is gay, black, Cuban, man, woman, Arab, Christian, Jew, Mormon, or any other incarnation of the human spirit. I believe that a witness to a murder has blood on his hands by way of inaction; well, we are all witnesses now, and it is time to act. We have witnessed hate and vitriol spew from the mouth of a leader, the mouth of a woman whose job is to represent Oklahoma in the most positive and unifying manner possible. Because of Mrs. Kern, District 84 of Oklahoma is now known as a prejudice district that spits on the lives of individuals that have done no wrong.

E Pluribus Unum—out of many, one. District 84 is not one of us. That one that has hate in her heart and power in her hands. Hitler was elected and he mongered hatred without any castigation. It is our responsibility to come to the defense of our gay and lesbian siblings. Prejudice starts small and grows; if left untouched hate festers and contaminates; if left alone hate overtakes and kills. The weight that crushed the bigotry of Don Imus, Michael Richards, and Mel Gibson must come down on Kern. She is more than a celebrity, more than a radio host; she is a leader in these United States. She is a leader that must be dethroned and reprimanded. As a writer I am a proponent of free speech and free thought, but as Oliver Wendell Holmes stated, “The right to swing my fist ends where the other man’s nose begins.” Sally Kern has just punched all of us in the nose. Do we have the bravery to react, the bravery to stand up for what is right?

Representative Sally Kern’s words will not be forgotten and must not be forgiven:

“I honestly think it’s the biggest threat our nation has, even more so than terrorism or Islam.”

I don’t recall a group of crazed homosexuals hijacking planes on September 11. I don’t recall a group of homosexuals blowing up the Oklahoma City federal building and ending 168 lives. The thinly veiled hatred against Islam is not unnoticed, either, Mrs. Kern. Hatred propagates hatred.

“Studies show, no society that has totally embraced homosexuality has lasted for more than, you know, a few decades” -Sally Kern

Really, Mrs. Kern, really… Hitler had the same proclamation regarding Jews, and the KKK used this same rhetoric regarding African-Americans. Men used the same hate speech trying to quell the suffrage movement. Hatred had to be overcome for Mrs. Kern to become a State Rep. As you rise you must pull up, not step on the throats of your fellow citizens.

“It’s, it’s, it’s not a lifestyle that is good for this nation” -Sally Kern

Hatred is not a lifestyle that is good for this nation.

“And this, this stuff is deadly, and it’s spreading and it will destroy our young people, it will destroy this nation” -Sally Kern

Hatred destroys nations. Homosexuality is deadly? Mrs. Kern, you are such a misguided and damaged individual that I have no words that will accurately convey my feelings of frustration over these malicious statements.

Mrs. Kern uses the Bible as a defense of her hatred, to proselytize her malice. Okay, that is fine, Mrs. Kern, but Hitler followed the same tactic.

“Hence today I believe that I am acting in accordance with the will of the Almighty Creator: ‘by defending myself against the Jew, I am fighting for the work of the Lord.’” -Adolf Hitler

We have a responsibility to stand united. This is not a political issue. This is not a Republican or Democratic issue. This is a humanitarian issue. We must remember the name and face of Matthew Shepard. We must remember the name and face of Emmett Till. We must remember the name and face of Anne Frank. We must remember that these three lives and countless others were lost because of hate, a hate that started out with words and became action. We must remember that backing down to hatred leads to loss of freedom, liberty, life.

Representative Kern has the right to believe and say anything she wants, just as I do to lament her actions. But she does not have the right to propagate her hatred while employed by the citizens of this country to carry out their best interests. We must speak up; we must write and make our voices heard. We must make sure that the GLBT community knows they are not alone in their struggle. If we don’t, we may be the next targets of Mrs. Kern. I urge you to write to Mrs. Kern, in a peaceful manner. Inform her that her words hurt, that her words are untrue, that her hate has not gone unnoticed, and that these wounds will not heal through time.

I am not gay. I am a straight man that understands his responsibility to come to the aid of his fellow man or woman, regardless of race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. I am a promoter of unity, freedom, and equality. I am an American that understands what America stands for. I am an American that understands that Mrs. Kern does not represent me, or the America I love.

Representative Sally Kern’s contact information as reported on the OK State House Website:
(405) 557-7348
sallykern@okhouse.gov
2713 Sterling Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73127

Lost Spirits – Grog

Mike Gibson

My ancestors lived far more interesting lives than I’ll ever hope to. They were lumberjacks, voyageurs, bootleggers, French royalty, Union soldiers, war heroes. In some small way, many of them impressed their mark on history and helped forge this nation. Meanwhile, it’s a Saturday evening and I’m sitting here in my underwear drinking rum, using most of my available effort to prevent the condensation on my glass from falling onto my stomach. Clearly, I’m living the dream.

The only one of these ancestors I’ve ever actually known was my grandfather, a sailor, war veteran, and all-around badass. He joined the United States Navy when he turned eighteen—an age at which I was still struggling to learn how to cook a frozen pizza.

Duly inspired, I frequently find myself diving down a bottle of rum and dreaming about the sea, dreaming of an alternate reality where I can look at a lake freighter without getting violently seasick.

And since a life at sea is obviously not in my future, I eventually settled upon the next closest alternative—grog, the mixed drink that everyone’s heard of yet no one knows how to make.

But before I get to that, a brief historical rundown is in order. The English Navy customarily served rations of French brandy to its sailors while at sea, since fresh water is traditionally hard to find in the oceans, and during the 17th century no one had yet thought to found Aquafina.

At some point during the 1600s, England managed to snatch up a bevy of islands in the Caribbean, and some bloke discovered that sugar cane grew pretty well there. The sugar industry exploded, and in a few years the islands were saddled with molasses, an industrial byproduct that no one had any idea what to do with. Eventually some other bloke thought it would be a fine idea to ferment and distill it, and thus rum was born.

Soon the Royal Navy was serving rum to its sailors instead of French brandy. Remember, of course, that the English and French weren’t exactly good mates at this point in history, and this dietary transition makes perfect sense.

Consider the insurmountable complexities of sailing on an old tall ship. Have a few shots of rum and consider it again. If piloting a sailing ship suddenly seems like a bad idea, the Royal Navy probably would have agreed with you. Eventually they decided to dilute sailors’ daily rum rations with a bit of water.

If this doesn’t sound very potable, those sailors probably would have agreed with you. To compensate, they started mixing in their rations of lime and sugar as well. (A fun fact for all you ethnic slur hobbyists out there—this daily lime ration is why the rest of the world started calling Englishmen “limeys.”) They started calling this concoction “grog,” in honor of one Admiral Vernon, whose nickname was apparently “Old Grogrom.”

More than any other drink, grog has become emblematic of the sailing life, though in the last century it’s been overshadowed in this regard by rum, its primary ingredient. This may be because most bars these days can’t mix a drink that hasn’t featured prominently on Sex and the City.

Bearing that in mind, it looks like you’ll have to make it yourself. And since I suspect you’ll do it wrong, let me offer some advice.

As far as rum goes, you’re going to need something full-bodied and aged. This means no white rum, and no spiced rum. (Captain Morgan and Sailor Jerry can stay below deck for this one.) If you’re shooting for historical accuracy, use Pusser’s Rum—if you can find it. If you can’t, Mount Gay Eclipse will do. I’ll keelhaul you if you try using Bacardi.

As for the sugar, keep in mind that the white, refined variety that we’re used to didn’t come along until the close of the 19th century. Use brown sugar instead. Its slightly richer flavor profile complements the rum much more nicely than does modern superfine sugar, but it’s a lot more difficult to mix into the water. If you’re having problems, just use Splenda. I won’t tell anyone.

And of course you’ll want to use the juice of a real lime, so keep that little plastic lime-shaped bottle in your fridge where it belongs.

Grab an old-fashioned glass and add a couple ounces of water. Mix in a teaspoon of sugar and half an ounce of lime juice, stir vigorously. Add two ounces of rum, stir vigorously. Make the sure the sugar dissolves; otherwise, your drink will be depressingly tart. And although I can’t imagine that 18th century sailors had much access to ice, you’ll likely find this more refreshing on the rocks.

These instructions are all approximate, of course. In the nascent days of the drink, the sailors were likely adjusting the ingredients (sans rum) to taste, and so should you.

My more cocktail-savvy readers are surely remarking that this sounds an awful lot like a rum sour. And maybe it is, but it’s a rum sour with an anchor tattooed on one arm and a hula girl on the other. Make one or two for yourself and you’ll understand. It’s the closest you’ll ever come to having the ocean in a glass short of a dram of seawater.

Drink up, and you’ll be one step closer to understanding what it was like to see the world from the prow of a rickety old schooner, what it was like to be an oceangoing transient who saw whole lunar cycles pass without a glimpse of land, what it was like to have one’s memory of home and family recede from the mind’s eye like an already forgotten harbor town.

I sometimes wonder if that’s what it was like for my grandfather, who, by my age, had seen more of the world than most of us will in our entire lives. I’ll never know, at any rate, so I’ll stick to my grog. I’m feeling a bit seasick anyway.

Interview Series – Glenn Haege

Muaz Halees

Glenn Haege is the popular and larger-than-life host of the eponymous “Handyman Show with Glenn Haege.” Since 1983 Glenn has been delivering his unique take on how-to advice for homeowners. His advice and the sincerity in which he delivers it have fueled his impressive growth, which is why he is now carried by over 170 affiliates nationwide. He has been named one of the nation’s most important radio talk show hosts by Talker’s Magazine. His credentials are too many to list here, but he has penned a number of best-selling home improvement books and has been a recipient of numerous awards for his broadcasting excellence. More impressive is that he is now referred to as “America’s Handyman,” an accolade that he is much more proud of. Glenn Haege has a refined style of leadership and we wanted to pick his brain about the leadership issues he faces on a daily basis. We were honored that he chose to spend a little time with The Method for an interview.

The Method- When evaluating leadership qualities, what characteristics do you feel make a great leader?

Glenn Haege- The ability to listen—and not the passive listening most people do, but actually engaged, active listening. A leader must be a keen observer and must be able to empower everyone through his actions. Then there are the obvious traits that allow a leader to reach leadership positions. A great leader must be goal-oriented with an eye on project completion. But I am a believer that a leader is born a leader; that is not a teachable skill set. I had a boss a long time ago while I was with Sherwin William, Mr. Jerry Grass, who empowered me through his leadership. His patience and soft skills were my greatest motivators at the time.

TM- Is it more difficult to lead during tumultuous times or successful times?

GH- Successful times. Success breeds complacency. People use success as a mental compromise. On the subject of good leaders, not much credit is given to those that maintain success; it is sometimes harder to maintain success than to take something that has not been working and make it a success.

TM- What professional sacrifices must be made to become a successful leader?

GH- Time and how you prioritize it. For example, my personal time is of very low importance, it is low priority. The priority is being available for others in your team and giving them total commitment, and that is the sacrifice. As a leader you have to be the most flexible, and that will motivate others to proceed the same way.

TM- For others to follow, doesn’t the environment have to be motivating? You can be as devoted and as flexible as possible, but the environment is the key. How do you create a motivating environment?

GH- By choosing people who want to be motivated. It’s like planting corn; you don’t just throw seeds onto the ground and hope. All the factors must be right: the soil, the weather, the seeds, everything. And then you plant. I’ve always sought out those who want to work, not those who have to work.

TM- If motivation or performance slips, how do you govern the feedback process?

GH- Visual support. Through experiences. Three to four times a year I have my employees trade or rotate potions to get some insight into how others work, and how their actual position is viewed from another perspective. Then as it relates to annual performance review, I have them fill it out first, and then as a team we discuss it. We tailor our performance evaluations to the person and the job; too many companies have one form for each job, and that makes no sense. Each person and position is unique and should be evaluated as such.

TM- What piece of advice would you give to young graduates entering the work force?

GH- Treat people with a balance of information. Gain a comprehensive, thorough understanding of your organization. Ask a lot of questions about the company as a whole, as well are your specific role. And find someone successful and learn form them; you can gain a lot of skills and important lessons from successful people.

Book Review: ‘Myth of the Rational Market’ by Justin Fox

Muaz Halees

Roger Lowenstein has recently declared that “the upside of the current Great Recession is that it could drive a stake through the heart of the academic nostrum known as the efficient-market hypothesis (EMH).”

Is this true? Who knows.

The efficient market hypothesis has become the “mark-to-market” of opponents to stock market regulators. Just as accountants claim that the mark-to-market rule has been the cause of undervalued assets, Justin Fox and his brethren have claimed that the EMH have caused the current recession

Justin Fox writes The Curious Capitalist column for Time Magazine, which, surprisingly, is not about a sexually confused economist. His columns are very detailed, educational, and grounded in economic theory. It comes as no surprise that his book reads like an extended column—which is both praise and condemnation.

He imparts two very clear lessons—both of which are so simplistic that calling them lessons may well be offensive to schools. His first claim is that “the markets are smarter than you are” and his second is that “the majority of fund managers fail to accurately judge the market and actually reduce the chance of an investor to turn a profit.” Some of his claims that didn’t make it into the book were that grass is green, that the sun is hot. Groundbreaking stuff, I know.
Fox begins his extended column with the story of economist Irving Fischer in 1929. He then ties the stories and stances of old-world economists to those of their contemporaries. He also develops his second hypothesis by highlighting the numerous economists over the years that made similar claims.

Fox builds his book around the inception and maturation of EMH. He takes the reader from its position as hypothesis, to its position as fact, to what he claims it should be—myth. His easy-to-read and at times intolerably bland account of the rise and fall of the EMH ends in a profound and powerful assertion: How can a theory that asserts all market prices and movements are unknowable in the present be used to determine the market’s present day prices and movements?
Fox’s book comes off as an attempt to pin the blame of the market’s recent crash to any number of factors. His claims that asset beta may be fraudulent and evil, economists knowingly gifted the public with flawed theories, and that the capital asset pricing model is increasingly irrelevant all lead to his contemptuous treatment of the efficient market hypothesis. While his words should not be taken as gospel, his book should make it into the library of anyone concerned with the machinations of the market.

One question that I was left with (which may bother you as well) is how can rationality ever be used in tandem with something as inherently irrational as the market?

The Hidden Costs of U.S. Defense Budget Cuts

Jordan Summers

 An unfortunate and unjust consequence of the current administration’s efforts to “balance” the budget amidst dramatic spending is the reduction of our nation’s defense budget.  The injustice is that the brave and selfless men and women who serve in our armed forces are most adversely affected by these reductions.  By forcing the Pentagon to find ways to cut spending, we are sending the message that the lives of our soldiers are somehow less valuable than before.  Most distressing is the long-term impact that significant budget cuts will have on the safety and effectiveness of our troops.  As we are currently fighting multiple wars, the main concern for our military’s leadership is to direct spending into these efforts, thus forcing cuts to be made on programs dedicated to the future effectiveness of our armed forces and the tools we equip them with. 

Some argue that the fact that we spend dramatically more on defense than any other country in the world reflects irresponsibility and wastefulness—I disagree.  I would argue that our higher spending illustrates the elevated value that we place on the lives of our most courageous citizens.

It is true that we can increase the efficiency of our defense spending, just as government-contracted defense firms can increase their efficiency and effectiveness.  It is also true that steps should be taken to rein in costs.  However, dramatic changes take time and money, both of which are constrained by our current conflicts, and are only further exacerbated by the budget cuts. 

Failure to remain on the forefront of military technology will undermine our foreign policy initiatives and place our soldiers in increasingly vulnerable positions.  The gap between the equipment at their disposal and those of our enemies will decrease—which is an ominous development.  Let me make it clear that I am not advocating war as an effective method of foreign policy.  However, my hope is that an army equipped to address the evolving demands of military conflict would provide added support for our leaders in their foreign policy efforts—geared, of course, to avoid military conflict whenever possible.

While the primary concern is the effect budget cuts will have on our soldiers, I would be remiss if I failed to mention the effect that they have had on our growing unemployment rate.  Defense contractors like General Dynamics, Boeing, and BAE Systems are faced with the reality that cancelled defense programs leave them with many well-paid employees without a role to fill.  While the administration is quick to hype their “job creation” efforts (which are often only temporary employment) they fail to mention the permanent jobs that are being destroyed to fund them.

While the job loss resulting from defense budget cuts is devastating, the most inexcusable cost of these reductions is that they undermine the future safety of our men and women in uniform.

Open Mike Night- Living the Good Life At the H Hotel

Mike Budziakowski

Coming to Midland as a Canadian export, there were a number of lifestyle changes I needed to make to adapt to my now beloved small-town American way of life. And no, those changes didn’t involve moving from an igloo to a dorm room or trading in my huskies for a Volkswagon Golf, which seem to be recurring misconceptions.  In fact, it was the complete opposite.  Coming from Toronto, one of Canada’s largest metropolitan centers, I showed up to Midland and was at once humbled by its quaint and intimate atmosphere.  I fell in love immediately.  Midland is the Juliet to my Romeo, sans the tragic ending.  I hope. 

But as a city boy I will always have a place in my heart for the lavish excesses that only a big city can offer.  Even the crisp smell of polluted air brings a tear to my eyes—both because of my love for it and the fact that it burns a little.  But I soon found that Midland has some big-city characteristics hidden behind its small-town charm.  It’s little wonder, then, what with the opening of the new H Hotel, here in Midland, I packed up a weekend’s worth of clean clothes and checked into suite 302. Surely as a writer assigned to enlighten my readers with the newest and best that Midland has to offer it was my responsibility—nay, my duty—as lifestyle columnist to deliver you my unbiased account.  Before we move on I would like to thank Northwood University for picking up the tab. They are not aware of it yet, but the bill is in the mail.

Part of the Dolce family of hotels and resorts, the H, located at 111 West Main Street, offers all the luxuries that you would expect from any upscale hotel chain.  Boasting an indoor lap pool & whirlpool, a fitness center, two massage rooms, nearby fitness trails, and tennis and golf facilities, the H undoubtedly has given Midland something to talk about. The rooms were immaculate, and the detailed and opulent furniture was of considerable quality. Having stayed at various hotel chains during my travels through both Europe and North America I was astonished at the quality and comfort that this hotel offered.

Certainly my experience was not limited to my room, and a proper stay would not have been complete without a stop at the lobby bar after a taste of what H’s premier restaurant, The Table, had to offer.  Five Diamond and Four Star-certified, Chef Anthony Demes leads a team of culinary professionals who have contributed to The Table’s well-deserved reputation.  Now, at the risk of ruining an otherwise flawless critique, I have to concede that the Salmon was a little on the dry side and tasted of freshly woven sneakers.  However, whatever disparagement that may have arisen from dinner was soon forgotten as I sat at the lobby bar and treated myself to a beer.  Rather, I treated myself to a few beers (surprised?) and was astonished at the selection and variety that the H had to offer.  From common domestics to unusual and rare imports, the selection was reminiscent of my travels to the Bier Gartens of Prague.  Ah, Prague… Remind me to regale you with my tale of a night spent aboard a buoy on the River Vltava with a woman named Oksana, where we debated the dynastic origins of the House of Hapsburg while heavy bass-beats from the Karlovy Lane Dance Club misted low across the water like the fading voice of some forgotten inamorata. But I digress…

Club l enthusiast or not, this bar offers an incredible selection for all beer drinkers.  Of course, if your tastes lie in the realm of wine or spirits you will have little trouble quenching whatever thirst you may have, as the H boasts an incredible variety of wine in a large, climate-controlled wine cellar.  The night ended (slightly hazily) in perhaps the most comfortable bed I have yet to sleep in.   Luxurious feather bedding and down blankets and pillows truly accentuate the comfort for which the Dolce Hotel group is renowned for.  It is without reservation that I highly recommend the H; even for one night to unwind and kick back. Its ideal location, big-city amenities, and small-town charm make it a place everyone should visit.

I look forward to my return….but in the meantime I have a homework assignment for you—do Madonna’s children have last names? 

Until next time, wink.

Softball Tonight

Luke Krombach

We are well on our way into the second half of the softball season, and on cue the drama ratchets up with the impending district tournament. With two completed games since our last Softball Tonight article we have a lot of highlights…and lowlights to cover. 

Game 1 had The DeVos softball team striving to improve their record to one game above .500 but fell short in the waning moments. Tempers flared as the team faced an insurmountable deficit at the hands of errors and poor play. Although no players completely lost their wits there was a brief scuffle in the dugout between level headed Canadian, Keilan McInnis, and the teams pretty boy Chad Dixon. The two quickly kissed and made up – but the damage was already done.  The team fell to a record of 5-4.

Game 2 ended with a much more favorable result- A Win.  Devos topped BRI-CAR by way of Chad Dixon’s impressive inside the park grand slam; after an embarrassing swinging strikeout.  Chad Dixon went from feeling the lowest of the low to being on top of the world.  He struck out swinging, and replaced Muaz as the team’s walking punch line, and sent the entire team into a laughing fit.  But Chad Dixon gained revenge quickly.  He sent the ball towering out to left center field and cleared the bases; creating the rare and impressive grand slam.  The team is now sitting at an impressive 5-5.  To keep you satiated until the next game here are some fast facts from the fortnight that was. 

Fast Facts

• Jeff Nowaczyk has 5 inside the park homeruns for the season and the 1^st grand slam
• Chad Dixon was the 2^nd player to hit a grand slam.
• Ryan Puchel’s 1^st hit past the pitcher’s mound was in the 10^th game of the season. His batting and on-base percentages have been stellar – even though he has no discernable muscle definition. 
• Antoine Carr received his 1^st start coming off the DL – just don’t tell Northwood’s Coach Sullivan.
• Pat Swanton has been one of team’s most consistent players, as trade rumors grew to distraction level.  His yearning to play for his hometown softball team, The Beaverton Skoals, has become an issue for team leader Jeff Nowaczyck.
• Super-sub, and British transplant, Steve Everett has been fined by the league for his uniform violation.  His preponderance for insanely tight shorts has cost him a week’s pay. 
• Wily veteran pitcher Jordan Summers impressed future MLB scout Jeff Nowaczyk with a Randy Johnson-esque 7 strikeouts. 
• The team also lost a key role player in Justin Pasdach. How he injured himself in a softball game is unknown; but the trainer thinks it’s due to off the field antics.
• Mike Budziakowski the highly hyped Canadian sensation has recently experienced a quiet period with his bat. He has handled all the pressure of his early season success as well as Michael Jackson handled sleeping pills.

A Brit’s exposure to Independence Day

Steven Everett

As the historic 4th of July passes for another year, Northwood University postgraduate student Steven Everett reflects on his stereotypical American experience.      

English-born Everett was aware of the camaraderie and patriotism shown from the American citizens, but was somewhat unsure of the experience he was going to gain himself.

The student decided to test his reactions and fully utilize his experience by enduring a camping trip in Omer, Michigan with five native Michiganders and one Illinoisaniaiaian.

As Everett began to take the trip up north through the country roads, reality and anxiety began to sink in: he was British, in the woods with patriotic Americas, and it was the 4th of July.  He began to pray to Gordon Brown while images of David Beckham danced in his head. 

Everett was quoted: “I am looking forward to seeing what you Yanks have to offer, but at the same time, as a British citizen, I am concerned of the awkwardness of celebrating a historical event which a patriotic English born citizen would perceive as unfavorable.”

Everett added: “Why would I celebrate an event in which the Americans declared independence from us?”

Everett further added: “It may turn out fine, the day in history occurred over 200 years ago.”

After Everett commented and questioned his commitment to his Independence Day experiences, he managed to push the uncertainties to the back of his mind and concentrate on the weekends’ happenings.

As the graduate gang arrived at their destination, Everett’s inexperience prevailed as the Americans took full control of campsite “setting up” procedures.

Everett seemed confused and somewhat useless to help with these procedures; however, he seemed to break the ice with the utilization of his initiative.  The Englishman helped his colleagues by repeatedly collecting wood for the fire to combat the cold nights.  He also regaled them with wonderful tales of his adventures at Hogwarts. 

Everett’s expressions showed he was settling in to his new environment—more so when the first beer was cracked open – something he was much more accustomed to.

As Independence Day eve was coming to a close, night fell with a strong, cool air. Everett became more concerned with his sleeping conditions instead of his original fear—waking up tied to a tree while jubilant Americans fired bottle rockets at his gaunt British frame. 

He was quoted: “It is going to be bloody freezing in that tent”.

As the morning sun rose, Everett was woken by his friend’s excitement for the Independence Day activity, in the form of canoeing.  Ah, is there anything more American than floating down a shallow river, in a rented canoe, while drinking cheap beer, and singing Bon Jovi hits?  No!

Independence Day did, however, present some points of contention between the campers.

Everett was quoted: “I am sorry but I cannot say Happy Independence Day to you; it is just not the right gesture.”

He added: “I feel as though I have an overhaul of demons above my head cursing my interaction with American celebrations.” 

While Steve sat in fear that his U.K. citizenship was being rescinded, the rest of the team prepared for the day’s activity.

During the canoe trip, Steven seemed to be extremely enthusiastic as to what wildlife he would see on his travels and how fast he and his partner could canoe back down the river towards their destination.

He was quoted on numerous occasions: “We need to see a turtle; we do not get any type of turtles in the wild of England, other than Camilla Parker Boyle.”  That’s a hilarious British joke for all my internationally educated readers. 

These distractions forced Everett to forget the fact he was celebrating Independence Day.

Everett and his Illinoisan partner were experiencing life in a canoe for the first time; this was evident in the early stages with their confusion of direction.  However after their ‘country’ colleagues were relaxing and soaking up the atmosphere, both Everett and his canoe partner decided enough was enough, and off they went.

Everett recalls: “We experienced the relaxing style and the full throttle workout that went with canoeing. What a day.”

As Everett and his Illinoisan colleague returned back to camp, the two decided to get to work and cut up some wood for the night’s fire.

With three hours passing the final pair returned to camp, looking exhausted and hungry. It was not too long before the food was cooking and the group was reflecting on the day’s activity.

It was at this stage, that Everett realized something that he never thought would come to fruition. 

He was quoted: “I have had a great couple of days and encountered experiences with people in a setting which I may never get the opportunity to do again. Why should I feel guilty—although it does feel kind of weird? I should reverse the situation and consider how good the Americans have been to me in accepting my nationality and involving me in their celebrations. My persona has totally changed.” 

After Everett participated in a firework celebration with the rest of his American colleagues, the English-born citizen felt accomplished.  He proceeded to extol the virtues of the beautiful American culture while break dancing in the flickering fire-lit camp site.

Everett woke up the following morning, exerting the same excitement and pleasure that the Americans did in the wake of Independence Day. 

As the group of individuals listened to country music and drove down country roads, Everett revealed how his Michigan Independence Day experience allowed him to feel accepted in an environment that had the potential to make an English man feel very uncomfortable.  He may never appreciate Michigan staples like Kid Rock or the Red Wings, but his Independence Day 2009 experience will always have a special place in his heart.

EcoBoost to Boost Sales

Andrew Augustine

With recent increases in fuel prices and all the pressure to “go green”, it’s really no surprise that automotive manufacturers are trying to downscale vehicle size and utilize smaller engine configurations.  Ford Motor Company has devised a strategy to avoid many of these traditional methods while still delivering what the customer wants.  They have combined two technologies, turbo-charging and direct injection, which allows them to increase fuel efficiency (without decreasing vehicle size) while increasing horsepower at the same time.  Ford’s new technology comes in the form of the all-new EcoBoost engine.  It is the first North American production, twin-turbocharged, direct injection, V-6 engine—impressive, I know.   “The beauty of EcoBoost is that it enables us to downsize for fuel efficiency, yet boost for power,” claims Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president of Global Product Development.  The engine also produces fewer emissions as compared to a V-8 engine.

 The first in a wave of new Ford EcoBoost engines makes its debut in the Lincoln MKS, and MKT, as well as the Ford Flex and all new Taurus SHO next month.  The launch of the EcoBoost engine is part of Ford Motor Company’s global initiative to provide powertrains that deliver the fuel efficiency and power customers demand.  This engine technology is expected to migrate into many of Ford’s mainstream vehicle lines.

Wow- Impressive

The twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 EcoBoost engine delivers the performance found in a naturally aspirated performance built V-8, while maintaining the fuel economy of a V-6 engine.  “By injecting the fuel directly into the combustion chamber and under high pressure, the fuel is sent exactly where we want it to be for a given combustion cycle, which aids burning of fuel more efficiently  and effectively” said Joseph Basmaji, direct injection fuel system technical specialist.  In addition to increased fuel efficiency through direct injection, the turbos use wasted energy from the exhaust gas to help drive the turbines.   Improved transient response enabled by the direct injectors reduces “turbo lag,” while overcoming the traditional disadvantage of downsizing and boosting.  With help from the dual turbo configuration, this efficient, fire-breathing V-6 is able to reach an impressive 365 horsepower and nearly 350 foot pounds of torque. 

EcoBoost equipped vehicles should be surfacing in the next few weeks with an average of 20% better fuel economy over traditional vehicles.  The V-6 engine and six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission combination achieves an EPA-estimated 17 city/25 highway fuel economy rating.  Ford expects within the next five years, a half-million vehicles will be on the road sporting the groundbreaking technology.  Ford also plans on developing four-cylinder configurations of the engine that will likely be used in the popular Focus and Fusion models.

For the complete story of the 2010 Ford Taurus SHO and this revolutionary engine technology can be accessed on the Internet at www. Fordvehicles.com/cars/Taurus/.