Skilled labor, facilities key to Michigan's movie success

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By Tom Long / The Detroit News / April 17, 2009

So far, Michigan's record of success at the movie box office is spectacular.

Of course, that's because only one of the 35 films shot in Michigan during 2008 has actually made it into movie theaters across the nation. That would be Clint Eastwood's "Gran Torino," which cost less than $35 million to make and took in $146 million in North American theaters.

No other movie made here in 2008 is likely to have that kind of success. In fact, most of the film productions were low-budget affairs that could go straight to DVD if they surface at all.

http://www.detnews.com/article/20090417/ENT02/904170379/1001/Skilled+labor++facilities+key+to+Michigan+s+movie+success

TV contract approved for Howell's Parker Campus

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By Leah Boyd • DAILY PRESS & ARGUS • April 28, 2009

The Howell Public Schools Board of Education on Monday approved a contract that will allow a Ferndale-based entertainment company to use the district’s Parker Campus in Marion Township as a filming site for the TV series “The Wannabees.”

Three board members voted against the eight-month contract with Savvy Productions out of concerns the agreement would prohibit use of the school next academic year if an opportunity arose. The board also approved the agreement conditionally, calling for an amendment that would require both the board and the entertainment company to approve any necessary extensions to the deal. As written, the contract allows the company a six-month extension by giving a 30-day notice.

http://www.livingstondaily.com/article/20090428/NEWS01/90428001&referrer=FRONTPAGECAROUSEL

Movie 'What's Wrong With Virginia' to be shot in West Michigan, features Liam Neeson, Jennifer Connelly, screenwriter of 'Milk'

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By Beth Heinen Bell | The Grand Rapids Press | May 18, 2009

It's not quite the same as seeing your name in lights, but West Michigan movie enthusiasts will get another chance to check out a big-screen film set later this summer.

Holland-based TicTock Studios is producing the feature film "What's Wrong With Virginia," starring Liam Neeson and Jennifer Connelly.

Dustin Lance Black, Academy Award-winning screenwriter of "Milk," wrote the film and is set to make his directorial debut. He will be joined by former "Milk" counterpart and director Gus Van Sant, who will take on the executive producer role.

TicTock CEO Hopwood DePree said he plans to have all actors and crew on location in Michigan for the shoot, although filming locations have not been determined. Production is set to begin in late summer.

http://www.mlive.com/entertainment/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2009/05/movie_whats_wrong_with_virgini.html

Kalamazoo native McG still feels 'a real kinship' to the people of Michigan

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By James Sanford | Kalamazoo Gazette | May 19, 2009

Monday night, director and Kalamazoo native McG gave an audience in Novi a first-look at "Terminator Salvation," his addition to the long-running science-fiction franchise. Prior to the screening, McG conferred with several representatives from the Michigan Film Office about possible projects.

"I feel a real kinship to the people of the state," McG said, "and I thought it would be appropriate to show the film (here) to the first public audience."

The 40-year-old filmmaker was born in Kalamazoo and moved to Newport Beach, Cal. as a child. But he seemed delighted to return to his home state, especially after he heard the cheers and applause that greeted "Salvation."

http://blog.mlive.com/james_sanford/2009/05/kalamazoo_native_mcg_still_fee.html

'High-profile' movie to be shot in West Michigan

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Muskegon Chronicle | May 19, 2009

WEST MICHIGAN -- It's not quite the same as seeing your name in lights, but West Michigan movie enthusiasts will get another chance to check out a big-screen film set later this summer.

Holland-based TicTock Studios is producing the feature film "What's Wrong With Virginia," starring Liam Neeson and Jennifer Connelly.

Dustin Lance Black, Academy Award-winning screenwriter of "Milk," wrote the film and is set to make his directorial debut. He will be joined by former "Milk" counterpart and director Gus Van Sant, who will take on the executive producer role.

TicTock CEO Hopwood DePree said he plans to have all actors and crew in Michigan for the shoot, although filming locations have not been determined. Production starts in late summer.

"The script has a coastal community feel, so West Michigan is really a natural fit," DePree said.

http://www.mlive.com/news/chronicle/index.ssf?/base/news-16/1242728124159960.xml&coll=8

sports socialism: The Bills Blackmailed New York Taxpayers Into Covering 84 Percent Of Stadium Renovations

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source http://deadspin.com/5971468/the-bills-blackmailed-new-york-taxpayers-into-covering-84-percent-of-stadium-renovations

You might have missed this in the pre-holiday news dump, which it was specifically timed for—it's a good idea to downplay the implications of a story like this. An agreement was announced in a "hastily called news conference" to keep the Bills in Buffalo (actually Orchard Park) through at least 2020. But the real story is in the details: the Bills have been allowed to pick up just 16 percent of the costs to keep them in town. If you've ever had the slightest curiosity as to how sweetheart a deal an NFL team can possibly get, the full agreement can be read below.

It's going to cost $271 million for upgrades to Ralph Wilson Stadium and 10 years of running the place on gameday. The Bills will pay just $44 million of that. Erie County will cover $103 million, while the state of New York is on the hook for $123 million. If that turns out to be not cushy enough, the Bills can buy their way out of the lease after year seven. We and others have railed against the outrage of public financing for stadiums for years, but it's still shocking to see in 2012 a textbook case of a community held for ransom, forced to give in to every last demand of a franchise threatening to move.

rest at http://deadspin.com/5971468/the-bills-blackmailed-new-york-taxpayers-into-covering-84-percent-of-stadium-renovations

Corporate taxation for the layman, and why we need a "territorial" system

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source http://thespiritofenterprise.blogspot.com/2012/12/corporate-taxation-for-layman-and-why.html

There has been a great deal of discussion about adopting a "territorial" corporate tax system, much of it jaw-droppingly ignorant. It seemed to us that it would be much in order to explain corporate taxation for the layman interested in the policy debate.

First, a couple of warnings. The topic is infinitely complicated, so we will generalize in ways that will irritate tax and accounting professionals, and probably get too basic for most people who took business classes in college. We are, however, undeterred!

The basics

There are many ways to organize a business, including as a proprietorship, a partnership, or a limited liability company. We do not tax any of these structures separately -- the owners pay personal income tax on their share of the business's profits -- but each has disadvantages that drive most larger businesses to become corporations. We tax most corporations as separate entities. (Many small businesses in the United States organize as "S" corporations, which are "pass through" entities like partnerships, which is why people who favor low personal income taxes talk about the impact of high rates on small businesses, but that controversy is not the subject of this post.)

In general, corporations in the United States pay federal corporate tax at the rate of 35%. They also pay state corporate tax at varying rates. This is all fairly straightforward for individual American corporations with no foreign subsidiaries.

Of course, most larger American corporations own and control other corporations, often because they wish to do business in a foreign country and it is advantageous or even required to form a local corporation to do so. For our purposes, let's call the top corporation (the one you would buy shares of stock in if you were to invest) the "ultimate parent," American subsidiaries "domestic subsidiaries," and non-American subsidiaries "foreign subsidiaries."

Of course, the foreign subsidiaries often earn profits in foreign countries which levy corporate tax on those profits. These rates can vary enormously, but they are almost all lower than the US federal rate, and lower still than the blended federal-state rate.

A bit about "headline" tax rates and the difference between tax and accounting

In the American system, we keep separate books for accounting (financial reporting) and tax purposes. This is because financial reporting and tax have different purposes. The purpose of financial reporting is to reflect the financial results and position of the corporation as fairly as possible. "Profit" for financial reporting purposes, however, may have little to do with profit for tax purposes, in part because there are provisions in the tax code intended to change behavior. So, for example, the Congress might decree that a machine expected to last 10 years can be "depreciated" (expensed) over three years for tax purposes so that businesses can get larger and faster tax deductions and will therefore have an incentive to buy machines more quickly. We still require that the machine be depreciated over 10 years for financial reporting purposes, because we want accounting to be true to the underlying economics regardless of the machinations of Congress.

The result is that "reported" and "cash" tax rates are often different for entirely legitimate reasons, usually required by law. Journalists, even such experts as the editors of the New York Times, rarely understand this difference or deliberately obscure it to rally their readers to some policy view. (If you are a confused financial journalist, here is a somewhat more involved summary of the differences between "book" and tax income under American law.)

rest at http://thespiritofenterprise.blogspot.com/2012/12/corporate-taxation-for-layman-and-why.html

Boehner to Reid: 'Go f— yourself' - daily kos

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source http://www.dailykos.com/story/2013/01/02/1175627/-Boehner-to-Reid-Go-f-yourself

Haha:

It was only a few days before the nation would go over the fiscal cliff, no bipartisan agreement was in sight, and Reid had just publicly accused Boehner of running a "dictatorship" in the House and caring more about holding onto his gavel than striking a deal.

"Go f— yourself," Boehner sniped as he pointed his finger at Reid, according to multiple sources present.

Reid, a bit startled, replied: "What are you talking about?"

Boehner repeated: "Go f— yourself."

Okay, so maybe Boehner was pissed off that Reid had accused him of running a dictatorship. But Reid's point was fair: Boehner, up to that point, had refused to allow a vote on anything that wasn't supported by a majority of House Republicans, even if a majority of the House as a whole wanted to see it get passed. And, in the end, while Boehner apparently bragged to his fellow House Republicans that he had told Reid to go f— himself, it was Reid who got his way: the bill that passed the House last night did so without a majority of House Republicans backing it.

In other words, the next time John Boehner says he can't pass something without having a majority of his own caucus supporting it, Democrats can rightly say back to him: go f— yourself.

Hurricane Sandy Bill: New York Lawmakers Angered After House GOP Doesn't Hold Vote

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source http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/02/hurricane-sandy-bill_n_2395536.html

WASHINGTON — New York-area lawmakers in both parties erupted in anger after learning the House Republican leadership decided to allow the current term of Congress to end without holding a vote on aid for victims of Superstorm Sandy.

Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., said late Tuesday he was told by the office of Majority Leader Eric Cantor of Virginia that Speaker John Boehner of Ohio had decided to abandon a vote this session.

Cantor, who sets the House schedule, did not immediately comment. House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer of Maryland told reporters that just before Tuesday evening's vote on "fiscal cliff" legislation, Cantor told him that he was "99.9 percent confident that this bill would be on the floor, and that's what he wanted."

A spokesman for Boehner, Michael Steel, said, "The speaker is committed to getting this bill passed this month."

In remarks on the House floor, King called the decision "absolutely inexcusable, absolutely indefensible. We cannot just walk away from our responsibilities."

The Senate approved a $60.4 billion measure Friday to help with recovery from the October storm that devastated parts of New York, New Jersey and nearby states. The House Appropriations Committee has drafted a smaller, $27 billion measure, and a vote had been expected before Congress' term ends Thursday at noon.

More than $2 billion in federal funds has been spent so far on relief efforts for 11 states and the District of Columbia struck by the storm, one of the worst ever to hit the Northeast. The Federal Emergency Management Agency's disaster relief fund still has about $4.3 billion, enough to pay for recovery efforts into early spring, according to officials. The unspent FEMA money can only be used for emergency services, said Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-N.J.

New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, District of Columbia, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, New Hampshire, Delaware, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts are receiving federal aid.

Sandy was blamed for at least 120 deaths and battered coastline areas from North Carolina to Maine. New York, New Jersey and Connecticut were the hardest hit states and suffered high winds, flooding and storm surges. The storm damaged or destroyed more than 72,000 homes and businesses in New Jersey. In New York, 305,000 housing units were damaged or destroyed and more than 265,000 businesses were affected.

"This is an absolute disgrace and the speaker should hang his head in shame," said Rep. Eliot Engel, D-N.Y.

"I'm here tonight saying to myself for the first time that I'm not proud of the decision my team has made," said Rep. Michael Grimm, R-N.Y. "It is the wrong decision, and I' m going to be respectful and ask that the speaker reconsider his decision. Because it's not about politics, it's about human lives."

"I truly feel betrayed this evening," said Rep. Nita Lowey, D-N.Y.

"We need to be there for all those in need now after Hurricane Sandy," said Rep. Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y.

The House Democratic leader, Rep. Nancy Pelosi of California, said she didn't know whether a decision has been made and added: "We cannot leave here doing nothing. That would be a disgrace."

wtf?! New Fiscal Cliff Deal Includes A Ton Of Tax Breaks For New NASCAR Tracks @barackobama @speakerboehner #p2 #tcot

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source http://withleather.uproxx.com/2013/01/that-new-fiscal-cliff-deal-includes-nascar-tracks?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+uproxx%2Fwithleather+%28With+Leather%29

Politicians are the worst people on this planet, so it shouldn't have surprised people this morning when news leaked of the sordid inclusions in the fiscal cliff deal, from a heavier rum tax on Puerto Rico to financing Goldman Sachs' new headquarters. Good, those guys needed a break. But also included is the so-called "NASCAR loophole", which has a lot of people really pissed off right now.

However, it's not like the government is just giving a ton of our hard-earned cash to the good ol' boys who spend their days turning left. It's much sneakier and more complex than that. Basically, it's a nice, big tax break for the billionaires behind the International Speedway Corporation, and most notably the France family. So what, then, does this loophole give them?

The so-called NASCAR loophole allows anyone who builds a racetrack to receive a small tax benefit through accelerated depreciation. This tax break cost roughly $43 million the past two years and will get extended for another year. Sounds tawdry, right? And yet, supporters claim the break is necessary so that NASCAR can compete on a level playing field with other theme parks. Looks like they got their wish. (Via Washington Post)

Now I'm no fancy, big city slicker lawyer type with a degree in smartness, but I've read enough USA Today pie charts in my day to know that this isn't much of a surprise. Look, millionaires and billionaires get all the breaks. We've just got to learn to live with that. I mean, take Miami Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria, for example. He fleeced an entire major city government into funding his ridiculous, giant new stadium, and he did it all on the paper wings of a promise that he was committed to building a contender. Classic rich dude crapping on our dreams scenario.

Instead of Loria, though, it's just NASCAR and International Speedway executives who get to act out the "We need these tax breaks to build new tracks and fix the old ones so we can create jobs because America!" routine. But this is all unfair speculation and the biased ramblings of a lower class American just trying to get his next meal. Let's see what the NASCAR fatcats have to say in response…

Skilled labor, facilities key to Michigan's movie success

To contact us Click HERE
By Tom Long / The Detroit News / April 17, 2009

So far, Michigan's record of success at the movie box office is spectacular.

Of course, that's because only one of the 35 films shot in Michigan during 2008 has actually made it into movie theaters across the nation. That would be Clint Eastwood's "Gran Torino," which cost less than $35 million to make and took in $146 million in North American theaters.

No other movie made here in 2008 is likely to have that kind of success. In fact, most of the film productions were low-budget affairs that could go straight to DVD if they surface at all.

http://www.detnews.com/article/20090417/ENT02/904170379/1001/Skilled+labor++facilities+key+to+Michigan+s+movie+success

TV contract approved for Howell's Parker Campus

To contact us Click HERE
By Leah Boyd • DAILY PRESS & ARGUS • April 28, 2009

The Howell Public Schools Board of Education on Monday approved a contract that will allow a Ferndale-based entertainment company to use the district’s Parker Campus in Marion Township as a filming site for the TV series “The Wannabees.”

Three board members voted against the eight-month contract with Savvy Productions out of concerns the agreement would prohibit use of the school next academic year if an opportunity arose. The board also approved the agreement conditionally, calling for an amendment that would require both the board and the entertainment company to approve any necessary extensions to the deal. As written, the contract allows the company a six-month extension by giving a 30-day notice.

http://www.livingstondaily.com/article/20090428/NEWS01/90428001&referrer=FRONTPAGECAROUSEL

Movie 'What's Wrong With Virginia' to be shot in West Michigan, features Liam Neeson, Jennifer Connelly, screenwriter of 'Milk'

To contact us Click HERE
By Beth Heinen Bell | The Grand Rapids Press | May 18, 2009

It's not quite the same as seeing your name in lights, but West Michigan movie enthusiasts will get another chance to check out a big-screen film set later this summer.

Holland-based TicTock Studios is producing the feature film "What's Wrong With Virginia," starring Liam Neeson and Jennifer Connelly.

Dustin Lance Black, Academy Award-winning screenwriter of "Milk," wrote the film and is set to make his directorial debut. He will be joined by former "Milk" counterpart and director Gus Van Sant, who will take on the executive producer role.

TicTock CEO Hopwood DePree said he plans to have all actors and crew on location in Michigan for the shoot, although filming locations have not been determined. Production is set to begin in late summer.

http://www.mlive.com/entertainment/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2009/05/movie_whats_wrong_with_virgini.html

Kalamazoo native McG still feels 'a real kinship' to the people of Michigan

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By James Sanford | Kalamazoo Gazette | May 19, 2009

Monday night, director and Kalamazoo native McG gave an audience in Novi a first-look at "Terminator Salvation," his addition to the long-running science-fiction franchise. Prior to the screening, McG conferred with several representatives from the Michigan Film Office about possible projects.

"I feel a real kinship to the people of the state," McG said, "and I thought it would be appropriate to show the film (here) to the first public audience."

The 40-year-old filmmaker was born in Kalamazoo and moved to Newport Beach, Cal. as a child. But he seemed delighted to return to his home state, especially after he heard the cheers and applause that greeted "Salvation."

http://blog.mlive.com/james_sanford/2009/05/kalamazoo_native_mcg_still_fee.html

'High-profile' movie to be shot in West Michigan

To contact us Click HERE
Muskegon Chronicle | May 19, 2009

WEST MICHIGAN -- It's not quite the same as seeing your name in lights, but West Michigan movie enthusiasts will get another chance to check out a big-screen film set later this summer.

Holland-based TicTock Studios is producing the feature film "What's Wrong With Virginia," starring Liam Neeson and Jennifer Connelly.

Dustin Lance Black, Academy Award-winning screenwriter of "Milk," wrote the film and is set to make his directorial debut. He will be joined by former "Milk" counterpart and director Gus Van Sant, who will take on the executive producer role.

TicTock CEO Hopwood DePree said he plans to have all actors and crew in Michigan for the shoot, although filming locations have not been determined. Production starts in late summer.

"The script has a coastal community feel, so West Michigan is really a natural fit," DePree said.

http://www.mlive.com/news/chronicle/index.ssf?/base/news-16/1242728124159960.xml&coll=8