Chad and ?Sales Guys? film Alltel commercial in Muskegon

(MuskegonNewsPress.com News for you: http://www.muskegonnewspress.com/chad-and-%e2%80%9csales-guys%e2%80%9d-film-alltel-commercial-in-muskegon.html)
If you drove by the Alltel location at 5025 Harvey Street in Muskegon today, you will have undoubtedly noticed the bright lights and crowd of people standing around Alltel’s temporary commercial set for an upcoming dual commercial titled, “Nervous Customer” and “Farewell,” that will air on June 15 in other parts of the country and then in Muskegon sometime in October later this year.

Production crew from Campbell-Ewald out of Detroit setting up the set for the Alltel commercial in Muskegon.

When asked, “What made Muskegon Alltel’s choice for their next commercial?” Director of Media Planning, Mark McCaslin answered, “Muskegon’s been a great area for us for a long time; a good history here. It was kind of a last minute idea, and we looked at a lot of locations–some inside Michigan, some outside–but Muskegon’s location worked out great for us. For one, our Creative Agency is here in Detroit. Plus we’re a sponsor for the Muskegon Music Festival this summer, and the store works out great because of the way it’s setup for our commercial.”

Filming the commercial required all of the store space, so in order to continue to accommodate the customers during normal business hours, a temporary retail space was setup directly next door. Behind the scenes, extra actors from Grand Rapids, the official cast, and a crew of what appeared to be around 50 or more, needed additional space that was provided for resting, eating, and production. this space was all available at the Harvey St. location.

Despite the gloomy weather that overshadowed the area today, McCaslin says that it should not affect the filming for any of the shots that they have done so far. There were studio lights on the set to compensate for any low light situations. Most of the filming today took place inside of the retail store with the exception of one shot of the, “Sales Guys” looking in the window.

Actors, Chad Brokaw (Alltel spokesman), Scott Halberstadt (AT&T guy), Ian Ross Gould (T-Mobile guy), Matthew Simmons (Verizon guy), and Adam Herschman (Sprint guy), were all on set today and could be seen around the store during the filming.

Alltel spokesman Chad Brokaw as he preps between takes in Muskegon Alltel store at 5025 Harvey St.

Alltel spokesman Chad Brokaw was not available for an interview at the time we visited–because he was behind the camera. however, McCaslin was still kind enough to allow us to sneak in between takes and snap a quick photo.

It will be three years this August, that Alltel decided to use look-a-like rival cell phone companies in their commercials to compete with spokesman, Chad Brokaw. This sparked conflict with the competing carriers that were represented in Alltel’s commercials, so Alltel decided to include a disclaimer in each commercial that reads, “Our lawyers would like to inform you some of the characters you see here are not associated with Alltel. They are look-alikes. The characters, not our lawyers.” (wiki)

Since then, Alltel has a made series of commercials that continue to involve Chad, bragging about Alltel’s, “My Circle.” The competing characters in the commercials, known as the, “Sales Guys”, always appear to remain in their own circle that cannot compete with Alltel’s offerings.

Today, they all came to the Alltel in Muskegon to film another commercial that will be added to their series of 25 second commercials for Alltell. It took four weeks of preparation for 2 days of filming in Muskegon that will result in a 25 second commercial to be broadcast in markets all over the United States.

The “Sales Guys” are all played by professional actors Matthew Brent (Verizon), Scott Halberstadt (Cingular/AT&T), Ian Gould (T-Mobile), and early on, Michael Busch (Sprint), who is now replaced by Adam Herschman.

In each commercial, the Sales Guys all represent different wireless carriers by sporting an appropriately related colored shirt with a carrier name tag for each of the four companies that Alltel mainly competes with.

From left to right, Adam Herschman (Sprint guy), Scott Halberstadt (AT&T guy), Ian Ross Gould (T-Mobile guy), and Matthew Simmons (Verizon guy).

While Chad was filming on set back in the retail store, the Sales Guys were gracious enough to share some time during their break, and allow me to interview them. Matt (Verizon guy), quickly gathered all the other Sales Guys around the side of the bus to pose for the Muskegon News Press.

All of the, “Sales Guys” currently live in Los Angeles, California, where they continue to pursue their careers in acting. The crew flew a red eye flight to Grand Rapids last night and arrived in Muskegon this morning.

Matt (Verizon guy) says that, “Most jobs that we ever get, are usually shot in L.A., and we don’t usually fly here.” Scott (AT&T guy) added, “But it’s the closest Alltel store to the headquarters of the Ad Agency. So it was quicker and easier for us to do it this was instead of having an entire set built for us.”

Previous Alltel Commercial Video

H1N1 Influenza update and summary

(MuskegonNewsPress.com News for you: http://www.muskegonnewspress.com/h1n1-influenza-update-and-summary.html)
H1N1 influenza A is a virus of swine origin that was first discovered in pigs sometime around 1918. Years later, the the novel influenza A (H1N1), crossed over into humans and was first noticed in humans 1976 after a 19 year old Army recruit, David Lewis of Ashley Falls, Mass, died from extreme flu like symptoms in a short period of time. The disease that took the Army recruit’s life was coined as the, “swine flu”, because it originated from pigs.

Over 500 other soldiers in the Military at that time, also tested positive for the same illness, but had not died from the virus. It was enough to cause widespread panic and take note of the newly discovered virus that had the potential to spread rapidly.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) confirmed the first case of the H1N1 virus in a human on April 15, 2009. Mexico already had a handful of confirmed cases only days before the US did. it is believed that the H1N1 flu was brought into the US from infected individuals from Mexico.

As the CDC continued to confirm H1N1 flu cases throughout the United States, by April 22, 2009, they activated its Emergency Operations Center to better assist with the possibility of the H1N1 flu developing into a pandemic. To be safe, on the same day, the United States Government declared a public health emergency.

This caused a panic among the populations that quickly spread worldwide into parts of the world that had never even heard of the H1N1 influenza. Mexico City was on the list of communities that were concerned the most. In fact, they even shut down the entire business and public service entities for five full days in an attempt to try to slow the spread of the virus. Mexico City has a population of 20 million.

To date, there are only 3 confirmed cases in Muskegon, Michigan and 298 total cases with 1 death on the east side of the state. Added up, the United states currently has 13,217 confirmed cases in all 50 states resulting in 27 deaths.

It’s believed that the H1N1 flu spreads in similar ways as the regular seasonal flu does; from coughing, sneezing or being around someone who has the virus. H1N1 flu has not been proven to be in pork food products, nor has it been proven that anyone has ever caught the virus from eating pork food products.

So just how does the swine flu compare to the seasonal flu?

Every year in the United States, on average 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu; more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications, and; about 36,000 people die from flu-related causes. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications. (CDC)

However, the CDC is currently concerned with the high number of H1N1 confirmed cases after the standard flu season is now in its off slowest time. There is no vaccination for the H1N1 strain, and it is unknown how the H1N1 flu will spread and affect individuals later this year as the flu season begins with the colder weather.

Seasonal flu, flu season chart. Courtesy CDC.

It’s uncertain at this time how serious or severe this novel H1N1 virus will be in terms of how many people infected will develop serious complications or die or how this new virus may affect the U.S. during its upcoming influenza season in the fall and winter. Because this is a new virus, most people will have little or no immunity against it, and illness may be more severe and widespread as a result. In addition, currently there is no vaccine to protect against this novel H1N1 virus. CDC anticipates that there will be more cases, more hospitalizations and more deaths associated with this new virus. (CDC)

Even though there is currently no vaccine for H1N1, there are prescription drugs that do help with successfully combating against the virus. In lieu of this, early detection is vital, and in many cases just may be the key to saving younger children, older folks, or individuals with weakened immunities.

The H1N1 flu may have been raised from the dead in recent times, but educating yourself can be your best defense against this mysterious silent virus that spreads quickly. What it really boils down to at this point, just may be what your mother always told you growing up, “Wash your hands.”

Event list for Monday, June 8, 2009

(MuskegonNewsPress.com News for you: http://www.muskegonnewspress.com/event-list-for-monday-june-8-2009.html)
81st Regional Exhibition

Location: 296 W. Webster Ave.

The Muskegon Museum of Art proudly continues its celebration of the art of West Michigan with the 81st Regional Exhibition. All area artists 18 years and older who reside in the 231, 616, and 269 area codes are invited to submit up to tow artworks for juror selection. Regional are registration starts May 7th and continues through May 9. Over $2,400 in cash and purchase prizes will be awarded. This years juror is Maria Tomasula, an artists and professor of art at the University of Notre Dame. Her most recent solo show appeared at the Muskegon Museum of Art in the spring of 2008. Tomasula has shown extensively throughout the Midwest and is represented by Zola/Lieberman in Chicago and the Forum Gallery in New York and Los Angeles. The Muskegon Museum of Art is located at 296 W. Webster Ave in Downtown Muskegon. For more information call 231-720-2574.

Date range

Since 05-28 until 08-05

Link out

http://www.muskegonartmuseum.org/

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

Location: 484 W. Webster Ave.

Learn about the families who shared their downtown Muskegon neighborhood with lumber barons Charles H. Hackley and Thomas Hume. Located in the City Barn at the Hackley & Hume Site (484 W. Webster Ave.) They will be open Wednesday – Sunday from May to October and for Holiday Tours in November and December. For more information call 231-722-0278.

Date range

Since 05-06 until 12-29

Link out

http://www.muskegonmuseum.org/

Nuveen’s Summer Teachers Exhibit

Location: 8697 Ferry St.

The Nuveen Center will give the public a chance to view the talents of the artists who will be teaching at the Nuveen this summer. The exhibition will feature the artwork of 13 area artists and teachers, as well as sample photographs from classes available this summer. The Nuveen Community Center is located at 8697 Ferry Street. They are open Tuesday – Friday 12 (noon) to 5:00 pm and Saturday 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. For more information call 2321-894-2787.

Date range

Since 06-05 until 06-25

Link out

http://www.artscouncilofwhitelake.org

Zoophilious Terraquarium – The Anarchic Taxonomy of Chris Garofalo

Location: 296 W. Webster Ave.

Chris Garofalo, a renowned ceramic artist from Chicago, will create an installation of ceramic sculptures for the Muskegon Museum of Art. Garofalo is know for creating sculptures of imaginary life forms inspired by actual plant and animal forms. Garofalo’s fragile forms are exquisitely crafted and beautifully composed, and express her deep commitment to ecological and environmental concerns. The Muskegon Museum of Art is located at 296 W. Webster Ave in Downtown Muskegon. For more information call 231-720-2574.

Date range

Since 06-04 until 09-13

Link out

http://www.muskegonartmuseum.org/

Book Nook and Java Shop News, Brews, and Music

Location: 8726 Ferry St.

9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Richard Ballard originally from the Lansing area, lived in our White Lake area for more than twenty years. His style is somewhat Caribbean and upbeat. You can hear Richard every Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning from 9:00 am to 12 (noon). The music is at the Book Nook and Java Shop (8726 Ferry St.) For more information call 231-894-5333.

Date range

Since 06-02 until 06-30

Link out

http://www.thebooknookjavashop.com/

45th Annual Muskegon Community College Art and Design Exhibition

Location: 221 S. Quarterline Rd.

9:00 am to 4:30 pm

The Muskegon Community College Overbrook Art Gallery is pleased to present this exhibit. Top work in varied media from art and graphic design classes with cash place awards and the President’s Purchase Prizes for the Muskegon Community College art collection. Exhibits are always free and open to the public. Gallery hours are 9:00 am to 4:30 pm weekdays. (open also during special weekend and evening hours during theatre performances, receptions, and gallery talks). The Muskegon Community College is located at 221 S. Quarterline Road. For more information or details call 231-777-0324.

Date range

Since 05-16 until 09-16

Link out

http://www.muskegoncc.edu/

Bettye Clark Cannon Gallery Art Exhibit

Location: Hilt Building

11:00 am to 6:00 pm

The Gallery is proud to showcase the talents of three area artists, Marian Cotner, Catherine McClung and Christi Dresse Carter during the month of June. The gallery is located on the 2nd floor of the Hilt Building in the Frauenthal for the Performing Arts Center. Gallery Hours are Monday – Friday from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. Admission is free.

Date range

Since 06-04 until 06-30

Link out

http://www.frauenthal.org/

Open Public Tours

Location: 296 W. Webster Ave.

1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Drop in and enjoy exhibition tours led by Muskegon Museum of Art Docents. June will feature the 81st Regional Exhibition. The tours are from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm on Thursdays. Tours are free and open to the public. Reservations are not required. The Muskegon Museum of Art is located at 296 W. Webster Ave in Downtown Muskegon. For more information call 231-720-2574.

Date range

Since 06-04 until 06-25

Link out

http://www.muskegonartmuseum.org/

Live @ the Library

Location: 1522 Ruddiman Dr.

6:30 pm

The first Tuesday of each month local talent will be performing live at Walker Memorial Library (1522 Ruddiman). The music starts at 6:30 pm. This event is free and open to the public. For more information call 231-744-6080.

Date range

Since 06-02 until 12-01

Link out

http://www.madl.org/

“Light Years from Andromeda”

Location: Carr – Fles Planetarium

7:00 pm

If you go outside tonight and gaze up at the moon, you are not seeing the moon as it is, but rather as it was 1.3 seconds ago. Looking at the stars, the time delay or age of the light is much longer, perhaps hundreds of years. The light seen from the Andromeda Galaxy, the most distant object in the universe visible with eye alone, would be over 2 million years old. “Light years from Andromeda” introduces the Planetarium visitor to the enormity of space, the finite speed of light, and the vast time it take slight to travel such distances. This is a 40 minute presentation at the Carr – Fles Planetarium. Public shows are Tuesday and Thursday Evenings at 7:00 pm and are free of charge. The planetarium is located at the Muskegon Community College at 221 S. Quarterline Road. For more information call 231-777-0289.

Date range

Since 05-12 until 06-18

Link out

http://www.muskegoncc.edu/

FREE fishing weekend this June 13-14, 2009

(MuskegonNewsPress.com News for you: http://www.muskegonnewspress.com/free-fishing-weekend-this-june-13-14-2009.html)
Once a year for two days in a row, Michigan offers anyone and everyone to fish without a license. This year, the free fishing weekend starts on Saturday and goes through Sunday, June 13 and 14, 2009.

Parents are encouraged to take advantage of this once a year opportunity to spend quality time with their children–on the State. Residents and outside visitors alike are all welcome to take advantage of the free fishing weekend in Michigan.

The current fee for a fishing license in Michigan is $15.00 and good for all species except for trout and salmon. In order to keep trout and salmon fish species, an additional “trout stamp” or “upgrade” must be purchased for $13.00 and both are good through 2/28/2010. This weekend, all licensing fees are waived.

All areas of the free fishing weekend include the Great lakes, inland lakes, plus rivers and streams–wherever public access is available. The State notes that, “All fishing regulations will still apply.”

Who owns the river?

There seems to be a never ending dispute between landowners and fisherman navigating rivers and streams that pass through private property. Michigan law clearly states;

On fenced or posted property or farm property, a fisherman wading or floating a navigable public stream may, without written or oral consent, enter upon property within the clearly defined banks of the stream or, without damaging farm products, walk a route as closely proximate to the clearly defined bank as possible when necessary to avoid a natural or artificial hazard or obstruction, including, but not limited to, a dam, deep hole, or a fence or other exercise of ownership by the riparian owner. (michigan.gov)

Other Information
Sometimes the State makes exceptions with fishing rules and regulations. This year from May 1 through August 15, carp may be speared out of Mona Lake in Muskegon. The rule applies to licensed residents and no other species is allowed to be speared.
Read more on exceptions at http://www.michigan.gov/documents/dnr/exception-county_272346_7.pdf

Additional fishing information can be found at http://www.michigan.gov/dnr

Event list for Sunday, June 7, 2009

(MuskegonNewsPress.com News for you: http://www.muskegonnewspress.com/event-list-for-sunday-june-7-2009.html)
81st Regional Exhibition

Location: 296 W. Webster Ave.

The Muskegon Museum of Art proudly continues its celebration of the art of West Michigan with the 81st Regional Exhibition. All area artists 18 years and older who reside in the 231, 616, and 269 area codes are invited to submit up to tow artworks for juror selection. Regional are registration starts May 7th and continues through May 9. Over $2,400 in cash and purchase prizes will be awarded. This years juror is Maria Tomasula, an artists and professor of art at the University of Notre Dame. Her most recent solo show appeared at the Muskegon Museum of Art in the spring of 2008. Tomasula has shown extensively throughout the Midwest and is represented by Zola/Lieberman in Chicago and the Forum Gallery in New York and Los Angeles. The Muskegon Museum of Art is located at 296 W. Webster Ave in Downtown Muskegon. For more information call 231-720-2574.

Date range

Since 05-28 until 08-05

Link out

http://www.muskegonartmuseum.org/

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

Location: 484 W. Webster Ave.

Learn about the families who shared their downtown Muskegon neighborhood with lumber barons Charles H. Hackley and Thomas Hume. Located in the City Barn at the Hackley & Hume Site (484 W. Webster Ave.) They will be open Wednesday – Sunday from May to October and for Holiday Tours in November and December. For more information call 231-722-0278.

Date range

Since 05-06 until 12-29

Link out

http://www.muskegonmuseum.org/

McNiff Sr. Memorial Championship

Location: 2801 Lakeshore Dr.

The Greater Muskegon Golf Association is pleased to announce the McNiff Sr. Memorial Championship. This golf event will be held at Muskegon Country Club (2801 Lakeshore Dr. 231-755-3737). This golf event is part of the Great Muskegon Golf Association.

Date range

Since 06-06 until 06-07

Link out

http://www.thegmga.com/

Nuveen’s Summer Teachers Exhibit

Location: 8697 Ferry St.

The Nuveen Center will give the public a chance to view the talents of the artists who will be teaching at the Nuveen this summer. The exhibition will feature the artwork of 13 area artists and teachers, as well as sample photographs from classes available this summer. The Nuveen Community Center is located at 8697 Ferry Street. They are open Tuesday – Friday 12 (noon) to 5:00 pm and Saturday 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. For more information call 2321-894-2787.

Date range

Since 06-05 until 06-25

Link out

http://www.artscouncilofwhitelake.org

Zoophilious Terraquarium – The Anarchic Taxonomy of Chris Garofalo

Location: 296 W. Webster Ave.

Chris Garofalo, a renowned ceramic artist from Chicago, will create an installation of ceramic sculptures for the Muskegon Museum of Art. Garofalo is know for creating sculptures of imaginary life forms inspired by actual plant and animal forms. Garofalo’s fragile forms are exquisitely crafted and beautifully composed, and express her deep commitment to ecological and environmental concerns. The Muskegon Museum of Art is located at 296 W. Webster Ave in Downtown Muskegon. For more information call 231-720-2574.

Date range

Since 06-04 until 09-13

Link out

http://www.muskegonartmuseum.org/

Book Nook and Java Shop News, Brews, and Music

Location: 8726 Ferry St.

9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Richard Ballard originally from the Lansing area, lived in our White Lake area for more than twenty years. His style is somewhat Caribbean and upbeat. You can hear Richard every Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning from 9:00 am to 12 (noon). The music is at the Book Nook and Java Shop (8726 Ferry St.) For more information call 231-894-5333.

Date range

Since 06-02 until 06-30

Link out

http://www.thebooknookjavashop.com/

45th Annual Muskegon Community College Art and Design Exhibition

Location: 221 S. Quarterline Rd.

9:00 am to 4:30 pm

The Muskegon Community College Overbrook Art Gallery is pleased to present this exhibit. Top work in varied media from art and graphic design classes with cash place awards and the President’s Purchase Prizes for the Muskegon Community College art collection. Exhibits are always free and open to the public. Gallery hours are 9:00 am to 4:30 pm weekdays. (open also during special weekend and evening hours during theatre performances, receptions, and gallery talks). The Muskegon Community College is located at 221 S. Quarterline Road. For more information or details call 231-777-0324.

Date range

Since 05-16 until 09-16

Link out

http://www.muskegoncc.edu/

Bettye Clark Cannon Gallery Art Exhibit

Location: Hilt Building

11:00 am to 6:00 pm

The Gallery is proud to showcase the talents of three area artists, Marian Cotner, Catherine McClung and Christi Dresse Carter during the month of June. The gallery is located on the 2nd floor of the Hilt Building in the Frauenthal for the Performing Arts Center. Gallery Hours are Monday – Friday from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. Admission is free.

Date range

Since 06-04 until 06-30

Link out

http://www.frauenthal.org/

Open Public Tours

Location: 296 W. Webster Ave.

1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Drop in and enjoy exhibition tours led by Muskegon Museum of Art Docents. June will feature the 81st Regional Exhibition. The tours are from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm on Thursdays. Tours are free and open to the public. Reservations are not required. The Muskegon Museum of Art is located at 296 W. Webster Ave in Downtown Muskegon. For more information call 231-720-2574.

Date range

Since 06-04 until 06-25

Link out

http://www.muskegonartmuseum.org/

Cinema Sunday: The River

Location: 296 W. Webster Ave.

2:00 pm

The Muskegon Museum of Art is pleased to present this new series of film screenings that focus on exploring the art of cinema. Today’s film is The River (Dir. Jean Renoir, 1951, 99m English). Jean Renoir, the father of French cinema, explores his life-long passion for India in this visually exquisite adaptation of Rumer Godden’s novel. Contrasting colonial romance with the immutability of the great Bengal River and the ceaseless flow of Indian life, the film follows the tempestuous passion a teenaged British girl harbors for her father’s cousin, who in turn is captivated by her beautiful Indian stepsister. The film begins at 2:00 pm at the Muskegon Museum of Art (296 W. Webster Ave in Downtown Muskegon). The programmer and host: E.J. Hamacher. The movie is free with museum membership or with museum admission. For more information call 231-720-2571.

Link out

http://www.muskegonartmuseum.org/

Dockers Live Music

Location: 3505 Marina View Point overlooking Muskegon Lake

3:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Dockers Fish House and Lounge is please to provide live entertainment by Cliff Erickson from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Dockers is located at 3505 Marina View Point overlooking Muskegon Lake. For more information call 231-755-0400.

Link out

http://www.dockersfishhouse.com/

Live @ the Library

Location: 1522 Ruddiman Dr.

6:30 pm

The first Tuesday of each month local talent will be performing live at Walker Memorial Library (1522 Ruddiman). The music starts at 6:30 pm. This event is free and open to the public. For more information call 231-744-6080.

Date range

Since 06-02 until 12-01

Link out

http://www.madl.org/

“Light Years from Andromeda”

Location: Carr – Fles Planetarium

7:00 pm

If you go outside tonight and gaze up at the moon, you are not seeing the moon as it is, but rather as it was 1.3 seconds ago. Looking at the stars, the time delay or age of the light is much longer, perhaps hundreds of years. The light seen from the Andromeda Galaxy, the most distant object in the universe visible with eye alone, would be over 2 million years old. “Light years from Andromeda” introduces the Planetarium visitor to the enormity of space, the finite speed of light, and the vast time it take slight to travel such distances. This is a 40 minute presentation at the Carr – Fles Planetarium. Public shows are Tuesday and Thursday Evenings at 7:00 pm and are free of charge. The planetarium is located at the Muskegon Community College at 221 S. Quarterline Road. For more information call 231-777-0289.

Date range

Since 05-12 until 06-18

Link out

http://www.muskegoncc.edu/

“Light Years from Andromeda”

Location: 221 S. Quarterline Rd.

7:00 pm

If you go outside tonight and gaze up at the moon, you are not seeing the moon as it is, but rather as it was 1.3 seconds ago. Looking at the stars, the time delay or age of the light is much longer, perhaps hundreds of years. The light seen from the Andromeda Galaxy, the most distant object in the universe visible with eye alone would be over 2 million years old. “Light years from Andromeda” introduces the Planetarium visitor to the enormity of space, the finite speed of light, and the vast time it take slight to travel such distances. This is a 40-minute presentation at the Carr – Fles Planetarium. Public shows are Tuesday and Thursday Evenings at 7:00 pm and are free of charge. The planetarium is located at the Muskegon Community College at 221 S. Quarterline Road. For more information call 231-777-0289.

Date range

Since 05-12 until 06-18

Link out

http://www.muskegoncc.edu/

Community – wide Talent Show

Location: 2052 Bourdon

10:00 pm

Community – wide Talnet Show
There is a talent search for singers, dancers, comedians, poets, storytellers and more for the upcoming talent show “Cup-O-Joe and a Show”. The community wide talent show is at 10:00 pm at Unity Church of Muskegon (2052 Bourdon). For more information call 231-759-7535.

Link out

http://www.unitymuskegon.org/

FTC shuts down ISP for hosting illegal activity

(MuskegonNewsPress.com News for you: http://www.muskegonnewspress.com/ftc-shuts-down-isp-for-hosting-illegal-activity.html)
A rogue Internet Service Provider that recruits, knowingly hosts, and actively participates in the distribution of spam, child pornography, and other harmful electronic content has been shut down by a district court judge at the request of the Federal Trade Commission. The ISP’s upstream providers and data centers have disconnected its servers from the Internet.

According to the FTC, the defendant, Pricewert LLC, which does business under a variety of names including 3FN, Medvedeva, Ioulia, Taxal Corp, and APS Telecom, of San Jose, CA, actively recruits and colludes with criminals seeking to distribute illegal, malicious, and harmful electronic content including child pornography, spyware, viruses, trojan horses, phishing, botnet command and control servers, and pornography featuring violence, bestiality, and incest. The FTC alleges that the defendant advertised its services in the darkest corners of the Internet, including a forum established to facilitate communication between criminals.

The complaint alleges that Pricewert actively shielded its criminal clientele by either ignoring take-down requests issued by the online security community, or shifting its criminal elements to other Internet protocol addresses it controlled to evade detection.

The FTC also alleges that the defendant engaged in the deployment and operation of botnets – large networks of computers that have been compromised and enslaved by the originator of the botnet, known as a “bot herder.” Botnets can be used for a variety of illicit purposes, including sending spam and launching denial of service attacks. According to the FTC, the defendant recruited bot herders and hosted the command-and-control servers – the computers that relay commands from the bot herders to the compromised computers known as “zombie drones.” Transcripts of instant-message logs filed with the district court show the defendants’ senior employees discussing the configuration of botnets with bot herders. And, in filings with the district court, the FTC alleges that more than 4,500 malicious software programs are controlled by command-and-control servers hosted by 3FN. This malware includes programs capable of keystroke logging, password stealing, and data stealing, programs with hidden backdoor remote control activity, and programs involved in spam distribution.

The FTC charged that the defendants’ distribution of illegal, malicious, and harmful content and deployment of botnets that compromised thousands of computers caused substantial consumer injury and was an unfair practice, in violation of federal law.

The court issued a temporary restraining order to prohibit Pricewert’s illegal activities and require its upstream Internet providers and data centers to cease providing services to Pricewert. The order also freezes Pricewert’s assets. The court will hold a preliminary injunction hearing on June 15, 2009.

This case was brought with the invaluable assistance of NASA’s Office of Inspector General, Computer Crime Division; Gary Warner, Director of Research in Computer Forensics, University of Alabama at Birmingham; The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children; The Shadowserver Foundation; Symantec Corporation; and The Spamhaus Project.

The Commission vote to authorize staff to file the complaint was 4-0. The complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, San Jose Division.

(ftc.gov)

New carpool lot now open near Fremont

(MuskegonNewsPress.com News for you: http://www.muskegonnewspress.com/new-carpool-lot-now-open-near-fremont.html)
MDOT recently announced the completion of the $100,000 car pool construction project completion on M-120 and M-82, also known as’ “5 Mile corner.” near the Wesco convenience store on Maple Island Rd.

The new carpool parking lot was designed to be centrally located in between Muskegon, White Cloud, Hesperia, and other surrounding areas. The location of the lot pivots right on three county lines; Muskegon, Newaygo, and Oceana counties.

“This is a perfect location,” said Muskegon TSC Manager Tim Judge. “Commuters were using undesignated areas to park and ride. This new lot offers travelers a safer and more convenient alternative.”

The “undesignated” areas will soon be posted as, “No Parking” and violators could see fines.

See the State’s Rideshare information for tips and advice on car pooling.

Actor Carradine may have actually died from S&M

(MuskegonNewsPress.com News for you: http://www.muskegonnewspress.com/actor-carradine-may-have-actually-died-from-sm.html)
Thia police are now saying that famous actor, David Carradine who died on Thursday and was found hanging in his Hotel room in Bangkok Thailand, may have actually died from a form of autoerotic asphyxiation (AEA). Investigators are now reporting that Carradine was found dead with a rope around his neck and genitals.

Autoerotic asphyxiation is a brutal form of sexual arousal that cuts off oxygen to the brain. There is no safe way to strangle yourself to heighten self pleasure and sadly there is a small amount of people that die such an embarrassing death each year. In light of this, exact statistical information on death from autoerotic asphyxiation is not easy to calculate due to the fact that most families are unwilling to release the private information. However, some authorities believe that the number of AEA related deaths could be as high as nearly 1,000 per year.

The Smoking Gun Web is claiming that the idea of Carradine’s death is supported by a 2003 divorce court filing where on of the four ex-wives of Carradine, Marina Anderson, accused him of “deviant sexual behavior which was potentially deadly.”

72 year old Carradine was in Bangkok at the time of his death while participating in the new filming of “Stretch.” He was best known for his role in, “Kung Fu” that was popular in the 70 and more recent movies like, “Kill Bill Volume I” and II.

Other speculations against Carradine committing suicide are supported by the people closest to him. Carradine’s death is being considered more of an accidental death at this point.

Muskegon Correctional Facility Prison to be shut down by State

(MuskegonNewsPress.com News for you: http://www.muskegonnewspress.com/muskegon-correctional-facility-prison-to-be-shut-down-by-state.html)
On Friday, it was announced that the State will shut down 5 prison camps and 3 prisons including Muskegon’s very own Muskegon Correctional Facility (MCF). The recent decision to shut down the prisons are to help reduce Michigan’s 1.4 billion dollar general fund deficit.

Shutting down the eight Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) will eliminate 6,400 prison beds and around 1,000 jobs in total.

“Our top priority is public safety, and that is at the core of every decision we make in operating our state correctional facilities,” said Corrections Director Patricia Caruso. “But just as we are committed to the public’s safety, we are also committed to spending their tax dollars wisely and in ways that make sense. The reorganization we are unveiling today makes sense from a public safety and budget perspective.”

Among the other prison camps and prisons to be shut down include:

1. Camp Cusino in Shingleton
2. Camp Kitwen in Painesdale
3. Camp Lehman in Grayling
4. Camp Ottawa in Iron River
5. Camp White Lake in White Lake

Three prison facilities will be closed, including:

1. Muskegon Correctional Facility in Muskegon
2. Hiawatha Correctional Facility in Kincheloe
3. Standish Maximum Correctional Facility in Standish

On the State’s website it is was claimed that Michigan has its lowest prison population in seven years. The decline is accredited to Michigan Prisoner ReEntry Initiative (MPRI), more parole and probation officers offering prisoner supervision, sophisticated GPS tracking, and new screening behavior methods in releasing prisoners.

It is emphasized on the State’s website, that public safety will not be compromised as a result of the closings. Many of the prisoners affected will be relocated to other prisons in Michigan with room. Part of the decision to close the exact locations on the list, was because of their close proximity to remaining prisons that will be kept open.

The cuts are expected to save the State $120 million dollars that will go towards the State’s deficit.

Rider’s Edge honored by the State for safe motorcycle riding

(MuskegonNewsPress.com News for you: http://www.muskegonnewspress.com/riders-edge-honored-by-the-state-for-safe-motorcycle-riding.html)
Since 2006 and when Hot Rod Harley was still on Ottawa Ave near Downtown Muskegon, they have been promoting safe motorcycle riding through their endorsement and training program called Rider’s Edge. With over 250 new safe riders each year that graduate from their program, and only three years later, the State of Michigan also noticed their excellent program as Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land honored them last month for promoting motorcycle safety in Michigan. May was Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.

Sponsor

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land speaks on May 4 during the award ceremony. courtesy michigan.gov

In order for a motorcyclist to legally drive a bike on public roadways, they are required to have a Motorcycle endorsement on their drivers license, ensuring that they understand safe riding in the State of Michigan. The fine for operating a motorcycle on public roads without a proper cycle endorsement can exceed $100.00 and up to 90 days in jail for first offenders.

The State only recognized five organizations in Michigan and Hot Rod Harley’s, Rider’s Edge program was among the elite this year. Rider’s Edge instructor Richard Orlik was there to accept the award during the ceremony.

“Rider’s Edge programs do an excellent job preparing both new and skilled riders for situations they may encounter on the road,” Land said. “Harley-Davidson dealers are the only dealerships to offer an approved program that leads to an endorsement. We are grateful for their efforts to train Michigan’s motorcyclists.”

Michigan has over 532,000 licensed motorcycle riders and 30,000 are expected to attend endorsement training classes for the year 2009. In 1974, Michigan had nearly 11,000 reported motorcycle crashes. Today, the numbers are closer to 3,000 even with three million more registered vehicles on Michigan roads than in the 1070’s.

The decline in motorcycle crashes are a direct result of many of the motorcycle safety programs available to riders. Nearly half of all motorcycle crashes involve riders without their endorsement. 30% of all motorcycle fatalities involve a rider that was intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.

Land is currently seeking to strengthen the motorcycle safety programs offered in Michigan;

“by setting rigorous, consistent standards for instructors,” Land said. “This ensures people seeking a license endorsement have a safe, comprehensive training experience. I thank the representatives and senators who are sponsoring these bills and look forward to working with the Legislature to see them written into law.”

The 5 day motorcycle safety classes take place in Muskegon at Rider’s Edge right inside of Hot Rod Harley on 149 Shoreline Drive. Rider’s edge is more than an endorsement course. They also teach brand new riders how to safely drive motorcycles on public roads. In addition, “There is an increase in women registering for the class.” says program manager, Paula Miller.

Rider’s Edge offers two levels of safety programs. One for the Beginner, and another for the Skilled Rider.

The requirements for the beginner class are that you at least be able to ride a bicycle, have a valid drivers license or learners permit, wear Jeans, sturdy over-the-ankle boots or shoes, full-fingered motorcycle gloves, a heavy long-sleeved shirt or jacket and protective eyewear, and a helmet that meets DOT specifications. Meeting these requirements and $295.00 will get you well on your way to legally, and more importantly, SAFELY riding a motorcycle on public roads.

A 492cc Buell Blast by Harley used for training beginner motorcycle drivers at Rider's Edge in Muskegon. click picture to zoom

The beginner course provides the bikes and, “Students cannot use their own bikes for the beginner’s course.” states Miller. However, for the Skilled Rider course, you must have your own bike, and the one day course only costs $100.00. The bikes provided for the beginner course are 492cc Buell Blast bikes made by Harley Davidson Company.

Typically, there are 12 new students per week in the beginner course and each rider gets their own bike during the entire 5 day training course. Two days of the 25 hour class include range driving and then one day focuses on an evaluation examination that Miller says, “No one has ever failed the evaluation portion of the class.”

Rider's Edge classroom.

Part of the evaluation process for the beginner course is based on a 15 point scale. Zero points would represent a perfect score.

If a student fails the first time, they are invited back once more for successful completion in their areas of weakness. Passenger practice on the actual bike is not a part of the course.

The courses are offered from the third weekend in April through the third weekend in October of every year, except during the week of Bike Time.

Additional Information

Hot Rod Harley

Rider’s Edge Program

Michigan Motorcycle Safety Program

What every driver should know.