Mike VanderMolen » pictures

Wind Dancer

Mike VanderMolen — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 13:38:58 +0000

Chinook Pier on the Grand Haven Boardwalk

Eastern Box Turtle

Mike VanderMolen — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 21:25:52 +0000

There are a few turtles like this in our neighborhood, we often see them crossing the street or going through a yard. Very interesting looking turtles.

I am guessing this is an eastern box turtle.

I spotted the turtle crossing the street from our window, so I grabbed the camera. As soon as he spotted me, he froze.

I slowly got closer, trying no to frighten the turtle.

Looking right into the eyes of the turtle.

A view of the turtle from above.

A close-up of the great patterns and colors of the shell. You can see he has at this point retreated into his shell, so time to leave him alone. I am guessing this turtle is pretty old, so hopefully he has many more years to go.

Swim Rafts and Birds

Mike VanderMolen — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 16:28:21 +0000

Looking for ideas on how to keep the birds off a swim raft. Just spent an hour cleaning of the swimming raft, after it was very covered with bird poop.

Here is the raft BEFORE – gross.

After cleaning…looked much better, but there must be a better way.

The fair

Mike VanderMolen — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 16:51:09 +0000

The haze in the air is from the tractor pulls.

Swagman Bike Box

Mike VanderMolen — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 19:31:47 +0000

Got this brand new Swagman bike box off eBay for $25 shipped. It will be perfect for commuting to work. I can put my work clothes into the box and keep them from being squished, and keep them dry and clean as I ride. It was very easy to install on top of the rack, only took a few minutes. The box has 2 clips on each site to keep it closed, and also comes with a lock (which I won’t need).

Picture

Mike VanderMolen — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 14:56:52 +0000

I really like this picture. The blurred lights, and the reflections off the street. The overall lighting – just before dark…

Steve Forbes

Mike VanderMolen — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 02:27:32 +0000

Found this brochure in the basement from Steve Forbes run for president in 1996!

Renewing Growth, Hope and Opportunity

Steve Forbes Will Change Washington.

Isn’t it time to break the lock-grip that the political class in Washington has on so much of our lives?

America needs a new vision, one that relies on the values of family, faith, and freedom. We need policies that expand opportunity for all Americans by releasing the vast growth potential locked inside the American economy.

That’s why this outsider is running for President. And that’s why I’m proposing to take power away from Washington politicians and give it back to the American people, where it belongs.

Start with a flat tax that is a tax cut.

An across the board 17% tax rate and expanded exemptions so that the family of four would pay no taxes on the first 36,000 of income. With no taxes on Social Security, pensions,personal savings or capital gains, this flat tax would be fair (everyone would pay the same rate), honest (no more political manipulation of the tax code) and simple – you could fill it out on a post card.

Cut Spending and Reduce Government.

It’s time to remove the dead weight of Washington and let the American economy run free. Eliminate the department of Commerce, Energy, Education, and HUD. We can also eliminate the whole alphabet soup of independent agencies.

Term Limits.

Put an end to the permanent political class in Washington. It’s the will of the people. It makes sense. Pass term limits now.

Bring Back 4 1/2 % Mortgages.

Take control of our money out of the hands of the politicians. Tie the value of the dollar to a fixed measure, as we used to, and bring mortgage rates down to the 4 1/2 % our parents took for granted.

Return Control of Schools to Parents.

It is time to put America’s parents back in control of our schools. Give parents the means to educate their children in the school of their choice. Reduce the education bureaucracy; put more resources in the classroom.

Real Social Security.

No more Washington-style “reform” of Social Security, which means raising taxes and lowering benefits. We must strengthen security for our elderly – and make the system sound for the future – with guaranteed savings in a growing private sector.

Medical Savings Accounts.

Put the consumer in charge, with private MSAs coupled with insurance policies that provide seamless and complete coverage (no more Medigaps!). We did a variation of medical savings accounts at Forbes magazine, and it is very effective and popular.

A U.S, Not a U.N, Foreign Policy.

Freedom at home depends on strength abroad. As Chairman of Radio Free Europe and publisher of Forbes magazine, my work with business leaders and heads of state has brought me to more than 60 countries. I know from personal experience that America is still the “last, best hope for mankind.” We need a Commander in Chief who recognizes our unique role in the world. One who conducts a U.S., not a U.N., foreign policy.

I pledge to work tirelessly to make this vision a reality. Won’t you join me?