Our Daily Poll

I am 34%
• No, not really 35%
• Haven't thought about it, honestly 29%

Do short skirts signal a better economy?

• Yes. Hemlines up, mood up 26%
• No. That's malarkey 43%
• This theory pushed by fashionistas 30%

Will GM's bankruptcy affect your daily life?

• Yes, it affects all of us in Michigan 59%
• No, I have no ties to GM 37%
• GM declaring bankruptcy? Since when? 3%

What was the biggest story of the week?

• Sonia Sotomayor nominated for Supreme Ct 19%
• GM negotiates with UAW, bondholders 12%
• Troy Brake convicted of murdering 4 30%
• Red Wings make Stanley Cup Finals 29%
• Another story not listed here 7%

Which is the bigger radio gamble --

• - putting sports on the FM 19%
• - having an online only radio station 80%

Do you expect your town to lay off police, fire and city workers?

• Yes, I do 48%
• No, I don't 51%

Would you apply for a marriage license online?

• You bet I would 43%
• No, I don't think so 32%
• Can I get married online, too? 23%

Should the state mandate medical care for minors in parental custody?

• Yes 41%
• No 58%

Which news event will more likely happen this week?

• General Motors will file for bankruptcy 22%
• A Supreme Court nominee will be named 23%
• Both 35%
• Neither 18%

Do we sufficiently honor those who've served our country in the military?

• Yes, we do 16%
• No, we don't 48%
• Sometimes, but not always 35%

What was the biggest story of the week?

• President Obama signs credit card bill 15%
• FBI, NYPD foil terror plot 25%
• Kris Allen wins American Idol 21%
• Michael Vick released from fed prison 3%
• Troy Brake murder trial begins 18%
• Another story not listed here 15%

Should Michael Vick be allowed to play again in the NFL?

• Yes. He paid his debt to society 33%
• No, he should not be allowed 37%
• Other athletes return after legal issues 18%
• Who's Michael Vick? 11%

Do you remember who last year's American Idol winner was?

• Yes, I do 39%
• No, I don't 45%
• Sure, it's, ah, hang on a second... 15%

Are you concerned about the rise in gas prices?

• Yes, I am 51%
• A little 20%
• No, not really 12%
• It's still better than last year 15%

Should new homes be required to have fire sprinklers installed?

• Yes, they should be required 39%
• No, they should not be required 60%

What are your plans for Memorial Day?

• Getting out of town 22%
• Get togethers near home 29%
• Working 14%
• No plans yet 33%

What was the biggest story of the week?

• Chrysler, GM fire dealerships 41%
• Shuttle launches to fix Hubble 5%
• Pelosi says CIA misled her 12%
• I-94 bridge shifts, closes for days 9%
• Red Wings win Game 7, move on 26%
• Another story not listed here 4%

Should school districts have the ability to set up charter schools?

• Yes, they should 49%
• No, they shouldn't 50%

Would you buy an ultra-cheap house to fix it up and sell it?

• Yes, I would 34%
• No, I wouldn't 29%
• I can't afford the ultra-cheap house 35%

Would you consider a biodegradable coffin for you or a loved one?

• Yes, I would 20%
• No, I wouldn't 27%
• If it's cheaper, I might 17%
• Just get cremated instead 35%

Is fixing the Hubble telescope a worthwhile NASA venture?

• Yes, absolutely 55%
• No, not at all 25%
• No NASA venture is worthwhile 18%

Do you mail as many items as you once did?

• Yes, I still do 32%
• No, not as many 67%

What was the biggest story of the week?

• Swine flu scare abates 29%
• Auto companies report losing billions 21%
• Justice David Souter retires 16%
• MI student confesses to Italian killing 13%
• 'Chaos Experiment' premieres in GR 1%
• Another story not listed here 18%

Should an 89-year-old alleged Nazi death camp guard be deported to Germany?

• Yes, he should 55%
• No, he shouldn't 44%

If faced with a serious illness, would you try experimental procedures?

• Yes, I would 30%
• No, I wouldn't 7%
• If insurance covered it, I would 24%
• Depends on the procedure 37%

Do you agree with the state budget cuts announced Tuesday?

• Yes, I do 26%
• No, I don't 42%
• I didn't pay attention 31%

Has there been an overreaction to the swine flu?

• Yes, there has been. 78%
• No, there hasn't been 21%

Will you vote in Tuesday's election?

• Yes, I will 32%
• No, I won't 21%
• There's an election Tuesday? 46%
   

What was the biggest story of the week?

• The Chrysler bankruptcy 32%
• The swine flu outbreak 47%
• Justice David Souter to retire 7%
• New X-Men features local actor 2%
• Lions draft Matthew Stafford #1 4%
• Another story not listed here 6%

Will Chrysler emerge successfully from bankruptcy?

• Yes 55%
• No 44%

If Michigan had one, what should be the state's Official Rock Song?

• Kick Out The Jams -MC5 3%
• Steady As She Goes - Raconteurs 1%
• Detroit Rock City - Kiss 12%
• All Summer Long - Kid Rock 30%
• Dancing in the Street - The Vandellas 5%
• Ain't Too Proud to Beg - Temptations 9%

more 36%
• Are you spending your entertainment dollars on different things?
• Yes, I am 25%
• No, not really 24%
• I don't have any entertainment dollars 50%
• What was the biggest story of the week?
• President Obama on Tonight Show 11%
• Actress Natasha Richardson dies 37%
• Series on Who is Hiring 7%
• Teen sexually assaults girl, no jail 12%
• NCAA March Madness begins 19%
• Another story not listed here 11%
• Which team will go farther in the NCAA basketball tournament?
• University of Michigan 30%
• Michigan State University 69%
• What do you think of this year's Rothbury lineup?
• It's excellent 8%
• It's pretty cool 12%
• It's OK 10%
• It's awful 14%
• Don't care 54%
• Will General Motors file for bankruptcy?
• Yes, they will 55%
• No, they won't 44%
• If you got free tickets to see Jay Leno, would you --
• keep them and use them? 54%
• sell them to someone? 45%
• When was the last time you looked for a job?
• Today 20%
• Last week 10%
• Last month 5%
• Last year 13%
• A few years 49%
• What was the biggest story of the week?
• Dow Jones up 4 straight days 31%
• President Obama lifts stem cell ban 14%
• GVSU student shot by police 35%
• River House sues potential tenants 3%
• Defibrillator saves WOOD director's life 6%
• Another story not listed here 7%
• Is a 3-year prison term appropriate for the man who threw shoes at Pres. Bush?
• Yes, that's appropriate 26%
• No, it's too much 27%
• No, it's not harsh enough 16%
• He should not have gotten prison time 28%
• Should the state pay girls not to get pregnant?
• Yes. Money well spent. 18%
• No. Are you goofy? 69%
• This is a Gingrich idea? Wow! 11%
• Do you find yourself paying attention to what the Dow Jones does?
• Yes, more than ever 46%
• No, not really 31%
• I do, though I don't know what it means 15%
• Who's Dow Jones? 6%
• Have you ever thought about getting a concealed weapon permit?
• Yes, I did, and got one 27%
• Yes, I did, and decided not to 25%
• No, I never have 29%
• No one should have concealed weapons 17%
• Is Daylight Saving Time effective?
• Yes. Energy savings and later fun 24%
• No. It's artificial and doesn't work 28%
• Effective? Don't know. Fun? Yes 20%
• I never understood the concept, really 26%
• What was the biggest news story of the week?
• The stock market 21%
• The job market 26%
• NFL players lost at sea 27%
• Commissioner Vaughn convicted of assault 3%
• GRs Molly Malaney chosen by The Bachelor 14%
• Another story not listed here 6%
• If your company was in trouble, which option would you prefer?
• Layoffs across the board 12%
• 4-day work week, cut in pay 65%
• Layoffs by department 10%
• No layoffs, lose benefits 10%
• Do you pay any attention to the monthly unemployment numbers?
• Yes, I do 45%
• Not really. I know they're not good 37%
• If I'm unemployed, it's a 100% rate 9%
• Doesn't matter. Gotta keep looking 8%
• Are you holding off buying a car because of the industry uncertainty?
• Yes, I am 15%
• No, I'm not 12%
• I'm not buying because can't afford one 36%
• I don't need one now 36%
• Are you planning a Spring Break vacation this year?
• Yes, I am 24%
• No, I'm not 67%
• Maybe 8%
• When was the last time you listened to Paul Harvey?
• Within the last month 23%
• Within the last year 26%
• More than a year 20%
• I rarely listened 18%
• Who's Paul Harvey? 11%
• What was the biggest story of the week?
• President Obama's address to Congress 13%
• President Obama's Iraq withdrawal plan 10%
• Stocks fall, job losses mount 21%
• WOOD Radio's Rick Beckett dies 41%
• Student-made prosthetic wins nat'l prize 6%
• Another story not listed here 5%
• Do you split meals when you're dining out?
• Yes, I do 25%
• No, I don't 48%
• I never used to, but sometimes 23%
• I always have 3%
• When will the economy begin to turn around?
• In May 8%
• In September 15%
• In 2010 33%
• After 2010 42%
• Can Michigan become a movie-making destination?
• Yes, it can 28%
• It can, but it won't 28%
• To a certain degree, yes 24%
• Depends on the movie and the budget 18%
• Have rising tuition costs altered your college plans?
• Yes. It's becoming unaffordable 46%
• Not yet, but I'm looking closely 14%
• No. College is still in the plan 15%
• I'm looking at less expensive colleges 23%
• Of these 'affordable' cities, where would you like to live?
• Indianapolis (#1) 15%
• Detroit (#4) 2%
• Grand Rapids (#5) 34%
• Cleveland (#9) 2%
• None of them 44%
• What was the biggest story of the week?
• President Obama signs stimulus bill 31%
• President Obama's foreclosure plan 6%
• Continued job losses in area 32%
• Teen hit by train, dies 12%
• Spring Training begins 8%
• Another story not listed here 8%
• Which film will win the Oscar for Best Picture?
• The Curious Case

of Benjamin Button 29%
• Frost/Nixon 11%
• Milk 9%
• The Reader 8%
• Slumdog Millionaire 40%
• Done with winter yet?
• You betcha 63%
• No, I like it 15%
• Just about done with it 21%
• Should GM and Chrysler get more bailout money?
• Yes, both should 26%
• GM yes, Chrysler no 11%
• Chrysler yes, GM no 5%
• No to both 56%
• Have you gotten rid of your credit cards?
• Yes, I have 29%
• No. Are you nuts? 22%
• I've gotten rid of most of them 28%
• I should. I'd love to pay down my debt 18%
• Reports indicate GM may propose bankruptcy. Your thoughts?
• It's the end of Michigan as we know it 16%
• It's overdue 15%
• It was bound to happen 19%
• It's a disaster from bad management 27%
• I don't think they'll go out of business 20%
• What was the biggest story of the week?
• Stimulus bill passes House, Senate 30%
• Judd Gregg withdraws as Commerce Sec 4%
• Plane crash in Buffalo 39%
• Gov. Granholm proposes painful budget 5%
• GR Press sportswriter busted for pot 12%
• Another story not listed here 8%
• Should marijuana be legalized?
• Yes, it should 37%
• No, it shouldn't 39%
• Decriminalized, at least 23%
• Are you in favor of the stimulus bill that will be on President Obama's desk?
• Yes. Let's get going 33%
• No. Way too much money 43%
• If it helps get me a job, I'm all for it 12%
• I haven't paid attention 10%
• What's your reaction to the latest MLB steroids revelations?
• I'm disappointed in the players 22%
• It makes no difference 4%
• Steroids?They still have to hit the ball 9%
• They should all be tossed out 30%
• Don't care. Really, really don't care 33%
• Do you think Pete Hoekstra's Twitters from Iraq were a security breach?
• Yes, if he was told not to 51%
• No, it's not that big a deal 32%
• Well, the itinerary was kept under wraps 8%
• I just like that he Twitters 7%
• What was the biggest story of the week?
• Negotiations on stimulus package 26%
• More job losses around the country 35%
• DTV switch may be delayed 6%
• Steelers win the Super Bowl 16%
• Jessica Simpson's GR performance 9%
• Another story not listed here 5%
• Are you worried about the peanut-related salmonella?
• Yes, I am 19%
• No, not really 44%
• It's not that big a deal 9%
• I'm sure there's a lot more than we know 25%
• Which has the best chance of re-igniting Michigan?
• Solar and wind power production 17%
• Clean coal technology 3%
• The movie industry 3%
• New auto battery technology 10%
• All of the above 34%
• None of the above 30%
• Do you think differently of Michael Phelps since the pot-smoking photo came out?
• Yes. I'm disappointed in him 34%
• Yes. I think he's cooler now 9%
• No. I don't care 34%
• Couldn't care less about Michael Phelps 21%
• If your company offered you a buyout, would you take it?
• Yes, in a second 22%
• No way. 13%
• Not now, maybe another time 16%
• It would depend on what the buyout was 47%
• Should Michigan make a bigger effort to turn trash into energy?
• Yes. Garbage in, energy out 37%
• No. It's too expensive. 4%
• If it'll bring more jobs here, yes 24%
• I don't know why we take Canadian trash 34%
   
• What was the biggest news story of the week?
• Job losses all over the country 47%
• President Obama slams Wall St. execs 15%
• MEA sweetens retirement incentives 3%
• FBI breaks GR bank robbing ring 4%
• Tribe gets casino land into trust 19%
• Another answer not listed here 9%
• Are you in favor of language immersion programs for elementary schools?
• Si 42%
• No 57%
• Would you be upset if the mail was delivered only Monday-Friday?
• Yes, I would be upset 22%
• No, I don't care 60%
• Doesn't matter It's all junk mail anyway 17%
   
• Are you in favor of the proposed Bus Rapid Transit line?
• Yes, I am. Mass transit is the way 29%
• No, I'm not. No more millages 36%
• I don't know enough about it 33%
• Should fuel emissions standards be higher than they are now?
• Yes, they should be higher 33%
• No, they're fine where they are 34%
• They're too high now 18%
• Change cars and limit the fuel used 13%
• Should the state ease parole for inmates to reduce a budget deficit?
• Yes, on an individual basis 39%
• No, prisoners should stay in 60%
   
• What was the biggest story of the week?
• Barack Obama inaugurated President 64%
• President Obama orders Gitmo closed 6%
• Caroline Kennedy bows out of US Senate 3%
• Supreme Court clears Gun Lake casino 9%
• Oscar nominations announced 2%
• Another story not listed here 12%
• What movie should earn the Oscar for Best Picture?
• The Curious Case of Benjamin Button 35%
• Frost/Nixon 16%
• Milk 11%
• The Reader 7%
• Slumdog Millionaire 28%
• Would you like to be a tourist on the International Space Station?
• Beam me up, Scotty 31%
• Space travel's not my thing 17%
• I'd rather be in the Virgin Islands

41%
• Can my airline here just land on time? 9%
• What was your primary source for Inauguration information?
• Television 55%
• The Web 31%
• Radio 9%
• Newspapers 3%
• What is your hope for the next four years?
• A safer world 9%
• A cleaner environment 2%
• A stronger economy 63%
• Increased global cooperation 6%
• Something other than what's listed 18%
• Which president was inaugurated in two different centuries?
• George Washington 10%
• Grover Cleveland 24%
• William McKinley 23%
• George W. Bush 41%
• William McKinley was inaugurated in 1897 and 1901.
• What was the biggest story of the week?
• President Bush's farewell address 12%
• Continued violence in Gaza 6%
• Lions hire new coach 11%
• Bitter cold temps and wind chills 49%
• Another story not listed here 20%
• Where was George Washington first inaugurated?
• Philadelphia 55%
• New York 23%
• Boston 15%
• Washington 5%
• George Washington was inaugurated in New York in 1789
• Which president was the first to ride in a car at his inauguration?
• Woodrow Wilson 36%
• Warren G. Harding 19%
• Calvin Coolidge 21%
• Herbert Hoover 22%
• Warren G. Harding was the first president to ride in a car at his inauguration.
• When was the last time a president was inaugurated on March 4?
• 1873 21%
• 1901 24%
• 1933 32%
• 1953 20%
• FDR was the last president to be inaugurated on March 4 in 1933.
• Which president delivered the longest inaugural address?
• Millard Fillmore 19%
• William Henry Harrison 28%
• Woodrow Wilson 27%
• Dwight Eisenhower 24%
• William Henry Harrison delivered a 2-hour address in the rain, caught pneumonia and died 31 days later.
• In what year was Abraham Lincoln's first inaugural?
• 1841 13%
• 1851 18%
• 1861 57%
• 1871 11%
• Abraham Lincoln was first inaugurated in 1861.
• What was the biggest story of the week?
• Continued violence in Gaza 25%
• Roland Burris not seated in US Senate 8%
• Florida wins BCS title over Oklahoma 7%
• Michigan unemployment hits 9.6% 50%
• Another story not listed here 8%
• Should the BCS be revamped to determine a true college football champion?
• Yes. The current system is a joke 56%
• No, I like the way it's set up now 5%
• I just don't care about it 38%
   
• Do you approve of the proposed plan to spend money on infrastructure projects?
• Yes, I do. Let's get going. 32%
• No, I don't. We don't have the money 27%
• If it'll bring jobs here, OK 32%
• Gotta spend money to make money 7%
• With which statement do you agree?
• Israel is right to pound Hamas in Gaza 48%
• Israel's actions are disproportionate 6%
• The Palestinians should have a homeland 8%
• They need to negotiate a lasting peace 37%
• Would you like to see another Rothbury Music Festival in 2009?
• You bet! It was great! 17%
• No, I'd rather it not come back 46%
• Yeah - I might even go this year 35%
• Should high school students be allowed to take high school courses online?
• Yes, they should 20%
• No, they shouldn't 42%
• Yes, but they still must go to a school 37%
• What was the biggest story of the week?
• Israel pounds Hamas in Gaza 40%
• New Year's ball drops in downtown GR 15%
• State troopers kill gunman at adult club 17%
• Red Wings, Blackhawks play outside 13%
• Wall-to-wall college football bowl games 3%
• Another story not listed here 8%
• Why is Diane Hathaway in the news?
• She's a New York senate candidate 10%
• She wrote 'Marley & Me' 11%
• She's a Michigan Supreme Court justice 54%
• She designed the GR New Years ball 24%
• How do you pronounce this new year?
• Two thousand nine 93%
• Twenty-oh-nine 6%
• What are your New Year's Eve plans?
• Partying all night 8%
• Getting with some friends 23%
• Staying close to home 31%
• I'll be asleep by midnight 36%
• When will the Detroit Lions make the playoffs?
• Next year 9%
• 2010 7%
• 2011 11%
• 2012 13%
• 2013 or later 58%
• What word would you use to describe 2008?
• Good 8%
• Bad 16%
• Tough 42%
• Historic 19%
• Memorable 13%
• What was the biggest news story of the week?
• Christmas and Hanukkah 7%
• Santa-suited man kills 10 34%
• Snow snow snow snow snow 48%
• End of the Year lists released 0%
• College bowl games really get underway 1%
• Another story not listed here 8%
• Would you rather spend the holidays with friends or family?
• Family 41%
• Friends 10%
• Both 35%
• Neither 12%
• Do you believe in Santa Claus?
• Yes, I do 27%
• No, I don't 25%
• Santa Claus is in all of us 47%
• Have you ever ridden a passenger train?
• Yes, I love it 43%
• Yes, I hate it 11%
• No, but I'd like to 30%
• I have no interest 14%
• Are you travelling for the holidays?
• Yes, I am 26%
• No, I'm staying put 62%
• Depends on the weather 10%
• What was the biggest story of the week?

• Shoes thrown at President Bush 24%
• President Bush gives Big 3 car loans 34%
• Mark Felt, 'Deep Throat,' dies 1%
• First DTV test aired 1%
• Snow wallops the entire Midwest 31%
• Another story not listed here 5%
• Should the Iraqi shoe thrower be granted the pardon he requested?
• Yes, he should 38%
• No way 61%
• Are you ready for the switch to Digital TV?
• Yes, I am 73%
• No, not yet 18%
• I thought so until I saw the test 7%
• Should diversion programs be used for MIP offenses?
• Yes, they should 33%
• No, they shouldn't 23%
• Maybe not always, but generally yes 27%
• Sometimes, but generally no 15%
• Will you miss the Arena Football League?
• Yes, I will. Arena games are fun 28%
• No, I just don't care 71%
• Should Michgan ban smoking in restaurants, bars, etc?
• Yes, they should 51%
• No, they shouldn't 40%
• I thought it was already a law 8%
• What was the biggest news story of the week?
• Auto bailout dies in Senate 40%
• Gov. Blagojevich arrested for corruption 43%
• Woman charged in Angel Tree thefts 4%
• LAVs Kevin Matthews has MS 6%
• Another story not listed here 5%
• Frank Sinatra was born Dec. 12, 1915. What was his nickname?
• Frank 1%
• Mr. Vegas 4%
• Ol' Blue Eyes 89%
• Who is Frank Sinatra? 4%
•  
• Should Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich resign after his arrest for corruption?
• Yes, he should 83%
• No. Innocent till proven guilty 16%
• What do you think of Jay Leno coming to NBC primetime?
• I think it's great he'll be on at 10pm 33%
• It's OK, I guess 22%
• I don't like the idea 6%
• I'm not a Jay Leno fan 37%
• Should a 'car czar' be part of any auto bailout loans?
• Yes, there should be an overseer 57%
• No. Czars went out with Peter the Great 42%
• Can the Lions go 0-16?
• Yes, they can 58%
• No, they'll somehow win a game 10%
• They're so bad, they'll mess this up too 31%
• What was the biggest news story of the week?
• The Big 3 go back to Capitol Hill 26%
• Hillary Clinton picked for Sec of State 8%
• Job losses locally and nationally 34%
• Winter weather smacks West Michigan 15%
• Chris Chelios plays with the Griffins 8%
• Another story not listed here 7%
• Who's the Prime Minister of Canada?
• Steven Frasier 28%
• Steven Harper 41%
• Steven Tyler 5%
• Stephen Colbert 25%
• Do you read newspapers as much as you once did?
• Yes, I still like newspapers every day 30%
• No, I don't read them as much 26%
• I was never a newspaper fan 9%
• I get most of my news online 33%
•  
• What would you like to see on the site of the downtown Davenport U campus?
• Another continuing education facility 43%
• Residences 28%
• Mixed retail 27%
• Britney Spears is the top 2008 Yahoo search. Did you search for her this year?
• * Absolutely 10%
• * No way 76%
• * Maybe 5%
• * Of course not. Well, OK, yeah, I did 7%
• The NFL will test market a game in 3D. Would you like TV sports to be in 3D?
• * Yes, I would 20%
• * No, I don't think so 34%
• * Only if it's really good 3D 21%
• * Would I have to wear those glasses? 23%
• What was the biggest news story of the week?
• * Barack Obama names his economic team 6%
• * Terrorist attacks in Mumbai 60%
• * Thanksgiving kicks off the holidays 4%
• * Convicted murderer escapes from Mecosta 12%
• * High school state football championships 12%
• * Another story not listed here 4%
• Did the Mumbai attacks shake your sense of security?
• * Yes, they did 16%
• * No, they didn't 36%
• * I didn't feel secure to begin with 21%
• * We're used to the potential of terror 26%
• When did Thanksgiving officially become the 4th Thursday of November?
• * 1863 21%
• * 1912 27%
• * 1941 35% (Congress enacted the law in 1941)
• * 1967 15%
• Are you looking forward to the holidays?
• * You betcha! 34%
• * No, not really 21%
• * Kind of, I guess 27%
• * Bah, humbug 16%
• Should Barack Obama and George W. Bush work together on an economic plan?
• * Yes, they should to ease the transition 54%
• * No, only one president at a time 38%
• * Maybe a public appearance for cameras 6%
• Will you modify your approach to holiday shopping this year?
• * Yes, I will scale back 53%
• * No, I'll do what I always do 19%
• * Modified? I've eliminated it 22%
• * Coupons are my new best buddy 4%
• What was the biggest news story of the week?
• * The continued economic slump 20%
• * The Big 3 begging for money from Congress 49%
• * Hillary possible Secretary of State 10%
• * GRPS sees uptick in homeless students 2%
• * GVSU students die from grill fumes 9%
• * Another story not listed here 8%
• People Magazine named Hugh Jackman the Sexiest Man Alive. Do you agree?
• * Yeah, baby 24%
• * No. Are you kidding? 24%
• * Who is Hugh Jackman? 50%
• Will you be travelling for the Thanksgiving weekend?
• * Yes, I will 26%
• * No, I won't