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Artists include The Neville Brothers, Larry McCray, The Del McCoury Band, Maxi Priest, California Guitar Trio, Sandip Burman & Friends, Cheb Khaled w/ Don Was & Friends, Ozomatli plus many, many more!!!

Bright News from Michigan Small Businesses Mitechnews reports that the latest quarterly Small Business Barometer survey finds that 18% of Michigan small business owners hired more workers in the second quarter of the year - the highest percentage of small businesses reporting hiring increases since the third quarter of 1999.

Supreme Court Rules Dow Not Liable for Testing Costs The Detroit Free Press reports that the Michigan Supreme Court ruled yesterday that residents cannot sue Dow Chemical to pay the cost of testing for future dioxin-related health problems. Residents near Dow's plant in Midland along the Tittabawassee River had filed a lawsuit asking that Dow set up a medical monitoring trust fund to pay for dioxin testing.

Dewitt Makes Best Place to Live List The Lansing State Journal reports that Dewitt, Michigan has been named one of 100 finalists in CNN/Money Magazine's "Best Places to Live 2005". The historic city 8 miles north of Lansing was one of 4 Michigan cities on the list including Rochester (39), Saline (43) and Caledonia (99).

Five Things You Need to Know for Thursday, July 14, 2005 The middle of July is apparently the time to pass along tips to young folks, as evidenced by the LSJ's 10 great ways to fry your parents' last nerve and this Times-Herald feature on summer sleepovers.

Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival, July 29th - August 7th

National Baby Food Festival, Fremont - Every July! Family fun is the key component in the National Baby Food Festival. Fremont, the Baby Food Capital of the World, is the home of Gerber Products Company, and a natural for this one-of-a-kind festival. The city of 4,500 is transformed for one week in July into The Family Fun Capital of the United States!

Eminem May Quit While Ahead The Detroit Free Press reports that Encore, the fourth album from Detroit rapper Eminem, the best-selling hip-hop artist in history, may well be his last. A detailed feature and an engaging read.

Chicago to Mackinac Sailing Race The Chicago Tribune reports that the 333-mile Chicago-to-Mackinac race, the world's longest freshwater sailing competition, celebrates its 97th running this weekend. The race starts at noon on Saturday east of the Monroe Street Harbor in Chicago and finishes at Round Island off Mackinac Island.

CMU Hikes Tuition, But Will Guarantee Rate The Detroit News reports that Central Michigan University will raise freshman tuition 19% (to $6,390 per year) for the coming school year. The cloud comes with a silver lining, however, as CMU is guaranteeing the rate for five years. Tuition at the university increased increased 26.6% over the last five years, so this may be a good deal.

Five Things You Need to Know for Friday, July 15, 2005 Looks like Freep tech writer Mike Wendland had to eat a little digital crow (and a $41 reconnect fee) when his VoIP service crashed. Tom Walsh is cutting any phone lines, but he does argue for fuel freedom now.

In Season: Lettuce (and grilling!) Taste the Local Difference has a feature on several varieties of lettuce including red leaf lettuce, green leaf lettuce, Bibb lettuce, Romaine and greens like red mustard and arugula. The feature also includes a couple of vinaigrette salad dressing recipes. You also might want to check the Detroit Free Press for their vegetarian grilling tips and recipes (veggie burgers, tofu, fruit, veggies).

Ag Expo 2005, July 19th - 21st; East Lansing Ag Expo draws thousands of visitors from across the Midwest and Canada to the beautiful MSU campus to see demonstrations and exhibits featuring the latest university research, equipment and vehicles and other products and services of interest to farmers and agribusinesses.

Destination: Michigan visits Mackinac Island

Michigan Farming Population Stable, But Aging The Mining Journal reports that the U.S. Department of Agriculture finds the Michigan farming population is stable after several years of decline, but farmers are aging (average age: 54). More than 14,000 Michigan farmers are part time and 9 in 10 farms are in the "up to 190 acres" category.

Bills Could Restrict Michigan WiFi Efforts mLive reports that local governments in economically depressed communities Michigan are working to develop wireless hot spots, allowing residents & visitors to surf the net anywhere. Now comes word that the Michigan Legislature is considering bills that would bar municipalities from providing these services. Critics say the laws are the result of intense lobbying by telecommunication giants.

Michigan Now 2nd Fiddle in Auto Industry The Detroit News reports that although half of the world's 150 largest auto suppliers have their North American headquarters in the Detroit area, and the state (especially southeast Michigan) has more assembly plants and research and development centers than any other state or province, Ontario produced nearly 103,000 more vehicles than Michigan last year.

Mandi McConnell Wins 2005 Michigan Amateur The Detroit News reports that Michigan State University junior Mandi McConnell won the 89th Michigan Women's Amateur Championship Friday afternoon by defeating Western Michigan sophomore Laura Bavaird 6 and 5 in the championship match at Radrick Farms Golf Club.

Five Things You Need to Know for Monday, July 18, 2005 On July 17, 1961 one of the greatest baseball players ever, Ty Cobb, known as the "Georgia Peach," died in Atlanta (MI History Magazine). Also, check the 5 Things Blog for a great pic of the McLain Lighthouse.

Brownout: ESPN Reporting Larry Brown Exit The Detroit Pistons and Larry Brown are parting ways, sources close to the situation told ESPN.com's Marc Stein. Ex-Minnesota coach Flip Saunders is the leading candidate to replace Brown in Detroit.

Larry Brown, Pistons Call It a Game It appears all but certain that the Detroit Pistons and Larry Brown are parting ways and very likely that former Minnesota Timberwolves coach Flip Saunders will be their next coach. Before he goes, we should not kick him on his way out but give him thanks for his accomplishments: 104-56 regular season record, an NBA Championship in year 1, NBA Finals game 7 in year 2.

Thunderstorms Rock Lansing The Lansing State Journal reports that strong thunderstorms ripped through the Lansing area Monday afternoon, toppling trees and cutting power to more than 400 homes.

Michigan Pickleball The Kalamazoo Gazette has a feature on "pickleball". The game is designed to be played by folks of all ages indoors or outdoors on badminton-size courts and uses a whiffle ball with wooden paddles.

Five Things You Need to Know for Tuesday, July 19, 2005 I'm not a vegetarian, but this Freep recipe for Grilled Tofu Kabobs Chipotle with Corn on the Cob and Asparagus looks REALLY good!

Troutarama Festival, July 27th - 31st; Baldwin

Project GO-Get Outdoors, July 23rd

Gov Granholm Goes to Japan, Hopes to Return with Jobs The Detroit News reports that Gov. Granholm leaves friday on a diplomatic mission to Japan. The goal: lobby Japan's leading automaker, Toyota, to build its next US auto plant on the home turf of Detroit's automakers. According to a survey by the Consulate General of Japan, Michigan has 347 facilities owned or part-owned by Japanese companies, employing 32,203 people.

UM Solar Car Running Hot in Solar Race Renewable Energy Access reports that at the end of the first day of the North American Solar Challenge (NASC), a 2,500-mile cross country solar race that began in Austin, Texas on July 17 and ends on July 27 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, the University of Michigan team and their car Momentum was in first place. The UM Solar Car Team blog reports they were still in 1st place yesterday.

Lightning Starts UP Fires, Technology Helps Stop Them The Mining Journal reports that dry, windy weather across the Upper Peninsula kept state fire fighters busy Monday as crews worked to combat wildfires in Sault Ste. Marie, Newberry and Stephenson. The DNR uses maps showing lightning strikes from the Canadian Ministry of Natural Resources in Ontario to determine where fires are likely to start.

Southeast Michigan Home Starts Decline The Detroit News reports that building permits for new single-family homes and condominiums in nine SE Michigan counties declined 13.5% from 2004 to 10,090 for the first half of 2005.

Five Things You Need to Know for Wednesday, July 20, 2005 the $3 gallon gas price hike appears to be an unfounded rumor.

Great Lakes Protection The Lansing Pulse reports that the Great Lakes region is in the midst of an ecological and political drama that dwarfs the biggest-budget blockbuster. Two rescue efforts (the Draft Action Plan by the EPA and the Great Lakes Basin Water Resources Compact) have been released for public comment by a coalition of private and public entities.

Farming Tough, but Michigan Farmers up to Challenge The Lansing State Journal has an excellent feature exploring how rising operating costs and unpredictable commodity prices are impacting Michigan's family farms -- and how Michigan farmers are meeting the challenge. While farms nationwide decreased nearly 3% from 1999 to 2003, Michigan experienced a growth of 300 farms, to 53,300.

Mackinaw Trail Winery is UP's First Detroit News wine writer Sandra Silfven has a feature on the Mackinaw Trail Winery, the first licensed commercial winery in the U.P. is off to a fine start. The tasting room is located in a renovated fisheries building on Lake Michigan with the Manistique River on one side and the city harbor on the other.

Battle Creek Keeps Truth Alive The Detroit Free Press has a feature on Thomas McLiechey of Battle Creek, a descendent of civil and women's rights activist Sojourner Truth. Truth died Nov. 26, 1883, in Battle Creek and is buried in Oak Hill Cemetery.

Flip Saunders Hired as Pistons Coach ESPN.com reports that it only took about 24 hours for the Detroit Pistons to come to terms with former Minnesota Timberwolves coach Flip Saunders. The 4 year, 20 million dollar deal was signed and the Pistons will have a news conference today to introduce him.

Five Things You Need to Know for Thursday, July 21, 2005 Missed the cut: 300 of Macomb County teachers blogging and GM Loses $1.2 billion in 1st half of 05.

The Michigan Shakespeare Festival - Jackson

Jackson RaceWeek, July 22-31

Muskegon Air Fair, July 23 & 24

Labadie Pig Gig, Aug 4-7; Bay City

JazzFest, Aug 5 & 6; Lansing Moving into it's eleventh year, JazzFest is a 2-day music festival that brings over 20 local, regional, and national acts to an audience of over 20,000 people from across Michigan and the Tri-State area. Ethnic food, beer, wine and beverages, art, clothing and crafts are available from vendors who line the sidewalks, and art galleries open their doors during festival hours.

Michigan Womyn's Music Festival, Aug 9-14; Walhalla

Sleeping Bear Dunegrass & Blues Festival, Aug 5 & 6; Empire

Granholm Blasts Universities for Tuition Hikes The Detroit Free Press reports that Gov. Granholm criticized University of Michigan and Michigan State University for tuition hikes. U of M raised rates 12.3% to $9,213 and MSU jumped 13.5% to $7,944. University officials countered that with the loss of millions of dollars in state aid over the last three years and more cuts expected for the coming year, they had no choice.

Satellite Radio Receiving Hype, May Be Overblown Detroit Free Press tech columnist Mike Wendland writes that while satellite radio is all the rage, the Michigan Association of Broadcasters says that only about 8% of the Michigan public has access to satellite radio and of them, fully 50% say they do not receive good reception when driving.

Five Things You Need to Know for Friday, July 22, 2005 Nothing much exciting happened on this day in Michigan History, but Michigan History Magazine reminds us that this Sunday (July 24) is the 304th Anniversary of the founding of Detroit (Ponchartrain du De Troit) by Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac.

News that Probably Isn't: Summer 2005 is Hot The Lansing State Journal reports on something you are no doubt aware of, 2005 is one hot summer. In fact, it's the third-warmest summer in 140 years in the capital city and the hottest since 1949. The mean temperature from June 1 - July 15 has been 72 degrees (66.7 last year) and 8 days have hit 90 degrees or higher.

Heat Impacting Workplace Fashion Continuing the "dang it's hot" theme, the Detroit Free Press reports that in addition to flip-flops, other fashion choices are causing a stir in Michigan workplaces and articles suggestions for beating the heat without raising a fuss.

Weather, Camper Prices Driving Sales WMMT Kalamazoo reports that hot summer weather, more affordable trailers and hectic lives are helping sell more pop-up campers this summer. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources says camping is up about 4% at Michigan state parks this year and sales of daily and annual state park vehicle permits are up about 10%.

Five Things You Need to Know for Monday, July 25, 2005

Nickel Mine Generating Controversy The Great Lakes Radio Consortium has an excellent radio feature on the controversy surrounding a proposed nickel mine near the shores of Lake Superior, north of Marquette, near Big Bay. Also includes a link to The Science of Acid Mine Drainage and Passive Treatment.

Headed for the Huckleberry Woods The Traverse City Record-Eagle has a nice feature by outdoor writer Bruce Bischoff about the pursuit of huckleberries (wild blueberries). It's an engaging read and talks about how (in days gone by) some folks depended on wild berry picking for income and gives an idea of what the experience was like.

Michigan Counties Experiment with Soybean Fuel The Lansing State Journal reports that under grants from the Frankenmuth-based Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee, Eaton, Ionia and five other counties will experiment with use of cleaner-burning biodiesel fuel during the next year. The committee will give each road commission up to $10,000 this year to cover the cost difference between biodiesel and petroleum diesel.

Republican Rep Rejects Call for Film Fest Boycott Detroit News columnist George Weeks writes that although Michael Moore, helped raise money for his Democratic opponent, freshman Rep. Kevin Elsenheimer has rejected calls by fellow conservatives for a boycott of the Moore-organized five-day Traverse City Film Festival that starts tomorrow. Elsenheimer noted that tourism is the life blood of his area and recommended leaving politics for elections.

Five Things You Need to Know for Tuesday, July 26, 2005 Be sure to read The Passenger Pigeon in Michigan from Michigan History Magazine. Mini-obit of the day: Michigan J. Frog, icon of WB has apparently met a tragic end.

The Wanderers Tells the Story of Michigan Migrants Northern Express writer Anne Stanton has a pair of excellent features on Northern Michigan migrant workers that provide a look into lives of Michigan's 45,000-125,000 migrant laborers. Part 2 tells the story of a 16-year-old living in Suttons Bay. These are heartily recommended!

Permanent Great Lakes Drilling Ban Close to Passage The Lansing State Journal reports that congressional negotiators agreed Tuesday to permanently ban new drilling for oil or gas in the Great Lakes as part of comprehensive energy legislation that could receive final approval this week. The ban was proposed by Rep. Bart Stupak and would bar the federal government and any state government from granting new permits to drill under the lakes.

New Fund to Encourage Michigan Technology Companies MITECHNEWS.com reports that the Venture Michigan Fund was signed into law by Gov. Jennifer Granholm and experts say will soon pump $150 million into promising technology companies in Michigan, helping Michigan diversify away from heavy dependence on the auto industry and manufacturing.

Canadian Government Makes Edmund Fitzgerald Off Limits The Great Lakes Radio Consortium reports that put of concerns for family of the crew, the Ontario government is making expeditions to the shipwreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald off-limits to divers. The ore carrier sank November 10th, 1975 off Whitefish Point and all 29 men aboard were lost.

Many Michigan Kids Below Poverty Level The Detroit News reports the disturbing figure that 1/3 of the children in Michigan don't live with a parent who has a steady job, according to a new report released as state lawmakers consider limiting assistance and health benefits available to poor families. One in every six children in Michigan lived with a family earning below the poverty level and over 100,000 in a home where no adult works.

Five Things You Need to Know for Wednesday, July 27, 2005 WZZM Grand Rapids reported on the excitement of West Michigan kids about yesterday's shuttle Discovery launch ... something we share!

Great Lakes Folk Festival, Aug 12-14; East Lansing

UM Solar Car Wins Rayce The U of M News Service reports that the University of Michigan solar car Team Momentum finished first in the 2500 mile North American Solar Challenge that ended yesterday at the University of Calgary in Alberta, Canada.

Deep Sea Detectives Explores Great Lakes Shipwrecks The Muskegon Chronicle reports that filmmakers from the History Channel's "Deep Sea Detectives" show are coming to Muskegon and Grand Haven today to shoot footage on the loss of two Coast Guard cutters in 1944 and the sinking of the car ferry S.S. Milwaukee and its 52 sailors 76 years ago. The program explores shipwrecks and the stories behind the sinking and will run a show on each.

Tahquamenon Falls Suffering from Drought Conditions The Mining Journal reports that the upper Tahquamenon Falls in Luce county (a major UP tourist attraction) are flowing at a much lower rate than usual at this time of year, 215 cubic feet per second as compared to the normal 315. The drought has left center section of the falls is dry, exposing rock formations and the article has both present and spring pics of the falls (quite a drop-off).

Five Things You Need to Know for Thursday, July 28, 2005 Today's Freep has a Farewell letter to Hockeytown from Darren McCarty. McCarty, with the Red Wings for over 10 years, was cut loose yesterday. Also, be sure to check the 5 Things Blog for photos!

Frankenmuth Summer Music Festival, Aug 11-20

Riverfolk Festival, Aug 6th; Manchester

International Ironworker Festival, Aug 12-14; Mackinaw City

2006 Yard Sale Trail, Aug 11-13; Thumb Area 200+ miles of antiques, yard sales, and much more to explore! From Sebewaing in the north to New Baltimore in the south, M-25 / M-29 follows the rugged and majestic shoreline of Lake Huron, then continues down the banks of the beautiful St. Clair River, and finally to the picturesque shores of Lake St. Clair and Anchor Bay.

37th Annual Saginaw African Cultural Festival, Aug 12-14

Upper Peninsula State Fair, Aug 16-21; Escanaba

of Farms & Folly: Michigan Department of History, Arts & Libraries Today's Michigan in Pictures features an excerpt from a Michigan farmer's diary from the 1880s. In a move that lies somewhere between shortsighted and Visigoth, Michigan's Governor has proposed eliminating HAL to save 2 million dollars. As columnist Jack Lessenberry notes, that's roughly 1/10th of one percent of the money that is needed to close our budget gap.

Ticket Giveaway: So You Think You Can Dance Live Tour 2009 You’ve seen them on the TV show So You Think You Can Dance. Now you can see them in person when the Top 10 finalists perform live on stage. Absolute Michigan is giving away a pair of So You Think You Can Dance Live Tour 2009 tickets for their October 3rd stop at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit. Click on in and see how to win!

TC Film Festival a Rousing Success The Traverse City Record-Eagle reports that while the Traverse City Film Festival may not rival Sundance or Cannes, Michael Moore says the film festival was a bigger hit than expected. It featured 31 films, mostly sold out, and panel discussions with Hollywood insiders. About 20,000 tickets were sold for the indoor showings and total festival attendance was estimated at 50,000.

Beach Walkers, Tourism Industry Winners in Ruling The Chicago Sun Times reports that the Michigan Supreme Court unanimously upheld the right to walk the area from the water's edge and the ordinary high water mark on Michigan's 3,200 miles of Great Lakes beaches (whether lakefront property owners like it or not).

Special Tax Districts Creating Conflict The Detroit News reports that even as they struggle to fund basics like police and fire protection, several suburbs are spending lavishly on frills like brick sidewalks, antique-style lighting and elaborate landscaping. Special tax districts are credited with reviving blighted areas and creating desirable destinations, but critics worry they draw money away from more basic services.

Faith Based Michigan Billboards The Detroit Free Press reports that several billboards around Lansing and Ann Arbor proclaim: "Dear Gracious Heavenly Father, Forgive us our sin of being dependent upon the Automobile Industry and not on You. Please restore invention, productivity and prosperity. In Jesus Name, A Michigan Citizen."

Top O' Michigan Marathon Nationals, Aug 20-21; Indian River

Study: Raising Fuel Economy Standards Would Increase Employment The Great Lakes IT Report informs us that the National Environmental Trust has released an economic study showing that raising Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards to 36 mpg would reverse this downturn even if oil prices remain high, creating 15,000 new autoworker jobs while maintaining the same profit growth.

Schooners are the New Great Lakes Classrooms A pair of features profile a pair of schooners used as classrooms. The Wisconsin-based S.V. Denis Sullivan (on the Ontonagon River last weekend) takes people on the Great Lakes to help them learn about the science and history of the lakes. The Inland Seas will be docked at the Muskegon Channel wall Aug. 10-11, providing free dockside tours and a paid science sailing trip.

Reduced Rates for Lake Michigan Ferry The Lansing State Journal reports that the Lake Express ferry has dropped the cost of transporting a vehicle on the ferry's 11 PM EDT departure from Muskegon to Milwaukee from $59 to $40 for August. It has increased the fuel surcharge $1.50.

Swordfighting & Martial Arts at LCC The 6th Annual International Swordfighting and Martial Arts Convention is coming to Lansing Community College this weekend (Aug 5-7). Events/presentations include Western martial arts, singlestick, rapier and smallsword tournaments.

Four Marquette City Commissioners Recalled The Mining Journal reports that in the Marquette's first-ever recall election, four commission members - Mayor Jerry Irby and commissioners Stu Bradley, Sandy Spoelstra and Sue Kensington - were removed from office by a nearly two-to-one vote. The ballot asked whether the commissioners should be recalled "because of his/her vote on January 31, 2005 to fire the City Attorney, Ms. Bonnie Hoff?"

In Season: Michigan Blueberries Taste the Local Difference reports that Michigan blueberries are ready to pick and that farmers say the colorful berries will last until September. The feature includes some blueberry facts, locations where you can buy them and recipes for Blueberry-Spinach Salad, Blueberry Gingerbread and a very tasty and interesting Mixed Berry Gratin.

Gerald R. Ford Gerald Ford never imagined becoming president of the United States. Yet, that happened on August 9, 1974. Born in Nebraska, Ford moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, with his mother a few weeks after his birth.

2006 North American International Auto Show The 2006 Auto Show runs January 8-22. In addition to lots of video, the Detroit News has a number of podcasts and coverage in the Autos Insider Weblog. The Detroit Free Press reports that DaimlerChrysler AG's Chrysler Group appears poised to surpass Ford Motor Co. to become the second-largest producer of cars and trucks in North America and also features video from Mark Phelan.

Energy Bill Passed, Includes Great Lakes Drilling Ban The Great Lakes Radio Consortium reports that the recently passed Energy Bill contains an amendment that permanently bans oil and gas drilling in the Great Lakes, affirming that drilling in the Great Lakes is not worth the risk to the environment or human safety. The President is expected to sign the bill.

Lansing Old Town JazzFest this Weekend The Lansing City Pulse has an in-depth preview for this weekend's 11th Annual Old Town JazzFest (August 5 & 6). Jazz musicians taking the stage will include Juno award-winning Michael Kaeshammer, the Professors of Jazz from Michigan State University, East Lansing's funk-infused Soul Content and many others.

Lower Peninsula Phone Rates Deregulated The Detroit News reports that the Michigan Public Service Commission has voted 2-1 to deregulate residential phone rates in Metro Detroit, Ann Arbor, Flint, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Mount Clemens, Pontiac and Ypsilanti. SBC Communications Inc. requested the move which will allow them to change rates and service offerings without state approval.

Record July Rains Save Mid-Michigan Crops The Lansing State Journal reports that timely rainfall has Mid-Michigan crops coming up strong despite hot and dry conditions. Growers of soybeans, corn and wheat in Clinton, Eaton and Ingham counties are expecting to see above average yields. July had 3.73 inches of rain, making it the 21st wettest July since record-keeping started in 1895.

Changing the Face of Michigan's High Schools The Detroit Free Press reports that efforts are underway to change the face of Michigan high schools to better prepare students for the job market. The Michigan Department of Education has hired a high school redesign consultant (paid for by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation) to help address possible areas of reform, including teacher development and student testing.

Two Big Recreational Land Purchases in Marquette The Mining Journal reports that Marquette Township and the city of Marquette now own the majority of the Carp River valley area following two recent land purchases. The region includes the roughly 300-acre Marquette Mountain ski & recreational area and the township hopes to work with the city on a cooperative, comprehensive plan for the valley area.

Homeowner Fairness Bill Generates Fierce Controversy The Detroit Free Press reports on a controversial bill that would change how pollution cleanup is handled in Michigan. The Homeowner Fairness Bill, sponsored by State Rep. John Moolenaar, R-Midland, would (according to proponents) prevent overzealous environmental regulators from unfairly branding clean properties as contaminated.

College Students: Consider Home Purchase Over Renting The MSU State News has a feature on 23-year-old Michigan State University anthropology senior Kate Nault. Rather than rent, Nault purchased a home that she shares with roommates. The article makes a compelling case for ownership.

Take Me Out to the Ball Game, Sit Me in a Michigan Seat The Detroit Free Press has a feature on the American Seating Co. of Grand Rapids. The company was founded in 1886 has provided seats to many major league ballparks including the Chicago Cubs' Wrigley Field, Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles and the Detroit Tigers' Comerica Park. Fun Fact: Seating at a Major League ballpark costs $4-5 million.

Michigan Renaissance Festival, Aug 13-Sept 25; Holly

Michigan Sunflower Plantings Increase The Detroit Free Press reports that a growing number of Michigan farmers are choosing to plant sunflowers, which in recent years have become a profitable cash crop, for use as bird feed.

Canoeing Around Lake Superior The Mining Journal has a feature on Steve Wingard, a self-employed carpenter from Marquette, who is on a multi-year quest to circumnavigate Lake Superior in a 65-year-old, red, canvas and wood canoe. He's taking the journey at 200-300 mile increments. He started in 2003, journeying 325 miles from Duluth, Minn. to Big Bay and recently finished the segment of his journey from Big Bay to Sault Ste.

Candice Miller Will Not Challenge Granholm The Lansing State Journal reports that Rep. Candice Miller, a popular two-term Michigan secretary of state before her election to Congress in 2002, announced yesterday that she will not challenge Gov. Jennifer Granholm in 2006. This appears to clear the field for Dick DeVos.

MSU Medical School Could be Coming to Grand Rapids WZZM TV-13 Grand Rapids reports that the announcement of the expansion of MSU's Medical School in Grand Rapids and could be just a few weeks away. The MSU Board of Trustees is currently in Grand Rapids touring a number of medical facilities including Spectrum Health, Saint Mary's, and The Van Andel Institute.

Romulus Chemical Plant Explosion The Detroit News has a report on a massive series of explosions that rocked the Detroit-area EQ Resource Recovery chemical plant in Romulus, causing a fire that sent plumes of black smoke into the air and prompting hundreds of residents to evacuate their homes. The facility processed substances like paint solvent and aircraft deicing solutions totalling over 1 million gallons of waste a day.

EPA to Perform Michigan Air Quality Study The Traverse City Record-Eagle reports that as part of the 2005 Energy Bill, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will perform a two-year study of how other state's air pollution affects western Michigan. The law also prevents the EPA from imposing any sanctions until the completion of its study of ozone pollution.

Fireworks, Boat Parade for Soo Locks 150th The Soo Evening News reports that a fireworks display and recreational boat parade light up Soo Harbor this Saturday (Aug 13) as part of the Soo Locks 150th Anniversary Celebration. Fireworks will begin around 10 p.m. over the lower St. Marys River and area boaters are invited to decorate their vessels prior to joining the parade.

EPA Developing Rapid Beach Water Test A new rapid beach-testing program under development by the EPA would yield water quality results in just 2 hours as opposed to the current 24 hour test. Michigan beaches are tested for E. coli, a bacteria found in human and animal waste that indicates the presence of other disease-causing bacteria. The new DNA tests look for enterococci, another indicator bacteria also found in feces.

Northport Wine and Food Festival, Aug 12 2006 Medal-winning wineries, top regional cuisine and hot blues bands headline the annual Northport Wine and Food Festival on Saturday, August 13. Themed Red, White & the Blues, the festival runs from noon to 6 in Northport’s expanded Haserot Park on Grand Traverse Bay. [wine, winery, festival, northport, leelanau]

Owl Prowl, Dec. 3rd; Maybury State Park, Northville The Friends of Maybury State Park will hold an Owl Prowl at the state park at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3rd. The program is open to all ages and will include owl calling, stories and refreshments.

Taking a Look at Michigan Mega-Dairies The Muskegon Chronicle has an extensive article that says that the days when a dairy farmer could make a living selling milk from 15, 100, even 200 cows are gone due to the rise of massive dairies. While Michigan had 12,533 dairy farms in 1974, there were just 2,800 in 2005. Likewise, the number of dairy cows in Michigan also has declined over the past 30 years...

There's Gold in Them Thar Landfills! The Northern Express has a feature on the R.G. Engineering Company of Webberville, Michigan. The company sets up energy recovery systems for landfills that involve sinking gas wells, extracting methane and converting the methane to electric power. The electricity generated by this system is incredibly cheap, 2.5 cents per kilowatt hour to generate - a boon for municipalities.

Heritage Water Trail Proposed for Huron, Detroit and Rouge Rivers The Detroit News has a feature on the proposed Heritage Water Trail would connect the Detroit and Rouge rivers with pedestrian and bike paths. The Metropolitan Affairs Coalition is leading the effort and the trail would include canoe liveries, boat launches, food stops, comfort stations and signage to inform boaters about wildlife and cultural or historic sites along the route.

Breaking the Cycle of Domestic Violence The Lansing State Journal reports on a free statewide training seminar (set for Aug. 25) designed to educate attorneys about cases involving domestic violence and the legal needs of victims: personal protection orders, divorce and custody. In exchange, attorneys will be asked to give 30 hours of service to domestic violence survivors or to take on three cases for free within a year.

Tax Revenues Fall for July 2005 The Detroit News reports that Michigan tax receipts fell by three-tenths of one percent in July, dimming hopes of state economists that Michigan's 4 year budget nightmare was ending. On the bright side, overall receipts are up 4% over 2004.

Taste the Local Difference

Michigan Land Use Institute

Special Report on the Great Lakes The Sunday Detroit News had a special feature taking an in-depth look at each of the myriad ways in which the Great Lakes are under pressure: invasive pests, shoreline development, pollution, industrial waste, water diversions and sulfide mining. The report also contains a number of photo galleries and video tours and is heartily recommended.

Old Growth White Pines Stand Amid Controversy The Chicago Tribune reports that the 49 acres of old-growth forest at Hartwick Pines State Park hold the only virgin pine trees left in what once was a land of giant conifers stretching from Lake Michigan to Lake Huron. Some of the white pine trees are more than 300 years old and forest managers are readying a management plan for the Huron-Manistee National Forests.

Michigan Home Schooling Provokes Criticism The Detroit News reports that with home schooling on the rise in Michigan, critics say that because Michigan has one of the nation's most liberal homeschooling laws (requiring only voluntary registration) there is no way to monitor how many children are involved and whether they are getting a better education or any education at all.

Lansing Farmer to Leave Legacy for Ag Research The Detroit Free Press reports that David Morris, a Lansing-area farmer, has announced that he'll donate more than $7.5 million from his estate to endowment funds for agricultural research at Michigan State University. Morris said MSU research helped him raise beef cattle and grow corn, wheat and soybeans.

Straw Bale Project Model for Low Income Housing The LSJ's HUB has a feature on Corunna's Keith Wright and Roland Mikan, owner of NextGen Hybrid Homes Inc. of Durand. The pair are converting a 40- by 80-foot dairy barn and its two silos into an energy efficient dwelling using straw bale construction. They hope that the project will provide a model for low income housing. Fun Fact: a straw house has a factor of R50.

Michigan Government Technology Awards MITECHNEWS reports that Gov. Granholm will be showcasing the work done by IT professionals in Michigan state and local government organizations by presenting the first Michigan Excellence in Technology Awards. The awards will honor innovators, programmers and visionaries and will be presented during the Michigan Digital Government Summit on October 12.

Cool Cities Update The Traverse City Record-Eagle has a well-done AP feature on how the nineteen projects across Michigan received $100,000 grants in the first year of the "Cool Cities" program are doing. The story reports that some cities are enjoying new parks, riverwalks and art centers while others are still trying to get projects off the ground.

Clean Water Benefit Concert featuring Greg Brown, August 26th; Ishpeming

Blues Bash on the Cass, Sept. 2nd & 3rd; Frankenmuth

Knowledge Jobs Grow in Michigan Buried in the statistical gloom surrounding Michigan's economy is this gem from CrainsDetroit.com: U.S. Census Bureau data shows Michigan added 91,077 professional, scientific and technical services jobs from 2000 through 2003, second only to California. The "knowledge-based" sector includes legal and accounting services, engineering, environmental consulting, scientific research and development,.

Water Technology Hot, Plans to Capitalize Not The Great Lakes Bulletin News Service reports that with 1.4 billion people worldwide without access to clean drinking water, a worldwide market for new knowledge and expertise that improve water resource management clearly exists.However, plans to open a world-class water laboratory, the Global Enterprise for Water Technology, in downtown Grand Rapids are receiving little support.

Detroit International Jazz Fest, Sept 2nd-5th

Annual Mackinac Bridge Walk, Sept 5th; St. Ignace

Humongous Fungus Fest, Aug 11th-14th; Crystal Falls

Wainright School Retooled as Business Magnet School The Lansing State Journal has a feature on Lansing's Wainwright Leadership Academy, a retooled K-8 school that will be a magnet school with the mission to build young people's character. The nearly 300 students at Wainwright will wear uniforms and be expected to use "business language" as opposed to slang.

Michigan Soul, Funk & Jazz CD Coming Jazz News reports that the label Luv N' Haight will be releasing About Searching For Soul: Rare and Classic Soul, Funk and Jazz From Michigan, 1968-1980, a collection of rare and classic 60's & 70's Michigan soul, funk and jazz. It includes rare tracks from The Black Aces of Soul, Eyes of Ebony, Wendell Harrison and many others and looks like an amazing collection!

Big Animal Farms Raising Environmental Concerns The Detroit News reports that hundreds of new mega farms with thousands of animals have emerged around the Great Lakes over the past decade. The size of these operations is causing concern from environmental regulators and neighbors who have documented hundreds of cases in which manure and other waste has tainted nearby waterways that flow into the Lakes. Detailed article!

Lake Erie Steelhead Fishing Gaining Recognition The Press & Guide has a feature reporting that Lake Erie, known for its population of walleye, perch, and smallmouth bass, is starting to take its place alongside the larger Great Lakes as a steelhead hotbed. Although steelhead caught from Lakes Michigan, Huron or Superior can reach 20-plus pounds, the typical fish taken from Lake Erie is in the 8-12 pound range.

Celebrate Great Lakes Traveling Show The show sweeps through Michigan events from 10,000 years ago through the late 1990s and features folk band Song of the Lakes, historians Larry & Priscilla Massie, singer/songwriters Kitty Donahue & Claudia Schmidt, dancer Sheila Graziano, storyteller LaRon Williams and a group of American Indian drummers/dancers/storytellers from the Munsee tribe in London, Ontario.

Web Site to Highlight Ethnic Diversity of Copper Country In the first of two articles helpfully archived by CyberMichigan, the Houghton Mining Gazette has a feature about Michigan Tech University's work on building a web site called An Interior Ellis Island: Ethnic Diversity and the Peopling of Michigan's Copper Country. The site is funded by a Michigan Humanities Council grant and will be launched this fall.

Michigan Author Uses Internet to Self-Publish The Hillsdale Daily News reported on Jonesville author Susan Carpenter's self-published fantasy novel Curse of the Lyrestone that has been riding a wave of positive reviews after she self–published her book via the internet in May.

Junior League World Series in Taylor The Detroit News has a feature on the Junior League World Series baseball tournament (played in Taylor since 1981) and the hundreds of volunteers who make it possible. It's under way at Heritage Park, has grown from four teams to a 10-team international showcase. The International final is at 5 p.m. today, followed by the U.S. final at 8. The championship game will be at 5 p.m. this Saturday.

Metro Detroit Sees (online) Job Market Increases The Great Lakes IT Report tipped us off to a report from internet job site Monster.com that found the Detroit metro area saw the greatest month-to-month increase in online job availability in July, rising three points and continuing a two-month growth trend. White-collar jobs within management; business and financial operations; and computer and math

Medicaid Cuts Could Be Major Trouble for Michigan The Detroit News reports that Michigan could lose more than $300 million annually in federal funds for its already endangered Medicaid health care program, potentially forcing the state to turn away tens of thousands of its neediest citizens and consider raising taxes or cutting other vital state services. Medicaid is Michigan's largest budget item, accounting for 23% of spending.

Travel Michigan Ad Money Apparently Well Spent MITECHNEWS.com reports that Travel Michigan (Michigan's State Tourism Agency) won the Mercury Award for its 2004 radio campaign that ran in Chicago, Indianapolis & Cleveland. According to a study, the campaign attracted nearly one million visitors who spent $163 million statewide, generated an additional $11.5 million in state taxes and funded 3,607 tourism related Michigan jobs.

Michigan Golf Mecca Seeing Minor Gains in 2005 The Traverse City Record-Eagle has a report on the thousands of golfers who travel each summer to the Gaylord area which has two dozen golf courses is marketed as the Midwest's golf mecca . Revenues at many golf courses and businesses are on par with last year (a poor year due to weather) with some modest increases.

Profile: Lansing Beaners Owner Mohamed Shetiah The Lansing State Journal has a feature on Mohamed Shetiah, a 36-year old East Lansing resident and the owner of five Lansing-area Beaner's Gourmet Coffee shops (including the original Beaner's Gourmet Coffee in East Lansing). Shetiah also has plans to open a 6th in Kalamazoo and operates five Ohio locations.

Michigan Teachers Link Science to Community The Great Lakes Radio Consortium has a great 4 1/2 minute feature profiling the efforts of Michigan teachers to make science more interesting to students by looking at environmental issues near their homes in Michigan. Teachers say today's students know very little about where their food comes from or why they should worry about the health of local fish and wildlife. Nice curriculum links!

Wind to Power Ishepming Senior Citizen Apartment Building The Great Lakes IT Report had a feature today about and agreement between WindStor Power Co. and the Ishpeming Housing Commission of Ishpeming in the Upper Peninsula has agreed to purchase onsite generated electricity from a WindStor wind turbine for a senior citizen apartment building known as Pioneer Bluff.

Presque Isle is First Thousand Footer in Marquette since '97 The Mining Journal has a report (with typically nice photo) on the rare appearance of a 1000-foot vessel last weekend. The ore carrier Presque Isle was the first thousand footer to call in Marquette since 1997 and loaded 50,000 tons of iron ore pellets, an amount that would require 825 railroad cars to haul.

DeVos Refutes Job Claims, Touts Business Experience The Port Huron Times-Herald has a report on the visit to Port Huron by Republican gubinatorial hopeful Dick DeVos. DeVos refuted claims by Gov. Granholm that his company (Alticor, formerly Amway) sent jobs overseas, away from Michigan and said "If there are business issues, perhaps the people of Michigan should hire a businessman".

Alternative Fuel Legislation Proposed The AP (via the TC Record Eagle) reports that with gas prices closing in on $3 per gallon, Democrats in the Michigan House unveiled legislation Tuesday that would eventually require all gasoline sold in Michigan to be mixed with fuel made mostly of corn. Democrats say their proposal will benefit Michigan farmers who grow soybeans and corn and also want to require that biodiesel (made from soybeans

Campaign for a Healthier Michigan WILX TV (Lansing) reports that in announcing the Healthy Businesses campaign, Michigan Surgeon General Dr. Kimberlydawn Wisdom said Michigan's unhealthy lifestyle choices lead to poor quality of life and for businesses it can mean low productivity and higher healthcare costs. Michigan is #1 in heart disease death, #2 in obesity and diabetes, #6 in number of smokers and #1 in prescription drug use.

As Gas Prices Rise, So Does Carpooling The Detroit Free Press reports that high gas prices appear to have more Detroit-area commuters searching for something they've historically shunned -- car pools. The Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG), an organization that connects metro riders with the private MichiVan pool program says applications are up over 800% from last year. The 2000 U.S. census showed...

Motion Filed to Reconsider Beach Walking Ruling The Detroit Free Press reported that the attorney for waterfront landowners Richard & Kathleen Goeckel asked the Michigan Supreme Court to reconsider its ruling that the public has a right to walk along all the state's Great Lakes beaches. The motion contends that the court's decision was based on faulty legal reasoning and allows unconstitutional seizure of private land for public use.

Stanton's Health key to Spartans success You could argue that one player has never meant more to his team than quarterback Drew Stanton does to the Spartans. His running ability gets most of the attention, but his passing is improving, and his name is at or near the top of several MSU passing records. Stanton still has two years of eligibility and will only get better, watch him while you can.

Football success helps GVSU People love champions, and it means good times at Grand Valley State University. In the last four years Grand Valley State's football team has a 51-5 record, two national championships, and numerous appearances on ESPN. The success and exposure has helped enrollment go up almost 4,000 students at the school since 2000.

Chlorine Spill Kills Fish and Plants Efforts to spruce up the banks of the Clinton River and make the water friendlier to trout in Auburn Hills suffered a setback when high levels of chlorine were released into the water, killing plants and fish.

Military Brings Jobs to Detroit Job-starved Metro Detroit scored a victory Wednesday as a federal panel voted to add 1,100 jobs to the Detroit Arsenal in Warren, making it one of the military's largest design, engineering and purchasing installations.

Housing Prices May Plummet Michigan's poor economy may soon bring a drop in housing prices, experts say. Although Michigan isn't part of the housing "bubble" that has driven up prices in the past year by 20 percent or more in coastal communities such as San Diego and Fort Lauderdale, Fla., its poor economy is causing the housing market to soften.

Questions Surround Chemical Dust in Romulus Toxic chemicals, including lead, arsenic and cadmium, were among 37 potentially hazardous compounds in the fallout from the Aug. 9 chemical plant explosion at EQ Resource Recovery in Romulus.

Caribbean Festival, Aug 27th; Lansing

Solar Powered Buoy Provides Valuable Information A solar-powered buoy bobbing on the surface of Grand Traverse Bay is providing boaters, forecasters and other interested people with up-to-date information about the Lake Michigan waterway's sometimes volatile weather.

New Bill Favors Families Over Foster Care State Sen. Irma Clark-Coleman, D-Detroit, and state Rep. Michael Murphy, D-Lansing, have introduced legislation in the Senate and House that would increase payments for relatives raising children to about two-thirds of the rate currently paid to licensed foster homes.

Skills Equals Jobs in Michigan Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm has a message for Michigan's unemployed: The state has 90,000 employment vacancies. Jobs go wanting in health care and some skilled-trade industries. "In this global economy, you need to have skills to be able to get a job and stay in a job," she said.

Alternative Energy Motor City Style There are parts of the country that have long embraced the potential of alternative energies, where business leaders are taking huge strides toward ending America's dependence on nonrenewable and increasingly expensive fossil fuels. However, the new $12-million home of NextEnergy near Wayne State University is as much about changing that view of southeast Michigan.

Who Controls the Mighty Mac?

Great Lakes Protection Lacking A decade-old federal push to keep some of the worst toxic chemicals out of the Great Lakes can't do much more to control pollution levels because it doesn't include some of the biggest sources of pollution, a government audit found.

State Representative Looks to Spark Interest in Biofuels Rep. Michael Sak, D-Grand Rapids, is hoping to garner interest in a six-bill package he's co-sponsoring in the House that takes a long view on the surge in gas prices and looks to reduce the nation's dependence on oil exports. The package provides tax credits for companies that build facilities that produce and blend ethanol and biodiesel fuel, made from corn and soybeans, respectively.

Northwest Lower Michigan Organic FoodFest and Farmers Market The FoodFest will be held from 8 AM - 2 PM on Labor Day (Sep 5) at the Antrim County Farmers Market on M-88 in Bellaire. In addition to an extensive selection of foods raised without synthetic chemicals, antibiotics and hormones, the one-day special market includes a certified organic pancake breakfast, a chicken salad lunch with naturally raised local chicken and music and children's activities.

Great Lakes IT Report Launches Podcast The Great Lakes IT Report has launched a new podcast that will feature editor Matt Roush exploring an issue of interest in more depth and will appear several times a week. The initial cast features Compuware Corp. CEO Peter Karmanos Jr. (a certified master gardener) talking about what he likes about growing vegetables.

Michigan Apple Crop Looking Good The Detroit Free Press reports that the Michigan Apple Committee says a combination of lots of sun (makes for redder apples) and hot days (increases sugar content) should bring a great Michigan apple crop. Many U-pick apple orchards and cider mills open over Labor Day weekend and the Freep has a guide to SE Michigan locations.

Solar System to Serve as Training Lab The Traverse City Record-Eagle reports that the largest commercial solar electric power system in northern Michigan will be installed at the Michigan Technological Education Center. Northwestern Michigan College & Traverse City Light and Power received a $60,000 state energy grant to install solar equipment and the system will serve as a training lab for solar technicians and for solar education.

College Drinking: Turns Out Everyone Isn't Doing It The Saginaw News has a feature on an effort by Michigan colleges & universities to reduce student drinking. After a national study in 2000 found that students overestimate the number of drinks per week fellow collegians consume, MSU conducted a marketing campaign to give students a true look at their peers' habits. MSU says overall drinking is down and high-risk drinking is down dramatically.

Gov. Granholm Details 5 Point Plan The Ludington Daily News has a feature on Gov. Granholm's recent visit to Ludington and details on her five-point plan to improve the state's economy and secure Michigan's growth and place in a new global marketplace. The plan includes restructuring state business taxes to meet present-day economic concerns, the MI Opportunity Partnership to train or retrain unemployed workers

Detroit Most Impoverished City, Michigan Salaries Fall The Free Press reports that according to the Census Bureau's American Community Survey, Detroit tops the list of the country's most impoverished cities. The survey found that 33.6% of residents live in poverty and that Detroit is the country's 11th largest city (pop. just over 900,000). The News adds that Michigan is one of 8 states where salaries fell in 2004 - 3% to an average of $44,300.

Gas Prices Not Expected to Affect Labor Day Travel The Lansing State Journal reports that travel experts say soaring gas prices won't stop many Michigan motorists from hitting the road this Labor Day weekend (although these travelers are expected to spend less on souveniers, food and entertainment). About 1.4 million state residents will travel this weekend, the highest since 1.7 million 2001, according to AAA Michigan.

Grand Rapids Schools Get Creative with Busing The Detroit Free Press reports that Grand Rapids school districts are turning to a variety of experimental solutions to keep costs in check while still getting students to and from class including consolidating or cutting routes, "subscribe to ride" and mileage increasing fuel additives. Although the schools purchase gas tax-free and in bulk, they expected per-gallon costs of $1.45 instead of $2.

Bridge History Lost in Mackinaw City Fire The Traverse City Record-Eagle reports that authorities are still trying to determine the cause of a fire Sunday that destroyed the largest known collection of artifacts from the Mackinac Bridge construction. The Mackinac Bridge Museum housed artifacts including drawings and designs of the bridge, documents, photographs, tools used during construction, hard-hats and a diving suit.

Absolute Michigan Editorial: Will High Gas Prices Ruin Your Labor Day Weekend ... or our Future? The Detroit News reports (contrary to yesterday's upbeat picture) that gas prices, the slumping economy and pre-Labor Day school openings are threatening to make one of Michigan's biggest travel weekends a major bust for hotels, motels, b&bs and other lodging and travel businesses. Travel Michigan, the state's tourism bureau, says Labor Day reservations are weak across the state.

Katrina Impact on Michigan Could Exceed $5,000,000,000.00 The Detroit News reports that in addition to skyrocketing gas prices, state officials and other leaders are bracing for the damage the hurricane's aftermath will inflict on the state's troubled auto industry and weakened job market. By one estimate, the impact on Michigan could exceed $5 billion -- or nearly 2 percent of the gross state product.

Michigan National Guard to Aid Hurricane Victims WOOD-TV Grand Rapids reports that (along with millions of dollars contributed by Michiganders) 182 Michigan National Guard members from Owosso, Pontiac and Taylor plus two aircraft from Selfridge Air Force Base in Macomb County are headed to Louisiana to help maintain order. The state House and Senate have already begun the process of approving an emergency spending bill.

New Winery Shipping Bill Passed by State House The AP reports that under a bill approved Wednesday by the state House wineries inside and outside Michigan could directly ship about 500 cases of wine a year to state residents, but retailers and restaurants no longer could buy directly from Michigan wineries.

Lamafest, Sept 3-4; East Lansing

Lansing Group Works to Develop Media Center The Lansing City Pulse reports on efforts to organize a media center to take over Comcast's public access duties in Lansing, East Lansing and Meridian Township and serve individuals and non-profits. The center would capture and broadcast significant local cultural events such as the Great Lakes Folk Festival, allow neighborhood groups to host programs and produce teen talk shows and other shows.

Unclear if Fish Stocking Helps Reproduction Detroit Free Press outdoor writer Eric Sharp says that although Michigan spends a lot of money and effort putting trout, salmon, walleyes and other species into our waters for anglers to catch, fisheries biologists can't say for sure whether or not stocking helps reproduction. Several experiements are underway to find an answer.

UP Town of Curtis Settled Late, Has Centennial This Weekend The Mining Journal has an article on the history of the Upper Peninsula village of Curtis (on the Manistique Lake chain) and their Centennial celebration that begins today (Sep 2) and features Bill Haley's Comets. Although Chippewa and others used the area as a summer encampment for growing wild rice and fishing, few Indians were in the area when homesteaders arrived in the late 19th Century.

Cell Phone Users, Obnoxious Drivers Targetted The Detroit Free Press reports that Sen. Buzz Thomas (D-Detroit) has announced plans for legislation to prohibit drivers from talking on cell phones while in the left or passing lane and to make obnoxious driving (speeding, tailgating, failing to yield and passing on the shoulder) a crime.

Old School Labor Day Cook Out... Where? In Your Backyard!!!

Michigan Drug Suit Law Under Fire The Lansing State Journal reports that Michigan's 1995 law protecting drug companies from lawsuits if the drug has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and labeled properly is generating outcry from users of presription drugs who believe they have been harmed and House Democrats. A group called DIIME (Drug Industry Immunity Must End) has formed to support the efforts.

Fall Spraying for Emerald Ash Borers Now Recommended The Detroit Free Press reports that experts are now advising homeowners that they may be able to save their healthy ash trees by starting insecticidal treatments this fall to kill emerald ash borers. It is still recommended that this be followed with an application every spring.

Port Huron's Secory Flyers Win National Softball Championship The Port Huron Times-Herald reports that the Secory Flyers came out of the losers' bracket to win their last five games, including three Monday, to claim the Class A 10-man modified national softball championship. They finished it by beating Bonnell's Steel City Softball (Pennsylvania) twice - 5-4 and 9-6.

Initiative to Restore the Great Lakes Could Also Restore Jobs The Great Lakes Bulletin News Service has a feature that explores how a multi-billion dollar proposal to restore the Great Lakes would generate hundreds of thousands of jobs in Michigan and the Great Lakes region as a whole. While ecological issues have long been central to restoration, policy experts have begun stressing that the initiative is necessary if the region is to kick aside its Rustbelt

Lake Erie Wind Tower May Lead to Wind Farms Down in Cleveland, Ohio they have built a 165 foot, 6,000-pound offshore wind tower on Lake Erie. Michigan touches Lake Erie, so we'll take the leap. Wind power is one of the fastest growing means of energy production worldwide and Green Energy Ohio, a nonprofit group behind the venture, expects it to produce the kind of results necessary to take the next step: gauging the public's interest in put

Some Katrina Evacuees Plan to Stay in Michigan The Detroit Free Press reports that while some Gulf Coast evacuees to Michigan, are moving into new, safe homes as temporary residents, some of them are saying they'll stay for good. Recommended reading.

Labor Day Bridge Walk Wrapup The Mining Journal has a feature on Monday's annual Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Walk with a nice photo (though it looks more like a Bridge Run).

Michigan Hotel Occupancy Near the Bottom According to Smith Travel Research, Michigan continues to lose market share in the U.S. commercial lodging industry. By the end of 2004 Michigan ranked 49th in state hotel occupancy rates. So far this year, through July 2005, Michigan's occupancy rate continues to be the lowest of any state and among the lowest in growth rate.

Lions in Super Bowl XL ... It Could Happen From the "Fantasy Island" department comes this Detroit Free Press feature that despite 48 years of NFL Championship drought, theDetroit Lions have a shot at Super Bowl XL at Ford Field. Fun fact: Nine times in the last 11 years a team has made the Super Bowl after going .500 or worse the year before and the last Detroit Super Bowl featured two teams rebounding from 6-10 records.

Mervyns to Close All Michigan Stores The Detroit News reports that an undefined image, poor marketing and heated competition helped push Mervyns out of the Michigan retail market. The discount department store chain said Wednesday that it will close all 15 of its Michigan stores by February and lay off 1,108 workers.

Lugnuts Deal Not Yet Reached The Lansing State Journal reports that Lansing could be looking to field a new minor league baseball team in 2010. While Lansing Lugnuts owner Tom Dickson has said he doesn't want to leave, a deal has not yet been reached. A Battle Creek official said the city has had four owners and four major league affiliations, and that Lansing would have no trouble attracting a new team if necessary.

Hopps of Fun Beer & Wine Festival, Sept 9-10; Mackinaw City

BluesFest Old Town, Sept 16-17; Lansing BluesFest is a 2-day music festival that brings over 20 local, regional, and national acts to an audience of over 20,000 people from across Michigan and the Tri-State area. Ethnic food, beer, wine and beverages, art, clothing and crafts are available from vendors who line the sidewalks, and art galleries open their doors during festival hours.

Annual September Adopt-a-Beach Event, Sept 17

Ford's Model T "I will build a motor car for the great multitude," Henry Ford announced. "It will be so low in price," he added, "that no man making a good salary will be unable to own one." With these words Henry Ford introduced the world to the Model T. It was October 1908 and, when the Ford Motor Company quit making the Model T nineteen years later, it had become one of the world's most popular cars.

Death of the Newspaper ... Birth of Local Media? An article about continuing declines in newspaper subscription and also strategies that local newspapers might employ for success in the future. Addresses impact of blogs and other media as well!

Publius.org ... Your Michigan Election & Voter Information HQ We have featured the Publius Voter Information Center before, but with the election just around the corner, we have to highlight this amazing website that aggregates data supplied by Michigan’s county clerks and the Michigan Bureau of Elections to produce a one-stop, information portal for Michigan voters.

Politics Test Test

Michigan Mock Election Rally Rebroadcast TODAY There will be a rebroadcast all day TODAY (Nov 6th, 2006) VISIT MICHIGANLIVEEVENTS.COM TO WATCH!! On Thursday, November 2, 2006, Leland Public School hosted an area mock student election with nearly 1000 students from Glen Lake, Lake Leelanau St. Marys, Leelanau Schools, Northport, Suttons Bay and Traverse City schools.

Michigan Playwright Explores the Lives of Iraqi Women The LA Weekly has a feature on Michigan born writer-performer Heather Raffo and her play Nine Parts of Desire, a one-woman show about the lives of Iraqi women. You might be compelled to dismiss this article after a paragraph. Do yourself a favor and read it to the end.

Michigan's Winter Heating Bill Could Skyrocket WZZM TV-13 Grand Rapids reports that before Hurricane Katrina hit, forecasts called for Michiganders to pay 25% more this winter to heat their homes with natural gas. Now, winter heating bills could rise as much as 70%. Government programs to provide emergency fuel assistance have run dry, and it's unclear if they will have enough money to meet increasing demand when the fall funding cycle starts.

Batali Headlines 2005 Traverse Epicurean Classic The Northern Express has a feature on Chef Mario Batali and others who will offer classes at the 2nd annual Traverse Epicurean Classic which will be held September 15-17, 2005 at the Great Lakes Culinary Institute in Traverse City. The event benefits the GLCI and features an amazing array of classes, food & wine tastings and other items for the "foodie" in you.

The Michigan Prairie Lady The Detroit Free Press has a feature on Aunita Erskine, a self-confessed prairie nut, who studies prairies, tours prairies, volunteers at prairies and educates others about prairies. She will be leading a prairie walk in Ann Arbor at 1 PM this Sunday at Matthaei Botanical Gardens. A prairie is a mostly treeless landscape dominated by grasses. In Michigan, some prairies have a few trees, mainly oak

Great Michigan Fall Travel Stops The Detroit News has a nice collection of their readers' favorite food, dining and shopping businesses including Clyde's Drive-In in Sault Ste. Marie, the Tawas Bay Yarn Company, the River Rock Bar & Grill in St. Louis, Goldie's Cafe on Carp Lake, Iva's Chicken Dinners in Sterling and Spike's Keg 'O' Nails in Grayling.

Republicans Now Back Ban on Canadian Trash The Canadian National Post reports that Republicans who control the Michigan House are now joining the effort to ban Canadian trash from Michigan landfills. Republicans had resisted a ban on Canadian garbage in the past, arguing that action must come from the federal government. Now, with federal regulation from the U.S. House expected, Republicans have introduced legislation.

Michigan Joins 17 Other States to Collect Internet Sales Tax The Detroit News reports that beginning October 1, 2005, Michigan and 17 other states will work together to persuade online and mail-order retailers to collect state and local sales taxes. The Streamlined Sales Tax Project provides computer software and other items to make it easier for out-of-state retailers to calculate and collect the tax.

Cassis Withdraws, DeVos now Sole GOP Candidate for Governor The headline is almost longer than the story, but WZZM TV-13 Grand Rapids reports that West Michigan native Dick DeVos is now the only Republican gubernatorial candidate after the withdrawal of State senator Nancy Cassis of Novi. Cassis has endorsed DeVos.

30 Years Later, Questions Unanswered on Edmund Fitzgerald Wreck The Dowagiac Daily News has a detailed feature on the still mysterious wreck of the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald. The article talks about the history of the ship and several theories including a gigantic wave, the 'three sisters' phenomenon and striking the bottom in a shoal area due to the deep wave troughs. This is a good read on the Fitz

Northern Michigan Katrina Help Site Launched The Great Lakes IT Report delivered news this morning that human service agencies in the Traverse City area have created a directory of relief services for Hurricane Katrina victims who have been temporarily relocated to northern Michigan. The site is designed to help any group or agency who is assisting an evacuee from the affected areas.

Northern Lights Visible in Michigan This Week! The Lansing State Journal reports that the northern lights have been visible in the Lansing area since Friday and are expected to continue through the week because of severe solar flares on the sun.

New Space Laboratory Exhibit at Detroit Science Center Since it seems like today's theme is astronomy, here's a Crain's Detroit report on the opening of a new Space Laboratory exhibit at the Detroit Science Center on Monday. The lab was funded by a nearly quarter million dollar grant from NASA and features eight permanent, hands-on exhibits on the universe, planets and stars.

LSSU Aquatics Lab Launches Fishcam The Soo Evening News reports that the Lake Superior State University Aquatics Lab has used a grant from the US EPA to set up a live "fishcam" that allows folks a live view of the fish beneath the turbulent waters immediately behind the Edison Sault Power House. They are mostly Atlantic salmon, but also chinook, whitefish, suckers, walleye, northern pike and others.

Astronomy Cruise on Lake Michigan Booth Newspapers has a feature on an astronomy cruise on Lake Michigan offered this fall (Sept. 23-25) on the tall ship Manitou. The cruise is one of 7 multiday cruises and in addition to assisting in the sailing of the two-masted, gaff-rigged, topsail schooner, passengers take out sea kayaks to explore after the ship has anchored for the evening and will view the beautiful moonless skies.

Talking With Writer & Columnist George Weeks The Northern Express has a great interview with one of the icons of Michigan journalism, Detroit News political columnist George Weeks. The article also looks at the revised edition of his Sleeping Bear Yesterday & Today, with 50 new historical images and over 200 photos.

Emerald Ash Borer Found in UP The Mining Journal reports that the dreaded emerald ash borer has been detected in the Upper Peninsula for the first time. The invasive, ash tree killing insect was found during a survey of ash trees in Chippewa County's Brimley State Park, along the Lake Superior shoreline. The article has nice maps and a great photo of the borer.

Fall Detroit Art Exhibits Feature Women The Detroit News reports that headliner exhibits in the area's three art museums give three women artists their due: France's Camille Claudel at the Detroit Institute of Arts, America's Betye Saar at the University of Michigan Museum and Great Britain's Bridget Riley at Cranbrook Art Museum. Other exhibits include concept renderings from Disneyland and the Detroit Artists Market opened "Metalize".

House Democrats Introduce Water Bottling & Shipping Bill The Detroit Free Press reports that businesses that want to sell Great Lakes water by bottling it or sending it to thirsty states through pipelines would have to get legislative approval under a package of bills to be announced Tuesday by Democrats in the Michigan House.

Changes for State Single Business Tax (SBT) Debated The TC Record-Eagle reports that the Michigan Manufacturers Association and the Chamber of Commerce have differing views of the SBT. The manufacturing sector backs Gov. Granholm's proposal to roll back the SBT tax on manufacturers and shift burden to financial and service industries. The Michigan chamber opposes the changes, saying it will result in higher taxes for thousands of Michigan companies

Great Lakes Restoration Funding Could Be Slashed by Katrina The Toledo Blade reports that Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Director Joe Koncelik said yesterday that the region's hopes of getting a $20 billion investment under the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration effort could have suffered a blow from the hurricane for the simple reason that the federal government has only so much money to go around.

Northwest, Delta Bankruptcies Impact Michigan The Detroit News has a detailed analysis on the Chapter 11 bankruptcy filings of Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines. In addition to looking at likely layoffs and other economic impacts, there's an article wondering if we're seeing the future of the auto industry. The Lansing State Journal also explores on how this will impact Michigan travellers and travel businesses.

Production of Solar Window Heaters Begins Here's a bit of sunny news from the Detroit Free Press: Duane Sanborn is mixing a passion for recycling and environmentally friendly technology by putting solar heat in a portable window space heater. Sanborn runs a recycling business, Material Management, and production on the solar devices started last week at Earth Energy Options in Union City.

Legislation Introduced to Protect Mackinac Bridge Authority Autonomy The Detroit Free Press reports that Republican lawmakers on Wednesday announced legislation intended to protect the autonomy of the Mackinac Bridge Authority. Republicans have been unhappy with the Michigan Department of Transportation's takeover of duties from bipartisan authority, which for more than 50 years has overseen the bridge between the Lower Peninsula and Upper Peninsula.

Hiawatha Water Trail Gets Signs The Mining Journal reports that workers on a project to develop a 120-mile water trail between Grand Marais and Big Bay have made substantial progress in Alger County this summer. The trail runs through the Hiawatha National Forest and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and signs outline the route along Lake Superior from AuTrain to Grand Marais (and water accessible campsites).

Why we are called the Wolverine State Michiganians, especially fans of the University of Michigan, take pride in being called Wolverines. Yet, the wolverine has never been officially adopted as the state animal. It is even unclear if this largest member of the weasel family ever lived in Michigan. Wolverines also don’t have a good image. Their nicknames include Skunk Bear, Mountain Devil, and Evil Spirit.

Satellite, MP3s Challenge Terrestrial Radio Crain's Detroit Business has a feature on how Detroit radio stations are embracing digital technology and even cutting commercial time as more listeners tune in to satellite radio, create MP3 playlists and download podcasts. The article also looks at HD multicasting which allows traditional stations to experiment and try interesting formats and engage new listeners.

Michigan Fall Color Guide Travel Michigan has a fall color guide that is updated weekly and showcases a variety of tours in almost every area of the state. Fall colors usually begin to appear in mid September and run through late October.

Leland's Historic Fishtown Now For Sale The Leelanau Enterprise reports that Fishtown, one of Michigan's most recognizeable tourist destinations, is now for sale for $3.5 million. The Carlson family of Leland had been working with the Fishtown Preservation Society who was seeking to purchase and preserve the property through grants and donations.

Poll Finds Michigan Executives Pessimistic The Detroit Free Press reports that a poll released at a Michigan Chamber Foundation-sponsored Future Forum conference in Traverse City found that (among other things) 69% of executives surveyed think Michigan's business climate is going in the wrong direction, and 67% think things in Michigan overall are on the wrong track.

Michigan Telecommunications Bill Moves Forward MITECHNEWS.com reports that a work group and committee testimony produced a tentative decision Wednesday in a Senate committee on a bill to serve as the basis of rewriting Michigan's telecommunications law, set to expire December 31. The current proposal adds a new definition for essential local exchange service and applies the rate limits only to a single voice line to a residential customers...

Home Ownership by Young Adults on the Rise The Detroit Free Press reports that with record-low interest rates and down payments that can be waived in today's real estate market, it's no surprise that homeownership is on the rise. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the percentage of homeowners who are younger than 25 has jumped 69% -- from 14.9% in 1994 to 25.2% in 2004 -- as teens and people in their 20s choose to own rather than rent.

West Michigan Fall Color Early This Year, Apples Great WZZM TV-13 Grand Rapids reports that meteorologists are expecting a beautiful fall in West Michigan, but that fall color is coming a week or two sooner than expected due to dry weather (mid October is predicted as the best time). Also, all the sun we've had should make the apple crop excellent (last weekend of September).

2005 Tour de Leelanau Report & Photos Traverse City photojournalist Douglas Tesner reports that over 164 men and 30 women took part in the 2005 Tour de Leelanau and that Nick Reistad, a 22-year-old from Wisconsin (Advantage Benefit Team) won the men's event and 26-year-old Grand Rapids resident McKenzie Woodring (also riding for Advantage) took the women's event.

Danielle Gay Crowned Miss Michigan USA The Detroit Free Press reports that Danelle Gay of Lapeer was crowned Miss Michigan USA 2006 in Port Huron on Saturday night. Raquel McClendon, 16, of Kincheloe, near Sault St. Marie, was crowned Miss Michigan Teen USA.

Ishpeming Blacksmith Shop The Mining Journal has a feature on the restored forge at the blacksmith shop at the Cliffs Shafts Mine Museum in Ishpeming. Local smiths meet every second Saturday each month and are trying to reach other blacksmiths to exchange knowledge and to raise public awareness of blacksmithing.

Tuition Grant for Killed/Disabled Vets Children May Vanish The Traverse City Record-Eagle reports that the board of fast-dwindling Michigan Veterans Trust Fund voted to renege on a program started in 1935 that provides an annual $2,800 college tuition grant to children of Michigan veterans killed in action or permanently disabled. The board is hoping to force legislators and the governor to fund the program, which costs about $1.5 million a year.

A Closer Look at Identity Theft Detroit Free Press tech columnist Mike Wendland reports on the recent identity theft he experienced. The Federal Trade Commission says nearly 10 million victims annually are victimized with direct monetary losses of $550 million a year (not counting the cost of time and the mess of trying to straighten out ruined credit). Highly recommended for anyone with an identity

Michiganians Receive 2 of 25 MacArthur Fellowships The Detroit News reports that $500,000 MacArthur Fellowships (aka "Genius Grants") have been awarded to Joseph Curtin, an Ann Arbor violin maker, and Aaron Dworkin, musician, music educator and founder and President of the Detroit-based Sphinx Organization (that seeks to increase access for minorities to careers in classical music).

Last Stand of the Massasauga Rattler Traverse City Record-Eagle outdoor writer Bruce Bischoff reports that the Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake may be making its last stand in the swamps of Michigan. A 1990s assessment found rattlers at 204 sites in 50 counties, with populations in Crawford, Kalkaska, and Iosco Counties while a more recent study found the snakes at just 79 sites in 27 counties. Good depth & well worth a read

Michigan State University Students May Have Designated Celebration Zone The Lansing State Journal reports that at an East Lansing Review Commission meeting, city officials and residents said that an organized partying place set up for Spartan sporting events could be a way to prevent student unrest. A proposal designating a celebratory spot on the border of the city and the MSU campus on Bogue Street likely will make a list of recommendations on crowd control.

The Michigan Apple Festival, Sep 24th & 25th; Charlotte The Michigan Apple Festival is a fun filled family event held the last weekend in September. Apple Festival activities include exhibits, food, cider and fine art to celebrate the history and cultivation of Michigan's #1 fruit crop. The Michigan Apple Festival is hosted by The Country Mill, an historic cider mill and apple orchard near Lansing.

Absolute Michigan: Link #2000! Absolute Michigan is pleased to announce that The Drueke Company (America's oldest manufacturer of traditional board games) became our 2000th Michigan link on September 20, 2005!

Ford Plans to Offer 50% of Models as Hybrids The Detroit News reports that the Ford Motor Co. plans to offer hybrid versions of half the models in its Ford, Mercury and Lincoln brand lineups by the end of the decade as part of a strategy to distinguish itself as a leader in safety and environmental innovation. Ford also plans to step up development of vehicles running on ethanol and hydrogen-powered fuel-cell cars.

Post Labor Day School Start May Be Mandated The Detroit Free Press reports that after passage of a bill designed to boost tourism, Michigan public schools across Michigan will be required to start classes after Labor Day as long as Gov. Granholm signs the bill. MSU's Travel, Tourism and Recreation Resource Center has estimated the measure would generate $132 million in additional economic activity and $10 million for the state budget.

Record Corn, Soybean Harvests Expected but Storage a Problem The Lansing State Journal reports that while a dry summer has kept corn and soybean grains from filling out completely, it won't stop Michigan farmers from producing record corn and soybean harvests in 2005. However, as agricultural products from last year can't be shipped south until ports are open and trucks and railcars are available and as grain elevators still hold the remnants of last year's

ACT to Replace MEAP for Juniors The Detroit Free Press reports that beginning in 2008, all juniors in Michigan public schools will be required to take the ACT test during their high school career and that the state will pay the cost of the $43 test. The test will replace the MEAP, making Michigan just one of three states that require high school students to take the college-entrance test instead of a state test.

Jeff Daniels: Musician The Northern Express has a feature by Rick Coates on Michigan born actor Jeff Daniels and his lesser known career as a singer and songwriter that is worth a read. He will take the stage this Saturday (Sep 24) the City Opera House in Traverse City for the Restoration Recherche III benefit.

Interview with Wine Shipping Bill Sponsor Detroit News wine writer Sandra Silfven has an interview with Rep. Chris Ward, the sponsor of House Bill 4959, which addresses the U.S. Supreme Court ruling ordering the state to treat in-state and out-of-state wineries the same in regard to direct shipment of wine to consumers.

GM Team Works to Make Cars that Appeal to Women Crain's Detroit Business has a feature on a team of about 25 women. Its agenda is to make meeting the needs and demands of female customers "everyday thinking" at GM. Chevrolet's new retro wagon, the HHR, is the first vehicle the women's team worked on from concept to production.

1,100,000 Acres of Publicly Accessible Land for Sale The Detroit Free Press reports that 1.1 million acres of publicly accessible Upper Peninsula forest is for sale in two offerings. The deals involve an area 12 times larger than the city of Detroit and involves land that has been used for hiking, berry picking, snowmobiling and off-road vehicle use for years.

Ohio Utilities Urge Lifting Great Lakes Drilling Ban The Toledo Blade reports that the Ohio's major natural gas utilities yesterday asked Ohio lawmakers to urge Congress to lift their bans on drilling under the Great Lakes, in Alaska wildlife preserves, and along the coastlines. An estimated 1 trillion thousand-cubic-feet of natural gas, enough to potential serve Ohio for 20 years, is under Lake Erie.

Granholm Job Approval at Low, Still Leads DeVos The Lansing State Journal reports that a poll released Thursday by Lansing-based EPIC-MRA shows just 46% of 600 likely voters polled gave the governor a positive job rating, while 49 percent gave her a negative rating. The poll found she holds a 50%-30% lead over Republican challenger Dick DeVos.

Annual Antique Book & Paper Show in Lansing The Lansing City Pulse reports that next Sunday (Oct 2), downtown Lansing will host 42nd Annual Michigan Antiquarian Book and Paper Show. Over 90 dealers will be on hand at the Lansing Center with vintage books, postcards, magazines, posters, sports programs, ephemera and more.

Pere Marquette Beach: No Sharks or Jellyfish The Muskegon Chronicle reports that Muskegon's Pere Marquette Beach is the "Beach Find" in the October issue of National Geographic Traveler magazine. The feature says the the 2-mile stretch of sand beach "remains what locals call America's best-kept secret". Muskegon Public Works Director Robert Kuhn listed among the beaches attributes "No jellyfish -- and no sharks."

Beach Ruling Update The Traverse City Record-Eagle reports that nearly two months after the Michigan Supreme Court rendered its decision, the debate over beach access continues. Last week the court denied a request to reconsider their July 29 ruling, but Save Our Shoreline, a group representing lakefront property owners, may take the fight to federal court. Highly recommended reading

Brush Park Offers Lessons for What Doesn't Work The Detroit News has an excellent, in-depth feature reporting on how a deeply flawed redevelopment program has allowed Detroit's historic Brush Park neighborhood to fall into seemingly irreparable disrepair. Experts say the lack of progress casts doubt on the city's overall ability to deal with one of its most pressing problems: blight and abandonment.

Grand Rapids Astronaut to Consult for NASA WOOD-TV Grand Rapids reports that Colonel Al Worden of Grand Rapids (command module pilot for Apollo 15, NASA's fourth manned lunar landing mission in 1971) is working with NASA on its new 104 billion dollar moon exploration plan. Plans for the new exploration plan would allow four astronauts to stay on the moon for a week - twice as long as Apollo missions.

Christmas Film May Be Shot in Traverse City The TC Record-Eagle reports that Traverse City may be the location for a feature film that would be shot this winter and directed by Rich Brauer of Brauer Productions. Actress Jill Jaress, head of Got A Laugh Entertainment, wants to use the city as the setting for her first production, "The Christmas Spirit." The film also would use local and Michigan talent with the exception of a few "stars"

The Red Flannel Festival, Sep 30th - Oct 2nd; Cedar Springs

Great Lakes Lighthouse Festival, Oct 2nd - 9th; Alpena

Ready to Pick: Apples! Apple facts, apple recipes and apple orchard and farm market links. Michigan apples from Taste the Local Difference.

Report Says Michigan at Risk for Declining Housing Prices The Port Huron Times Herald reports that while PMI Mortgage Insurance Co.'s summer 2005 Economic & Real Estate Trends report ranks Michigan among 10 states with the greatest risk for a decline in housing prices in the next two years, Port Huron area agents expect the market to continue to be steady, with affordable interest rates and creative financing giving things a boost.

Study Finds Michigan Losing Ground in Tech Education Detroit Free Press tech columnist Mike Wendland looks at a 6-month-long study by Wayne State University study that examined the internet and the potential for e-learning. The report concluded that Michigan has lost an early lead in technology learning and recommends that high school students be required to pass at least one course online and teachers be tested for technology integration skills.

Evacuee Job Fair Overwhelmed By Residents The Detroit News reports that a job fair for victims of Hurricane Katrina was overwhelmed Monday by victims of an economic storm as unemployed Metro Detroiters searched for work of their own. More than 80% of the nearly 400 people filling out applications were from Metro Detroit. Michigan has one of the nation's highest unemployment rates (6.7% in August) - Detroit's unemployment rate is 14.2%.

Michigan Television is a Reality for Four The Detroit News profiles 4 Michigan residents who are appearing on reality TV shows: Pete Thomas of Ypsilanti (The Biggest Loser), Shawn Killinger of Grosse Pointe (The Apprentice: Martha Stewart), Kyle Kavanagh of Dexter (America's Next Top Model) and Gary Hogeboom of Grand Haven (Survivor).

SUVs Sales Down, Gas Misers Up From the News That's Not Terribly Surprising Dept comes a Traverse City Record-Eagle report that while Northern Michigan shoppers continue to buy new and used vehicles, smaller, more fuel-efficient cars are outselling big trucks and sport utility vehicles, breaking a longtime trend. One dealer reports SUV and truck sales down about 40% while another says hybrid sales are up 10-15%.

Archaeology Day at the Michigan Historical Museum The Lansing State Journal reports that artifacts as old as 10,000 years will be on display from 11 AM - 3 PM this Saturday (Oct 1) at the ninth annual Archaeology Day at the Michigan Historical Museum in Lansing. The event will also feature presentations including "Earthworks, Mounds and Monuments: New Research in Northern Michigan" and a report on the excavation of MSU's first dormitory.

Cuts in Michigan Arts Funding Likely The Detroit Free Press reports that the Michigan Legislature sent a bill to Gov. Jennifer Granholm Tuesday to cut state funding for arts and culture grants by 17.5% -- much larger than the 4% reduction she had proposed. That means a loss of nearly $2 million to zoos, museums, symphonies, theater and dance companies, rural arts agencies and school residency programs.

Ingham Judge Rules Benefits can be Provided for Gay Partners The AP (via the Detroit News) reports that Ingham County Circuit Judge Joyce Draganchuk has ruled that public universities and governments can provide health insurance to the partners of gay employees without violating the Michigan constitution. In the ruling related to the 2004 constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage and civil unions and is expected to be appealed). The judge wrote: "Health

Trail 8 to Run Through Marquette The Mining Journal reports that the Marquette City Commission has issued a snowmobile trail permit to Hiawatha Trails, Inc. for a route that runs through property the city purchased in a major land deal earlier this year. The trail runs between Munising and the Copper Country and is known as Trail 8.

MEDC Offers Assistance for Hurricane Relief Contractors Crain's Detroit Business reports that the the Michigan Economic Development Corp has resources for Michigan businesses seeking government contracts to provide products and services for Hurricane Katrina relief. The MEDC wants businesses to be aware of 13 Procurement Technical Assistance Centers, not-for-profit organizations funded by the Defense Logistics Agency, the MEDC and local partners.

Food, Wine and All that Jazz, Oct. 28th; Grand Rapids Join WGVU and D&W for more than 35 tables filled with over 300 domestic wine selections from Michigan, Washington, Oregon, California, New York and other North American wine producing areas. In addition, tempt your tastes with over 25 tables of select gourmet foods and live jazz by The Bob Hartig Group and the Kurt Ellenberger Trio.

Volunteers Invited to Collect Native Seeds in October

Numerous Factors Make Heating Assistance Troubling to Agencies In a story that is all too common in Michigan, the Leelanau Enterprise reports that area human services officials say they've been out of money for two months and don't know how much funding will be available to help the growing number of people who will need heating assistance this winter. The article also explores how Katrina has drained charities' coffers and alternative heating solutions.

Calvin College Student Studies Parabolic Sand Dunes The Detroit Free Press reports that Calvin College student and Saginaw native Melinda Campbell studied how the wind affects the growth and erosion of parabolic sand dunes (dunes blown into crescent shapes) at P.J. Hoffmaster State Park near Muskegon and has been invited to present her findings to the Geological Society of America. Campbell's work also will create a new online information center

A Look Back at Mariucci & NMU's National Title The Mining Journal has an in-depth feature (with a typically fine photos) that reaches back 30 years to when Steve Mariucci was the quarterback who led Northern Michigan University to a National Division II championship. Perhaps Mooch could strap on a helmet this weekend...

Dale Chihuly Exhibition in Kalamazoo Travel Michigan reports that world-reknowned glass artist Dale Chihuly has an exhibition at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts through January 1, 2006. On display is an impressive collection of works designed exclusively for Kalamazoo. Chihuly is perhaps the best-known artist of our day working in the medium of glass.

The Hopewell Before European settlers, even before the Odawa, Potawatomi, and Ojibway, prehistoric people called the Hopewell built hundreds of burial mounds in the river valleys and forests of what we now call Michigan. Some Hopewell lived in the western and southern part of the Lower Peninsula. However, the most sophisticated Hopewell settlements and the largest burial mounds were in Ohio and Illinois.

Deadly Intentions Haunted House (WARNING!) This video is pretty graphic. Probably too graphic.

2007 Detroit Pistons Trailer: The Meaning of Heart The trailer for the Detroit Pistons 2006-2007 Pistons Pump Up Video shown before Piston games.

Uniform Post-Labor Day Start for Michigan Schools The Detroit Free Press reports that Gov. Granholm signed a bill yesterday to require all public schools in the state to start after Labor Day. Polls show that a majority of voters prefer an extra week of summer vacation in August with their kids. Starting next school year, schools must open after Labor Day unless they have union contracts specifying an earlier start (new contracts will be required

High Tech RV Delivers Aid to Businesses Hit by Katrina Detroit Free Press tech writer Mike Wendland reports on Jim Watry of Wixom who runs a small tech company called Nucleus. Wixom has been living and working from a specially equipped RV parked in Gulfport, Mississippi and is helping damaged businesses start rebuilding and communicating again with their customers. His effort is sponsored by the Detroit Regional Chamber and he has equipped the RV with

UM Site Seeks to Engage Public in Research Today's Great Lakes IT Report highlights the new University of Michigan Clinical Research web site engage, which seeks to match study participants (with and without medical conditions) to health research studies. The site also contains information about the centers, institutes, offices & departments involved in clinical research at UM.

Bay City on 2006 Tall Ship Racing Circuit The Bay City Times reports that Bay City will be part of the 2006 Tall Ship Celebration. The challenge is a series of races that will take place on the Great Lakes and the ships will come to Bay City July 20-23, 2006. Other host cities on the Great Lakes circuit include Chicago, Green Bay and Cleveland.

Endangered Species Overhaul Opposed by Most of Michigan's Delegation WMMT TV (Kalamazoo) reports that most of Michigan's congressional delegation opposed a House-passed overhaul of the 1973 Endangered Species Act that would help property owners receive payments if species protection measures hurt their development plans, and prevent the government from designating "critical habitat" for species where development is limited.

Marquette Prosecutor Longest Serving in Michigan History The Mining Journal has a feature on Marquette County Prosecutor Gary Walker. Walker's 31 years is the longest tenure since Michigan was made a state in 1837. Walker, who was fascinated by the books (Anatomy of a Murder, Trout Madness) of Michigan Supreme Court justice and writer John Voelker (aka Robert Traver) took a position as assistant prosecutor in 1972 and was made prosecutor in 1974.

Oakland Schools Program Teaches Internet Safety The Detroit News has a feature on an Oakland school district program that helps teachers, parents and students avoid online predators that uses the Web Wise Kids interactive program Missing. An estimated 1 in 5 children has received a sexual solicitation online, according to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Good links including the FBI guide below.

Major Utilities Request Higher Natural Gas Rates Crain's Detroit Business reports that Southeast Michigan's two largest natural-gas suppliers are asking the Michigan Public Service Commission for permission to increase rates. Michigan Consolidated Gas Co. is seeking approval to raise rates 23% ($10.09 to $13.10 per thousand cubic feet of gas) while Consumers Energy Co. seeks to raise rates about 8% ($8.38 to $9.11).

Cadillac Kiss Show Still Remembered The Northern Express has a feature on an October 9, 1975 concert by the rock band KISS in the northern Michigan city of Cadillac, considered by some one of the great rock and roll publicity stunts of all time and by folks in Cadillac as a defining moment for the Cadillac student body and faculty. I had no idea...

Trammel Out, Leyland Likely Next Tiger Skipper The Detroit Tigers fired manager Alan Trammell yesterday. The Tigers went 186-300 under Trammell and lost an American League-record 119 games in 2003. His likely replacement is Jim Leyland, who won the '97 World Series title with the Florida Marlins (Tiger GM Dave Dombrowski was the Marlin's GM as well). it Bench coach Bruce Fields and third-base coach Juan Samuel also interviewed Monday.

U of M Announces Support for Great Lakes Center The Michigan Daily reports that University of Michigan President Mary Sue Coleman voiced support for a center at UM that would bring together five of the premier organizations that study the Great Lakes: the Great Lakes Commission, the Great Lakes Fisheries Commission, Michigan's Institute for Fisheries Research, the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory and the Great Lakes Science Center.

Senate Working on Job Plan The Detroit News had a report that the Michigan Senate will start work this week on a $1 billion plan to attract high-tech, life sciences, homeland security and alternative energy businesses. The House package, passed 103-1, is tied to business tax cuts passed earlier this year.

MSU Professor Brings Classic Adventure Tales Back to Life The Lansing State Journal has a feature on Gary Hoppenstand, a professor of American studies at Michigan State University who has edited and written introductions for six critical editions of classic adventure stories including The Prisoner of Zenda and Rafael Sabatini's Captain Blood. Hoppenstand persuades publishers to bring the classic novels back into print and "resurrects them" by making them

Pumpkin Crop Early, Get Your Jack-o-Lantern Now WZZM TV-13 Grand Rapids reports that Michigan's pumpkin crop is way ahead of schedule and could run out by Halloween. Pumpkin experts are advising getting them now (or get stuck with an inferior jack-o-lantern) and store them in a cool, dry place.

Marquette Schools Turn Forest into Classroom The Mining Journal reports on Northern Michigan University students, parents and teachers set up about a dozen learning stations in the woods, while groups of third and sixth graders went from station to station taking part in educational activities. Stations included a predator-prey examination demonstrated in a game of tag, a lesson in fossils where kids got to make their own, a paddle wheel dem

Fall Rose Care Tip The Detroit News has a brief item debunking the top rose care myth that you should cut back roses in the fall. According to Roger and Nancy Lindley, owners of Great Lakes Roses, pruning encourages growth (a bad idea heading into winter) and also increases the likelihood that tip kill will seriously damage the plant in winter.

Hastings 500 - Michigan's Largest Snowmobile Event, Oct 7th - 9th

Michigan Story Festival, Oct. 21st & 22nd; Mt. Pleasant

Seattle Timber Company to become Michigan's Largest Landowner The $345 million deal is expected to be concluded later this year, making Plum Creek the biggest private landowner in Michigan. The company says it plans to keep much of the land open to open for hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and other recreation, and keep it from being fragmented.

Used Book Stores Face Online Challenge The Detroit News has a feature on how online used books are challenging traditional stores. Figures from the Book Industry Study Group say used book sales topped $2.2 billion in 2004, an 11% increase. Most of this was dues to the web, where sales jumped 33%. Sales at traditional stores rose only 4.6%.

Republicans & Democrats focus on Michigan Women Voters AP writer Kathy Barks Hoffman says that if you’re a woman who hasn’t made up your mind about whether to vote for Dick DeVos or Jennifer Granholm, you can expect to be targeted by both campaigns in the final days before the election...

Michigan Mock Election LIVE Webcast Thursday, Nov. 2 on Absolute Michigan! Live internet broadcast of Michigan's student mock election. Candidates including Rep. Dave Camp, Mike Huckleberry, Mike Bouchard, State Sen. Michelle McManus, Antoinette Schippers, State Rep. David Palsrok, Dan Scripps, have agreed to attend with Governor Granholm, gubernatorial candidate Dick DeVos and Sen. Debbie Stabenow still considering.

Proposal 2 sounds like a really bad idea Both Democratic Governor Granholm and Republican challenger Dick DeVos have voiced opposition to Proposal 2. Now former Republican Gov. William Milliken has also come out with an editorial in opposition to the measure that would end affirmative action.

Ma, They Stole the Sawmill! Michigan History Magazine has a great feature on an intricate 1889 theft of the Moiles sawmill. Telling you any more would spoil it. You'll also want to be sure to read about the Griffin, the first sailing vessel on the Great Lakes.

Michigan Walk of Fame Nominations The Michigan Walk of Fame will honor Michigan residents who have made significant contributions in the categories of arts & entertainment, athletics & recreation, agriculture, business and industry, civic & community leadership, education & literature, medicine, science & technology in the state, nation or the world.

Great Lakes Salmon in the Spotlight Interlochen Public Radio has a pair of features regarding salmon in Lake Michigan. As fisheries biologists and anglers are discussing salmon stocking on Lake Michigan, lake managers say conditions on Lake Michigan are similar to what was observed in the late 80s just before disease killed many of the salmon and want to reduce stocking. The second feature looks at the alewife, once hated but now lo

State to Cut PILT Payments The Mining Journal reports that the State of Michigan continues to have problems honoring its financial commitments and will cut the annual Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILT) to compensate townships, counties, school boards and other local units of government whose borders contain Department of Natural Resources land, which technically cannot be taxed.

Enjoy the Spirit(s) of the Fall Season

Free Preschool Proposed, Funding Source Unknown The Bay City Times writes that for years, the federal Head Start program and the Michigan School Readiness Program have given preschool training to 4-year-olds from poor families, but that middle class families are often left out. Scientific studies have shown that key parts of the brain develop before children ever enter kindergarten. House Democrats are proposing free preschool.

Maple River Watershed to Receive Conservation Grant The Lansing State Journal reports that Federal dollars are expected to help farmers protect the Maple River watershed. The watershed, which contains portions of Clinton, Gratiot, Ionia, Montcalm and Shiawassee counties, was named to the 2006 Conservation Security Program and contains 1,789 farms with 405,796 acres and is one of only two state watersheds selected.

Details & Fallout from Delphi's Bankruptcy Crain's Detroit Business has a detailed feature on the Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing on Saturday of Delphi Corp., the nation's largest auto supplier. The filing was precipitated by a failure to reach agreements with the United Auto Workers union and former parent General Motors Corp. on a relief package and triggered by October 17 bankruptcy law changes.

Great Lakes Restoration Up in the Air The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette has a feature from AP writer John Flesher. An EPA official stated Friday that despite an internal document suggesting money for new programs won't be available, the Bush administration remains committed to a wide-ranging Great Lakes restoration project. The Chicago Tribune reported that the memo said federal officials have "serious concerns" with a blueprint released

Radio Series Looks at Threats to Great Lakes Yesterday the Great Lakes Radio Consortium started a ten-part series called "Ten Threats to the Great Lakes" that explores dangers facing the world's largest body of freshwater. The first says that aquatic alien invasive species in the Great Lakes now cost the economy an estimated five billion dollars a year and that the cost is largely born by the taxpayers of the region.

Agricultural Fund Has Limited Money Available for PDRs The Detroit Free Press had a feature yesterday looking at a new state program that will let local governments purchase the farmers' land development rights. The Michigan Agricultural Preservation Fund has $1.3 million available for Purchase of Development Rights and farmers may apply to their county or township (assuming the municipality has signed on).

Profiling Michigan Senator John Dingell The Detroit News has a feature looking at the political legacy of the Dingell family. John D. Dingell Sr. was a member from 1932 until he died in office in 1955 and his son, John D. Dingell Jr., succeeded him and is the longest-serving House member and the third-longest-serving in history. Great feature with great photos and links

Michigan Agricultural Tourism Commission Formed We had to go all the way to South Bend for this story from the Capital News Service reporting that two of the state's largest industries, agriculture and tourism, will be connected and promoted through the Michigan Agricultural Tourism Commission. Joining agriculture and tourism can help farmers escape from boom-and-bust cycle of food production and soaring property values and taxes.

West Michigan Trails Group Launches Campaign The Grand Rapids Press reports that a regional organization called the West Michigan Trails and Greenways Coalition is launching a campaign to raise $5 million over the next three years to supplement state, federal and local foundation grants. The initial goal is a $26 million, 140-mile expansion of West Michigan's bike trails with a long-term goal of over 300 miles of interlinked bike paths.

Cool UP Summit The Great Lakes IT Report tipped us off to the 2005 Michigan Cool U.P. Summit, to be held Oct 17 at NMU in Marquette. The Summit is organized by the Upper Peninsula Economic Development Alliance (UPEDA) and will bring together entrepreneurs, educators, industry experts and government officials. You can also vote for the Cool U.P. Awards.

Bill Would Provide Later Nights for Bars The Cadillac News reports that Sen. Michelle McManus (R-Lake Leelanau) has proposed a bill in the Senate to allow special late-night permits for bars, clubs and any facility that sells alcohol. For $1,500 per year, an establishment could purchase a license to stay open until 4 AM. It's hoped that it could generate revenue for the state and provide a boost for businesses, that cater to tourists.

Farm Credit Bill Passes Michigan House AP Writer Amy F. Bailey (via the Record-Eagle) reports that legislation aimed at preserving Michigan's dwindling farmland by offering tax credits to farmers in eligible areas passed the state House 89-14 yesterday. The bill that would allow farmers to receive credits for their income tax or single business tax load if their property taxes are more than $5 an acre and now goes to the Senate.

Bottled Water Would Be Allowed Under Compromise AP Writer John Flesher (via the TC Record-Eagle) reports that bottled water from the Great Lakes basin could be shipped elsewhere for sale unless prohibited by state law under a compromise water protection measure crafted by the National Wildlife Federation and the Council of Great Lakes Industries. The compromise is drawing fire from some who fear it sets a precedent for diverting water.

Lyme Grass Threatens to Displace Dune Grass The Muskegon Chronicle reports that lyme grass (an invasive species) is spreading and threatens to displace native dune grass (marram grass). Lyme grass has bigger seeds, tougher blades and a stiffer seed stalk and has been spotted at the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area north of Ludington, at Mount Pisgah near Holland, and at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

New Geography Center Planned for WMU The Detroit Free Press reported that a multimillion-dollar private donation is helping Western Michigan University create a new geography center. The Upjohn Center for the Study of Geographical Change will preserve the work of past explorers & scientists (including digitally preserved maps and aerial photography from around the nation) and will provide a center for research on geographical change.

Coming to Michigan ń Pioneer Style The 1830s was called the Michigan Decade. In 1830, 27,000 people lived in Michigan; by 1840 more than 212,000 people lived here. Most early pioneers arrived in Detroit by boat from Buffalo, New York. But getting to the state’s biggest city was easy, especially when compared to getting to the land they planned to settle. The roads were muddy, rocky trails. There were no bridges...

Goodwill, Dell Launch Michigan Computer Recycling Program The Lansing State Journal reports that Goodwill Industries (in conjunction with Dell) is accepting old desktop and laptop computers, monitors, printers, scanners and parts and peripherals. The program is free at each of the state's 73 Goodwill stores and will refurbish and reuse some machines, strip and sell others for parts, and completely recycle others.

Michigan Retailers Recognized for Community Contributions The Michigan Retailers Association has selected their 2005 Michigan Retailers of the Year, honoring retailers whose community involvement is integral to their business. Selected were Golden Shoes of Traverse City ("Boots For Kids" program), Kalamazoo's Gazelle Sports (charter member of Girls on the Run), and Bronner's Christmas Wonderland of Frankenmuth (large donation to Frankenmuth schools).

Clear Cutting in Michigan State Forests Draws Outcry The Detroit Free Press reports that Michigan's policy of clear-cutting trees in some state forests has been drawing criticism from officials and residents Roscommon & Ogemaw counties. Roscommon County Commissioner Jim Smolarz says that the cutting has lowered property values, decreased wildlife and hurt tourism. Affected are Ogemaw and Houghton Lake state forests (270,000 acres of state forest).

Tough Times for Michigan Schools The Mining Journal highlights the tough times facing UP schools (and those elsewhere in Michigan) with the example of an auction that raised $3000 ... for textbooks. District numbers have been declining following the closing of the Republic Mine and the school may be foreshadowing the future with its four-day school week to save costs on fuel, heating, and maintenance on the building.

Free Press Celebrates 174th Birthday Sure it's a bit self-congratulatory, but the Detroit Free Press profile of its 174 years of service (updated in honor of their new, high tech printing press) is an entertaining read.

GM & UAW Agree to Health Care Deal The Detroit Free Press reports that General Motors's deal with the UAW to dramatically cut union health care expenses could reshape the benefits all of Detroit's auto companies offer workers. The tentative agreement cuts $1 billion from GM's $6-billion annual health care expenses and UAW workers and retirees will pay about 25% to 30% of their annual health care costs.

Grand Rapids Could Close 4 More Schools WZZM TV-13 reports that the official school closing plan for Grand Rapids Public Schools was released at last night's GRPS school board meeting. The tentative plan affects mostly elementary schools and would close 4 of the following: Congress, Fountain, Eastern, East Leonard, Kent Hills, Dickinson, Jefferson, Aberdeen and North Park.

Michigan AG Challenges Gas Rate Increases Crain's Detroit Business reports that Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox is challenging natural-gas rate increases sought by utilities in Southeast Michigan and throughout the state. Cox wants regulators to approve a plan that would postpone rate increases and to have utilities spread their recovery of higher costs over 12 months.

Michigan Blueberry Growers Start Own Breeding Program The Kalamazoo Gazette reports that in response to the selling of cultivation rights west of the Mississippi for three new blueberry varieties released by Michigan State University 2 years ago, the Michigan Blueberry Growers Association has started its own plant breeding program. Michigan is the nation's leading producer of cultivated blueberries. Recommended Reading!

Port Huron Struggle With Double Digit Unemployment The Port Huron Times-Herald has an in-depth feature on the struggles of the city of Port Huron with a double-digit unemployment rate, 10.1% in August of 2005 (nearly twice Michigan's 6.7% rate and far above the national rate of 4.9%). Only five cities statewide had higher rates for August.

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park The Akron (Ohio) Beacon Journal produced a nice feature on the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. Located near the Michigan-Wisconsin line in the Upper Peninsula, the 92 square mile state park is one of the wildest spots in the Midwest with large tracts of virgin white pine, maple and eastern hemlock, 90 miles of hiking trails, black bears, pristine Lake Superior shoreline, inland lakes

Challenges to the Michigan Wind Power Industry The Great Lakes Bulletin News Service has an excellent and in-depth feature reporting on the difficulties faced by companies seeking to jump-start wind energy in Michigan. While Michigan is the 14th windiest state and could generate 7,460 megawatts of electricity (enough to power almost 2 million of Michigan's 3.7 million households), most local governments have no turbine ordinances.

Report on Michigan Students' Math & Reading Levels The AP reports that public-school students in Michigan's fourth and eighth grades have gotten better at math, but their reading skills have slipped a bit, according to government test results. In more disturbing news, Michigan African-American 4th & 8th graders scored much worse in reading & math than African-American students in the US as a whole, a gap that has been growing over the last decade.

September Unemployment Rate Best Since November 2002 The Associated Press reports that Michigan's unemployment rate fell to 6.4% in September, over lowest rate in nearly three years. Government, education, health and professional and business services all added jobs while about 8,000 jobs were lost in trade, transportation and utility sectors. Michigan's jobless rate remains well above the national average of 5.1%.

Michigan Looking at Restricting Eminent Domain The Detroit News reports that followinga US Supreme Court decision citing Michigan as an example of how states can set limits on eminent domain, some lawmakers want to amend the state constitution to permanently restrict its use. The measures would seek to better shield property owners from the court's ruling that allows local governments to take private property for commercial developments.

New Michigan Motorcycle Guidebook The Detroit Free Press has a review of Motorcycling Across Michigan by East Lansing author William Murphy. The book offers 27 routes for scenic rides including the wine country of southwest lower Michigan, M-22 near Arcadia along Lake Michigan, M-119 north of Petoskey and the Upper Peninsula (as well as routes to avoid).

A Gridiron Legend is Born College football is in the air and the Fighting Irish are back in the polls. Arguably, the University of Notre Dame's greatest player was George Gipp, who came from Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Nicknamed the Gipper, George Gipp was born on February 18, 1895, in Laurium on the Keweenaw Peninsula. Gipp was a great athlete, although not a particularly good student.

Federal Agencies to MI Senate: Reject Real Estate Bill The Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a joint letter urging the Michigan Senate Committee on Economic Development, Small Business, and Regulatory Reform to reject House Bill 4849 as currently drafted as the legislation would reduce consumer choice and cause Michigan consumers to pay more for real estate brokerage services.

Michigan Dance Students Perform with Kirov Ballet The Detroit Free Press reports that 39 young dance students from Michigan and Ontario will dance small parts in the Kirov Ballet's "The Sleeping Beauty" at the Detroit Opera House (Oct 15-18). Founded in the late 18th Century, Kirov's notable dancers have included premier dancers Anna Pavlova, Rudolf Nureyev, Vaslav Nijinksy and Mikhail Baryshnikov.

Comcast Cable Jumps into IP Telephony Detroit Free Press tech columnist Mike Wendland writes that Michigan and the nation's biggest broadband provider, Comcast Cable, is making a new service available to 800,000 southeast Michigan households. Comcast calls the service Digital Voice and will charge $39.95 a month for unlimited local and domestic calling that runs on Comcast's privately managed network.

KI Sawyer Lands New Tenent The Mining Journal reports that two hunters who began USA Hunting Supplies in a Marquette basement are expanding the operation to K.I. Sawyer. Dennis Anderson & Steve Gonyou started with a product known as "Baitsense" (designed to attract deer and bear) and have expanded to offer hundreds of products.

Recreation & Sports > Animals Links to Michigan breeders, competition, facilities and resources including horses, rodeo, dressage & equestrian, dogs, trail riding, birding and nature preserves. (zoos can be found under Michigan Festivals, Attractions & Events.

Number & Pay of Women Executives Declines in Michigan The Lansing State Journal reports that according to a study to be released today, the 2005 Michigan Women's Leadership Index, women hold 5.7% of top officer positions (down 20% from 2003) at Michigan's 100 largest and most powerful businesses. The study also found that female executive officers in Michigan earn an average of 49 cents for each $1 that male officers make.

Logs Piling Up in Eastern Upper Peninsula The Mining Journal reports that timber producers in the eastern Upper Peninsula say they're in crisis as a shortage of rail cars, soaring gas prices and spiking freight rates are choking off their pulpwood from reaching mills in Wisconsin and Minnesota. An estimated 50,000 cords are waiting along the Canadian National Railway and the company hasn't allowed short line railroads to use its tracks.

Granholm Sends Letter of Appeal for Support for Auto Industry The Detroit News reports that Gov. Jennifer Granholm has sent a letter to Michigan's congressional delegation asking for more focus by the federal government on the troubled domestic auto industry and its suppliers. The governor urged action on health care costs, assisting companies in preserving pensions and to level the international trade field.

Republicans Present Tax Plan The Detroit News that Senate Republicans offered a plan Monday to slash state business taxes by at least $483 million over the next six years and slap limits on state spending growth. The plan would gradually reduce the corporate tax rate and provide additional relief if state tax receipts grow by more than the inflation rate plus 1%.

Mulching Leaves Is Good for Your Lawn The Detroit News has a feature reminding folks what any horticulturist or serious gardener knows: the best way to improve your lawn and garden is to add organic material to the soil via compost. Michigan blesses us with an ample supply of leaves (which your many of your neighbors will helpfully bag up for you). Michigan State University research found no adverse effects or increase in the thatch.

Swinging for the Golfing Record Books The Muskegon Chronicle has a feature on Jim and Pat Healey, a retured couple from Grandville who played one 18-hole round of golf (on regulation courses) in all 50 US States, all 10 Canadian Provinces and Washington DC. The journey took them 13,500 miles by car and another 20,000 by air. 74-year-old Jim remarks: "My thought right now is 'What the heck am I gonna do for the rest of my life?'.

Kalamazoo Russian Festival, Oct. 29th; Kalamazoo

Senate Passes $1 Billion Business Tax Cut Crain's Detroit Business reports that the Michigan Senate passed a plan yesterday to cut the state's single-business tax (SBT) by $1 billion over six years, starting with a $100 million SBT cut next year. To help pay for the cuts, the plan would institute $519 million in tax-policy changes, a tax-amnesty program, and would limit state spending growth to the rate of inflation plus 1%.

Jeff Daniels Movie: The Squid and the Whale Detroit News Film Critic Tom long has a profile of Michigan's most famous (or is that "only") movie star, Jeff Daniels. Daniels' new film The Squid and the Whale opens Friday. It has been receiving acclaim from critics and is the story of a New York couple's divorce and the effects it has on their kid.

Michigan License Plate History The Detroit News has a feature on the history of Michigan license plates that is chock-full of interesting facts such as: the earliest recorded Michigan law requiring motor vehicle registration took effect in Detroit on Dec. 1, 1903 (fee $1) and that personalized plates become available in 1939 and became popular with amateur radio operators (who would register their call signs).

Family History Month Celebration!, Oct. 29th; Lansing

House Republicans Propose Diverting Tech Money to Tax Cuts Mitechnews.Com has a detailed look at the bill introduced Wednesday by Michigan House Republicans that would divert tobacco settlement money from technology and life sciences start ups to fund business tax cuts. The plan calls for $300 million of the securitization money to be earmarked for life sciences, homeland security, high-tech automotive and alternative energy.

Beer & Wine Wholesalers PAC Contributions Disclosed The AP reports that new campaign finance reports show the Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association's political action committee spent nearly $50,000 on campaign contributions at the same time it was working to prevent wineries from shipping directly to Michigan customers. Contributions were made to Gov. Granholm and Democratic and Republican lawmakers between July 21 and Oct. 20, 2005.

Lansing Asks Itself: Is Sexy Cool? The Lansing State Journal takes a look at a controversial request from Club X-Cel to have a monthly, Las Vegas-style revue with topless dancers. While some downtown business owners fear it would create the wrong image, recalling the days when hookers and adult bookstores lined Michigan Avenue, others (including some urban experts) feel it would bring needed traffic & appeal to young professionals.

2005 Michigan Football Playoffs The Detroit News has a pair of articles highlighting the games and various things to watch for in the 2005 Michigan High School football playoffs, which begin Friday night.

Polish Cuisine & Recipes Since October is Polish American Heritage Month and Metro Detroit has the third largest Polish-American community in the country, the Detroit News has an in-depth feature on Polish cuisine. In addition to an overview of Polish cuisine, the article has some great recipes for sorrel soup, city chicken and the pinnacle of Polish fare, the pierogi.

Bills Introduced to Protect Michigan's Water The Detroit Free Press reports on a slew of proposals to regulate water withdrawals from lakes, streams and underground aquifers that were introduced this week in the Michigan Legislature. The Republican plan speaks specifically to protecting the state's premier trout streams from withdrawals while the Democrats' versions are more broadly worded to encompass all the state's waters.

Bill Introduced to Require Health Insurance Reductions for Healthy Habits The Detroit Free Press reports that Senator Tom George (R-Portage) has introduced legislation to require HMOs and insurance companies to offer financial incentives that reward people for healthy behavior. George is a practicing physician and says Michigan is facing a public health crisis due to poor diet, smoking and lack of exercise. While life, auto and home insurers can give premium reductions

FDA Warns Companies About Cherry Health Claims The Traverse City Record-Eagle reports that the Food and Drug Administration has sent warning letters to 29 companies that manufacture, market or distribute products made from cherries or other fruits. FDA officials directed the businesses (11 in northern Michigan) to stop making "unproven claims" on their Web sites and product labels that their fruit products treat or prevent diseases like cancer

Halloween in Michigan The Detroit News has a feature that looks at the history of Halloween and how adults seem to be enjoying it as much (or more) than kids. There's also links to Halloween recipes, healthy Halloween treats, haunted home decoration, costumes and pretty much anything else holiday-related.

Andy Warhol: A to Z, The Flint Institute of Arts; Sep 24 - Dec 31

The 45th Annual Greater Michigan Art Exhibition, Oct 1 - Dec 31; Midland

Smart Growth Faces Big Challenges in Michigan The Great Lakes Bulletin News Service reports that according to developers, planners, community leaders, and Smart Growth advocates, many attempts to build "mixed use" neighborhood and town center developments hit a very large wall: They are illegal. In Michigan, with 1,800 local governments in charge of local zoning laws, the challenge is particularly severe.

Public Service Commission Grants Rate Increases Crain's Detroit Business reports that the Michigan Public Service Commission gave Detroit-based MichCon permission to raise rates on November bills to $11.38 per thousand cubic feet of gas, 12% over the current $10.09 but below the $13.10 requested. The MPSC also allowed Semco Energy Gas to raise rates 15% (from $9.62 to $11.27). The PSC has not yet acted on a Consumers Energy Co. rate request.

Small Business Association Supports Tax Reform MITECHNEWS.com reports that the directors of the Small Business Association of Michigan is backing the Michigan Fair Tax. The new state tax reform concept would eliminate business taxation and instead tax goods and services only once and at the point of final purchase by the consumer. The bad news is that the plan would increase the Michigan sales tax from 6% to 8 or 9% to recover lost revenue.

Delphi: The News Keeps Getting Worse The Detroit News reports that Delphi Corp.'s bankruptcy will be the biggest hit to Michigan's economy in decades, resulting in thousands of job losses, deep wage cuts and millions in lost tax revenues for state coffers. Even "optomistic" scenarios show a loss of 12,500 jobs (over 3100 jobs in already hard-hit Flint) and a tax loss of $390 million for Michigan (or as much as $945 million).

Great Lakes Cleanup: Needed, but Likely Unfunded In the first of two stories, the Canoe Network says an EPA report on a long-range project to restore the Great Lakes ecosystem likely won't receive the huge infusion of US government cash supporters had hoped for. The Washington Post takes an in-depth look at how funding cuts will impact efforts and how years of studies are apparently not worth the paper they were printed on.

Michigan Farm Delegation Reaches Trade Agreement with Cuba AP writer John Flesher reports that according to state Agriculture Director Mitch Irwin, a delegation from the state signed Michigan's first-ever trade promotion agreement with Cuba. Cuban food import company Alimport is expected to buy $10 million worth of Michigan farm products in the next 18 months, including apples, dry beans, potatoes and livestock. Michigan exported $919 million worth of agr

Who Needs Halloween? MITECHNEWS.COM has reports on some spooky numbers forecast by Michigan small businesses for 2006. Just 47% of business owners expect sales increases next year, the lowest level in the 12-year history of the Small Business Barometer. 44% expect profits to rise and only 23% anticipate hiring more employees next year.

Appeals Court Halts Same Sex Benefits The Lansing State Journal reports that the Michigan Court of Appeals has halted a ruling that allows governments and public universities to provide health insurance to the partners of gay workers. An Ingham County Circuit judge ruled last month that public-sector employers can offer domestic partner benefits without violating a voter-approved gay marriage ban, but Attorney General Mike Cox request

Lansing's New Magnet Schools The Lansing State Journal has a feature on magnet school programs in Lansing, funded by a 3 year, $8.6 million federal grant that seeks to foster interconnected studies of a particular field. In addition to Lansing Everett's Magnet Academy for Visual and Performing Arts, Eastern High School has a magnet in international studies and Sexton focuses on science, engineering and technology.

Detroit Says Farewell to Rosa Parks The Detroit Free Press reports that today (Nov 2), the city of Detroit will bid a final farewell to Rosa Parks, the mother of the civil rights movement. The paper has several great features (especially Voices from the Viewing). Also, at 10 AM, Freep.com will broadcast live video from the ceremony (Detroit News starts @ 9 AM)

Wine Ruling Will Allow Out-of-State Wineries to Ship to Michigan The Detroit Free Press reports that Michigan wine lovers won a big victory Tuesday when a federal judge in Detroit ruled that out-of-state wineries can ship directly to Michigan consumers -- a privilege once accorded only to Michigan producers. Be warned: residents cannot legally order wine directly from out of state until the judge signs an order agreed to by lawyers for both sides.

Silver Bells in the City, Nov 18th; Lansing

International Festival of Lights, Nov 19th - Dec 31st; Battle Creek

Former Michigan State Park Chief Argues for Selling Parks The Michigan Privatization Report has an article by Russ Harding, former chief of Michigan state parks, that argues for selling certain state parks to raise money for the state. Harding recommends Aloha, Baraga, Dodge, Hayes, Hoeft, Interlochen, Mears, Muskallonge Lake, Newaygo, Otsego Lake, Straits, Twin Lakes and Wilson State Park as well as Wetzel State Recreation Area for sale.

A Look at Speed Dating The Traverse City Record-Eagle has a feature on "speed dating", billed as an alternative to the bar scene for singles looking for a more upscale and efficient way to meet. Couples are paired off and given a short amount of time to get to know one another before moving on to the next date. Sounds like a good fit for busy folks with short attention spans.

The Sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald On November 9, 1975, the Fitzgerald left Superior, Wisconsin, for Detroit with a cargo of 26,000 tons of iron ore pellets. Along the way, the 13,632-ton ore carrier met up with another boat, the Arthur M. Anderson, which was carrying iron ore pellets to Gary, Indiana. The two boats traveled together with the Fitzgerald in the lead.

Detroit Tiger Manager Jim Leyland ... for Governor? Jack Lessenberry has a column in the Metro Times that suggests with tongue only partially in cheek that a fan's sign of “Leyland for Governor” might have made more sense than most of this year's political ads. Also some links for Detroit Tiger Manager Jim Leyland.

Detroit Pistons 2006 Basketball Preview Our Piston Basketball preview is packed with analysis, links and video of the 2006-2007 team - check it out!

On Partisanship in Michigan: Excerpt from William G. Milliken, Michigan's Passionate Moderate Absolute Michigan is very fortunate to have an excerpt from William G. Milliken: Michigan’s Passionate Moderate, a new book by Dave Dempsey from University of Michigan Press. Transcending partisanship is a major theme of the book and was also a distinguishing feature of Governor Milliken’s time in office. We offer this essay in hopes that it will spark some thought and discussion...

Photo Friday: Barton Dam Angled by Andrea Wiggins The Barton Dam on the Huron River is a favorite subject for Ann Arbor photographers. Andrea Wiggins says she’s ambitious, enthusiastic, hard working, and very good at what she does. She invites you to check out her blog and we encourage you to view more of her photography.

World Series 2006: Detroit Tigers vs St. Louis Cardinals A full recap of the 2006 World Series between the Detroit Tigers and the St. Louis Cardinals. This was the 3rd time the Tigers faced the Cardinals in the World Series and while they didn't win, they did have a season to remember!

Google Print Posts First Online Books The BBC reports that Google has posted the first wave of books in its Google Print project. Works include books about the US Civil War, government papers and the writings of Henry James Books. Books found by a "Michigan" search include Geology of Michigan, Best Hikes With Children: Michigan, Michigan Trees: A Guide to the Trees of the Great Lakes Region and 781 page Michigan by Willis F Dunbar.

Michigan Robots Could Save Jobs The Detroit News that robots produced by by Methods Machine Tools in Wixom let manufacturers increase production with fewer workers. Nonetheless, the company contends that automation can help keep jobs in Michigan by keeping plants open. In the past 6 years, Michigan has lost 1,400 small and medium-sized manufacturing plants, most employing about 60 or 70 people, as many companies moved overseas.

Edmund Fitzgerald Remembered 30 Years After The Detroit News has a feature on the last major shipwreck on the Great Lakes, the Edmund Fitzgerald which sank almost 30 years ago in a major storm on November 10, 1975. The story details the sinking, explores how it has remained in the popular mind and includes photos and commemorative events. It also talks about how family members of the lost crew brace for an inevitable wave of phone calls and

Ted Nugent's New Reality Show The Detroit Free Press talks with Ted Nugent about his new Wanted: Ted or Alive reality TV show that will air in January of 2006 on Outdoor Life Network. Five "city slickers" are spending a week living in a white tepee. Several say they answered an ad to live like a rock star and win $50,000. The star was Nugent and the lifestyle includes going to the bathroom by digging a hole in the woods.

Great Lakes Shipwreck Survivors to Ring Fitzgerald Bell, Nov 10th; Whitefish Point

Benefit to Honor Great Lakes Mariners, Nov 11th; Brimley

Vegetable Oil Powered Rabbits in Flint MITECHNEWS.COM takes a look at students at Flint's Kettering University who are cutting their fuel costs with bio-fuel by burning used doughnut frying oil in their re-engineered Volkswagen diesel Rabbits. The "refit" costs about $120 and bio-diesel can be produced from any vegetable oil source.

MSU Artisan Distillery Moves to Michigan Brewing Co. The Lansing State Journal takes a look at Kris Berglund, the head of the artisan distilling program at Michigan State University. MSU has moved the program to the Michigan Brewing Co. in Webberville, which will be able to sell the European-style fruit brandies. Michigan allows winemakers to distill liquors (brandies) made from fruit and Michigan has 10 artisan distilleries (trailing only CA).

Michigan Holiday Shopping Tour mLive's Kim Schneider takes a whirlwind holiday shopping tour around Michigan with stops including Black Star Farms & Leelanau Cheese Company (wine & raclette), American Spoon Food in Petoskey's Gaslight district, The Butler Pantry in Saugatuck (a gourmet kitchen store w/ blueberry crumble coffee), the Pinconning Cheese Company, Zingerman's of Ann Arbor (farmhouse parmigiano-reggiano).

Michigan Retail Outlook Gloomy, Discounts Being Offered The Detroit News reports that holiday sales can account for as much as 50% of a retailer's income, but Midwest consumers are expecting to spend nearly half of the national average of $995 and the Michigan Retailers Association forecasts flat or declining sales from October through December. Many Michigan retailers are are offering agressive discounts to try and kick-start holiday shopping.

St. Louis Chemical Plant Keeps Giving ... Problems The Detroit News has a dark feature on the city of St. Louis, home to the Velsicol Chemical plant that played a key role in the state's PBB livestock contamination in the 1970s. Now, St. Louis is the only city in the country where para-chlorobenzene sulfonic acid, a byproduct of producing the pesticide DDT, has been found in drinking water (in wells that supply half of the city's water).

Five Michigan Schools Receive Energy Education Grants The Michigan.gov Newswire announces that the Michigan Energy Office has made Energy Smart Schools Energy Education grants totaling $28,430 to five school districts (Fraser, Huron Intermediate, Laker School District (Pigeon), Marion & Riverview). The grants will be used to introduce energy efficiency and renewable energy curriculum into the classroom.

Granholm Goal of Doubling College Degrees May Be Impossible Crain's Detroit Business reports that a Detroit Economic Club panel discussing the importance of higher education in the turnaround of Michigan's economy came to the consensus that funding constraints may make it impossible to meet Gov. Granholm's goal of doubling the number of people in Michigan with a college degree in a decade. Many, like Dave Bing said there just isn't enough money...

An evening with the former Ambassador to Iraq, Nov 8th; East Lansing

'Super Size' star to talk at EMU, Nov 9th; Ypsilanti The Ann Arbor Newas reporst that on Wednesday November 9th, the man who decided to eat nothing but McDonald's food for a month - and document his experience on film - will speak at Eastern Michigan University.

The Great Lakes Story exhibit & Great Lakes Film Series; Kalamazoo

All About Women Expo, Nov 11th & 12th; Saginaw

The Detroit Historical Museum: Things to Do

Lansing Gets a New Mayor, Detroit Keeps Kilpatrick Results are still unofficial, but the Lansing State Journal reports that State Sen. Virg Bernero appears to have easily defeated incumbent Mayor Tony Benavides. In Detroit, incumbent Kwame Kilpatrick claimed victory around 2:30 AM, leading 53% to 47% with 99% of precincts reporting according to the Detroit Free Press.

Hillsdale Elects High School Student as Mayor The Detroit News reports that Michael Sessions, an 18-year-old high school student, has been elected mayor of Hillsdale after mounting a write-in campaign to oust the 51-year-old incumbent. Pending clearance by the County Board of Canvassers on Thursday, Sessions will be the youngest mayor in city history.

Film Promotion Legislation Passes House WZZM TV-13 Grand Rapids reports that the Michigan House voted unanimously today to give tax credits to production companies that spend more than $250,000 filming movies, television programs and commercials in Michigan. The package of bills also would allow filmmakers to use state lands for free, except for hospitals and prisons. The measure now heads to the Senate.

Tax & Job Plan Finally Passes House MITECHNEWS.COM reports that a marathon 12-hour session ended early Thursday when the Michigan House approved the business tax cut and high-tech job plan. House Republicans pushed through legislation to keep the sunset on the Single Business Tax, which Gov. Granholm vowed to veto and the Senate takes up the package today.

Michigan Deer Hunters Lowering Expectations The Detroit Free Press reports that Michigan hunters (usually wild with anticipation around this time) are reducing their expectations as deer numbers are about 1/2 of what they were 15 years ago. The DNR says 750,000 people will buy hunting licenses, and hunters will kill about 450,000 deer this year. Our math may be wrong, but appears that Michigan has about 850,000 deer.

Motown Forever: Museum Preserves Musical Heritage The Detroit News has a feature on the Motown Historical Museum and founder Esther Gordy Edwards (brother to Motown founder Berry Gordy Jr.). The museum will hold their annual fund-raising gala and honor Edwards this Saturday. Even if you can't spring for the $350 ticket, check this article for great pictures and info on this great music museum.

New Book Chronicles WWII Ski Troops The Cadillac News has an interesting review of The Boys of Winter: Life and Death in the U.S. Ski Troops During the Second World War by Charles J. Sanders. The book chronicles the 10th Mountain Division Infantry, a group of skiers turned soldiers who trained in the Rockies and fought the Germans in the mountains of Italy in 1945 and the reviewer interviews a local man about his experience.

Motorola & MDOT Test Roadside Network USA Today has a report on the intelligent cars of the future that includes a Motorola announcement of a contract with the Michigan Department of Transportation to deploy a test system that connects vehicles to the roadside and to one another. Trials have started in the Detroit suburb of Southfield and the hope is to reduce traffic accidents and road congestion.

Pewabic: A Century of Michiganís Art Pottery, thru Dec 16th; East Lansing

A Soldier's Life, thru Jun 11th, 2006; Lansing

Free College for All Kalamazoo Public School Students WLNS TV-6 Lansing reports that students graduating from Kalamazoo's public schools will now go to college, for free. Anonymous benefactors are subsidizing the "Kalamazoo Promise" scholarship program and it is hoped it will spur housing sales and attract business development. Students who have attended for four years or more will be given funding for Michigan college tuition and fees.

Armistice Day Storm & the Carl D. Bradley While the Edmund Fitzgerald receives the lions share of the press, Michigan has many other shipwrecks worthy of a place in our memory. Carferries of the Great Lakes has a story on the Armistice Day Storm of November 11, 1940, one of the worst storms in the recorded history of Lake Michigan that claimed 5 vessels, and 66 lives. The Marine Historical Society of Detroit's "Great Lakes Ships We Rememb

Michigan Fallen Heroes Memorial to be Unveiled The Detroit News reports that workers are putting the final touches on a memorial to honor the 761 Michigan police officers and firefighters who have died in the line of duty since 1864. The Michigan Fallen Heroes Memorial is a life-size bronze statute of a police officer and firefighter kneeling side by side before a wall listing those who have died and will be unveiled Nov 21 at the the Oakland

Hillsdale Mayor Watch: Day Three Hillsdale's new mayor, high-school senior and write-in candidate Michael Session has now made PEOPLE. However, his new career as one of the nation's youngest elected officials is not yet assured. His initial 64-vote margin was has dwindled to a slim 670–668 lead in the official count. By law, any vote that the Board of Canvassers believed was intended for Sessions was counted for him including "18

State Recovery Plan Falls Apart The Detroit News reports that the agreement between Gov. Granholm and legislative leaders for a multibillion-dollar business tax relief and high-tech job investment package to save the floundering state economy apparently collapsed yesterday afternoon. The House and Senate passed a package of bills Thursday that Republican leaders said were true to the agreement, but Granholm said Republican leade

Cars, Trees & Traditions, Nov 19th - Dec 30th; Auburn Hills

Michigan Holiday Gift Guide Think Globally, Shop Locally with our Michigan Holiday Gift Guide, designed to help you find the perfect Michigan gifts online or off. We'll also be giving away an amazing Michigan Gift Basket so be sure to enter our Michigan Holiday Memories Contest!

2005 Michigan Holiday Memories Contest It's time to vote for the best Michigan Holiday Memory. The winner, Donna Bacarella, will receive a great gift basket from Leelanau County, Michigan containing over $500 worth of food, jewelry, clothing, books and items for the home.

Travelling Photography Exhibit to Showcase Older Foster Children The Lansing State Journal has a report that the Michigan Heart Gallery will unveil an exhibit of portraits of children in Michigan's foster care system. Those featured in the gallery are among about 400 who don't have relatives or foster parents willing to adopt them. Although about half of Michigan's foster kids are 12 or older, only 30% of adoptions last year were for kids 10 and up.

State Superintendent to Recommend Tougher Curriculum for Michigan Schools The Detroit News reports that Michigan currently requires only a high school civics course to graduate but that on Tuesday state Superintendent Michael Flanagan will likely recommend a curriculum to the State Board of Education requiring four credits of math and language arts or English, three credits of science and social studies (plus health education and fine arts or music).

Pictured Rocks Employee Receives Environmental Achievement Award The Detroit Free Press reports that the Interior Department presented park facility manager Chris Case with an environmental achievement award. The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore employee developed a biodiesel and biofluids program, using vegetable oil-based products as a replacement for the normal fuels, fluids and lubricants used in fleet operation & maintenance at Pictured Rocks.

Interview with Michigan Film Office Director The Associated Press has an interview with Janet Lockwood, head of the Michigan Film Office and how after several years of shrinking budget, she hopes to use new tax credits to sell Michigan to filmmakers and producers of movies, television programs and commercials.

Get Real for Christmas! Select Michigan Christmas Trees, Wreaths & Ropes

Absolute Michigan Link Number 3000! On Monday, November 14, 2005 Absolute Michigan posted our 3000th link, to the web site of the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development. The Institute was co-founded in February 1987 by Mrs. Rosa Parks and Ms. Elaine Eason Steele, in honor of Raymond Parks (1903 - 1977) and is the living legacy of two individuals who committed their lives to civil and human rights.

Boulevard of Champion Northern Michigan Trees Proposed AP writer John Flesher reports on the Champion Tree Project International, an organization that seeks out the biggest and oldest trees and produces clones from their buds (about 125 species so far). The project now hopes to create a "Boulevard of Champions" of trees native to northern Michigan on a 2-mile stretch along Grand Traverse Bay in Traverse City. The city is still considering the project.

New Development for Port Huron Shipwatchers The Port Huron Times-Herald reports that freighter-watching continues to be a favorite feature of life in the Blue Water Area and has spurred new maritime-related development on Acheson Ventures' Desmond Landing in downtown Port Huron. The development is also home to boatnerd.com, one of Michigan's oldest and most comprehensive web sites.

Bills Introduced to Encourage Logging in Michigan The Lansing State Journal reports that Republican state legislators are introducing bills aimed at boosting timber harvesting in state forests, one of which would make it harder for regulators to rule certain areas off-limits to logging. Other proposals include tax incentives to encourage private owners to allow timber cutting on their land and the forest industry to investment in Michigan.

Great Lakes States Agree to Salmon Stocking Reduction State fisheries management agencies for Lake Michigan have agreed to implement a 25% stocking reduction of Chinook salmon in Lake Michigan beginning with reduced stockings in 2006 (Michigan will reduce stocking by 30%). Next spring, 3.2 million Chinook salmon fingerlings will be stocked by Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana, a reduction of just over 1 million fish from 2005. It's hoped that

Absolute Michigan Launches the Michigan Pages Today we add a new dimension to Absolute Michigan that we hope you enjoy. It's called The Michigan Pages and we're going to use it to bring you feature articles, photography and other media about the State of Michigan designed to showcase everything great about the Great Lakes State.

Editorial: Detroit Free Press Web Site 'Upgrade' The Detroit Free Press launched a totally revamped web site today. Regardless of what you think of the cosmetic changes, the functional changes are profound. For many years, their online archive of Michigan news and features has been a huge public resource. As of this morning, that resource is gone, with all links from yesterday to years ago returning the dreaded "404 Not Found" message.

Study Says: Recognize Agriculture, Protect Farmland The Great Lakes Bulletin News Service's Keith Schneider takes an in-depth look at a new study to be released by the Michigan State University Land Policy Program that finds Michigan needs to not only recognize the $55 billion annually that agriculture contributes to Michigan's economy, but also to conserve enough of Michigan's 10 million acres of farmland to ensure that it thrives.

Study Finds Fewer College Grad Hires Planned in Michigan The Lansing State Journal reports that a survey conducted by the Collegiate Employment Research Institute at MSU has found that Michigan employers are planning to hire 43% fewer new college graduates in 2005-06. The drop comes primarily from hiring cuts by large manufacturing companies and Tier 1 automotive suppliers, along with smaller losses in construction and professional services.

Michigan Reads Preschool Book Program The Library of Michigan today announced the five finalists for the 2006 "Michigan Reads!" preschool-book program and invites preschoolers and book lovers to vote through Dec 9. The five books are "Bed Hogs" by Kelly DiPucchio, "Imogene's Antlers" by David Small, "In the Small, Small Pond" by Denise Fleming, Sheep in a Jeep" by Nancy Shaw & "Stranger in the Woods" by Carl Sams II and Jean Stoick.

Lansing Explores Health Information Organization The State News reports that Lansing-area health care providers, educators and state officials announced plans for a regional health information organization (RHIO). The RIHO will cost between $2.5 million and $3 million to implement and would be a networked system that would give doctors throughout the community access to electronic versions of their patients' medical records.

Absolute Michigan's Guide to the State of Michigan Welcome to Absolute Michigan's guide to the State of Michigan. In the months (and hopefully years) to come, the Michigan Pages will take you all over the Great Lakes State with great articles, photography and engaging contests.

Michigan's October Unemployment Rate Best Since 2002 Crain's Detroit Business reports that Michigan's unemployment rate fell in October to 6.1%, its lowest level since September 2002 and more than a full percentage point lower than the year-ago October rate of 7.2%. Michigan's unemployment is still well above the national rate of 5%. But we're getting there!

Search for Soul Showcases Detroit Soul Scene Michigan Radio's Jennifer Guerra talks with the artists on a new compilation of Detroit soul music from the late 60s and 70s called "Searching for Soul" that hits stores this week. Rather than big Detroit names like Marvin Gaye, this disc features lesser known artists like Robert Lowe, Dee Edwards Robert Jay and groups like The Black Aces Of Soul And The Eyes Of Ebony.

Over a Million Travelling for Thanksgiving, Almost All by Car AAA Michigan reports that an estimated 1.1 million Michiganians (10% more than last year) will travel during the 2005 Thanksgiving holiday period. The vast majority (83%) will visit relatives. Cars, trucks and vans will be the most popular form of Thanksgiving transportation (95%, up 51% from 2004) and far fewer Michigan residents will travel by air this year compared to last (just 5% versus 28%).

St. Julian's Blue Heron the Top Seller Detroit News wine writer Sandra Silfven reports that Michigan's top selling wine, Blue Heron, a semi-sweet blend of Riesling, Vidal and Seyval, is slated to hit 35,000 to 40,000 cases this year. It has been designated the flagship wine by St. Julian, Michigan's oldest & largest winery produces 120,000 cases of wine annually. The average boutique winery in Michigan might make 5,000 cases total.

Turkey Trot and the Mashed Potato Mile, Nov 24th; Detroit Join family and friends and be a part of the "Tradition Before the Tradition"!
Proceeds from both the Turkey Trot and the Mashed Potato Mile benefit The Parade Company and help preserve the tradition of America's Thanksgiving Parade!

Interested in volunteering in the Lansing area this Thanksgiving?

Made in Michigan: Fair Trade & Organic Gift Sampler Several Michigan businesses with a socially and environmentally friendly focus have joined together to offer consumers an organic and fair trade gift sampler produced here in Michigan. Grocer's Daughter, By the Light of Day, Higher Grounds Trading Co., and Food For Thought, along with Leelanau Trading Co. and Third Coast Design have developed a sampler pack of handcrafted gourmet goodies!

What's With All the Leelanau County Stuff?? Astute readers will recognize that the contents of our gift box are all from Leelanau County, Michigan. The reason for this is not that we are ignoring the rest of the state, but simply that we are located in Leelanau and our friends were willing to help us out. Rest assured that next year's basket will encompass the whole state!

Are 5 Things and Daily News Articles Going Away?? Heck No!! They're too much fun and we'll be back to our regularly scheduled programming on Monday.

Dickens Festival, Nov 25th - Dec 18th; Holly For thousands of Michigan families, it wouldn't be Christmas if they didn't attend the Dickens Olde Fashioned Christmas Festival in Holly. Visitors to the quaint little village of Holly come from all over the world to mingle with characters right out of one of Charles Dickens' Victorian tales.

Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village, Dec 2-3, 9-10 & 16-23; Dearborn Step into a Christmas card from the past. Don’t miss the most popular holiday event in the area. Travel through time on lantern-lit paths to the holidays of long ago.

Jack Lessenberry interview with Great Lakes Water Wars author Peter Annin Michigan Radio’s Jack Lessenberry has an interview with Peter Annin that you will probably want to check out. In Jack’s accompanying essay, he says that water-poor states like Texas and Arizona are increasing their political clout relative to Midwestern states like Michigan and Ohio. As to where to start working to head off problems (or water wars), he suggests that

Border Controls Strangling Windsor MSNBC reports that the Canadian city of Windsor will get a brief but badly needed boost from across the US border this weekend as the city of Detroit and the Detroit Tigers host part of the World Series. Windsor (pop 300,000) long reaped the benefits of being within a one-hour drive of 4.5 million Americans.

Great Lakes Water Pact to be Signed Today The Detroit Free Press reports that Gov. Granholm and seven other Great Lakes governors are in Wisconsin today and expected to sign a far-reaching pact aimed at protecting the water supply. The new deal (which will require approval by all eight state legislatures, Congress and the president to take effect) would do more than block water removal.

Gov Bill Milliken Calls for End to Partisan Bickering MITECHNEWS.COM reports that former Michigan Governor William Milliken has called on Michigan's government leaders to end growing partisan bickering surrounding the Single Business Tax. "We must put aside the kind of one upmanship that is going on, the semi-name calling," Milliken said. "...our leaders must deliberately seek out opportunities to find ways to work together."

Less Than Cheery Job Forecast for 2006 The Ann Arbor News reports that a University of Michigan forecast released Friday says that it may be years before the state sees a significant economic recovery and that 2006 will be the sixth straight year of job losses - the longest stretch of employment decline since World War II. The study predicts a net loss of 9,600 jobs next year, followed by a net increase of 10,600 jobs in 2007.

UM Launches Sustainability Institute Crain's Detroit Business reports that the University of Michigan has has launched the Graham Environmental Sustainability Institute. The Institute will fund new fellowships, internships and faculty research in five areas: energy, freshwater systems, human health and its link to the changing environment, global change and biodiversity, and infrastructure and manufacturing systems.

Companies Scour UP for Minerals The Mining Journal has a report on the many mineral exploration efforts taking place in the Upper Peninsula. Kennecott Mineral's proposed Eagle Project mine in the Yellow Dog Plains in northern Marquette County has grabbed most of the attention in recent years, but there are other prospecting efforts for zinc, copper, gold, silver and even uranium.

GM News Doesn't Cut Quite as Deeply as Feared in Michigan The Detroit News reports on General Motors' bombshell that it will cut 5000 additional jobs (30,000 total) and close nine North American plants by 2008 (MI plants in Lansing, Flint and Ypsilanti). Even though the state is home to 65% of the GM's production, just 10% of the jobs lost will be in Michigan. Flint is expected to be hardest hit and is also facing the loss of Delphis Flint East plant.

Governor Signs Business Bills, but Vetos Linked Bills WZZM TV-13 Grand Rapids reports that Gov. Granholm signed bills that would cut business taxes and create an investment fund to encourage more high tech jobs in state. Only the investment fund will take effect as the tax cuts were tied to bills in the package that the governor vetoed. Republicans were sharply critical of the vetos.

Forget Oil, Water's the New Hot Resource The University of Toledo's Independent Collegian has an interesting report on a conference of attorneys, law students and community members looking at the future of the Great Lakes water supply and recent laws and regulations. Factoid: In the 1970s, about 300 million gallons of water were used for bottling compared to today's 22.3 billion gallons.

Dutch WinterFest & The Holidays in Downtown Holland

Victorian Sleighbell Parade & Old Christmas Weekend, Dec 1-4; Manistee Highlights of the Festival: Authentic Victorian Parade with period costumes and horse-drawn units, Ramsdell Theatre production, tours of historic buildings, concerts, Festival of Trees, special museum and art exhibits and much, much more!

Hendrix Files for Recount, Could Cost Detroit $500,000 The Detroit News reports that mayoral challenger Freman Hendrix (who trailed by 14,540 votes after results were certified Tuesday) filed for a recount in all 720 Detroit precincts, saying a review is needed to bring the city together again. The hand-counting process could take a month and cost city taxpayers more than $500,000.

Building Detroit's SoHo? The Detroit News reports on efforts to renovate Michigan Avenue at 14th Street (across from Detroit's abandoned train station). The neighborhood is returning to life as a result of the actions of entrepreneurs and the nonprofit Greater Corktown Development Corp. The area has been compared to Chicago's Wicker Park and features Slows Bar BQ, a state-of-the-art recording studio and Tiger Stadium.

University Deals for Kalamazoo School Grads Draws Fire The Kalamazoo Gazette reports that while the "Kalamazoo Promise" has drawn heavy praise, Western Michigan University's offer to throw in room and board for graduates of Kalamazoo Public Schools is drawing criticism. Wayne State University also announced it was cutting room and board by 50% for KPS graduates.

MSU Hopes to Land Nuclear Physics Lab, Fed Budget a Problem The Lansing State Journal reports that the Rare Isotope Accelerator, a $1 billion nuclear physics project that would pump hundreds of millions of dollars into Michigan's economy is on hold because of federal budgetary constraints. Michigan State University hopes to land the project, which would be one of the world's leading nuclear physics laboratories.

Michigan Travel Numbers Released The Detroit News reports on MI Travel Counts, a comprehensive statewide transportation study conducted by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). Among the findings are that women make more trips than men (any moms dispute that finding?) and that the average household takes 9.7 average trips per day. MDOT hopes to use the data to direct the future of Michigan's transportation system.

Eating Leftover Turkey Sandwiches? Must be Christmas Tree Season The Cadillac News has a feature about Christmas trees in Michigan reporting that a "real" tree is a more environmentally-friendly alternative than an artificial tree as for every Christmas tree harvested, up to three more are planted the following spring.

Michigan's Rural Areas Provide Almost 2x the Military Recruits The Detroit News reports that military records show that Michigan's military recruits come disproportionately from the state's most rural areas. In Michigan's 45 most rural counties (60% of people living in rural areas) about 7 of every 1,000 young people ages 18-24 enlisted last year compared to 4 of every 1,000 in urban areas.

Michigan Schools Face Counseler Shortage The Detroit News reports that at a time when Michigan leaders increasingly tout the importance of more students graduating from college, Michigan students are getting less counseling than those in all but a few other states. There was one counselor for every 619 Michigan students in 2004, far below the recommeded ratio of 250-1. Michigan schools aren't required to have counselors.

Michigan Shopping Report: Early Numbers Look Good The Detroit Free Press reports that Thanksgiving weekend provided a strong start to the holiday shopping season but that shoppers in the Midwest spent the least ($269.53 on average). Clothing and accessories again topped the gift lists this year, with 49.2% of people surveyed saying they bought these items. Books, CDs, DVDs, videos and video games were second, with 46.7%, and electronics was 3rd.

Lions Fire Mariucci Fox Sports reports that the Detroit Lions have fired head coach Steve Mariucci. The as yet unnamed sources said they believe defensive coordinator Dick Jauron would be the team's interim head coach, but that has not yet been confirmed. Mariucci had two more seasons left on a five-year, $25-million contract signed when he was hired in 2003.

Republicans to Push Simpler Business Tax Plan The Lansing State Journal reports that the Republican controlled Legislature will push a revised plan to lower business taxes by $500 million over four years, with cuts targeted to help the manufacturing sector. Manufacturers would receive a 15% credit for taxes they pay on equipment and computers starting Jan. 1, and a 100% investment credit in 2007 and 2008 if they bring jobs into Michigan.

Michigan Mining Rules Hearings The Lansing City Pulse reports that with three weeks left for Michiganders to officially sound off on the regulation of sulfide mining in Michigan, environmental groups have organized a statewide round of briefings and public hearings on the issue. There are public meetings in Escanaba (Nov 29), Marquette (Nov 30) and Lansing (Dec 7).

Battle Creek Receives Million Dollar Homeless Assistance Grant The Battle Creek Enquirer reports that the Michigan State Housing Development Authority will grant $10 million to facilitate housing projects for the "chronically homeless" in eight Michigan communities. $1 million of those dollars will go to the Cereal City. The Greater Battle Creek Homeless Coalition must match with $250,000 and is considering a leasing program, rehabilitating vacant historic pr

Pilgrims Provided More Than Turkey The Detroit News has a feature pointing out that we can thank the Pilgrims for much more than our Thanksgiving feast of turkey, roast goose and cranberries. They brought the idea of a written constitution and wanted their own church congregations to govern themselves through written agreements and choose their own ministers, something that seeped into the American political system.

Build Michigan! Although reading the headlines can give you the idea that Michigan is falling apart and there is not hope, there are a lot of individuals, businesses and organizations working hard to create the next generation of Michigan.

MEA Opposes Teacher Health Care Pooling WLNS TV reports that Michigan lawmakers are considering a bill that could change the way school districts provide health care coverage for their employees. Supporters say it gives the state's school districts more options for health care but the Michigan Education Association (MEA) opposes the proposed changes, saying the legislation will not benefit Michigan school districts.

Fresh Morels in Wintertime? The Detroit Free Press has a feature on Diversified Natural Products of Scottville, a company that grows morel mushrooms indoors (once thought impossible) and now employs 56 people. Marketed as Midsummer Exotics, they are the largest supplier of fresh morels in the midwest and also grow oyster, shiitake, black poplar and cinnamon nameko mushrooms.

Michigan Mail Order Gifts The Detroit Free Press has a mail order guide with a great selection of food & wine gifts from all over the state of Michigan: bread, cheese, pies, pasties, cookies & candy I better eat some breakfast

Chili Recipes, Warming Both Belly & Pocketbook A wet snowy day is a good time to review three Lansing State Journal recipes for chili: Black Bean, Slow Cooker Chicken Chili and a spicier one with chipotle peppers. The article also reports on a recent Nielsen survey that suggests rising gas prices and higher home heating costs will have folks eating out less often and doing more at home.

Concerts, Musicals and Family Fun Fill December LSJ's the HUB reports that Michigan has turned into one big holiday party and have compiled one heck of an events list to prove it.

Appeals Court Rules Ice Mountain May Continue Bottling The Associated Press (via the Traverse City Record-Eagle) reports that the Michigan Court of Appeals has ruled that Ice Mountain Spring Water is entitled to make "reasonable" use of available water resources in Mecosta County. The court did find the current 400-gallon-per-minute withdrawal rate unreasonable and has sent the case back to a trial judge to determine the appropriate pumping levels.

Michigan Small Business Owners Down on State Economy, Up on Own Businesses The Detroit Free Press reports that of 351 small-business owners polled in November by the Michigan chapter of the National Federation of Independent Business, 34% described business conditions as "poor" or "very poor," up from 31% in a similar survey three months ago. However, almost half described prospects for their own businesses during the next several months as "good" or "very good".

The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald & more Michigan Shipwrecks November 10, 1975. An incredible video of Gordon Lightfoot’s Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald. Edmund Fitzgerald Remembered 30 Years After, 30th Anniversary, the Armistice Day Storm & the Carl D. Bradley, Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum at Whitefish point. More shipwrecks of Great Lakes frieghters (aka "Lakers")

Renovation of Detroit's Book-Cadillac Hotel The Book-Cadillac Hotel was the epitome of glamour when it opened its doors in 1924. The world’s tallest hotel, it boasted an opulent, Italian Renaissance-inspired design, and over the years hosted presidents, Hollywood stars and famous gangsters. The he building is at last on its way to a new incarnation: a 455-room Westin hotel, set to open in 2008 and topped by eight floors of pricey condos.

2006 Michigan Election Results Links, articles, audio & video for the 2006 Michigan elections for Governor, Senate, House of Representatives and ballot proposals. The end of politics until 2008.

Spartan Edge test drives the Kurrent Electric Car Talk with American Electric Vehicle Company president Scott Thornton and a test drive of the company’s new vehicle on the Michigan State University campus. The Ferndale based company will soon begin selling the all-electric car called the Kurrent for $9,800 (with a $3,000 federal tax rebate). The car costs about 1-cent per mile to drive, compared to 14- to 16-cents per mile for an SUV.

University of Michigan Wolverines vs. Ohio State Buckeyes The Michigan-Ohio State rivalry is an intense rivalry between the University of Michigan and the Ohio State University football teams. Widely regarded among the greatest competitions in all of American sport, Michigan and Ohio State ranked first in an ESPN poll conducted in 2000 of the greatest sports rivarlies.

Leonid Meteor Showers in Michigan November 18, 2006 Leonid meteor showers, University of Michigan Lowbrow Astronomers and general information about Michigan astronomy, Michigan meteor showers (Leonids) and a link to Bob Moler's Ephemeris.

Saginaw, Michigan information, links & photos In addition to a great photo of Saginaw, today's Michigan in Pictures has lots of information and links about Saginaw and the Saginaw Valley from pre-history to the present day. Includes mound builders, indians, woodland indians, gm / general motors, saginaw chamber, saginaw convention & visitors bureau and more.

Implications of Democrats' Victory for the Great Lakes Veteran Michigan political analyst George Weeks writes that much of the Michigan media’s post-election focus has been on the “aging lions” US Representatives John Dingell & John Conyers and Senator Carl Levin. How the new makeup of the national legislature (and the Democratic House in Michigan) will affect the Great Lakes and efforts such as the proposed $20 billion Great Lakes restoration plan.

Jeff Daniels brings Michigan grown music to Ann Arbor Michigan Theater in Ann Arbor concert features Michigan musicians Rachael Davis of Cadillac, Wayne David Parker of Dearborn, Ann Arbor based Peter ‘Madcat’ Ruth, Lansing’s Steppin’ In It and Neil Woodward of Howell (he’s Michigan’s Troubador). Daniels and company will perform original songs and several tunes celebrating the Great Lakes State. Members of the Purple Rose Theater Company too!

Deep Rock Nuclear Waste on the Northern Great Lakes? The Bay City Times had an interesting (and alarming) article on plans to build North America’s first ‘’deep-rock'’ nuclear waste dump on the shores of Lake Huron. Ontario Power Generation Inc., the government-owned utility, operates its Bruce Nuclear Site and plant in Kincardine, Ontario - about 50 miles of open Lake Huron water east of the tip of Michigan’s Thumb.

Michigan Film: The Gardener The Gardener won Best Director (Geoffrey George) and Best Cinematography (William Couch) at the University of Michigan’s Lightworks Film Festival in 2006. It was made with the involvement of a number of local actors, most of them from the Ann Arbor Civic Theater and the Purple Rose Theater of Chelsea, Michigan. The 16mm film was shot without sound in Milford and West Bloomfield.

One D: Transforming Regional Detroit? A new “supergroup” called “One D: Transforming Regional Detroit” unites six Detroit-area groups in the quest to revitalize the region: New Detroit, the Detroit Regional Chamber, the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau, Detroit Renaissance, United Way for Southeastern Michigan and the Cultural Alliance of Southeastern Michigan.

Under Fire: Michigan Republican Party Chair Saul Anuzis Michigan Radio’s Jack Lessenbery interviews Michigan Republican chairman Saul Anuzis about the “anti-Republican tsunami” and his thoughts on the Republican Party’s future in Michigan.

International Shipping on the Great Lakes: Does Cost Outweigh Benefit? Red Tape Blog reports on a controversial study by two Michigan transportation experts that says the ecological and economic costs of international shipping on the Great Lakes far outweigh its benefits. The study estimated a $55 million a year value for overseas shipping on the lakes. By comparison, one estimate puts the total cost of just zebra mussels for the past 20 years at about $2 billion.

With Wages & Benefits Falling, Michigan Workers Doing More with Less The Detroit News takes a look at some of the tens of thousands of Michigan workers who are downsizing their lives to keep from going broke as employers scale back pay and benefits or cut jobs entirely. With Delphi floating cutting UAW hourly wages from about $27 to as low as $10, workers in airline & other industries seeing salary cuts as high as 25% and GM retirees now paying for insurance, doing

Mining Rules Hearings Well Attended The Mining Journal reports that as many as 300 residents attended the public hearing on new mining rules at Northern Michigan University. Many proposed changes and offered opinions to the Department of Environmental Quality. The new rules will regulate precious and polymetallic mining in Michigan. Iron mining will continue to be governed by decades-old regulations.

Exploring the College Divide The Detroit News reports that complicated aid applications, fears of tuition debt, expenses for books, housing and food are among the many barriers that experts say are causing needy families to turn away from higher education. Michigan's 15 publicly funded universities saw overall enrollment grow over the past decade, but saw the proportion of Pell Grant students on most campuses shrink.

Michigan Legislature Moves to Overhaul Welfare State lawmakers have voted to limit cash assistance for able-bodied welfare recipients to four years, to implement penalties for those who fail to comply with work or training requirements and provisions are aimed at helping move people into long-term employment. If Gov. Granholm signs, it would be the most significant change to Michigan's welfare program since Engler overhaul in the 90s.

Federal Budget Cuts Could Have Serious Consequences for Michigan The Detroit News reports that Congress' plan to cut up to $50 billion from federal programs threatens tens of thousands of Michigan families who receive Medicaid, food stamps and help in collecting child support. The cuts could mean up to $1 billion less headed to Michigan over the next five years and force some difficult choices for state leaders.

UP Snowmobile Season Kicks off with a Bang The Mining Journal reported that snowmobile season opened last Thursday on designated state trails to over a foot of snow on many trails. This weekend, up to two feet additional snow fell on the Keweenaw Peninsula and Alger County.

Deals for Michigan Skiers The Detroit Free Press has a look at several Michigan ski deals including the "White Gold Card" (a $169 card that lets you ski one time free at 24 ski resorts in Michigan) and deals for beginning skiers, seniors and Michigan fourth-graders. Also included are a couple of other articles reporting that our ski season has gotten a great start with heavy late-November and early December snowfall.

Outsourcers Provide Small Businesses Global Labor The Detroit News takes a look at a new breed of niche outsourcers who help small and midsize companies in Michigan gain access to cheap labor as far away as India and China. Analysts contend that while outsourcing may cause the loss of some low-wage jobs here, it also allows companies to keep costs in line, and (hopefully) to protect other jobs. Some of these new companies are targetting physicians and law firms, businesses not typically thought of as outsourcing targets.

Preschool Study Released mLive reports that a study in Michigan and four other states released yesterday finds that publicly funded preschool programs that have well-paid, college-educated teachers improve children's language development and math skills. The research also indicated that preschool makes a difference in topics like reading and math readiness that affect children's later school achievement.

Lansing City Council Looks to Rejuvinate Downtown The Lansing State Journal reports that the Lansing City Council is expected to approve a $13 million housing/retail project to help rejuvenate the city's downtown. Stadium District would include 58 condominiums and apartments as well as retail and office space in what is now a parking lot across from Oldsmobile Park (home of the Lansing Lugnuts). Some in the community are critical of the proposal, especially because it would give a 50% tax break for 12 years to condo buyers.

Michigan Veterans Recall Pearl Harbor Michigan History Magazine takes a look back at December 7, 1941 with photos and the memories of many Michiganders. The Detroit Free Press also talks with Walter Drenkhahn Jr. There will be a memorial program in Pontiac today to remember the 32 Michigan servicemen killed at Pearl Harbor.

Zoo Management to be Turned Over to Society, Museums May Take Similar Path Crain's Detroit Business reports that under a plan in negotiation between the Detroit Zoological Society and the city of Detroit, the society would take over management and financial responsibility of the Royal Oak-based Detroit Zoo. A similar plan is being considered for the Detroit Historical Museums.

Michigan's Role in Narnia The Detroit Free Press has a feature on a Michigan man and woman who helped shape the story of Narnia. They are Sharon Bordine Frisco of Rochester whose short films helped to preserve the legacy of author C.S. Lewis and Washtenaw Community College computer instructor Laurence Krieg, who became a pen pal of Lewis and suggested using the Narnian chronological order for ording the books.

"Michigan, The Great Lakes State: An Illustrated History" Book Signing Sunday, East Lansing Meet the authors of "Michigan, The Great Lakes State: An Illustrated History" from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11 at Barnes & Noble, 333 W. Grand River Ave., East Lansing. For more details, call 324-3926.

Granholm Says Massive Fed Cuts Could Impact Business Taxes The Detroit Free Press reports that Gov. Granholm said yesterday that all bets are off for cutting Michigan business taxes further if Congress slashes an estimated $1 billion in aid over five years to Michigan for Medicaid and other programs that help needy families, students and farmers. Republicans say federal aid cuts shouldn't stop Michigan from pursuing tax cuts that would boost our economy.

Bay City Judge Blocks Au Sable Drilling Preparation The Detroit Free Press reports that U.S. District Court Judge David Lawson issued an order blocking plans by Savoy Energy to start road and site work in the Huron-Manistee National Forest east of Grayling. The site is adjacent to the 5,300-acre Mason Tract wilderness preserve and the South Branch fishery of the AuSable River (considered one of Michigan's finest).

Michigan to Unveil Cultural Marketing Effort The Detroit Free Press reports that Bill Anderson, director of the Michigan Department of History, Arts and Libraries, will unveil the Cultural Economic Development Strategy for Michigan. The plan will create a more accurate measure of the money, jobs and taxes brought to the state from arts and culture and also encourage communities to promote cultural tourism and provides training.

House Approves Bill Limiting Passengers for Young Drivers mLive reports that first-year drivers would need permission from their parents to have more than one person in their vehicle under age 18 other than immediate family members under legislation approved Wednesday by the state House. Young drivers represent about 7% of the driving population in Michigan but constitute more than 14.2% of those involved in fatal crashes.

Unusual Holiday Parades The Detroit Free Press reports that as much as this season is about tradition, some parades observe the holidays with a wacky, local twist including the Cowboy Country Christmas Parade (Yale, near Port Huron), the Original Lighted Farm Implement Parade (Sandusky) and the 5th annual Hanukkah Parade featuring cars with roof-mounted electric menorahs (Oak Park).

Environmental Groups & Scientists Warn of Great Lakes Collapse The amount represents a continuation of funding at current levels rather than the $20 billion for Great Lakes Restoration originally proposed. A report from the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition says the Lakes are deteriorating at a rate unprecedented in recorded history and their ecosystem is in danger of collapse.

Michigan Fallout from Auto Industry Struggles The Detroit Free Press notes that when giants stumble, it is easy to focus on the spectacle and miss what's happening on the ground. Using interviews, they take a really excellent look at how fallout from the auto industry's woes is being manifested in the lives of regular people in Michigan.

Recipe for Success: Something to Do and the Ability to Find It The Battle Creek Enquirer reports that a $100,000 study evaluating tourism in Calhoun County has produced a preliminary plan to increase the area's tourism revenue. The plan includes improving the county's wayfinding signs, enhancing downtown Battle Creek's natural beauty, developing a primary attraction to lure tourists and kiosks cross-promoting Albion, Battle Creek and Marshall.

Detroit Jazz Festival Gets $10 Million Endowment Crain's Detroit Business reports that the future of the Detroit International Jazz Festival was secured Thursday with a $10 million endowment from Gretchen Valade, chairwoman of Dearborn-based clothing manufacturer Carhartt Inc. and CEO and owner of Harper Woods-based Mack Avenue Records, a jazz label. The 2006 festival will take place in downtown Detroit on Labor Day weekend, Sept. 1-4, 2006.

Green Building Efforts at Michigan Universities The Detroit Free Press reports on how universities in Michigan are building more energy-efficient structures to save money on energy and water use. One example is the recently renovated Dana Building at UM. Last spring, Michigan began requiring state-supported projects of more than $1 million to follow Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards for green construction.

UP's B3 Computers Makes Deal with Sun Microsystems The Mining Journal reports that Sun Microsystems will put the software muscle into new low-cost computer hardware to be assembled by Marquette County Economic Development Corporation Renaissance Zone firm B3 Computers. According to B3 officials, the SBox will be a $400 desktop running Sun's Solaris X86 operating system and Java software.

Sweeping Michigan Welfare Changes Proposed The Detroit News reports that at the heart of the most sweeping Michigan welfare policy change in a decade is a proposal to set a lifetime limit of 48 months of benefits for those on welfare. Proponents say the changes will free those still trapped on public assistance. Others, such as the Michigan Catholic Conference say adoption of the plan would destroy the state's safety net. The House Fiscal

Michigan Venture Capital Controversy The Ann Arbor News has an excellent and detailed look at the Michigan's venture capital industry and surrounding controversy. Nader Najafi, CEO of Integrated Sensing Systems Inc., alleges the state's 15 or so venture firms, the majority of which are concentrated in Ann Arbor, have become a syndicate 'suffocating' the local technology industry. While some agree, others dispute the allegations.

Construction Trades a Tough Sell in Michigan The Lansing State Journal has a report on how trades groups and employers are struggling to recruit high school students to fill growing needs for everything from plumbers to bricklayers and drywallers. Despite opportunities, the jobs are proving a tough sell - not only to young people but to their parents and school counselors, who don't always see the trades as a desirable option.

Michigan Holiday Memories We invite you to read these memories submitted for our 2005 Michigan Holiday Memories contest!

Thumbilina's New Clothes by Cindy Krueger When I was about 5 or 6 years old my sister Beth and I could not find our favorite Thumbilina dolls for a few days before Christmas. We searched all over but still could not find our dolls. Our Mom assured us that the dolls would turn up. Then she distracted us by asking us to help her decorate cookies.

A North to South Michigan Christmas by Bill Wheadon In our family it's known as the year that Santa and Mrs. Claus permanently moved to the North Pole. The "North" in that statement is Northern Michigan and the "Pole" the elongated piece of sand, cherries and snow that is Michigan's baby finger – Leelanau Peninsula. We had moved from Grand Rapids the previous January, leaving three generations of family behind.

My Michigan Snow Globe by Lisa Genesen People are shocked that our second home is six hours away. There are very nice beaches and woods just outside of Chicago. What can be worth a six hour drive into Northern Michigan? The answer is simple, snow. Winter can be fickle at the southern end of Lake Michigan, but you can count on snow at the 45th parallel.

Santa Comes Early by Brenda Hughes In our family there were nine of us kids and we all vied with one another for attention, yet we watched out for and protected each other too. One Christmas, Santa came to visit, but it was not how or when we expected him! It was an early afternoon shortly before Christmas. My mother was working and wasn't home, and it was left to my older brother and sister to watch over the rest of us.

The Perfect Tree by Donna Bacarella I grew up on the East side of the State, and recall very few memorable family holiday traditions, but there is one that will never be forgotten, although, thank God, it has changed dramatically over the years. Each Christmas season, our father would place a very ugly, plastic, BIG, lighted Santa Claus head on the peak of our bungalow house, which he then framed with lights...

Solve Michigan's Economic Problems, Win $1000 Government Technology reports that Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government has issued a new, Web-based case exploring how Michigan is tackling economic development where solutions rely heavily on information technology. It invites students to assess what Michigan has done so far, and then recommend priorities for the future. The winning student response will earn a cash prize of $1,000!

Two Michigan Cities Ranked in Global Knowledge Competitiveness MITECHNEWS.COM reports that Grand Rapids and Detroit were ranked in the top 15 in the 2005 edition of World Knowledge Competitiveness Index released Tuesday. The Index uses 19 knowledge economy benchmarks, including employment levels in the knowledge economy, patent registrations, R&D investment by the private and public sector, education expenditure, information and communication technology infra

2006 Michigan Reads! Preschool Book Announced The Library of Michigan has announced that the winner of its 2006 "Michigan Reads!" one-state, one-preschool-book program is Bed Hogs by Michgan author Kelly DiPucchio. The book is the story of Little Runt, who grows weary of sharing a straw bed with his parents and siblings and kicks them out (only to realize it's scary and lonesome without his family).

Legislature Approves Tax Cut, Welfare Changes The Detroit News reports that state lawmakers and Gov. Granholm struck a deal on a $600 million tax relief package for Michigan's manufacturers Tuesday. The newly passed plan revises the single business tax over a three-year period so that it's less of a penalty on a company's payroll because the tax levy would be almost completely based on its sales. The Visteon-Delphi tax break will be reworked

New Graduation Recommendations Headed to Legislature The Lansing State Journal reports that the State Board of Education unanimously adopted new recommendations yesterday calling for 18 required credits - four each in math and English, three each in science and social science, two in world languages and one each in physical education and the arts. State would have to approve the requirements and some school districts say they could have trouble get

Michigan Writer/Publisher Hits Big with Christmas Book The Northern Express has a feature on Has Anyone Seen Christmas?, a children's book by author Anne Margaret Lewis, owner of Mackinac Island Press. The book was illustrated by accomplished mural artist Wendy Popko who resides and works in the Detroit area. It has been astonishingly successful, with sales nearing 35,000 copies and projected to exceed 50,000 copies before Christmas.

Miller Seeking Constitutional Amendment The Detroit Free Press reports that US Rep. Candice Miller has collected 29 cosponsors for a bill to amend the Constitution so the number of U.S. citizens, instead of all people, would be used to determine the number of House members each state has after every census. Miller says Michigan and eight other states lost one member of Congress after the 2000 census, while California picked up 6 seats.

Senate Declares Michigan Christmas Tree The Lansing State Journal reports that Michigan's Senate joined the thorny Great Tree Debate on Tuesday, declaring the blue spruce in front of the Capitol is indeed a Christmas tree. The Senate resolution declares, "from this day forward, the tree and its graceful branches that adorn the Capitol lawn will be known as the Michigan Christmas Tree."

State Board Fails to Certify Affirmative Action Petition The Detroit News reports that following a raucous protest involving a couple of hundred Detroit area students, the state Board of State Canvassers failed again to place an affirmative action ban proposal on next year's ballot. The elections panel voted 2-1 to certify the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative for the November 2006 ballot, but three votes are required.

Detroit Lions Under Attack Lions fans are (apparently) in one of the fiestiest moods in the dark history of the franchise. Consider: * Mariucci and his best friend, Izzo, graduated from Iron Mountain High in 1973. Both went on to Northern Michigan, where Mariucci, a three-time most valuable player on the football team, was the starting quarterback for the 1975 NCAA Division II champions. Iron Mountain has now flipped b

Sales Tax Exemption for Energy Efficient Appliances Proposed The CNS reports that Rep. John Proos (R-St. Joseph) is proposing 6% sales tax exemptions air conditioners, dehumidifiers, washing machines, refrigerators, dishwashers, freezers, room air conditioners, air cleaners or water coolers labeled as energy efficient. The measure would be opposed by the Department of Treasury due to the impact on school aid, which proponents feel could be offset.

Woman Sews 100 Dresses for Detroit Girls The Detroit Free Press reports that forty years ago, upwards of 18,000 dresses for needy girls were purchased or hand-sewn by Free Press readers in response to the newspaper's Ruth Alden Dress Drive. Today 100 of 9,000 girls will receive a hand-sewn dress from retired Detroit Public Schools teacher Gertrude Ford. The girls are among 36,000 Detroit-area children who will receive Christmas gifts.

Can We Get Mickey Ears with that Diploma? CMU News reports on the relationship between Central Michigan University's recreation, parks and leisure services administration program and Walt Disney World. CMU sends 35-50 students to Disney for internships every year. Disney is now asking CMU to join a tuition exchange program that would bring international students to the United States in 2006 to spend a semester each at CMU and Disney.

Michigan Gains Residents ... Slowly The Detroit Free Press reports that Michigan has gained 182,380 residents since 2000, boosting population to 10.1 million people. Michigan's 1.8% growth since 2000 ranked 42nd among states. State officials said Michigan's declining birthrate, rising death rate and increased number of people migrating to other states contributed to slow growth. Mr. Stevens suggests that might be a good thing

Other States Driving Air Pollution in Muskegon The Muskegon Chronicle reports that even with most of the Muskegon area's gray iron foundries now closed, industrial air pollution still remains a threat because pollution drifts across Lake Michigan from factories in Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin. Analysis found that four of the state's five most at-risk neighborhoods are where many blacks reside in greater Muskegon.

Wine Bill Signed, May Be Unconstitutional Crain's Detroit Business reports that although Gov. Granholm signed bills yesterday to allow Michigan and non-Michigan wineries to ship to individual consumers, Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox recently told lawmakers there was the potential for an element of the legislation to be found unconstitutional: the fact that only Michigan wineries can to ship directly to retailers and restaurants.

Hunting for Super Bowl Jobs? The Detroit News reports that while several thousand temporary jobs will be created by the NFL's championship game, billed as the world's largest one-day sporting event, finding them will be hard work. The article gives a number of suggestions for would-be Super Bowl staff.

2005 Housing & Real Estate News Recap The Detroit Free Press has a recap of 2005 in real estate looking at major stories including rising interest rates, mortgage delinquencies (Michigan's delinquency and foreclosure rates are 50% higher than the national average, 2.8% of mortgages), slow home sales, loft & condominium developments, home improvements and "the bubble".

Anti-Takings Amendment Headed for Michigan Ballot in 2006 The Washington Times reports that the Michigan Legislature has become the first in the nation to adopt a proposed constitutional amendment that would prohibit the government from taking private property from its owner and giving it to a private interest for economic-development purposes or to increase tax revenues. The resolution moves to the Secretary of State and November ballot.

Michigan's Alternative Energy Future Inside Muskegon's latest podcast features an interview with Dr. Imad Mahawili, Executive Director of the Grand Valley State University Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center (MAREC). Very interesting!

Michigan Workers with Disabilities Find Less Opportunity The Detroit News reports that working-age people with disabilities in Michigan between 21 and 64 have an employment rate 37% in 2004, compared with 76% for people without disabilities. For men with disabilities, employment fell by 22% from 1989 to 2000. The article looks at some common myths regarding disabled workers and assistive technology like screen-reading and voice-activation software.

Southwestern States Raiding Great Lakes for Water? The Great Lakes Radio Consortium reports on the threat of large-scale water withdrawals from the Great Lakes and concludes that water withdrawals by Southwestern US states is very unlikely due to the energy required and that it would be cheaper to build desalinization plants.

Michigan Colleges Make Some Lectures Available Online The Detroit News reports on how some Michigan colleges are now offering lectures in the MP3 format (for iPods and other MP3 players), allowing students to download and listen to missed lectures. In the case of the UM school of Dentistry, Apple Computer manages the download of files. Some professors feel this use of technology cheapens the learning experience.

The Polar Express Comes to Michigan While growing up in Grand Rapids, Chris Van Allsburg remembers hearing train whistles and taking train rides with his father. Built in 1941, the Pere Marquette 1225 is an enormous steam locomotive, measuring one hundred feet long and sixteen feet high. Replaced in 1951 by a more efficient diesel engine, the 1225 was saved from the scrap heap and decades later, ended up in Owosso.

Ford Releases Report on Climate Change The Detroit Free Press reports that the Ford Motor Co. released a report yesterday about its efforts to reduce global-warming gases. The report also addresses the business implications of climate change, carbon dioxide emissions and global energy concerns, and was praised by environmental groups, who also called on General Motors for similar measures.

Shoreline Property Owners File with Supreme Court The Huron Daily Tribune that Save Our Shoreline (SOS) has filed with the U.S. Supreme Court, alleging that Michigan's Supreme Court "ignored Michigan law" in its decision in Glass v. Goeckel. In July of 2005, the Court held that the public trust doctrine protects people's rights to walk along the shores of the Great Lakes. Five Supreme Court judges would need to agree to review the case.

Gray Wolf May Be Removed from Endangered Species List The Mining Journal reports that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working on new federal proposals to reclassify gray wolves from endangered to threatened species across several states, including Michigan. The federal goal for wolf recovery in Michigan and Wisconsin was reached about a decade ago - 100 wolves on non-reservation lands, excluding Isle Royale National Park. A state recovery goal

Gull Lake May Be Next Intelligent Design Case The Detroit Free Press reports that the next court test on whether public schoolchildren can be taught that an intelligent force set the universe in motion could move to Michigan after a federal judge barred a Pennsylvania district from teaching intelligent design. The Thomas More Law Center has threatened to sue Gull Lake Community Schools for refusing to allow the teaching of intelligent design.

Bangor Angles for Bio-Diesel Plant WMMT TV (Kalamazoo) reports that city officials in Bangor (Van Buren County) want a new bio diesel plant built in town and are working with the state on a tax package to put Bangor on even financial ground with Fremont, Indiana, another possible plant location. A Michigan Bio-Diesel plant would create 22 new jobs and add $7 million to the Bangor tax base.

Conclusive Evidence of Cougar Attack Berrien County The Dowagiac Daily News reports that on Dec. 2, 2005, Berrien County became the first local government unit in Michigan to issue a public safety announcement asking residents to be on the alert for a cougar (mountain lion) and take precautions. A week later, the Michigan Wildlife Conservancy and local authorities investigated an attack on a Watervliet horse by a cougar

Great Lakes Water Resources Compact The Port Huron Times-Herald reports that (if it becomes law) the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact will require states to evaluate water withdrawal and its impact, implement water-conservation measures and regulate the removal of water from the basin. The Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River basin comprises 90% to 95% of the fresh surface water in the United States...

Republican Leader Targets Teacher Pension & Health Care mLive.com reports that Senate Majority Leader Ken Sikkema says he will push teacher pension and health care reform next year as he finishes his 20-year legislative career. Earlier this month, the Senate voted to approve changes in teacher health care, encouraging districts to join pools for employee health insurance and creating a statewide catastrophic loss claims pool. The legislation was tied t

Captain Jackson Stumbles The Detroit Free Press reports that starting several years ago, a masked man known as Captain Jackson patrolled the streets of Jackson's struggling downtown, rousting undesirables from dark corners, making sure merchants' doors were locked after hours, sidekicks: Crime Fighter Girl and Queen of Hearts. The revelation has caused the crime fighter to consider packing in his cape alter-ego

Happy Holidays from Absolute Michigan 2005 has been the year of the "War on Christmas", fought by everybody from Fox News anchors to the Michigan Legislature. At Absolute Michigan, we hope that whether you are celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Festivus or nothing at all, you and your loved ones enjoy it to the fullest.

Book Presents Small Town Beauty The Detroit News has a feature on In Drought Time: Scenes from Rural and Small Town Life, a new book by Bay City publisher Mayapple Press. The book is a collection of poetry and art that represents the beauty of the disappearing rural landscape and features the work of 21 award-winning poets appears in the volume, accompanied by illustrations.

Journalism's Next Generation The Lansing State Journal reports that some Lansing eighth-graders are taking part in a new program called Creating the Next Generation of Minority Journalists, a partnership between Michigan State University's journalism school and the Lansing State Journal. The teens each work with an LSJ or MSU mentor and learn about writing, ethics, photography, graphic design and online media.

Beaver Island Gears Up for Winter The Traverse City Record-Eagle has a feature on Beaver Island, a 15 by 6 mile island located 32 miles north and slightly west of Charlevoix in Lake Michigan. The island has only one town, St. James and from late-December until April, everyone and everything bound for Beaver Island must be flown in. Read the feature for a look at a life that's quite a bit different than what most of us know.

Robin, Black-Capped Chickadee & Kirtland's Warbler for State Bird The Lansing State Journal reports that there are bills advocating three Michigan state birds in the Legislature. In addition to the current state bird, the robin (also state bird of Connecticut & Wisconsin), bills are advocating the Kirtland's warbler, which breeds exclusively in Northern Michigan but is only a part-time resident and the black-capped chickadee (claimed by Massachusetts & Maine).

Visit the Great Lakes Town Hall The AP has a feature about the Great Lakes Town Hall, an online forum created by the Biodiversity Project. The site is designed to provide the 42 million residents of the states and Canadian provinces that border the Great Lakes an arena where they can discuss and debate issues affecting the Great Lakes. Each week, the Town Hall features guest speakers Michigan writer Jerry Dennis

Inside Muskegon: Edison Landing SmartZone The latest episode of the Inside Muskegon podcast is online. It features an interview with Chris Kelly of the Edison Landing SmartZone. Also has a brief plug for Absolute Michigan ... thanks Jason!

Michigan's High Speed Rail the first in Midwest The Chicago Tribune reports that the Midwest's first high-speed passenger trains are cruising along at speeds of almost 100 miles per hour on Amtrak's Wolverine service in Michigan which utilize a technology known as positive train control. The only faster rail in the US is Amtrak's Northeast corridor where Acela trains reach speeds of 150 MPH.

Governor Vetoes Welfare Package The Detroit News reports Gov. Granholm vetoed a six-bill welfare package saying: "I simply will not sign a bill that will have the effect of forcing families with children into utter economic desperation and homelessness". House Speaker Craig DeRoche countered "Michigan is the only state in the Midwest to offer lifetime welfare benefits -- a policy we simply cannot afford financially or socially".

Bill Threatens Weather Service Forecasts The Chicago Tribune reports that although the National Weather Service's constantly updated forecasts can be a lifesaver on the unpredictable Great Lakes, these free and comprehensive radio reports could become a thing of the past. A bill sponsored by Sen. Rick Santorum (R-Pa.) would allow the commerce secretary could stop the National Weather Service and its parent, the National Oceanic and Atmos

Top Michigan Political Stories of 2005 Detroit Free Press political writer Dawson Bell takes a look back at the top political stories of 2005 including the entry of Grand Rapids businessman Dick Devos into the race for Michigan Governor, the sordid Fieger-Cox campaign finance/sex/blackmail scandal and the looming battle in 2006 over the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative.

Absolute Michigan Link #4000 On December 28, 2005, Absolute Michigan added its 4000th link to the web site of Hamilton-Anderson Associates. Hamilton-Anderson is a Detroit, Michigan company providing services that include architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning, civil engineering, and interior & graphic design. Visit Hamilton-Anderson Associates

Absolute Michigan Launches Michigan Photo Blog New for 2006 is Michigan in Pictures, a blog that will showcase photos of the Great Lakes State. We'll try to bring you a new photo (lots from Flickr) every day and we'll also be checking out professional & amateur photographers' web sites and other spots where the beauty of the Great Lakes State is presented. We hope to add video and info about movies being filmed in Michigan as well!

Auto Industry Seeks to Climb Out of Its Ashes The Detroit Free Press has a typically excellent series on how the decline if the auto industry is affecting workers, how they're adapting and what the auto industry of the future will be. While it starts fairly gloomily, the pieces on young workers moving into Michigan's auto industry and the Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance plant, a DaimlerChrysler, Mitsubishi and Hyundai joint in Dundee.

Chilly Superstitions plus a Blizzard of Snow Information The Detroit News has an AP feature talking about some rituals from folks in cold-weather climes to encourage wintry weather. In Michigan's Upper Peninsula, where snow attracts skiers and snowmobilers, they have the Finnish-American "Heikki Lunta" song and dance (named for the snow god Hank Snow). The article also looks at kids' efforts to invoke the all important Snow Day.

Report to Call for Additional Power Plants The Detroit Free Press reports that a Michigan Public Service Commission report on the state's electric generation capacity is scheduled to be released today. The report is expected to call for two large coal-fired power plants by 2011 to avoid likely shortages. The facilities are know as base-load plants, generate between 500 and 1,000 megawatts and are the largest source of power for customers.

Eaton Rapids Mushers are World-Class The Lansing State Journal has a profile of Ken and Julie Roggow of Eaton Rapids. The couple have been racing sled dogs for many years and have won three world championships with their Siberian Husky teams. In 2005, Ken finished 9th in the US (3rd in Michigan). Michigan has two of the largest speed races in the world, the Mackinaw Mush and the Kalkaska Winterfest sled dog race.

Great Lakes Town Hall Features Author Barbara Spring This week's speaker at the Great Lakes Town Hall is Grand Haven author Barbara Spring, writer of The Dynamic Great Lakes, a critically acclaimed book about the ever changing Great Lakes ecosystems, and The Wilderness Within, a book of nature poetry and essays. You're invited to visit and participate in discussion. Every week, there's a new guest speaker, so sign up for their email!

Annual Riverbend Model Railroad Club Show, Wyoming Annual event will be held in early January in Wyoming featuring new and used railroad items of all scales and railroad related antiques, crafts, artwork, videos, books, and electronics.

The Michigan Reader: Michigan books, authors & publishers All January on Absolute Michigan we're going to be talking about Michigan books: authors, writers & illustrators and also publishers of Michigan books and the great bookstores all over the state.

Sled Dog Race, Jan 7th & 8th; Oscoda

Snowshoe Hike, Jan 10th; Midland

24th Annual Plymouth International Ice Sculpture Spectacular, Jan 16th - 22nd Wielding chisels, saws and picks, teams of ice artists and chefs from around the globe transform tons of ice into 200-plus shimmering sculptures will be on hand from Jan 16-22, 2006 at Kellogg Park in Plymouth. Cartoon characters and other creatures delight the crowds, and when the sun sets, colored lights sparkle on the scenes all over the downtown Plymouth area. (734) 453-1540

Abramoff Scandal Impacts Saginaw Chippewa Tribe The Lansing State Journal reports that the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan was among the tribes caught up in the web of federal conspiracy, fraud and tax evasion charges filed yesterday against lobbyist Jack Abramoff and former partner Michael Scanlon. Abramoff and Scanlon's firm was retained by the Mount Pleasant based tribe in 2002 to perform lobbying and grass roots services.

Running Onto Ford Field ... and Not Being Arrested The Detroit Free Press reports that if your group of 20 or more is among the first 2,000 people to sign up online today to be in the pregame and halftime festivities at Super Bowl XL, you'll get to be on the field while Stevie Wonder performs in the Motown-themed pregame show and the Rolling Stones perform at halftime.

Northern Michigan City Goes Virtual The Traverse City Record-Eagle has a feature on "Virtual Frankfort", a digitized version of the Benzie county city. Shops, restaurants, city hall, and streets can be navigated like a video game (albiet a 1992 game). It's hoped that the technology will attract visitors to Frankfort businesses (or at least their web sites). City planners could also require developers to build virtual models of propo

Great Lakes Songwriting Contest Announced MichiganBands.com announces that the 2006 Great Lakes Songwriting Contest is now open to residents of the eight Great Lakes states and the Province of Ontario. Formerly the Michigan Songwriting Contest, the new contest features a Grand Prize of $1000 cash. There will be 13 winning songs, great prizes and five of the top winners will have a chance to perform in a live concert.

A Strategy for Great Lakes Action The Michigan Land Use Institute lays out a 10-point strategy for state leaders designed to inspire innovation, accelerate job growth, strengthen the economy, and enhance the Great Lakes. Recommendations include establishing a Water Resources Trust Fund, a tax shift from profits to activities like pollution & wasteful water extraction and encouraging water-friendly technologies.

Tip-Up Town USA, Jan 21-22 & 28-29; Houghton Lake

Budget Surplus Found, Might Avert Mid-Year Budget Cuts mLive reports that mid-year state budget cuts (a Michigan tradition since 2001) could be averted as higher tax revenues and unspent funds have produced an unexpected surplus of nearly $320 million in Michigan's treasury. Business tax cuts will cost $60-$100 million in fiscal 2006, and a House-passed measure pending in the Senate would provide about $35 million in additional revenue to schools.

State Official Steps Down to Head Prima Civitas Crain's Detroit Business reports that Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth Director David Hollister is stepping down to lead a new Lansing-area regional economic-development organization. The new organization is called Prima Civitas, Latin for "first city". The organization will encourage education, manufacturing, agriculture, life-science and information-technology sectors.

Abramoff Allegations Grow in Michigan (updated) The Gun Lake Tribe (Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians) is alleging that lobbyist Jack Abramoff was hired to help stall the building of their new casino. According to their news release "Investigations to date have shown that Jack Abramoff and his partner Michael Scanlon were paid more than $14 million by a past tribal council of the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe to prevent the development of competing Indian casinos in Michigan, including the Gun Lake Tribe's proposed casino in Wayland Township." The tribe also says that Congressman Peter Hoekstra received campaign contributions from Abramoff's former lobbying firm, Greenberg Traurig and should return or donate the money.

Cold? How About a Little Bikram Yoga The Northern Express says that if a tropical getaway isn't possible this winter, you may want to consider making the trip to a Bikram Yoga studio, where the workouts are often conducted above 100 degrees Fahrenheit (with 50% humidity). The yoga path is named after Bikram Choudhury, a superstar in the world of yoga.

Designs Through Time: Motorcycles Past, Present and Future, Jan 14th - Apr 2nd; Midland

E85 Fuel in Michigan The Detroit Free Press has a feature on E85. Also known as "flex fuel", E85 is a blend of gasoline and ethanol made from corn or other crops. Only 4 Michigan gas stations offer E85 (500 nationwide), but the number is expected rise to about 2,500 by year-end as filling stations take advantage of new tax credits for the costs of retro-fitting pumps and tanks.

Kilpatrick Inauguration Address Calls for Regional Unity The Detroit Free Press reports that in his second inaugural address Thursday, Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick offered a vision of Detroit that embraces its rough edges and gritty image, where black, white, city residents and suburbanites join to rebuild a once-grand industrial metropolis. The Freep looks at reactions to the speech, checks the facts and offers a pretty cool video montage set to the speech.

North American International Auto Show, Jan 14th - 22nd; Detroit

Michigan Statehood Day Celebration, Jan 28th; Lansing When Michigan entered the Union on January 26, 1837, it was the fastest-growing territory in the country. What was life like during the early years of the nation's 26th state? Find out during Michigan's Statehood Day.

Bob Marley Birthday Bash, Jan 28th; Kalamazoo Ambassador David’s Productions is proud to announce the return of the “Bob Marley Birthday Bash Tour” to the State Theatre, Kalamazoo, MI. This will be an evening of music and dance paying tribute to the king of Reggae music, on his 61st Birthday and the 25th anniversary of Bob’s passing in 1981. Bob is the most recognize entertainer to come out of a third world country.

International 500 Snowmobile Race, Jan 30th - Feb 4th; Sault Sainte Marie The I-500 is known throughout North America as the oldest and fastest snowmobile race around...

UP Power Company Selling Reservoir Land The Mining Journal reports that the Upper Peninsula Power Co. is divesting itself of thousands of acres of land surrounding reservoirs in the Upper Peninsula. Late last week the company announced the sale to Naterra Land of about 9,200 acres of property surrounding the Bond Falls, Boney Falls and Cataract Basin reservoirs and is also seeking to sell property surrounding the Autrain Flowage in Alge

State Lawmakers Look to Warm Things Up The Lansing State Journal reports that with heating bills up over 50%, Michigan lawmakers are working on legislation that would cover more low-income residents and give them more aid, prevent utility shutoffs during the winter months and offer tax credits to people who buy energy-efficient appliances.

Study Looks at Mass Transit in SE Michigan The Detroit News reports that a report from the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments found those who drive between Ann Arbor and Detroit would use public transportation as long as the ride were as quick as a car, stations were convenient to home and workplace and service operated on a reliable schedule. Options include light rail line, express bus routes and commuter railroad.

Build Michigan! News Updates Check the links in the green bar below for news updates related to Build Michigan.

2005 Michigan Wine Grape Harvest Spectacular The Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council reports that the third-warmest summer in state history led to an early harvest of completely mature and healthy grapes. Although the quantity was about average, the quality was again rated as far above average, making 4 straight years of excellent vintages.

Warm Wet Winter Means Trouble for Loggers The Lansing State Journal reports that the mild winter weather is hurting Upper Peninsula lumber operations. Typically, the ground will be be frozen by December, but the woods are still muddy, limiting the State Forest areas available to logging and severely impacting logging companies bottom line. Winter logging can account for up to 3/4 of logging.

"Ain't I A Woman", Feb 10th, 11th and 12th; Southfield

Sarakasi African Acrobats, Jan 29th; Kalamazoo A fusion of cultures from Kenya, Tanzania and Ethiopia performed with authentic music and costumes, Sarakasi is the first truly authentic African circus. Produced completely in Africa utilizing native choreographers, costumes and set designers, the astounding feats of the Sarakasi African Acrobats are not to be missed.

Russian National Ballet: Sleeping Beauty, Jan 22nd; Kalamazoo

Fewer Michigan Teens Dying, More Abused or Neglected The Lansing State Journal reports that fewer Michigan teens are dying, getting arrested, having babies and dropping out of school according to Kids Count in Michigan Data Book 2005, an annual report on the state of Michigan's youth. However, there were 29,737 confirmed cases of abuse or neglect in 2004, about 40% higher than in 1995.

Republicans Turn Attention to Small Business The Detroit Free Press reports that Republican lawmakers announced plans to seek a cut in the state's alternative business tax for small businesses from 2% to 1%, reducing taxes for Michigan's 30,000 small businesses by an average of $700. They also hope to head off proposed tougher ergonomic standards on businesses which they say would be too costly for employers. Gov. Granholm's office responded

News Review Talks with DeVos The Petoskey News-Review has a fairly detailed article relating the position of Michigan gubinatorial candidate Dick DeVos that is well worth a read. In addition to his assessment of issues facing the state, the article also discusses Devos's plans to eliminate the state's Single Business Tax, substantially reduce personal property taxes and agressively promote Michigan as a tourist destination.

Great Lakes Joins Science Education Network The Traverse City Record-Eagle has a feature on a new program that will bring together research scientists and science teachers for workshops, curriculum development and other projects aimed at improving Great Lakes education. The program should help produce Great Lakes science lessons that can be used in schools across the region and that take advantage of the latest scientific information.

Restaurant Group Forecasts Modest Sales Increase for 2006 Crain's Detroit Business reports that the Michigan Restaurant Association expects sales for the state's food and beverage industry to increase by about 4.1% in 2006, a slower growth rate than many other states. Michigan restaurant sales to top $12.3 billion in 2006, up from projected 2005 sales of $11.8 billion (estimated 4.4% sales increase).

Michigan's Housing Market Receives Gloomy Rating The Detroit Free Press reports that while most of the country is seeing a relatively upbeat housing market forecast, three of the nation's top economists speaking at the International Home Builder's Show in Orlando singled out Michigan as a state that will continue to struggle with housing growth and appreciation, escalating foreclosure rates and an overall dreadful economy. Some areas of the co

Michigan Mall Picks up 7-11 as Advertiser The Detroit News reports that Michigan Mall, a localized Internet search engine and online directory has picked up 7-Eleven as an advertiser as the convenience store giant seeks to sell franchises in Michigan. According to the article, there has been a trend over the last seven or eight years towards vertical portals, portals that are dedicated to a single industry or topic.

Northern UP Ski Trails in Great Shape While most of Michigan remains in the grip of a mini-heat wave, the Mining Journal reports that northern UP cross-country ski trails are in great condition, despite a lack of significant recent snowfall. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore has 11 miles of groomed ski trails at Grand Marais and another 11 at Munising. Also highlighted are Al Quaal Recreation Area in Ishpeming and Noquemanon Trail.

Anatomy of a Murder at Old Town Playhouse, Jan 13th - 28th; Traverse City The Traverse City Record-Eagle has a feature on the production of Robert Traver's classic Anatomy of a Murder that will open this Friday (Jan 13) at Old Town Playhouse in Traverse City. Traver was the pen name of UP lawyer and Michigan Supreme Court justice John D. Voelker, is set in Marquette and runs Thursdays through Saturdays Jan 13-28.

Remembering Martin Luther King Jr. 2006 Martin Luther King Jr. would have been 77 this Sunday. The links below provide information on various celebrations, activities and remembrances throughout Michigan.

Sundance Channel Documentary Series to Feature Watersmeet Nimrods The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that Sundance Channel founder Robert Redford announced Thursday the production of an eight-part documentary series celebrating a small town in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and its high school basketball team. "Nimrod Nation," is scheduled to air on the cable channel in 2007 and will be set in Watersmeet (located on the Wisconsin-Michigan border).

The Last "Bad Economic News for Michigan" Forecast We'll Post ... The Lansing State Journal reports that Michigan's leading economists warned Thursday that more tough times lie ahead: more plant closings, more layoffs, fewer jobs - at least through 2007. State officials project Michigan's unemployment rate will average 7.1 percent this year and next (up nearly 1% from November 2005). Regarding auto industry predictions, Sean McAlinden, chief economist for the Ce

Munising Ice Festival Earlier this week the Detroit Free Press had a feature on ice climbing and the annual Michigan Ice Fest. The event will be held Feb. 2-5 on the shores of Lake Superior and will attract about 400 spectators and climbers. During the festival, anyone can try climbing. Ice columns as thick as 40 feet and as high as 200 feet form along Pictured Rocks because water seeps from sandstone rocks.

Land Sales Planned by UP Power Company Raise Concerns AP writer John Flesher reports the company seemed to be planning "extensive shoreline development" that would conflict with license requirements. Among them: providing walk-in public access for hunting, fishing and sightseeing; retaining the shorelines' natural appearance; and protecting wildlife habitat and old growth forests.

Concentrations of Chemical Found in Lakes, Effect Unclear The Detroit Free Press reports that a little-studied fire retardant has accumulated in Great Lakes sediment and game fish for decades without detection, according to new research. Dechlorane Plus was found in the sediment of lakes Erie and Michigan, in regional air samples and in the tissues of walleye in Lake Erie. It is unclear what health impacts on humans or animals (if any) might be caused.

Disney's THE LION KING, Jan 19th - Mar 5th; East Lansing

Martin Luther King's Legacy In addition to checking out our partial list of Michigan MLK Day events, you may want to read these items on the impact of Dr. King on Michigan including the "Listen - Learn - Live" program that will gather people from different religions, backgrounds, race and opinions to work on issues of race in Macomb County. Something we didn't know: Michigan Congressman John Conyers introduced legislation

Sulfide Mining Regulations Draw Mixed Reactions AP writer John Flesher reports that the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality has completed a set of nonferrous mining regulations, drawing praise from an industry spokesman but complaints from environmentalists who say the rules are too weak. Jon Cherry, environment & governmental affairs manager for Kennecott Minerals (a company planning a mine near the headwaters of the Salmon Trout River

Kendall College Students Make Midwest Snowboarding Film The Grand Rapids Press has a feature on three seniors at Kendall College of Art and Design who are creating their own snowboarding film. "Midwest What!" will combine footage shot by the creators and clips submitted by other riders to show snowboarders in Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Indiana. Ken Taylor, a snowboard instructor at Cannonsburg Ski Area says "There's always been a huge skiing...

Governor Floats Across the Board Per-Student Increase The Lansing State Journal reports that Gov. Granholm will ask the Legislature to raise K-12 public per-student funding for the state's 1.7 million students by $25 statewide during the current fiscal year at a cost of $42.5 million. The plan that passed the House and is pending in the Senate would seek to improve math scores by giving an extra $49 for every sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grader.

Return of the Diesel Crain's Detroit Business reports that Mercedes-Benz (5 models this fall) and Honda, BMW, Nissan and Chrysler (3-5 years) announced plans at the North American International Auto Show to introduce fuel-saving diesel engines in cars and trucks. Factors leading to the return of diesel include cleaner, low-sulfur fuel available in September, breakthroughs in fuel injection and emissions technology

Good Grades for Michigan's Mountain Biking Trails According to the 2005 International Mountain Biking Association Report Card of US trail systems, Michigan's mountain biking trails are among the best in the nation. With a B+ ranking, Michigan trailed only Virginia, West Virginia, Utah, Arizona and Colorado. Ratings are based not only on trail quality, quantity and access for off-road bicycling, but also strength of local organizations.

Youth Sports: Yet Another Thing Violence Doesn't Go With The Detroit News takes a hard look at how out-of-control parents or fans are making things difficult and dangerous for youth sports coaches and officials. A survey by SportingKid magazine of over 3300 parents found that 84% had witnessed violent parental behavior (shouting, berating, abusive language) toward children, team coaches or officials. Another by Sports Illustrated's S.I. for Kids...

Lawrence Tech Selected for Solar Home Challenge The Great Lakes IT Report tipped us off to the news that the US Dept. of Energy has selected Lawrence Technological University as one of only 20 worldwide schools to compete in the 2007 Solar Decathlon. Teams are given $100,000 over the two year contest and are challenged to design, build, and operate the most livable, energy-efficient completely solar-powered house....

Motown Winter Blast, Detroit Michigan

Bookstores in Michigan's Upper Peninsula There must be more bookstores in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, but these are the only ones we could find with web pages. If you know of any UP Michigan bookstores that we missed, let us know!

Michigan Legislator's Attendence Records The Detroit Free Press has a feature that looks at the worst attendance (and best - 17 had perfect records) in the Michigan House and Michigan Senate. Jack McHugh, a legislative analyst and manager of MichiganVotes.org cautions against making assumptions about the voting records. McHugh said it appears that the number of legislators who missed dozens of

Funding for IT, Life Sciences & Alternative Energy Companies MITECHNEWS.COM reports that the 2006 Michigan Growth Capital Symposium issued a call Monday for applications to pitch hundreds of potential investors at the 25th anniversary Symposium in May. Companies in the information technology, life sciences and alternative energy industries may apply.

Lansing Area Looks to Build Upon the Arts The Lansing City Pulse reports on the state of the arts in the greater Lansing area - hot enough for new Mayor Virg Bernero to devote one of his six transition task forces to the arts, culture, entertainment and tourism. This is an interesting and very detailed look at myriad of issues in mid-Michigan including branding, communication challenges and local & regional arts efforts.

Seldom Blues Is Freep Restaurant Choice

Cars, Coneys, Mott & Moore, Flint It's an EXPLOSION of Flint trivia. Discover the people, ideas and things that sprang from our community. Check out Flint favorites like Chevettes and Coney dogs, alongside the unexpected - and sometimes- quirky Flint originals like lint rollers and ice cube trays.

A T.Rex Named SUE, Jan 28th-Apr 23rd; Midland

Levin Calls for Apollo Class Program to Help Michigan Manufacturers The Lansing State Journal reports that Sen. Carl Levin urged Congress to pursue "an Apollo-type program" on Wednesday to help the manufacturing sector in Michigan battle a loss of jobs overseas. Levin said a series of steps would be needed to help deal with the nation's loss of about 3 million manufacturing jobs since the middle of 2000 including changes to the tax code, help on rising health care

Lions Hire Relative Unknown as Head Coach The Detroit Free Press reports that the Detroit Lions have hired Rod Marinelli as their new head coach. Marinelli was the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' assistant head coach and defensive line coach and was selected over former Saints coach Jim Haslett, Steeler line coac Russ Grimm and a number of other candidates. Of interest is the fact that he has never been a coordinator or head coach at any level.

Michigan Internet ... by the Pixel The Great Lakes IT Report had news of Rochester Internet service provider Enterprise Expectation Systems' launch of TopMichiganWebsites.com. The page is modeled after the successful UK based Million Dollar Homepage (minus porn ads). EES will also donate up to 20% of proceeds to Michigan nonprofits and are seeking requests for funding.

Michigan Unemployment Falls in 2005, Rises for Last Month The Detroit Free Press reports that Michigan's 6.8% average annual unemployment rate for 2005 showed a decline of 0.3 percentage points from 2004's annual rate of 7.1%. Overall, the state lost 24,000 jobs in 2005. The Department of Labor and Economic Growth reported Wednesday that the Michigan jobless rate rose 0.1 percentage point to 6.7% (still above the national rate of 4.9%).

Update on the West Michigan Real Estate Market WZZM TV-13 Grand Rapids reports that real estate analysts say there is a buyers market in West Michigan with plenty of new homes up for sale. It's a trend that began last year. The home builders association of Grand Rapids says housing starts fell by 6% between 2004 and 2005. Prices have outpaced inflation in West Michigan, meaning homeowners are getting their money's worth out of their houses.

Granholm to Announce Scholarship Changes in State of the State The Detroit Free Press reports that Gov. Jennifer Granholm is expected to announce additional funds for college students in her State of the State speech Wednesday night. The governor and Senate have a plan to revamp the Michigan Merit Scholarship to increase the total money for students to $4,000 (currently $2,500), with half given during their first 2 years of college and the rest afterward.

Wynton Marsalis & the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, Jan 22nd & 25th; Ann Arbor & East Lansing

MCWT Offers Scholarships for Female Technology Students $20,000 in scholarships and stipends for laptops are available for female senior high school and college candidates pursuing technology education courtesy the Michigan Council of Women in Technology Foundation. Also a technology camp at Lawrence Tech where 4th-7th grade girls design web pages, take apart computers, build and program robots, and learn about digital photography.

ROBO - Recycled and Kinetic Art, Jan 22nd-Feb17th; East Jordan

Ford to Announce Restructuring, Secret Project & 2005 Profit Revealed The Detroit News has a report on the Piquette Project, a secret research project begun by Ford that aims to develop renewable, clean and safe vehicles that are both socially conscious and provide a competitive advantage in the marketplace. This morning the automaker will unveil its "Way Forward" restructuring plan today, which is expected to call for at least 25,000 job cuts.

Gov. Granholm to Deliver 4th State of the State Governor Jennifer Granholm will deliver her 4th State of the State speech on Wednesday (Jan 25) at 7 PM. The Detroit Free Press takes a detailed look at what the governor inherited in 2002, what she's done since and the current situation in various areas of Michigan including education, medicaid, roads, the environment and the budget deficit.

This Week in Detroit Football: Bus Comes Home, Jauron Breaks HC Curse The Detroit News reports that Super Bowl XL will be a homecoming for Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jerome "The Bus" Bettis from Detroit Mackenzie High School. Also, outgoing interim head coach Dick Jauron has been hired as coach of the Buffalo Bills. Jauron, a former Lions defensive back & Pro Bowl return specialist became the first Lions head coach to get another head coaching job in the NFL.

Measure to Ban Affirmative Action to Appear on November Ballot The State News reports that the state Board of State Canvassers voted unanimously Friday for a revised version of the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative (MCRI) to appear on the ballot after public hearings and testimonies. The initiative would make it unconstitutional to take race, gender, skin color, ethnicity or national origin into account for public contracting, employment and education.

Line of Michigan Healthy Foods to Benefit Cass Community The Detroit Free Press has a feature on Just Belicious Granola, a new product line created by Kathleen Daelemans of Sylvan Lake is the author of three books about healthful eating, a chef involved with numerous restaurant starts and a diet expert. She plans to donate money from sales of the food products to Cass Community Social Services. The agency is working with her on the venture.

American Perspectives: Highlights of Works by African American Artists from the Collection of the FIA, Jan 28th-Apr 2nd; Flint

Snowsuit Effort Photo Blog Nominated for Award The Snowsuit Effort, a Michigan based blog, is a finalist for "Best Photography of a Weblog" in the 2006 Bloggies. The prestigious (at least in the Blog-o-verse) Web Log Award is now in its sixth year and voting is open until 10:00 PM EST on Sunday, January 31. The Snowsuit Effort is an unflinching and compassionate look at the streets of Detroit.

Michigan Author is 2006 Newbery Medal Winner The 2006 Newbery Medal has been awarded to Criss Cross (Greenwillow Books) written by Lynne Rae Perkins of Cedar, Michigan. Criss Cross The medal was the world's first children's book award and has been awarded annually since 1922 to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. (not spelled Newberry!)

Weavings of War: Fabrics of Memory, Jan 22 - June 11; East Lansing Weavings of War: Fabrics of Memory is a landmark exhibition that features textiles made in a variety of techniques and for different purposes by artists--mostly women--who have incorporated pictorial imagery in their work to communicate their personal and collective experiences with war.

Michigan Cougar Watch: Escaped Pets or Wild Population? The Dowagiac Daily News continues its coverage of Michigan cougars with a report on whether or not wild cougars inhabit Michigan or whether they're a few former illegal pets. DNR wildlife biologist Dave Bostick is quoted as saying: "...we think there's only a handful of cougars in Michigan and, at least in this part of the state we think most of them are escaped cats...

The Spirit of Detroit & Sculptor Marshall Fredericks The Detroit News has a detailed feature with great photos on sculptor Marshall Fredericks. In addition to the Spirit of Detroit, Fredericks created numerous other sculptures in Detroit and Michigan including the Cross in the Woods, a 55-foot redwood crucifix in northern lower Michigan near Indian River.

Sending Unsolicited IMs to Michigan Children Carries Penalties MITECHNEWS.COM reports that sending unsolicited instant messages to children in Michigan will now carry the same fines and as sending kids unsolicited emails under changes made Monday by the Michigan Public Service Commission. The MPSC said it opened the Protect MI Child registry to instant messenger IDs, mobile text messaging and fax numbers.

Trails in Great Condition for UP XC Ski Race The Mining Journal reports that trails are in great shape for the 8th annual 51K Subaru Noquemanon Ski Marathon. The cross-country ski race begins at the Al Quaal Recreation Area in Ishpeming this Saturday morning and ends at the Superior Dome in Marquette. The event draws about 1,100 participants, including world-class skiers from across the continent.

James Sewell Ballet, Jan 31; Interlochen

Brownfield Redevelopment Boosts Michigan's Economy The Michigan Land Use Institute has a special report that explores brownfield redevelopment in Michigan. Michigan's brownfield redevelopment program is responsible for 14,000 new jobs since the mid-1990s and $3.8 billion in private investment since 2000, according to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and is the most successful state urban redevelopment program of the past generation.

Bush to GM & Ford: Develop a Product That's Relevant The Detroit Free Press reports on a Wall Street Journal interview with President Bush. The President discouraged any thought that the federal government might provide a Chrysler-style financial bailout. Bush also called on GM, Ford and others to be careful about backing away from fully meeting pension obligations ...

Supreme Court Ruling Clears Way for Toyota Plant The Michigan Supreme Court upheld a Court of Appeals ruling that ruling that the state could consider a lower offer for a piece of property because the proposal would create highly skilled jobs and foster technological research and development. This apparently clears the way for Toyota to build a $150-million research center on 690 acres of state land near Ann Arbor expected to bring 400 jobs.

Detroit Flavored Super Bowl Spread The Hub & Noise has an excellent feature on adding local flavor to your Super Bowl spread (w/ great links). Recommended fare includes Detroit-style Coneys, Better Made potato chips, Sanders Hot Fudge and (of course) Faygo & Vernors. The Detroit News takes matters a step further with some surprising recipes including Better Made Potato Chip-Encrusted Lake Perch. Dig in!

How to sneak into the hottest Super Bowl parties in Detroit You're broke. You don't have the hundreds of dollars required to get into the coolest Super Bowl parties. You're not a celebrity. You don't "know people." You've resigned yourself to sitting home all weekend watching the beautiful people stream in and out of the hippest clubs. Well, stop pouting -- there's another way in. It's called party crashing.

Eminemís ěShady Bowl Super Partyî Tickets Available to Public Friday Jan 27th at 10 AM Happy news for local fans of Eminem’s Shady Records: The label has opted to sell public tickets for its State Theatre concert, a Feb. 4 event expected to be among the city’s hottest Super Bowl weekend shindigs.

Planning to come downtown Detroit for Super Bowl? The Freep.com Guide to Downtown Detroit shows where to park, where to eat and drink, where to shop and where to have fun.

RenČ-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle Besides achieving many "firsts," René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, was one of Michigan's most controversial early explorers. His biographers offer contrasting views of a man who explored much of North America. La Salle also built the first sailing vessel on the Great Lakes, the Griffon. (The Griffin was designed to move furs, but sank on its maiden voyage.)...

Super All Year Mitch Albom has a compelling column that discusses his reaction to visiting the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries, site of a three-day "party" over Super Bowl weekend that will provide food and a big-screen TV for Detroit's homeless ... and would also cut the visibility of our most downtrodden citizens. "S.A.Y. Detroit" stands for Super All Year.

GM Loses Almost $9 Billion in 2005, Warns of More Cuts As if the news from the auto industry was not bleak enough, the Lansing State Journal reports that General Motors announced yesterday that it lost $4.8 billion in the fourth quarter that ended in December, and $8.6 billion for all of 2005 on revenue of $192.6 billion. GM has hinted that the jobs bank, where laid off workers continue to receive full wages and benefits, could be targeted for cuts.

Counterfeit Super Bowl XL Ticket Alert The Detroit News reports that police and NFL security officials are warning fans to be alert for counterfeit Super Bowl XL tickets. The article describes the tickets in detail including the fact that on the back of the tickets is the numeral 40 in ink that disappears when heated. Folks are cautioned against buying tickets on the street or over the Internet, and to be aware that sports bars...

Interview with Actor & Playwright Jeff Daniels The Detroit Free Press has a nice interview with Jeff Daniels, Michigan actor & playwright whose tenth play, "Guest Artist," opens tonight at the Purple Rose Theatre. Daniels is also expected to receive an Academy Award nomination next week for his performance in "The Squid and the Whale".

Ann Arbor Folk Festival, Jan 27th & 28th; Ann Arbor

Rock My Soul, Jan 31st; Detroit

Jazz - Music Of Miles Davis, Jan 27th; Detroit Miles Davis devotee Eddie Henderson and saxophonist Antonio Hart join Kind of Blue session drummer Jimmy Cobb, the last surviving member of that legendary Davis sextet, for the ultimate tribute.

Only Ford Vehicles Allowed in Dearborn Plant Lot CNNMoney.com reports that employees at Ford's Dearborn Truck Plant in Dearborn, Mich., will have to drive Ford Motor Co. vehicles to work or park across the street, the plant manager announced earlier this week.

Media will get a taste of Michigan Department of Agriculture will host a daily spread of our foods and wines.

Dream No. 2 and Holga Goodness, photo by rckrawczykjr

Super Bowl XL: 6 Days and Counting Here's a sampling of what the media is serving up this morning about Detroit and the Super Bowl. Discover the many faces of Detroit architecture, Super Bowl XL a new look for Detroit, Homecoming brings memories for Bettis family, Detroit is getting slimmer, but the food is still good, MDOT's traffic "game plan" for Detroit, Ford Field gets ready for XL ... our camera man gets some shots.

GMO Battle Brewing in Michigan The Lansing State Journal reports on a budding battle in Lansing over legislation that pits natural, chemical-free crops and organic farmers against genetically engineered seeds. Under a bill in the state Senate, Michigan would join 14 other states that have prevented local governments from barring the planting of genetically modified crops. Up to 85% of U.S. soybeans are genetically modified...

Chinese & Muslim New Years Chinese calendar's Year of the Dog. Article explores traditions, Asian cuisine and the growing influence of Eastern culture. According to the Census, 11,783 Asians were living in the tri-county region in 2000, a 40% increase over 1990. Muslims around the world will welcome the New Year 1427. In Islam, a new year is not a universal cause for the kind of celebrations thrown in many cultures.

NFL Auction to Benefit SE Michigan Boys & Girls Club EBay auction that launched on Friday of over 125 plaster footballs, decorated and autographed by athletes from all 32 NFL teams, national and local sports media and football-related personalities. The auction was created by Bloomfield Hills developers Taubman Centers Inc. and proceeds will benefit Detroit's NFL/Youth Education Town - Boys & Girls Club, a new, state-of-the-art youth center.

Figuring Out Employment (and lack thereof) in Michigan The Detroit News reports that statistics regarding employment in Michigan are expected to take center stage in the 2006 gubernatorial contest. A key consideration is whether or not to include self-employed individuals in the stats. If they are added, Michigan gained 99,000 jobs during Granholm's tenure. Remove them, and the state lost 160,000 jobs.

Michigan Player's Tour announces 2006 events

Five Things You (Really) Need to Know About Michigan Check them out, add to the list

Super Bowl XL Recap 40th Super Bowl: Detroit is Steel City,The Bus, Hines Ward, Steeling the game?, Jerome Bettis McKenzie High School highlights, Rollings Stones bleeped twice, Super Bowl party scene, XL money, economists estimate impact, real Detroit, Super Bowl commercials, superbowl

Absolute Michigan's Guide to Super Bowl XL NFL EXPERIENCE AT SUPER BOWL XL at COBO CENTER in DETROIT, MI. The NFL Experience is the most exciting continuous event surrounding Super Bowl XL -- an interactive theme park offering participating games, displays and entertainment attractions. Will also include: autograph sessions, the largest football card show ever, chat sessions with coaches, clinics and "Football 101:

Super Bowl Watch - 4 Days & Counting Super Bowl XL Guide, exotic hairstyles, Media day, Journalists and athletes, Steeler's LB Larry Foote alum of Detroit Pershing High School and UM, Mike Wendland looks at Super Bowl souvenirs, reservations for tailgating space, Experience puts NFL's fans in game, Mayor gives Bettis key to city, disses Seattle, Barry Sanders, spillover brings cash to Lansing.

Investing Millions in Michigan MITECHNEWS.COM has a pair of stories that are well worth a read. The first reports that a Request for Proposals was issued last week by the Michigan Economic Development Corp. on the first phase of a $396 million capital infusion into the 21st Century Jobs Fund. The money will come as loans to start-ups and small businesses and as grants for universities and non profit research...

I-500 Qualifying Begins The Soo Evening News reports that Unionville's Grant Vermeersch averaged almost 90 MPH in the first day of qualifying for the 38th annual I-500 snowmobile endurance race. Poor freezing conditions throughout January have significantly impeded efforts to build up the 12-18 inches of blue ice considered ideal for the Saturday's run.

Detroit Casinos Haul in over a Billion in 2005 Crain's Detroit Business reports that Detroit's three casinos kept almost $1.23 billion in revenue in 2005, a 3.3% increase over 2004. Revenue for MGM Grand Detroit Casino (6%) and Greektown Casino (5%) increased while MotorCity Casino reported a drop of 1%. The casinos paid $294.8 million in gambling taxes, $146.2 million to Detroit and $148.6 million to the state of Michigan.

Your Guide to Super Bowl Events in Detroit The Detroit News has an excellent list of happenings in Detroit for Super Bowl Week. You'll find everything from "Gridiron to Greatness Exhibition: African Americans in the NFL" at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History to the "Terrell Owens Super Bowl Party". Clearly Detroit will be rocking around the clock while Super Bowl is in town.

The 2006 Michigan Notable Books List The 2006 Michigan Notable Books list is the Library of Michigan’s annual selection of up to 20 recommended books reflecting Michigan's rich cultural heritage, featuring high-quality titles with wide public appeal that are either written by a Michigan resident or about a Michigan-related topic.

Super Bowl Watch: 3 Days and Counting Spirit of Detroit in XL spirit, New study pegs Super Bowl XL economic impact on Detroit area at $49.3 million, Michigan politicians happily accept Super Bowl face value or discounts, Party on, but keep on giving, tales of Motown, orgy of excess: tart cherries, veni