There's cold, really cold ... and then there's this morning.

Michigan Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Weaver to Resign
Justice Weaver announced yesterday that she plans to step down from the Michigan Supreme Court in October. In her press release, Justice Weaver sought to call attention to what she feels are too long terms for Supreme Court judges (and too short terms for Michigan legislators) as well as problems with the vast power granted to Michigan governors (added in 1968) to fill vacancies on the court. "My hope is that with this 9-month notice of my intent to step down, the Legislature, the Governor, and the people of Michigan will think about and act upon the proper term limits ... and how vacancies on the Supreme Court are filled.
Complete Jan 13 release on Justice Elizabeth Weaver's web site
Free Press article (Not very detailed ... no idea why we're linking to it)

State Economists Confirm: Budget Cuts Needed to Put Michigan in the Black
The Holland Sentinel reports that although the $12.5 billion budget that covers public K-12 education will be in the black, state Treasurer Jay Rising said he expects the $8.8 billion general fund budget to be around $350 million short in the current fiscal year and about $750 million short in the fiscal year that starts October 1st, 2005 if adjustments aren't made.

Mackinaw City Winterfest - January 14-16, 2005
The Detroit News reports that fireworks, sleigh rides, gigantic snow sculptures, kids games and even a frozen fish toss are on tap for Mackinaw City's annual winter celebration to be held this weekend.
Greater Mackinaw Area Chamber of Commerce web site
Mackinaw Area Visitors Bureau home page

Bill Cosby Urges Detroit Parents to Take Responsibility
The Detroit Free Press reports that actor and comedian Bill Cosby urged a crowd of African-American Detroiters at Wayne County Community College to be more responsible for the lives and futures of their children. Although some would say that the community's youths are out of control, Cosby suggested, "it's not what they're doing to us. It's what we're not doing."

Michael Moore Famous ... But Is He Famous Enough?
The Detroit Free Press reports that although he has won an Oscar, made two of the highest-grossing documentaries ever, written books, won a People's Choice Award for Fahrenheit 9/11, filmmaker Michael Moore can't get into his high school hall of fame (Davison High School in Flint).

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