In the 21st century, scary is good, that's why our Canadian neighbors are looking at a Lake Erie Monster, "Mishepeshu" as a tourist attraction. Nothing like a sea serpent to encourage travel...


This Weekend In Michigan - February 11 & 12
From Calendar Advertising Co. Michigan Calendar of Events with information provided by Google search...
Winter Fest (Beulah/Benzonia), Gladwin County Ice Carnival, Shanty Days (Caseville), Snow Box Derby (Oscoda), Chain of Lakes Tip Up Festival (Quincy), Brockway Mountain Challenge (Copper Harbor), Taste of Oscoda County (Lewiston), Winterfest (Roscommon), Snowmobile Poker Run (St. Ignace).
NOTE: Please verify event dates as they may have changed or be inaccurate!

Under the Influence
The Detroit Free Press has an article that looks at how the Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association courts politicians including free trips, hundreds of thousands of dollars a year in campaign contributions, picking up large food and bar tabs and golf outings in northern Michigan. Despite the state's budget crisis, state commodity taxes on beer and wine haven't changed in decades.

Meijer Gardens Adds Three Sculptures
The Detroit Free Press reports that significant works by three important French artists have been added to the growing, permanent collection of contemporary sculpture at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. The park acquired a 24-inch bronze cast of "The Kiss" by Auguste Rodin, a 19-inch bronze cast of "Dancer Looking at the Sole of Her Right Foot" by Edgar Degas and a 24.5-inch bronze cast of "Autumn Lovers" by Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse, Rodin's one-time mentor.

Ford as "Deep Throat" ... Don't Bet on It
WZZM TV 13 of Grand Rapids reports that Jim Kratsas, curator of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum dismissed as "preposterous" the possibility that former President Gerald Ford was the secret Watergate source known as "deep throat". The rumour mill started up recently when former Watergate figure John Dean wrote that "deep throat" was ill (Ford, 91, is not).

Granholm Proposes More Dollars for Michigan Schools
The Lansing State Journal reports that Gov. Jennifer Granholm wants to boost the minimum per-pupil foundation grant for the 2005-2006 school year from $6,700 to $6,875 (plus add another $50 for high school students). The article points out that the increase could be eaten up by rising retirement & insurance costs.

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