BBC reports that spending on weapons around the world topped $1 trillion for the first time in 2004 (that's $162 on weapons for each person on the planet). On a totally different note, check out this Bob Wojnowski column on the Pistons and There's a Ring to It by Mitch Albom.

GM Plans to Cut 25,000 Jobs
The Lansing State Journal reports on plans by General Motors to eliminate 25,000 jobs in the US and close several plants - part of a 3-year plan to revive the struggling North American operation. 1 in 6 GM employees in the US would be cut by 2008 under the plan.
Also read Can Cuts Lift GM? in the Detroit News (about 15 articles!)

Watch How GM's Cuts May Effect Michigan's Economy from WLNS TV Lansing

2005 Traverse City Film Festival Announced
The BBC reports on the Traverse City Film Festival that will be held July 28-31, 2005 at the Open Space in TC. The festival was the idea of filmmaker Michael Moore and will show independent, classic, documentary and foreign films (rated G and PG). Moore said the event would be strictly non-partisan.
Michael Moore's web site

Lack of Spring Rain Impacting Lake Levels
The Soo Evening News reports that a 6" rainfall deficit so far in 2005 across northern Michigan and the Eastern Upper Peninsula is starting to impact Upper Great Lakes water levels.

Traverse Bay Tech Connect Seeks Wireless Proposals
The Traverse City Record-Eagle reports that the Traverse Bay Economic Development Corp. is seeking proposals from telecommunications companies to establish a wireless broadband network throughout Benzie, Grand Traverse, Leelanau and Kalkaska counties. Area businesses and residents would be able to utilize wireless Internet and other broadband services.
Visit the Traverse Bay Tech Coast web site

Big Ben Needs a New Pair of Shoes
Feeding off the NBA Finals hype, the Detroit Free Press has a contest to create a shoe design for the Detroit Pistons. The top designs will be featured in an upcoming Free Press story, and the top three sneaker designers will be awarded $150 each ... to buy a new pair of shoes, of course.

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