Absolute Michigan's Michigan Blog: Five Things You Need to Know for Friday, July 15, 2005

Looks like Freep tech writer Mike Wedland 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.

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. Although most boats finish in 40 to 60 hours, the fastest can finish in a day (record 23 hours 30 minutes by Roy Disney's Pyewacket).
Chicago Yacht Club (official sponsor)
Chicago to Mackinac Race web site

City of Warren on the Cutting Edge
The Great Lakes IT Report let us know that the City of Warren is among the first municipalities in the country to offer podcasting. The half hour "Warren Town Talk" launched last Friday (July 8, 2005) and features a talk show format. Cool!

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.

Meijer Says 'No Receipt, No Return'
From the Vanishing Small Town Culture Department comes this Detroit Free Press news that Michigan-based Meijer will no longer allow returns without receipt. For over 70 years, since Meijer was a small-town grocery in Greenville, customers have been allowed to return merchandise to stores for refunds without sales receipts. Losses to shoplifters are cited as the impetus for the change.