Detroit News columnist Jerry Green writes that in addition to Sanders' ice cream, Vernor's ginger ale, the redbrick building that housed the J.L. Hudson Co. and the Packard plant, The ziggy is something uniquely Detroit's. Freep columnist Susan Tompor suggests ways that you can tackle big tuition increases.

Exotic Fishery? Sharp Will Take the Original
Eric Sharp had a great column in Saturday's Detroit Free Press says that if he could wave a magic wand and rid the Great Lakes of every exotic salmon, steelhead and brown trout, he'd do it "in a Grayling minute". He then goes on to describe the amazing fishery that was the Great Lakes in the 1800s: huge lake trout and brook trout, countless walleyes, massive sturgeon and enormous northern pike and muskellunge and the extinct grayling. Heartily recommended as it describes how and why many of the first exotics came to the Lakes.

Muskegon Dive Park Proponents Keep Trying
The Muskegon Chronicle has an in-depth feature on the efforts of the West Michigan Artificial Reef Society the create the Muskegon Area Underwater Dive Park. They have been rejected twice in attempts to secure a permit to intentionally sink a surplus federal ship in about 80 feet of water in Lake Michigan west of Laketon Township. Advocates say that the park would boost tourism & not impact fisheries, but the DEQ is not buying that.

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%.

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