Can't think of anything to say except "Enjoy your Weekend!"

Absolute Michigan Editorial: Will High Gas Prices Ruin Your Labor Day Weekend ... or our Future?
The Detroit News reports (contrary to yesterday's upbeat picture) that gas prices, the slumping economy and pre-Labor Day school openings are threatening to make one of Michigan's biggest travel weekends a major bust for hotels, motels, b&bs and other lodging and travel businesses. Travel Michigan, the state's tourism bureau, says Labor Day reservations are weak across the state despite last-minute deals offered by many.

OK, that's the news, here's the editorializing: Michigan Gas Prices shows stations as high as $3.50 per gallon, Google News pulls in about 3000 news articles for Michigan Gas and it's clear we're probably never going to see sub $2 per gallon gas again. The News article quotes AAA Michigan spokesman Jim Rink as saying that high gas prices are more a psychological barrier to travel than an economic one, and he's right. We think little of dropping $30 on lunch, and that's about what these high prices will add to your Michigan vacation. Solution: Pack PB&Js and Get off the Couch! Even if you don't make the drive, there's plenty of happenings everywhere in Michigan (probably within walking or biking distance for most of us) that are well worth your time.

The Labor Day Weekend problem is a small one. The future of our state is larger. Our economy is largely built on the assumption of cheap fuel to power our industry and our #1 product (and allow people to tour our State). While an extra $30 or $50 dollars is not a show-killer for one weekend, over the course of a year, it has grave implications for every aspect of our lives. In addition to the automobile, much of our other industry is petroleum driven. Michigan is not warm in the winter and high heating prices will really hurt. The list goes on and on and "business as usual" looks to be a path to economic ruin.

Could this be the impetus we need to retool Michigan's economy for the 21st century? Here's hoping that the answer is "Yes".
Read Tourists in short supply in the Detroit News

Katrina Impact on Michigan Could Exceed $5,000,000,000.00
The Detroit News reports that in addition to skyrocketing gas prices, state officials and other leaders are bracing for the damage the hurricane's aftermath will inflict on the state's troubled auto industry and weakened job market. By one estimate, the impact on Michigan could exceed $5 billion -- or nearly 2 percent of the gross state product.

Detroit Firefighters
The Detroit Free Press has an excellent article by Bill McGraw profiling Detroit firefighters (with a photo gallery). According to the city's statistics, Detroit firefighters spent 33,431 hours at fires in 2004, more that 2003 and 3 times the hours of 1954, when Detroit had twice the population it does today.
View a photo gallery of the fire that destroyed the Detroit Studebaker plant

Michigan National Guard to Aid Hurricane Victims
WOOD-TV Grand Rapids reports that (along with millions of dollars contributed by Michiganders) 182 Michigan National Guard members from Owosso, Pontiac and Taylor plus two aircraft from Selfridge Air Force Base in Macomb County are headed to Louisiana to help maintain order. The state House and Senate have already begun the process of approving an emergency spending bill.

New Winery Shipping Bill Passed by State House
The AP reports that a bill approved Wednesday by the state House would allow wineries inside and outside Michigan to directly ship about 500 cases of wine a year to state residents, but that retailers and restaurants no longer could buy directly from Michigan wineries. Sponsors changed the legislation after consumers outcry and winery claims that a ban could force them to lose business, lay off workers and possibly close.

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