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Friday, December 09, 2005
Five Things You Need to Know for Friday, December 9, 2005
Unrelated items: Economic malaise aside, we can't count Michigan out, Michigan should pursue smarter energy future, unusual holiday parades.
Environmental Groups & Scientists Warn of Great Lakes Collapse
The Detroit News reports that a broad coalition of environmental groups & scientists sought Thursday to draw attention to what they call the dire condition of the world's largest freshwater ecosystem. A report from the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition says the Lakes are deteriorating at a rate unprecedented in recorded history and their ecosystem is in danger of collapse. The Bush administration's plan for restoring the Great Lakes is expected to be released Monday and expected include $5 billion for cleanup over a 10-year period. The amount represents a continuation of funding at current levels rather than the $20 billion for Great Lakes Restoration originally proposed.
Read the report (24k PDF) from restorethelakes.org Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition web site Past articles on this subject from Absolute Michigan Michigan Fallout from Auto Industry Struggles
The Detroit Free Press notes that when giants stumble, it is easy to focus on the spectacle and miss what's happening on the ground. Using interviews, they take a really excellent look at how fallout from the auto industry's woes is being manifested in the lives of regular people in Michigan.
Recipe for Success: Something to Do and the Ability to Find It
The Battle Creek Enquirer reports that a $100,000 study evaluating tourism in Calhoun County has produced a preliminary plan to increase the area's tourism revenue. The plan includes improving the county's wayfinding signs, enhancing downtown Battle Creek's natural beauty, developing a primary attraction to lure tourists and kiosks cross-promoting Albion, Battle Creek and Marshall.
Detroit Jazz Festival Gets $10 Million Endowment
Crain's Detroit Business reports that the future of the Detroit International Jazz Festival was secured Thursday with a $10 million endowment from Gretchen Valade, chairwoman of Dearborn-based clothing manufacturer Carhartt Inc. and CEO and owner of Harper Woods-based Mack Avenue Records, a jazz label. The 2006 festival will take place in downtown Detroit on Labor Day weekend, Sept. 1-4, 2006.
Detroit International Jazz Festival web site Mack Avenue Records web site Michigan Snowshoe Primer
The Northern Express's Rick Coates has a comprehensive feature on snowshoeing. The article looks at old style, wooden Michigan snowshoes and lightweight, heavy-duty aluminum frame styles, some events and races this winter and some resources for snowshoe information.
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Bombs over Bagley by dETROIT fUNK
dETROIT fUNK writes: Over on Bagley the United Artists Building edges closer to its demolition. The infamous UA window artist apparently left a final message about his work.
Lost bloggers by The Chocolate Runner's Blog
The Chocolate Runner writes: Sometimes while I am surfing the web, I come across blogs that just kinda stop abruptly. It might be the first entry or they may be making regular entries, but for some reason they stop and never start again. No indication why. Do they just get bored? Too busy? Did they die?
I wonder the same thing! (untitled) by The Adventures of a Brit Abroad
Brit Abroad writes: My goodness, the talk actually went rather well. People came! They asked questions! They hung around for ages afterwards wanting to talk to me! All rather surprising, really.
He is referring to his "fascinating talk on pinhole photography tonight at the Whittaker branch of the Ypsilanti Library." per fellow blogger ypsi~dixit BBC NEWS | Technology | Wordsmiths hail podcast success by The Content Manager
The Content Manager writes: "The term 'podcast' has been declared Word of the Year by the New Oxford American Dictionary..."
Five Things You Need to Know for Thursday, December 8, 2005
They said it: Charles Rogers: I'm just a bobblehead right now, Mike Cox: Ultimately, I won't have a say in whether there's a charge or not, Kimberlydawn Wisdom: Michigan's health status must improve.
Granholm Says Massive Fed Cuts Could Impact Business Taxes
The Detroit Free Press reports that Gov. Granholm said yesterday that all bets are off for cutting Michigan business taxes further if Congress slashes an estimated $1 billion in aid over five years to Michigan for Medicaid and other programs that help needy families, students and farmers. Republicans say federal aid cuts shouldn't stop Michigan from pursuing tax cuts that would boost our economy.
Bay City Judge Blocks Au Sable Drilling Preparation
The Detroit Free Press reports that U.S. District Court Judge David Lawson issued an order blocking plans by Savoy Energy to start road and site work in the Huron-Manistee National Forest east of Grayling. The site is adjacent to the 5,300-acre Mason Tract wilderness preserve and the South Branch fishery of the AuSable River (considered one of Michigan's finest).
Michigan to Unveil Cultural Marketing Effort
The Detroit Free Press reports that Bill Anderson, director of the Michigan Department of History, Arts and Libraries, will unveil the Cultural Economic Development Strategy for Michigan. The plan will create a more accurate measure of the money, jobs and taxes brought to the state from arts and culture and also encourage communities to promote cultural tourism and provides training on how to turn historical buildings into living and working spaces for artists.
Also see Cool Cities event looks to culture to boost economies in the Lansing State Journal More about the Cultural Economic Development Strategy for Michigan Michigan to Unveil Cultural Marketing Effort
The Detroit Free Press reports that Bill Anderson, director of the Michigan Department of History, Arts and Libraries, will unveil the Cultural Economic Development Strategy for Michigan. The plan will create a more accurate measure of the money, jobs and taxes brought to the state from arts and culture and also encourage communities to promote cultural tourism and provides training on how to turn historical buildings into living and working spaces for artists.
Also see Cool Cities event looks to culture to boost economies in the Lansing State Journal More about the Cultural Economic Development Strategy for Michigan House Approves Bill Limiting Passengers for Young Drivers
mLive reports that first-year drivers would need permission from their parents to have more than one person in their vehicle under age 18 other than immediate family members under legislation approved Wednesday by the state House. Young drivers represent about 7% of the driving population in Michigan but constitute more than 14.2% of those involved in fatal crashes.
10 Michigan Books
The Detroit Free Press has a great list of 10 Michigan-centric books that includes The Lake, the River and the Other Lake by Steve Amick (funny story about a fictional town on Lake Michigan, its natives and summer visitors) and Please Don't Come Back From the Moon by Dean Bakopoulos (young men abandoned by their fathers in a working-class Ukrainian community in a Detroit suburb).
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
"Sinterklaas kapoentje, gooi wat in mijn schoentje..." by ypsi~dixit
ypsi~dixit writes: HAPPY SINTERKLAAS. Did you put your shoe, and a carrot or some hay, by the fireplace last night? Did St. Nicholas ride over your roof on his big white horse, accompanied by the Zwarte Pieten? Did he leave you your chocolate letter, or some gelt, or marzipan?
Death By Caffeine by Elephant in my Coffee
Elephant in my Coffee writes: What a way to go (if you want to be wide awake when you die).
Grandfather. Democrat. Union Man. Sore Loser. by christinebarry.com
christinebarry.com writes: The man awoke suddenly from an unusually sound sleep. From his downtown apartment he could hear that the bitterly cold streets of Flint had come alive with celebration. He scrambled out of bed, pulled on a pair of trousers and a coat, and ran out of his home into the early morning air.
Welcome Home by NOISE PhotoBlog
NOISE PhotoBlog writes: Hundreds of friends and relatives turned out to welcome home the 149 members of the Michigan Army National Guard 1st Battalion, 119th Field Artillery, at the Marshall Street Armory.
The sky is falling by PC Mike's E-Journal
PC Mike writes: There's a new threat to worry about. It's called Apophis. It's 390m wide. And it could hit Earth in 31 years time.
Five Things You Need to Know for Wednesday, December 7, 2005
Neighbors looking to the skies: Wisconsin pushing for Aerospace Authority w/ spaceport in Sheboygan, former
Canadian Minister of Defence asks Parliament of Canada to hold public hearings on Exopolitics, says 'UFOs are as real as airplanes'. Ford Expected to Agree to Deep Cuts
The Detroit News reports that Ford Motor Co. executives will present a restructuring plan to the company's board of directors today that calls for closing at least 10 assembly and component plants and eliminating 25,000 to 30,000 hourly jobs in North America within five years, according to people familiar with the plan.
Lansing City Council Looks to Rejuvinate Downtown
The Lansing State Journal reports that the Lansing City Council is expected to approve a $13 million housing/retail project to help rejuvenate the city's downtown. Stadium District would include 58 condominiums and apartments as well as retail and office space in what is now a parking lot across from Oldsmobile Park (home of the Lansing Lugnuts). Some in the community are critical of the proposal, especially because it would give a 50% tax break for 12 years to condo buyers.
Also see Lansing: New View, Long Overdue, Development and Construction from UrbanPlanet.org (great photos & renderings!) Michigan Veterans Recall Pearl Harbor
Michigan History Magazine takes a look back at December 7, 1941 with photos and the memories of many Michiganders. The Detroit Free Press also talks with Walter Drenkhahn Jr. There will be a memorial program in Pontiac today to remember the 32 Michigan servicemen killed at Pearl Harbor.
Also see Pearl Harbor was enough war for a Michigan farmer in the Freep Zoo Management to be Turned Over to Society, Museums May Take Similar Path
Crain's Detroit Business reports that under a plan in negotiation between the Detroit Zoological Society and the city of Detroit, the society would take over management and financial responsibility of the Royal Oak-based Detroit Zoo. A similar plan is being considered for the Detroit Historical Museums.
Michigan's Role in Narnia
The Detroit Free Press has a feature on a Michigan man and woman who helped shape the story of Narnia. They are Sharon Bordine Frisco of Rochester whose short films helped to preserve the legacy of author C.S. Lewis and Washtenaw Community College computer instructor Laurence Krieg, who became a pen pal of Lewis and suggested using the Narnian chronological order for ording the books.
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Pile of vintage toys rakes in cash on eBay by PC Mike's E-Journal
PC Mike writes:...more proof that eBay is the way to sell anythng and that there are people waiting to pay a fortune for the stuff gathering dust in the basement
STUMPED by ypsi~dixit
ypsi~dixit writes: STUMPED on what to whip up for the office holiday potluck?
Y, I am shocked! Rasheed Wallace wants your coat by Detroit Bad Boys
Detroit Bad Boys writes: "With so many people out there without winter necessities, it is important to help give them something to keep warm," said Wallace, who expects Detroiters to contribute heavily to the less fortunate. "I'm reaching out once again to the community for support to collect as many coats as possible."
The Height of Silliness by Ann Arbor is Overrated
Ann Arbor is Overrated writes: A resident of the Old West Side speaking during the public commentary portion of tonight's city council meeting argued against tall buildings downtown near her neighborhood on the basis that "a 10-story building would feel like a 12- to 15-story building."
No Hands Fishing by Find the River
Find the River writes: God forbid I ever become paralyzed, but if it happens, all is not lost.
Five Things You Need to Know for Tuesday, December 6, 2005
News Bits: Lake effect snow machine running, but not quite as usual, MSU students wonder what's in campus water, even folks in non-smoking sections need to worry about what's in air.
Deals for Michigan Skiers
The Detroit Free Press has a look at several Michigan ski deals including the "White Gold Card" (a $169 card that lets you ski one time free at 24 ski resorts in Michigan) and deals for beginning skiers, seniors and Michigan fourth-graders. Also included are a couple of other articles reporting that our ski season has gotten a great start with heavy late-November and early December snowfall.
Also see SNOW SKI SPECIAL SECTION: Traffic on the slopes heating up in the Freep Read Skiers happy with early season in the Mining Journal Michigan Snowsports Industries Association web site Water Conservation Paying Off (Part I)
AP writer John Flesher has completed a 3 part feature exploring how fear of losing water to outsiders is leading some companies, municipalities and individuals in our region are pursuing water-saving technology and methods. The features also point out how conservation is saving these folks money.
Read Great Lakes: Cities fighting upstream battles in the Record-Eagle Part II Read Great Lakes: Residents find ways to conserve in the Record-Eagle Part III Outsourcers Provide Small Businesses Global Labor
The Detroit News takes a look at a new breed of niche outsourcers who help small and midsize companies in Michigan gain access to cheap labor as far away as India and China. Analysts contend that while outsourcing may cause the loss of some low-wage jobs here, it also allows companies to keep costs in line, and (hopefully) to protect other jobs. Some of these new companies are targetting physicians and law firms, businesses not typically thought of as outsourcing targets.
Port Huron Community Renovation Enjoys Success
The Port Huron Times-Herald reports that a renaissance plan for Port Huron's south side is doing well. A group of community partners banded together to offer grants for home renovations and to convert rental properties to single-family homes. 25 homes have undergone extensive improvements, 18 have been converted to single-family homes and 13 new homes have been built.
Preschool Study Released
mLive reports that a study in Michigan and four other states released yesterday finds that publicly funded preschool programs that have well-paid, college-educated teachers improve children's language development and math skills. The research also indicated that preschool makes a difference in topics like reading and math readiness that affect children's later school achievement.
Monday, December 05, 2005
The Saviour has Come - by Dusty Hughes by Grand Rapids Podcasts
'tis the reason for the season!
Chocolate Math by The Chocolate Runner
The Chocolate Runner writes: This is not one of those waste of time things, it's fun.
Works for me! Ed by The Snowsuit Effort
Snowsuit Effort writes: "I collect empty cans because people are throwing away money."
TEN THREATS: SAVING AN ANCIENT FISH by GLRC
GLRC writes: One of the threats experts identified is disappearing native species.
Kilroy was here by :neadfiles
neadfiles writes: Mason does his best impersonation of "Kilroy was here."
Five Things You Need to Know for Monday, December 5, 2005
Editorially speaking: right of wineries to ship directly to retailers and restaurants would be revoked if any part of bill is challenged in court, Michigan theater needs more youthful energy and vision in leadership, Lions revolting, so are fans.
Exploring the College Divide
The Detroit News reports that complicated aid applications, fears of tuition debt, expenses for books, housing and food are among the many barriers that experts say are causing needy families to turn away from higher education. Michigan's 15 publicly funded universities saw overall enrollment grow over the past decade, but saw the proportion of Pell Grant students on most campuses shrink. Even students who score zero on the Free Application for Student Financial Aid, earning them maximum financial aid, and the best rates on subsidized loans, come up short of being able to pay all the bills without working long hours after school or taking on more loans from higher interest private lenders. It's not just Pell-level families that are feeling the pinch: families in the 50,000 income range are having a hard time as they are above the Pell Grant level (which triggers many other aid packages) but below an income necessary to cover the cost of college. At the same time, there are reports on universities using merit awards to sweeten the financial aid packages of academic achievers (many who come from wealthier families).
Michigan Sugar Beets Cut the Ice
The Lansing State Journal reports that Meridian township and the Ingham County Road Commission will use a de-icing coating made from Michigan sugar beets. Known as DE-ICE 55, the product uses sugar beets and brine from Michigan brine wells to make a sticky, liquid slush that gets sprayed onto piles of road salt once each season.
Michigan Legislature Moves to Overhaul Welfare
State lawmakers have voted to limit cash assistance for able-bodied welfare recipients to four years, to implement penalties for those who fail to comply with work or training requirements and provisions are aimed at helping move people into long-term employment. If Gov. Granholm signs, it would be the most significant change to Michigan's welfare program since Engler overhaul in the 90s.
Federal Budget Cuts Could Have Serious Consequences for Michigan
The Detroit News reports that Congress' plan to cut up to $50 billion from federal programs threatens tens of thousands of Michigan families who receive Medicaid, food stamps and help in collecting child support. The cuts could mean up to $1 billion less headed to Michigan over the next five years and force some difficult choices for state leaders
UP Snowmobile Season Kicks off with a Bang
The Mining Journal reported that snowmobile season opened last Thursday on designated state trails to over a foot of snow on many trails. This weekend, up to two feet additional snow fell on the Keweenaw Peninsula and Alger County.
Also see Lake-effect blasts hit Alger, Keweenaw; Snow piles up in the Mining Journal |
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