Today, East Lansing Daily photo features a photo of a REUSEASHOE recycling bin. She writes:

REUSEASHOE

- Recycle old athletic shoes.
- Shoes should be dry and not muddy.
- NO shoes with spikes, cleats or metal (i.e., eyelets).
- NO thongs, sandals, dress shoes, boots or pumps.

I was also surprised to see a bin for recycling fishing line and spools! Who knew?

There are a whole host of ideas for reducing, reusing and recycling. Below are just a couple of sites to visit that offer insight.

The planet needs our help! Tell us how you contribute.

Read REUSEASHOE by East Lansing Daily Photo
View the results of search on keyword 'recycl' (to catch both recycle and recycling) on Absolute Michigan
Visit Dave's Blog by Dave Dempsey for environmental news
Also visit The Environment Report, a GLRC Production

Click on the photo from the Absolute Michigan Pool on Flickr to read the story of the "Russian Stove" fireplace/rock-climbing wall!

I know the mystery of cow abductions was plaguing you too. Now the truth about the Battlelacticans is revealed!

ypsi~dixit writes:

YPSIDIXIT'S hat is off to the esteemed Weekly World News, which has finally tracked down the reason for the string of cow abductions it's reported on in recent issues!

Read Weekly World News Detects Extraterrestrial Website! by ypsi~dixit
Visit the gotmilk? website to see more ads

The photo is from the Absolute Michigan Pool on Flickr. Click the photo for more information.

Today, Jack Lessenberry features a conversation with journalist Jerry Flint.

Jerry Flint has covered the automotive industry for major publications for more than half a century. These days he's of the opinion that "General Motors and Ford can't compete head to head with Toyota and Honda, not any more." But he thinks they can still survive.

Jack writes in his essay:

What needs to happen now -- right now -- is for the governor and other leaders of this state to convene a statewide summit meeting on the auto industry and Michigan's economic future.

We need not only the Big Three themselves at this summit, but economists. Budget experts. Politicians. Historians. We need to take a look at the big picture of what the auto industry means to our state.

Listen to Interview: Jerry Flint - 11/28/06 by Jack Lessenberry's Essays and Interviews
Also read or listen to the companion Essay: The End of Innocence - 11/28/06 by Jack Lessenberry's Essays and Interviews
Read other 'Auto Industry' posts by Jack Lessenberry
View search results of keyword 'auto industry' on Absolute Michigan

The photo is from the Absolute Michigan Pool on Flickr.

A pesticide used on nuts, brussel sprouts and nursery stock as well as cherries and apples is being phased out by the EPA; but not quickly enough for some environmental groups and too quickly for growers. GLRC's Bob Allen reports:

Azinphos methyl or AZM is the main insecticide used in cherry and apple orchards. The cherry industry has zero tolerance for any insect parts found in the fruit. Whole truckloads of cherries have been dumped because of a single fruit fly maggot.

Michigan State University researcher Mark Whalon says so far there's no alternative to AZM that can do the job. He's been testing the use of alternatives in orchards for the last three years.

Read AZM PHASEOUT LEAVES FRUIT FARMERS HANGING by The Environment Report
See results of search on keyword 'insecticide' for The Environment Report
Read this related article on Absolute Michigan
Read about EarthJustice's campaign to Protect Farmworkers From Toxic Pesticides and find out how you can help! Your contribution would make a great holiday gift! (hint, hint)

The photo is from the Absolute Michigan Pool on Flickr.

Holiday Traditions vary from by home, locale, ethnicity and faith. Here are some to which our Michigan bloggers subscribe:

Find The River makes a list of things he's thankful for, including:

1. Kristine

2. Continued good health (and the insurance to help it continue)

3. Steady work that involves minimal supervision and considerable freedom as to how I manage my time

4. A roof over my head

Kitchen Chick writes about her Thanksgiving feast traditions.

Thanksgiving Dinner is a holiday day layered with traditions. A ritualistic holiday celebrating family and food. We have foods on our Thankgiving Day menu that simply don't change.

Bike Blog Detroit writes about the Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Whilst it was nowhere near as cold as last year (check the Nov 2005 archive), this year's Thanksgiving made up for it with a spot of dense mist. I arrived late having spent time at the RenCen and with a slightly shortened route the sidewalks were already completely packed. I finally managed to find a spot by Woodward and Congress, but only after getting the usual 'you can't stand here, move along' in a few other places.

Check out his photo collection of the parade.

The Voices in Frank's Head told him to take the day off on Friday.

I, therefore, convened a special meeting of the entire board of directors for Prince Igor Productions, Incorporated. We decided to close the office for the day so I could spend the day taking pictures and having fun.

And he did photograph everything from the foggy Detroit River to the Festival of Trees. As did dETROITfUNK who writes:

Day after Thanksgiving in the USA means "black friday", i.e. - go rack up some debt on your credit cards.

Meanwhile it was an unusually foggy morning, which adds a strange twist to all the old favorites.

Check out some sights of the holidays in his Black Friday post.

Finally, LJ's Blogorific reminds us to

keep in mind those who celebrate Thanksgiving this year in a far away place, serving their country. And for those who will be honoring the memory of loved ones lost this Thanksgiving, remember that hope is on the way. The sacrifice of your loved ones will not be forgotten.

The photo above, that captures the Candelight Walk at Frankenmuth, is from the Absolute Michigan Pool on Flickr. Click on the photo to read more...

Read Thanks Giving by Find The River
Read Pecan Pie by Kitchen Chick
Read November 25th, Thanksgiving Parade by Bike Blog Detroit
Read The (Foggy) Day After Thanksgiving by The Voices in Frank's Head
Check out these foggy Detroit photos in Black Friday by dETROITfUNK
Read Happy Thanksgiving by LJ's Blogorific

What are some of your traditions?