Dedicated to all things Michigan, past and present. A collection of articles, essays, and stories about the great state of Michigan.
My buddy, Todd Katke of Buford T. Porcupine's Wild and Wacky Adventures, has added some beautiful new images at his blog page. Todd and I started this page last year after he moved from the UP to the frozen tundra of Alaska.
posted by Dave Stone at
1/31/2006
1 Comments
Private Eddie Slovik becomes the only U.S. serviceman executed for desertion during WWII.
During World War II, more than 21,000 American military personnel were convicted of desertion; 49 were sentenced to death, but only 24-year-old Private Slovik was executed.
The only American soldier to be executed for desertion since the U.S. Civil War, Slovik was born in Hamtramck, Michigan. Slovik was a petty thief who had spent part of 1942 in a reform school. A change in his draft classification from 4F to 1A led to Slovik's draft into the U.S. Army, where he served in Europe as an infantryman with the 28th Division. Slovik went AWOL twice, being returned to his unit both times.
Slovik's wife was not told of his death sentence. Slovik was buried in a secret cemetery with 94 American soldiers that had been executed for crimes of rape and murder. Thanks to the efforts of Bernard Calka, a former Macomb County commissioner, Slovik's remains were returned to the United States and buried next to those of his wife in 1987.
Courtesy Michigan History Magazine.
posted by Dave Stone at
1/31/2006
0 Comments
I feel like my little bow to Google on Things I've Seen is somewhat out of order with their recent bending over to the Chinese government and its censorship policy. Right on the heels of applauding the search engine company for its refusal to provide the U.S. government with requested search results, people now are talking about boycotting Google and generally taking the company to task for what they see as a reneging on its mission, “don’t do evil.
posted by Dave Stone at
1/30/2006
4 Comments
If you want to enjoy Super Bowl activities and avoid traffic problems, the advice from SMART transportation officials is to take the bus.
'We highly recommend riding the bus downtown to avoid huge traffic problems and remember this intersection: Michigan and Cass Avenue as a hub,' said SMART General Manager Dan Dirks.
posted by Dave Stone at
1/30/2006
0 Comments
So you are one of the few that scored a couple of "primo" tickets from "Tommy the Ticket Guy"? As a public service, here's a copy of the seating chart for Ford Field.
posted by Dave Stone at
1/30/2006
0 Comments
Wow. That's the only word to describe how amazing some areas of the downtown central business district are looking as it gets ready to become 'SuperBowlWorldLand', a theme-park orgy of football, media and money.
posted by Dave Stone at
1/30/2006
0 Comments
The Detroit Pistons were undaunted by the Los Angeles Lakers when they had two stars.
So, they're certainly confident their team concept will be successful against them now with only Kobe Bryant in purple and gold.
Rasheed Wallace paced five Pistons in double figures with 24 points and Detroit pulled away in the third quarter on its way to a 102-93 victory over the Lakers on Sunday night.
Bryant had 39 points on 12-of-28 shooting, a week after scoring 81 -- the second-highest point total in NBA history.
posted by Dave Stone at
1/30/2006
0 Comments
The Wings dropped their second game to Dallas this month, losing 2-1 in a shootout despite outplaying the Stars for much the time. It wasn't a highly offensive game, having more of a physical playoff-like feel, but I felt the Wings controlled much of the offensive aspect of it. They just couldn't solve Marty Turco, who played very well and won the game for his team, particularly in overtime.
Manny Legace was in net for the Wings and wasn't tested as much as Turco but he was solid and made some good saves when needed, for the most part. He didn't come through in the end but Dallas is undefeated in shootouts for a reason and this loss wasn't Manny's fault.
posted by Dave Stone at
1/29/2006
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posted by Dave Stone at
1/29/2006
0 Comments
Tonight was honestly the best night of my young 19 year old life. I attended the Wings vs. Canucks game at the Joe where I sat in the first row *right* next to where the zambonis come out (but on the opposite side of the goal judge). People literally came up to us to tell us that we had the best seats in the house. They were amazing. To see my 'idols' within 2 inches of me was unbelievable. I don't remember the period, but Steve Yzerman was nailed literally right in front of me- just crazy. My Dad and I took hundreds of pictures (seriously, like over 500) so we'll be going through them tomorrow and I'll post them whenever we transfer them from his camera to my laptop. It was soo worth the nearly $500 it cost my dad and I to get the best seats at the Joe. My dad's birthday is at the end of March so we're going to try to get those same seats again...it was so surreal.
posted by Dave Stone at
1/28/2006
1 Comments
NFL officials say every year, dozens of people buy phony Super Bowl tickets and are turned away at the gate. Here's how to spot a fake ticket:
_ Check the back for a black-on-black hologram. At different angles, you should be able to see the XL in red, plus the color green. If the hologram is fuzzy or doesn't have two colors, the ticket is suspect. Also in the hologram is the word 'Detroit' and 02.05.06 - the date of the game.
posted by Dave Stone at
1/28/2006
0 Comments
Michigan becomes the 26th state.
Without ceremony, President Andrew Jackson signed an act of Congress admitting Michigan into the Union. The president's action ended a long struggle to make the Michigan Territory a state. Michigan's effort to enter the Union began in 1835. During the two-year struggle, Michigan's borders changed considerably when it was forced to give up Toledo at the mouth of the Maumee River in exchange for the western part of the Upper Peninsula. It was a controversial decision at the time, but the rich natural resources in the western Upper Peninsula left Michigan the victor of what was known at the time as the Toledo War.
Courtesy Michigan History Magazine.
posted by Dave Stone at
1/26/2006
1 Comments
Former NFL player to speak at CAPS
CADILLAC - Students and parents will have the opportunity to hear the same message.
Although the students will hear it with peers during the day, parents will have the opportunity to hear it in the evening.
The person presenting the message, however, is a person who is not a health professional, a doctor or even an administrator. He is a parent.
posted by Dave Stone at
1/25/2006
1 Comments
The Wings lost their points lead in the Central Division when they dropped their second straight game to Nashville last night, 2-1 at the Joe. Because they have more wins than Nashville, they still are the top team in the division but had they not gotten the point that comes with losing in overtime, they would be fourth in the Conference now.
The Predators got outstanding goaltending last night and won because of that more than anything else. Detroit out-chanced them and out-shot them but Tomas Vokoun was a vacuum, making many saves that were as much pure luck as skill. He gave up very few rebounds and absorbed the puck in an amazing way. In one instance, a Brendan Shanahan shot went off the left post and bounced back out, lodging itself somehow in the back of his glove instead of going in off his back as you'd expect (or hope). Another time, he made a save with his blocker arm but there was no rebound, it just disappeared.
posted by Dave Stone at
1/25/2006
0 Comments
Not to rush things, but we've already picked our team.
In fact, less than five minutes after the Super Bowl foes were determined, Detroit had its mind made up.
We're going with Pittsburgh,
We like Pittsburgh.
We are Pittsburgh.
'Who do you think is gonna win?' fans here ask me.
posted by Dave Stone at
1/25/2006
0 Comments
The Grand Rapids City Commission approves a plan to add fluoride to drinking water supplies to prevent tooth decay.
Michigan was in the forefront of the national controversy over whether to add fluoride to drinking water supplies to prevent tooth decay. In 1944, government agencies selected Grand Rapids and Newburgh, N.Y., as test cities, after dentists had noticed that children in areas with large amounts of naturally occurring fluoride in the water had far fewer cavities. The tests were held, despite warnings that fluoride might actually be harmful to health and that fluoridation was part of a communist plot to undermine America's well-being. Ten years later, Dr. Henry L. Coburn, president of the Kent County Dental Society, wrote to Governor G. Mennen Williams, 'Our experience with fluoridation has been an unqualified success.
Courtesy Michigan History Magazine.
posted by Dave Stone at
1/25/2006
1 Comments
Despite outshooting the Predators 40-12, the Wings lost tonight at the Joe, 3-2. To have them lose by one goal, after starting the game behind 1-0, made me even less happy with the league's decision to count Greg Johnson's goal on November 21st for tonight. Not that the Wings didn't have plenty of opportunities to erase that lead and take one of their own.
The good news of the night was that Henrik Zetterberg returned from his hip flexor injury and had a very good game. He did not look anything like a player returning from an injury and was very strong up and down the ice. He hasn't missed a step and that is almost enough to ease the pain of this loss.
posted by Dave Stone at
1/24/2006
0 Comments
It will be a long two weeks before Super Bowl XL is played. The wait will seem interminable. The hype will seem intolerable.
The Seattle Seahawks against the Pittsburgh Steelers for the world championship of professional football. It’s eating at you, isn’t it? You want to know what the future holds.
posted by Dave Stone at
1/24/2006
1 Comments
Super Bowl XVI is held at the Pontiac Silverdome.
Ray Wersching kicked four field goals and Joe Montana's controlled passing helped the San Francisco 49ers win their first NFL championship with a 26-21 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. The game was held at the Pontiac Silverdome, 25 miles from downtown Detroit. It was the first time a Super Bowl was held in a cold-weather climate; the previous 15 games had been held in warm climates.
Courtesy Michigan History Magazine
posted by Dave Stone at
1/24/2006
0 Comments
Kook TV
With Michigan winter weather yo-yo-ing from snowstorm to springday and back to snowstorm, The River Rant Committee on Community Broadcasting has had ample time to peruse the various local public access channels in search of intelligent civic debate and responsible citizen involvement. Our adept and comprehensive analysis: there is none. At least in the City of Lansing, MI.
posted by Dave Stone at
1/23/2006
1 Comments
Future U.S. Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart is born in Jackson, Michigan.
A graduate of Yale University, Potter Stewart served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. During the mid-1950s he served as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit. In October 1958, Stewart was nominated to the Supreme Court by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. He retired on July 3, 1981, and was replaced by Sandra Day O'Connor, the first woman to serve on the court. Justice Stewart died on December 7, 1985, and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Courtesy Michigan History Magazine.
posted by Dave Stone at
1/23/2006
0 Comments
posted by Dave Stone at
1/23/2006
0 Comments
"While on the Comerica Park tour during Fanfest, I noticed a large display just outside the Tigers clubhouse. It was actually on a wall adjacent to the clubhouse, facing the kitchen/food area. It was floor to ceiling high and featured Tiger history by decade. Each decade featured one photo prominently which presumably represented the Tiger of the Decade. Al Kaline was the 60’s, Willie Horton the 70’s, Trammell the 80’s and Whitaker the 90’s. It raised several questions for me."While we are approaching the mid-point of both the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Pistons season, rest assured it won't be long before Spring Training opens for the Detroit Tigers.
posted by Dave Stone at
1/22/2006
1 Comments
The largest battle fought on Michigan soil occurs near present-day Monroe.
During the early hours of January 22, a larger British force of regulars, Canadian militia and Native Americans attacked a smaller American force stationed along the River Raisin near present-day Monroe. Surprised by the British force, the Americans, led by General James Winchester, resisted until Winchester was captured and surrendered his entire force. The battle left over 500 Americans prisoner. About 80 Americans, too badly injured to move, fell victim to Indian depredations the following day. Their deaths left the Americans with a battle cry, 'Remember the River Raisin,' which was heard on battlefields later in the war. The American loss was just one of several along the western frontier during the early months of the War of 1812."
Courtesy Michigan History Magazine.
posted by Dave Stone at
1/22/2006
0 Comments
"Huh? or 'What's This About'
If you say the name 'Detroit' to most people, they have very little idea there's more to the city than cars, Motown, houses that burst into flames on October 30, and (thanks to His Eminence Marshall Mathers) the presence of a road named 8 Mile.
As you might expect, this page is intended to rectify this somewhat. I won't be pointing out mundane stuff like the Renaissance Center, Ford Field, or any other elements of the recent downtown building boom. Personally, I'm much more interested in the odd, the whimsical, the 'What the Hell?' factor. Every city has it, and Detroit, a major metropolis during the first half of the 20th century, has at least its fair share.
To be honest, my main motivation for looking into this, aside from native curiosity, is the potential of using the city of Detroit as the setting for a roleplaying campaign. As you'll see, there's plenty to work with for someone who is interested in such things. I'll try to point out potential uses of the different features as I go along."
posted by Dave Stone at
1/22/2006
0 Comments
"If this bill were to pass, government - and the entertainment industry - would control what you could do with digital media in your home. The broadcast flag would place TV shows in a DRM ghetto, where your right to copy, back-up, sell, time-shift or convert them into formats convenient to you would be at the whim of the broadcasters. The audio flag would give the FCC matching powers over 'digital audio broadcasting,' including satellite radio, digital HD radio, and potentially even Internet radio. Fair use would be frozen into 'customary historical use'.
There's no benefit here for artists or customers, and for infringing copiers, evading these copy controls will be as easy as ever. No matter how inconvenienced individual users would be by a flag, pirates would be able to bypass it. The bill would usher in a new world of anti-consumer electronics, and a chance for the MPAA's and RIAA's member companies to seize even greater control over all media distribution and use.
If you're in the states below, your senator is on the Senate Commerce Committee. Let him or her know that these flags would mark a new era of Hollywood's control of the home and of our digital networks."
posted by Dave Stone at
1/22/2006
0 Comments
The Wings won a bit of a wild one today, 4-3 over the Avalanche in Denver. The game was closely fought and exciting, with great goaltending on either side and fine offensive play by both teams as well. The rivalry may be different but these two teams still play good hockey against each other.
The Wings jumped right out with the lead, scoring 49 seconds. Brendan Shanahan, playing on a line with Kris Draper and Pavel Datsyuk, sent the puck from behind the net out front to Datsyuk, who one-timed it past David Aebischer to make it 1-0.
The Avs struck back less than a minute later when John-Michael Liles sent a floater from the point and Ian Laperriere got his stick on it to redirect it into the net. Manny didn't have much chance on it, being both screened and beaten by a deflection.
On the Wings: Wings 4, Avs 3
posted by Dave Stone at
1/21/2006
2 Comments
Singer Aretha Franklin becomes the first female inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Born in Memphis, Tennessee on March 25, 1942, Aretha Franklin moved with her family to Detroit when she was two. Her father, C. L. Franklin, became pastor of New Bethel Baptist Church and an important civil rights leader. As a teenager, Aretha was a star in her father's traveling gospel show. Franklin struck out on her own at age seventeen to make it in the music business. Some of her early hits include "Respect," which won two Grammy Awards and an honorary award from Martin Luther King Jr., "Think" and a remake of Carol King's "A Natural Woman (You Make Me Feel)." Franklin, who still lives in Detroit, holds the record of most Grammy Awards for a female artist.
Courtesy Michigan History Magazine.
This date in Michigan History
posted by Dave Stone at
1/21/2006
0 Comments
NFL players said it all season: We want to go to Detroit.
While the Motor City is destination No. 1 for professional football players, it is probably not among the top hot spots for most Americans.
But city officials and members of the Super Bowl host committee want out-of-towners to know that a new and improving Detroit awaits them.
The 40th edition of the Super Bowl - the biggest spectacle in American sport - hits Detroit's Ford Field on Feb. 5, and along with it will come tens of thousands of people: players and their families, team and league personnel, fans, corporate types, media, celebrities and others.
AP News from the Traverse City Record-Eagle
posted by Dave Stone at
1/21/2006
0 Comments
Ford Motor Co. will unveil a restructuring plan Monday 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.
The cuts, first reported by The Detroit News on Dec. 7, would be deeper than many had expected, signaling the urgency of Chairman and CEO Bill Ford Jr.'s push to restore the automaker's ailing North American operations.
Bill Ford has promised the impending moves will affect all levels of the company. As such, the automaker will announce plans to reduce the number of top executives on Monday. One of those will be sales and marketing vice president Steve Lyons.
The broad outlines of Ford's plan -- dubbed the "way forward" -- were approved last month by Ford’s board of directors.
Ford downsizing will cut deeper than expected - 01/21/06 - The Detroit News
posted by Dave Stone at
1/21/2006
0 Comments
"Super Bowl XL volunteer Dan Fisk of Stockbridge is just about ready to point visitors around Detroit.
Except first, he has to figure out where things are.
Fisk, 37, who lives a little more than an hour west of Detroit, said he comes to the city only occasionally, for sporting events.
Super Bowl XL Detroit 2006: PREPARING FOR SUPER BOWL XL: Volunteers finalize their game plans
posted by Dave Stone at
1/21/2006
0 Comments
Country star Clint Black, alternative rock band Smash Mouth and blues guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd have joined the lineup for a street festival to be held during Super Bowl week, organizers announced Friday.
Detroit's Super Bowl host committee previously announced that R&B artist and Detroit native KEM would be one of several national acts at the Motown Winter Blast, to be held downtown Feb. 2-5.
Other performers include husband-and-wife duo Kindred The Family Soul and singer-guitarist Mark Farner of Grand Funk Railroad.
Detroit Super Bowl festival adds Clint Black, Smash Mouth - 01/20/06 - The Detroit News
posted by Dave Stone at
1/20/2006
0 Comments
Josiah W. Begole is born in Groveland, New York.
At the age of 21, Begole left New York and arrived in Michigan, settling in Flint. Besides running a 500-acre farm, he founded one of Flint's largest sawmills. After making his fortune, Begole entered politics, serving as Genesee County treasurer, a state senator and a U.S. congressman. In 1882, as an advocate of paper money, Begole headed a Fusionist party ticket supported by Democrats and Greenbackers, and was elected governor in a five-man race. As a former Republican who had ousted a Republican incumbent, Begole faced many obstacles in a Republican-dominated legislature. Begole was re-nominated by the Fusionists in 1884, but defeated by Republican Russell Alger. He returned to his business interests in Flint.
Courtesy Michigan History Magazine.
This date in Michigan History
posted by Dave Stone at
1/20/2006
0 Comments
Although they started out somewhat slowly in the first period, the Wings did what they needed to do tonight, winning their third in a row by shutting out the Blue Jackets 4-0 in Columbus. The game showcased high quality goaltending at both ends and skillful penalty killing in the Detroit end.
Chris Osgood was one of the two best players for the Wings tonight, making 26 stops, a number of which were pretty tough. The Blue Jackets, especially in the first, had some good scoring chances and Ozzie stood on his head. What that means for the goaltending situation, I don't know. It's going to be hard for Babcock to pick a #1 goalie when each of them continue to come up with performances like that.
On the Wings: Wings 4, Jackets 0
posted by Dave Stone at
1/19/2006
1 Comments
Wilson Pickett, the soul pioneer best known for the fiery hits “Mustang Sally” and “In The Midnight Hour,” died of a heart attack Thursday, according to his management company. He was 64.
Chris Tuthill of the management company Talent Source said Pickett had been suffering from health problems for the past year.
“He did his part. It was a great ride, a great trip, I loved him and I’m sure he was well-loved, and I just hope that he’s given his props,” Michael Wilson Pickett, the fourth of the singer’s six children, told WRC-TV in Washington after his death.
BREAKING NEWS: Wilson Pickett dies of heart attack
posted by Dave Stone at
1/19/2006
0 Comments
PONTIAC - Mayor Clarence Phillips is eliminating all administrative cars and car allowances, and the City Council aims to crack down on the use of contract employees - all in an effort to squash rising budget deficits.
"All car allowances are being eliminated," after Jan. 31, Phillips said. "No (car) leases will be provided to any employees or executive, that includes me and my team. I have the same car I came into office with. It's a Bonneville, and it says Pontiac, and that's what I prefer to drive," the new mayor said 17 days into his four-year term.
The Oakland Press: Local News
posted by Dave Stone at
1/19/2006
0 Comments
The Western Farmer, the state's first farm journal, is published.
Promising to focus on such agricultural issues as the "application of manure," calf-raising, deep plowing and "the culture of wheat, corn and other grains," the Western Farmer was issued in Detroit. The first issue of this 8-page, semimonthly publication had 100 subscribers; its second issue had 1,000 subscribers. Subscribers could delay their one-dollar annual payment until harvest time or they could give the publisher any equivalent article that "can be used in [his] family." In February 1843, the paper moved from Detroit to Jackson, and under new ownership, became the Michigan Farmer and Western Agriculturalist.
Courtesy Michigan History Magazine.
This date in Michigan History
posted by Dave Stone at
1/19/2006
0 Comments
Are you looking for some beautiful Michigan backgrounds for your desk or laptop? Here are free background photos that are guaranteed to make your choice most difficult. If you enjoy scenics, you will love the variety available here. Absolutely beautiful. Thanks to the folks at Leelanau.Com for making these downloads available.
posted by Dave Stone at
1/18/2006
0 Comments
Detroit is incorporated as a town.
The act provided for a slate of municipal officers that included a five-member board of trustees, a secretary, an assessor, a tax collector and a marshal. The trustees were authorized to take whatever action necessary for the health and welfare of the inhabitants. The board's first act was to adopt a code of fire regulations for the town, whose population numbered about 500 people. At the time, Detroit had 300 buildings.
Courtesy Michigan History Magazine.
posted by Dave Stone at
1/18/2006
0 Comments
Battery G, First Michigan Light Artillery, is mustered into federal service at Kalamazoo.
Recruited in Branch County, Battery G had an enrollment of 145 officers and men when it left for Kentucky one month later. During the course of the war, Battery G saw action at Chickasaw Bayou, Champion Hill, the siege of Vicksburg and Mobile, Alabama. The battery, which was mustered out of federal service on August 6, 1865, carried on its rolls 318 men. It suffered losses of 2 men killed in combat and 41 men, who died from disease.
Courtesy Michigan History Magazine.
posted by Dave Stone at
1/17/2006
0 Comments
The campaign for governor in Michigan is gaining momentum. It's only January but the race for governor is already taking shape.WOODTV.com & WOOD TV8 - Grand Rapids news and weather - Domino's Pizza CEO to head DeVos' gubernatorial campaign
Ada businessman Dick DeVos announced Monday that another businessman will head his campaign against Governor Jennifer Granholm.
Domino's Pizza Chairman and CEO David Brandon will head the DeVos campaign. Brandon lives in Ann Arbor and serves on several nonprofit boards in the Detroit area, including Detroit Renaissance and The Parade Company, which produces Detroit's annual Thanksgiving Day Parade.
posted by Dave Stone at
1/17/2006
0 Comments
Former President Ford was undergoing treatment for pneumonia Monday at the same facility where he was briefly hospitalized a month ago, his chief of staff said. He was said to be doing well.iWon News
Ford, 92, was admitted Saturday to Eisenhower Medical Center near his home in Rancho Mirage in Southern California, Penny Circle said.
"Based on his age it is prudent for his initial course of treatment - IV antibiotics - to be done at the hospital," Circle told The Associated Press.
Ford was expected to be released from the hospital Wednesday or Thursday, she said.
posted by Dave Stone at
1/17/2006
0 Comments
My buddy, Barry Johnson of The Royal Flush (to name but one of his efforts), has been busy expanding his blogging empire recently. Barry has poured the footings for four new blogs. His new sites are:
posted by Dave Stone at
1/16/2006
0 Comments
Sgt. Dwight Johnson of Detroit saves a fellow soldier in severe fighting in Vietnam.
In the midst of an enemy attack, Johnson jumped from his immobilized tank, killed 12 enemy soldiers and saved a fellow soldier. As a result of his heroics Johnson was the first Michiganian to be awarded the Medal of Honor during the Vietnam War.
Courtesy Michigan History Magazine.
posted by Dave Stone at
1/16/2006
0 Comments
Michael Watts knows what families and corporations love about January in Michigan - cold and ice and tourism. He has been producing the famed Plymouth International Ice Sculpture Spectacular event in Plymouth for over a decade. The 24th annual celebration is scheduled for January 20 through 22nd, 2006.
The free, family friendly festival has averaged 500,000 visitors for 23 years, pumping more than one million dollars to the city's stores and restaurants each year. The event also generates enormous media. exposure for carvers and their art, as well as for the Plymouth Community.
This is one of the largest events held in the city of Plymouth and one that I enjoyed attending when I lived in the area. It is amazing what these artists are able to produce. I remember they would line the main streets in town with sculptures and, given the typical Michigan winter, they would last for weeks after the event was concluded. The drive through town, for those not prepared to brave the cold, would still allow one to take in this beautiful display of artistic creativity. Gotta see it for yourself.
posted by Dave Stone at
1/15/2006
0 Comments
Gov. Jennifer Granholm wants all K-12 public schools in Michigan to receive an immediate boost in their state funding.
Granholm on Tuesday will ask the Legislature to raise per-student funding by $25 statewide during the current fiscal year. The Democratic governor said the increase, which she described as modest, is available because fewer students are enrolled than projected.
Mary Ann Cleary of the House Fiscal Agency attributed the falling student size to the fact that the largest class in the K-12 system is now leaving. She said it's also possible that those numbers could be affected by families leaving the state. (My emphasis added.)
posted by Dave Stone at
1/15/2006
0 Comments
posted by Dave Stone at
1/15/2006
0 Comments
Flamboyant Southfield attorney Geoffrey Fieger probably violated the state's campaign finance law but will not face criminal charges, an independent counsel announced Saturday upon completing his review.
Patrick Shannon, a former Upper Peninsula prosecutor tapped by Attorney General Mike Cox to investigate a $457,000 advertising campaign against a state Supreme Court justice, said the worst Fieger could face were civil penalties that could cost him hundreds of thousands of dollars.
posted by Dave Stone at
1/15/2006
0 Comments
The first all-woman jury hears a trial.
When all-male juries twice were unable to determine the guilt or innocence of a Flint man charged with being intoxicated, the judge, defense attorney and prosecutor agreed to pick Michigan's first all-woman jury. The six women quickly agreed on a guilty verdict and the man was ordered to pay a $50 fine and spend sixty days in jail.
Courtesy Michigan History Magazine.
posted by Dave Stone at
1/15/2006
0 Comments
posted by Dave Stone at
1/14/2006
0 Comments
Joseph R. Williams is appointed the first president of the newly created Agricultural College.This date in Michigan History
On February 12,1855, at the urging of the Michigan State Agricultural Society, the Michigan Agricultural College was created. Williams, a merchant and miller from Constantine, had been active in the state promoting scientific agriculture and a leader in the agricultural college movement. The first students arrived at the future Michigan State University in the spring of 1857. Williams served as president until his resignation in March 1859.
Courtesy Michigan History Magazine.
posted by Dave Stone at
1/14/2006
0 Comments
Wings 4, Rangers 3
The Wings' first game on NBC in years turned out to be a success, as they beat their old rival, the New York Rangers, 4-3 downtown at the Joe. It was a well-played game by both teams and definitely an entertaining one, as the Rangers kept it interesting right to the end.
Labels: Detroit Red Wings
posted by Dave Stone at
1/14/2006
0 Comments
posted by Dave Stone at
1/12/2006
0 Comments
Acting Governor Stevens T. Mason declares we have a "right" to be a state.This date in Michigan History
Addressing the territorial legislative council, Mason told them that the Michigan Territory faced a crisis. Michigan's most recent effort to join the Union had failed. The territory's request to Congress for an enabling act—permission to call a constitutional convention—had been rejected. The 23-year-old chief executive declared that Michigan had a right to become a state and asked the council to call a constitutional convention. Twelve days later, the council concurred; delegates would be elected in April and gather in Detroit the following month.
Courtesy Michigan History Magazine.
posted by Dave Stone at
1/12/2006
0 Comments
Michigan has won a seal of approval from two independent monitoring groups for environmentally sensitive management of its 3.9 million acres of state forest.
The Sustainable Forestry Initiative and the Forest Stewardship Council recently granted Michigan certification after inspecting its woodlands and reviewing its policies in areas such as timber harvesting and protecting wildlife habitat and water quality.
"It confirms what we've said before, that we are managing the state forest in a sustainable manner," Lynne Boyd, forest management division chief with the Department of Natural Resources, said Tuesday.
posted by Dave Stone at
1/11/2006
0 Comments
Marshall Bruce Mathers III, aka Eminem, and his ex-wife Kimberly Anne Mathers, aka Kim, have applied for a marriage license in Macomb County, Mich.
The document appears to cement the rapper's announcement to a Detroit radio station in December that he would probably remarry his daughter's mother, who he divorced in 2001, the Detroit Free Press reported Wednesday.
But information on the wedding is elusive.
posted by Dave Stone at
1/11/2006
0 Comments
Grand Rapids - The statistics are showing improvement in conditions for Michigan children. The Kids Count in Michigan report released today, compares our statistics with other states, and within Michigan from year to year.
One finding: fewer michigan teens are having children. The teen birth rate is now 35.8 per one-thousand teens, compared to more than 50 in the mid nineties. More teens are also staying in school. Only three percent drop out, compared to more than six percent in the mid nineties.
Some people who work with kids credit programs that work with at risk teens, like the new West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology.
posted by Dave Stone at
1/11/2006
0 Comments
posted by Dave Stone at
1/11/2006
0 Comments
President Thomas Jefferson signs an act establishing the Michigan Territory.
When Ohio became a state in 1803, the present-day state of Michigan became part of the Indiana Territory. Since the territorial capital was in Vincennes—a long distance from Michigan’s population center of Detroit—Michiganians lobbied for their own territory. The law creating the Michigan Territory took effect in July 1805. It included the Lower Peninsula and the tip of the eastern Peninsula. Over the next several years the territory was expanded to include parts of Wisconsin and Minnesota. Michigan’s first governor was William Hull, an American Revolution War veteran from Massachusetts.
Courtesy Michigan History Magazine.
posted by Dave Stone at
1/11/2006
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posted by Dave Stone at
1/10/2006
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IT CAN BE ABOUT A FRUSTRATED SHOPPING CART BOY. That's who wrote in to Miss Manners in this morning's Free Press. This tidbit was this morning's most striking item (auto show Jeep crashing through window notwithstanding) because it gave voice to someone no one thinks about, the cart boy.
posted by Dave Stone at
1/10/2006
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Todd Katke (a.k.a. Buford T. Porcupine) took a few moments recently to answer some questions that I thought might be interesting to share with you. Though busily pursuing photographs of the elusive moose and capturing photos from the Iditarod, Todd sent me these answers.
Question # 1 - When did you first discover that you had an interest in wildlife photography?
"I first became interested in wildlife/nature back in early 1983."
Question # 2 - What kind of formal training have you had in photography?
"My formal training comes from The Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale Florida, though for a commercial end of photography it helped me a lot in understanding photography and building my foundation and love for it. What I was able to see through the lens and let the creative side e of me flow. After that school I continued to be self taught increasing my knowledge love for my photography. Through many natural guide books , other peoples photography wildlife books. To continuing educating myself through 1 day seminars and other related classes, reading everything I could get my hands on to further my knowledge."
Question # 3 - What has been the most rewarding aspect of your career, so far, as a professional wildlife photographer?
"My most rewarding moment in my career? Being a NANPA MEMBER: North American Nature Photography Association, we promote Mentoring. I myself mentored to a young high school boy who at the time didn't even own a camera. Mentoring you offer your time and talent and teach others who might share the interest and passion in photography. My student, Ryan White, was with me for about 4 years. In that time together, he would come and stay at our house and we would go out and work together on his growing vision, creating developing his eye. Educating him in the studio through slide presentations and examples of some of my work. It also won a scholarship I voted him in for, and received it. We have also done some extensive traveling through out the U.S. together. And as a result he is now currently pursuing his education in college into a career of Photography. The greatest gift is giving back to the youth."
Question # 4 - Whom would you say has been your source of inspiration in this field? Who would you say has been your mentor?
"My greatest inspiration: Carl Sams. My mentors , there has been many. People like : Art Wolfe, Rod Planck, John Shaw, and the list goes on. Most of whom I ve all meet and had the privilege of talking to personal and meeting with every year at NANPA conventions ."
Question # 5 - What advice would you give to someone just starting out?
"Greatest advice for someone just starting out? Don't let anyone steal your dream! It will require a lot of time and effort. Discipline yourself, educate yourself through natural history guide books. Photo guide books. Pursue education through college, and photography courses. Continue to read in areas that interest you , and watch yourself grow."
Thanks Todd. I am honored to be able to share your thoughts and art with the readers of this page. Thanks also for letting me play some part in presenting the beautiful wildlife photos and for our thirty years of friendship.
posted by Dave Stone at
1/10/2006
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I remember when the North American International Auto Show was known as "The Detroit Auto Show". So much so that I still refer to it that way in conversation. I really hate being so concerned with being PC.
posted by Dave Stone at
1/10/2006
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William Clay Ford (grandson of Henry Ford) became the sole owner of the Detroit Lions for $6 million.
The Detroit Lions played their first game on September 23, 1934, when they defeated the New York Giants at the University of Detroit Stadium. The Lions were originally the Spartans, who played four seasons at Portsmouth, Ohio. Purchased for less than $8,000 by a group headed by Detroit radio executive George A. Richards and moved to Detroit, the Lions won their first National Football League championship in 1935.
Courtesy Michigan History Magazine.
posted by Dave Stone at
1/10/2006
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The Super Bowl is known for the parties and events surrounding the weekend before the big game. Here are just some of the events planned at this time, but additional events will be added as formal plans are announced to the public.Super Bowl XL Detroit 2006: 2006 Super Bowl Events, Playboy Party, Maxim Party, Player’s Party and more
posted by Dave Stone at
1/09/2006
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The Hamtramck Police Department issued an Amber Alert for a 6-month baby who was abducted at gun point Sunday afternoon.Amber Alert: Baby abducted at gun point
Two African-American males kidnapped Lasepia Janae Rankins, an African-American female, from her babysitter at her Hamtramck home at 4 p.m. Sunday.
One man wearing a ski mask identified himself as the child’s father. The second man, who was not wearing a mask, was wearing a goatee, red sweatshirt, blue jeans and was armed with a handgun.
posted by Dave Stone at
1/09/2006
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Ann Arbor-to-Detroit mass transit report cites commuters' support-Metro group to proceed with study of a rail or bus system to meet demands for quick, reliable service.People who drive between Ann Arbor and Detroit would use public transportation as long as the ride were as quick as a car, the stations were convenient to their homes and workplaces and the service operated on a reliable schedule.
That's the gist of a recently released report on what about 250 people, government officials and mass transit advocacy organizations told officials from the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments during three public hearings aimed at upgrading public transportation options in southeast Michigan.
Artwork from Detroit News.
posted by Dave Stone at
1/09/2006
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The Wings blew a three-goal lead, allowing six unanswered goals in the second and third periods, to lose 6-3 at the Joe today. In contrast to the trend of just a few games ago, Detroit came out of the gates flying in the first but faltered after scoring their second and third goals early in the second period. The Stars took advantage of this and dominated for the next 35 minutes or so, getting an important win for their franchise.On the Wings: Wings 3, Stars 6
The Wings showed us their two sides tonight: in the first and early goings of the second, it was the crisp-passing, game-dominating team we love to see so much. In the rest of the second and all of the third, they were the sloppy-passing, on-their-heels team we see all too often. In a month where that first team needs to show up more often than not, it is extremely disappointing to see the Wings play their "B" or even "C" game.
Labels: Detroit Red Wings
posted by Dave Stone at
1/09/2006
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Battery F, First Michigan Light Artillery, is mustered into federal service at Coldwater.
Battery F left the state for Kentucky on March 3, 1862. After months of service in Kentucky, the battery marched across the Cumberland Mountains to Knoxville, Tennessee, in January 1864. In May 1864, Battery F joined William T. Sherman’s Atlanta campaign. It fought at Resaca and Keenesaw Mountain.
On July 21, 1864, Battery F was credited with being the first Union battery to throw shells into the Confederate stronghold of Atlanta. After the fall of Atlanta, Battery F was sent back to Chattanooga, Tennessee, where it remained until being posted to Nashville, Tennessee. Following the mid-December Battle of Nashville, Battery F was sent to North Carolina where it ended the war. It returned to Jackson, Michigan, where it was mustered out of federal service on July 1, 1865.
Courtesy Michigan History Magazine.
posted by Dave Stone at
1/09/2006
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Time for the weekly insanity udate, where the insane, the bizarre, the ridiculous, and the completely absurd are highlighted for all to see! This has been a week of rare idiocy (as always!). Calling all bloggers! Be sure to send in your entries to the Carnival, which will be posted every Sunday. Entries need to be in by 8 pm ET on Saturday to make their way into the list that week. Only one post entry weekly per blogger, please. Thanks for all the submissions. I will use as many as possible!
SO MANY INSANITIES! SO LITTLE TIME!
posted by Dave Stone at
1/08/2006
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posted by Dave Stone at
1/08/2006
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TRAVERSE CITY - Jane played her first slot machine shortly after her mother's unexpected death. The rush she felt from gambling helped her escape the pain of grieving.
"I was out of my mind with depression," Jane said.
Jane is a 48-year-old northern Michigan woman who requested that her real name not be used. Her gambling consumed her thoughts for 20 years and cost her tens of thousands of dollars.
posted by Dave Stone at
1/08/2006
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Mail starts arriving in Detroit from the East on a daily basis.
The arrival of daily mail in Detroit marked the beginning of what became the “Michigan Decade.” According to one observer, “It appeared that everyone was coming to Michigan.” Through the 1830s immigrants, many traveling along New York’s Erie Canal, arrived in Detroit before heading inland. Michigan’s population in 1830 grew to more than 212,000 by 1840.
Courtesy Michigan History Magazine.
posted by Dave Stone at
1/08/2006
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posted by Dave Stone at
1/08/2006
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posted by Dave Stone at
1/07/2006
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This date in Michigan History: January 7, 1929
Detroit businessman Edward F. Schlee and his co-pilot, William S. Brock make the first nonstop Detroit-to-Miami flight, finishing in nine hours and 20 minutes.
As Schlee and Brock were winging their way south, the Ford Motor Company continued to expand its involvement in the nation’s fledgling passenger airplane industry. Ford’s Tri-Motor airplane, which became a staple in the nation’s commercial airplane industry during the early 1930s, provided many Americans with their first airplane ride. According to one observer, “If not for a Ford Tri-Motor, there might not be a United States airline industry.”
posted by Dave Stone at
1/07/2006
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Labels: Detroit Red Wings
posted by Dave Stone at
1/07/2006
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posted by Dave Stone at
1/07/2006
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posted by Dave Stone at
1/07/2006
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posted by Dave Stone at
1/06/2006
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posted by Dave Stone at
1/06/2006
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posted by Dave Stone at
1/06/2006
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posted by Dave Stone at
1/06/2006
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Labels: My Michigan Connection Archive
posted by Dave Stone at
1/05/2006
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Labels: Michigan Bloggers
posted by Dave Stone at
1/05/2006
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Labels: Michigan Online News
posted by Dave Stone at
1/05/2006
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Labels: Michigan Attractions
posted by Dave Stone at
1/05/2006
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Labels: Michigan Television
posted by Dave Stone at
1/05/2006
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Labels: Michigan Radio
posted by Dave Stone at
1/05/2006
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Labels: Michigan Cities
posted by Dave Stone at
1/05/2006
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You have found the detroitblog. This is about all things Detroit: politics, urban exploration, news, photos, and commentary about the city. I love Detroit, even the old Detroit of blight, waste and emptiness. Hockeytown. Motown. I grew up here, had my best times here. ItÃ’s my town.
posted by Dave Stone at
1/05/2006
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posted by Dave Stone at
1/05/2006
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posted by Dave Stone at
1/04/2006
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posted by Dave Stone at
1/04/2006
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The Wings began January very much on the wrong foot, losing 4-2 in un-inspiring fashion to Minnesota in front of their home fans. Detroit looked flat for the majority of the night and were out-hustled and out-worked by the Wild all night, despite finishing the game with a season-high 45 shots.
Chris Osgood again made the start for the Wings and played well, though two of the three goals he allowed were fairly weak. He had little chance on the first, however, which came from the slot off a quick centering pass from behind the net. Andrei Zyuzin was left all along out front and was handed an easy one-timer goal by the Red Wing defense at 5:55 of the first period.
The Wild scored again a little over a minute later, this time from Filip Kuba, who took a shot from the point. The goal came soon after a defensive-zone faceoff for the Wings and immediately after a television break so it's not like they didn't have time to prepare.
Labels: Detroit Red Wings
posted by Dave Stone at
1/04/2006
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DETROIT --They're the most coveted tickets in all of sports, but getting into Super Bowl XL is easy.
All you need is money or pals with connections.
Those are the best options for regular fans hoping to attend the Feb. 5 extravaganza, even though tickets won't even begin to be distributed until next week. The general public's big shot at nabbing tickets for face value, $600 and $700, came in October, when the National Football League sold 1,000 of the estimated roughly 60,000 seats in a drawing.
posted by Dave Stone at
1/03/2006
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posted by Dave Stone at
1/03/2006
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posted by Dave Stone at
1/03/2006
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posted by Dave Stone at
1/02/2006
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Labels: About
posted by Dave Stone at
1/02/2006
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Born and raised in Michigan, specifically Detroit and the surrounding area. Though I have lived away for several years from my childhood home, I enjoy the opportunity to return for frequent visits. No matter where I live, I will always be a "Michigander".
This page is to share all things Michigan and, in so doing, I may be able to remedy a little of my homesickness.
This is My Michigan Connection.
