Good morning Michigan! Today is Friday, August 28, 2009.
So on my way back from Southfield yesterday I saw all the Ren Festival signs ..
Michigan Renaissance Festival: Come Lords! Come Ladies! Come scoundrel and wenches! The Michigan Ren Fest is happening! Every weekend & on Labor Day, now through October 4.
Will anyone ever unseat Michmark!!! I do not think so!
Franklin Ellsworth Doremus served as a State Rep and a Postmaster prior to being elected as Mayor of Detroit. He was also a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1916 and 1920.
Today's Michigan trivia:
What is the Stairway to Hell?
Today in Michigan history:
1891 - Road construction continues in Detroit. Construction continued on Detroit's Grand Boulevard. The goal, according to a contemporary observer, was a "gravel road where gentlemen with fast horses could let out the reins." Via Michigan History Magazine
Last night I had written about 4 paragraphs on intergenerational conflict. Wednesdays are the "workplace" days, and I thought it would be neat to do something on the dynamics of different generations who have to work together. The 'Swing Gen', the 'Silent Gen', the 'Baby Boomers', the 'X' and the 'Y' .... all of them have different values and view the world through different filters.
Since my mind is usually stuck in the political, I then started wondering if the generation gaps had anything to do with how screwed up Congress can be. The X generation has less respect for the 'chain of command' than the Silents & Baby Boomers. The Y generation gets bored and restless. Is this part of the reason why Congress is such a dysfunctional workplace? But do our Senators and Congressmen & women think of Congress as a workplace? And in a world where regional and ideological differences are so strong, do generational differences even matter?
And then I got the word that Ted Kennedy died.
Born in 1932, Ted Kennedy was a member of the Silent Generation. Born during the great depression and too young to fight in the war, this generation was small and in great demand. They went to the best schools and were courted by the best corporations. They made good "organization" men. Ted Kennedy, of course, was a king in this generation. His life was more privileged than most.
Even all of his privilege could not protect him from loss. His brothers Joe, John, and Robert, all killed in war or by assassin. His sister Kathleen killed in a plane crash, and his sister Rosemary lost to a botched lobotomy when she was a very young woman. Over the years, he became the patriarch of the family, and the de-facto dad of over a dozen fatherless children. And then he suffered the sadness of losing some of those children to tragedy as well.
Through all of this, he was a liberal champion. There is no other modern Senator who has had his hands in more legislation on poverty, health care, education, social security, and general welfare, than Senator Edward M Kennedy.
There is an old saying that I remember but am not going to look up to see who said it ... "John Kennedy governed from the head, Bobby Kennedy governed from the heart, and Ted Kennedy governs from memory." I probably have it a little bit wrong, but that's the crux of it. Ted Kennedy's legacy may be overshadowed by the giant symbolism of his brothers, but it was his life that shaped the world that I live in. I would not hesitate to call him a champion and hero to our cause. The many members of his family who have known no other father than Ted Kennedy would call him a hero as well. Heroes are made of more than just their memories of dead brothers. Loyalty. Courage. Duty. Faith. This is the stuff of heroes. This is the stuff of Ted Kennedy.
Truman Handy Newberry was a Michigan businessman and former Secretary of the Navy who decided to run for the U.S. Senate as a Republican in 1918. His primary opponent was Henry Ford, the legendary automobile manufacturer. The primary was hotly contested, and Newberry was alleged to have spent upwards of $100,000 on his nomination race. Newberry defeated Ford, and went on to win the general election. Ford challenged Newberry and used his federal connections to win an investigation by Congress and the United States Department of Justice. Newberry was tried in 1921 and convicted.
Today's Michigan trivia:
This Democrat served as a State Rep and a Postmaster prior to being elected as Mayor of Detroit. He was also a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1916 and 1920.
Today in Michigan history:
1864 - Michigan soldiers battle at Reams Station, Virginia. A week of intense fighting ended outside of Petersburg, Virginia, near a place called Reams Station. Eleven different Michigan units were involved in the fighting that left many casualties, including Major Horatio Belcher of the Eighth Michigan Infantry, who was killed on August 19. The Flint officer had gone off to war three years earlier in August 1861. Via Michigan History Magazine
Good morning Michigan! Today is Monday Monday, August 24, 2009.
You know, normally I'd do a money saver ... today's was "saving money on work lunches" ... but I have had this stuck in my head all weekend.
It gets cut off a little at the end, but it was so much fun to watch that I decided to roll with it.
Next Monday we'll save money on lunches. (Putting it off gets me one more week of Olive Garden at noon)
Today's Announcement:
Since my surgery in April, I have gained 11 pounds. Argh. But I have recovered to the point that I am finally able to stay awake all day now without No-Doz & vitamin cocktails. (Used to be I couldn't stay awake more than 8 hours). So to celebrate my ability to stay awake, and to deal with my sucky weight gain, I have decided to run the Crim next year. I'm going to start training this week. (And by training, I mean walking. That surgery kicked my butt.)
This was inspired by a friend of mine who just up & decided to run the Disney next year. I figure if she can do that, then I can do this. And what a good way to get in shape.
By the way, I'm telling you this so that I will actually make myself do it.
Groesbeck's entrance into state politics came in 1912, when he led efforts to select a delegation to the Republican National Convention favorable to the renomination of U.S. President William Howard Taft. Groesbeck also actively led the party faction supporting Taft in the general election. In the same year, Groesbeck was elected the state party chairman, serving until 1914.[1] He was a candidate for Governor of Michigan in 1914, but lost in the Republican primary election to Chase S. Osborn.[3] In 1916, Groesbeck was elected Attorney General of Michigan, and was re-elected in 1918.
Today's Michigan trivia:
This Michigan GOPNo operative Republican was elected to represent MI in the US Senate. Two years later he was tried and convicted under the Federal Corrupt Practices Act of election "irregularities". The conviction was overturned by the US Supreme Court.
Today in Michigan history:
1834 - Cholera epidemic hits Detroit. Dozens died throughout August and September, including one terrible day when sixteen perished from the dreaded disease. It had been the city's custom to toll a bell on the occasion of a death but the tolling became so frequent that it increased the panic and was discontinued. Cholera returned to Detroit in 1849 and 1854. Via Michigan History Magazine
And finally, the Genesee County Fair runs through this weekend. Use the "schedule" button at the top to get the list of events for the weekend. (I couldn't link to it, so I said that instead.)
Woodbridge Nathan Ferris (January 6, 1853-March 23, 1928) was an educator from New York, Illinois and Michigan, as well as Democratic statesman and Governor (1913-1916).
...
Ferris then settled in Big Rapids, Michigan, where in 1884 he established the Ferris Industrial School (which became Ferris State University). There he received the nickname The Big Rapids Schoolmaster, and served as president until his death. He was also president of the Big Rapids Savings Bank.
Today's Michigan trivia:
This Michigan GOPNo operative Republican made his debut in politics when he tried to get the Michigan GOP delegation to support the renomination of President William Howard Taft. He (the Michigan Republican) later was elected Attorney General, then Governor.
Today in Michigan history:
1984 - The Chief Wawatam sails for the last time. After years of transporting passengers, automobiles and railcars across the Straits of Mackinac, the Chief Wawatam ended service. Built for the Mackinac Transportation Company for service between St. Ignace and Mackinaw City, the Chief Wawatam arrived at St. Ignace on October 18, 1911.
In 1988, the Chief Wawatam-the last coal-burning vessel on the Great Lakes-was sold to a Canadian firm that cut the 338-foot car ferry down to a deck barge. Via Michigan History Magazine
Good morning Michigan! Today is Thursday, August 20, and I'm spending the wildcard on Crosby Mint Farm.
Crosby Mint Farm is the oldest mint farm in the nation, and they're facing foreclosure. Visit their site at www.crosbymintfarm.com to learn more about them. There are still several ways you can help them:
This Democrat established an industrial school, prior to being elected Governor of Michigan.
Today in Michigan history:
1794 - Americans win the Battle of Fallen Timbers. After years of frustration and setbacks, American forces, led by General Anthony Wayne, defeated a force of Native Americans south of present-day Toledo, Ohio. Wayne's victory at Battle of Fallen Timbers-so named because it occurred in an area where a tornado uprooted many trees before the battle-forced the British to finally surrender American outposts, like Detroit, which they had occupied since the end of the American Revolution. Via Michigan History Magazine
Good morning Michigan! Today is Wednesday, August 19. It's a workplace day, so I thought it would be a kick to spend some time on the job interview.
Well, not so much a kick, but a good topic.
There are some cool youtubes that offer helpful tips on the interview. This one talks a little about questions you should ask in the interview:
Head over to youtube and search for Job Interview Bootcamp for more. I don't know what they're selling over on that website, but the little videos are pretty good.
Personally, I don't have any practical tips to offer on job interviews. I've never been good at them. I find that they've never mattered much to me. The worse the job interview, the better the job I was offered. My interview for the job I have now was horrible. I had food poisoning the day before the interview. When I went to the interview, I looked bad, felt bad, and really didn't care if I answered their questions. In fact I'm pretty sure that I spent a bunch of time saying, "I don't know." It was horrible, and I was too sick to my stomach to be embarrassed.
I found out later that out of 300 (I hear) resumes, 35 or so of us were selected for interviews, and it ultimately came down to me and 1 other person. And I was the one who sent the thank you note for the interview.
Go figure. Horrible horrible interview. But my thank you note ROCKED.
Answer to yesterday's Michigan trivia questions:
Ahem. (Second time in two weeks.)
Today's Michigan trivia:
I said, This Democrat was elected as a "spectator" to the US Senate.
Today in Michigan history:
1951 - The Detroit Tigers pitch to the first midget. Bill Veeck, owner of the St. Louis Browns, sent 3' 7" Eddie Gaedell in to bat against the Detroit Tigers. Gaedell walked on four pitches. Major league baseball quickly passed a rule that all players had to be at least 4' 8" tall. Via Michigan History Magazine
Good morning kids! Today is Tuesday, August 18, and I have 3 more letters after my name today (CCA). This makes me a better person. I know it's hard to believe it's possible. (Head rush from all the awesome)
In addition to passing my latest cert test (blah) I also finished up a class. Last assignment was to write a paper on values and ethics. (blah and blah again) So I did part of the paper on the importance of free speech, which reminded me of Senator Daniel Inouye's awesome speech on the filibuster. An excerpt:
Freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of religion: What are these but the recognition that at times when the majority of men would willingly destroy him, a dissenting man may have no friend but the law.
It's an absolute must read. There's a copy over on the Democratic Underground. You should just bookmark it and read it occasionally. Print it out and carry it with you. It's just awesome.
Seeking a way to increase profits, C&H switched from using the two-man drill to extract ore to the one-man drill - the 150-pound "widow-maker." As one miner recalled, "Even before the one-man drill, we lost maybe a man a week in those mines." With the two-man drill, "one guy was always watching out for the other. The one-man drill scared the miners." Besides fear of the widow-maker, miners were fed up with the poor working conditions. They toiled four thousand feet beneath the surface of the earth for up to eleven hours each day. Their pay-$2.50 a day.
This Democrat was elected as a "spectator" to the US Senate.
Today in Michigan history:
1858 - William Austin Burt dies. William Austin Burt died in Detroit. One of the truly great surveyors to work in Michigan, Burt arrived in Macomb County from his native New York state in 1824. In 1833, he began working for the federal government surveying the Michigan wilderness. Burt's many accomplishments include inventing the solar compass, which saved surveyors time when working in areas rich with minerals that produced inaccurate compass readings. Via Michigan History Magazine
So, it's 8am Monday and I'm already 2 hours behind. I had such high hopes for this last weekend ... that I'd catch up on everything and I'd come out ahead this week. But, instead of driving the car that is my life, I just keep getting dragged behind it. Sigh. ::hangs head::
Anywaaaay, I'm off for a test at 10am, so my normal awesome (humor me) Monday post is going to meet the minimum requirements of trivia and this day in history. Thank you for understanding. Tomorrow's GMM may or may not be any better, but I will be a better person by then, because I will be able to put extra letters after my name, thus increasing my impressiveness on paper.
It is probable that thousands of years ago when the lake level was lower, the trees actually grew where they now stand. A parallel might be drawn with the Gribben Forest, a stand of 10,000 year old spruce trees uncovered during the excavation of a tailings basin for the Tilden Mine in Marquette County. Some of the Gribben trees were still standing where they had grown and had been buried by sand and silt washed out from a melting glacier at the end of the last Ice Age. During the Ice Age, the Great Lakes, as well as the oceans, were believed to have been much lower than present levels due to the tremendous amount of water frozen in the glaciers that covered much of the continents. The trees might have grown on the southern shores of a smaller, shallower Lake Superior and drowned when the lake level rose with the melting of the glaciers.
Second, Michmark again! To make up for his lack of attempt on thursday (harrumph! again), Michmark gave us two answers on Friday. We were looking for the Alger Underwater Reserve on that one.
The workers at the Calumet and Hecla Mining Company called this device The Widow Maker.
Today in Michigan history:
1980 - Detroit Tigers retire number 6. One of Detroit's greatest players, Al Kaline won the league's batting crown in 1955 with a .340 batting average, was selected to eighteen All-Star Games during his career, captured ten Gold Gloves and ended his career with 3,007 career hits, which broke a thirty-year record. Kaline was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1980. During that same year the Tigers retired his number. Via Michigan History Magazine
Calhoun County Fair - When those three fairs wrap up, you can head to Calhoun. This one kicks off on the 16th and runs through the 22nd.
Me, I'm working in the yard. All. Weekend. Long.
I kinda miss winter.
Answer to yesterday's Michigan trivia:
Now look here people. That was a perfectly valid trivia question, and I'm not giving you the answer until someone makes an attempt. :P & harumph!
Today's Michigan trivia:
This is 7900 years old (give or take 100 yrs) and was found amid the wreckage of the Herman H. Hettler, which sank in 1926 in Munising's east channel.
Today in Michigan history:
1959 - Basketball star Earvin "Magic" Johnson is born. Born in Lansing, Earvin Johnson developed an obsession with basketball. In high school a local sports writer dubbed him "Magic" for his skills on the court. In 1979 he led Michigan State University to a national championship. Johnson moved on to the National Basketball League where his twelve seasons with the Los Angles Lakers proved him one of basketball's greatest players. Via Michigan History Magazine
Well here we are, it's another Workplace Wednesday. This time on August 12, 2009.
First of all, I'm going to say goodbye to Guiding Light. 72 years, that show was on. The world is changing, isn't it? Goodbye Buick Open. Goodbye Guiding Light.
Not that those three are equivalent. Just that it seems like things that shouldn't be changing, are changing. Next you're going to tell me there are only three faces left on Mt Rushmore.
Anyway I went off on that tangent because one of the GL cameramen is on Twitter and he said he was sad about his job ending. So I thought, "Goodbye Guiding Light workplace." And seriously, what's with All My Children moving to LA? What will Susan Lucci do? We must have Erika Kane.
Moooving on ... I was hanging out in the university library the other day and found some cool stuff on teamwork. Now personally I am opposed to teamwork, because it involves other people and cannot be performed individually. However, I am in the MBA program, and teamwork is all the rage.
So let's get this straight: a group is not necessarily a team. Teams are a group of people who come together for the accomplishment of a group goal. Team members rise above their individual roles to do what's right for the team. A group, on the other hand, is a collection of folks who are just, you know, in something together.
The "team" is an interesting phenomenon, because "teamwork" is one of the most powerful forces in the workplace today. Please, allow me to quote:*
Teamwork improves a company's performance, boosts employee's wellbeing, enhances employee's interest and motivation, reduces fluctuations in employee's performance, improves work morale and minimizes the stress level"
Companies spend thousands of dollars trying to create teams out of groups. Researchers study when teamwork begins, how trust is created, and the role of communication in a team. And you know it's important because there's a ton of expensive software and some Google apps strictly devoted to teamwork. This is a science, people. A science.
I know from personal experience, the difference between working on a team and working in a group. The team is what makes you keep going when you are exhausted. The team is what makes you excited to go to work. The team laughs with you, cries with you, lives with you, dies with you,
Tweet Your Posts. Most serious bloggers are doing this now anyway. Set up Twitterfeed if you want this done automatically via RSS.
Twitter Presence. Twitter has to be present on your blog. As in "tweet this post," "follow me on twitter," etc.
Don't Sweat The Comments. Since Twitter is so popular, a lot of would-be blog commenters are commenting on Twitter now, rather than on the blog. It's a good thing, don't worry about it. This is true for BFM; we get more comments on Twitter and Facebook than we do here on the site.
Call To Action. Periodically ask your tweeps to do something. Say hi, sign a petition, play trivia. Whatever.
Blog About Twitter. Tweeps like to read about Twitter. Nothin' more need be said.
Scott also points out the common sense part: you have to have quality content on a regular basis, in order for any of this to work.
By the way, BFM has recently crashed the 5,000 mark on followers. Follow us here.
The Wexford County seat of government, originally located in Sherman, was moved to Manton in 1881, as the result of a compromise between the feuding residents of Cadillac and Sherman. Cadillac partisans, however, won the county seat by county-wide vote in April 1882.[5] The day following the election a sheriff's posse left the city for Manton by special train to seize the county records. After arriving and collecting a portion of the materials, however, an angry crowd confronted the Cadillac men and drove them from the town.[7]
When the sheriff returned to Cadillac, a force consisting of several hundred armed men was assembled; this group reportedly included a brass band. The Sheriff's force, some of whom may have been intoxicated, traveled back to Manton to seize the remaining records. Although Manton residents confronted the Cadillac men and barricaded the courthouse, the posse successfully seized the documents and returned to Cadillac.[7]
This man is the only U.S. Coast Guard service person from the Charlevoix station ever to perish in the line of duty. He was posthumously awarded the Gold Lifesaving Medal, "in recognition of the heroic daring displayed by him in attempting to rescue two men from drowning on February 8, 1936."
Today in Michigan history:
1942 - Bud Abbott and Lou Costello visit Ironwood. America's number one box-office comedy team, Bud Abbott and Lou Costello were welcomed in Ironwood by cheering crowds. Their weekend visit raised $127,000 for the purchase of "25,000 tons of victory iron ore." Via Michigan History Magazine
Can you believe how fast this year has gone by? It's already August 10. Do you know if you had put $25/month in the bank starting at the beginning of this year, you'd already have $225 saved? Or $550, according to this credit counselor:
The math is a little confusing, but the point is, pay yourself first. A little tough to remember sometimes, so make it a habit. Or find a way to make it automatic. If you have direct deposit, you can usually have some of the funds diverted into a savings account before your paycheck hits your checking. Or you know, whatever. It's a painless way to save.
Freddie Scott played for the Baltimore Colts and then the Detroit Lions. He was inducted into the College Hall of Fame in 2001.
Today's Michigan trivia:
In 1881, this city became the county seat as a result of a county wide election. After the election, this city sent the Sheriff to removed the county records, by armed force, from the courthouses at the previous county seat.
Today in Michigan history:
1865 - Detroit prepares to greet General U.S. Grant. A gala reception was planned when General Grant, whose victory in Virginia over Confederate forces led by General Robert E. Lee had taken place earlier that year, arrived in Detroit on August 12. Ten thousand people cheered the general and packed the city-"the excitement on the streets approached closely to wildness," the Detroit Free Press reported. Via Michigan History Magazine
There must be something good going on around here.
Cass County Fair -- August 3 - 8. Performances, shows, competitions, and lots of food. Events here - http://www.casscountyfair.com/... And a good time will be had by all!
In 1864, Ward produced the nation's first Bessemer steel. With his steel-making operations perfected, Ward opened mills at Chicago to produce rails for the nation's burgeoning railroad industry. When Ward died, he was estimated to be worth $5 million and was recognized as Detroit's first millionaire.
This former Baltimore Colt / Detroit Lion was inducted into the College Hall of Fame in 2001. His son played for the Atlanta Falcons and the Indianapolis Colts.
Today in Michigan history:
1904 - Ralph Bunche is born in Detroit. The son of a Detroit barber, Ralph attended UCLA and Harvard. After years of government service, Bunche helped draft the United Nations Charter. In 1950 he was the first African American to win the Nobel Peace Prize for negotiating a ceasefire among warring nations in the Middle East. Via Michigan History Magazine
Kalkaska sand is one of more than 500 soils found in Michigan. Unique to the state, Kalkaska Sand covers nearly 1 million acres (4,000 km²) in 29 Upper and Lower Peninsula counties. It was designated as the state soil of Michigan in 1990.[1]
1845 - The University of Michigan graduates its first class. Moving to fulfill the requirements of the March 18, 1837, state law that called for the establishment of a state university, the University of Michigan awarded Bachelor of Arts degrees to ten students who composed its first graduating class. Via Michigan History Magazine
In 1925, Ford built over 9,000 of these in a single day at his Highland Park Plant. In 1927, he shifted production to River Rouge.
Today's Michigan trivia:
This sand is unique to the state, and covers nearly 1 million acres in the upper and lower peninsulas. (Hint: we've mentioned this before in trivia)
Today in Michigan history:
1862 - John R. Williams's son is killed. The son of Detroit's antebellum mayor John R. Williams, Thomas Williams was killed repulsing an attack by Confederate forces at Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Thomas Williams, an 1833 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy, had seen action in the Mexican War where he received two brevets for gallantry. At the outbreak of the Civil War he was a major in the Fifth U.S. Artillery. Via Michigan History Magazine
Holy cow you guys. I'm being totally owned by my life.
Well anyway, it's Tuesday, August 4, 2009, and I'm skipping the 2.0 stuff today because I'm just going to promote this diary instead. Weak, lame, I know, but I got customers, I gotta go.
Michigan supports more than 200 different kinds of crops, making us the 2nd most agriculturally diverse state in the nation.
Today's Michigan trivia:
In 1925, Ford built over 9,000 of these in a single day.
Today in Michigan history:
1913 - Poet Robert Hayden is born. Born Asa Bundy Sheffey in Detroit, Robert Hayden had a tumultuous childhood. Because of his poor vision, he was unable to participate in sports. Instead, he read. Hayden published his first book of poems in 1940. Hayden's poetry gained international recognition in the 1960s when he was awarded the grand prize for poetry at the First World Festival of Negro Arts in Senegal. In 1976 he became the first black American appointed Poet Laureate to the Library of Congress. Via Michigan History Magazine
Good morning Michigan! Today is Money Saving Monday, August 3, 2009, and today I'm talking about laundry.
We have our own washer & dryer, so I'm not sure how much it costs us to do laundry. The only time I pay attention is when we buy soap. Soap is expensive. (I haven't learned to make it yet)
So let's break it down.
Detergent:
• Buy store brands or powdered. Store brands are cheaper than big names, and powdered is usually less expensive than liquid soap.
• Add baking soda or vinegar - a quarter cup of baking soda or a half cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle to use as a fabric softener and odor remover.
Washing:
• Wash only full loads. half loads use less water, but the same amount of electricity as a full load.
• Wash in cold water. Use hot water only when you need it. Check out the Switch to Cold Water and Save calculator to figure out how much you will save with cold water.
• Use shortest washing cycle.
• Switch to a front-loading washer. Front loaders require about 40 percent less water per load and up to 60 percent less energy to run. (personal note: too bad they're so expensive.)
Drying:
• Hang dry. Use a clothes line or dryer rack and air dry your clothes. (Which we can't do at our house because someone has a 'bug issue.' Ahem.)
• Remove lint. A full lint trap doesn't allow the moist air to escape properly, which slows down the drying cycle and uses more energy.
• Use dryer sheets twice.
Another tip I found was to put a sheet of tinfoil between the ironing board and the cover, because it conserves heat and makes the job go faster.
The "Michigan Murders", as they came to be called by various media sources and locals, were a series of highly publicized killings in the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area of Southeastern Michigan between 1967 and 1969 that terrified Washtenaw County for two years.
Today's Michigan trivia:
Michigan supports more than 200 different kinds of these, making us the 2nd most diverse state in the nation, in this regard.
Today in Michigan history:
1795 - Michigan land is ceded to the United States. Native Americans and General Anthony Wayne signed the Treaty of Greeneville, which ceded to the U.S. Ohio, Mackinac Island and a strip of land along the Detroit River. The treaty, which followed Wayne's battlefield victory over the Native Americans at Fallen Timbers a year earlier, ended years of intense fighting between whites and Indians along the frontier. Via Michigan History Magazine
Good morning Michigan! TGI Friday! (July 31, 2009)
So, what's going on this weekend?
Saugatuck-Douglas Jazz Festival - Friday & Saturday, looks awesome! Ron English Trio, Musique Noire, One for All, and a whole lot more. Details here.
St Clair Riverfest - Friday, Saturday, & Sunday ... Carnival, racing, & music. Eddie Money is on tonight and Josh Gracin is on tomorrow. Details here.
AuGres is the place to be on AaaaaaarGUST 1 for the Pirate Festival! (I totally copied that Aaaaargust thing from their website) Walk-run, raft race, costume contests, free kids games, food and beer tents, live music and more! Details here
2009 Western Michigan Fair - Horse shows, flea market, derby, chainsaw carvings and barn brawls ... my kind of place! Runs through Sunday. Details here.
These murders terrorized Ann Arbor / Ypsilanti from 1967 - 1969.
Today in Michigan history:
1988 - The last American Playboy Club closes. The last Playboy Club in the U.S. shut its doors in Lansing, ending an era. And then I was out of work. Via Michigan History Magazine
The Great Lakes are a chain of freshwater lakes located in eastern North America, on the Canada - United States border. Consisting of Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario, they form the largest group of freshwater lakes on Earth. They are sometimes referred to as the "Third Coast" by some citizens of the United States.
In 1846 Michigan became the first jurisdiction in the English-speaking world to do this.
Today in Michigan history:
1863 - Henry Ford is born. Born on a farm in Dearborn, Henry Ford disliked farm work and moved as a teenager to Detroit, where he held an assortment of jobs. He also tinkered with engines. In July 1896, Ford introduced his horseless carriage to the world. Within a decade Ford's Model T was quickly becoming the automobile that-as the Ford Motor Company boasts-put America on wheels. Via Michigan History Magazine
Good morning Michigan! It's Friday! August 14.
