Football Season in Full Swing

With football season well underway, and my football chick shirt available every Sunday (all day) and for Monday Night Football, I found this year my loyalties changed. For many years I have strongly supported certain teams. Not just because they were winning, but because I liked certain players or the coach, lived in the area during that season and supported the local team (Lions, Redskins, Cowboys, Cardinals - I've moved around a bit).

But this year, back in Michigan but not fully loving the Lions just yet, my heart moved towards Minneapolis. For one thing, it's not that far away from Michigan. But really, for some reason, I have taken a liking to Brett Favre for some reason. Not sure why, but there it is.

The other team I am keen on is the Arizona Cardinals. Prior to returning to Michigan in 2006, I lived in Arizona. Although I live in this sometimes freezing cold Northern state, my heart is still in the Southwest. I am so excited that Arizona is playing as well as they are. The win last Sunday was a highlight of this season.

I love fall! Not only for the beautiful fall colors as the leaves change and the great holidays that are associated with this time of year, but for the football games and camaraderie that comes with watching games with or at the same time as other family members no matter where we live. Numerous phone calls are sometimes exchanged when games and rivalries are getting hot.

Football season still has a couple of months to go, and of course the Super Bowl is the culmination of the season, but the week to week frenzy is a joy and continues on for a while longer. I am definitely looking forward to this next Sunday and will avidly follow my favorite teams.

How about you? Who is your favorite team or player? If you don't like football, what are you doing instead?

Fall Is On It's Way

It's that time of year again. This is Labor Day Weekend, every one's last chance to spend quality time at their cabin up north, and hours trying to navigate through the traffic compliments of their fellow travelers.

How do I really know that fall is on it's way? Here are the signs:

1. The temperatures in mid-Michigan are beginning to hang in the 70's nearly every day.
2. The Lions and Tigers are overlapping.
3. Michigan State football fills the pages of the Lansing State Journal, with extra sections detailing who the players are and how MSU will go about earning a winning season.
4. Local high school football also fills the pages of the State Journal and local papers.
5. Not to mention all the sports news on the various local TV stations.
6. Coaches Mark Dantanio and Rich Rodriguez (MSU and U of M, respectively) fill the airwaves and print.
7. Rich Rodriguez is again in some kind of trouble, somewhere.
8. The neighborhood has emptied out now that the kids are back in school.
9. The big orange school bus goes rumbling by, much to fast for our small side street.
10. The local athletic students, male and female, run in packs or alone up and down our streets.
11. Farmers Markets are closing down.
12. Ads for holiday goods are increasing.
13. Organizations are starting their monthly meetings once again.
14. Local Swiss steak dinners, spaghetti dinners, chicken dinners, and pancake breakfasts are once again in action.
15. Politicians are robocalling.
16. Fall is in the air. In some areas the leaves are beginning to change, already!
17. Ox-roasts and beer fests are on the agenda for September and October.
18. Summer music festivals are events of the past.
19. Networks are not only announcing their fall schedule, but viewers are inundated with promos.
20. David is coming from SE Texas to visit his Grandma this month.

All in all, it should be an interesting Fall. As the leaves change and the temperature drops, the air is filled with the promise of Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. The stores begin to fill up with shoppers, and the world seems to pick up its pace once again.

I hope all of you have a great Fall and your favorite sports team wins! Let the tailgating begin!

Bush Out, Obama In

Well, the times they are achanging! President Bush gave a quiet, hardly heard message last night in the midst of drama, The Miracle on the Hudson, according to the Governor of New York.

Soon we will have a new President, with a young family to watch as they grow, probably a new puppy to admire, a stylish First Lady to admire, and a new regime to hopefully lead us into a more prosperous future.

In the meantime, it is colder than icicles in Michigan, frigid really, with temps as low as minus whatever. Clearly too cold to do much but write blog posts and articles, read cool books like The Leavenworth Case (1878), by Anne Katharine Green on Project Gutenberg, and watch miracles take place before our eyes on TV.

Now how could life get much better than that? Well, the obvious answer is for the weather to warm-up, the economy to brighten, and the new President to perform miracles. Will it all happen? Time will tell.

What do you think? Hopeful thinking or wishful thinking?

Good News in the Midst of the Auto Bailout Collapse

When I picked up the Lansing (MI) State Journal this morning, I expected to see headlines about the Big Three bailout collapse spread all over the front page. To my pleasant surprise, above the fold on the front page of every section was positive and encouraging news for the mid-Michigan area.

As most everyone knows, Michigan has struggled for the last few years with a high unemployment rate, a fallen (Detroit) mayor, home foreclosures among the highest in the nation, and businesses failing at a rapid rate.

Today, the Lansing area came up a winner in several categories:

The front page headline read: $550M WINNER. MSU Lands Nuclear Research Facility. The U.S. Department of Energy announced it had awarded Michigan State University a $550 million nuclear physics research project called the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams. Hope rises!

Local & State section: 3 area schools take silver. East Lansing, Okemos, and Williamston rank in the top 2.9% of nation's high schools, designated by U.S. News and World Report.

The coolest thing about that news is that I graduated from Williamston High School - that is my hometown school. How cool is that?

Sports news: Could have been just a tad better, but MSU's Javon Ringer placed second in the race to become the nation's best running back Thursday night. After a late-season surge, Shonn Greene from Iowa ended up number one.

Still, great news for MSU sports and for 2nd season head football coach, Mark Dantonio. The story just below Javon's is of the January 1st Capitol One Bowl in Orlando against Georgia. It was cool to see a picture of Dantonio and Georgia coach Mark Richt shaking hands during Thursday's press conference promoting the bowl game.

So, in the midst of extremely disappointing news, good news rose to the top for the Lansing area.

NY Times Article Highlights Bronner's Christmas Wonderland

Bronner's in Frankenmuth, MI was highlighted in a New York Times article published yesterday. Excuse Me, Where's Thanksgiving? focused on the year-round Christmas wonderland visited by thousands throughout the year.

Years ago, my family regularly visited Bronner's for their excellent family-style chicken dinners. More recently, I spent the weekend, several years in a row, with friends. We visited various stores and enjoyed the ambiance of Frankenmuth.

It is great to see Michigan on the world news map in a positive way.

Have you visited Bronner's? Did you try the world famous chicken dinners?

Photo from Public Domain on Wikimedia Commons.

Extreme Makeover, Lansing (MI) Edition

On Sunday, November 30, the Breslin Center at Michigan State University will rock with the cheers of those in the Lansing area who helped with the building of the Nickless family home a few months ago.

The owners of the Lansing-based Mayberry Homes, the company who oversaw the demolition and construction of the house, are inviting the whole community to the Breslin Center to watch Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. They are providing free parking and free admission.

Over 1,600 volunteers from around the area donated time and money to make a local family's dreams come true. The Nickless family lost their father earlier this year due to complications from Hepatitis C. He was a nurse at a local hospital and had contracted the disease from a patient.

The entire mid-Michigan community was enthralled by the week-long tearing down and rebuilding of the home. Bus loads of sightseers were allowed in for a daily look at the progress.

Now it is time to enjoy the televised results - as a community.

Need Milk? Thieves Got Milk!

According to today's Lansing State Journal, thieves apparantly made off with $688,000 worth of infant formula when they stole a trailer in Grandville, MI sometime over the weekend.

Someone either has a very large family, or the formula is going on the white (milk) market.

What do you think? Need milk?

Veteran's Day Remembrance

From a late-1940s postcard by the now-defunct ArtVue Post Card Co. of New York, N.Y. Submitted by Wystan Stevens to the Ann Arbor District Library.

Many, many years ago, my parents volunteered my musical services to the VA Hospital in Ann Arbor, MI. I believe I was in junior high school at the time. I remember going from room to room to visit some of the Vets who were patients there, and then playing the accordion for others who were able to join us in a commons room.

After this many years the memories are vague, but I do remember the feeling of satisfaction seeing the smiles and hearing the positive comments from those who were at the hospital. The visit was in the late 1950's, so the patients probably served in WWII or the Korean War.

If there is a VA hospital near you, please take the time to visit those who have served our country, were wounded, and now must stay for varying amounts of time in the hospital. They welcome visitors and would appreciate the company.

MI Gov Granholm Part of Obama Transition Team

Governor Jennifer Granholm is reportedly now a part of Barack Obama's transition team according to recent reports. MLiv.com shows a picture of Obama at a news conference today, with Governor Granholm to his immediate left.

According to The Grand Rapids Press, early speculation suggests "Granholm is rumored to be on a list for U.S. Supreme Court, should Justices John Paul Stevens, 88, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, 75, or David Souter, 69, step down in the next four years.

She also is thought to be under consideration for secretary of energy, interior, labor or a post in the U.S. Justice Department. Speculation about her role was fueled further Thursday when Obama named her to his transition team's economic advisory board."

Read the rest of The Grand Rapids Press article to see why former Michigan Supreme Court Judge Dennis Archer prefers Granholm finish her term as governor.

Exciting times for Michigan as the Big Three Automakers are struggling financially and Governor Granholm appears to be "movin' on up" to the big time.

What Role Will Governor Granholm Play in the New Regime?

When Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm was tapped to play a part in Barack Obama's practice sessions for the debates, a number of eyebrows were raised. Suddenly, the Michigan masses realized their governor might have higher ambitions than first realized.

Inquiring minds want to know - is a political appointment in the cards for our governor?

Read Governor Granholm's reaction in this Detroit Free Press article.

What do you think? Would a political appointment for Governor Granholm help Michigan? Would her leaving mid-term do more good than harm, or just the opposite?

Photo of Governor Granholm was taken December 1, 2005. Public Domain

The Ailing Teal-Mobile

This photo is actually of the original teal van that Mom and Dad drove for several years. My sister bought one just like it, and that is the one I currently own.

According to the note my mother wrote on the back of the photo, the van was new and I believe the year was 1997. I know my van is a 1997.

Mom and I were on a trip to the U.P., visiting her cousin Sharon who lives along the Lake Huron shoreline. She and her husband have a beautiful house on the lake, along with several cottages on their property they reserve for visiting family and friends.

This cabin was right on the edge of the channel, just a couple of feet from the water. The channel ran into Lake Huron from Cedarville, MI. It had two bedrooms, with a large window in the living room and one in the dining room. We ate our meals at the dining room table while watching the swans glide along the water.

It had to happen sooner than later

The Teal-mobile is ailing, probably on it's last legs. Although I was hoping the van would make it through the winter, it is on the blink, and it appears to be the starter. At eleven-years-old, and almost 150,000 miles, what do we do? Repair or buy?

Dad has a much easier time getting in and out of a van, while I would like to have a smaller car, such as a Chevy Cavalier. I really wanted to keep the van going as long as Dad was around, but now we are faced with quite a dilemma. With his health care costs rising dramatically, an additional car expense is not welcome. Decision time!

Anyway, the Teal-mobile has traveled many miles throughout the years. She has seen much of the United States and has enjoyed every minute. Whether out west, down south, to the north or to the east, many wonderful sight-seeing memories will remain.

What was your favorite vehicle through the years? Did you travel together? If so, where did you go and what wonderful sights did you see?

Movies in Michigan

Recent exciting news in Michigan is the 42-percent tax break recently passed for those who make movies in Michigan. Already, a number of Hollywood writers and producers are lining up at the door to take advantage of the tax break.

Michigan already has had a plethora of famous names in movies, TV, and music. Madonna, Kid Rock, Jeff Daniels, Oliver Stone, Timothy Busfield, just to name a very few, and this year we even had a Survivor from Pinckney and have an upcoming Extreme Makeover: Home Edition showing in early November. A number of movies have already been filmed here over the years.

One notable movie was Somewhere in Time with Christopher Reeve, Jane Seymour, and Christopher Plummer filmed at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island in 1980. I had the privilege of staying on the island a year or so after filming was completed, and I toured the Grand Hotel. The remodeled areas of the hotel, due to the film, were still in evidence.

An article in yesterdays Lansing State Journal on Moviemakers of Michigan highlights much of the available talent this state provides.

Of special note: Postmark Paradise was written by Williamston's Dan Slider (My hometown). Also, in 2002 Jeff Daniels filmed Super Sucker in Jackson, MI where I was living at the time. Much excitement ensued! Several women I know played extras in that movie.

I actually got to meet Jeff and his wife at the Purple Rose Theatre when my daughter was an intern at the theatre. Very nice guy!

Not only will the movie crowd bring much needed dollars to this struggling state, but also an excitement destined to lift the spirits of Michiganders everywhere.

So, are you excited about this news? Are you willing to play a part in a movie? Which actor or actress would you most like to meet?

Go Michigan State! Go Green and White!

The Michigan State Spartans beat long time rival University of Michigan for the first time since 2001. The final score? 35-21!

Both teams have struggled under new coaches. Second year MSU coach, Mark Dantonio is rebuilding the Spartans to former glory. The maize and blue have Rich Rodriguez in his first year.

Interestingly, the game was at Michigan, and the Spartans hadn't won in Ann Arbor since 1990. This was a badly needed win for State. Hopefully it will propel them into future greatness.

Great Quote: "This state is probably a little more green today than it was yesterday." - MSU senior quarterback Brian Hoyer.

How did your favorite team do this weekend? Are you a fan of college or pro ball?

Michigan Initiative Draws Attention to Poverty

One of the hardest hit states in recent years due to the down-turn in the economy and the downsizing of the auto industry, Michigans poor just get poorer. In an effort to draw attention to poverty, the Michigan Food Stamp Challenge is taking place throughout the state this week.

Governor Jennifer Granholm, as well as locally elected officials and many others, is taking part.

People are encouraged to live off $5.87 a day - the average amount a person in Michigan receives in food stamps - during this weeks challenge.

According to recent statistics, about 1.3 million people in Michigan receive food stamps.

The Michigan Department of Human Services (MDHS) spearheaded the initiative to raise awareness about hunger and poverty.

"If they just have one accident, one layoff notice, a medical emergency - then a person can end up in poverty," said Ismael Ahmed, MDHS Director.

To do your part this week, try living on $5.87 a day for the next seven days. What did you find out about yourself? About your spending habits?

Has Fall Arrived Yet?

Very strange fall season so far in Michigan. The leaves slowly began to change colors as early as August, yet we are in mid-October and quite a large number of trees are still green.

We have a large oak tree in the middle of the back yard that displays a beautiful array of red and orange and yellow every year - except this year. Right now it is mostly green with one or two branches hosting a combination of reds and yellows.

I don't know how the color tours are going this year, but in our neck of the woods, so to speak, we are seeing more green than other colors and the leaves are falling like rain.

Not only that, yesterday the thermometer reached over 80 degrees after a very cool weekend.

Windows up, windows down, get out the thermos - no wait, don't need them yet. Tis all very confusing.

The good thing is - at least there is no snow. The prediction is a long, cold winter. Let's hope that is wrong and we have a mild, sunny short winter. Oh well, one can wish, can't they?

What do you think? Has fall arrived in your area?

Good News From Williamston, MI

These two pictures were taken by Lloyd Rodriguez in January 2008. One is the water tower and other is one of the railroad outbuildings next to the tower. It was obviously a typical Michigan winter day.


In these times of economic hardship, today encouraging news came out of Williamston, MI, my hometown. Six new businesses officially opened their doors today, with plans for several more over the next few months.

Several of the business owners acknowledged times were tough, but they believed that the time was right to venture out as a business owner.

There are still a couple of storefronts that are boarded, but the Mayor assured everyone those buildings will house businesses by this time next year.

I sure hope so. Williamston is a great community and I am glad to see we are attracting new business. A business based a few towns away from us acknowledge the other day, that if everything works out they will move their entire business to our industrial park outside of town. What a wonderful thing to see another new business.

Click on the title above to see the Williamston, MI official website.

How is your town doing? Anything positive happening in these difficult times?

Anatomy of a Murder Fifty Years Later

October marks the 50th anniversary of the publication of John D. Voelker's Anatomy of a Murder. The book was set in the Upper Peninsula (U.P.)of Michigan and based on events in Marquette County.

The book was about Voelker's tenure as an attorney when he defended an Army Lieutenant accused of murdering a local tavern owner.

To celebrate the milestone, the 1959 film version of the book was shown in the Marquette County Courthouse on September 19th according to the Lansing State Journal. The film starred Jimmy Stewart and was shot in the U.P.

Residents of the area still remember with fondness the making of the movie which included Duke Ellington and his music.

On a personal note, my mother was born and raised in the U.P. and we visited often over the years. We still have relatives on the eastern side of the peninsula.

What books were written or movies filmed in your state or city? Were you involved in any way?

Our Annual Ox-Roast Fest

Dad and I spent last Friday and Saturday lunchtime at the Webberville Ox-Roast. The ox-roast began in 1947 (the year a certain someone was born) and has continued to this day.

When I was growing up, my grandparents, who lived in Webberville, would join us every year. At that time, a whole block was utilized with many carnival rides, pony rides, craft sales, tractor pull contest, parade, etc. I remember the numerous rides my brother and I rode, the oxburgers we ate, and the many relatives we saw.

We still saw a few extended family members this year, but the venue was much smaller. In fact, this time there were no rides because of a cancellation by the company that was to provide them. There were surprisingly few people at lunch, but the food was delicious.

As the ox-roast has grown older, so have the rest of us. Most of my family members are gone now, or have moved away. Times have certainly changed, with fewer people attending local functions such as this.

It is sad, in a way, but understandable. Our world was much smaller then, and the family unit was tighter. We didn't have the Disney Worlds and theme parks competing with small town venues. The crowd this weekend were mostly 50's and up.

I'm not sure how much longer they will continue, but I do know, if we are anywhere in the area, we will be there.

Regional Personalities Defined by Researchers

According to an article in the Wall Street Journal, researchers have identified certain personality traits by state. The article and interactive map can be seen by clicking on the link above.

As far as Michigan is concerned, and you all know I am a greater supporter of my favorite state, we did not do too badly according to the scale.

The five categories on the map were ranked by highest prevalence in each state. The scale was 1-51 including the District of Columbia. For Michigan the rankings were:


Extroversion - 17

Agreeableness - 11

Conscientiousness - 21

Neuroticism - 26

Openness - 36

Apparently we Michiganders are very open, but we are in the middle of the pack as possible neurotics.

Read this interesting article and decide whether you agree with the researchers regarding your favorite state.

Let Detroit's Healing Begin

During yesterday's news conference, Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick announced his resignation and pleaded guilty to the felony charges brought against him. Now it is off to jail for 120 days.

The swipes he took at Governor Jennifer Granholm and new interim mayor Kenneth Cockrel, Jr., reveals Kilpatrick does not understand the depth of the wrong he committed while in office. His monotonic race through what appeared to be required wording confirms his lack of understanding or willingness to admit his error in judgement while in office.

Detroit has certainly had its struggles through the years, and with the economic and social ills of the city as challenging as ever, those struggles will continue.

But, at least for now, Detroit can hope to regroup by electing a mayor with vision, honesty, and integrity, and begin the move forward - for the good of the city, the people, and the great state of Michigan.

What should the leaders now focus on? What are the hot topics they need to address? Will Detroit regroup and regain any of it's past history as a great city? What do you think?