Michigan Cherries by jdurchen

Did you know that Michigan is the largest producer of Montmorency tart cherries, growing 70-75% of the crop? February is National Cherry Month, and the Cherry Marketing Institute (link below) has bushels of info about the history and present state of the cherry industry including growing research showing that antioxidants in tart cherries may relieve the pain of arthritis and gout & help fight cancer and heart disease.

Cherry Facts

• Tart cherries are loaded with antioxidants that are believed to relieve the pain of arthritis and gout and help fight cancer and heart disease. They're also especially high in the antioxidant melatonin, which may help prevent or reduce brain deterioration associated with aging. And to top it off, they're high in vitamin A and beta-carotene.
• Cherries were brought to America by early settlers in the 1600s. Cherry trees, in fact, were part of the gardens of French settlers when they established Detroit.
• Peter Dougherty, a Presbyterian missionary on Old Mission Peninsula north of Traverse City, started modern-day cherry production in Michigan in 1852. Now, Michigan grows about 75 percent of the nation's tart cherries and Traverse City calls itself the cherry capital of the world.
• It takes about 250 cherries to make a cherry pie; enough cherries grow on the average cherry tree to make 28 pies, industry officials say.
• Tart cherries ripen two or three weeks after sweet cherries. Look for them in mid to late July.
• Cherries are a truly ancient delicacy - explorers have found cherry pits from the Stone Age in European caves.
• Tart cherries have fewer calories and more beta-carotene than sweet cherries.
• Michigan grows 75 percent of the nation's tart cherries.

For more tasty cherry info, be sure to check these out!

Cherry Marketing Institute is the best place to go for information about this delicious and healthy fruit!

Absolute Michigan's Cherry Links has all kinds of info about the cherry!

Michigan Cherries from Taste the Local Difference is PACKED with all kinds of information and delicious cherry recipes.

Michigan Cherries from the Department of Agriculture

MSU's Michigan Cherry Information features more cherry information than you can shake a whole tree at!

For all things edible, drinkable and wearable, check out Cherry Republic in Glen Arbor. They are one of the featured supporters of The Daily Michigan and are giving away 5# of cherries today!

The National Cherry Festival in Traverse City is a celebration of cherries and the cherry industry held every year at the beginning of July.

Video & Photos

Definitely check out the Cherry slideshow from the Absolute Michigan photo group on Flickr. On the video front, we hope you will enjoy 'Cherry Cherry' (circa 1967) by Neil Diamond and also this video of the harvest at an organic cherry farm in Northern Michigan!

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Simplicity by ojoyous1

Just as Michigan was starting to warm up and the snow was starting to melt, Mother Nature came in with a wallop this past weekend.

From Monroe to Ishpeming, motorists found themselves stranded, school kids had yet another snow day, utility workers found themselves putting in overtime, and the snowplows were out en masse.

The Mining Journal reports that even the die-hard ski jumpers in the Upper Peninsula had to wait a day or two as the Paul Bietila Memorial Ski Jumping Tournament was canceled due to the weather. Residents there were expected to see as much as a foot of snow before all was said and done.

With temperatures in the 30's for the next couple days, it looks like we may get that reprieve from the frosty bite of the air, but don't store away the scraper for your car just yet!

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Everyday Leadership

The book offers several very candid stories of Dan's journey as a father, a bussinessman, and a supportive husband to Michigan's own Governor Jennifer Granholm. Consider Everyday Leadership an excellent guide to navigate your journey of effective leadership through all of life's moments.

In the months leading up to the convention, I, too, had a sense of purposeful and powerful service, for I was helping Jennifer achieve something great. During this lead-up, I had also found myself wrestling with my jealous ego as I watched Jennifer cast in the limelight. But now I was flushed with pride and joy as she delivered a great speech. And this great speech delivered her well down the path to victory. I walked her offstage, exulting, smiling, swollen happily in the moment.

The lesson of service was about to become more graphic. Our girls, Kate, eight years old, and Cece, who was seven, beamed at Jennifer. The crowd was howling, hooting, and loving this little family, and it swept us up. Jack, a couple months shy of one year old, was not impressed. Neither was he impressed when the main actor, Geoffrey Fieger, the nominee for governor, strode to the stage to the laborpacked crowd's wild applause. In fact, Jack was crying, and, let me put it plainly, he stunk. Like any self-respecting parent, I could predict the hideous color and utter liquidity of what was inside this poor baby's diaper. And with him in this condition it just didn't seem right to foist him on my mom and younger sister, who were helping out. Much as I wanted to hear Fieger's speech, Jack was not about to wait, so we ducked out through the heavy black curtains behind the stage. After what seemed like a quarter-mile walk, I found a bathroom, pulled out the plastic mat, got down on the tiled floor and took care of the ugly green business. In that little hall of mirrors, I could see this odd reflection of myself and didn't know what to think. I was proud of Jennifer and my work in support of her; on the other hand, I was frustrated and—I'm not proud to say this—a little bitter over the way I was experiencing this historic moment in our family's life. I figured I had missed Fieger's speech by now. And there was Jack, oblivious and wonderful, as babies are. I started laughing at the absurdity of it all, felt myself lighten up, and watched a smile spread across Jack's face. Or is memory tricking me: was Jack the one who lightened up and I followed his lead?

In the eight years since that day, I have often reflected on the gift of that moment. It was as if life, or God if you please, was saying, “I am trying to help you see that you can serve and lead in a really different way than you might think you want to, think you should, or even think you can. Be present. Right here. Pay attention, right now, in the middle of the little stuff.” This was by no means a once and for all lesson. Instead, especially in my supportive role with my governor-wife, I have had to learn that lesson over and over again. But that time with Jack offered a singular moment and taught me about the unusual three-way intersection where leading, serving, and being human meet.

Special thanks to the University of Michigan Press for the permission to reprint this exclusive excerpt.

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Michigan's First Gentleman

I chose this title for a few reasons. First, other male spouses had already claimed the fun names: first hunk, first dude, and first coach. Seriously, I learned from my Irish grandmother's repeated instructions, that gentleman meant something, and most important it meant that you showed respect to ladies, and a special fidelity to your lady. I am proud and humbled to serve my wife. As "first lady" connotes a respect for her husband and her governor, it seems like "first gentleman" is an appropriate mirror image that conveys respect to the leader of the state. Second, I chose the title with the thought that it might help to inject this word back into our vocabulary. I think all men should strive to be "gentlemen," a word, and perhaps therefore a style, that has unfortunately lost meaning in our culture. We have lost appreciation for the humility and civility that the word connotes. So, I see the title as something I try to earn every day, by showing respect to my elders, love for my wife, kindness to children.

In addition to be a father of three, supportive partner to Governor Jennifer Granholm, and a successful businessman, Dan has taken up the role of champion of state volunteerism and community service. He currently chairs the Michigan Community Service Commission, and the Honorary Vice-Chair of the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness.

His real passion lies in Mentor Michigan, a program started by Dan and the Governor when she was Attorney General. The program aims to ensure that all of our youth have ongoing relationships with stable, caring individuals. The current goal for the program is to match 10,000 youth across Michigan with mentors.

The First Gentleman also has his own website, and blog, Reading for Leading. In his weekly updates with podcasts, Dan offers different stories and examples across Michigan, and always encouraging everyone to lead with their best self.

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Winter Beer Festival

Mock Winter. Celebrate Beer! The Michigan Brewers Guild is holding their second annual Michigan Winter Beer Festival, an outdoor celebration of barrel-aged, cask and big beers from Michigan's craft brewers on the streets of Old Town this Saturday, February 24th from noon to 5 PM. It's a chance to sample over 150 brews from 32 different Michigan breweries Dress for winter weather and let each pint warm your soul. Hot food and live music, snow, rain or shine.

For more Michigan beer information, check out The Beer Festival Calendar and the newly released book, Michigan Breweries by Michigan authors Paul Ruschmann and Maryanne Nasiatka.

Tune in this Friday morning when we will release Absolute Michigan's Michigan Beer List - read responsibly!

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Mask by pinehurst19475

As we continue to celebrate Black History Month in Michigan, it wouldn't be fitting for us to unravel the past without a trip to the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit.

The museum's main exhibit, And We Still Rise!, is all about the significant role that Detroit played in African American History. There's a special twist to the exhibit this month only.

The stories of African American southerners migrating to Detroit, Michigan are personified as costumed interpreters interact with guests experiencing the exhibit And Still We Rise! Their reenactments detail what it was like working at the Ford factory, living in Black Bottom and experiencing the urban crisis of 1943.

The exhibit is open Tuesdays, and Thursdays through Saturday. Check the website for times and other information.

This Wednesday through Saturday, the Museum will be offering a special exhibit History of the Nation of Islam: Returning to Our Roots.

Since 1930, The Nation of Islam (NOI) has become a major influence in revitalizing black lives across the country, and has expanded its influence to communities internationally. The organization will celebrate its 77th Anniversary in Detroit, the city of its birth... The first of its kind, this exhibition features rare photographs, documents, and artifacts, which include personal items belonging to the Honorable Elijah Muhammad and the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan.

The Museum also offers free screenings in their International Film Series, a free lecture series, live performances, and special workshops and activities.

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Autumn toss by paulhitz

If you're in the Mid-Michigan area Feb. 23rd -March 1st, be sure to check out the East Lansing Children's Film Festival. The Festival which is now in its 10th year will be showing over 100 films from 19 different countries. You will see various filmmaking techniques such as: stop-motion, claymation, scratch and finger paint animation, as well as computer-generated imaging. Genres include live action, documentary, shorts and feature length films.

Other interesting features include:

• Winners of ELCFF's Youth Film Competition - a statewide competition engaging Michigan's youth to conceptualize, create and exhibit their talents through film.
• Acting, animation and filmmaking workshops offering interactive educational opportunities
• NEW! TeenReel - feature films and short programs designed strictly for our older film buffs, ages 13 and up. These art-house quality films have more intense scenes and content and parental discretion is strongly advised due to mature themes.
• The Junior Film Critics Club - a year-round student (1-7 grades) film analysis program designed to build critical thinking skills through the medium of film, skills that will become a life-long asset.

Anyway you splice it, this Michigan Film Festival is guaranteed to be a fun and educational time for kids and adults alike!

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BuickElectra 225 by upthedubs1

Hollywood stars Will Ferrell and Woody Harrelson will be filming a new movie in Michigan in the coming months, and they are hoping for some Michigan classic car owners to step forward and help out.

The film, Semi-Pro, is due to be shot in parts of Detroit and Flint in late April early May. The Lansing State Journal has the full scoop on the comedy set in the 1970's.

Specifically, the crew is looking for

• a white 1970 Cadillac DeVille convertible with a white interior
• a school bus, any other color than yellow
• large delivery and beverage trucks or moving vans to hide things the director doesn't want filmed.

If you can lend a hand to the folks in Hollywood, email them with your car's make and model, and a photo if possible.

As always, stay tuned to Absolute Michigan for the very latest!

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Granholm Convention '06 by C.A. Carrigan

Real Archive and MP3 download (28 MB).

Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm took telephone calls from across the state in a live call-in show airing on Michigan Public Radio Network (MPRN) stations. MPRN's Rick Pluta is the host.

The program was an open call-in format, with the governor fielding questions from listeners on a variety of topics.  

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As expected the Budget offers many cuts to various state agencies, and also implements

...an aggressive, one-time economic stimulus package to further diversify our economy, create new jobs, and give those most impacted by the changes in Michigan's economy access to the tools to land new jobs.

How does this affect you? Do you think that this will help our state or not? Feel free to discuss in the comments below.

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fully entrenched in jane austen geekdom by jamelah

The staff at Absolute Michigan reached an unanimous decision in our 3rd installment of our series, Blogs We Dig. Jamelah.net holds a special place in our hearts.

There's a couple things you need to know about the author before venturing over.

1. Jamelah has a tortured relationship with her hair.
   

   Well, if you had raging communism sprouting from your scalp, you'd have a tortured relationship with your hair, too.

2. Despite an affinity for Justin Timberlake, she'd rather have The Hustle make a return appearance instead of assisting Timberlake in Bringing Sexy Back.
   

   Yeah, Timberlake can handle the sexy, but when I think about myself, I realize that I am called to a higher purpose. I am called to handle the line dancing.

3. There's simply no one like her out there.
   

   I have a special place in my heart for the semicolon, Mr. Darcy and bitchin' Camaros.
   What more is there to say? I have defended the use of semicolons in more than one conversation, because I am a fan of pretentious punctuation. I love Mr. Darcy, be he portrayed in BBC film versions involving Colin Firth + lake, or in Jane Austen's razor-sharp prose (I am a hardcore Jane Austen geek). And really, show me a person who doesn't love bitchin' Camaros, and I will show you a person who has forgotten what it means to live.

4. This girl knows her mullets.
   

   I am well trained in the art of mullet-identification.
   You may think it's a simple matter of “business in the front, party in the back” but the truth is that it's a bit more complex than this and often incorporates mathematical analysis of the degrees of layering in a particular hairstyle. My mother and I recently had a debate about the mullet of a young lady we both know — I said “And then she showed up with a mullet” and she said “I thought it was a cute haircut” and I said “No, no, it's a mullet” — but it's best not to argue with me about such things because I'm a bit of an expert. A mulletologist, if you will.

If you can handle all of that, then you're going to have as much fun reading Jamelah.net as we do each day. Enjoy!

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Michigan State Capitol Building by MichSt

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm delivered her fifth State of the State speech last night. Her speech was highly anticipated by both Democrats and Republicans due to the looming fiscal crisis. Some of the major themes that she touched on included:

• School funding
• Worker Retraining
• Hints about tax increase and budget cuts
• Alternative Energy
• Government Reform

You can read the entire speech at the Governor's website, or watch the whole thing courtesy of Michigan Government TV.

As usual, reaction was mixed and varied across the state. From the right, stop by That's Saul Folks! and Lunchbucket Conservative for their analysis. Moving over to the left, check out Michigan Liberal, and the satirically named Conservative Media as they add their two cents.

What we're really interested in is hearing from you. What did you think of what the Governor had to say and how will her speech affect you? Share your thoughts below in the comments.

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Sled Run by Pasque

Remember Absolute Michigan's Holler video that combined the talents of the Detroit Cobras and Detroit-area photographers? Well, we're at it again!

Part 1, the photos
It's almost time for the Detroit Winter Blast, and we're calling on you to submit your best photos of the event to be featured on Absolute Michigan next week. Simply add your Winter Blast photos to the Flickr Absolute Michigan pool using the tag "detroitwinterblast" by next Monday.

Part 2, the music
If you're part of a Michigan band and you would like a chance to have one of your songs featured as soundtrack of our Detroit Winter Blast slide-show, email Jules with the song's name and the link to your band's website/MySpace page where the mp3 can be heard. We'll notify you when we decide to use your stuff and the winner will have their song and band's website featured.

Check back here next early next week for the full show!

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You get Red Dog Knits, a heart-warming, often funny, daily glimpse into the life of Kris and her menagerie of adorable pets (count - 2 dogs, 2 cats, 2 fish) and two baby boys.

Here's an excerpt from one of the latest posts titled Bloggers Unite:

Well, it finally happened - Kelli of Knitter Bunny and host of the Dutchican Virtual Shower and I reunited in real life. Otis was quite fond of her and insisted on a photo to add to his portfolio. Face to face conversation which included a nice short-row tutorial on a napkin at Fiesta Charro was had. The internet is really quite a powerful invention - wish I had in graduate school - don't even get me started about the zillions of trees that were killed as I made copies of microfiches for my thesis. Sadly, some of you who read this may not even know what a microfiche is. Plus, I walked uphill both ways in the chilling cold to get to the library.

Whether it's learning a new pattern, showing off Otis in the season's latest knitting coture, or sharing tips on how new moms can maintain their sanity, Red Dog Knits is one blog you won't want to miss.

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Patriotic Paint by Mac Girl

Project Blue Star is an effort to lend a helping hand to the families of Michigan soldiers serving overseas. The program identifies and catalogues all services available to military families in one convenient on-line location. With a history dating back to World War I, Blue Star programs have been around for quite a while.

Here in Michigan there's many ways you can get involved:

• Sign up your business or organization to assist in the efforts.
• Find a local group in your area with services listed by county.
• Donate to the Military Family Relief Fund which provide grants to qualifying families of military members in either the Michigan National Guard or Reserves who are called to active duty.

For more ways on how you can assist Michigan's service members and their families, be sure to check out Michigan Army National Guard Family Program and your local Red Cross offers several more options for you to locally support Michigan troops and their families.

Know of a service we might be missing? Help us and add it in the comments below!

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reaching to the moon by oldbrushes

As the state's auto industry takes one hit after another, Michigan residents now have one more reason to consider heading back to the farm, corn-based ethanol. Today's cover story in the Lansing State Journal looks at how corn may change the face of automotive fuel.

The rising emergence of ethanol-producing plants here in Michigan are causing motorists, farmers, and government officials all to sit up and take notice. The state's second-largest industry, agriculture pulled in $61 Billion last year, and stands to radically grow with increased demand for corn.

Economists credit ethanol with raising average corn prices more than a $1 a bushel in the past year. If crop yields stay stable, that means the harvest of an 80-acre corn field this fall could be worth nearly $40,000 more than in 2005.

Even with the good news, an MSU study released last month explains how this boom could negatively affect the price of other things like how much you pay for that steak.

For more on Michigan's Corn Industry, you can check out Michigan Corn Online and the Department of Agriculture has a fun fact-filled Kidz Korner all about Michigan's corn.

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Wall Columns by BuildingsofDetroit.com

In the 1800s, Lansing's theatre industry was booming, and known state-wide for its opulent Opera House and other venues that provided "big city" thrills and entertainment to Michigan's residents. This article from the Lansing City Pulse takes you from Downer's Hall in Old Town, one of Lansing's first theaters, through the boom years of Vaudeville when Al Jolson and Marilyn Miller graced the stage of the Bijou at the corner of Capitol & Michigan, all the way to the demolition of the historic Michigan Theatre in 1983.

Click to read Looking Back: Lansing once offered some of state's best theaters in the City Pulse.

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Words by Patrick T Power

On our fourth and final stop on our tour through Michigan's Government, we visit Michigan's Court System.

Whether it's the state's highest court - the Supreme Court - the Court of Appeals, or any of the various Trial Courts, you'll be sure to find what you're looking for in this easy to navigate website.

The Courts' website is teeming with activities and helpful links. You can visit the Supreme Court Learning Center, and while you're there, check out the new kids game, Kid Justice Conquers Chaos.

If you've got a legal issue you need some help with, be sure to visit the Self-Help Center, which answer some of those commonly asked questions we all have, such as how each court functions, how to look up a Michigan law, how to resolve a dispute, and how to find a job with the courts.

Did you know that our judges and court employees never stop learning? The Michigan Judicial Institute provides comprehensive, continuing education programs for employees of the judicial branch. The primary functions of MJI are to:

Develop and conduct live educational seminars for judicial branch employees using recognized subject-matter experts as faculty;

Develop and conduct educational seminars using distance learning methods, such as webcasting and web-based training;

Research, write, and update legal reference publications; and

Operate the Michigan Supreme Court Learning Center, housed in the Michigan Hall of Justice and designed to introduce children and adults to Michigan's judicial system.

One of the services that is most frequently accessed by the public is the Friend of the Court division. If you are involved in a legal issue, be sure you've studied up on the Fines, Fees, and Costs Schedules. Likewise, the Grants and Other Funding page may be more up your alley.

Regardless, keeping Michigan great starts with you, and your involvement in your government. Get involved and make your government work for you!

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Michigan Senate by Larry the Biker
More Michigan Capitol photos

Find your senator according to the district map or look them up on the Senate Directory. You never know, you may find that your senator serves in the Leadership!

Each senator serves on several committees. Senate Leadership appoints senators to either standing committees, appropriations sub-committees, or both.

One of the unique privileges of serving in the Senate includes the power to Advise and Consent.

The Michigan Constitution grants the State Senate the power to reject various gubernatorial appointments. The Senate Government Operations Reform Committee is the committee that makes recommendations to the full senate on whether to confirm or deny any given appointment.

From the link above you can view appointee questionnaires and answers for some of the major offices like State Treasurer and the Department of State Police.

Like the House, the Senate helps decide how to divide up the State Budget, and they couldn't do it without the Senate Fiscal Agency. The SFA provides unbiased assistance in the matters of fiscal and legislative analysis.

Each senator is provided with assistance with press and outreach through either the Republican or Democratic Caucus, depending on their affiliation.

The Senate website is full of interactive trivia and games for the entire family. Click on Kids Page on the website (link not provided), and you can explore the Art of the Senate, print out pages to color, brush up on your trivia, or play puzzles and games.

Come back tomorrow as we delve into the third branch of Michigan's government, The Judicial Branch or head back to yesterday's article on the Michigan House of Representatives.

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An American Opera is touted as an operatic vision of the Pets, Vets, Owners, Rescuers and Adopters of animals following the devastation, chaos and forced separation/evacuation of pet owners from greater New Orleans without their pets as seen through the eyes of those who took action in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. You can view the trailer on the film's website or check out more information on the Myspace Page.

The film was chosen to compete in the "Best Use of Music in a Documentary Film” competition and had its world premier last night, with great results. The team reports that since the screening, it has already recieved invitations to two other national film festivals, including the Newport Beach Film Festival and the Delray Beach Film Festival. Winners will be announced later in the week, and the team is anxiously awaiting the results.

McPhee, Olsen, and Frelick all hail from the Metro Detroit area, and Lynch is from the Lansing area. Stay tuned to Absolute Michigan for more exclusive updates!

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Michigan House of Representatives by Larry the Biker

The Michigan House of Representatives is the largest half of the state's legislative branch, but do you know who represents you? The House website offers several ways to locate and contact your representative, either by searching or browsing a full listing of representatives.

Ever thought about visiting your legislator? Contrary to popular belief, your legislator is available to you. Check the session calendar and see when they'll be available (typically Tuesdays - Thursdays). Mondays and Fridays are traditionally considered in-district days, meaning that you can probably find them in your neck of the woods. While you're visiting your rep, be sure to stop by the Capitol, see if you can snag a Michigan Capitol tour (free for the public) and watch session in progress from the gallery. No need to visit though, as you can always watch your representatives in session on Michigan Government Television via your computer.

Each representative is assigned to several committees. Committee assignments are selected by party's leadership and based on each legislators' seniority, previous experience, and professional background.

Touring the House by kbreenbo
Lansing Capitol Tour Set

In the House, each party has it's own Caucus to provide additional information and news. You can check out the Democratic Caucus and the Republican Caucus.

The most essential part of the House website is the Citizen's Guide. This is the website that has all the information just for you. There's everything from ideas on how to contact your representative, to a kids page to how a bill becomes a law and a pdf version of the free government guide, A Citizen's Guide to State Government. Check them all out.

Stop on by again tomorrow as we head on over to the State Senate and see what's cooking there (or track back to yesterday's look at Michigan's Governor & Executive Branch).

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Inaugural II by farlane

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm, Michigan's first female governor, and one of just nine female governors currently serving in the entire US.

The Governor's website has a host of interactive features including video clips of important state addresses, and conversations outlining her growth plan for Michigan. You can listen to weekly radio addresses through the website or you can download a podcast.

You can also find lists of executive orders and executive directives. Executive orders may reorganize agencies, change agency functions, establish advisory bodies, commissions and task forces, regulate conduct within the executive branch of state government or proclaim or end an emergency while directives establish policies and procedures for the executive branch. Another way to keep tabs on the various programs that the executive is working on through the Initiatives Page where you can learn about everything from the Buy Michigan First program to MiRSA (Michigan Regional Skills Alliances).

War Governor by Patrick T Power

There are 21 members of the Cabinet, the heads of Michigan agencies that are responsible for everything from Education to Agriculture, State Budget and the State Police. You can learn more about how these members work together through the Michigan Cabinet Action Plan.
Governor Granholm also has a very large constituent services program. Whether it's sharing a comment/suggestion, a request for assistance, requesting a birthday greeting for a loved one, or recognition of an achievement (Eagle Scout, Retirement, Wedding Anniversary, etc).

Of course, the Executive Office also is home to the Lieutenant Governor, John D. Cherry Jr., and the First Gentleman, Dan Mulhern, each with their own directives and programs.
Be sure to check them all out, and to get to know your government a little better.

Stay tuned tomorrow as we visit the Michigan House of Representatives!

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Michigan's State Capitol by Apocaplops

It's a new year and a new session of Michigan government that features new legislators and a change in the balance of power in Lansing. While one thing - our state's economic challenges - has not changed, there's always an opportunity to change the low participation in state government by Michigan's citizens. The best place to start is with you: get involved, let your legislators hear from you and make your investment in Michigan (your tax dollars) count.

Keeping Michigan great starts with you.

Our government is elected by, paid for, and serves us. It takes the people to dictate how the government is run. It starts on election day by voting for those you think best represent your interests. It continues with each of us communicating our agenda to our public servants, the elected officials. Face it, if they don't hear from us, how are they going to work for us??

All next week, we'll be reviewing the various branches of government and their websites. Stay tuned, and get involved. It's your government.

Absolute Michigan's Michigan Government Series

Your State, Your Michigan Government: The Executive Office

Your State, Your Michigan Government: The State House

Your State, Your Michigan Government: The State Senate

Your State, Your Michigan Government: The Courts

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Tin Lizzies (Library of Congress)

Did you hear the story of the guy who built a bike, won a race, and used $28,000 to build one of the oldest and most successful automobile companies in the world?

You should, especially when it's Michigan's very own Henry Ford and his Ford Motor Company that we're talking about. Below are a few highlights from NPR's detailed timeline of Ford's history.

June 16, 1903: Henry Ford and 11 investors sign articles of incorporation for Ford Motor Company in Michigan.

Oct. 1, 1908: Ford introduces the Model T, which became one of the most popular cars in the world. Production officially ended in May 1927 after total world production of 15,458,781.

Jan. 5, 1914: Ford begins offering $5 per day for eight-hour work days and 15,000 job seekers clamor for 3,000 jobs at the Model T Plant in Highland Park. The previous pay rate was $2.34 per day for nine hours.

March 1, 1941: Ford begins to produce general-purpose "jeeps" for the U.S. military and shifts completely to military production starting in Feb. 1942. Civilian production does not resume until July 1945.

This effort was a big part of what led President Franklin Delano Roosevelt to call Detroit the Arsenal of Democracy in one of his famous Fireside Chats.

Ten-Million-to-One (Library of Congress)

Since WWII, Ford Motor Company has seen many ups and many downs. Regardless of the current economic climate of the auto industry, the Blue Oval is a proud part of Michigan and its history. You can view the 100th Anniversary Presentation available on Ford's website. A trip Southeast Michigan wouldn't be complete without a tour of the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village, a lasting memorial to Henry Ford and his deep love of history. While you're there you can take part in the Ford Rouge Factory Tour or walk through the halls of the great Henry Ford Estate - Fair Lane, now a national historic landmark. All of these can be found in the town that Ford made, and still continues to make famous, Dearborn and are a big part of the Motor Cities National Heritage Area.

Since we offered a video in our previous Michigan Automotive History feature, we definitely need to point out the 1953 classic, The American Road on Google Video. (sorry, can't embed it!)

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Cadi by JoeJoeSmoe

Thought you'd seen it all with the North American International Auto Show in Detroit? Not quite! There's still the 9th Annual Michigan International Auto Show in Grand Rapids! Buy your tickets online before you head over.

Head over to DeVos Place Thursday, February 1st - Sunday, February 4th, 2007 to check out the latest vehicles from over 32 manufacturers across the globe. Bring the whole family, and look for

• Million Dollar Motorway - over 14 vehicles each priced at least $100,000, including the $2.1 Million MC-12 Maserati, Bentley, Ferrari, Aston Martin and Cadillac.
• Gilmore Car Museum - featuring vintage cars including the 1967 Yenko Super Camaro, one of only 17 in the world, and be on the lookout for the 1982 DeLorean made popular in Back to the Future.
• Special Appearances by NASCAR drive Matt Kenseth and Indy 500 Champion Tom Sneva.
• Cogs the Interactive Robot.
• Plenty of Interactive Games and take a spin with the Micro-Reality Race Cars
• Chance to win a 2 year lease on a Hummer H3.

Check out Absolute Michigan's multimedia presentation from the 2007 Grand Rapids Auto Show. It features interviews with show organizers, exhibiters and the Shop Rats.

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Elizabeth Park Reflection by mandj98

If there's one thing that all Michiganians can be proud of, it's the beauty of our natural environment. Whether it's the Great Lakes shoreline, our sprawling forests and trails or the sand dunes, it makes a big mark on our state and in our lives. It seems only appropriate that the Michigan Environmental Council is paying tribute with the unveiling of the new Michigan Conservation Trail.

...the Michigan Conservation Trail is a series of linked historic sites and associated promotional and educational materials. When completed, it will include state historical markers, brief biographies of Michigan's conservation pioneers, photos and drawings illustrating key landmarks and turning points in the state's conservation history, interactive features, and an annual observance of Michigan's conservation heritage.

Sleeping Bear Dunes, National Park by Kathy~

The first three markers will highlight the the Detroit River in Trenton, Kirkland's Warbler in Mio, and the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes National Lakeshore. Both the Lansing State Journal and Michigan author and environmental policy expert Dave Dempsey have more to share about the new trail.

The MEC is looking to add many more trails over the next few years and they need your help. Think you know of a spot worthy of a place on the Trail? Contact the Michigan Environmental Council with your suggestion.

More information...

• Check out Friends of the Detroit River and How the Detroit River shaped lives and history (from the Detroit News Rearview Mirror - cool pics!)
• Take a Kirtland's Warbler Tour of the Huron-Manistee National forest and consider the annual Kirtland's Warbler Festival ( Saturday, May 19, 2007).
• Head north to the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes National Lakeshore and also check out Absolute Michigan keyword Sleeping Bear

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Carving the Elephant by Josh Leo

Last week Holland hosted their own contest, and folks came from across the state to try their hand (and saw) at an age-old winter tradition. Teams from Grand Rapids Community College and Oakland Community College competed for top honors. Roving West Michigan video-blogger Josh Leo has the scoop in his excellent Holland Ice Sculpture Contest video.

If you're in the St. Joseph area next month, be sure to stop by the Third Annual Magical Ice Carving Festival Friday, February 16th and all day Saturday on the 17th. This event will be sanctioned by the National Ice Carving Association (NICA), who will oversee and judge two professional competitions for originality, artistic quality, technique, detail and design. While you're there, be sure to visit local merchants as they show off their finest.

We know we we missed other Michigan ice carving events - let us know which ones in the comments!

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John Prine---Live by doyaknow

Originally founded in 1965, The Ark has a simple mission

The Ark is a non-profit organization dedicated to the enrichment of the human spirit through the presentation, preservation and encouragement of folk, roots and ethnic music and related arts. The Ark provides a safe and welcoming atmosphere for all people to listen to, learn about, perform and share music.

Billed as one of its biggest fundraisers and hosted by Michigan's own native son, Jeff Daniels, the Folk Festival has a line-up that's sure to please people of all ages with a wide variety of different artists. From John Prine, who head-lined the very first Folk Festival in 1977, to emerging artists like Millish, a band who absorbs a range of music into their Irish music, this is a must-see for any musical fan.

For more information on the The Ark, the Ann Arbor Folk Festival, or any up-coming shows, check out the The Ark's website.

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Holga: Ford Lake by Matt Callow

It's no secret that here at AbsoluteMichigan we dig photos. A blog that we've been keeping our eye on for a while is Adventures of a Brit Abroad

Matt Callow is originally from the other side of the Pond, and has been living and working in the Ypsilanti area for the last several years. He's a photographer by trade, and has this to say about his work

I prefer working with vintage, toy, pinhole and a variety of cheap, plastic cameras. Not for any grand, artistic reasons, it's simply that I like the look of the pictures they produce, and I like the way the cameras force me to work harder as a photographer...To me photography is a process. An organic process in which every stage feeds into every other, and the final result - the photograph - is just one of those equal stages.

While this blog features mainly his work and the various techniques he uses, its enjoyable to watch this organic process unravel. Matt highlights some of the various shows his work's been displayed at, and has done multiple workshops for students, exposing them to the joys of traditional and experimental photography.

Do yourself a favor, and stop by Adventures of a Brit Abroad ... and don't be surprised if you find yourself returning time and time again.

Editor's Note: Longtime readers of Absolute Michigan/Michigan in Pictures may recall our profile of Matt Callow on Michigan in Pictures. Those who do not will want to head over there and read it!

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Winter in Michigan - a time for ice skating, skiing, snowshoes and ... surfing?

The film Unsalted touts Great Lakes surfing as the perfect recipe for a little winter fun - "one part obsession, one part addiction, and an unending quest for adventure makes Great Lakes Surfers a truly rare breed."

Michigan native, filmmaker and surfer Vince Deur vowed to pay homage to the majestic Great Lakes back in 1990 after miraculously surviving a tumble in a rip tide on Lake Superior. He spent the next 16 years traveling from his home in Grand Haven all over Michigan and the Great Lakes region to capture those who dare to surf.

Unsalted incorporates Deur's beautifully shot footage with home-movies going back to the 1960's. To make the film, Deur teamed up with members of the Great Lakes Surfing Association and Surfer Magazine who helped him explore surfing hot spots and reveal a deep fascination with the powerful Lakes. Whether they be scientists, surf pros, or everyday Michigan residents, you'll watch in awe as they brave extreme conditions to do the impossible and harness the power of the Great Lakes.

Besides the great feature film, the DVD has some very interesting bonus features for anyone who ventures in the Great Lakes (surfer, swimmer, and boater alike) such as how to survive a rip tide and what do in case of hypothermia, all demonstrated by professionals. You can see some of the outtakes at Vince's page on YouTube and get more information about the film at Unsalted.tv.

Vince is offering a limited holiday special to Absolute Michigan readers of $19.95 plus $3 s/h. Just email vince@unsalted.tv and he'll send you back a PayPal link to order!

So whether you're pouring the eggnog or waxing the board this holiday season, Unsalted offers perfect way to experience a whole lot more of the beauty and excitement of the Great Lakes.

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