Absolute Michigan onLocation: Traverse City Comedy Arts Festival

February 17, 2010 – 10:15 am

Absolute Michigan is going on location again, this time to the first ever Traverse City Comedy Fest! Here's the post from the Absolute Michigan onLocation blog - stay tuned for more!

Event dynamo Michael Moore has teamed up with comedian Jeff Garlin to launch the Traverse City Comedy Arts Festival. The inaugural comedy fest takes place this weekend (February 19-21, 2010) and features and impressive roster of established comedians including Roseanne Barr, John Waters, Whitney Cummings, JB Smoove, Mike Birbiglia along with some up-and-coming comedians, films and associated hoopla. View the schedule of comedians and special events & films and order tickets!

The venues that they use for the annual Traverse City Film Festival will be converted to have a nightclub feel and they'll even be doing free, late night shows in the basement of Horizon Books hosted by Jeff Garlin. They'll also be having a free, outdoor showing of the comedy classic Groundhog Day with special live features. All in all, it's shaping up to be a one-of-a-kind experience for Michigan comedy fans!

You can follow blog posts, #comedytc Twitter posts and other media on the TCFF Blog and on Absolute Michigan's Traverse City Comedy Arts Festival page.

Head over to Absolute Michigan's Traverse City pages to get lodging, dining and other visitor information.

By farlane | Posted in Articles, Arts & Entertainment, Bands, Entertainers & Labels, Blogs & Forums, Dig Michigan, Festivals, Attractions & Event Calendars, Media, Michigan, Photography & Film, The Michigan Pages, Traverse City | Comments (1)

March Michigan Event Calendar

February 17, 2010 – 6:00 am


Approaching Spring by mayerdavid1978

Our Michigan event calendar for the month of March features all kinds of signs that spring is just around the corner with some cautious reminders that objects around the corner may be further off than they appear.

Quotes

"March is a tomboy with tousled hair, a mischievous smile, mud on her shoes
and a laugh in her voice." - Hal Borland

"It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade." - Charles Dickens

"Springtime is the land awakening. The March winds are the morning yawn." - Lewis Grizzard

"Spring is when you feel like whistling even with a shoe full of slush." - Doug Larson

"Spring is nature's way of saying, Let's party!" - Robin Williams

Fast Facts
March's birthstone is Aquamarine and Bloodstone. They symbolize courage.

Its birth flower is the Narcissus.

March in the Southern Hemisphere is the seasonal equivalent of September in the Northern Hemisphere.

Daylight-Savings time occurs on March 14, 2010, at 2:00 a.m.. Time to spring ahead!

Think spring! The vernal equinox occurs on March 20, 2010 at 1:32 PM EDT. Click on for the calendar!

By Absolute Michigan | Posted in Articles, Arts & Entertainment, Attractions, Camping & RVs, Cars, Trucks & Other Vehicles, Community, Destinations, Dig Michigan, Dig Michigan Features, Environment & Environmental Organizations, Festivals, Attractions & Event Calendars, Golf & Golf Courses, History & Libraries, Home Improvement & Repair, Homes & Real Estate, Hunting & Fishing, Landscaping & Gardens, Lodging & Travel, Michigan, Photography & Film, Recreation & Sports, Shopping, Sporting Goods, Sports, The Michigan Pages | Comments (11)

Celebrate Fat Tuesday with paczki … then maybe The Twist

February 16, 2010 – 7:32 am

The Last Paczki by cseeman
The Last Paczki by cseeman

While groundhogs are a sign of spring's approach around the country, the appearance of paczkis in grocery stores in Michigan lets you know that spring is not too far off. Our Fat Tuesday Paczki Day page on Absolute Michigan will load you up with 110% of the USRDA on these sugary treats that are a Michigan tradition.

If you're looking to work off all those extra calories, Seeking Michigan has a cool feature on the real father of The Twist, Detroiter Hank Ballard. Click through to read it and we'll let Ballard take us out with his rendition of The Twist.

By farlane | Posted in Advertising, Marketing & Public Relations, Articles, Business, Dig Michigan, History & Libraries, Industry & Manufacturing, Media, Michigan, Photography & Film, Television & Internet Video, The Michigan Pages, The Michigan Pages: History | Comments (0)

2010 Michigan Brewers Guild Winter Beer Festival

February 15, 2010 – 11:40 am

2010WinterFestGraphicRev1The 5th Annual Winter Beer Festival will take place Saturday, February 27th, 2010 at the Fifth Third Ballpark in Comstock Park, just north of Grand Rapids. The Winter Festival is a unique opportunity to sample some of the best beers in the world, all brewed in Michigan. The organizers are expecting more than 35 Michigan microbreweries and brewpubs to participate and there will be more than 200 different beers available to sample. The event is open from Noon to 5:00pm. Enthusiast Members of the Michigan Brewers Guild will be allowed to enter the Festival an hour early at 11:00am. The Festival will take place in the outfield parking lot at the ballpark this year and breweries will be located within several large tents. The tents, combined with body heat will help take the edge off the temperature, but please recognize that the Festival is an outdoor event and dress accordingly. Hats, mittens, boots and long-johns are recommended to keep you warm. They are planning to have a central bonfire, but only if the weather cooperates with low wind conditions. It would be helpful if everyone could hoist a Michigan beer and do a fair weather dance.

Video from the 2008 Winter Beer Festival in Grand Rapids

By Absolute Michigan | Posted in Arts & Entertainment, Beer, Wine & Beverages, Breweries & Wineries, Destinations, Dig Michigan, Dig Michigan Features, Festivals, Attractions & Event Calendars, Food & Dining, Grand Rapids, Lodging & Travel, Michigan, Shopping, The Michigan Pages | Comments (0)

Photo Friday: Love is Our Condition by MightyBoyBrian

February 12, 2010 – 8:17 am

Love is Our Condition

MightyBoyBrian (Brian Wolfe) says that since graduating from college, his love of photography has gradually intensified and is one of his most potent escapes from the engineering box that he seems to have learned himself into. He says he favors nature and urban shots, but with the new acquisition of a 50mm f/1.8, he's getting more into portraiture.

You can see this photo bigger and check out his sets including The Urban, Nature,  Panoramics and The Top 30 (slideshow).

Dive into his Flickriver!

By farlane | Posted in Articles, Arts & Entertainment, Michigan, Photo Friday, Photography & Film, The Michigan Pages | Comments (1)

Absolute Michigan Radio: Doug Luciani of the Traverse City Chamber on Pure Michigan Funding

February 11, 2010 – 10:03 am
Pure Michigan funding is the topic of Michigan Senate Finance Committee today, and across the state, businesses and chambers of commerce are asking state lawmakers to permanently fund the popular campaign.

In our first Absolute Michigan Radio feature co-sponsored by Traverse Legal, we talk with Traverse City Chamber of Commerce director Doug Luciani about Pure Michigan and its impact on Business.

If you're supportive of Pure Michigan, please call your lawmakers today! Here are links to the Michigan House of Representatives, Michigan Senate and Michigan Governor!

By farlane | Posted in Advertising, Marketing & Public Relations, Area Information, Articles, Business, Chambers of Commerce, Community, Dig Michigan, Government, Jobs & Employment, Lodging & Travel, Media, Michigan, Radio & Podcast, The Michigan Pages, The Michigan Pages: Build Michigan! | Comments (1)

Michigan's Rich African American Past

February 10, 2010 – 7:28 am

For years, February has been recognized as Black History Month. In nearly 250 years of living in Michigan, African Americans have made many important-and often overlooked–contributions to our state's past. One of the earliest records of African Americans living in Michigan came in the early 1760s when the British replaced the French at Detroit. Two decades later, a British census showed than nearly 200 African American slaves were living in British Detroit. The number of slaves declined after the Americans arrived in 1796. Although a census in 1830 indicated that 30 slaves lived in the territory, the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 banned human slavery and it never thrived in Michigan.

Conversely, opposition to slavery did grow. Michigan was an active participant of the Underground Railroad even before it became a state. In 1836, thirteen former slaves organized the Second Baptist Church in Detroit. Besides allowing African Americans to worship without discrimination, the church also opened Michigan's first school for black children and it was a stop on the Underground Railroad.

Michigan's black population grew slowly but steadily during the years before the Civil War. Famed black abolitionist Sojourner Truth made Battle Creek her home in 1857. At a time when women, especially black women, did not give speeches, Truth used her remarkable speaking skills to promote equality and the need to end slavery. Truth stood six feet tall and had a deep voice. Her listeners were "melted into tears by her touching stories."

As automobiles became Michigan's central focus, tens of thousands of African American moved north, seeking employment in the auto factories. During the twentieth century, the list of African Americans who had an impact on Michigan - and the world - includes world champion boxer Joe Louis, political scientist Ralph Bunche (the first African American to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize), Motown Records' founder James Earl Jones, Congressman John Conyers Jr. and activist Rosa Parks.

For a massive listing of happenings check out: "Black History Month events: February is full of music, exhibits and cultural events celebrating African-American achievement" - via Freep.com

Photo Credit: Visual Materials from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Records (Library of Congress)

By Absolute Michigan | Posted in Articles, Community, Community & Nonprofit Organizations, Dig Michigan, History & Libraries, Michigan, Museums & Collections, Schools & Education, The Michigan Pages: History: Black History, The Michigan Pages: History: Magazine | Comments (5)

Backcountry Skiing and the Michigan Telemark Festival

February 9, 2010 – 7:52 am

Nick writes: Yes, it's true. You don't have to live in Utah to ski the deep stuff. Here's some nice tele turns in a couple of unknown locations in northern Michigan.

300px-Telemarker_HQThe skiers in the video above are using telemark skis, about which Wikipedia says:

Telemark skiing is a term used for skiing using the Telemark turn. It is also known as " free heel skiing." Unlike alpine skiing equipment, the skis used for telemarking have a binding that only connects the boot to the ski at the toes, just as in cross-country skiing...

The Telemark turn came to the attention of the Norwegian public in 1868, when Sondre Norheim took part in a ski jumping competition. Norheim's technique of fluid turns soon dominated skiing, and in Norway it continued to do well into the next century. Starting in the 1910s, newer techniques based on the stem gradually replaced Telemark in the Alpine countries. Newer techniques were easier to master and enabled shorter turns better suited for steeper alpine terrain and skiing downhill. The Telemark turn became the technique of ski touring in rolling terrain.

Speaking of telemark skiing & Northern Michigan, Pure Michigan notes that the Michigan Telemark Festival takes place February 19-21 at The Homestead Resort. The event features telemark demos, clinics for all ability levels and more - call (231) 334-5000 for details.

By farlane | Posted in Articles, Destinations, Dig Michigan, Festivals, Attractions & Event Calendars, Lodging & Travel, Media, Michigan, Recreation & Sports, Skiing, Television & Internet Video, The Michigan Pages | Comments (0)

State of the Art in Ypsilanti, 1926

February 8, 2010 – 7:54 am

774px-Schreibtelegraf_nach_Morse_1880Laura Bien has a great feature on how "lightning slingers" kept Ypsilantians updated on the saga of Irving Berlin and socialite Ellin Mackay with The 1926 Modem on North Huron Street. It begins:

In the fall of 1925, Ypsilantians, and the nation, were transfixed by the romance of a onetime Lower East Side immigrant kid and a telegraph magnate’s daughter. Her wealthy father, Clarence, the son of Comstock Lode multimillionaire John Mackay, strongly disapproved of his Catholic daughter Ellin’s interest in a Jewish man with what he viewed as a disreputable occupation. Clarence refused to give Ellin his permission to marry. The couple waited in dismay for Clarence to change his mind.

Daily Ypsilantian-Press editor George Handy waited as well for the next tidbit of news—his readers loved the story.

In the fall of 1925, Ypsilantians, and the nation, were transfixed by the romance of a onetime Lower East Side immigrant kid and a telegraph magnate’s daughter. Her wealthy father, Clarence, the son of Comstock Lode multimillionaire John Mackay, strongly disapproved of his Catholic daughter Ellin’s interest in a Jewish man with what he viewed as a disreputable occupation. Clarence refused to give Ellin his permission to marry. The couple waited in dismay for Clarence to change his mind.

Daily Ypsilantian-Press editor George Handy waited as well for the next tidbit of news—his readers loved the story.

When in January of 1926 that news came from New York, it was a bombshell. Ellin Mackay had eloped with and married Irving Berlin.

Handy needed a wedding photograph from New York—and fast—this story was too big to wait for the mail. He called New York.

Half an hour later he had a photograph, thanks to the only modem in Ypsilanti in 1926.

Read on and see the photograph at YpsiNews.com and learn more about telegraphy and photos in Wikipedia!

By farlane | Posted in Articles, Blogs & Forums, Community, Dig Michigan, History & Libraries, Media, Newspapers | Comments (0)

Celebrate Valentine's Day the Michigan Way

February 8, 2010 – 2:40 am

Wheresoever you go, go with all your heart. - Confucius by Church of One
Wheresoever you go, go with all your heart. - Confucius by Church of One

The day for lovers, sweethearts, paramours and chocoholics is drawing near. Like it, love it, or hate it, Valentine's Day has become an annual tradition. Such a tradition, that according to the Greeting Card Association, over one billion valentines will be given out, and eighty five percent of those by women.

As you celebrate the holiday, consider making your day special with something from Michigan. There's plenty of delicious Valentine's Day recipes from Pure Michigan at Michigan.org. The Food Network also offers up some culinary advice on the 'Holiday's & Parties' section of their website. Lansing's WLNS CBS channel 6 website has a complete Valentine Day section on their website. Over at mlive.com you can check out "Valentine's Day is perfect for creating fun foods with kids".

Of course, if you're looking for something to compliment that tasty treat, consider the MDA's Wine Recommendations for that special day. According to the Wine Market Council and Merrill Research, a whopping 95 percent of wine drinkers agree that wine makes a perfect gift and 50% of both men and women said they would rather receive wine of Valentine’s Day, compared with 41% who preferred a box of chocolates. You can't go wrong with a Michigan wine!

Pure Michigan has put together a great selection of Romantic Escapes in Michigan. Their getaways and packages are perfect for couples who are looking to get away from it all (but not each other). Join the wineries of Leelanau, Old Mission & Traverse City for the Traverse City Wine & Art Festival Winter Wine Wonderland at the Cherry Capital Winter WonderFest at the Grand Traverse Resort for a celebration of wine, gourmet desserts, art & fun this Valentines Day.

Get a whole ton more events for the Valentine's Day/President's Day Weekend via Pure Michigan.

If you're left scratching your head over what to buy him or her, be sure to check out 'In tough times, Cupids can shoot for a bargain Valentine's Day' from The Detroit News or from WLNS.com, 'Valentine's Day Gift Giving Guide' for that perfect gift!

Don't forget the furry friends in your life, be a homeless pet's Valentine. WXYZ-TV 7 in Detroit is hosting their Annual Valentine's Day Telethon to support the Michigan Humane Society. Tune in or donate online!

If that's not enough and you really want to get your Valentine on, check out Absolute Michigan keyword Valentine for food & gift ideas.

For a little eye candy, you should check out the Valentine slideshow from the Absolute Michigan flickr pool!

We also have a large number of Michigan web sites to check out (though if we're missing one, be sure to add a link to it).

Flowers & Florists … say it with flowers

Chocolate … there's also candy companies

Candles … lighting the way for romance for thousands of years

Jewelry … silver & gold, platinum and bronze, pick your favorite.

Wow, you actually made it to the end of this post!

Now head over to NPR and check out their article 'Listeners Pick Love Songs for Valentine's Day'....

By Absolute Michigan | Posted in Articles, Artists & Galleries, Arts & Entertainment, Beer, Wine & Beverages, Books, Music & Video, Breweries & Wineries, Casual & Family Restaurants, Clothing, Dig Michigan, Dig Michigan Features, Dining Guides, Festivals, Attractions & Event Calendars, Fine Dining Restaurants, Food & Dining, Food, Health & Nutrition, Jewelry & Gifts, Michigan, Michigan Grown, Michigan Holiday Gift Guide, Performance & Dance, Recipes, Shopping, The Michigan Pages | Comments (2)