Help the Michigan Academic Decathlon champions get to nationals!

I'm a Quaker. Often people think I'm Quaker by faith. Instead, I'm Quaker via alumni status. That's right -- I graduated from Lansing Eastern High School in our fair and fabulous capital city.

But I'm throwing this out into the blogosphere as a request to my fellow Michiganians to support some of their own. Every year, Michigan has a small, but important State competition for high schoolers -- the State Academic Decathlon competition.

To explain: Academic Decathlon is a national 10-category competition, in which a team of 6-9 individuals compete. These kids compete in everything from Interview and Public Speech, to Music, Economics, Language and Literature, and a massive "Super Quiz" that encompasses either a natural or social science theme.

This competition truly changed my life in my high school years: you learn about Gauguin, Cassat, Wagner, Shakespeare, economic models, mathematical formulas, and beyond. The cirriculum always has a new theme every year keeping the subjects fresh and challenging.

The team of 9 Quakers at Lansing Eastern High School have won the competition, but due to hard economic times, only 6 of the team members will be able to go to the national competition to represent our state.

It's an important life experience, let me say. Nothing made me more proud than to be elected by my own team members to proudly carry our State Flag as we did a procession of all the states in attendance. Nothing!

My mom has created a request via "Help My Hometown" requesting $5,000 to help send the other three team members to this national academic competition. IT IS NOT A FUNDRAISER, but a request.

What I ask is for you to simply share your comments and support for the students in Lansing. This April, they will be our "One Michigan" -- and they should go as a team.

If you have time, please visit the following web site and leave a comment. Your support and kind words are more than enough. The link will open in a new window.

Hometown Project: State Champs to Participate in National USAD Competition.

I've always been a strong advocate for my "urban" alma mater, and for education. We were often overshadowed by athletics or forgotten in yearbook, even as we went to nationals ourselves.

That's all. I'll be back to politics shortly. ;)

To close, I'll add what my mother has written on the page:

The State of Michigan is currently suffering an enormous fiscal crisis with the decline of the US auto industry, and state schools struggle to provide the basics. In this climate, we find it difficult to locate monies for extracurricular activities even though we recognize the benefit to students.

At Lansing Eastern High School, the teachers and students have committed themselves to continuing the pursuit of academic excellence despite 'inner-city' stigma. This school year was particularly enobling, as Lansing Eastern H.S. attained the coveted International Baccalaureate Magnet status.

This year, one of our achievements was earning the State Championship for the US Academic Decathlon. During this competition, three 'A' students, three 'B' students, and three 'C' students work collaboratively as a team to answer questions in the categories of Art, Literature, Mathematics, Economics, Music, Social Science, Super Quiz, Interview, and Speech. It is a rigorous event requiring months of study and preparation beyond the required school work.

Needless to say, our students were overjoyed to receive the title of Michigan Academic Decathlon Champions on March 7, 2007. However, that joy was tinged with sadness when we learned that there was not enough funding for the entire team to participate in the National Competition to be held in Hawaii this year. Due to the high travel costs, only 6 members will be able to participate. This hardship will fracture a team which spent the last 6 months together, a team bonded in a common goal. We ask for your help.

Brr! What a draft! But I'm here! Promise!

I'mbackI'mbackI'mback.

Finals are killing me softly, like the Fugees. Back in Blogger mode. Almost... at... graduation! Then I shall have more time to blog, among other things. Like eat. And exercise.

At any rate: expect a lot more on the MI budget and other news soon. Sorry, all!

Sound-Off Sunday: Condi Rap

I'm feeling a little sick, but this was pretty funny:

Condilicious:

WK hits it out of the park.

I'm still re-adjusting to blog-style writing, but today Cathleen hits it out of the park. A snippet:

Perhaps it's time for a "Pundit Tax"- use a stale talking point or a proven false claim and you pay. Big time. Heck, we could make up the deficit on the Detroit News alone.

Read it all over on the Kitten.

Naysayers (Republicans): investment is not a ''permanent fix''

The Naysayers -- and I do mean Republicans -- sure are thick on the empty rhetoric. From today's South Bend Tribune:

On the House side, state Reps. Neal Nitz, R-Baroda, and Rick Shaffer, R-Three Rivers, both took shots at Granholm's tax hike proposals.

"Taxing our way out of the current budget crisis is not a permanent fix. We need to focus on reforming government bureaucracy to create a smaller, more efficient government," Shaffer said.

Let me repeat: State Government is the smallest it's been since the 1970's. State Government is the smallest it's been since the 1970's. State Government is the smallest it's been since the 1970's. State Government is the smallest it's been since the 1970's. State Government is the smallest it's been since the 1970's.

Hit the point home yet? We sure can make the government smaller, but I doubt we'll make it more efficient.

The concept of public investment wooshes over the heads of Republicans like Rick Shaffer. As the Governor said in the State of the State: the naysayers are already against any plan from the Governor before they've even read it.

Increasing revenues isn't a "permanent fix?" Neither is cutting the budget to Bostwana GDP levels, boyo. We need quality roads, neighborhoods, schools, prisons, and police. And we need revenue to do so.

Boo HOO. Who need a floral arrangement NOW?!

I've been meaning to write on this for some time, and haven't had the opportunity. I'll cover it in greater detail later, but...

A Michigan Court of Appeals overruled Ingham County Judge Draganchuk regarding 2004's Proposal 2: same-sex partnership benefits are illegal in public employment, including state, municipal, and university level.

Sent me into a tailspin of furor, it did. But for right now, I can only take cathartic joy in the musings of comedienne Margaret Cho. So here's a YouTube for your viewing pleasure:

CAUTION: Some explicit language. Not Safe for Work.

My mom is SO Courtney Cox in the Bruce Springsteen Video.

Today Mi Mama saw JG herself at Sparrow Hospital in downtown Lansing, following up on her State of the State regarding educational policy.

Of course, being the dynamic diva she is, my mother had to go visit our own Gov. I mean, it's Granholm! A PR woman from the Rossman Group pushed her toward the Gov, and after a quick Quake shout-out, JG gave Mi Mama a super-hug and chatted for a bit. Infectious! Fabulous! A true woman of the people!

Funny thing is, Tom George spoke after Granholm to give the Republican POV. As with the crummy YouTube clip, no one bought it and the crowd dispersed! Ha!

Republicans, you're in for some stormy weather. No hot, middle-aged women want to give Tom George a hug. No sir-ee.

Tom George is So Creepy.

Yesterday in the State of the State, Gov. Granholm spoke to the true nature of being a citizen: investing in human capital. Investing in our quality of life. Investing in our fellow man. You can't put a price on the quality of our beautiful state, no matter how appealing that extra $100 may sound to put toward a Kelly Clarkson concert ticket. Nirmal has the transcript. Cat points to the best part. LiberalLucy brings out the heart. So I'm left with talking about the... republicans.

After the DY-NO-MITE address from the diva herself, what titan would the Republicans pull out to attack such a magnificant, uplifting, and timely speech? No, not Tim Skubick, though I'm sure he'll give it the ol' college try this Friday. It's TOM GEORGE M.D., R-Kalamazoo.

Tom George is so creepy. From the big eyes, to the placard-reading voice, to the homospiciou-- nah, I won't go there. CREE-PY.


I mean, like, really. No, really. Like, no.

Tom George asserts us the Republicans have the "best plan" to replace the Single Business Tax. You know, that tax they unnecessarily aborted? Good thing you have a saucy M.D. after your name, Senator -- if those dirty "public" Universities get their funds cut, we won't have many students going through the U of M for the same end.

But now that people decide that having a police force and good universities is a good thing now we're ready to offer the "best plan" for Michigan! You sure are ready to "act now," eh Georgie? Because, he says, the Republicans are ready to "act now" -- just like they were ready to "act now" to blow $2 BILLION dollars into our state budget all in the name of glory glory 2006 Gubernatorial candidate Dick DeVos.

And, rest assured, the Republicans are ready to cut "unnecessary government spending." Even as Gov. Granholm is operating with 30% less revenue than Gov. Engler in 1999. I hope the Republicans will "ACT NOW," cut taxes, and alter the "Welcome to Michigan: The Great Lakes State" signs with "Welcome to Michigan: Everything Under $1, or Your Money Back! Watch for the Potholes!"

But what really made it so magical was the brilliant peace of political posturing that is: "[Senate Republicans will work in] the spirit of cooperation and partnership." Yeah. Call me "Debbie Downer" but I'll beieve that as soon as my boyfriend and I can rent out Tom George's house as our own personal gay Bed & Breakfast. Partnership? Cooperation? Of course. I guess miracles can happen: after all, gay prostitute and crystal meth enthusiast Rev. Ted Haggard was "cured" of his homosexuality after 3 weeks of rehab. So why can't Republicans turn the other cheek?

No way, Jose. I'm not buying what you're selling. You made your bed with 50% cotton 50% polyester sheets, now lie in it. Invest in our citizens, or invest in your bottom line. Invest in our education, or get that tax credit to send your three darling children to the best private schools money can buy. Invest in 21st century technologies, invest in our roads, invest in our boys in blue and red, or get the hell out.

We don't need any naysayers with your fork-tongued double speak on "cooperation" or "partnership." You wanted to blow $2billion in the state budget, you wanted to cut government, you wanted to cut services, and you got it. No more. Gravy train's over. So take your grossly green-screened scarlet red background and your cuecards to somewhere where people will lick it up like a box of krispy cremes.

It's time to fix the mess you started. It's a new day and a new Michigan. We're going to tighten our belts and pull through. Time for "Senate Republicans" to do the same, or wait for the swift kick in the butt come 2008.

Excuses for My Absence

Since my biggest fans keep telling me that the tumbleweeds are breezing through MI Amore!, I thought I would inform everyone: yes, I am still alive. Being a full-time student/full-time employee/full-time stressin' mess really kills the internal willpower to have a daily bloggin' partay.

But I'm back, and ready to rock the world with my (arguably... very arguably) insightful commentary. Because Lansing is still the most awesome place on the planet.

I don't have a doctor's note for my absence, but I do have sincere apologies. I'm not going anywhere: Michigan needs me!

A slight rant. Well, not so slight.

This came from a comment I posted on Michigan Liberal. While it may be aimed at one person, I mean it to all local analysts for this state, and most papers. This is Michigan. We are Michiganians. Report. Opine. Discuss. And for the love of all that is holy I implore you to take a closer -- and more objective and nuanced -- look:


Look.

Plain and simple: Tim Skubick has a powerful voice as far as Michigan politics is concerned. I hate to admit it, but it's true. Who else got to really cover the MI Gov race? Who else was able to write a book about it?

Tim Skubick.

And he does no justice to the political and policy issues that affect Michiganians. Instead of reporting on the stalling tactics of the MI-GOP, he will write an editorial on why his "Did you murder Ricky Holland?" comment to the Governor was apropos. Instead of talking about filling the gap in the budget to the SBT, he'd rather take pot-shots against Michigan Liberal on MIRS.

He does a disservice to the people of Michigan, and betrays the (self-appointed) position that he represents.

You have NO idea how discouraging it is as a 16-18 year old Michiganian to have your only editorial content on Michigan politics to be represented by Tim Skubick.

You have NO idea how it is to be a member of the LGBT community when all Skubick can do is bash Granholm, even when Proposal 2 (2004) is affecting people just like me.

You have NO idea how it is to have a grandmother in the decaying east side neighborhood of Lansing -- when Tim Skubick sits in an ivory tower of downtown Lansing and a comfy home in Okemos -- while he brings on "business leaders" to talk with, and agree with, their positions that increasing tax revenue is a horrendous idea, while cutting the budget (police, fire, education) is implicitly a better alternative.

I don't care if he's a clown, or a caricature to us on the left. Tim Skubick betrays the people for whom he corresponds. He can talk all he wants about how deplorable it is to turn politics into a horserace... he still manages to only talk about it in terms of a horserace. The ballots were barely cast in '06 when Skubick decided to talk about candidates for 2010.

It's not about being unable to accept criticism. It's about telling a political "analyst" (and I mean that in the greatest shadow of the term) to stop jerking with people's lives and start talking about the lives that these policies represent.

Granholm -- to me -- has always represented the underdog. Even as a successful, savvy politician, she has stayed true to the people of Michigan. It comes with some sacrifice. The news isn't always rosy. But it's a damn world away from the ivory tower of people like Tim Skubick who make a living off of fear, sensationalism, and the corny books that he deigns to pen for a quick buck on the backs of born and bred Michiganians who hope and hold out for something better.

In these tough times, critique is warranted. His bullshit masqueraded as "analysis" is not. So he can crawl back into the hole from whence he came -- I really don't care. Get him off my LSJ, get him off my local TV, and get someone who is passionate about making a change. About building Michigan. About understanding Michigan. And not just about the day-to-day bull that is vomited across the Capitol floor.

That is what I want. And as it stands, Tim Skubick is in no way a part of that vision. He is no better than a leech who sucks off whatever news item that may make him relevant. There need be no carpetbaggers in Michigan -- whether you were born here or not. Be a part of the solution, or stand at the sidelines, booing and hissing like the Tim Skubicks of the world. It does nobody one iota of good.

I've spoken my peace and I stand by it. I stand by Michigan. I stand by my hometown. I don't stand with the transient representatives that we choose to elect. And the Skubicks of the world better damn well remember that.

Granholm almost at another touchdown: possible score of 300 jobs!

Not a done deal yet, but hopefully contracts like these can undo the foundation of spin from the MI-GOP about that "single state recession" nonsense.

From the Detroit Free Press:

In addition, Gov. Jennifer Granholm laid a hard-sell pitch on Tesla founder and CEO Martin Eberhard last week to also put a $100-million, 300-employee Tesla manufacturing plant in Michigan -- a factory earlier reported to be headed for Arizona, North Carolina or California.

It would be a serious boon to the Michigan economy, and also be a nice bonus for alternative energies -- one of the four cornerstones to the 21st Century Jobs Fund.

Tesla Motors was formed in 2003 by Eberhard, 46, a Silicon Valley entrepreneur who sold the digital book company NuvoMedia for $187 million, and by his partner Marc Tarpenning. Last year, they began selling their first product, the $100,000 Tesla Roadster, which is powered by lithium-ion batteries and boasts a range of 250 miles per charge.

[...]

Tesla's U.S. manufacturing plant and the Rochester Hills engineering center would be focused chiefly on the company's next-generation electric vehicle, a sedan that Eberhard hopes will cost around $50,000 and sell about 10 times the volume of the roadster.

If this goes through it will be a huge touchdown for team Michigan. And it might keep pushing the Big 3 toward that little thing called an electric (or a plug-in hybrid) car.

You go, JG! Let's hope Tesla comes over to the Great Lakes State!

Oh, man. Man o' Man.

Interesting comment to my earlier Skubick diary cross-posted on Michigan Liberal. The Senior Capitol Correspondent in context. I won't even cross-quote it here, but it deserves a look.

Boy, am I restraining myself.

I guess it's not quite so "Off the Record," neh? ;)

I can't even HANDLE this! Ha!

So not Michigan or politically-related, but I just have to share this with the universe because it is too hilarious for words.

Paula Abdul loves to slur through half of her words on American Idol, but a couple of days ago she was completely blitzed on not one -- but two interviews.

Hopefully this can give everyone a good laugh before all of the impending political challenges ahead both in Michigan and across the nation.



If you want to watch the other interview, look no further than here.

Sound Off! Sunday: Kylie Minogue

Since Sunday is a day of rest, I'll just offer a bit of fun.



Kylie Minogue singing "On A Night Like This" for her Body Language tour.

That woman can put on a show. It's one thing to listen to Kylie; it's another to watch a performance. If you're into pop at all, get a Kylie DVD, and stat.

Skubick the Vampire can't wait to sink his teeth into Granholm over possible revenue increase.

Good Lord, Tim Skubick is still a loser. In the latest Off the Record, Skoob tries to nail Granholm between the eyes (from the comfort of his ivory tower of course) about her bi-partisan budget panel. "THE DECK IS STACKED!!!" "WHERE'S THE OVERSIGHT!?!?" "WHY AREN'T BUSINESS LEADERS THERE?!?!"

Heaven forbid the Governor might want to shut the doors for some time to think. After all, the Republican legislature shut the doors in her face and didn't think when they decided it would be a fun stunt to kill the SBT and get us in this mess in the first place.

Thankfully, the panel -- Dawson Bell, Kathy Barks Hoffman, and Bill Ballenger -- weren't buying (most) of Skubick's omnipresent Granholm bash-fest.

And Barks Hoffman came back and hit Timmeh square between the eyes with her own little gem:

Skubick: "Well here's her -- here's [Granholm's] problem: let's assume that she goes there to raise the tax. And she goes on the road to sell it. Where is the smoking gun? When she says to the electorate 'We cut three billion dollars from the budget already. We can't cut another billion because the sky will fall.' The last time I checked, the sky is still up over Michigan. Where's the smoking gun where all these budget cuts have just ravaged our state? Does she have one?"

Barks Hoffman: "Well, Tim -- you know -- you're not paying in-state college tuition because your daughter's going to school out-of-state. But all in-state college tuitions -- they went up over 10% there for a while."

[...]

Skubick: "I'll give you that -- but where are all the bodies in the street?"

[emphasis added]

Bodies in the street. Well, I can't point you to many of those, but I can point to some potholes, Skubick. And I'm sure there will be many-a-more if JG pulls out that additional $1bn. The sky will still be there, of course. Profound point.

Watch the inanity here.


I really wish he'd have a new thought.

Proposal 2's -- Past and Present.

As the Michigan Universities chug along with the legal challenges to the Affirmative Action ban, here's a little bit of restrospect.

From the University of Michigan:

Proposal 2 Next Steps -- 1/10/07:

The University of Michigan is a national leader in diversity and we remain fully committed to building a campus made up of individuals of varied backgrounds and perspectives. Our diversity improves the quality of our teaching and learning, our scholarship and our creative endeavors. Although Proposal 2 removes some tools available to public institutions, we can still seek diversity in our student body, staff and faculty.

Benefits For Same-Sex Domestic Partners -- 3/22/05:

As a University, we believe deeply that all members of our community should be respected and valued, and that discrimination based upon any form of prejudice is wrong. We have worked over the years to live up to these values and to nurture an environment that is safe, welcoming and inclusive for all who choose to join our community. We will vigorously defend our ability to offer these benefits; and, we will continue to pay attention to issues that may affect the environment we have worked so hard to create.

At the end of the day, we're not so different, neh?

Gotta give it up to President Coleman. Man alive, it's one battle after the other. Give the woman credit where credit is due. Although I officially decree Proposal 2 to hereafter be cursed.

But one thing we need to take from this little reminisce and gripping reality is that we are all in this boat together. Don't forget that.



... And I think I'm done blogging for the day. ;)

Cat Is on a Roll...

Hop on over to the WizardKitten for some fantastic diaries.

Economic forecast may have some good news

It's official. I miss Ronald Reagan.

Preach it, sister.

It's Not a Bail-Out. It's Not a Bail-Out. Repeat After Me.

Mega-blog Crooks and Liars picked up the Michigan gives $300m to Ford story yesterday, as well.

And man can people (commenters, not the authors on C&L) be such cynics. "It's socialist!" "It's a bail-out!" "The Big 3 suck!" "Wahh wahh wahh!"

1. It is not a bail-out; the cynic in me calls it is a bribe. The optimist in me calls it an investment.
2. Like it or not, we need the Big 3.
3. Investment in Michigan -- like what Ford is doing in their plants -- is a good thing.
4. GM still > Ford. Ford needs to stop with the truck pimpage.

Horse before the cart, people. Horse before the cart. Can't go on wailing about $150m toward commuter rail if workers in SE Michigan have no job to where they commute.

Horse before the cart.

Further Proof that JG Rocks It, Inner-City Style

The Michigan State Police may have a shiny new headquarters in downtown Lansing -- on Grand and Kalamazoo to be exact. The same spot of triangle-shaped property Engler had wanted to develop on.

But thank you, Gov. Granholm for investing in our cities:

Meanwhile, DMB [Department of Management and Budget] officials feel the triangle property, now a parking lot alongside the Michigan Department of Human Services Building, would fall in line with Gov. Jennifer Granholm’s executive directive to move all state buildings into urban centers whenever possible.

Of course, the project has been -- and may continue to be -- mucked up by Republican politics. Oh, and of course, there's the why-can't-we-build-with-Eyde jab. I'm so sick of Eyde whining on about bids. As if that family hasn't time-stamped all of Metro Lansing up and down forever and always enough.

Kyle Melinn has the low-down on the Lansing City Pulse. Man I love that paper.


For a flip side of the coin regarding inner-city development via the "Jobs Today, Jobs Tomorrow" plan (which the paper snidely headlines "Jobs Today, Jobs Anywhere"), the City Pulse has a fantastic article that's worth a read.

$300 million for Ford. New investment for Michigan. But do the Big 3 still get it?

Ford is getting $300 million from Michigan: approximately 1/2 in direct funds, and another 1/2 from abatements in local property taxes.

In return, Ford is investing $866 million in plant upgrades. Via the Detroit Free Press:

Here's how the investment package breaks down:

• $130 million for Wayne Stamping and Assembly Plant.
• $320 million for Van Dyke Transmission Plant in Sterling Heights.
• $88 million for Livonia Transmission Plant.
• $89 million for Woodhaven Stamping Plant.
• $31 million for Dearborn Stamping Plant.
• $208 million for Dearborn Truck Plant.

[Source: Ford's Millions for Michigan]

Good news for thousands of Ford employees and suppliers, and great news for Michigan. But do they get it?

The Big 3 are eager to point out their new commitment to "smaller" cars, with greater "fuel efficiency," and better for the "environment." If I were playing Family Fued with the Big 3, I'd get a very nice "Survey Says" score with these trigger words.

BBC has a few words:

Ford, although introducing new versions of the smaller cars like the Focus, is mainly focusing on trucks, where it is the market leader, and rebranded "muscle cars" like a new four-door Mustang.

Or how about this gem from DaimlerChrysler?

[Chrysler's chief economist Van Jolissaint] said that he had been surprised by how much support there had been in the Daimler office in Stuttgart for these "quasi-hysterical" policies that smacked of "Chicken Little" politics - referring to the US children's story in which Chicken Little runs around in circles saying "the sky is falling".

If nothing else, Mr Jolissaint's remarks illustrate the yawning gap between mainstream opinion on climate change among the educated elites of Europe and America.

But they are also consistent with the cynical view held by some in the US environmental lobby that announcements by car companies about the future development of green vehicles are nothing more than window dressing.

[...]

Neither Ford's chief economist Ellen Hughes-Cromwick, nor General Motors' chief economist Mustafa Mohatarem, who were on the panel with Mr Jolissaint, questioned his assertion.

[Source: Chrysler questions climate change]

We'll see. I'm very optimistic about the new investment, and glad that it is happening in Michigan. But the Big 3 have a lot to prove if they want to move the automotive industry into the 21st century. Talk about "green" isn't going to stop the Toyota juggernaut; after all, Toyota wants to put a hybrid version of every vehicle they produce.

So let's update those factories and put our Michigan minds to work, neh?

Senior Capitol Correspondent Gossip Columnist Tim Skubick!

Hat Tip to MichiganLiberal:


Tim Skubick: Off the Record > MichiganLiberal. ...In Bizzarro World!

Tim Skubick hearts Michigan Liberal! He loves it so much that he decided to lambast the burgeoning political site and creator Matt Furgeson through the subscription-only MIRS News.

Since I don't want to go down the dark road of copyright infringement hell, an excerpt only:

The favorite blog for liberals to use for ranting and raving may be headed for the dumper sooner rather than later. The web site originator of Michigan Liberal.com [sic] is looking for new work and may be headed for a post in the Gov. Jennifer GRANHOLM administration.
[...]
Last check revealed that no offer had been made, but either way it appears she will have to find another favorite site real soon as Ferguson wants a new and more financially rewarding gig.

Oh, Timmeh. From faux-reporter to gossip columnist. I'm sure he reads PerezHilton.com, regularly, hoping that one day he can catch the Governor in a Britney-like moment. I guess exploiting the Ricky Holland murder to sink S.S. Granholm wasn't enough.

Michigan Liberal isn't going anywhere, and Matt is not leaving the site. Rest assured, MichLib is still here to offer a nexus on all things political, and all things Michigan. If you want, hop over to MichLib to show it some pocketbook-style love.

Next time, Tim, remember: Matt isn't the one railing against you on MichLib. That train is being led by Quaker21.

GM -- Back on the Electric Track?

UPDATE: The Detroit Free Press also covers the new Chevy Volt, and jokes with filmmaker Chris Paine of Who Killed the Electric Car? fame.

Hat tip to Zach at Pohlitics for this one.


GM's long-lost EV1. Image courtesy of GM's old, old, old 2001 EV1 web site.

Via The Washington Post, it looks like GM is trying to re-gain its lead on hybrid and electric car markets.

A couple of months ago, I was introduced to a great, direct-to-sales documentary called Who Killed the Electric Car? I talked about it on MichiganLiberal, but to re-cap:

In the 1990s, GM was at the forefront of the electric vehicle: a car that emitted no exhaust and relied exclusively on battery power and electricity.

These cars were manufactured right here in Lansing, MI, until GM pulled the plug on the vehicle and recalled all existing EV1s that were exclusively in the hands of leasers. Why? They decided to instead focus on the emerging SUV market -- a market supported by massive tax breaks from the Federal government.

Will round two show GM able to trounce Toyota in the 21st century automotive race? Will they commit to low/zero-emission vehicles? Or will Congressional Democrats be forced follow through on increased CAFE (fuel economy) standards and leave GM flat on its back?

We'll see. I'm hoping for the best. That EV1 sure looked sexy.

Municipal Mondays: Lansing Gentrification via the Deluxe Inn

Here in Chicago, the Liberal Arts Colleges love to talk about gentrification. Tearing down old buildings, raising property taxes, a return to mixed-use development... it's a big issue when it comes to displacement, affordable housing, and urban renewal. In most contexts the term is used as a pejorative, so it's not surprising you won't hear the "G" word.

The Lansing State Journal has been covering the ongoing battle between the City Council and the Deluxe Inn located in Reo Town on Main and Washington. Today the LSJ devotes a full article to the issue.

It really is a no-brainer. During his election, Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero kept pushing the idea of revitalizing downtown via the Cooley Law student population, and that meant one thing: cool cities. Loft apartments, trendy commercial district, and mid/high-rise condominiums. So it comes as no surprise that the land is desirable for all purposes:

Thomas M. Cooley Law School officials have expressed interest in building condominiums on the land occupied by the motel, Smith said, and some developers want it for apartments.
[...]
"Our goal is to have that property be a welcome mat to REO Town," [Mayor Virg] Bernero said. "We prefer not to build up the existing business, but we are ready, willing and able to do it. We aren't going to sit by and let things fester."

You'll be sure to hear more on this issue: the motel is affordable -- a rare commodity so close to downtown -- there are residents living in the motel who rely on the low rates, and it's a locally-owned business.

But being right off I-496 really does make the site a "welcome mat" to REO Town. It's just south of the downtown Washington strip, and just north of the ever-growing neighborhood which is quickly catching up to Old Town as an arts and entertainment district. Don't forget the site is also right on the river: a great spot for brand new condominiums.

The Grand Trunk Western Depot I blogged about earlier is just to the south of the motel.

I'm fairly certain the site will be closed and redeveloped. There's no doubt about it: if the city leadership want to attract homeowners and businesses to these neighborhoods, they need to get rid of "undesirable sites" -- red-tagged homes are in strong order to be torn down in the city. And with the Deluxe Inn receiving more than 1,600 calls to the Lansing Police Department in the past 6 years -- including 2 homicides -- the deck is pretty much stacked against it.

Take a look of this sattelite image of the Washington corrdidor from Kalamazoo to the rail tracks at the depot to get an idea of the prime spot its in:


Click Map to Enlarge

Sunday Blogosphere Round-Up!

Check out the rest of the MI-Blogosphere:

Cathleen has a fantastic write-up on the web presence of the Michigan Democratic Party. C'mon guys: get it together!

Cordelia Lear is on fire via Michigan Liberal.
Congressman Mike Walberg, Republican of Michigan is fighting for a nationalized "flat tax." Way to go, sparky. Mmmhmm....
She also debunks the MSM meme about Levin supporting troop increases in Iraq. Don't let the media fool you into thinking our senior senator is a Benedict Arnold. Cordelia offers the skinny with some thought-provoking insight.

Zach over at Pohlitics watches the baby steps of Michigan's new laws for umbilical cord blood stem cell banks.

The Republic of M wants you to know about "Safe Schools Lobby Day" at the Capitol on March 28th. Show your support for anti-bullying legislation!

Hancock, MI: Local Man Pays $171 in Library Late Fees

This is just funny. A man paid $171.32 in late fees for a book that is 47 years past due in Hancock, MI.

Ha! 47 years. Talk about "bad credit." Now I'm wondering about his AT&T bill. ;)

Deeper and Deeper and Further She Goes.

Michigan House Rep. John Stahl's very own 101st Fightin' Keyboardist thinks that the best way to get out of a hole is to dig deeper.

Luckily for her, she had a very special defense for her very special comments:

Secondly, if you want to talk about what I was doing on my computer at work why don't you drive down by the House Office Building and see your fellow liberals taking multiple smoke breaks and hanging out at beaners.
[...]
Or check Jenny G's administration to see how many of them take smoke breaks everyday or get on their computer to do a little shopping. At least what I am doing on my computer is fighting for mine and other constituent beliefs and laying to rest whatever misinformation they may receive from visiting your web site, thus that is part of my job.

Amazon.com = smoking break = accusing the left blogosphere that abortion is a secret plan to commit genocide of African Americans, and harrassing Michigan citizens for their political beliefs. Got it.

At least we can take a big sigh of relief that Jamie Hope is "fighting for her beliefs" on our dime rather than committing the evil crime of taking a cigarette break. Or supporting Michigan business at a local coffee shop. Beaner's is a Lansing, Michigan headquartered and founded business, you know.

... And people wondered why Gov. Granholm and the Republican State Legislature weren't BFF in her first term.

Check it all out via LLP.


So for Jamie Hope, I doth offer this song to her in tribute:


Madonna: "Deeper and Deeper"

Lansing City Pulse: Anti-Gay Petition Fizzling?

Lansing's City Council unanimously passed councilwoman Kathie Dunbar's Human Rights Ordinance. In 1996 Lansing had such an ordinance until it was removed via popular referendum.

The Lansing City Pulse investigates the differences between 1996 and 2007, and the contrasting political landscapes on the ordinance. Times sure are a-changin' in this debate, and that couldn't be better.

AFA's web site has not been updated with news since 11/14/06, and there is no mention of a petition to put the issue to voters. The necessary signatures need to be collected by the 17th if they want to push the issue on the ballot.

Councilwoman Dunbar says bring 'em on. So do I. If it does come to a vote, it's time for Lansingers to prove that our great city is ready for equal opportunity employment and housing for all its residents -- and that we're ready to become a part of the New, 21st Century Michigan.

When Angry Republican Staffers Attack the Blogosphere!

With winning statements like this...

Some states are considering actions that would go beyond the boundaries of Medicaid. As noted above, a Michigan bill would require a prescription for all sales of emergency contraceptives. HB 5311 was introduced in 2006, and its chief sponsor, Rep. John Stahl, hopes to advance the measure in 2007, said Jamie Hope, Stahl’s staffer. The representative’s biggest concern is that pedophiles will obtain the drug OTC and give it to underage girls in order to prevent their becoming pregnant, she said. “It’s going to give predators another avenue to carry out their crimes,” she said. “We’re just trying to protect our women and children.”

Source: http://www.ncsl.org/programs/health/shn/2006/sn476b.htm

... it's good to know that there are very sensible staffers to speak for very sensible policies. And by the italicized sensible, I don't mean Mr. Webster's plain-jane definition. I mean the exact opposite.

Jamie Hope. Staffer to Republican MI-House Representative John Stahl of North Branch (Lapeer County). She's such a champ -- if emergency contraception doesn't require a prescription, then predators will molest more girls! Man, she must have just been spinning in her heels over that flawless pearl.

But Jamie Hope doesn't just have an axe to grind with her archnemeses logic and reason: she has a new enemy! The Michigan Blogosphere.

LiberalLucy has a bit of Ms. Hope's comments to share with the world. Comments the staffer left on work time from a government building. Rep. Stahl -- it's all about the company you keep, neh?

Get over to LLP and read the low-down. It's the latest gem of the week! I'll give it Ruby status. A rosy red ruby for rosy, red, republican antics.

Photoblogging Lansing Pt. 2: Trains, Trains, Trains.

Following up the last post on Amtrak, here's a bit of photoblogging and wishful thinking on Lansing train depots.

Three train depots of note exist in the Lansing area:

1. Clara's Restaurant, located in the old Lansing Central Station near Michigan and Pennsylvania Avenues.
2. The Grand Trunk Western Depot, on S. Washington.
3. The East Lansing Intermodal Station, on Harrison and Trowbridge.

The Amtrak Blue Water train hurtles by two of these stations, but only one of the three stations is operating: the East Lansing station. Wonderful for MSU, but it makes you weep tears of sorrow from an architectural standpoint.

As you travel through Michigan, several communities have taken the time to restore grand old train stations, bringing historic charm to these cities: Kalamazoo, Holland, Dowagiac, Niles, Bangor -- all of these cities have depots with beautiful facades, restored interiors, and always offer a lively jolt as you hurtle along your journey. For Lansing? We have this:



Click any Photo to Enlarge in New Window

The East Lansing station. When Amtrak decided to re-instate the Chicago-Toronto (now Chicago-Port Huron) line, they had already sold the Lansing Grand Trunk station. MSU sold Amtrak an inexpensive storage house, and passenger rail returned to Lansing. Yet it did not have an ounce of the majesty carried by the former Lansing depot down the tracks.

The Grand Trunk Depot is a gorgeous building, but with each passing year it falls further into disrepair. A shame, because it is located in the heart of the redeveloping REO Town neighborhood and just south of the Capitol District.

The station served rail passengers until 1971 when it was sold and converted to a restaurant in 1972. Growing up, I remember the restaurant held little of the charm of the gilded Clara's, and it came as no surprise that as the neighborhood declined, so did patronage: the restaurant was eventually closed some time in the late 90's.

Time has not served the building well. The stone structure remains beautiful as ever: red brick with white accents, and a striking tower and circular room on the north side of the building. But the grounds, woodwork, and windows are a different story.

Although it has ample parking and the neighborhood is turning around, the lot is overgrown with weeds, and several windows have been broken in and subsequently boarded. The painted doorway to "The Station" -- the moniker of the former restaurant -- is visible over the plywood haphazardly sealing the door from entry.

The station was enclosed by a high, chain link fence on the south end of the station, possibly to prevent patrons from wandering onto the tracks and into the line of freight trains. It now appears more like a cage to enclose the station from the world around it, only protecting the broken glass from shattered windows that litter the pavement around the 100-year old structure.

The east end is littered with remnants of the restaurants: tables, booths, chairs, boxes, crates -- all of the unwanted remnants of the station that have remain unmoved.




If restored, the station could add a vibrancy and renewed, historical feel to Downtown Lansing. It's a prime location with ample parking, and close to downtown, the Capitol, Lansing Center, and the Radisson -- but with a cash-strapped Amtrak, City of Lansing, and State Government, such a prospect is high in the clouds.

It would be wonderful if Lansing could one day become a central hub for passenger rail in lower Michigan. The creation of a new route from Grand Rapids-Lansing-Ann Arbor could create an awesome educational and business travel network. And a renewed depot would add to Lansing's image and long-lost historical character.

And besides, it would be super awesome. I say we call it the "Granholm Express."



I'm such an engineer. ;)

Post Inauguration: All Aboard the Michigan Express!

Now that the whirlwind of the 2006 Granholm/Cherry (et al) Inauguration has passed, it's time for some more substantial blogging from this end. Of course, you can always catch LiberalLucy's analyses of today's events in Lansing via Michigan Liberal here and here. And also check out some great photos by Cathleen over at her blog! Keep it up, chica!

The inauguration is now over -- and now it truly is "all hands on deck." But instead of all hands on deck, I'll chime in with "all aboard!" And what better way to ring in the statement than to talk about Michigan's passenger rail service.

You may not know it, living in the Automotive Capital, but Michigan is home to three Amtrak passenger rail line services: the Wolverine (Chicago-Detroit), the Blue Water (Chicago-East Lansing-Port Huron), and the Pere Marquette (Chicago-Grand Rapids).


Photo: Michigan Department of Transportation.
Click to Enlarge Map... sort of.

I absolutely love the train. It costs $50 round-trip -- a much better alternative to air travel. No heinous downtown parking fees in Chicago. It takes me straight from Chi-Town to Lansing -- or to Kalamazoo to visit the BFF on occasion. There's plenty of room, you can use your cellphone, and outlets are abundant so I can easily work on my laptop as we cut across Michigan (preparing for that next knock-out blog entry, no doubt)!

Delays do occur, but remember fellow Michiganians: for most of these routes, Amtrak does NOT own the rail tracks. Only a stretch from Indiana to Kalamazoo are in the hands of Amtrak themselves, providing a high-speed corridor to boost travel time. From Indiana to Chicago, or anywhere outside of the KZoo corridor, Amtrak needs to move on over for any and all freight traffic that may come.

And trust me. Having to stop right outside of downtown Lansing after the hardy commute is one of the most frustrating experiences in the universe. At that point, it's a good thing that Amtrak sells cabernet savignon by the 1/2 bottle.

But even with the price, convenience, and luxury of travel (sans the unavoidable delays), passenger rail is constantly beset by a lot of negative word-of-mouth. From the common citizen to the flippant (oft republican) politician, Amtrak means a few (often misconstrued) things: frequent delays, slow travel, costly to fund, not a money maker.

And these negative images have threatened two of Michigan's three lines for years. The Pere Marquette and Blue Water routes are State-supported routes; only the Wolverine line is a national corridor route, and also has the highest in ridership in the state. Simply put: Michigan funds its west-side and capital city rails. Only Detroit gets the Federal love -- ironic to all get-out, I know.

So it comes as little surprise that in Fiscal Year (FY) 2005-2006, the Michigan House Appropriations committee proposed to cut the Amtrak budget short $1 million ($7.1m in FY 04-05 down to $6.1m) in a gamble to push Amtrak to relocate an engineering station from Indiana to our home state. The station wasn't going anywhere, so the two State rails were again on the chopping block. Luckily it was saved through additional federal funds, though the future was still uncertain.

But the times are a-changin'.


Source: Passenger Rail Service in Michigan, w/ MDOT data.


Source: Passenger Rail Service in Michigan, w/ Amtrak and MDOT data.

With an overall increase in ridership of 8.1% between 2005-06 and 21.1% between 2004-06 -- and an increase in ticket revenues -- it looks like Michigan passenger rail won't worry about being "phased out" in FY 2006-07. Gov. Granholm's request to continue the passenger rail subsidy at $7.1m was granted and signed in August of 2006. Huzzah! However:

"(2) Any state subsidy for rail passenger service between Grand Rapids and Chicago and between Port Huron and Chicago shall be limited to an amount equal to revenue generated from operation of these routes, including, but not limited to, revenue from fares and concessions. The state subsidy shall not exceed $7,100,000.00."

Source: Act No. 245, Public Acts of 2006.

I won't pretend to fully understand this right now, since reading bills and acts for varied FY budgets at 2am makes me hemhorrage from the skull.

Still: passenger rail is growing and received the necessary funding to keep the Pere Marquette and Blue Water routes active in the next year. As we tighten our belts and prepare for the budget of 07-08, hopefully we won't have to continue to engage in the will-we-or-won't-we Amtrak budget dance, keeping thousands of riders on their toes.

If you're interested, check out Amtrak's Web Site for train schedules, fare information, and more. Trust me: get business class, especially if you're going from Chicago. You get to board early and bypass the mega-line of doom and get a free non-alcoholic drink, all for an additional $8.

And you can also check out the web sites of other train enthusiasts and advocates:

Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers
Save Our Trains: Michigan

Next round, I'll return to some photoblogging with Lansing area train stations, architecture, and some wishful thinking. Cheers!