A friend and I used to joke about how you could get arrested in Michigan for saying ‘mass’ and ‘transit’ in the same sentence. But it’s an issue that, no pun intended, is gaining momentum in this state. Nettie Boivin of Mi Life Mi Times offers an insightful article on the topic, one deserving not only of further discussion but, more importantly, immediate action. In January, Metromode tendered a piece on an aspect near and dear to me: The Detroit-Ann Arbor commuter rail line. I’ve been banging that drum for some time, as the days when Detroit is separated from Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti, both physically and psychologically, are long gone, no matter what certain residents of either region may think. Let’s get moving on this, folks. Do it for the planet and for your kids.
It’s nice to see one of my Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area brethren in the spotlight. As far as I know, I’ve never met Harry Dolan, but he is a finalist for the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award. Read an excerpt from “Bad Things Happen“ (look for the “Download for Free” tab), then consider voting for Dolan, about whom you can learn more. As I keep saying, there’s plenty of talent here in Michigan, where the news isn’t all about political malfeasance.
Once again, Celeste Whiting from Our Michigan points out something good happening in our beleaguered state: High tech growth in Ann Arbor. I appreciate Celeste’s smart, honest analysis of business, politics, and more in our peninsulas, and highly recommend that you subscribe to her blog.
No matter how much I think I know about the Great Lakes, I always learn something new when perusing the pages of the Great Lakes Information Network. I remember coming across the site many years ago, I believe 1997, and being amazed at the sheer number of links and resources that GLIN highlights and points to, whether centered on the environment, the economy, tourism, and more. Be sure to check out its comprehensive Site of the Month section, which has an archive that goes back more than a decade.
Absolute Michigan has been shining a spotlight this month on historic Michigan homes, home design blogs, and more. It’s “Home Month” on the always engaging site, and featured are such unique spots as the Kaleva Bottle House Museum.
The Ann Arbor Film Festival remains one of the world’s premier cinematic happenings. I’ve had the pleasure of attending numerous times, and the 46th annual event carries on its long tradition of cutting-edge invention. Learn more about the festival, which runs from Tuesday, March 25 through Sunday, March 30, and please attend, if possible. Here is this year’s schedule, a program sure to provide you a memorable experience. Great slogan: It’s Time to Watch.
For those who possess any of the following: 1) a green thumb, 2) time, or 3) money, consider helping out Amanda Maria Edmonds and her expert team at Growing Hope, dedicated to “improving lives and communities through gardening.” Here are the group’s many current programs, with which you easily can get involved. It’s almost spring, there’s no better time! Learn more about the organization in this guest piece I wrote for the terrific Quicken Loans blog, What’s the DIFF?
