As an adult it seems like every New Year’s Day I make a plan to read more. Then life gets in the way. Fortunately, I seem to get a jumpstart when March rolls around because it’s National Reading Month. Inevitably new books cross my radar screen, especially those written by Michigan authors. Thus. I sit back with
The American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA), has announced the winners of its Sixth Annual Judging of Craft Spirits. The annual Awards marked the official opening day of the 2019 ACSA Distillers Convention and Vendor Trade Show in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Michigan distillers captured nine medals. According to ACSA, the competition received nearly 500 entries from 38 states and
To many beer connoisseurs, Dragon’s Milk is the nectar that truly put New Holland Brewing Company on the map. The West Michigan-based company opened its doors in 1996, and in 2001 a “legend” was born. The release of the first batch of the stout known for its roasty malt character and deep vanilla tones, was a gamechanger.
There are several sure signs that spring is around the corner: the Detroit Tigers report to Florida for training camp, crocuses start to burst through the snow, and Peeps candies begin to appear on store shelves all over the place. Most commonly in the form of little yellow chicks, the soft marshmallow treats have been around for
Long before European settlers came to Michigan, maple syrup was an agricultural staple. The spring thaw would start sap flowing, and Native Americans tapped the trees to collect the sap then boiled it down to create sweet syrup. While the process has remained essentially the same, most makers employ more advanced equipment during the boiling process than
While most of the time “Buy Michigan Now” is described as a campaign, the truth is, it is more than that. It is a living, breathing evolving idea. In short, it’s a MOVEMENT. Individuals and entities continue to come together to move our economy forward by paying attention to how we spend our dollars and enhancing the
it was hard to miss Michigan’s influence on the music industry at the 61st Grammy Awards. There was a tribute to late, great Aretha Franklin, and a Motown retrospective. Plus, an evening highlight was the an anticipatory celebration of Diana Ross’ 75th birthday. However, you might have missed one of the state’s latest musical triumphs. It wasn’t
“With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do
Many books have been created in, and inspired by life in Michigan. Here are just a few of the authors and illustrators with Michigan roots who have made a lasting impact on their art form. Mitch Albom moved to Michigan to join the Detroit Free Press as a sports columnist in 1985. Having achieved national recognition for
Home to revolutionary artistic competition ArtPrize in Grand Rapids and the world renown museum, Detroit Institute of Arts, it is no surprise that Michigan has long been a state that welcomes creators and their art. Below is a brief sampling of the many talented individuals who have found inspiration in the Great Lakes State. Patricia Hill Burnett
There have been so many prolific musicians that have come from Michigan that it's difficult to name them all. Here are just a few whose artistic prowess have made, or are still making a significant mark on the industry and the world. Anita Baker is a soulful singer-songwriter from Detroit. Starting her career in the late 1970s
Artists and patrons gathered in the Jack White Theater at Detroit's Masonic Temple yesterday to celebrate those talented souls who have been honored by the Kresge Foundation as Eminent Artists over the past ten years. There are few honors more prestigious among the city's creative community than being recognized by the Kresge Art in Detroit program. Kresge
With excellent theatrical and communication programs at schools like Michigan State, U of M, and Wayne State, and a vibrant theatrical scene, it's no surprise that so many of the nation's finest actors have come from Michigan. Rose Abdoo is an actor and comedian, best known for her roles on Gilmore Girls, Bunheads and That's So Raven.
Whether we’re psychologically ready for it or not, the next phase of automotive mobility will come in the form of self-driving vehicles. From Ford’s commitment to its new Corktown campus to GM’s $100 million plan to roll out self-driving Chevy Volts, to the American Center for Mobility at Willow Run, it’s clear that Michigan is poised to
For a hundred and thirty years, Dearborn-based Carhartt has been making apparel for hardworking people and the great outdoors. Yet, despite being based in a state surrounded by lakes, the clothing has really been geared toward landlubbers, until now, that is. Surf City meets the Motor City, as Carhartt partners with Hurley, a surf lifestyle brand based
Last July during the Mackinac Policy Conference, then governor Rick Snyder announced an $8 million Michigan Mobility Challenge. The program is designed to encourage public-private partnerships in the design and implementation of innovative mobility services utilizing emerging technologies to solve mobility gaps for seniors, persons with disabilities and veterans. Yesterday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer was on hand at
According to accounts from French explorers, grapes were growing abundantly along what is now the Detroit River when they first encountered that shoreline in the late 1600s, so they made wine from the wild grapes. When Fort Ponchartrain du Détroit was founded by Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac in 1701, a planted vineyard soon followed. In fact,
While there were certainly home brewers since settlements began, most of Michigan’s early commercial beer history can be traced back to the 1800s, particularly in what are now some of the state’s best-known beer towns. The city that would later come to be known as “Beer City USA,” appears to have gotten its brewing start with a
The story of spirit-makers in this state is directly tied to its legislative history. When European settlers arrived in the new land, they brought with them a taste for alcohol, and the know-how to produce it. They also learned quickly that the native people they encountered were unfamiliar with those products and their effects. It didn't take
When the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) returns to Cobo Center later this month, it will include more opportunities than simply shopping for a new ride. As the industry evolves into a higher-tech mobility-oriented field, a new pool of talent with different knowledge and skills will be required. In response, this year's auto show will also
The concept of a “Restaurant Week” is said to have originated in New York City back in the early 1990s. The idea was to give foodies an opportunity to enjoy prix-fixe menus at some of the best restaurants in the nation at an affordable rate. The concept caught on, and now you can find dedicated restaurant weeks
Speed and safety are integral when it comes to police vehicles. The latest addition to the Ford Motor Company lineup, the 2020 Police Interceptor Utility includes a variety of features to keep officers safe, yet effective, and with some cost-saving opportunities to make taxpayers happy. One of the new model’s most exciting improvements is the option of
Most kids love a trip to the zoo, but it’s sometimes a little less fun in the winter months Michigan. Many of the animals are keeping warm indoors, so parents may have to get a little creative with their animal viewing opportunities. Consider a trip to Thunder Bay Resort in Hillman, Michigan for an enchanting Elk experience. Much of
With attention frequently focused on the capitol, the convention center area, or Spartan country, the quaint neighborhood of Lansing known as “Old Town” is sometimes overlooked. In fact it was, for several years, but is now enjoying a rebirth thanks to unique businesses like Old Town General Store. Shop owner, Rhea Van Atta grew up in the area,
It all started on New Year’s Day in 1976, when Lake Superior State University (LSSU) Public Relations Director W.T. (Bill) Rabe unwittingly started an annual tradition by releasing a list of banished words. The tongue-in-cheek List of Words Banished from the Queen’s English for Mis-Use, Over-Use and General Uselessness, began as a publicity ploy for little-known LSSU. The media response
