Michigan Looks to Spend $2 Billion in Alternative Energy Research

During the next decade, Michigan will be investing up to $2 billion in research, development, and business incubation in the field of alternative energy. To ensure that it becomes the hub of America's alternative energy research, Michigan is planning to spend $2 billion in bond money in the next decade. Even though Michigan is known for being an auto producer the funds will be directed toward research that promotes the cleaner heating and cooling of homes and businesses.

A quick peak at the technologies that will be researched are - hydrogen fuel cells, biodiesel, ethanol, solar, and nuclear. The one I am sure most people will question is nuclear. It is only a clean source of energy until it is time to dispose of the spent radioactive rods.

For a look at what kind of businesses will be using these funds check out NextEnergy. This nonprofit research and development incubator began operations in 2001. Tomorrow, I will be posting a list of links for some really neat websites/companies that deal with alternative energy sources.

MICHIGAN'S $2-BILLION INITIATIVE: State aims to become nation's alternative energy hub

Goodwill Offers Computer Help

I knew that Goodwill offered a free computer recycling program, but this was news to me. Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit is now offering computer repair and diagnostic services through GoodTechs Computer Service. All of the employees have gone through an intensive certification process just like any of the big box stores. The difference that I am willing to bet on is that you will receive better customer service at GoodTechs than one of the big chain stores. One of the big selling points is that they offer to look over the machine and diagnose the problem at no charge. Good luck finding a deal anywhere else that is as sweet as that.

Better than getting your computer fixed at a decent rate is the fact that you are helping Goodwill train workers that need a break. Some of the workers Goodwill has trained through the program are homeless, at-risk youth, physically disabled people, and many other folks from all walks of life.

Their common purpose - to improve their situation in life by taking advantage of Goodwill's various programs and working hard to better themselves. Last year Goodwill was able to help about 1,000 people get jobs in many different areas thanks to programs like this one. You can not argue with the results.

Check out GoodTechs Computer Service for more information. Their hours are 8am to 6pm M-F.

Read the entire Free Press article - MIKE WENDLAND: Goodwill's got tech help

Free Fishing Weekend Feb. 18-19

As a way of encouraging folks who don't normally go fishing (especially in the winter) the state has once again made it possible to try fishing without having to purchase a license. The Free Fishing Weekend coincides this year with another DNR project, Go-Get Outdoors. The Go-Get Outdoors program is to encourage people to see what recreation opportunities and activities our state has to offer. So the during the weekend of Feb. 18-19 all 97 state parks and recreation areas will allow vehicles free entry. This represents a great time to break out of the winter doldrums and get outside to fish, hike, snowshoe, and explore.

For the Free Fishing Weekend list of events, check out Free Fishing Weekend Events.

Go-Get Outdoors Events

GO - Get Outdoors, Get Hooked on Fishing!

So Long Silverdome

Built in 1973 and home to the Detroit Lions until 2002, the Silverdome is turning down the lights and locking the doors. It has been operating at a loss of $1.6 million per year in recent years. Pontiac officials have been entertaining various business proposals the last few years, but none of them have resulted in anything promising. It is a shame that this was built by Pontiac and its taxpayers as a way to bring development to the city only to have the development occur in Auburn Hills and the Lions to go back to Detroit. The city is stuck with this "white elephant" until a decent proposal for its use arrises.

City leaders might want to check out BigBoxReuse.com to see what other cities have done with empty "big box" buildings. There are some pretty cool and innovative ideas that folks came up with.

Read the full article - Pontiac to padlock Dome - 02/09/06 - The Detroit News

Rockford Shoe Company Hits the $1 Billion Sales Mark

Did you know that Hush Puppies, Merrell, Harley-Davidson, and Caterpillar shoes are manufactured by Wolverine World Wide, Inc. based in Rockford, Michigan? I have to admit that I didn't know that. Anyway, they had a record sales year this year by going over the $1 billion sales mark for 2005. It's nice to be able to share the news of a Michigan based company that is doing well when the overall state economy is not.

For more information -

ROCKFORD SHOEMAKER STRIDES TO RECORD: Wolverine hits $1-billion mark