Ronald McDonald, Han Solo, and Stormtroopers

A headline like that reminds me of the Carnac the Magnificent bit that Johnny Carson used to do. Let's look into the envelope now *drum roll* . . . The question - Who are three people Governor Granholm would rather face in the November election instead of Dick DeVos?

Just kidding folks. Ronald McDonald, Han Solo (an impersonator), and a handful of Stormtroopers were caught in a photo at the Ronald McDonald House of Mid Michigan Fun Run/Walk on May 17. I am not a big fan of clowns, but it doesn't get much creepier than seeing Ronald McDonald hanging out with some of the crew from the Star Wars movies.

Apparently, the group of Star Wars impersonators are actually part of the Michigan Squad that teams up with Wisconsin, and Illinois to form the Midwest Garrison that pledges to "continue to serve the empire." I am not joking. Check out their website www.mi501st.com.

Celebrate Michigan Week 5/20 - 5/26

I remember Michigan Week when I was in elementary school. It was the one week out of the school year when all things related to Michigan were crammed into those five days. We learned the state motto, state bird, state tree, etc. I don't know if that is still the case these days. We can still celebrate our great state with some great kickoff events happening across the state this weekend. From the Jonesville Riverfest to the big parade in downtown Lansing you won't be lacking for Michigan celebrations.

A real treat for us in southwest Michigan takes place at the Three Rivers Public Library this Sunday. Gene Scott will be discussing his book, "Michigan Shadow Towns: A Study of Vanishing and Vibrant Villages." I haven't had a chance to read it yet, but I will be checking it out on my next visit to the library. The book studies 128 towns across the state of Michigan and their struggle to survive and thrive or to fade into a shadow of their former selves.

Anyway, there are lots of great events taking place around Michigan. For a complete listing of events head over to www.michigan.gov.

P.S. - Does anyone remember that catchy jingle Michigan used in the state advertising campaign - Yes! Michigan! I remember it went something like - Yes, Michigan forever, then I draw a blank. Oh well, thinking of Michigan week brought that little snippet of useless information into my head.

Say 'So Long' to Old Blue License Plates

Well, it is as good as finished. All it will take is Jennifer Granholm's signature to put the final nail in the coffin of the blue license plate that has been a Michigan standard for the past 25 years. I wrote about the possibility of this happening back in March. I will sadly have to retire my very first license plate in 2007. Sure, the paint is scratched and pealing off. There is rust around the edges and the once vibrant blue is now dulled by the years.

I will not just throw it away when the forced retirement comes. I'll probably nail it up to the wall in my woodshop. That plate has seen a lot of miles and milestones. You can't just pitch something that weighted down with fond memories.

Via the Detroit Free Press

U.P. Paper to be Delivered by USPS

The Ironwood Daily Globe is shifting from traditional paper carriers to the U.S. Postal Service for delivery of the newspaper. The Globe cited troubles with delays and a shortage of carriers which caused people to miss the paper sometimes as the driving force behind the decision. I am writing about this because the only paper I ever received in the mail was the Wall Street Journal and I had not heard of smaller localized papers doing this for their immediate customers. I know you can have other major newspapers delivered through the mail, but the concept of dropping all of your local delivery struck me as interesting.

The upside to this is that the efficient post offices in Michigan's Upper Peninsula stated that they have all mail delivered by 4 pm. Some subscribers wouldn't receive their paper until the evening before this switch was made.

Rising gas prices were making it more and more difficult for the independent contractors who use their own vehicles. The newspaper is paying the carriers a bonus if they continue their route through June 19. Part-time jobs created by the change in the paper's production will be offered to the carriers first out of consideration for their positions being eliminated.

Now, if only my Beaners coffee and Sweetwaters donuts could be delivered in the mail every morning. Man, that would be great! :)

Michigan Flavored Online Auction

Check out www.mlive.com/ebid/ for a wide range of auction items from local Michigan businesses. The Grand Rapids Press, Kalamazoo Gazette, and Muskegon Chronicle are all offering up items from their respective areas. Hurry up and bid now because the auction ends on May 23. From vacation packages to restaurant deals and just about everything in between you are sure to find something that will make you want to place a bid. The items I looked at appear to have a reserve price that seems to hover around 50% of the item's actual value (or regular price). I don't believe anything goes for under $200 so don't think you will pick up anything on the cheap.