Porcupine Hot Flash

Wild Spring Ahead with Tornadoes, Late-Season Snow

2011-02-17T08:45:00.000-08:00

State College, Pa. -- 16 February 2011 -- AccuWeather reports while the weather has finally calmed down across much of the eastern two-thirds of the country this week, a look at the longer range suggests that many residents may be in for a wild spring.

Wintry events that last into April across the northern tier of the nation and an above-normal severe weather season farther south are some of the main highlights in AccuWeather.com Chief Long Range Forecaster Joe Bastardi's outlook for the next few months.

To sum it up, Bastardi said, "This spring should be a wilder one than last year."

Winter May Keep Delivering Punches into April

For the late-season wintry events and cold shots, Bastardi and other AccuWeather.com long-range forecasters are pointing to areas north of Interstate 70 from the Plains into the East and north of I-40 in the West.

The West is shifting into a much colder, stormier weather pattern, which is expected to persist into March.

Occasionally, that cold air in the West will break out farther east across the country with areas north of I-70 being the main targets. The air may be cold enough to allow wintry precipitation to fall, if the timing is right, into April.

For residents in the East who experienced a remarkably warm March and April last year, this will be a major change this spring.

On a positive note, for people who are sick of winter, it appears that the persistence of colder-than-normal conditions across much of the eastern two-thirds of the nation since December is over.

Even the areas north of I-70, where opportunities for cold shots will be highest through April, will experience a bigger variation in temperatures with more frequent warm-ups between the cold spells.

In fact, AccuWeather.com Long Range Forecaster Paul Pastelok says that more warm than cold is expected in the Northeast as temperatures alternate back and forth into early March.

It's from late March into early April that AccuWeather.com long-range forecasters are concerned about a two- to three-week period of colder-than-normal conditions from the Plains into the East.

Active Severe Weather Season Predicted

The other major concern in the longer range is the potential for the severe weather season this spring to be more active than normal. This means there could be more severe thunderstorms and tornadoes than average.

It's the contrast between the colder air that will occasionally be invading the northern tier of the nation and the warm air expected to be dominant in the South that has AccuWeather.com long-range forecasters concerned.

Where the warmer air to the south clashes with the colder air to the north is the zone where severe weather will be focused.

According to Bastardi, this zone will most likely span from the southern Plains (east of I-35 and I-45) into the Southeast and Ohio Valley.

Severe weather season usually starts ramping up across the Gulf Coast states late February into March and shifts northward across the Plains and East in the months that follow through summer.

The peak in tornado season typically doesn't happen until April or May for much of the Plains, Midwest and Southeast.

Some AccuWeather.com meteorologists have also pointed out that the severe weather season may get off to a late start this year, due to the fact that sea surface temperatures across the Gulf of Mexico are below normal.

Winter is Generally Over for the South

Above-normal warmth has replaced the extreme cold that gripped the South a good part of December and January.

Overall, AccuWeather.com long-range forecasters think temperatures will average out above normal in the coming months across the region. Pastelok said, "The one key [with the long-range forecast] is the South, where I think the extremes of cold are gone."

However, Bastardi is still warning that the threat of one more prolonged period of cold late in the season is a concern into April.

He says this may be a "mini version" of the extreme cold that gripped Texas the first two weeks of February.

If you have questions or want to speak to a meteorologist, contact:
By Heather Buchman, Meteorologist for AccuWeather.com

Michigan Revises Emerald Ash Borer Quarantine to Protect Great Lakes Islands

2011-02-14T07:05:00.000-08:00

New map available at www.michigan.gov/eab

LANSING -The Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) has revised its Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) quarantine to protect Great Lakes islands and to adjust Quarantine Level boundaries in several counties in the Upper Peninsula (UP) - effective immediately. A new map is available atwww.michigan.gov/eab.

“The Keweenaw County quarantine was revised to reflect the confirmation of an EAB infestation. This is the county’s first identification of EAB,” said Gina Davis, acting director of MDA’s Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division. “The quarantine revisions are being made following survey work conducted by MDA, conservation districts, and Michigan Technological University in 2010.”

Some of the revisions include: Keweenaw County, in its entirety, is now designated as a Level II area; and the townships of Ensign, Masonville and Bay De Noc are now designated as part of the Level II area in Delta County. The townships of Hiawatha and Manistique, as well as the City ofManistique, are now designated as part of the Level II area in Schoolcraft County.

The U.P. counties currently under quarantine are Alger, Chippewa, Delta, Houghton, Keweenaw, Luce, Mackinac, and Schoolcraft. The Lower Peninsula continues to be quarantined in its entirety and is designated as Quarantine Level I area.

In addition to the quarantine Level boundary changes, the revised quarantine impacts a number of islands in the Great Lakes. It is now prohibited to move hardwood firewood, and the other articles regulated by the quarantine, from anywhere in Michigan to the following areas without a compliance agreement.

1. Beaver Island Archipelago (including North Fox Island and South Fox

Island) in Lake Michigan

2. Big Charity Island and Little Charity Island in Saginaw Bay/Lake Huron

3. Isle Royale National Park in Lake Superior

4. North Manitou Island and South Manitou Island in Lake Michigan, which are

part of the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore.

"Although, travelers are able to freely move firewood throughout the Lower Peninsula, and some areas of the UP, we are urging them not to do so as there are other invasive insects besides emerald ash borer - such as Gypsy Moth, Asian Longhorned Beetle and Sirex Woodwasp - that can hitch a ride on it," said Davis. "Please continue to only use local sources of firewood, burn all you buy, and don't take any unused firewood back home or to the next location."

MDA continues to ask hunters and other travelers not to move firewood to help prevent the artificial spread of the emerald ash borer. Campers and hunters should purchase firewood locally when visiting state parks, recreation areas and state forest campgrounds as it is a violation of state land use rules to bring ash firewood onto state forests, state parks, recreation areas, and state forest campgrounds.

The ban on moving hardwood firewood north across the Mackinac Bridge remains in effect and quarantine violators can still face fines and penalties. Additionally, MDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Station at the Mackinac Bridge remains in place to prevent hardwood firewood and other regulated material from entering the UP.

EAB is an exotic insect native to Asia that attacks ash trees. In its larval stage, EAB
feeds undetected under the bark of ash trees, disrupting water and nutrient flow -
ultimately killing the trees in three to four years. First discovered in 2002, the borer is
responsible for the death or damage of approximately 35 million ash trees in the
Lower Peninsula.

Additional information about EAB, quarantine details, and a map of the quarantine boundaries are available at www.michigan.gov/eab orwww.emeraldashborer.info

2011-02-11T05:36:00.000-08:00

The Genesis Code Announces Theaters for 2/18 Opening
“The Christian film of the year” to play in eleven theaters across six states
After a series of sold-out previews across the country, The Genesis Code is opening nationwide in its initial limited release on February 18. The film will debut in eleven theaters spread across six states in the following locations:
-AMC Highlands Ranch; Denver, CO
-Carmike Wynnsong; Des Moines, IA
-Peoria AMC; Peoria, IL
-Peoria Goodrich; Peoria, IL
-AMC Newport on the Levee; Newport, KY (Cincinatti, OH)
-AMC Great Lakes; Auburn Hills, MI
-AMC Alpine; Grand Rapids, MI
-Goodrich; Holland, MI
-AMC Livonia; Livonia, MI
-AMC Forum; Sterling Heights, MI
-AMC Dutch Square Columbia, SC

“We’ve gotten an incredible response from audiences in our early previews, and we are eagerly anticipating how the film’s unique message will resonate in these new cities,” said Reverend Jerry Zandstra, one of the stars of the movie. “We can’t wait to bring The Genesis Code to theaters across America.”
The Genesis Code follows a young college student, Kerry Wells, whose desire to be a paleontologist is jeopardized by faculty prejudice against her because of her Christian faith. She sets out to show how Genesis and her science textbook reinforce each other’s claims, and her remarkable journey will change the lives of everyone around her.
For more info on The Genesis Code, visit: http://thegenesiscodemovie.com/

2011-01-05T11:37:00.000-08:00

Notre Dame Scientists Publish Peer Reviewed Article on Asian Carp Invasion
Posted January 5, 2011

The work of the University of Notre Dame research team showing an ongoing Asian carp invasion of Lake Michigan got a big validation today with their publication in Conservation Letters, a peer-reviewed journal.
This publication lends further support to eDNA being a valuable and reliable tool for detecting the presence of Asian carp. We've heard so much criticism over the last year that the eDNA method has never been subjected to peer review... well now it has, and it has passed the scrutiny of at least this one journal. Hopefully this publication -- along with others that are likely to follow -- will finally put the question of the legitimacy of eDNA to rest.
The eDNA has shown us that Asian carp are present in Chicago’s waterways and likely swimming into Lake Michigan. It’s long past time to move beyond talking about whether there’s a real problem here and get serious about solving it.
NRDC published a report last October entitled “Re-Envisioning the Chicago River,” in which we worked with engineers at the Shaw Environmental firm to identify the hydrological and water quality issues that would need to be addressed to create a permanent separation in the Chicago waterway system. Separation is the only reliable solution that will achieve close to 100% prevention of invasive species transfers through the Chicago waterway system – dealing not just with the Asian carp, but with all of the other invasive species that are queued up to follow.
Our report found that separating the two basins doesn’t require a magic bullet; it can be done with off-the-shelf technology, and done relatively quickly. The only thing we’re missing is the political will.

Bastardi: January could be Coldest for U.S. since 1980s

2011-01-04T10:09:00.000-08:00

State College, Pa. -- 3 January 2011 -- AccuWeather reports on the heels of a record-cold December, frigid weather will continue seizing areas from coast to coast through mid- to late January.

Based on this forecast, AccuWeather.com Chief Long Range Forecaster Joe Bastardi says this month could turn out to be the coldest January for the nation as a whole since 1985.

While there has been outstanding regionalized cold in January in recent years, Bastardi points out that the U.S. has not experienced this type of coast-to-coast cold since the 1980s.

Record-smashing cold has already been gripping a large portion of the West since Jan. 1 with snow even falling in Las Vegas Monday. Bitter arctic air has also made a return to the northern Plains, while the East and South experienced a dramatic cool down since the weekend.

More waves of arctic air will invade the country, starting late this week and continuing through next week and beyond. The period from Jan. 10-20 is when Bastardi expects the core of the cold to be in place, with the northern Plains in the heart of it.

He says Chicago and Omaha could have one or two days with high temperatures below zero during this time. People in New York City may be looking at one day with highs in the teens, while temperatures potentially fail to rise out of the 20s in Dallas, Texas, and Jackson, Miss., for one or two days.

Bastardi also highlights the potential for rare snow in Seattle and Portland with the upcoming weather pattern.

The cold air coming to Texas starting early next week could affect the state's citrus industry, according to Bastardi. He thinks Florida citrus, however, should be safe.

By Heather Buchman, meteorologist for AccuWeather.com

If you carry a credit card you need to see this.

2010-12-15T05:18:00.000-08:00

DO YOU KNOW WHAT THIS IS? OR WHERE THIS IS?

2010-12-08T04:13:00.000-08:00

THE STATUE

This statue currently stands outside the Iraqi palace, now home to the 4th Infantry division. It will eventually be shipped home and put in the memorial museum in Fort Hood, Texas. The statue was created by an Iraqi artist named Kalat, who for years was forced by Saddam Hussein to make the many hundreds of bronze busts of Saddam that dotted Baghdad. Kalat was so grateful for the Americans liberation of his country; he melted 3 of the heads of the fallen Saddam and made the statue as a memorial to the American soldiers and their fallen warriors. Kalat worked on this memorial night and day for several months.

To the left of the kneeling soldier is a small Iraqi girl giving the soldier comfort as he mourns the loss of his comrade in arms.

Do you know why we don't hear about this in the news? Because it is heart warming and praise worthy. The main stream media avoids it because it does not have the shock effect. But we can do something about it. We can pass this along to as many people as we can in honor of all our brave military who are making a difference.

Been There and Did That and don't Want to Go Back

2010-12-01T05:32:00.000-08:00

Here at the World Headquarters of the Porcupine Press Publications, we received this e-mail, forwarded by a reader, and found it to be interesting and in ways funny as well . . .

As of late, we have learned that North Korea has shelled an island about seven miles from the North Korean coast. The world is in an uproar. I was stationed on this island, which was called Pang-Yong-Do back then in late 1957. I was with the Air Force and was responsible for night AIO response. A couple of words about the island. As I remember it was only about five miles long, and about the same width, with an landing strip which was resurfaced twice each day. It had one Air Force detachment, one Army detachment, and one ROK Marine company.

One night, around midnight, I received a call that the spotlight on "Radar Hill" was out, and drove my 2 1/2 ton truck up the long winding road leading to the top. The "hill" was actually a mountain about 800 or 900 feet high with one light pole and a spot light with a 1500 watt bulb in it, and a radar shack, facing North toward the mainland. I put my climbers on and proceeded to climb the pole, with the new bulb hanging from a rope tied around my waist. When I got to the top of the pole, I unscrewed the burned out bulb and tossed it over my shoulder. Just then a light hit me in the back illuminating the top of the "hill" in general, and me in particular. As I was having difficulty seeing the socket for the new bulb. I shouted, thanks over my shoulder. I screwed the bulb in, and all of a sudden it dawned on me. Immediately behind me was a cliff which dropped all the way to the water, over 800 feet below, and nothing else. I looked around and found that the North Koreans seven miles away, had "zeroed" one of their spot lights directly on me. In a panic I thought that they were bringing their 255 mm guns to bare right on me. I kicked the climbers out (you do not really want to do that but about once in your life time), and dropped about 30 feet to the ground. I jumped into my truck and set a speed record flying down the mountain. When I got to the bottom I was stopped by an AP for speeding. When I told him what had happened, he almost fell of the ground laughing. He let me go.

Post script: Several times while I was there, the North Koreans would send a couple of big rounds across the island which we could watch hit the water on the South side of the island. The South Koreans had a DDE anchored on the South side, and when those big rounds (which sounded like a train rumbling as they went over), hit the water, the DDE would fire up and spin around on the anchor chain, then head into the straight between the island and the mainland wiggling it's little 3 inch gun up and down, like someone waggling their finger at you. It was also not uncommon for the ROK Marines to head out for the mainland around dusk loaded for battle. We would always hurry up to Radar Hill to see what would happen. When the LST would land, you could see a great fireworks display with tracers, :"light" shells bursting in the air, and other pyrotechnics exploding. About dawn the LST would return with a couple of ROK Marines, shot up and every body excited and happy, especially having consumed quite a bit of the rice wine and the apple spirits they carried.

Glad I was there and do not wish to return.

Ray

There are two sides to every story

2010-11-28T05:58:00.001-08:00

TSA offers tips for faster airport screening

2010-11-24T05:45:00.000-08:00

(Washington Post)

Here's advice from the Transportation Security Administration about what you can expect at airports - and how you can make the process a bit smoother.

--The TSA's new screening techniques are in place at all domestic airports, even if security is handled by a private company instead of the agency.

--Only passengers who set off a walk-through metal detector or advanced-imaging technology machine, or who opt out of the scanning machine, receive a pat-down.

--Items that might set off an alarm on the metal detector include: keys; loose change; cellphones; pagers; heavy jewelry (including pins, necklaces, bracelets, rings, watches, earrings, body piercings, cuff links, lanyards and bolo ties); clothing with metal buttons, snaps or studs; metal barrettes or other hair accessories; belt buckles; and underwire bras.

--Travelers are required to remove their shoes and put them through the X-ray machine for inspection. Slip-on shoes ease the process.

--Prepare for screening by removing the contents of your pockets and alert the security officer if you have a hidden medical device. Less than 3 percent of passengers end up needing a pat-down, the TSA says.

--Pat-downs will take longer than body scans. According to the TSA, body scans take about five seconds, with an extra 15 to 20 seconds for processing. Pat-downs take one to two minutes.

--Pat-downs are conducted by TSA officers who are the same sex as the person being screened.

--Children age 12 and younger who require extra screening will receive a "modified" pat-down. The TSA has declined to provide specifics of its pat-down procedures.

Read more
Today is "National Opt Out Day" at airports across the country. An estimated 24 million people will pass through airports over the extended Thanksgiving weekend. It's anyone's guess how many of them will opt out of the machines in favor of the pat downs to send a message to the TSA. Here's the group behind the protest:

www.optoutday.com

It doesn't take very many people to cause huge delays. The full body scan takes about 10 seconds. According to the TSA an enhanced pat down can take up to four minutes.

In other words, it would take a total of around 15 minutes to put 100 people through a body scan - but at least 6 hours to pat down the same number of travelers.

What if you aren't trying to make a statement? What if you just want to get to grandma's house as fast as possible? Ask any travel expert for advice. We have a couple of clients who can help and they've available for interviews today:

Bob Diener (he's in Miami)
Travel Expert
(cell) 305-496-5774
bdiener@getaroom.com
David Litman (he's in Dallas)
Travel Expert
(cell) 214-499-5986
dlitman@getaroom.com

Twenty Michigan Ski Areas to Honor the Hall of Fame’s Ski Michigan Gold Card

2010-11-18T11:48:00.000-08:00

November 17, 2010 (ISHPEMING, MI) - One of the best deals each year for the enthusiastic skier and snowboarder in Michigan is the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame’s Ski Michigan Gold Card. This year it is an even better deal as a record twenty ski areas across the state have agreed to honor the card.

For $500 a skier literally has a season’s pass to his choice among the twenty participating areas and under certain conditions can even share it with friends, family members and associates. It is also exclusive as only a limited number (75) of the cards are available and already half of these have been sold.

Moreover, Gold card purchasers have the added benefit of being recognized as supporting members of both, the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame and the International Skiing History Association and will receive the popular and internationally acclaimed magazine Skiing Heritage, as well as a subscription to SKI magazine.

The ski areas and resorts that will recognize the Ski Michigan Gold Card this year are:

Apple Mountain Freeland, MI

Big Powderhorn Mountain Bessemer, MI

Blackjack Ski Resort Bessemer, MI

Boyne Highlands Resort Harbor Springs, MI **

Boyne Mountain Resort Boyne Falls, MI **

Cannonsburg Ski Area Cannonsburg, MI

Cross Country Ski HQ Roscommon, MI

Crystal Mountain Resort Thompsonville, MI

Indianhead Mountain Resort Wakefield, MI

Marquette Mountain Marquette, MI

Mont Ripley Houghton, MI

Mount Holly Resort Holly, MI **

Norway Mountain Norway, MI

Pine Knob Ski Resort Clarkston, MI

Pine Mountain Iron Mountain, MI

Shanty Creek Resort Bellaire, MI

Ski Brule Iron River, MI

Snow Snake Mountain Harrison, MI

Swiss Valley Ski/Snowboard Jones, MI

Treetops Resort Gaylord, MI **

** Only owners of the Ski Michigan Gold Card can use it at these areas.

Ski Michigan Gold Cards can be ordered by going to the Hall of Fame’s web site:

www.skihall.com or by calling 906 485-6323.

If Only… by Katie Hallett

2010-11-17T05:04:00.000-08:00

Contact: Katie Hallett

586-484-4947 (phone); 517-548-9586 (fax)

khallett@ifonlybook.com; www.ifonlybook.com

If Only… by Katie Hallett

Brighton, MI Author of newly released children’s story pledges 25% of book’s profits to St.Judes Children’s Hospital

“Timmy spotted his friend, Mr. Elephant, first,

And the envy he felt made his heart want to burst!

‘If only I were like you, Mr. Elephant, so strong and large,

Then I would always be the one in charge.’“

~ Excerpt from If Only…

No doubt every child at some point or another has looked at another and thought, “If only.” Author Katie Hallett takes this universal sentiment and lovingly explores it from the perspective of a sad little mouse who wishes he could be someone else.

Timmy’s day begins well enough, but as his morning progresses, one thing after another bruises his spirit. As Hallett’s rhyming verse explains,

“Feet first, he swung fast over the edge of his bed.

Jump, thump, bump – he fell down on his head.

“Why?” Timmy wondered, “Why am I so short?”

“It’s because you’re a mouse,” was his brother’s retort.

After an unsatisfying breakfast replete with a few more mishaps, Timmy wanders over to see his friends in the zoo. One by one, he wishes out loud he could be like them, and one by one, he learns that even though their unique qualities are special, there are things they can’t do.

Mr. Elephant says,“I can’t fit in small spaces or walk without sound.

It’s hard to move when you’re this big and round,” while Miss Giraffe notes, “There are times when it feels lonely up here. When others are talking it is never quite clear. Sometimes I think they forget I am here.”

To his surprise, Timmy’s morning at the zoo gives this contemplative creature something new to think about, and he realizes it’s not so bad being himself after all.

Children the world over will agree, and like Timmy, will come away with a keener appreciation for their own unique differences and their abundant blessings.

# # #

Author: Katie Hallett wrote “If Only…” with the help of her husband and children and notes, “It was a family affair.” She lives in Howell, MI.

Who is Hunting Who at this U.P. Camp

2010-11-12T20:38:00.000-08:00

ya never know who'll come knockin' at yer huntin' shack!! (those are bear-claw marks!) - Roy & Betty Nye near Cederville

Thanksgiving Week Weather May Be a Preview of Winter

2010-11-12T09:05:00.000-08:00

State College, Pa. -- 12 November 2010 -- AccuWeather.com reports wintry weather seems to be getting off to a slow start over much of the nation, but it could soon make up for lost time and cause trouble prior to Thanksgiving in the form of storms and blasts of cold air.

While granted the pattern setting up for the heavy travel days prior to Thanksgiving now looks less like one big arctic blast sweeping much of the nation, cold will make substantial inroads into the northern states and may spin up stormy weather in the process.

The weather due to evolve over the next 10 days may give us a look as to what much of the winter of 2010-2011 may be like, thanks in part to the La Nina in progress over the Pacific.

AccuWeather.com meteorologists are suspicious that computer models do not have a good handle on what will transpire beyond the next seven days.

There is concern that multiple intrusions of arctic air have potential spin up multiple storms with rain, ice and snow over the northern half of the nation.

Exactly where the rain/snow line would set up for each storm is impossible to say at this point. However, we can say the autumn bliss continuing over the eastern third of the nation will not last much longer.

In addition, there will be several storms with snow, ice and rain cruising eastward across the northern part of the nation through Thanksgiving weekend as divisions of warm and cold air battle.

The wintry events would include potential for two blizzards over the northern Rockies and High Plains and two bouts of significant lake-effect snow.

Areas from I-80 northward away from the coasts appear to be where most of the wintry weather travel problems and gusty winds will reside. However, while snow and ice are the most feared for a travel-heavy holiday, wind, rain and fog may cause delays as well in coastal and more southerly areas.

By Alex Sosnowski, Expert Senior Meteorologist for AccuWeather.com

If you have questions or want to speak to a meteorologist, contact:

Roberti@AccuWeather.com

Once we were Warriors Original Veteran's Day 2010 Military Tribute

2010-11-11T06:02:00.001-08:00

Genetically-Engineered Salmon Headed for Our Plate?

2010-10-22T07:07:00.000-07:00

The Food and Drug Administration recently completed three days of hearings and public comment on the effort by AquaBounty Technologies to market farm-raised salmon that’s been genetically modified to grow twice as fast as normal salmon. These fish have a growth hormone from a close relative, the Chinook salmon, inserted into them.

The hearings, conducted by an independent panel, ended without the FDA reaching a decision on whether the Massachusetts company can proceed with sales of the “frankenfish,” which it calls AquaAdvantage salmon. Next steps include an Environmental Assessment of the salmon, followed by a mandated 30-day comment period. The agency says it has not set a timeline for making a decision on whether to allow AquaBounty to move forward with sales.

If the FDA were to give its approval, it would be about two years before these AquaAdvantage salmon would reach the market. It would be the first such scientifically altered animal food product to reach our dinner plates.

The two primary issues are whether the salmon would be safe to eat, and would it be safe for the environment.

FDA staff had previously issued a report, finding the genetically-engineered salmon to be as safe to eat as normal salmon.

But some critics of the report felt the safety tests should have included more data. One of the chief concerns is what would happen if these fast-growing fish were to somehow escape into the ocean and breed with other “natural” salmon.

The words “genetically modified” or “genetically engineered” raise red flags for many people—and when hormones are mentioned in connection with foods like meat and dairy products, additional alarm bells go off for many.

On the other hand, we’ve all heard about the dwindling numbers of Atlantic salmon and other species in the ocean today. Salmon that grow to maturity in half the time would likely help ease some of these overfishing issues.

Take the nutrition quiz on frankenfish and other GMOs (genetically modified organisms):http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2010/10/08/1658714/nutrition-quiz-frankenfish-and.html

JAMEY JOHNSON’S MATTHEW McCONAUGHEY-DIRECTED VIDEO PREMIERES THIS WEEK

2010-10-19T14:11:00.000-07:00

JOHNSON TO PERFORM ON THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO OCTOBER 26

Nashville, TN (October 19, 2010) -- Jamey Johnson’s highly-anticipated music video for “Playing the Part,” directed by Matthew McConaughey, premieres this week.
Entertainment Tonight will feature the world premiere on Wednesday, October 20. VEVO will premiere the full-length director’s cut on Friday, October 22 starting at 8 a.m. ET at www.vevo.com and exclusive behind-the-scenes footage will be available online at www.people.com.

The video, shot in Los Angeles in late September, marks two important firsts. It is the first music video ever directed by McConaughey and the first video from Johnson’s critically acclaimed 25-song double album, The Guitar Song, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart and No. 4 on the Billboard 200.

“Jamey and this song both have a great sense of humor, so I wanted the video to have a 'wink' to it,” says McConaughey. “For any video, if you like the song, you should like it even more after you see the video. I wanted this video to support the lyrics, and elevate the song.”

With his extensive film background, he wanted his first foray into video directing to feature a compelling narrative so that it wouldn’t be an ordinary music video. “This is a story with a beginning, middle and a surprise at the end,” he says. “I started out with a 250-pound stripper leaving work in the morning, and ended up with a man in a gorilla suit getting fired from used tire store."

When McConaughey told Johnson that the video would be pretty “carney,” Johnson said, “Get as carney as you want.”

About working with his friend, Johnson says, “I don’t think I could have dreamed anything better.”

McConaughey first heard Johnson’s music about 2-1/2 years ago on an AM radio in his brother Rooster’s barn. “We’re in this little barn and it was echoing from this tiny radio,” McConaughey says. “I said, ‘Damn, this is a good song, Rooster.’ And Rooster said, ‘It’s called ‘In Color.’ We didn’t know what artist it was, so we looked it up and it was Jamey. I went immediately and bought Jamey’s album and said, ‘This album is an instant classic.’”

McConaughey met Johnson during the 2009 Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas, where Johnson received the Song of the Year award for “In Color.” McConaughey presented the award for album of the year, for which Johnson was also nominated. “I thought That Lonesome Song was the best album that year, but he did win best song,” McConaughey notes.

“I met Jamey backstage, he hit on Camila, we shared a few laughs, and we stayed in touch.”

A few months later, McConaughey’s girlfriend, Camila Alves, secretly asked Johnson to perform at McConaughey’s 40th birthday party.

During one of their conversations, McConaughey, a Texas native, invited Alabama-native Johnson to the Texas-Alabama national championship football game. The men made a bet: the loser would donate money to the winner’s favorite charity.

“When Jamey won, he said, ‘You can donate my winnings to Gamblers Anonymous,’” McConaughey says. But McConaughey discovered that the organization didn’t accept donations, so Johnson told him that the bet would be settled if McConaughey would publicly announce that he lost the bet, which he did in a magazine.

After Johnson completed his album, he called McConaughey and said, “I’ve got a new single and I want you to direct the video for it.” McConaughey responded, "Sure, let me listen to it and find an angle."

"I had a few initial ideas,” recalls McConaughey. “But after Jamey and I talked about why he wrote it and where the song came from, it was clear that I needed a man in a monkey suit."

“Playing the Part” was one of two Los Angeles-inspired songs Johnson penned for The Guitar Song.

Johnson, who is currently on tour, will perform on NBC’s The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on Tuesday, October 26.

A Lot of SHAKING going on in Michigan

2010-10-18T11:46:00.000-07:00

UP Has a Long History of Earthquakes

UP author Lisa A. Shiel has researched the hidden history of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and reveals the surprising facts about earthquakes. The recent quake that tore open a crevice in Menominee County is just one of many temblors that have shaken the region throughout its history.

Lake Linden, MI— On October 4, 2010, residents of Stephenson in Menominee County heard a loud boom and felt their houses tremble. The next day, a large crevice was discovered. A week later, geologist Wayne Pennington of Michigan Technological University in Houghton announced the results of his examination of the evidence. An earthquake had caused the shaking and the crevice. As a local author has discovered, however, earthquakes in the UP are nothing new. In the years 1902 to 1909 alone, more than 20 earthquakes rattled the UP. Lisa A. Shiel documents the UP's shaky history in her new book Forgotten Tales of Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

Based chiefly on historical newspaper accounts, the book relates little-known stories from the 1800s through the 1920s, with an entire chapter devoted to earthquakes. In 1905 a swarm of quakes crisscrossed the UP. A temblor struck Menominee County on March 13 of that year. Today, scientists estimate the strength of that quake to have been approximately 3.8 on the Richter scale. Newspaper stories blamed the shaking on "air blasts" inside mines. "The problem with that idea," Shiel says, "is that nobody had a clue what air blasts were. So this was hardly a solution to the mystery."

The worst quake hit the Keweenaw Peninsula on July 26, 1905. A tremendous boom heard as far away as Marquette heralded the start of the quake. The shaking lasted for about ten seconds and rattled everything in the vicinity of the towns of Calumet, Lake Linden, and Hancock. A house was knocked an inch off its foundation, windows were shattered, and chimneys tumbled to the ground. Miners as far down as the 49th level of the Quincy Mine felt the tremors. The July quake was the last straw for some residents of the Keweenaw, who fled the region.

"After three years of earthquakes," Shiel says, "people were terrified. They had no idea what was happening."

At the time, geologists thought the quakes were natural, though perhaps exacerbated by the presence of deep mines. Fred W. McNair, president of the Michigan College of Mines (now Michigan Technological University), told Houghton's Daily Mining Gazette the quakes stemmed from "an uplift of the land." In 1911, in a report issued for the Michigan Geological and Biological Survey, noted geologist William Herbert Hobbs agreed with McNair's opinion. Today, however, the earthquakes of the early 20th century are generally dismissed as mine collapses.

"Who should we believe?" Shiel asks. "It's impossible to look back now and say for certain what happened then. The mystery is part of the fun of these old stories."

Forgotten Tales of Michigan's Upper Peninsula is Shiel's sixth book. A resident of Michigan’s UP, Shiel researches and writes about everything strange, from Bigfoot and UFOs to alternative history. To contact her, e-mail lisa@backyardphenomena.com or call (906) 523-6101.

'Obama! A Modern U.S. President (musical spoof)'

2010-10-16T21:25:00.000-07:00

State Farm Data Shows That October Remains Most Dangerous Month for Teen Crashes

2010-10-15T09:01:00.000-07:00

Teens Are Conflicted; State Farm Survey Shows 70% of New Drivers Are Nervous About Being in a Crash or Hurting Someone, Yet 57% Say They Text While Driving

Kalamazoo, Mich., October 15, 2010 - Newly analyzed State Farm® claims data shows teen crashes spike by 15 percent in October compared to other months of the year. State Farm evaluated its extensive claims database from 2003 – 2009, and in every year, October continues to register the most claims across the United States and portions of Canada.

At a state level, about 1 in 4 states show this month as the most dangerous time of the year for teen crashes. About 70 percent of states show October as being among its top three months for teen accident claims. In Michigan, 9.8 percent of teen car crashes occur in October.

“Car crashes remain the number one killer of teens and October continues to be our single biggest battleground month,” said Ann Baughan, Vice President of Operations at State Farm. “While promoting teen driver safety requires a year-round commitment, the fall time frame is critically important. As teens return to school, attend homecoming and begin managing very busy schedules, we want them to keep safe driving practices at the top of their minds because our data shows this is one of the most dangerous times of year for teens to be on the road.”

Teens Remain Conflicted

A recent State Farm survey by Harris Interactive shows that despite concerns about getting into an accident, most teen drivers still lack awareness about the true ramifications of dangerous driving practices. In the survey, of 14- to 17 year olds who intend to have or already have a driver’s license, 70 percent of teen drivers admitted to being nervous about being in a crash or hurting someone. But despite these concerns, 57percent of teens admit to reading or sending text messages while driving.

When we asked teens why their peers text while driving even though they know it is dangerous, the general response is that staying connected is more important than ever to Generation Y.

“Kids my age want to stay in touch,” said 17-year-old Danish Hasan of Algonquin, IL. “We like instant communication, and many kids worry what their friends will think if they don’t answer text messages immediately.” Danish nearly drove onto a sidewalk while sending a short text message, recovering control of the vehicle just in time to avoid hitting several pedestrians. Danish said this close-call taught him a lesson about how quickly one can become distracted, and now he’s an advocate for putting the phone away while driving.

Parents can play a major role in closing the awareness gap with their teens. According to the survey, those teens whose parents frequently talked with them about safe driving practices have the clearest understanding of what represents risky driving behavior.

National Teen Driver Safety Week

Given the prevalence of teen car crashes in October, beginning in 2007, State Farm and The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia worked with Congress to designate the third week of October as National Teen Driver Safety Week. Having a dedicated week provides a unique opportunity to focus attention on this national problem. The week serves as a time set aside for parents, teens, educators and legislators to shine a spotlight on teen driver safety and ramp up conversations about solutions for the high rate of car crashes involving teens. Across the country this week, hundreds of State Farm agents and employees will be participating in teen driver safety activities in their local communities. In Michigan, State Farm agents, law enforcement and non-profit are joining forces to bring an auto driving simulator to schools across the state, so teens can see first-hand the dangers and consequences of distracted driving.

State Farm and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia have produced a social media announcement (SMA), “Not Now, I’m Driving,” to help spread the world about teen driver safety and the importance of refraining from texting while driving. For more information about teen driver safety and National Teen Driver Safety Week, please go to www. statefarm.com/teendriving.
About the Survey
For this State Farm survey, Harris Interactive conducted the survey within the United States on July 22-26, 2010 among 697 U.S. 14- to 17-year-olds, including 694 who intend to have or already have a driver’s license. Figures for age, sex, geographic region, and race/ethnicity were weighted where necessary to bring them into line with their actual proportions in the population. The margin of error is +/- 3.7 percent.

Legion to President: Appeal DADT court decision

2010-10-14T05:40:00.000-07:00

INDIANAPOLIS (Oct. 14, 2010) – As the board of directors of The American Legion met in Indianapolis, its national commander called on President Obama to immediately appeal the ruling from U.S. District Judge Virginia Phillips in Riverside, Calif., that would “immediately suspend and discontinue any investigation, or discharge, separation or other proceeding that may have been commenced” under Don’t Ask; Don’t Tell.

“Consistent with our long-standing policy of allowing the military to police its own requirements and standards for service, The American Legion requests you appeal this decision and seek a stay on the current injunction,” National Commander Jimmie L. Foster wrote in a letter to the White House. “No action by a single federal judge should obviate the policy of Don’t Ask; Don’t Tell before the Department of Defense completes its review.”

In meetings held in May, the organization passed a resolution urging Congress not to take any action that would alter the Department of Defense policy of DADT before it had a chance to complete the review.

“For an unelected judge with lifetime tenure to issue such a ruling while the military was in the process of surveying its troops on the impact of such a policy change is outrageous,” Foster said. “She is basically saying that she knows more than our military leadership, our Congress and our elected commander in chief.”

The Dept. of Defense has always established fitness for duty criteria and standards of conduct consistent with the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

“Our military is engaged in two wars,” he added. “Military commanders have much more important issues to deal with. This is not about politics. It’s about doing what’s best for our troops and not distracting from the war effort. Our military should not be micro-managed by judicial edicts.”

This is too close to home

2010-10-07T12:08:00.000-07:00

ROADSIDE DRUG TESTING LAW FLOPS

2010-09-21T13:59:00.000-07:00

DEARBORN – Michigan drivers may be subjected to questionable roadside drug testing under a recently proposed law. The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Rick Jones (R-Grand Ledge), claims that roadside saliva tests offer a quick and inexpensive alternative to blood testing. No other state has adopted roadside saliva tests, which are riddled with potential errors, and taxpayers will incur hefty costs to implement the dubious program.

Drugged driving is a serious public safety concern, but Michigan has repeatedly rebuffed traditional methods of combating this problem. State police and lawmakers turn to quick, easy solutions, scoffing at the efforts undertaken in other states that focus on police officer training.

Saliva testing is a quick, easy solution to drugged driving that flops. Saliva tests have been researched for nearly two decades as a potential roadside screening tool for police officers. To date, no one has established a workable model to employ for law enforcement purposes. Saliva tests have various cutoff levels, and at lower cutoff levels, false positives become problematic. At higher cutoff levels, saliva tests fail to flag drug abusers. Sensitive saliva tests reveal drug exposure for days or weeks after the substance has been ingested, confusing past exposure for intoxication.

As a preliminary roadside test, saliva testing has appeared promising, but its limited evidential value has plagued implementation. Jones, a former law enforcement officer, ignores the research and proposes to use saliva testing as evidence of intoxication as opposed to a preliminary screening tool.

The Michigan State Police toxicology unit favors using blood for drugged driving enforcement. Blood accurately reveals current active drugs in a driver’s body. Jones complains that blood testing takes too long to complete. Saliva, he claims, will produce faster, cheaper results, pointing to the $15 price tag attached to each drug kit.

Saliva testing will prove to be expensive and time consuming. To implement the new law, the Michigan State Police toxicology unit will be forced to purchase a new machine that costs a whopping $400,000.00 per unit. Unless the state invests in several units, testing will actually take longer than blood tests.

Jones never contacted the Michigan State Police toxicology unit before proposing the new law. A source at the toxicology unit has confirmed that the lab would continue to encourage blood testing even if the law passed, since blood produces more reliable results.

To tackle drugged driving, lawmakers should focus on police officer training by implementing the Drug Evaluation and Classification (DEC) Program. This intense training program has been adopted by 37 other states and has a track record of proven results. On the other hand, roadside drug testing is an expensive gimmick that has no track record and raises too many concerns.

UNDP CALLS FOR USD 89M TO HELP PAKISTANIS BACK ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY

2010-09-17T13:45:00.000-07:00

Islamabad, Pakistan, 17 September 2010―The United Nations today appealed for just over US$2 billion for humanitarian and early recovery needs for flood-ravaged Pakistan. Within the overall context of the UNresponse to the disaster, the UN Development Programme (UNDP) put forth a host of early recovery programmes designed to help communities get back on their feet. This package includes restoring livelihoods through job creation, repairing community infrastructure, and re-establishing local government offices to get public services running again.

Heavy rain and flash floods have inundated more than a fifth of the country since July, leaving 20.5 million people significantly affected, and 1,750 dead. Seventy percent of roads and bridges in the flooded areas were washed away, along with millions of homes and livelihoods.

“Millions of people have lost their livelihoods and their communities to these devastating floods, and they need help now to get back on the road to recovery,” said Jordan Ryan, UN Assistant Secretary-General, UNDP Assistant Administrator and the Director of the Bureau for Crisis Prevention and Recovery. “With the early recovery initiatives outlined in the Revised Response Plan, millions of affected families will be able to get back on their feet and reclaim their lives.”

Europeans Push Global Tax to Fund Poverty-Reduction, Climate Change Causes

2010-09-17T10:36:00.000-07:00

By Patrick Goodenough

Flags of member nations flying at United Nations headquarters in New York City. (U.N. Photo by Araujo Pinto)

(CNSNews.com) – A group of 60 nations will meet next week at the United Nations to push for a tax on foreign currency transactions as a way to generate revenue to meet global poverty-reduction goals, including “climate change” mitigation.

Spearheaded by European Union countries, the so-called “innovative financing” proposal envisages a tax of 0.005 percent (five cents per $1,000), which experts estimate could produce more than $30 billion a year worldwide for priority causes.

LOGIC 101

2010-09-17T08:27:00.000-07:00

An interesting letter in the Australian Shooter Magazine this week, which I quote:

"If you consider that there has been an average of 160,000 troops in the Iraq Theater of operations during the past 22 months, and a total of 2112
deaths, that gives a firearm death rate of 60 per 100,000 soldiers.

The firearm death rate in Washington , DC is 80.6 per 100,000 for the same period.

That means you are about 25 per cent more likely to be shot and killed in the US capital, which has some of the strictest gun control laws in the U.S. , than you are in Iraq .

Conclusion: The U.S. should pull out of Washington

National Employ Older Workers Week (Sept. 19-25)

2010-09-15T09:21:00.000-07:00

Need for Assistance for Michigan’s
Older Workers Reaches Critical Levels

National Employ Older Workers Week, Sept. 19-25

National Employ Older Workers Week, Sept. 19-25, carries special significance this year as older workers face historical challenges in today’s workplace, according to workforce experts in Michigan.

“Today’s reality is that we have record numbers of older people in the workforce, many on the sidelines who can’t find work, and a sizable group who have given up on finding employment all together,” said Andrea Bridgewater, Michigan state director for Experience Works, the nation’s largest nonprofit provider of community service, training and employment opportunities for older workers.

National Employ Older Workers Week, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, recognizes the great contributions that workers age 55 and older provide to employers. These benefits include experience, knowledge and dependability.

The economic downtown has been particularly difficult on older workers. In August 2010, the average duration of unemployment for people age 55 and older was 38.2 weeks, a 33 percent increase from August 2009. During this same time, the number of discouraged workers in this age group increased 73 percent. Discouraged workers are people who have stopped looking for work because they believe employment opportunities are not available.

“We’ve seen a record number of older workers calling us or visiting our website for assistance and we don’t foresee that trend changing any time soon,” said Bridgewater. According to Bridgewater, the current need outpaces the available resources for unemployed older workers.

Through the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), Experience Works provided services to 1,060 older workers in Michigan during the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2010.

SCSEP participants, who must meet low-income and employment qualifications, receive self assessments, skills training, assistance with the job search process and placement in an appropriate training assignment with a local community service agency. Participants earn the minimum wage while acquiring the skills and tools they need to transition from community service assignments to employment with a local employer. In fiscal 2009-2010, SCSEP participants in Michigan provided 504,821 hours of community service to local agencies.

For more information about Experience Works or to see if you qualify for the Senior Community Service Employment Program, log on to www.experienceworks.org or call 866-976-5939. Experience Works, formerly known as Green Thumb, serves the needs of older workers in Michigan, Puerto Rico and 29 other states.

Rutherford Institute Urges Governor McDonnell to Respect Value of Human Life, Grant Clemency in Sept. 23 Execution of Teresa Lewis

2010-09-14T14:59:00.000-07:00

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.—Calling on the Commonwealth of Virginia to lead the nation in promoting respect for the value of all human life, innocent and guilty alike, The Rutherford Institute is urging Gov. Robert McDonnell to commute the death sentence of 41-year-old Teresa Lewis, who is scheduled to be executed on September 23, 2010. If the execution is not halted, Lewis, who has an IQ of 72, which is two points above the threshold for clinical mental retardation, would be the first woman put to death in Virginia in nearly 100 years.

The Institute’s letter is available at www.rutherford.org.

Teresa Lewis was convicted in 2003 of conspiring to have two men kill her husband and stepson. Despite her mental deficiencies and her history of non-violence, Lewis was the only one of the three persons involved in the criminal plot who received a capital sentence. Her co-conspirators struck deals for and were granted life sentences. While the justice system was unwilling to compare Teresa’s sentence with those of her co-defendants upon review in March 2005, Dr. Costanzo, a professor of psychology and witness for the defense, noted that “From a psychological standpoint, a woman who is functionally retarded intellectually, with passive dependent personality disturbance, and a habit of submissively seeking men’s approval throughout her life, is a poor bet as the mastermind of a brutal murder plot.” In recent years, Lewis has become a devout Christian and spends much of her time praying for her fellow inmates at the Fluvanna Correctional Center for Women and for the families she helped hurt.

States' suit on Obama health plan may go to trial

2010-09-14T12:01:00.000-07:00

PENSACOLA, Fla. – A federal judge says he likely will let go to trial portions of a lawsuit by Florida and 19 other states challenging the president's health care overhaul as unconstitutional.

But U.S. District Judge Roger Vinson said at a Tuesday hearing in Pensacola that he expects to dismiss other parts.

Vinson didn't specify which parts of the lawsuit likely will go to trial but said he will issue a ruling by Oct. 14.

The states and the administration disagree over sections of the law that will require people to have health insurance or face tax penalties. They also disagree over whether states should pay additional Medicaid costs not covered by the federal government.

The lawsuit is likely to wind up before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Law Enforcement Torch Run Due in Munising about 1 pm Today - 9-14

2010-09-14T08:49:00.000-07:00

Michigan law enforcement officers, raising money for Special Olympics, began a 750 mile run in Copper Harbor Monday.

The central route of the 29th Annual Law Enforcement Torch Run kicked off at Fort Wilkins State Park.

Keweenaw County Sheriff Ron Lahti joined a group of corrections officers for the first few miles of the five-day run.

Each runner does five miles at a time and the journey continues 24 hours a day.

"We have the longest non-stop run in the U.S. for Special Olympics. These teams have been raising money all year to participate in this event. It's a very prestigious event," said Ken Bennett, Director of the run.

The runners raised over $500,000 this year.

The central route is expected to finish in Sterling Heights on Friday night.

The Book Tour for the Novel called "U.P." is not Fiction

2010-09-13T10:35:00.000-07:00

"U.P." Author and Movie Producer To Embark On Book Tour Of The U.P. In September

Both of their fathers taught mathematics at Westwood High School.

Both are graduates of Negaunee High School (1987 & 1991)

Both attended Northern Michigan University.

Both are working to turn the novel "U.P." into a film.

Ronald "R.A." Riekki is the author of "U.P." - the best-selling novel from Ghost Road Press published in 2008 that actor ("Into The Wild", "Milk") and producer Steven Wiig is working to bring to the big screen. The novel is "brutal coming of age story" about four boys set in Marquette County in 1989.

The two Negaunee-natives, who both attended Northern Michigan University, are currently setting up appearances throughout the Upper Peninsula for mid-September. All outlets - from high schools to libraries to book stores to radio stations to television news stations to newspapers to magazines - are being considered for the tour as the two spread the word on a grass roots campaign to give readings, gather support and hold discussions with "anyone interested in the world of literature and film." They also intend to scout locations and document the tour.

CURRENT U.P. BOOK TOUR DATES/APPEARANCES (more to come)

Sep 13--Bay de Noc Community College, Escanaba, 7pm

Sep 13--Negaunee High School, Negaunee, time TBA

Sep 14--North Wind Books, Finlandia University, Hancock, 4pm

Sep 14--Portage Lake District Library, Houghton, 6:30pm

Sep 15--Country Village Book Store, Ishpeming, 1pm

Sep 15--Peter White Public Library, Marquette, 7pm

Sep 16--Safe Harbor Books, Cedarville, 2pm

Sep 16--Falling Rock Cafe and Bookstore, Munising, 7pm

Both the novel & merchandise are planned to be sold at each event.

For updates, go to: facebook.com/u.p.movie

We are at the END of IT

2010-07-13T15:57:00.000-07:00

We are at end of it alright, it is time to get the MANANA name and the Home Port of ESCANABA MI

place on her stern. I guess I can now understand what it is like for an elephant to go through the long pregnancy. It appears we will slide down the ways into the bay before the season is over. Most likely will not be enough season time to make it worth while getting a dock space at the marina in Escanaba. What it appears we will do, it set up a mooring buoy in a cove at the Vinette Boatworks and do so sea trials and make up a new work list for the winter layup.

Time to take a look inside

2010-06-29T15:19:00.000-07:00

As the 2010 boating season nears the half way point, work on the Manana is reaching the finishing stages. Most of the hardware and railing have been replaced, final wiring in the cabin is being done, and finish work for overhead trim for the window blinds is close to being completed. New set of cabin doors have been made and waiting to be installed. A new forward hatch has been built of wood and smoked glass and the new sole or cabin floor has been are cut and fitted and will be installed as on of the last steps along with the new overhead or ceiling material. With the all new cushions and throw pillows, at few extra pieces of special trim and the new cabin lighting, this First Class Yacht will be hard to match.

The concern for excellent custom detail is now starting to show itself as it all comes together as the final product. I expect we will hit the water by the end of July, which makes it a little over two and a half years of ripping it down to almost bare hull and starting all over again, well making the boat better than it ever was, even when it was brand new in 1965.

What is really great about rebuilding this Hull #2 classic boat, is that it is not changed from how it could have looked when it was first built. I'll agree it was not finished off like it is now, but it could have been. The Seafarer Yacht Company in Long Island, NY made each boat as to the customers wishes. You could even buy it as a bare hull and finish it yourself. When you ordered one of these boats, you met with the builders and picked out how you wanted the cabin laid out, choose the materials you wanted used. The type of sail rig you wanted and even the colors you liked for the hull.

Manana, when first built, was ordered with a Robin's egg blue color added to the resin of the hull and the deck and cabin exterior where white. The inside surface of the hull was mostly covered with glued on blue shag carpet and the large clear glass in the windows made it an oven on sunny days. So now, as our order, which could also have been made right from the start at the factory, we choose just about everything different and even turned the two aft quarter berths into couches, still able to be used as berths. The basic cabin layout design worked well for us and we just had to work around it to improve it. Seeing some old photos of other Seafarers this same size, we have not spotted any with this same layout, mostly the reverse was the standard with the galley and the dinning area switched to the other side. We have also only been able to find one other one with the much higher main cabin top with these much larger windows. Most others were only half the window height.

We choose much different hull and topside colors and believe we have gained a much richer look. Maybe a bit more modern than the time but the Burgundy hull, Sand topsides and Gold waterline and trim, just seemed to work so well with the smoked glass and the wood trim. If it does not sink when we put it in the water, it should be a Queen of the Bay, at least in our mind anyway.

Latest Progress Report on the Manana

2010-06-10T10:39:00.000-07:00

I was able to get down to the Vinette Boatworks and check on progress and drop off items they needed that were shipped to our office. Manana, still does not mean "Tomorrow" as early hoped, but more like the second meaning of, "Some time in the near future." Our new launch date has been pushed back to mid-July. The next stop was at the Escanaba Marina to see if dock space was still available for us, for the rest of the season. Things at this point still look good for either slip 110 or 112. It was decided that the total work will not be complete, but the boat will be ready for sailing this year and in next winters lay up, a list of other work will be completed. What I have seen so far, is excellent work and it is hard to say the wait will be worth it, but I can't say much else. We will consider the rest of this season as a Shake Down Cruise and add to the work list for the winter.

If We're STOPPED, We'll Just START Again

2010-05-15T09:20:00.000-07:00

The time is near, have no fear, Manana soon will be here, resting along side her pier. We feel no guilt, in having her rebuilt, decked out to the hilt, our piggy bank on tilt, and our support resting on silt. It just had to be done, so we could do the big run, to just about everywhere under the sun, the goal of rebirth has been won.

We lost two boating seasons, but when you know the reasons, and seen the work of legions, throughout our U.P. regions, we can't ever become heathens. The end is truly in sight, somehow we have won the fight, all the work was done right, now the ship and her crew are tight.

The lyrics of a song called "Manana" performed by the Desaparecidos goes like this . . .

What you learned, what you read in their books All they offered what you saw when they told you to look, a final offer. Well today we are giving birth to a new future Yes today we are giving birth to our own future. We will learn, we will love, we will work, to change each other. We will spread, we will cover the earth, like air and water (Water! Water! . . . Change each other) Tomorrow's blank we'll just fill it in With our own answers. If we're stopped, we'll just start again. That's the new offer That's it, that is our final one.

For a long time, I thought Manana was just a spanish word for tomorrow. It was the great folks at the Vinette Boatworks, in the port of Escanaba, that fully proved to me that was not the full meaning at all. Their interpretation of Manana was much deeper than that, it was . . . at an unspecified future time. Through this process of learning to wait, I have also learned that an indefinite time in the future, is a much better way to think about sailing away and I do not really have to be back tomorrow. Who ever named this boat was one smart person and I really don't think he was spanish, since he lived in Little Current, Ontario, Canada. He did find the perfect name, if he planned on cruising around until he decided to come home. I hope to be able to live up to the name, as I now understand it to be, this is not a Day Sailor anymore. I'm now working on learning more foreign words like . . . Adios and Sayonara.