Michigan Good News - more than we can print.
Why have'nt you heard more about the good things happening in Michigan in the main stream media? Good question. I do not have the answer. But now you have a direct link to news that will encourage you about our future and what Michigan actually has to offer the world.
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is publishing a monthly newsletter you may access online at www.medc.org. Your eyes will be opened to the many success stories in Michigan's industrial, hi-tech, health innovation and agricultural production sectors. Plus you will be able to read about new developments that show promise for future investment and careers.
Reconnect E-Recycling - A Dell / Goodwill Alliance
Since 2004, Goodwill Industries and Dell, Inc. have worked together to responsibly recycle unwanted electronics at no cost to the public. To date, the Reconnect partnership has collected more than 50 million pounds of electronics.
Simply take your unwanted electronics -- any brand, any condition -- to a participating Goodwill store or Goodwill donation drop-off site. Goodwill will refurbish or recycle the equipment, benefiting communities and putting people to work.
In its fifth year, the Reconnect partnership is expanding its reach across the United States, allowing more people to keep their electronics out of landfills. By April 2009, 80 Goodwills will be participating in the Reconnect partnership in 30 U.S. states.
Visit reconnectpartnership.com online to learn more.
We have friends in Chicago.
...and the Michigan tourism department is working hard to bring them here. Millions of dollars have been invested in airing the "Pure Michigan" tv and radio campaign outside of our state. I big concentration of broadcasting this message has been focused on Chicago. Journalist, Mark Brown, for the Chicago Sun Times has written lately on how mesmerizing the ads are and how they suck him into a trance during his morning commute to work. Michigan native, Tim Allen (the familiar voice) backed by a hypnotic piano score, weaves a tale of escape and discovery with every new ad.
I took the time to visit the (puremichigan) video series on youtube.com and was swept away just like Brown explained. Even though I have been there and done that a hundred times, it made me appreciate Michigan all the more. I still enjoy the simple pleasures and beauty of the changing seasons right here in West Michigan.
I think that we need to welcome our Chicago neighbors with wide open arms for several reasons. We do exemplify the lifestyle and experiences that people trapped in this big city long for. We most definitely can use the investment Chicago vacationers make in our county and state when ever they can break away. And we need to draw them into long term commitments for second homes, retirement and establishing a new way of life far from the hustle and bustle.
Not just for our economy's sake, but as a much needed service to our Chicago friends. Let's roll out the red carpet and make a few new midwest friends. We have plentiful resources right here for the pure enjoyment.
Endangered Species List is shrinking.
The Northern American Endangered Species List is shrinking. From salmon to bear and even pelicans. Years of conservation is showing rewarding results. The Bald Eagle is still a protected symbol of our nation but it has made a great comeback all over the USA.
Fewer People Trashing U.S. Roads, Beaches.
Americans are tossing less litter despite the fact that there are more people on the roads. And with many highways adopted by community groups, traveling across our nation has become more of a joy.
Here's To Life.
In Michigan, the abortion rate has declined every year for several years. Many services available to young mothers have helped to make this positive trend a reality.
We Can Breath Easier.
The dramatic reduction in air pollution represents one of the greatest success stories in American government. Most Americans believe air pollution has been getting worse, but the truth is just the opposite: Air pollution levels have been dropping for decades. Since the first Earth Day, emissions from the most common air pollutants have decreased by about half.
Unique Jobs You May Not Know About
(NAPSI)-For people who dream of traveling off the beaten career path, there are many special--and specialized--jobs that may ignite a creative spark. Consider these unique options:
• Mystery shopper. Mystery shoppers are hired to pose as everyday people in order to assess the quality of the company or service they are examining. Mystery shoppers attend events, shop in stores, ask questions, file complaints and talk with employees, all under the guise of being a regular, everyday person--then report back with an evaluation of their experience.
• Foley artist. On a film crew, the foley artist is the person who creates many of the natural, everyday sound effects--most of which are added during postproduction to dialogue and real effects that were picked up by the microphones on set. Many foley artists take pride in devising their own sound effects, often using simple, commonly found materials.
• Fingerprint examiner. In addition to recovering latent fingerprints from evidence and associated debris (think "CSI"), these specialists examine, identify and evaluate latent fingerprint evidence utilizing physical, chemical, microscopic, photographic, computer database, comparative and classification techniques.
• Ice cream taster. The person who lands this dream job ends up providing the final word on what new ice cream flavors are scooped up in the freezer aisle each year. For example, John Harrison, the "Official Taster" for Dreyer's/Edy's Grand Ice Cream, has dipped his golden spoon into more than 200 million gallons of America's favorite frozen snack during his sweet career.
Harrison, who works to make sure the company's ice cream meets the highest quality standard, is also credited with the cool creation of Cookies 'N Cream. It's one of the most popular ice cream flavors he has developed so far.
In 1997, Harrison received the Master Taster of the Year award from the American Tasting Institute. Today, his taste buds are considered such a cool asset that they are insured for $1 million.
Harrison does admit, however, that there are some drawbacks to the job. Similar to wine tasting, he rarely swallows the ice cream--he takes a cool spoonful, swirls it around his mouth, covering all taste buds, smacks his lips to aerate the product, brings the aroma back through his nose, then unceremoniously spits it out.
To learn Harrison's tasting technique and find out more about the coolest job in the world, visit www.icecream.com.
As an ice cream taster, John Harrison gets to sample plenty of America's favorite snack.
