Monday, January 9, 2012
Citizen petition drive to get legalization on November ballot expected to start while Michigan Supreme Court hears medicinal cases. What do you think about legalization of marijuana?
The push to make Michigan one of the first states in the nation to decriminalize use, possession, and delivery of marijuana could begin in earnest this week with a petition drive to amend the state constitution. The drive by the Committee for Safer Michigan will need to collect 322,609 signatures by July 9 to put the question of whether Michigan residents 21 and older can legally smoke marijuana on the November ballot, the Detroit News reported. The petition kickoff coincides with a question before the Michigan Supreme Court, which is scheduled this week to consider two cases with local ties related to the state's medical marijuana law. On Dec. 1, 2010, the ACLU — on behalf of Birmingham residents Robert and Linda Lott — sued Bloomfield …
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
The National Transportation Safety Board recommended Tuesday a ban against most portable electronic devices for those behind the wheel. What do you think?
The National Transportation Safety Board is seeking a first-ever nationwide ban of personal electronic devices for drivers, according to a news release published Tuesday. This would even include hands-free cellphones. "According to NHTSA, more than 3,000 people lost their lives last year in distraction-related accidents," said Chairman Deborah A.P. Hersman in the release. "It is time for all of us to stand up for safety by turning off electronic devices when driving. "No call, no text, no update, is worth a human life." The recommendation — which is nonbinding and leaves it up to each state to decide — was announced the same day the board discussed an August 2010 multiple vehicle crash blamed on texting that involved a school bus on I-44 …
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Does political talk go well with turkey, dressing and pumpkin pie? Or does it just make for a dyspeptic holiday?
- OPINION
-
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
As you celebrate the Thanksgiving Day holiday this year, consider the the following. The next time you do so, the 2012 presidential election campaign will have just ended. So for those inclined to campaign at the Thanksgiving table, 2011 is it. But is that a good idea? Stories of political arguments ruining holiday gatherings are the stuff of many family legends. Whether you are host or guest, do you favor or dread political conversation over Thanksgiving Dinner? Let us know by voting in our poll and sharing your experiences and your advice here.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Traveling down the bumpy (er, lumpy) road of whipping up perfect mashed potatoes.
To catch up on Megan Swoyer's first seven steps of the “turkey day” planning process, read the full series. “Megan said she’s doing the potatoes.” That’s what I heard upon entering my parents’ house one Thanksgiving a couple decades ago. There was a whirlwind of activity in the kitchen as I carried in a few sticks of butter and a bagful of potatoes, plopping them on the counter. “I’m here, no fear!” I told my mom and siblings as I took off my coat and got right to the task of potato peeling. No one paid much attention to me, until … I pulled out my huge, beat-up Betty Crocker Cookbook. “What’s that for?” Mom asked. “I know, weird," I said. "But, I want to be sure I do them right.” “Do what right? The mashed potatoes?” she asked. The …
Friday, November 18, 2011
Data shows $900 of the money comes from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.
State Sen. Joe Hune — whose district includes the Brighton and Hartland areas — received more than $1,900 in the form of free meals from lobbyists, ranking him the third highest in the state, according to an article in the Livingston County Daily Press & Argus. The newspaper reported more $900 came from the nonprofit health giant Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Hune, R-Hamburg Township, is the chairman of the Senate Insurance Committee and has opposed a push to make Blue Cross a for-profit. A Hune staffer defended the meals, saying the lawmaker has a busy schedule and people often meet while eating. State Rep. Bill Rogers, R-Brighton, accepted $237 while State Rep. Cindy Denby, R-Handy Township, took none, the paper reported. The Press…
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Despite more than 50,000 online signatures, the Canadian band was officially named the featured entertainment.
The Detroit Lions play the Chicago Bears at 4:15 p.m. Sunday, but what's been the talk of the town during the bye-week? That honor goes to University of Michigan grad student Dennis Guttman and his online petition to ask the Lions to stop Nickelback from performing as halftime entertainment for the Nov. 24 Thanksgiving game. Besides bashing the band, the petition calls for a Detroit-area act to perform. But alas, the Lions made the move official late last week — even after the petition collected more than 50,000 signatures and as the story garnered plenty of national attention including as the Daily Show's Moment of Zen on Tuesday. Guttman told AnnArbor.com he never believed his petition would generate so much attention. “I’m shocked. I …
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Eight candidates sparred at Oakland University on Wednesday. How do you think they did?
Did you watch the GOP presidential candidates debate Wednesday night or follow along on social media or our live blog at http://patch.com/A-n8hk? Who do you think came out on top? Please answer our poll and comment below. > Complete coverage of the GOP debate at Oakland University
James Ver Wys
4:59 pm on Tuesday, February 26, 2013
"Opponents, however, argue decriminalizing marijuana is a mistake and won't help Michigan's most pressing problem – the economy." So the opposing side chooses money over what is right or wrong?! That's crazy! more ›