December 22, 2024

United States Department of Commerce has reported that retail sales “jumped 5.3% in January” 2021. “Excluding autos, sales rose 5.9 percent.

That also topped expectations for a rise of just one percent. Excluding gasoline and autos, retail sales rose 6.1 percent, far outpacing the 0.5 percent expected gains.

The control group retail sales — which is used to calculate GDP — rose 6.1 percent ….

Read more on “Retail Sales Surge Higher” by John Carney, today at Breitbart.

via Baptist Beacon (February 2, 2022)— "Treasures in the darkness," by Karen Blanchard, women's life group leader with Lakepointe Church in Shelby Township, Michigan: Having been in this pandemic for two years now, we face days that seem uncertain and difficult to navigate. Yet through all the darkness and confusion,…

– March 6, 2022
via Baptist Beacon (February 2, 2022)— "The difference in knowing and loving," by Mike Durbin, State Evangelism Director for the Baptist State Convention of Michigan, re Famed jeweler Harry Winston: A customer entered Winston’s store in New York City to buy a special diamond. One of his salesmen, his most knowledgeable…

– February 13, 2022
via Lifeway Research (April 6, 2021)— "Americans' Views of Life's Meaning and Purpose Are Changing," by Aaron Earls: As Americans attempt to move past the life-altering effects of 2020, their perspective is shifting on some of the most significant questions facing humanity. [Compared] to a decade ago, U.S. adults today are…

– January 9, 2022
via Samaritan's Purse (March 28, 2022)— "Franklin Graham Meets with Samaritan's Purse Team in Ukraine": Work continues as fighting rages in eastern Europe. Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse, traveled to Ukraine this past weekend to meet with our teams who have been at work there since the early stages…

– April 3, 2022
via Baptist Beacon (February 2, 2022)— "Words without wisdom," by Coye L Bouyer, founding pastor of Kingdom Life Church, in Lansing, Michigan: A life-giving tongue creates a positive environment, and even brings joy to a community. However, too often many of us choose conversation that is callous and criticizes as opposed…

– February 27, 2022
via Lifeway Research (September 1, 2021)— "Most Americans Know and Trust Their Neighbors," by Aaron Earls: Despite quarantines and social distancing keeping people in their homes during the pandemic, Americans still say they know their neighbors. Almost 7 in 10 U.S. adults (68%) say they trust the people who live in…

– January 17, 2022
via Baptist Beacon (April 1, 2022)— "Fusion Camp for 2nd-6th graders," by Rachel LaBelle, Resurrection Church, Lincoln Park Michigan: ... At camp, we get a short window to replace the busyness of their daily lives and invite them to a safe place where they can focus on Christ. Some would…

– April 24, 2022
via Got Questions (December 26, 2018)— "How is Satan god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4)": "The phrase 'god of this world' (or 'god of this age') indicates that Satan is the major influence on the ideals, opinions, goals, hopes and views of the majority of people. His influence also…

– July 3, 2022
National Day of Prayer— "How to Pray for America," via National Day of Prayer: Why pray for America? God is sovereign and nothing comes as a surprise to Him. Whether we face fluctuating economics, threats from abroad, unrest at home, or other troubling circumstances, our Heavenly Father is not caught…

– May 5, 2022

New corporate video takes time to explain how Emagine Entertainment serves in communities of which it is a part

May 8, 2019

People in this community often say that they feel they’ve come to know Paul Glantz personally — even if they’ve never met him. [1-4] Sure, there’s a life-size cardboard cutout of his likeness in every Emagine Theatre lobby to indulge if not encourage I was here! patron selfies. He appears in on-screen videos wherever practical to remind audiences to silence their cell phones and pages before the features start. [5] Who could forget “Emaginator”? “Em$gine Four”? ....

Dr Bill Pink, Grand Rapids Community College President

Mackinac Policy Conference 2019, Part 2: Michigan is getting serious about its education crisis – with solid plans to correct it

May 30, 2019

The topic of “education” did not come up generally or gently on the first full day of programming at the Mackinac Policy Conference. In fact, it started with a 9:00am session, held before a capacity-plus audience in one of the Grand Hotel pavilion rooms, introduced by a self-described “angry” City of Detroit Arts and Culture Director Rochelle Riley. [1-3] Modering a panel titled “An Equitable Start: Aligning Early Childhood and K-12 Systems to Maximize Impact,” ....

Book review: “Unfreedom of the Press” sets stage for necessary discussion of integrity in journalism, “objective” media

August 14, 2019

This scholarly examination of journalism in history and function is currently in its twelfth week on the 2019 New York Times Best Seller List. [1-4] Its title is a play on Amendment I to the United States Constitution, prohibiting any law by our Congress that would abridge freedom of the press. In titling his book Unfreedom of the Press, author Mark R Levin has not only cast a take on modern media in opposition to ....

Saline Mayor Marl, Washtenaw County Commissioner Beeman talked priorities, concerns during “Coffee Hour”

December 14, 2019

As the last Coffee Hour of 2019, the discussions that came over the course of ninety minutes inside City Council Chambers this morning had more of a “highlights real” feel than seems common in other months, other places. This get-together was hosted by our Mayor, Brian Marl, joined by Shannon Beeman, Washtenaw County Commissioner for District 3, as had been previously announced. His brief introduction of her was effusive, with pointed emphasis of the value ....

An Original James Bond Watch Was Displayed in Ann Arbor Last Month

December 3, 2011

Truly unique wristwatches, distinguished by the individual stories behind them, attract increasing collector attention. There’s a National Watch & Clock Museum dedicated to such things in Pennsylvania, housing the largest collection of timepieces outside of Switzerland. Three years ago, its special exhibit of watches worn by U.S. Presidents commanded some of the largest visitor numbers it had ever seen. [1,2] Outside of this world, it’s been more than four decades since the first moon landing. ....