November 2, 2024

Five “Defining Travel Trends” have been identified by Amadeus Hospitality, according to a piece published by Exhibit City News on April 13, 2022.

“According to Amadeus’ Demand360 data, 2022 is showing a significant rise in group travel booking rates. As of March 17, the on-the-books group performance in the US for 2022 already exceeds final group performance for the prior two years, a 122% increase over 2020 and a 50% increase over 2021 ….

The five trends that will define group travel in 2022 are:

1. In 2019, 58 percent of event RFPs were for groups of 50 people or less, which increased to 63 percent in 2022. In addition, the average lead-in time for an RFP has shortened from 223 days in 2019 to 193 days in 2021 ….

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
via Lifeway Research (April 5, 2021)— "Americans Most Want to Avoid Fear and Anxiety, Gain Freedom and Safety," by Aaron Earls: After what was a scary year for many, more Americans say they want to avoid fear. According to a study from Lifeway Research, when asked which feeling they seek to…

– January 2, 2022
Independence Day— via Billy Graham (1970): "I find that there is a certain fear and expected cosmic judgment that hangs over our country at this hour, as the Devine timepiece ticks away. Thomas Jefferson felt this deeply when he said, 'I tremble for my country, when I reflect that God…

– July 4, 2022
Mother's Day— via Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (September 16, 1953): "Sermons – Billy Graham on the Need for Godly Mothers," 13:27-minute audio recording, free online. 'If we had more Christian mothers, we would have less delinquency, less immorality, less ungodliness and fewer broken homes.' Listen to Billy Graham’s Mother’s Day…

– May 9, 2022
via Got Questions (January 4, 2022)— "What is the god of self?" "A god is what we run to when we need validation, help, or encouragement because we believe it has the power to give us what we need. Self is a compelling god because it arises from our deepest…

– August 7, 2022
via Samaritan's Purse— "Samaritan's Purse is operating multiple medical facilities in various parts of Ukraine and providing food and non-food relief items through church partners in both Ukraine and Moldova": Samaritan's Purse continues to provide medical relief to displaced Ukrainians, serving them at our Emergency Field Hospital on the outskirts…

– March 13, 2022
Resurrection Sunday— In anticipation of this day, Reverend Brett Younger of Plymouth Church in Brooklyn New York recently wrote, "... people in the United States will wish Easter felt like it did three years ago. They will put on new shoes and wonder if .... On Easter Sunday, people in…

– April 17, 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

Christmas full moon over Saline First United Methodist Church - Saline.

Plan Ahead to Photograph a Full Moon on Special Occasions

December 26, 2015

This is a view of the full moon that blessed Saline skies last night in the waning hours of Christmas Day. [1] Appropriately, it was taken looking across the steeple high atop First United Methodist Church in the City of Saline. [2] According to the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the last time a full moon appeared on Christmas Day was in 1977 — almost 40 years ago. But you only need wait ....

Recently Driven to “Saline Cars & Coffee” at Brewed Awakenings: 1963 Studebaker Gran Turismo Super Hawk

June 6, 2018

Thirty-three years ago, his father asked: “What are you getting that for? Why don’t you get a Camaro?” [1] “Because everybody’s got a Camaro,” John Begian answered at the time. In 1963, only forty-eight Studebaker GT models were made in this configuration, Mr Begian told Saline Journal last week during the regular “Saline Cars & Coffee” get together at Brewed Awakenings. “The Gran Turismo Hawk was called the ‘Super Hawk’ because it had the high ....

Larger community logistics planning is needed to help local businesses survive protracted COVID-19 infection curve

March 19, 2020

On Monday, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed an Executive Order that closed numerous “places of public accommodation” in support of “precautions to mitigate potential transmission of COVID-19, including social distancing.” [1-8] Although its restrictions are set to expire on March 30, an increasing number of experts believe such measures will need to remain in place much longer. Much, much longer. [9] As somewhat of an offset, Executive Order 2020-9 “does not restrict a place of business ....

If You Thought Dinosaurs Ruled Movie Season Last June, You’ll Need A Return Ticket to “Jurassic Park” In September

August 27, 2018

Next month, Emagine Theatre in Saline will invite your return to Jurassic Park. This is the original motion picture that started all that has followed. The 1993 epic will show courtesy of Fathom Events on three dates. [1,2,3] September 16 (Sunday), with showings starting at 2:00pm and 7:00pm September 18 (Tuesday), with showing starting at 7:00pm September 19 (Wednesday), with showings starting at 7:00pm Plot summary by Paul Brenner, from Rotten Tomatoes: Steven Spielberg’s phenomenally ....

Imagine Seeing Rentschler Farm Museum through the Eyes of a Child During Your Next Visit, Part 2

June 8, 2018

Two weeks ago, many Saline Journal readers took a step outside their comfort zones as they approached Rentschler Farm Museum. For some perhaps, a small step. For others it felt more like a leap. [1,2,3] We imagined what it must have felt like for local grade school children to speak with local volunteers of our Saline Area Historical Society in-character as residents of this homestead circa 1930. Like any polite guests, they started out in ....