June 23, 2026

Just for fun: How would it have looked if John Travolta had played Forrest Gump? See the deep fake on YouTube in preparation for heading out to Novi Michigan Emagine Theatre “drive-in” for the real movie tonight.

“John Travolta is Forrest Gump [DeepFake]” Shamook (June 12, 2020) YouTube.

re United States Supreme Court decision in Carson v Makin— Lifeway Christian Resources referenced Article 12 of the Southern Baptist Faith and Message, which "deals specifically and uniquely with the topic of education. ... our confessional statement affirms, Christianity is the faith of enlightenment and intelligence. As we shall see, one…

– June 21, 2022
via Baptist Beacon (April 1, 2022)— "Called: Living the life God created you to live," by Karen Blanchard, women's life group leader with Lakepointe Church in Shelby Township, Michigan: The words “called” and “purpose” are buzzwords in our culture today. People are constantly searching to find their calling and purpose…

– May 1, 2022
via Center for Faith and Culture (January 10, 2022)— "How Christians Can Prepare for the US Supreme Court's Monumental Abortion Ruling," by Jessica Prol Smith, fifteen-year public policy write-in Cumberland, Maryland: "Know your audience and seek to win hearts, not just minds .... Christians believe that every image-bearer — born…

– June 26, 2022
via Baptist Beacon (June 1, 2022)— "A small church serves as a large witness in the wake of Taylor tornado," by Mike Durbin, State Evangelism Director for the Baptist State Convention of Michigan: An EF3 tornado ripped through Gaylord tragically taking the lives of two people and injuring more than…

– June 5, 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
Ascension Day— via Christianity: "Ascension Day celebrates Christ's exaltation. While on earth, He was a servant. Now in heaven, He is the ruler and Lord of all. By entering heaven as the representative of mankind, He completed the work of our salvation and guarantees the eventual glorification of all who…

– May 26, 2022
via Lifeway Research (December 28, 2021)— "New Year's Resolutions Focus on Health, God and Money," by Aaron Earls: After a season in which avoiding sickness was on most everyone’s mind, many Americans say their New Year’s resolutions address their health .... As people contemplate their 2022 resolutions, more than 2 in…

– January 23, 2022
re United States Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v Jackson Women's Health Organization— On May 3, 2022, Heather Riggleman addressed the question "What Does the Bible Say about Abortion?" on Christianity website. "Every year, over three million women ... in the US will face an unplanned pregnancy and of those pregnancies,…

– June 24, 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

"Ruckman" family monument in Oak Wood Cemetery, City of Saline, Michigan

You Should Get to Know former Saline Resident Webster Ruckman at Some Point in Your Memorial Day Schedule

May 28, 2018

Early this morning the sun also came up over the old section of Oak Wood Cemetery. That has surely been the case for the past 156 years, with or without parades, even before there was a Memorial Day. [1] Literally off the beaten path, on a bit of a hill, and with so many grave stones losing luster, some may ask if this area is relevant Saline history on this day. [2] If so, why—? ....

Ahtra Elnashar of Fox 17 West Michigan, interviewing Donald Trump Jr

Donald Trump Jr provided a different view in face of “fake news” narrative during ad hoc press appearance in Michigan

March 30, 2019

On March 21, The Telegraph took on the daunting task of defining exactly what constitutes “fake news” and how one might go about spotting it. [1] Merely a consequence of ubiquitous social media? Don’t count on it. Last May, Smithsonian Magazine laid out a history holding that it has “been a part of the conversation as far back as the birth of the free press.” Indeed, this is one of the fundamental precepts in journalism. ....

John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John Musical “Grease” to Play Select Dates at Emagine

April 4, 2018

As part of the Fathom Events initiative, the original 1978 movie Grease will be shown by limited return engagement at Emagine Theatre in Saline. [1,2,3] April 8 (Sunday), with shows starting at 2:00pm and 7:00pm April 11 (Wednesday), with shows starting at 2:00pm and 7:00pm April 14 (Saturday), with show at 2:00pm Plot summary on IMDb: “Good girl Sandy and greaser Danny fell in love over the summer. When they unexpectedly discover they’re now in ....

It’s Important to Understand What Being a “Smart City” Means to Saline, Part 1

April 12, 2018

Look in on any given city council meeting and it can sometimes appear that local government is largely about reaction, big picture understanding illusive. It’s hard to imagine that employees and elected officials on their own side of the microphones don’t often share that sentiment. Maybe even more so. What issues will cities like Saline be facing one, five, and ten years from now? What options will they have to answer challenges and leverage opportunties? ....

Today Is “Flag Day” In The United States, And It Is An Anniversary As Well As A Vital Touchstone for All Americans

June 14, 2018

To those who wonder if “Flag Day” is an official recognition, the answer is an unambiguous yes. [1] June 14 is the date in 1777 when the Continental Congress passed its resolution that established the official flag of the United States of America. If that strikes you as a bit late in our history, it was. At the outset of the American Revolution, colonists “fought mainly under unit or regimental flags.” This is also a good ....