tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-150127312012-01-26T12:53:46.115-05:00Great Lakes GuyAndy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comBlogger6421100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-8220358484409214122012-01-26T07:54:00.003-05:002012-01-26T12:53:46.122-05:00The vision for the new MichiganThe Business Leaders for Michigan earlier this week introduced their 2012 Turnaround Plan. Get past the excessively dramatic musical score in this video overview and it sounds to me like their message drops the needle on the record.
Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-62443617512279239362012-01-16T07:13:00.005-05:002012-01-16T11:29:37.750-05:00How younger people in Toronto see transitGood commentary from next gen Toronto thought leadership on the state and future of the city's transit-building movement. Derek Flack at BlogTO offers a little more reflection.
Hat tip to My City Lives for producing the vid.Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-3470634682518999512012-01-12T07:34:00.000-05:002012-01-12T09:59:50.722-05:00Framing Michigan's energy debateA coalition of advocates for energy innovation in Michigan is pushing a proposal to raise the state's renewable energy goal from 10 to 25 percent by 2025, the Detroit Free Press reports. The article also reveals an interesting choice of messenger to lead the charge:
"This initiative will ultimately save lives by giving Michigan cleaner and healthier air and water, reducing asthma and lung Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-1449079667355223662012-01-09T07:19:00.000-05:002012-01-09T10:19:22.963-05:00Toronto: Balanced and BolderCouncillor Peter Milczyn issued a research paper (PDF) to inform bolder and more creative planning for the future of the City of Toronto. The Concillor believes his city lags behind such global cities as London, New York, Singapore, San Francisco and Melbourne. A sample of the recommendations intended to help Toronto keep pace:
Transform active thoroughfares to car-free pedestrian boulevards, Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-1567763847730150752012-01-06T22:40:00.000-05:002012-01-07T10:41:14.054-05:00Charlie freakin LeDuff...Wipe Out Detroit City Government Waste? Start with the TP: MyFoxDETROIT.comAndy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-16039370193868523192012-01-03T07:03:00.001-05:002012-01-03T09:18:37.751-05:00New plan for downtown MinneapolisThe Minneapolis Downtown Council has a new 13-year, estimated $2 billion plan of action to build a "flourishing 21st century city."
Double downtown population
Transform Nicollet Mall into a must-see destination
Build Gateway Park
Create a consistently compelling downtown experience
Establish a downtown sports district that includes a new Vikings stadium
Lead the nation in transportation options
Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-3170739349436254352011-12-28T21:52:00.007-05:002011-12-31T15:57:31.357-05:00Tark Talks new Vikings stadiumNevermind for a moment the decision about in-city or suburban stadium. (Too bad the Vikings so overtly wanna sprawl.) Let's think on facility design. According to one former Minnesota Vikings QB, an open-air stadium embodies "the culture of Minnesota."
The public opinion poll reveals Twin Citians support outdoor football too.
Detroit, never too early/late to retrofit domed Ford Field.Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-34513231725085636852011-12-23T07:21:00.017-05:002011-12-30T13:35:59.117-05:00Detroit's central problem is structuralMI Gov Rick Snyder reminds us Detroit's financial crisis is chronic. Time for a new approach, he says, to foster long-term change, end the cycle and focus on positive forward action.
Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-62857271400439629242011-12-19T20:11:00.011-05:002011-12-29T20:29:05.242-05:0060 Minutes went to Cleveland...... for an investigative report on housing crisis craziness.
Brutal WebExtra on What's Next for ClevelandAndy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-31710149928269702302011-10-18T14:04:00.007-04:002011-12-30T14:48:35.459-05:00Where there's hope...Historian Kevin Boyle and Changing Gears compiled an abridged history of supposed Midwest magic bullets, "those quick tickets to jobs and economic prosperity."
Seize on one key industry to grow (detroit = automobile)
Build shiny new landmark (Flint = AutoWorld)
The great event (Chicago = Olympics)
Urban renewal
Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-43302351335188888592011-10-11T20:33:00.003-04:002012-01-06T06:11:22.537-05:00Are you ready for some ...Barry Sanders! ESPN had the former running back intro Monday Night Football with a statement about the Lions and the City of Detroit.
Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-39840052670430272552011-10-03T06:13:00.009-04:002011-10-03T06:13:00.694-04:00Resetting the Cleveland waterfrontIn an interview with Civic Commons, Cleveland Plain Dealer Architecture Critic Steven Litt explains the hope for a new day on the Cleveland waterfront...
"For the first time in recent history, the Port [Authority] is accepting responsibility not only for the lakefront but for the river, and realizing that the positive forces of economic development in The Flats can't be unleashed until the big Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-20622001690113257752011-09-30T20:57:00.014-04:002011-12-29T21:18:41.674-05:00How to put young people to work?Minnesota Public Radio put the question to Harvard's David Gergen and Duke's William Darity this morning. Good dialogue:
Informative live chat discussion logged here.Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-90094239845846285752011-09-26T07:57:00.007-04:002011-12-30T13:36:31.143-05:0050P1Q in Second City
via Brand NuaAndy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-39473482146739884072011-09-23T09:16:00.001-04:002011-09-26T08:33:47.605-04:00Kasich's Energy SermonOhio Governor John Kasich preaches at his energy summit, and Ken Paulman of Midwest Energy News provides the comedic commentary.
Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-81549535678752848052011-09-23T08:58:00.005-04:002011-12-30T13:36:59.925-05:00Jon Stewart interviews Fmr MI Gov GranholmThe Daily Show with Jon Stewart
Get More: Daily Show Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,The Daily Show on Facebook
Extended interview ... Part 2
Extended interview ... Part 3Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-75825172622803735982011-09-21T11:14:00.000-04:002011-09-25T11:15:10.675-04:00Did Boehner call Uncle Sam a Coke Head?The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
Get More: Daily Show Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,The Daily Show on FacebookAndy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-38008276670886377252011-08-30T11:45:00.000-04:002011-08-30T11:45:14.865-04:00Chicago 2012 budget ideas word cloud
via Chicagobudget.orgAndy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-9073505893564638082011-08-29T21:50:00.001-04:002011-12-29T22:02:20.367-05:00Wisconsin's new front doorMilwaukee unveiled a long range plan (pdf) to rebuild its downtown lakefront. Parks Director Sue Black captures the aspirational nature of the work:
In planning for the future of the lakefront we have a tremendous opportunity to do something spectacular for the State of Wisconsin, for Milwaukee County, and for the City of Milwaukee - but most importantly for our citizens and visitors to this Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-43335799647020411112011-07-15T20:34:00.001-04:002011-12-29T20:39:54.315-05:00Short doc on riding bikes in DetroitBy Alex Gallegos
Detroit Bike City from Alex Gallegos on Vimeo.Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-27195709074126835762011-06-22T09:08:00.001-04:002011-12-30T13:37:58.998-05:00All around the region same songPBS interviews architect Reed Korloff for a segment on shrinking Detroit
Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-24261610069304430212011-06-16T09:54:00.001-04:002011-06-22T09:08:56.113-04:00Chicago's next great parkAndy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-83632118429461947292011-04-28T22:11:00.004-04:002011-04-28T22:32:45.054-04:00New Study: More transit in Wisconsin is a no brainerWisconsin Radio Network has the story.
Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-57452524641603012212011-03-08T11:47:00.000-05:002011-03-08T11:47:41.775-05:00Run it up the middleAndy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-60191551246311418432011-02-19T00:29:00.002-05:002011-02-19T00:30:49.868-05:00Cuyahoga River plan for Cleveland FlatsAndy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-87594194142635084002011-02-18T19:31:00.000-05:002011-02-18T19:31:53.437-05:00Michigan's refreshing Rick SnyderExcerpts of the Governor's discussion with the Detroit Free Press about his budget proposal and philosophy.
Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-60328254449052495202011-02-17T23:23:00.002-05:002011-02-19T10:26:39.001-05:00Quality bus token from Moline-Rock Island
(via The Nesting Nomad)Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-68085366075321682042011-02-17T20:14:00.001-05:002011-02-19T10:27:20.073-05:0013,000 angry union fans...... piled into the Wisconsin Capitol building to holler about Gov. Scott Walker's proposed budget, which would reduce public worker pay and bargaining power. Wisconsin is some $3.6 billion in the hole for the 2011-13 budget.
Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-22534171815420577422011-02-15T19:48:00.007-05:002011-02-18T20:01:53.653-05:00With imagination we'll get thereMike Madison pinpoints a Rust Belt reinvention challenge tougher to solve than the rust:
What holds the Rust Belt back, perhaps necessarily and inevitably, isn’t really the challenge of clearing brownfields and attracting new firms and residents. It is the challenge of history and culture that frames how one can imagine the future. Rust Belt chic is hip, to be sure, but it’s also all we’ve got, Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-20090469007043320562011-02-10T22:42:00.000-05:002011-02-10T22:42:19.404-05:00Tweet of the week@mayordavebingMayor Dave Bing@MT There are not any plans to erect a statue to Robocop. Thank you for the suggestion.7 Feb via TweetDeck Favorite Retweet ReplyAndy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-12239545358930969992011-02-10T22:17:00.001-05:002011-02-10T22:23:21.216-05:00Tough times TorontoIronically, Mio Pupazzo's rant against biking appears on Toronto's MetroActive network. It all reminds me of these hilariously ridiculous clips of the city's now Mayor Rob Ford.
Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-6264932561869394232011-02-10T20:17:00.000-05:002011-02-10T20:17:38.847-05:00Minneapolis Riverfront Design Competition winner is...Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-56556027266858247512011-02-08T08:38:00.000-05:002011-02-08T08:38:04.172-05:00City talkDavid Brooks writes about the Splendor of Cities from Chicago's mayoral campaign trail:
Chicago has its problems: it suffers under one of the biggest debt loads in the country. But it has thrived because it has had good leadership, a constantly updated housing stock, a good business environment and an ethos that attracts talent and celebrates blunt conversation.Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-31227927997292550242011-02-07T11:42:00.000-05:002011-02-07T11:42:45.256-05:00Hottest fires make the hardest steelPlenty of good ads during the Rust Belt Bowl yesterday. If you're bullish about the rise of Michigan and the greater Great Lakes region, this was the best one...
Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-82577537801672223982011-01-31T15:14:00.000-05:002011-01-31T15:14:10.088-05:00Sherbourne Common opens the iceDon't mean to crib content from Christopher Hume today. But this is an informative update from the Toronto waterfront.
Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-1429048929247704232011-01-31T11:19:00.000-05:002011-01-31T11:19:45.526-05:00Ridding Toronto of transitThe opening statement of Christopher Hume's latest column on the break down of Toronto's transit debate:
By now, Toronto’s transit failure is all but complete. Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-66978392152558815542011-01-31T10:45:00.000-05:002011-01-31T10:45:48.053-05:00Read the MidwestAnna Clark highlights 13 stand out books that capture "the sense of place in the mythic Midwest." Novelist Kurt Vonnegut, born and raised in Indy, helps explain the connection:
All my jokes are Indianapolis. All my attitudes are Indianapolis. My adenoids are Indianapolis. If I ever severed myself from Indianapolis, I would be out of business. What people like about me is Indianapolis.Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-45992004270427319682011-01-27T22:54:00.004-05:002011-01-28T09:12:20.685-05:00Lansing don't want none of that regional tyrannyThe city mayor called for a committee to study what that regionalism thing is all about. After reading that news the village idiot typed the comment below. Notice another 5 "recommend."
MikeSears wrote:All this is going to do is increase the size and scope of government, give the people fewer choices, raise taxes, fees and fines, and create more regulations. In short, one step closer to Tyranny.Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-37679916040061483732011-01-26T09:38:00.000-05:002011-01-26T09:38:13.525-05:00Rochester, MN frames the future for downtownThe City of Rochester recently adopted a new downtown master plan. The design principles, which are quickly becoming universal across forward-looking Great Lakes metros, express the city's aspiration:
Create a vibrant, economically healthy downtown that is walkable, livable and promotes human interaction
Create strong connections between major activity centers including the central business Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-80719693237247278542011-01-25T22:58:00.005-05:002011-01-27T22:56:39.549-05:00Beginnings of a bid to become the Republican challengerPitch an agenda to crush government unions.
Publish (and sell) An American Story.
Do a YouTube...
Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-81805930468433695272011-01-25T13:22:00.000-05:002011-01-25T13:56:01.630-05:00What's wrong with ruin rubberneckingNoreen Malone makes The Case Against Ruin Porn.
By presenting Detroit, and other hurting cities like it, as places beyond repair, [ruin porn pics] in fact quash any such instinct. Looked at as a piece of art, they're arresting, compelling, haunting ... but not galvanizing. Our brains mentally file these scenes next to Pompeii rather than a thriving metropolis like Chicago, say, or even Columbus.Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-59196660024850326912011-01-25T09:06:00.000-05:002011-01-25T09:06:59.197-05:00Measuring open-mindedness across the Great LakesUsing an interesting methodology that assigns points to incidence of hate crimes, frequency of discrimination complaints, popular support for gay marriage and other relevant measures, The Daily Beast ranks each of the United States on the tolerance scale. Here's how the Great Lakes region scores:
1. Wisconsin
3. Illinois
4. Pennsylvania
7. Minnesota
17. New York
30. Michigan
33. Indiana
46. Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-38136380523577462672011-01-24T11:20:00.000-05:002011-01-24T11:20:26.430-05:00Chicago's next green moveYou can see by the Q&A exchange captured in the Green Growth Platform for Chicago's Next Mayor why some say the city's sustainability campaign is a public relations fraud.
I'm not that cynical. But clearly the city's journey to become "the greenest in America" remains in its infancy.
Chicago has yet to deploy basic recycling to all homes. The city struggles to demonstrate any real leadership onAndy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-72086725876958786982011-01-21T13:29:00.001-05:002011-01-22T09:17:29.966-05:00Time to redesign Twin Cities' transit governanceThe Twin Cities region has spent $1.7 billion on capital transit projects since 2004. These include rapid bus, commuter- and light- rail service. But the Metro Council, the primary transit provider, lacks credibility and accountability on mobility issues, according to a new report from Minnesota's Office of the Legislative Auditor. Other key findings - many of which could easily apply to metros Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-72720922507808016392011-01-21T12:55:00.003-05:002011-02-19T00:32:58.245-05:00Will Cleveland's Medical Mart exemplify good urbanismHard to tell from the latest rendering of the facility, which is now under construction. Steven Litt gently wonders if the ultimate design will give rise to a great civic building that anchors a great civic space.
Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-36162407105187625562011-01-20T13:30:00.000-05:002011-01-20T13:30:01.007-05:00Toronto transit rapAndy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-56563147073171865402011-01-20T10:50:00.006-05:002011-01-20T12:37:26.244-05:00President Kennedy at the Michigan UnionFifty years ago today President John Kennedy delivered his only inaugural address. Three months before that he spoke on the University of Michigan campus about an idea that ultimately would become the United States Peace Corps. Listen to the crowd razz him after the "go to bed" comment.
Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-58203718643536230582011-01-20T08:04:00.007-05:002011-02-19T00:33:18.822-05:00Milwaukee River planThe Milwaukee Common Council formally adopted the Milwaukee River Greenway River Master Plan: A Vision for Recreation and Restoration. Here is the plan in PDF.
Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-73641116625037939652011-01-19T09:04:00.000-05:002011-01-19T09:04:25.214-05:00Greater Great Lakes gaining talentOver at The Atlantic, Richard Florida concludes his latest column with some good news:
One of the subtler and perhaps more important trends brought on by the Great Reset is the improved and improving performance of older Rustbelt metros from Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Buffalo to Milwaukee and St. Louis, which appear to have turned the tide in terms of their ability to attract and retain young Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-16842466452034408962011-01-18T11:00:00.000-05:002011-01-19T20:34:24.131-05:00Bizzaro energy politics in MichiganThe left-leaning Center for American Progress has high hopes for the energy platform of Michigan's new Republican governor.
The 2010 midterm elections ushered dozens of new climate science deniers into state houses and the U.S. Capitol. Michigan may buck this trend, however. Freshly inaugurated Gov. Rick Snyder supported clean energy policies during last year’s race. Michigan could turn out to beAndy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-27359245874431502832011-01-17T13:32:00.001-05:002011-01-19T20:47:28.543-05:00Kasich's compensation kerfufflePlunderbund is all over Ohio Governor Kasich for "inflated" staff salaries. His chief of staff, among others, certainly will collect a nice check. The political blog questions the Governor's shaky rationale for the salaries.
One more important question though is will performance match the pay. There's plenty of work to do rebuilding Ohio and positioning the state for 21st century prosperity. Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-70011951628730023782011-01-17T11:08:00.001-05:002011-01-17T12:08:20.027-05:00When King came to DetroitBefore The Speech, Dr. Martin Luther King rehearsed after marching on Woodward Avenue.
Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-21361955591958087142011-01-10T15:52:00.001-05:002011-01-10T15:53:11.062-05:00Does Toronto care about its historyKenneth Kidd doesn't pull any punches in his feature about Toronto's surprising lack of concern for preserving historic buildings, and he delivers the blows backed by a forceful quote from a local developer.
There is probably no other western metropolis of the size and stature of Toronto that has less collective interest in its heritage and, until recently, less admiration for the finest Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-62285613628113387302011-01-10T14:45:00.001-05:002011-01-10T14:51:14.153-05:00Detroit comings and goingsArtist Jennifer Quigley tells the Detroit Free Press that "people who want art and culture are gravitating [to Detroit]."
But a story by Ben Schmitt, interestingly a former Detroit Free Press reporter now living in Pittsburgh, illustrates that people who want a family are sometimes repelled.
When I heard my daughters' screams that evening, I knew I was gone. No more compromises.Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-91066606800646754412011-01-10T09:19:00.021-05:002011-01-10T11:48:34.849-05:00For now, Great Lakes power is not waningThe census revealed the Rust Belt is losing people, which ultimately translates to less political clout. But George Will reports that, for the moment, the region's influence is ascendant in the nation's Capitol.
Michigan's power is waxing in Washington, with Upton's boon companion Dave Camp, chairman of the tax-writing Ways and Means Committee. They are part of a Midwestern ascendancy in the Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-23763638147705730002011-01-07T09:53:00.001-05:002011-01-07T09:53:00.321-05:00Milwaukee's Mad Man MichaelsBobby Tanzilo's OnMilwaukee column about streetcar nostalgia turned me on to disc jockey Mad Man Michaels. They certainly don't tell stories on the radio like they used to.
Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-86954998229222560172011-01-07T05:03:00.000-05:002011-01-07T08:48:53.403-05:00Shameless in ChicagoStarts Sunday.
Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-66061666486840118092011-01-06T15:55:00.000-05:002011-01-06T15:55:03.248-05:00DNA survelliance on the Asian CarpIn a paper published in the journal of the Society for Conservation Biology, a team of scientists describe the fascinating ability to scoop a water sample from, say, a lake or river, take it back to the lab, wade through all the swimming genetic schmutz and determine what kind of critters lurk. The process already has detected the Asian Carp closer to the Great Lakes than previously thought. DaaaAndy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-28831692538923740022011-01-05T08:36:00.000-05:002011-01-05T08:36:07.841-05:00Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker's inaugural address
Here's the transcript.Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-36017187387162184872011-01-04T14:15:00.004-05:002011-01-04T23:03:09.172-05:00Why is Illinois so corruptShane Tritsch isn't the first to ask the question. (Politico, for one, did awhile back) But his thorough investigative piece in Chicago magazine relays a reasonable array of factors that inform the answer. Apparently the graft really started to get thick with Bathhouse John Coughlin and Hinky Dink Kenna in 1869. All downhill from there:
Over the past 40 years, about 1,500 people—including 30 Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-60074031216017511562011-01-04T06:09:00.001-05:002011-01-04T06:09:00.832-05:00Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton's inaugural addressAndy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-53448237245183620582011-01-03T13:51:00.005-05:002011-01-03T13:51:00.305-05:00In hindsight, Jim Doyle's transit agenda was whackCharlie Rosenberg explains his view of how former Governor Jim Doyle failed to advance modern mobility policy in Wisconsin:
Looking back, Doyle's administration took isolated, tentative, steps that went nowhere, casually discarded concrete measures that could have been critical building blocks, failed to work with even members of his own party in the legislature, and never made clear to voters Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-68209158025953677572011-01-03T10:52:00.013-05:002011-01-03T11:22:08.238-05:00Bankruptcy pleaseCity of Hamtramck Manager William Cooper's money quote was first reported last Monday in the NY Times. Then the paper recycled his determined fightin words in the popular 'Chatter' sidebar of yesterday's business section.
We're going to pursue bankruptcy until the door is shut, locked, barricaded and bolted.Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-36364540426235531952011-01-03T07:08:00.009-05:002011-01-03T09:10:32.580-05:00Thank you Geraldine Hoff DoyleShe only worked the metal press for a minute. But her likeness reportedly inspired iconic World War II propaganda and ultimately came to personify the American feminism movement. Mrs. Doyle was born and lived in southeast Michigan. Surprisingly the LA Times - not the Detroit News or Free Press - owned the obit.
Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-3021692903765499302011-01-03T04:05:00.003-05:002011-01-03T22:08:47.424-05:00Michigan Governor Rick Snyder's inaugural address
Here's a transcript, and the audio.Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-76455490384793417562010-12-31T16:46:00.003-05:002010-12-31T16:52:49.218-05:00Big Ten ballersLove this promo for Big Ten b-ball. Scored with PE and the finale is Mateen floating one for J-Rich.
Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-25706472063126760792010-12-31T15:04:00.000-05:002011-01-17T14:26:12.777-05:00The situation in DetroitAn interview with Mayor Dave Bing, who is "determined to make the tough decisions that will help bring the city back." The significance of stabilizing the mayor position in the city can not be overstated.Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-54255915555809508492010-12-30T19:49:00.002-05:002010-12-30T21:31:30.546-05:00Who says Gary can't demolish blightThe guy from the U.S. Department of Housing did and got grilled by Senator Evan Bayh, who then grabbed a sledgehammer and beat a flamed out shack on Georgia Street. The mechanical claw finished the job. Hopefully someone clears the rubble. There are thousands more to go.
Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-32374118171014140142010-12-30T12:19:00.000-05:002010-12-30T12:47:26.763-05:00Ford Motor Company presents...Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-8044778144319373292010-12-30T09:51:00.005-05:002011-01-07T15:13:16.943-05:00Relax RobinWisconsin State Rep. Robin Vos, a Republican, is mad about the state Democratic Party's 'High Speed Fail' sticker. He reportedly thinks the red blasting across the train symbolizes blood and brains spewing from the Governor's head.
Phil Hands' political cartoon actually penetrates the skull. He also did one depicting the Governor-elect as a baby.
Then there's the creative caricature by Sue Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-60147165680595563502010-12-29T11:49:00.001-05:002010-12-30T12:49:33.811-05:00Futuristic Chicago museum could open in 2015
The proposed Chicago branch of the National Museum of Health and Medicine aspires to "showcase the absolute cutting edge in museum science and provide a testbed for the development of new technologies for scientific visualization, interactive graphics and biomedical knowledge management," according to the online brochure.
The building's exterior facade, for example, will project digital Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-57015196682244079792010-12-29T08:41:00.001-05:002010-12-30T21:33:26.121-05:00Lake Superior responding to global climate shifts......as clearly as anywhere on Earth, according to research and analysis led by scientists at Minnesota Sea Grant. Changes observed over time include diminishing ice cover, increasing wind speeds and surface water temps warming faster than air in the summer. Seems likely, the scientists say, that people around Lake Superior should expect the following changes in weather patterns:
More frequent andAndy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-85052728009621858282010-12-28T11:46:00.003-05:002010-12-28T11:50:35.043-05:00Cleveland's call to action for quality designSteven Litt compiled this roundup of Cleveland's 2010 art and architecture highlights. Humbly, he did not include mention of Designing A Better Cleveland, the thoughtful "mini-primer" he published in October to help raise the standards of civic design in the city. The guide, relevant to urban-making efforts far beyond Cleveland's borders, will no doubt be remembered as an important and timely Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-70821973291047328552010-12-28T07:43:00.000-05:002010-12-28T09:15:33.654-05:00Learning water in BraddockIt's not entirely clear from this video why folks in Braddock believe it's a good fit to make the basement of the Carnegie Library into a "pure water research center" for children. More obvious, for example, to transform an old treatment plant into the Global Enterprise for Water Technology. Still, this is another small sign that the people of the greater Great Lakes sense opportunity in water Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-75820649895238608792010-12-27T09:42:00.000-05:002010-12-27T09:42:39.438-05:00The Toronto Star's emerging artist contest...... was won by Kelly Turgeon with this acrylic painting of city streetcars.
Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-64336706646288965872010-12-27T08:36:00.000-05:002010-12-27T08:36:08.396-05:00Detroit's historic Book Cadillac reviewed by NY TimesThe Bottom Line of the CheckIn/CheckOut column:
Detroit is a tough town, and the lack of comforts is hard to miss; fancy grocery stores, sleek restaurants and other signs of well-traveled urban life are comparatively rare. The economy is still hurting. But recent tax breaks have made the city popular with Hollywood and television productions, and big touring bands come through downtown regularlyAndy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-18347626651890319782010-12-23T23:30:00.010-05:002010-12-24T01:19:47.459-05:00MI Gov Jennifer Granholm presented a ppt file.....at the Clinton Global Initiative. I'm just saying. 14m in she says "shooting with pea bullets." 16m 20s ... hooked and heckled.
Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-80268389930987800132010-12-23T08:41:00.000-05:002010-12-23T08:41:47.035-05:00Trains or tunnels in TorontoMarcus Gee asks if subway spending - vs laying light rail track - is the best bang for Toronto's transit buck. This info graphic illustrates the differences in cost and infrastructures between the two modes in a key corridor.
Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-12733567228007907142010-12-22T10:42:00.002-05:002010-12-22T22:13:26.766-05:00The modern governance platformIn Redesigning Ohio, David Osborne outlines his view of the difference between 20th century bureaucracy and 21st century government:
20th century bureaucracy
Statue and rule directed
Hierarchically driven
Control centralized
Primarily accountable for conformance to rules
Manage costs
Quality defined as adherence to standards
Exclusive service mandate
Focus on what's best for government
21st Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-79767508726593262392010-12-22T08:45:00.000-05:002010-12-22T12:47:39.251-05:00The Deadbeat StateSounds ugly for state budgets. 60 Minutes reports it's ugliest in Illinois. Mug shots of PA, NY and MI too.
Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-40673635394265244112010-12-21T15:48:00.002-05:002010-12-21T15:48:00.407-05:00Surf's up in the Great LakesBryan McDonald offers a sense of winter surfing in Lake Michigan:
When your paddling out your face gets real cold . . .and after about 90 minutes your feet start going numb ... You paddle out, wait for the right wave and try new moves. By the time you come out of the water you’ve got ice all over your upper body, your back, your hood, your chest. Just big chunks of ice, you can’t even unzip yourAndy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-33971763842382756472010-12-21T14:29:00.001-05:002010-12-24T01:20:51.773-05:00Back to the battery tech futureJarret Skorup uncovers a doozie of a deja vu quote from a Detroit Free Press story published in 1967:
Companies are searching for a billion-dollar breakthrough in battery design. General Dynamics is working on a zinc-air cell battery. Ford is actively interested in a sodium-sulfur cell. Gulton Industries and General Motors are tinkering with lithium…All the activity is bound to pay off probably Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-79120571153197828362010-12-20T10:58:00.002-05:002010-12-24T01:21:27.753-05:00Thank you Bob Feller"Rapid Robert" played 18 seasons with the Cleveland Indians. Many memorable outings against my Tigers.
Here's the NY Times obit.
Malcolm Moran also composed this admirable vignette about the man after baseball.Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-75650419878984516872010-12-20T06:47:00.023-05:002010-12-24T01:22:31.706-05:00Jesse Ventura's Conspiracy Theory features Great LakesThe show begins in Michigan. But it's not until the 20-minute mark that alarmist Jesse Ventura starts to unravel "the plot to steal the Great Lakes." At 32 m 10 s the former governor of Minnesota "makes it to the place where Nestle is pumping all the Great Lakes water outta the ground."
Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-77199109283582669772010-12-15T18:29:00.001-05:002010-12-15T18:29:33.581-05:00US Attorney: We hope the culture of the corruption is overA federal grand jury dropped the hammer on former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, his dad and a gang of cronies. Here's a segment of this afternoon's news conference. The depth of the investigation and the scope of the corruption is staggering.
More in the 38-count indictment (PDF)Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-4588115553483828802010-12-15T10:30:00.005-05:002010-12-24T01:23:53.527-05:00Grand Rapids' new "happy place" opens in JanuaryOne of many investments Grand Rapids, MI continues to target in health care - one of the few sectors of the US economy that is growing.
(via WOOD TV)Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-60530447164355969362010-12-15T07:14:00.001-05:002010-12-24T01:24:41.731-05:00Cleveland lighthouse encased in icePhotojournalist George Payamgis shot this footage of the Harbor West Pier Lighthouse iced over by high frigid winds and the Lake Erie surf.
The lighthouse in warmer days
Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-35307265860148069822010-12-14T17:01:00.003-05:002010-12-14T17:34:27.547-05:00OH Gov-elect John Kasich vilifies the "train cult"A snippet from the Nov 30 press conference introducing Ohio's new transportation department director...
Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-27931403805452935112010-12-14T11:16:00.002-05:002010-12-24T01:25:39.409-05:00The View of John BoehnerGood to have a Midwest guy presiding over the United States House of Representatives. Bad to have that guy getting abused on the View ... for crying. Walters has a point about double standard.
Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-21309090988975662732010-12-14T06:26:00.002-05:002010-12-15T20:30:52.090-05:00New look Big TenThe new Big Ten alignment, division names and logo. The latter two elements were both widely derided as lame.
Here's the formal announcement.Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-71118099577664793842010-12-14T00:01:00.003-05:002010-12-24T01:26:57.146-05:00Detroit bike shop circa 1912The Metzger bicycle shop. Interestingly, the shop's (likely) namesake also was a pioneer of the auto industry, establishing one of the first car showrooms, helping to organize the Detroit Auto Show. Also the launch of Cadillac Motor Car.
(via Shorpy, Jason Kottke)Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-85077093090019801612010-12-13T22:38:00.000-05:002010-12-13T22:38:46.401-05:00Where is the Rust BeltOver at the City-Data Forum there's a bit of a debate about Rust Belt geography. Here's the proposed map (Canada apparently does not qualify) that prompted the conversation:
Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-4436012195115725012010-12-13T13:18:00.001-05:002010-12-13T13:19:48.911-05:00Metrodome collapseScary footage of the roof on the Hubert H. Humphrey Dome collapsing (for the fifth time) under the weight of heavy snow Sunday morning. The dramatic fail inevitably now ratchets up debate about the need for a new stadium in the Twin Cities.
Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-21991278365645236732010-12-10T12:23:00.001-05:002010-12-24T01:27:59.148-05:00Chicago Mayor Daley on EducationPrior to accepting the Global Metro Award at a recent Brookings' summit, Mayor Daley spoke about the importance of establishing a city-wide "learning environment."
Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-39172995829825669892010-12-10T05:39:00.003-05:002010-12-24T01:28:43.934-05:00Detroit- or Flint-style coney?Jason Hale, who grew up near Flint, MI, comments on a Detroit News story about coney dogs, a Michigan innovation and a great source of local pride.
It's a detroit paper. So they'll get all the coverage and the glory. But everyone knows Flint coneys are the best. I hate when they're described as "beanless chili." Total bullshit. Coney meat is ground up viennas and ground up beef heart. Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-74622536895967011872010-12-09T20:28:00.001-05:002010-12-09T20:32:00.575-05:00A taste of the Wisconsin rail debateA reporter for The Capital Times writes this meeting was "a train wreck."
(via the Badger Herald)Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-11079147351060894122010-12-09T06:38:00.001-05:002010-12-24T01:30:05.251-05:00The largest water rate hike in greater Cleveland's history ...... was approved to launch the $3 billion Project Clean Lake initiative (and comply with federal water law). News 5 owned the story:
July 14, 2010
Aug 9, 2010
Nov 9, 2010
Nov 18, 2010
Dec. 2, 2010
Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-80732253423258067372010-12-07T13:38:00.001-05:002010-12-24T01:30:52.487-05:00Moe SzyslakAndy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-62166438550282410682010-12-07T04:31:00.000-05:002010-12-07T08:16:03.745-05:00The Third City by Larry BennettThe author explains the zeitgeist of Chicago.
Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15012731.post-52653247468436571122010-12-06T11:28:00.000-05:002010-12-06T12:08:58.168-05:00Toronto is the latest to reject railToronto Star columnist Christopher Hume interviews Councillor Shelly Carroll about newly elected Mayor Rob Ford's abandonment of the Transit City initiative, a move Hume writes is the beginning of The War on the City.
Andy Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018894470795797160noreply@blogger.com