The Parent Trap: It’s ALL Our Fault—Parental Guilt
by Betsy McMillin
I am feeling a great deal of parental guilt lately.
My eight-year-old daughter has a medical (non-life threatening) condition. She is being tested for a learning disability as well. She is a sweet, bright, funny, happy,…
Michigan Messenger Online News Site Shuttered—Why You Should Care (A Lot)
by P.D. Lesko
If you never read the Michigan Messenger, you missed some of the best investigative reporting around. Eartha Jane Melzer on the Benton Harbor and environmental beats outreported virtually every other news outlet in the state.…
The Culture Vulture: The Unsolved Mysteries of Harry Potter
by Nelle Engoron
Now that the final film (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2) has unspooled in Muggle theaters, there are no real surprises for the fans, who know full well how the saga ends from having read the books (to…
New Report: Michigan Economy Is Moving “Significantly Backward” By Hiking Taxes on the Poor
by P.D. Lesko
The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, one of the nation’s premier policy organizations working at the federal and state levels on fiscal policy and public programs that affect low- and moderate-income families and…
The Parent Trap: Raising Girls “Full Of Awesome” (Self-Esteem)
by Betsy McMillin
I am raising four girls ages three to fifteen, and I am scared. Cautiously optimistic, yet wary and scared.
Every day I, along with countless other parents of young girls, face obstacles that interfere with raising…
Savaged: Republicans Protect the Right to Bully in Michigan Schools (Thank The Good Lord)
By Chris Savage
On November 2, 2011, the Michigan Senate passed Senate Bill 137, a bill they called "Matt's Safe Schools Law." The bill, sponsored by Republican Rick Jones of Grand Ledge, passed on a 100 percent party line vote with no…
Urban Exile: Homeless Blamed For Closure of Downtown Ann Arbor Boutique Named, Yes, Poshh
by Erika McNamara
Being homeless, once again, is the evil that lurks in every shadow ready to destroy all that is good and right. This is obviously true after homeless individuals were blamed, in a recent piece posted to AnnArbor.com, for…
Rep. John Dingell’s Endorsement Can’t Save Local City Council Member: Lumm Beats Rapundalo
by P.D. Lesko
U.S. Representative John Dingell and his wife Debbie couldn't save Second Ward Council member Stephen Rapundalo's political hide. Dingell endorsed Rapundalo and donated $250 to his campaign. While challenger Jane Lumm spoke…
Foodist: Zagat’s Names Top 10 “Detroit” Restaurants Including Three in Ann Arbor
Zagat's has come out with its list of top spots where diners are sure to enjoy a great meal in Detroit. The list, however, includes only one restaurant that is actually in Detroit, and the top honors went to The Lark, a restaurant that…
Corporation Named As One Of Nation’s Worst “Corporate Tax Dodgers” Donates Regularly To Local Politicos
by P.D. Lesko
The headline at Salon.com says it all: "America's Corporate Tax Obscenity: A new report about companies' finances won't just enrage you it'll make you run to the nearest protest."
Salon writer Andrew Leonard writes:…