I was trying to work up some righteous indignation about Michigan's fireworks laws and the decision in 2011 to allow in-state sales of the loud, semi-dangerous variety. Maybe it was being awoken at 1 a.m. Tuesday by somebody’s sudden need to express their patriotism very close to … [Read more...]
This week’s Auchtoon: Michigan has problems but we’re great at this
How much do I like beer? Well, I can tell you this: My wife and I recently traded a large and well-maintained trampoline for a single 12 ounce bottle of Founders Kentucky Breakfast Stout. Those who know me would likely say that was out of character. (Not the trading things for … [Read more...]
This week’s Auchtoon: Chugging the charter school snake oil
Back in the 1970s, Powers Catholic High School in Flint experimented with a new educational concept called Student-Teacher Assessment periods or STAs. The idea was to treat teenagers as adults and let them have one or two "open" periods per class every week where they could meet … [Read more...]
This week’s Auchtoon: Michigan’s Robo-unemployment system
Okay, so this one is personal. October 2014 I found myself unemployed and subjected to the automated machinery of the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA). Not that it matters, but it wasn't my fault. The fruitful and profitable automotive electronics company I was … [Read more...]
This week’s Auchtoon: Pooped out by government intolerance
There is a fantastic children's book called Everyone Poops by Tarō Gomi. It was one of our kids favorites — fun to read and engaging artwork (actual images of poop, notwithstanding). It's not much of a spoiler to tell you it's about the fact that every human, every living animal, … [Read more...]
