Free Press shows how to save on energy costs

The Detroit Free Press has a brief 5 Step article on what you can do to save money on your energy costs. The approximate cost of all these steps is $250. Here's the list of steps, but visit freep.com for the detailed steps.

1. Get a Home Energy Audit
2. Install a programmable thermostat
3. Use sealants such as caulk and expanding foam
4. Buy compact fluorescent light bulbs
5. Install landscaping to provide shade in summer

I would add another quick and easy one for the winter - dress warmer and keep your thermostat set lower. You don't have to have the heat cranked up and sit around in a t-shirt and shorts.

Okay, I just thought of a couple more. Replace your furnace filters on a monthly basis. Clogged filters make your heating system work harder, expend more energy, and possibly fail sooner than it should. Also, have your furnace inspected once every few years to make sure it is in tip-top shape and running at its maximum efficiency.

Michigan fall colors are quickly fading

10-23-2008 AAA Michigan's weekly report on the fall color here in Michigan states that the peaking colors are now in southern and southwest Michigan. We've been enjoying some of the most vibrant colors in quite sometime here in southwest Michigan. I've got trees bursting with bright yellows and reds that normally just turn a dull yellow, wither, and fall to the lawn to be raked up.

It's just been gorgeous this fall here in Michigan. Beautiful weather and an excellent color show.

The weather report this morning said we could see some s-n-o-w showers or flurries on Monday and my son couldn't be more excited. I can wait a while for the snow.

Until then, check out wonderful videos of Michigan's fall colors as well as a plethora of pictures at Michigan Fall Colors.

Movie industry in Michigan is a positive

You can't avoid bad news about anything and everything these days. Whether it's across the nation or just the local issues here in Michigan. The media won't let you miss it. You see it on television, read it online or in the paper, and hear it on the radio. Things are tough all over. Good news seems hard to find.

Some good news here in Michigan is the increase in movies and movie production facilities this year. Since a new law was passed in April with incentives for film companies to work here in Michigan there has been a steady influx of movie business. The Kalamazoo Gazette reports that in 2007 Michigan had three applications to film in Michigan. There have been 49 just since April of this year.

Lots of headlines and rumors have been going around as of late talking about big movie studios setting up soundstages and other production facilities across the state. While I'll believe it when I see it, it is nice to have good rumors about Michigan.

That's your good news from Michigan on this Wednesday :)

A handful of Michigan themed pages I created

Is anyone familiar with celebrated Michigan artist Gwen Frostic? How much do you know about the Edmund Fitzgerald?

Want to know about the numerous places to stay the night at on Mackinac Island?

Did you know that the mail boat, J.W. Westcott, has it's own zip code?

Find out all about these at -

Gwen Frostic

The Edmund Fitzgerald

Mackinac Island Hotels and Restaurants

J.W. Westcott

Didn't make it up to the U.P. for the fall colors?

Then today is your lucky day! I found this neat little video montage of Michigan's U.P. in the fall. Locations include Porcupine Mountains, Lakenland Junkyard Art, Pictured Rocks, and Mackinac Island.

Happy Friday!