Saturday Special - Cruise Director Style

Happy weekend!

Last night I volunteered at Festival of the Moon, and I'll be doing the same again today at Festival of the Sun in Old Town. I strongly recommend you come on down and join in the fun. While you're there, I highly suggest trying out Uncle John's Hard Ciders. I tried all three, Apple, Perry and Apple Cherry and they were delicious!

Of course I'm busy preparing for tomorrow's MichLib Summer Family Picnic, and for one, final time, I'm inviting you and yours to join us at Frances Park, right here in beautiful Lansing. Most of the Lucy Family will be there, as will many family members of some of MichLib's finest. Consider bringing yours!

The following selections are some of my favorite posts/blogs are some of my favorite that I read on a daily basis to help keep me sane. Some are as far from political as they get, others feed my soul. Check 'em out because you never know, you may find yourself with a new blog favorite to add to your Bloglines.

• Jamelah.net - One of the funniest, most random blogs out there. Jamelah is a proud Michigander, and her antics will leave you rolling on a regular basis.
  
• Around the Keg - Another Michigan blog, this one is all about beer, particularly beer, with a smattering of politics thrown in, from the right and the left to keep things interesting. Funny thing, I'm not a beer drinker, but I enjoy reading about beer, which I realize probably makes very little sense. Ahh, well just goes to show you never know with LL. :-)
  
• The Chaplain's Assistant : God, Country and Vietnam - The book from one of our own Isabella County bloggers, jtcaldwell. I have a love for all things military history, passed along by my dad the Vietnam Vet, and this will be finding itself in his birthday present.
  
• The Hunger Site - did you know that with a few short clicks of your mouse you can help feed the hungry? It is one cool site that we should all be clicking on every day.
  
• Never in Our Names - From the site

  Never In Our Names is an online community dedicated to human rights and individual dignity. We support the Geneva Conventions, The United Nations Human Rights treaties and The UN Declaration on The Rights of Children, as well as the very basic tenets of human rights, including a statement on our masthead by an 11 year old: "All you have to do to qualify for human rights is to be human."

Well that's it for me today. I'm off to get everything prepared for tomorrow's picnic. Here's to a happy Saturday and seeing YOU tomorrow!

Misc. Mutterings from around Michigan

I'm still catching up on sleep and rest from my trip to NY, but here's a couple things going through my head.

Snuffing it out: Applause for Sen. Ray Basham and Rep. Brenda Clack on banning smoking inside restaurants and bars. If you want to smoke that's fine, but that doesn't mean the rest of us need to inhale your pollutants. This issue rings especially true for me this week as my lungs recover from the smoke and smog that covered New York City. Smoking in restaurants and bars is banned in New York, just as it is in Ontario, and I think it's great. Please contact your representative and senator to voice your support for this public health issue.

From the mailbag: A leader of the Young Americans for Freedom, the right-wing student group who's MSU chapter was deemed the very first university-sponsored hate group, has come out of the closet as a gay man. Todd Heywood at PrideSource has the full skinny.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - An 18-year-old leader of Young Americans for Freedom and a conservative campaign operative is coming out of the closet.

Tyler Whitney, the immediate past chair of Western Michigan University YAF, the chair of the Michigan Teenage Republicans, or TARs, and the current webmaster for the Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-Colorado) for President website, has been telling other conservative activists for about a month of his coming out journey.

Wow, talk about rocking the boat. Tancredo's one of the nuttiest Republicans out there, and I wonder how he's really taking the news?

Reaction: Apparently my guest-post at Republic of M has gotten some fantastic response both here in Michigan and across the country. For those of you who didn't catch it, upon request from a good friend and fellow blogger at Republic of M, Gay Michigan, I wrote a post titled The Importance of being an Ally, an explanation of my personal decision to be ally to the LGBT community. It's not rocket science, just common sense and good will.

Current Events: Tonight I'll be speaking along with one of my blogmates, Marcy Wheeler, in Pittsfield Township down in Washtenaw County on Democratic politics and blogging.

Up and coming in Michigan: Staying true to my duties as Cruise Director, I announced Unplugged: The MichLib Family Picnic here in Lansing on Sunday June 24th. It's open to bloggers, readers/commenters/lurkers, and supporters of the MichLib community, which goes for those of you here at LLP. It'd be lovely to meet you, and I hope you'll consider coming out for a good time, great food, and wonderful friends.

Waiting on a Tally: I'm still waiting on a fundraising count from the Get Your Guts in Gear office, but apparently quite a few folks sent in (or are still sending in) last minute donations. Don't stop, keep sending! I'll keep you posted on the final tally.

Here's to a fantastic day to you and yours.

Cruise Director Report: (Finally!) Back on the Tubes

Oy vey, what a week!

I'm pleased to announce that I'm typing from the new HQ of LucyLand, located in the heart of beautiful downtown Lansing. The move went well, albeit hot, humid, and lots of sore muscles later. Many thanks to all of the friends and Sister Dearest for their help.

Before the move, I spent several days down in Cereal City working on a very important Kellogg Community College Board of Trustee's race. I can say without doubt that the most exciting local race I've ever worked on, and just continued to prove what a real impact local races really have on a community. A hearty congrats to the new trustees, Reba Harrington and Jon Byrd, and returning trustee Brian Hice. A special congrats to the man behind the campaign, Dan Fingas. If anyone ever asks me for the name of a solid campaign manager, Dan's name will be the first I'll give out.

While you're surfing the Tubes this weekend, be sure to check out Around the Keg and Lansing's Drinking Liberally blog, and yes, both have to do with alcohol, but are not strictly about alcohol. Be sure to check out Bob's post about the Lunacy of Life Sciences (read: stem cell research) here in Michigan. ATK is billed as "Zen and the Art of Consumption" - check it out.

Before I hop off for the day, I just thought I'd leave you with this interesting factoid of the day.

Ant traps smell like peanut butter.

Ah, the joys of moving! :-)

Cruise Director Report: This Week in Lansing

Welcome to Monday!

It's going to be a busy week in Michigan. Hope you can join me for one of the events below!

• Monday evening - Join author and Michigan's First Gentleman Dan Mulhern at Schuler's Books in Eastwood Town Center as he discusses his new book Everyday Leadership - 7:30 p.m.
  
  
• Tuesday Evening - I'm honored to have been asked to be the keynote speaker before the MSU's Student Leadership Awards Dinner. The topic? Overcoming Obstacles to Find the Leader Within - how appropriate. :-)
  
  
• Wednesday Evening - I'm traveling over to the beautiful Albion Campus to speak before a joint meeting of the Albion County Dems/Calhoun County Democratic Party to speak on Online Activism: The Future of Michigan's Democratic Process.
  
  
• Also on Wednesday Evening - Marcy Wheeler, perhaps Michigan's best known national blogger, Libby Trial live-blogger, and author of the new book Anatomy of Deceit: How the Bush Administration Used the Media to Sell the War and Out a Spy will be doing a book signing at our favorite local progressive bookstore, Everybody Reads at 7 p.m.
  
  
• Thursday - Of course, if you're busy Wednesday, you won't want to miss Thursday's Monthly Drinking Liberally Event at our new home, Reno's East (corner of Abbott and Saginaw in East Lansing) Marcy Wheeler will be speaking about her book, about blogging, and taking your questions. I hope you can join us at 7 p.m. for good times and good spirits!
  
  
• Friday Morning - will find me down in Detroit for the Fourth Annual Money Smart Week Kick off Breakfast, sponsored by the Detroit Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. For those of you unfamiliar with Money Smart, it's an organization who's mission is to combat financial illiteracy and provide greater education to consumers throughout the state of Michigan. I'm excited to join Senators Martha Scott and Hansen Clarke along with other noted state and local officials for this very important cause.
  
  
• Saturday Morning - I'll be working with some of the good folks over at Mr. Rogers Watch on a Blogging 101 Workshop for the members of the Livingston County Democratic Party. Here's to a successful event!
  
  
• Saturday Evening - I'll be joining Democrats all over the state at the Michigan Democratic Party's annual Jefferson/Jackson Dinner at Cobo Hall. This year's speaker? None other than Presidential candidate and former U.S. Senator John Edwards.
  
  
• Sunday - As the Good Lord decreed - it's a day of rest. After this week, I think I deserve it. :-)
  

Here's to wishing you and yours a wonderful week. Hope to see you at an event or two!

Cruise Director Report: This Week in Lansing

Happy Thursday to you!

If you're in town tonight looking for good cheer and good conversation, consider stopping by the Nuthouse for Drinking Liberally Lansing's second meeting starting at 7pm. Last meeting we had about 30 folks show up, and we now have almost over 100 on our list-serv.

Tomorrow night, join the Lansing community for Silent No More, a community-wide worship service commemorating the start of the war in Iraq tomorrow (Friday, March 16th) at 7pm at Central United Methodist Church, 215 North Capitol Avenue, Lansing.

In honor of those who have died - from the United States, Iraq, and other nations - we call upon all people whose convictions cry for peace to join us in rededicating ourselves to that effort.

Silent No More is sponsored by the Shalom Center for Justice and Peace and is held in conjunction with the Sojourners' Christian Peace Witness for Iraq at the National Cathedral in Washington D.C. For more info, visit the website or call 517-487-3013.

If you find yourself awake and near a radio, tune into 1320 AM WILS between 8:30 and 9 Saturday morning. I've been asked back by host Jack Ebling to provide a little commentary and debate from the left side of the field. If you're so inspired, call in and add your two cents!

Cruise Director Report - NYC Version

If you're making sure you're reading the right blog and not just gossip blog, let me explain.

I'm in NYC for a day on business and despite the wind rolling along Park Avenue (yes, it's a rough life, but someone has to do it!) life is good and I officially (heart) NYC. I'm a long way from the Mitten, but there are certain things I could get used too.

Anyhoo, despite a long day of work and other heavy things that involve lots of brain power, I stumbled onto New York's hidden cache of rockstar bloggers and net-roots activists last night. Incredible!

I got to meet Justin Krebs, founder of Drinking Liberally, Chris Bowers of MyDD, NYBri of DailyKos and The Albany Project, Lipris of The Albany Project, and a bunch of the crackerjack team formerly of the Dean Campaign, Advomatic. If that wasn't cool enough, this wee upstairs bar just happened to be hosting one of the Net-roots favorite legislators, Montana Senator Jon Tester.

He came up to shake hands with me and in all of my Liberal Lucy-ness I said "Senator, I flew all the way from Michigan just to meet you!" Without skipping a beat he said "Well, I flew all the way from Montana just to meet YOU!" :-) That's right, true to my inner blogger-geekiness, I nearly swooned. I had a moment with John Tester. :-)

The Senator was great. He took lots of questions from the crowd, about health care, Iraq and Iran, ethanol (did you know he's an organic farmer?), energy and climate policy, and yes, there was the person who tried to pin him on who his favorite presidential contender is. Being the smart guy he is, he didn't bite.

It was a whirlwind night, and I had a great time. I'm almost a little sad to be heading back to The Mitten. Probably the coolest part of the night was hearing that a lot of people knew about a) what a cool governor and how net-roots friendly she is b) they've heard of and respect Mich Lib and all that we're trying to do out there and c) they want to help us be more effective and will be working with us.

This is Liberal Lucy, reporting live from New York City. Stay safe Michiganians, and until I'm back later today, be sure to enjoy your Vernors Ginger Ale and Better Made Potato Chips!

Cruise Director Report: This Week in Lansing

Meet Up with Speaker of the House Andy Dillon and Majority Floor Leader Steve Tobocman-

Tonight!
6pm - 7pm
Livingston County Democratic Party Office
10321 E. Grand River Suite 600
Brighton, MI. 48116

We hope you can join us!

Please feel free to email me with any questions.

If you're browsing The Tubes looking for a new place to visit, consider checking out The Albany Project. While it's a New York specific blog, somewhat like Michigan Liberal, I have to give them a mention as I "guest-blogged" there yesterday. Thanks to NYBri, who stopped by this weekend for the Blue Tiger Democrats presentation this weekend at the convention. Check them out and say hello!

There is a truly excellent article about Governor Granholm in last week's Greater Lansing Woman. I really encourage you to check it out, and take a rare look into the personal life of the woman behind Michigan.

There's another new blog on the block, that just popped up since our Blogger's Caucus. A mighty welcome to The Blue Muskrat from Monroe! Billed as

Monroe, as seen from the banks of the River Raisin

Before you start scratching your head, be sure to check out the history behind Monroe's Muskrat. Verrrry interesting. Here I just thought the little feller was cute!

Seems as if Saul Anuzis, Michigan GOP Chairman is just driving folks out left and right. MichLib has an excellent diary about how former Republican State Legislator John Stewart (Plymouth) and wife Beth joined the Democrats this weekend at our convention and switched party membership.

Here's hoping your week is warm and eventful, and I hope to see everyone out at the Meet Up tonight!

Cruise Director Report: This Week in Lansing

Last Week's Report

Last week's Drinking Liberally was a huge success. Thanks to the 30 or so people who showed up. Two new bloggers showed up, and their blogs are now on the blogroll to the right. A howdy to Rich from Honest Errors and Shez from Multi Media Netroots. Of course, there's a blog in town that we should all be checking out that isn't so much new, as important to read. The Lansing State Journal has their Capitol Journal blog that's updated daily. Go over and read all about it.
The March event will be held on 15th at 7pm. Feel free to sign up for the list-serv to receive updates and other progressive Lansing news.

This Wednesday

Senate Minority Leader Mark Schauer is hosting a Meet Up just for bloggers and Net Roots activists from 7pm - 8:30pm this Wednesday. If you're a blogger or online activist, and interested in going, you must RSVP to me. Many thanks to Sen. Schauer for hosting us.

This Saturday

Check out Bloggers Caucus 2.0 at the Michigan Democratic Party State Convention at Cobo Arena. While I'm still left scratching my head as to why we're meeting in Detroit for the 2nd time in a row (what's wrong with our beautiful Lansing center?), I hope to see lots of new and familiar faces there. You don't have to be a blogger to attend. It's open to anyone who wants to learn more about political blogging general. I'm even throwing together a beginning document about blogging and how to get started that will be available at the Caucus.

It's going to be a good week indeed. Stay tuned for some important cycling updates. :-)

This is Liberal Lucy, wishing you good morning and good luck!

Cruise Director Report: This Week in Lansing

Sooner or later I knew that I was going to have to start something like this, so here goes.

Tonight!!!

Meet up with Lansing-area Legislators
Join Sen. Gretchen Whitmer, Rep. Barb Byrum, Rep. Mark Meadows, and Rep. Joan Bauer as they meet with members of the net-roots community, which includes YOU!
We'll be at the Lake Lansing Beaners in East Lansing (corner of Lk. Lansing and Abbott) from 6:30 to 8:30. Bring yourself, a couple bucks for a yummy hot beverage, a laptop (if you wish, not necessary though) and a smile. See you there!

Next Thursday (2/15)

Join us at the Nuthouse Sports Grill (corner of Michigan and Cedar in downtown Lansing) for the revival of Lansing's Drinking Liberally. Starting at 7pm, we'll be raising a pint in the name of democracy. Come join us for some interesting talk and grass-roots activism.

• You can sign up for the Lansing Drinking Liberally list-serv and be notified of events as they happen
• or email the Chapter's Host with any questions or ideas for topics and/or possible speakers.

See you there!