Blogger's Edition of 'Off the Record'

Much apologies for posting this after the fact...

This past weekend I was honored to once again appear on Tim Skubick's 'Off the Record' with Eric B. also of MichiganLiberal and two bloggers from the Right.

We taped the episode a week in advance, so I completely forgot it aired on the 26th until I got admonished by my mother for not letting her know. :-)

If you're so inclined to watch, you can do so through WKAR's website, or download it as a podcast.

Enjoy and happy New Year!

Catching up on the Craziness

Hello again. I've had a chance to take a break from the craziness of politics to rest, and hope you've had the same.

While I've been away, I've collected a smattering of fun/interesting/worthwhile links that I encourage you to check out and support with your voice, or even just a click or two.

Of course, I have to give credit to some of my favorite bloggers, Lex at 60 Second Blog and Christine at My Library Ideas for these great links and also encourage you to stop by and give them a read as well.

• Help starving Cats (FreeKibbleKat.com)
• Help starving dogs (FreeKibble.com)
• Help starving people (UN World Food Program)
• Save/Support your local museum (American Association of Museums)
• Catch up on recipes and ideas from the family farm (Letters from a Hill Farm)

Also for this holiday season, things are going to be remarkably different at Casa del Lucy given our state's economy and the fact that I currently have 5 adult relatives unemployed, including my two parents. I imagine that my family is sadly like many others across the Great Lakes State.

Stay tuned as I share thoughts and opinions on what the holidays in Michigan mean to us, and probably most of the rest of the state.

Till then, happy Tuesday!

30 Days Out and Workin' Hard

Hello again.

Life's been quite crazy, and yes, we've got a very big election here in 30 days. I hope you're registered or will be doing so today, since it's the last day you can.

Don't mistake my silence for non-participation, but very active participation, through work, volunteer efforts and of course, blogging.

Of very importance to me this election season is Proposition 2, which seeks to overturn the state ban on Stem Cell research in Michigan, led by the folks at Cure Michigan. I've been working hard on the issue, and as my regular readers know, it's something I've been advocating on behalf of for a very long time.

If you've been following along over at Michigan Liberal, then you probably caught my post from a couple weeks ago. I'm not going to make like a broken record and repeat myself, but I cannot stress how important it is for our state, both medically and financially that this passes. Please check out the proposal, sign up to stay informed and help out, and most importantly, vote YES on Prop 2 next month. p.s. They could really use your donation in voter education. Will you make a donation today?

Speaking of Prop 2, the Detroit News has accepted a column from me that will run sometime this week, and I'll be posting it here. Stay tuned.

Speaking of staying tuned, I'm on Twitter, check it out and follow along.

I've missed blogging, but like anything, sometimes you need to step away from it and get recharged and now it's good to be back. Expect to see more from me over the next coming weeks.

Until then, consider checking out some of the other blogs I'm reading, both political and not from various other fabulous female bloggers across the Mitten State.

The Only Baggage You Can Bring - "Where politics, pop culture, media and common sense meet and stop to have coffee and caramels. Politics-Feminism-Movies-Music-Television-Detroit-Michigan" (Samantha Grace and I like to trade blog posts, btw)

My Library Ideas - Funny, smart, snarky, and a wee peek into the lives of those mysterious academics with the sexy glasses.

The Body Chronic - Solitude, laughter, sanity and support amongst the pain and frustration of chronic illness and chronic pain.

See you back here soon!

The 'Auto Show' of Michigan Progressives

Last year a couple friends convinced me to attend an all-day summit here at the Lansing Center of Michigan progressives. It sounded like a good idea, and I in turn, convinced a few others (including some bloggers) to join me.

We showed up, laptops and if we had them, business cards in tow. We had no idea quite what to expect other than Donna Brazile as the keynote speaker. We met hundreds of people, papered them all with info about MichiganLiberal and the miracles of the Intertubes.

I walked away highly impressed. Progressives from all walks of life and issues got together and set a progressive agenda for the state. It sounded good, but when I started seeing visible movement on that agenda in the coming months, I was really impressed.

The Michigan Policy Summit moved some serious mountains in it's first year. Now in it's second year, the possibility for even more incredible change is quite likely. With keynote speakers like national activists Jim Hightower and Amy Goodman, a large contingent of bloggers from the state's most prominent blogs (MichLib, BloggingforMichigan, and West MI Rising, just to name a few), my favorite local progressive bookstore - Everybody Reads LLC and some other truly impressive names from the state's progressive leaders I don't think anyone will be let down.

I'll be there again as well. This time I'll be working with the great Policy Summit team through my employer. We're cooking up something cool to bring folks through the Internet and I'm excited for the entire package.

If you can make it on Saturday May 10th, you should definitely come. I was attempting to describe it to someone unfamiliar with it and struggling for an apt descriptor. Suddenly the light bulb went on and in true Michigan fashion I explained that it was like the Auto Show of Michigan progressives. The more I thought about it, I agree with it even more.

So if you're free, and you can spare $30 for a day that could change the way you look at issues here in Michigan, stop on by and join us.

Change and Ethics in Blogging

I'm blessed with a great job where I can give back to many of the issues that I feel strongly about, but it's caused a quandary when it comes to blogging.

There's a lot to be said for the need in ethics and integrity in politics and blogging. I've always prided myself on trying to maintain high standards of each and I credit that goal with my success as a political blogger.

I got involved in politics and blogging because most of my life has been spent fighting a chronic illness that has brought many policy issues to life. My illness has shaped not only who I am, but also my professional life.

I'm going to keep blogging about the issues that I feel strongly about here when it's appropriate, and that I'm going to always disclose my work affiliation if it's needed in addition to the permanent disclaimer at the bottom of this blog.

My work on some of the other blogs has been and will be more limited in part because of my career, part by personal reasons. This blogging thing is in my blood, it's a part of who I am, and no matter what I do, what I experience, I feel that Liberal Lucy will always there.

Since entering the world of Internet activism (circa 2001, which makes me practically ancient) so much has changed. It's been absolutely amazing to chronicle how the Internet has changed the face of politics by so many.

Here in Michigan, there's definitely been a blog boom, and our state, our political process has been all the more richer for it. I'm proud to be a small part of it, but even prouder to have had a role in introducing the political internet to so many. That "Aha! Moment" as I call it, when someone discovers this whole new world literally laying at their fingertips. A vehicle for their voice, a medium for a wanted message, a community of their own. It still gives me goosebumps.

For now, I feel as if I'm still supposed to be a part of that constant change, and I'm going to continue to do so. I'm human like the rest of us, and sometimes change can be difficult to accept, but like most things, we usually end up richer for it in the end. A fellow blogger and friend reminded me recently on her own blog that some of the hardest things to go through can end up being some of the best for each of us.

So there's been a lot of change, and there will surely be more to come. This electronic evolution is far from over, and the same goes for my role in it all, no matter the path.

11,000 Words

They say a picture is worth 1000 words, and despite this blogger's love of the spoken and written word, sometimes even words don't quite do it.

I think that's representative of life, often we require a song, a touch, a taste, something other than words to speak to us and to speak to others. My life the last two months is no different. I realize that my "writer's block" is not a writer's block at all. I've just been going the wrong way about expressing it.

In the end, the following collage only has to make sense to one person, so don't feel at a loss if you're confused. Enjoy the beauty, the talent, the story.

1. Takidani Train Station

2. Reduced

3. nominal help

4. Amber Glow

5. cleansed

6. Taking out the Trash

7. Day 230: sitting.waiting.wishing

8. Joy to the World

9. joy

10. The Feeling of Accomplishment

11. Anticipation

~Unfortunately this software doesn't allow for more than one photo to be posted, otherwise I would have just included them all..

Let the Live-blog Continue!

Without ever really meaning to, I carved a little niche into the world of live-blogging. (And yes, it's okay to think that's an incredibly geeky niche, because it really is.)

I think it started with a Stabenow v. Bouchard debate way back in the days of the '06 Election Cycle when I thought it would be fun. It was fun, but it was also physically draining. Fingers flying a million miles trying to keep up with what's being said and all the while trying to stay somewhat grammatically correct, well let's just put it this way, I was never cut out to be a court reporter.

But live-blogging is a big part of who I am as a blogger and as an activist. Live-blogging from the Capitol during the Budget Crisis was incredibly physically draining, but I was on an emotional high, even when I would have been excited to watch paint dry I was so bored. To be on the sidelines of history, to experience the action, to feel the tension, to capture the decisiveness between the players, to be part of the cognizant Stockholm Syndrome that everyone eventually gave into, the whole thing was incredibly thrilling.

So Tuesday night I'll head back to what I know and a home away from home, the State House. Under the beautifully lit dome stalwart in the crisp air, I'll be live-blogging the Governor's State of the State address. It will probably be hot, stressful, cramped, and very close quarters with the rest of the press, but it will definitely be thrilling and another experience I won't ever forget. Join me next door at MichLib or peek through the curtains of BFM because I'll finally be joined by a fellow blogger and one of my mentors from way back in the day, Christine Barry from BFM. I'm excited for the message, anticipating the atmosphere and ready for this event to signal a new year and a new time in Michigan politics.

Now that the air has cleared...

You might have noticed that there hasn't been much to notice here lately. I was blessed and cursed with a bleeding heart. I'm the type of blogger who finds it very difficult to manufacture posts that aren't born out of inspiration. When I'm good, I'm good, but when I'm not, I'm no where to be found.

For those of you hanging around the Michigan Lefty blogosphere as of late, there's been a lot of drama, ridiculousness, and all-around b.s. Not one to need any additional drama in my life, I stayed out of it. I had the excuse of settling into a new job and the continual job of dealing with my health. The few times when all the drama grew to a particularly egregious level and I attempted to broker peace, I only got burned in the process, so I strayed even farther away. In the process I learned a couple new life lessons for which I'm grateful but could have done without the accompanying mess. The whole episode left me burned out, uninspired, and I really wasn't able to blog. For me, blogging has always been from the heart and something that brought me joy, and while I could have thrown just anything up, that's not who I am, so I refrained.

To be honest, the whole process of live-blogging from the State House back in September/October left me quite burned out. I joke that it is 8 days or so of my life I'll never get back. The truth is the entire thing was an incredible lesson in politicking. To be embedded there, with a front seat ticket to it all, well, that is something that no amount of money can ever buy. I feel incredibly blessed to have been part of it. I'm also honored to have been the first blogger credentialed in the State Capitol.

While I was there I also was battling a huge kidney stone, something that I'm pleased to report has shrunken in size and in the amount of pain it causes thanks to a procedure, but now has been joined by a fellow stone, so it continues to keeps life interesting, which I have also learned to expect nothing but.

Since the Budget Crisis, I've started a new job and gained a new realization. I love my job. Honestly, how many people can say they truly love their job? I also realize I'm part of a very small part of the world that can say that, so not a day goes by that I'm not thankful for the opportunity to continue doing what I love but to also be making a difference while I do it.

With cautious optimism that I hope to say I'm back, and mean it. Perhaps the blogosphere is going through it's petulant adolescent stage, something that I remember going through myself and still amazed that my parents didn't disown me. I believe the concept is called Tough Love. Part of me misses the blogosphere of '06, before the drama, before the b.s., when we were a tight-knit small group of seemingly self-described revolutionaries. Of course, I think about how far it's all come, how many more people are engaged, how practically the entire political landscape of the state has been changed in some way or another by the Internet and I stare in awe. Hopefully we're past these annoying growing pains and on to our next incredible victory. And with that, I'm looking forward to getting back to the clickety-clack of this old keyboard, the worn leather of this old chair, and the experience that is progressive online politics in Michigan.

Working Together

With all the bad news about our economy, I'm amazed that more people aren't doing more to work together to get it back on track.

I've always been a big fan of leading by example, whether it's our leaders, our friends and family or ourselves. That being said...

Angela is a fellow Lansingite (is that what we're called?) who's made some very pretty baubles and selling them on her Etsy page. I'm always looking for pretty things, and the hardest decision I'm faced with is which one I start with, but at least I've narrowed it down to three.

There's this bracelet, followed by this one, and finally this necklace, of course listed in no particular order. :-)

So when you're in the market to buy something pretty for yourself or someone else, shop local, shop liberal/progressive, shop Lansing.

(While you're at, be sure to check out Angela's blog and think about becoming a regular reader there as well!)

Rest in Peace, Miles

A couple months ago I highlighted the story of Miles Levin, the 18 year-old from Oakland County that was fighting a rare and often deadly form of cancer.

Since his story was told in the Detroit News, I've been following his fight and journey on CarePages, a great blogging tool made especially for those in hospital or fighting serious illnesses, something they didn't yet have when I was so sick.

About a month ago, doctors made it clear that Miles would not beat his cancer and while those of us following along knew the end was near, many of us still hoped for a miracle.

Each time as of late that I received an email notifying that Miles' page had been updated, a sense of dread loomed over. This morning it was confirmed, Miles passed away.

I can't imagine what his parents and sister must be going through, but I bet for him personally it is a relief and a blessing, or at least, that's how I would imagine it after my long experience with a serious illness and pain.

Often times when my body was racked with pain and the illness seemed to completely consume every part of my life, I prayed for an end to it all.

Sometimes that meant death, other times it meant a deep, unconscious sleep that lasted for months until my body could heal itself. I never quite tolerated painkillers very well, and my threshold for pain was so high, that often times I was just left to deal with it, despite the doctors and nurses best efforts.

Miles described his last couple weeks as full of pain, something that reminded me a lot of my pain, mind-numbing and all-consuming. While I don't believe that anyone really sets out to die, given his experience, his pain, and his revelations on life and dying with dignity, I believe that Miles was ready to move on from this earthly life to something better. Here are his words, courtesy of the Detroit News, on death and dying -

If my struggle with cancer galvanizes actions of goodness, I can rest assured that even if I succumb to the rogue cells I will leave behind a legacy of victory. Dying is not what scares me. It's dying and having had no impact.

Miles will be missed by many of us who never met him. The thousands and thousands of lives he touched through his blog, his interview with CNN's Anderson Cooper, his caregivers at Beaumont Hospital, and of course his friends and family can never quite be counted. His impact on all of us, guiding us how to live and die with dignity in a most uncontrollable situation will be forever felt.

Rest in peace Miles, God knows you've earned it.

Update: The Detroit News' Laura Berman has a touching memoriam to Levin here

Polish your Halo, if you please

Take a look over to the right side of the page, and you might notice a new addition to LLP.

I've thought long and hard about giving folks an opportunity to donate or support this blog, while I hate asking people to give, the truth is, blogging is a very time-consuming activity.

Blogging at Liberal, Loud and Proud is always a wild ride. No matter the rhyme or reason behind my posts, each is published with a little bit of my soul embedded right into it.

While I can never put a price on my soul or the lives it touches, your contribution helps keep me going and provides the material means to keep the lights on and the Internet flowing. More importantly, it adds to the necessary dialog that our society needs to continue if we're going to keep moving up and out.

Come for the commentary, stay for the snark, join the discussion and enjoy the entire experience that is Liberal, Loud and Proud.

And to steal a line from WKAR/NPR/PBS, if this is something you enjoy reading each day, then please donate what you feel it's worth.

With deep thanks and heartfelt gratitude,

~Liberal Lucy

More Voices Join the Chorus

It never ceases to make my day when I learn of a couple new blogs on the block. Check 'em out, add them to your Bloglines, keep going back, you'll be glad you did.

The Audacity of Hoek: Another friend in the fight for Congress!

Exposing the hypocrisy, lies and rubberstamp legislative actions of Michigan's 2nd Congressional District Representative Pete Hoekstra

Hot damn, yet another fantastic Congressional District Watch Blog joining the fight! This blog's already on fire, make sure you stop by.

My Left Pinkie: This blog was a long time coming. From the spot o' blue amongst all that red on Michigan's west side, MLP was created by a good friend, Perfect Stormer, who gives this girl much too much credit -

LiberalLucy. If you're from Michigan, stop right there. You know who Lucy is--she needs no introduction. If you're not from Michigan...well, LiberalLucy is affectionately known as the Cruise Director of the Michigan lefty blogosphere, and for good reason. Watching that woman work her mojo is like lighting off fireworks indoors (yes, I stole this phrase from the New York Times review of the original Broadway production of Rent, but it fits Lucy too).

So glad you finally got your own fireworks going off there in Muskegon County!

The SuperSpade:

Black Thought at the Highest Level, the communications arm of Powerful Holdings, is a forum that presents critical, intellectual perspectives on the current issues. The goal of this space is to provide actionable commentary on social, political, and personal issues affecting the daily lives of individuals. We tie issues to people’s everyday decisions, so that they can then use these decision points and opportunities to create change. Since November 9, 2005, The SuperSpade has been energizing and mobilizing young people across the country, encouraging intellectual discourse on current events, as well as meaningful actions to help the community.

Need I say anymore? Brandon and I got to know each other at YearlyKos, and I know we can expect awesome things from him and the rest of the folks at SuperSpade in the near future.

You can find these and the rest of the Michigan lefty blogs on the right side of this page.

Speaking of Michigan's lefty blogs, have you heard all about them?

Bloggers Paradise or Bust!

It's that time of year again, time for Geek Fest 2007, otherwise known as YearlyKos 2007.

For those of you familiar with the largest lefty blog in the country, DailyKos, this might sound familiar. YKos is the national conference for progressive netroots activists just like yours truly. Needless to say, I can't wait!

While I'm there, I'll be taking part in various workshops, panels, and hobnobbing with some of the country's elite progressive politicians and netroots activists, including Gov. Howard Dean, DNC Chairman and all 8 of the Democratic Presidential Candidates.

Can't make it? Don't despair, CNN, C-Span, NPR, and the rest of the MSM will be there covering it all. Needless to say, in only it's second year, YearlyKos is becoming a place that's changing the face of Democratic politics in America.

I'm joining 10-15 other Michigan lefty bloggers that I know in the Windy City, and when all's said and done, I'm sure we'll be a part of the 2,000+ crowd.

That being said, don't think I won't be updating LLP while I'm there. There will be so much to share, so many opportunities awaiting everyone, that I'll be on the Tubes more often than not.

Despite all the frenzied chaos that's sure to be YKos, it's about keeping things in perspective. A good friend and fellow blogger Kid Oakland just posted this very touching piece over on DailyKos. That is what it's all about.

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!

What I did on my trip to NY

My trip to New York was great, full of exciting moments, interesting discoveries, and as we now know, pollution. :-)

Just so you know I wasn't slacking while I was away, here's what I did on my Summer Vacation trip to NY.

• Crashed with my good buddy Lipris from The Albany Project.
  
• Immersed myself in the home of the country's largest Hasidic Jewish population.
  
• Visited Lady Liberty in all her grandness.
  
• Paid tribute at the World Trade Center site.
  
• Found the records of my great-grandparents coming through Ellis Island in 1910.
  
• Spoke to some of the folks at the United Nations' Millennium Project about political blogging.
  
• Saw some of my favorite guys from Advomatic at Ulysses near the Exchange Place.
• Joined Jessica from Feministing and a bunch of other NY bloggers to watch her Colbert Report debut about her new book, Full Frontal Feminism. Click on the link to watch the clip, she did great!
  
• Attended the original Drinking Liberally chapter in Hell's Kitchen at the now-famous bar, Rudy's.
  
• Toured the inside of one of New York's emergency rooms.
  
• Participated in a great ride for an even greater cause.

Yes, all that in only six short days. Whew!

Now it's time to get back to business here in Lansing. First up, a hard look at financial literacy this afternoon with a Lunch and Learn at the Capitol. Come on down and get educated. WDIV's (Channel Four in Detroit) Rod Meloni will be the guest speaker. Hope to see you there!

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! :-)

Off the Record (again) and some odds and ends...

After last week's show about Political Blogging, Off the Record host Tim Skubick has been gracious to invite me back on again this week.

According to MIRS -

- "Off The Record" with Senior Capitol Correspondent Tim SKUBICK, airs on public television stations around the state and will feature Stephanie KORNEFFEL with Gongwer, Inside Michigan Politics Editor Bill BALLENGER, Rick ALBIN with WOOD-TV and Julielyn GIBBONS Liberal Lucy from Michiganliberal.com.

Yes, that's right, I'm taking on the MSM! We'll be talking about the budget and I hope that it's as informative as it could be entertaining.

As always, the show will be available online after 12pm, and available throughout the weekend on your local PBS affiliate.

A special thanks to the following fellow bloggers for helping me to promote my Get Your Guts in Gear Bike Ride -

• Rich at Honest Errors
• PhiKapBob at PhiKapBob: From the mean streets of South Central Livonia
• Nirmal at Capital Viewpoint
• BZP at Pohlitics
• Brainwrap at Democracy for Metro Detroit

if there's anyone I missed, I'll be sure to add them. Please visit my friends below and offer them a special thanks!

As soon as I know my fundraising total I'll be sure to publish it. Thanks for supporting and more importantly, spreading the word!

Here's to a happy Friday!

An Update, a Funny, a New Song and Blog

Things in my personal life have been in flux lately. Some incredible highs, and some others not so high. The next two weeks will be a little crazy, in part because I'm moving to a new part of Lansing, but plenty of things are happening that just keep life interesting.

I'm sitting here with the window open, a gentle cool breeze rolling in as the rain softly falls. I'm a sucker for the smell of a fresh spring rain. It reminds me that while life has its more difficult moments, there's still so many good things out there, and so much worth fighting for. So here's a mix-match of things that are making me smile today. Here's hoping they do the same for you!

1) A very funny web video by comedian Will Ferrell. A friend dropped it in my lap today and I nearly cried I laughed so hard. Be sure to check out The Landlord, but in full disclosure, the clip has a four-letter word or two and merits a PG-13 rating.

2) A cool new blog - Fight for the Future by Battle Creek City Councilman Ryan Hersha. A very smart friend of mine once remarked that every politician should have a blog so we all knew how they really felt about issues that mattered to us. With my obvious level of blogging bias, I agree. Hersha's blog is a great example of open, honest dialog on various issues affecting his district and the state, and frankly, I think this is a great example for other politicians to follow. Stop by, check it out, and take a page from Hersha's book - it just might help make our state a better place to live, learn, and play.

3) An excellent song - My life is music. A former musician, every significant moment of my life has a song associated with it. When I blog, exercise, cook, clean, work and sometimes even sleep, music is by my side. If you want a fun song, that I guarrantee 99% of you have never heard of but 100% of you will enjoy - check out Everybody's Free (to Wear Sunscreen) (2007 Mix) by Quindon Tarver. The original version of the song was on the soundtrack of the brilliant 1996 film by Baz Lurhmann - Romeo + Juliet.
This song with great music and spoken word will make you think, smile, laugh and reflect on your days of yore. The full album is available for download on iTunes, and you can download a single of the song on Rhapsody here. Download it, listen to it, and tell me what you think!

Michigan Political Blogging - Today on 'Off the Record'

If you have some time today or this weekend, be sure to check out this week's edition of WKAR's Off the Record.

Senior Capitol Correspondent Tim Skubick invited myself and Marcy Wheeler (emptywheel from MichLib and The Next Hurrah) along with two bloggers from the Right on to his show to talk about the impact of political blogging in Michigan.

We had a good time, and Tim and the rest of the staff at WKAR were pretty happy with the outcome. Neither Marcy or I have seen the show yet, so while I think it went pretty well, I'll be judging right along with the rest of you. I will say that if this was a battle of the sexes, us girls gave the boys a real run for their money. :-)

OTR is available by live-stream on the WKAR website after noon today, and if you want to watch it on the ol' boob-tube, the times that it will be showing in your part of the state are available below -

Statewide Viewing

MARQUETTE WNMU Fri 5:30pmSun 1:00pm

GRAND RAPIDS WGVU &WGVK Fri 6:00pm

EAST LANSING WKAR Fri 9:00pmSun 11:30pm

UNIV. CENTERWDCQ Fri 9:30pm

FLINTWFUM Sat 7:30pm

ELKHART, IN.WNIT Sun 7:30am

DETROIT WTVS Sun 11:30am

MT. PLEASANT WCMU Friday 9:00pmSun 12:00pm

A Story about Life, Dignity, and Dying

This morning as I read the Michigan papers online, I was forced to pause, and be consumed by a story that literally took my breath away.

The headline from the Detroit News reads: Hundreds log on to teen's blog as he battles cancer and I read it again, and again and again and I cried.

We all go through our days time and time again, set on auto-pilot doing what we need to do each day. How many times do we really stop to reflect, to really think about things?

I'm probably a lot more sensitive to stories like these because I see myself and my story so clearly in theirs. It's the reflection of what I've been through, what I've overcome and what could still happen to me, or to any of us.

It's because of my story that I sit here at this computer and share some of the deepest, most personal things that have happened to me. I believe like Miles, that by sharing my story and being honest and open about it, that my story will help others. How else can I explain my life and the fact that I'm still alive besides believing in a greater purpose than just being sick and not dying, even though all of the doctors tell me I should have, time and time again.

My journey into advocacy, politics, blogging, and now biking has always been about reaching out and sharing. For the same reasons Miles shares in this story, this world is too small and life too short not to come together as a community and grow as a community. This world is not about how you live or how I live - it is about how we live, and what we do together to change our world.

Here's to Miles, and to the millions others out there who are truly living by example for all of us.

(Cross-posted at DailyKos)