Michigan is bordered by four of the five Great Lakes, only Lake Ontario is missing, and has the longest freshwater shoreline of all the states.  Because of this unique geography, the state boasts more recreational watercraft than any other.  Not surprising since an individual is never more than six miles from a natural water source.

Residents of Michigan reference their residency within the state claiming to be Uppers (also called “Yoopers”) or Lowers (also called “Trolls” because they live below the Mackinac Bridge), referring to the upper and lower peninsula. 

Lansing is Michigan’s capital city, and Detroit the largest.  It’s a big state, ranking 8th in population and 11th in geographic area.

When most people think of Michigan, they think of the Detroit area and the auto industry.  Yes, there are still auto manufacturing plants there, but the economy now turns more on high tech industries and research and development.  The UP also relies heavily on tourism.

I visited Michigan while on a driving vacation with a friend.  We had flown to Ohio, picked up another friend, and then the three of us drove to car racing event in the Detroit area.  It was an exhausting trip; I don’t remember a lot, but I’ve been there. 

I’d eventually like to return and see some of the UP, in the summertime, perhaps spending a little time on Mackinac Island (in photo).  I find it amusing that an island in a state that has been so reliant on the auto industry prohibits cars on the island.

Photo credit:  Mary McGuire

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Post from: Fly Away Cafe

From its inception in 1907 (how many cars were they showcasing then?) to the international showcase that it is today, Detroit has showcased our love affair with the car.  Originally called The Detroit Auto Show, this event now ranks with the best of the best in the auto world, holding its own with the major auto shows in Frankfurt, Geneva, Paris and Tokyo.  In 1989 it became known as the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).

Some highlights of past shows:

• 1992 ““ The President of Chrysler “crashed” a Jeep Grand Cherokee into the site through a special plate glass wall.
• 1995 ““ Debut of North American Car and Truck of the Year awards.
• 1997 ““ MSN CarPoint (Microsoft’s auto website) became the official website for NAIAS.
• 2005 ““ 68 new vehicles were introduced, many seen in a 2-hour special shows on NBC.
• 2006 ““ 70 new vehicles were introduced, including the first Chinese vehicles to ever be displayed in the U.S. 

Last year’s show featured 91 exhibitors, one million square feet of exhibits, and a public attendance of over three quarters of a million people.  This year, attendance is expected to be even higher.

Dates:  Open to the public Saturday, January 13th-20th, 9 am-10 pm, and Sunday, January 21st, 9 am-7 pm.

Location:  COBO Conference/Exhibition, One Washington Blvd, Detroit.

Tickets:  $12 adults, $6 seniors (65+) and children (7-12), children under 6 free, with accompanying parent.  Advanced tickets recommended online.

Is there anything to do in Detroit that isn’t related to cars?  I’m not really sure as the only time that I’ve been to Detroit was for a car event ““ a sprint car race to watch a dear friend’s son compete.  Rumor has it the city has a fine zoo.  Other recommended (by fellow flight attendants) things to do include:  the Henry Ford estate, Greektown, the National Shrine of the Little Flower Catholic Church, or the Veteran’s Memorial Building.

Photo credit:  flickr

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Post from: Fly Away Cafe

It was a big surprise for me to learn that Orlando, Florida was found to be the angriest city.  Is it too much Disney-mania?  Too much fake touristy niceness?

The study, commissioned by Men’s Health magazine, didn’t rely just on anecdotal stories or a poll.  Instead, it was a complicated mix of factors such as:  the CDC’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, FBI reports of aggravated assaults, Bureau of Labor statistics on workplace violence, traffic congestion information, and traffic citations.

WHEW!  Who knew there was so much to be angry about?

Here’s a list of the top 10 angriest cities:

1. Orlando, Florida
2. St. Petersburg, Florida
3. Detroit, Michigan
4. Baltimore, Maryland
5. Nashville, Tennessee
6. Wilmington, Delaware
7. Miami, Florida
8. Memphis, Tennessee
9. Jacksonville, Florida
10. St. Louis, Missouri

My hometown of Seattle ranked 43.  Read the entire article for the full list.

Post from: Fly Away Cafe