Disqus - Latest Comments for Minehaha Forman

Re: Canada seeks comments on plans to bury nuclear waste next to Lake Huron

Minehaha Forman — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 04:02:59 -0000

Bad Idea That's really scary. I have no idea what they're thinking. I know there's no "good" place to put nuclear waste. But next to a lake that people drink out of? REALLY?

Re: Election fatigue: A long winter of political cabin fever

Minehaha Forman — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 09:19:19 -0000

Agreed I'm already tired of hearing about this campaign, and the primaries aren't even over yet. By the time November rolls around I may be completely numb to the whole affair.

Re: Dear Benny: Welcome to America. Love the shoes!

Minehaha Forman — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 05:15:48 -0000

Hilarious but true So now the pope AND the devil wear Prada? I Kid, I kid!!!!!! He's just keepin' it fly.

Re: Weekly Blog Roundup

Minehaha Forman — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 05:43:02 -0000

Libertarianism + Federalism = Ron Paul? Yeah, what's going on with Ron Paul and his gaggle of pseudo libertarians? Are people that misinformed? Really? Or did he just need a ticket to run on?

Re: LIVEBLOG: Pennsylvania presidential primary results

Minehaha Forman — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 17:25:11 -0000

Less than 10 percent? WOW. NBC has called the primary with a big hed: "Clinton wins PA."

That seems a little premature if less than 10 percent of votes have been counted and the race is so close.

Re: Horse-race focused journalists in a horse race of their own

Minehaha Forman — Thu, 08 May 2008 05:07:54 -0000

Nice This is so true. Too bad, though, for the little thing called democratic process.

Re: Michigan too broke to fix leaking fuel tanks

Minehaha Forman — Tue, 20 May 2008 13:09:26 -0000

Scary stuff I think water is taken for granted, and that's part of the problem. But if there's no money to keep toxins from leaking into our water supply, how is there money to do anything else?

Re: Michigan’s energy package: more efficiency, but renewables lag

Minehaha Forman — Tue, 27 May 2008 11:53:57 -0000

That's legal? Hmm, that sounds like the power companies have some interest in this bill, no?

Re: Fieger doesn’t think he’s popular in Michigan. Or is that an act?

Minehaha Forman — Fri, 30 May 2008 05:27:05 -0000

Acting for the show This Fieger guy obviously loves the stoplight, he's been on TV before -- "Power of Attorney" and "The Law Firm" and I think I read somewhere that he's trying to get his own reality TV series.

It looks like he's getting what he wants now -- if he blinks he'll make Michigan news, yet its all part of the grand show. We all tune in, we wonder what will happen, what the Jury will decide, what will become of this outrageous "character?" And in reality it has no impact on most of our lives (unless you're Ven Johnson, G. Fieger, Spence, the jurors, Borman ... the usual suspects.

It's all for fun, "the theatre" the spectacle of justice, like other high-profile cases. I'm definitely one of those people watching the show, one day from the front row, in court. I wonder: When will the series finale air? I guess that's the big question.

Re: Brayton’s bag of links and snark: Rachael Ray loves terrorists and so can you!

Minehaha Forman — Fri, 30 May 2008 05:41:21 -0000

2008 spring fashion update OK. SERIOUSLY. I hate to say it, but I'm one of those girls who follows fashion and I happen to know that black and white checkers are, like, TOTALLY IN. Really. So are other flashy, bold, eighties-like patterns like stripes. I just got this black and white checked hoodie from H&M; and its fabulous (I'm wearing it right now and I don't feel like a terrorist).

Oh yeah, guess what else is in!!??? Scarves!! Oh yeah. Scarves are the new craze, even guys are wearing little pieces of cloths around their necks though it's so warm out they only need a T-shirt. American Idol, anyone? Put the two together and that do ya got? Dunkin' Doughnuts super hip stylist trying to make Rachel Ray seem up with the fashionable crowd. She's hip and she goes to Dunkin' Doughnuts. No way!!! We should go, too and be hip like her ... or be a terrorist like her ... which one is it?

Maybe the LGF people need to watch project runway for educational purposes.

Re: Detroit journal: Something is dreadfully wrong

Minehaha Forman — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 12:00:37 -0000

poverty This is what its like to live in poverty. Some people, when they think "poor" they think oh, I can afford that DVD or new shirt. No. being poor and being in poverty are two different levels. Because I was raised in a situation that would be called poverty here, I am not as shocked when I se sight like this. What shocks me is that it right here in Michigan, just 20 miles north is the second wealthiest county in the U.S. other than Orange County in California. What was standard in the Third World country of Belize, is poverty here. What confuses me is that this is supposed to be "first world". Something's not right.

Re: Detroit journal: Something is dreadfully wrong

Minehaha Forman — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 13:06:28 -0000

I agree As I said in the commentary, I would like to comment on the nice things that are happening in Detroit. I have, and will. I said "some neighborhoods." There are actually a lot of beautiful things happening in Detroit, and I do help out in my community by planting gardens, playing with the children in the neighborhood and contributing positive attitudes about the city. I'm here, I think that says a lot. But some people do live in a fortress, so to speak, and they don't know what goes on in some of these neighborhoods. I was just thinking to myself after I posted this that I need to follow up with some positive stories, because I'd hate for people to get the complete wrong impression.

Thanks for your comment, you make a great point.

Re: Detroit journal: Something is dreadfully wrong

Minehaha Forman — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 13:25:50 -0000

Nicer places I spend a lot of time at Campus Martius, Hart Plaza, the river walk ... Downtown, in general, is gorgeous. Eastern Market is fantastic, The Belle Isle Conservatory is wonderful, I am going to visit the lake museum soon, which is also free on Belle Isle. I attend all the festivals, and lots of concerts. Just this weekend the Festival of the Arts went on in Detroit and it was great. I enjoy the CSS art shows, The DIA, The MOCAD, the local restaurants like seldom Blues and Union Street. I went to Flower Day at Eastern market and reported on that. I do plan on talking about these places, too. If I were to only feature those places all the time, this site might start looking like Hour Detroit magazine. There are two sides of the story. I agree: All of it should be out there, the good and the bad.

Re: Benton Harbor approves controversial golf course proposal

Minehaha Forman — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 18:01:37 -0000

So...it's over? So... they're gonna take away the beach dedicated to that little girl to build a lovely green golf course for rich execs? Wow. I guess money talks.

Re: Benton Harbor approves controversial golf course proposal

Minehaha Forman — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 18:04:57 -0000

I See So it's not over but this is just a step in the wrong direction. The National Park Service (NPS) turned them down last time, but now there's been some changes since then...I hope they stick to their guns on this one.

Re: Fireworks finally approved for gay celebration in Lansing

Minehaha Forman — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 18:11:57 -0000

All fired up about ? Wow. Seriously. A little fireworks won't kill anyone, and hey, it could be a nice show if you're not too busy tying yourself in a knot over some colors in the sky and a few popping sounds. Chill out, City Council people.

Re: Nestle plan to expand bottling alarms environmentalists

Minehaha Forman — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 18:15:10 -0000

Bottled water the only option? Why do some people think bottled water is the only thing they can drink? I have my little Brita pitcher since I'm not a big fan of the taste of chlorine, but tap water never hurt anyone, and it's just not as tasty, get a water filter. Bottled water is so common, it's getting obnoxious. Plus, after you drink one, you have this surplus of plastic that most people don't even recycle!

Re: Michigan could be key in the presidential election. Here’s why.

Minehaha Forman — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 18:17:21 -0000

Very Interesting Is that why Obama can't get enough of the glove state? He keeps comin' back for more. You work it, Obama.

Re: Detroit journal: Something is dreadfully wrong

Minehaha Forman — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 18:43:31 -0000

Exactly. I think you articulate this point very well. I'm truly not trying to put the city down, or discourage hope with this piece. But ignorance is not bliss, and too many people across the state have NO IDEA what goes on. Thanks for your insight.

Re: Detroit journal: Detroit public education fails

Minehaha Forman — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 18:47:25 -0000

DPS I know people who have worked for DPS and they have stories that come straight out of horror movies. I can't help but wonder: Is it fair to bash the DPS when they might be doing the best they can do within their budget? I'll have to investigate the DPS' budget and get back to you with that.

Re: Too late to correct false impression

Minehaha Forman — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 18:58:29 -0000

Straw donors Donations like that are probably so common, I can't even imagine the number of people and companies that get away with worse. It's so easy to manipulate money and jump through loopholes in the law. Too easy. Ask a drug dealer.

But I digress.

Yeah, the Freep should've called him out on that one ... but maybe they were just looking out for the poor little guy being harassed by the big bad government? Hmm...

Re: Detroit journal: Detroit public education fails

Minehaha Forman — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 04:50:05 -0000

That should be on the ballot! Eartha, I really was thinking that to myself while conducting the interview. Seriously, wouldn't that be great? It seems almost unconstitutional to have such disparity in public schools!

Re: Detroit journal: Something is dreadfully wrong

Minehaha Forman — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 05:13:57 -0000

A human problem Joanb brings up the great point about sagging neighborhoods in other parts of the state. And to leave those pLaces out of the discussion would be irresponsible. There are places in Saginaw, Flint, Pontiac, Lansing... that could tell stories similar to the ones I described in this piece. So that's more of a reason to have this dialogue continued, and get it out there. Learning what goes on isn't fun. The truth hurts. The big question is, now that we know, what can be done? Can we trust that policy makers and govt. programs will dig us out, or will there have to be some sort of grassroots movement that does it? We've been abandoned by the Auto industry. We can't sit here and cry for food. How are we as state gonna create enough jobs to bring back the auto era? Green energy? Sounds good to me.

Re: Michigan Messenger » State giving away massive amounts of shrinking water supplies to corporate interests

Minehaha Forman — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 07:04:18 -0000

Meanwhile... I don't know where I'd find this exact figure, but there are many families living without water in Detroit and other Michigan cities because they're in poverty and they can't afford it. But let's give it to big $ for free. Yeah, that makes sense.

Re: Survey: Michigan voters say business background trumps political expertise

Minehaha Forman — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 09:23:39 -0000

City or a business? I've heard the term "you have to run a city like a business." I wonder about that...

Re: Detroit journal: Something is dreadfully wrong

Minehaha Forman — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 10:04:03 -0000

Thank You Shakespearsidiot, thanks for your thoughtful response. I couldn't have said it better myself and I'm thankful for that. In writing this I did face an ethical dilemma, and I understand the connotations of telling sad and bad stories about Detroit, because ultimately PR does a lot for cities. But as I said before, ignorance is not bliss. Once people and policy makers know, they should be compelled to do something.

Re: Detroit journal: Something is dreadfully wrong

Minehaha Forman — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 10:46:34 -0000

Flint Flint is just as bad if not worse...though I don't know how it could get much worse. But you're right NOLA has the same problems: racial and economic.

In terms of the auto industry, it's long gone. We're not the motor city anymore and we need to move on. The only places making money in Detroit seem to be fast food, gas stations, churches, liquor stores, etc.

Re: It hit him in a dream: use Mother Nature to cleanse water runoff

Minehaha Forman — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 07:39:11 -0000

Great work! This story made my day! Great video, too. Lindemann's dream came true! This is proof that if you get the right people in the right positions, there's still hope.

Re: Your health: Rabies, syphilis, tomatoes and HIV in the headlines

Minehaha Forman — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:07:27 -0000

Consumer confidence, rabies All this bad news can't be good for investors.
Also, my mom works at a dog grooming place and they don't deal with dogs that don't have rabies shots. She said people would be shocked if they know how many dogs they have to turn away because they are not vaccinated.

Re: Muslim woman says Obama campaign kept her off-camera

Minehaha Forman — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 18:43:04 -0000

Less Media For some reason there was less media at this event than at the other MI events and it was one of the bigger rallies. The risers for TV cameras were full, but the chairs for print, radio and internet media were for the most part empty. I wonder why that is?

At Monday's event it was a lot easier for media to interact with the audience. I don't think they even cared if you went up into the stands. I did a couple times for pics.

Also, this whole article is he said she said. It blew up and now everyone's following it, but ... I don't know. There's no way to prove anything, because no volunteer is really going to 'fess up and say, yeah I did that against the will of the campaign, and the campaign would never admit to anything even if they did single those women out. So... go figure.

Re: Don’t drill — conserve; and I know how to do it

Minehaha Forman — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 16:48:01 -0000

Public Transport After doing some research on public transport, it turns out that improving buses in Detroit and other MI cities is quite feasible, and it's not totally a financial issue. More to come on that.

Also, it only costs $11 to get from Ann Arbor to Detroit and back if you take the train.

Re: Don’t drill — conserve; and I know how to do it

Minehaha Forman — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 17:10:08 -0000

$11 Oops. turns out $11 will only get you one way on Amtrak.

Re: MoveOn.org fires first salvo of the general election with TV attack ad

Minehaha Forman — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 11:21:03 -0000

Army for $ As Rayne said, so many young men in poverty ridden or just low-income families turn to the military because they think it's the only way out. Recruiters swarm low income areas for just that reason. So if William and Alex have $$$ then they may have more choices if there's no draft.

Re: State senators take HIV test, encourage others to take it

Minehaha Forman — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 11:31:58 -0000

HIV awareness There are so many -- too many -- people that think "well it can't happen to me" and continue to make poor decisions that put them at risk without getting tested. I actually met someone who thought that only gay people could spread HIV. I just feel that the fact that these thoughts even exist in a society that is supposedly "educated" is inexcusable and detrimental because ignorance is why HIV is still spreading as rapidly as it is.

It's good that the senators came out and took the test, it's one step in the right direction in getting people informed and tested.

Re: “It’s gonna hurt”: DPS school board OKs massive budget cuts

Minehaha Forman — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:33:48 -0000

Where's the Money? I agree, Todd. I was a little confused about how they figured cutting all those jobs would add up to 500 million ... maybe school closings and pay cuts? Who knows.

Re: McCain calls expensive cocaine a foreign policy victory

Minehaha Forman — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 06:44:47 -0000

Incredible Great story, Eartha. The point that if drugs cost more there will be less crime is absurd. More crime is, in fact, what will ensue. People hooked on these drugs aren't gonna say, "Oh, I guess I can't afford cocaine anymore..." This whole thing is ridiculous.

Re: Detroit moves to end trash burning — are “green jobs” on the way?

Minehaha Forman — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 09:59:48 -0000

It's a smelly affair I live a few blocks away from the incinerator and on a hot afternoon there's an inescapable smell of rotting burning flesh ... it's sick.

The Detroit incinerator is the largest trash incinerator in the world, according to Ecocenter.org.

If they get 800,000 tons of trash per year at a cost of over $170 per ton to Detroit residents in taxes, that means the company that owns the incinerator makes $136 million a year, much of which is from the cit of Detroit (Up to seven times the cost of recycle and landfill services).

Other fun facts from ecocenter.org:

-Asthma hospitalization rates in Detroit are 3-4 times the average rate of the state of Michigan. In addition to these staggering figures

- Detroit is the only city of the 30 largest cities in the United States without any form of curbside recycling.

Oh yeah, and the city's decision not to buy the incinerator, well, it's got a lot to do with money, not the environment, necessarily. As Mayor Kilpatrick said in a statement:

"We will not exercise the option to purcahse the waste energy facility," Kilpatrick said in a prepared statement. "The proposed purchase price was beyond what the city was prepared to pay."

Re: “There’s no school.”

Minehaha Forman — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 09:23:12 -0000

To clarify: Thanks, Ben, for your helpful comment. The figures I used were from person in my neighborhood who was trying to explain the public school problem. I will be sure to correct them.

However, I think the main problem is transport, and moving the kids around to the different schools. What was once a walkable trip now is a drive, and many people don't have cars. Also, no free school bus services this particular neighborhood.

Granted, of course there are still plenty of elementary schools in Detroit:

(http://www.schooldig...).

It's just a matter of accessibility and quality of the education. Of the five+ kids on my block, all of them attend charter schools or are home-schooled.

One mom on my street said she didn't know where Campbell academy was. There are so many charter schools available, the public city operated ones are buried and the education qulaity there, I imagine, is not stellar. The schools that most kids go to in the area: Detroit Merit Charter Academy, Chrysler Academy, Detroit Academy for Arts and Sciences ... all charter schools.

I truly appreciate your comment. I even called Campbell elementary to see what services they provide to neighborhoods that used Ferry elementary. A teacher answered and said there was no secretary or principal there today, and that I should "call back tomorrow" and hung up. I suppose I will call back tomorrow.

Re: War pays well for some West Michigan companies

Minehaha Forman — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:28:34 -0000

big Money As cruel as it sounds, for people after big money, war is big business.

Re: Compact may not stop water wars

Minehaha Forman — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 10:48:00 -0000

Michigan for sale It seems like any city, state or country in an economic pinch is more willing to sell off precious natural resources to stay afloat like a bankrupt person might pawn off family heirlooms.

Detroit, for example, is hustling off the tunnel to Canada and small parks private developers for some quick cash.

Is water gonna get hustled too? I hope not.

Re: U-M study: HPV risk doesn’t depend on teen’s sexual activity

Minehaha Forman — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 11:11:14 -0000

Women as victims Funny that all the pharmaceutical ads I see for vaccines and testing for HPV have been geared 100% for women. So much so that I had no idea men would even be affected by it!

Re: U-M Report: Obesity replaces smoking as new No. 1 health concern for kids

Minehaha Forman — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 07:48:07 -0000

Access to food Many parents without cars or without the money here in Detroit have a hard time getting fresh food. There are very few grocery stores in Detroit, and many are forced to shop and gas stations and liquor stores for food. Fresh fruit and veggies at the liquor store/gas station? I don't think so.

Re: National Sierra Club “sold its soul to highest bidder,” say protesters

Minehaha Forman — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:05:56 -0000

Interesting: Ah, the irony.

Re: Levin, Stabenow and U.S. Senate vote to remove HIV ban

Minehaha Forman — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 16:39:43 -0000

Good news I feel so under informed. I had NO IDEA there was such a ban! wow.

Re: Michelle Obama, radically awesome

Minehaha Forman — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 17:10:53 -0000

Black women and hair There's so much weirdness surrounding black women and hair. Most black women feel they need to press it out and make it look as straight as possible in order to be feminine. In fact, I get approached by many black women who say "Why don't you do something with your hair? Or, why don't you "Press it out?" I wear my hair naturally curly and it's a concept that for some reason is controversial. What IF Michelle Obama decided to skip a perm and had a fro? I bet people would be gawking at that, too. Black women have been socialized to think that their hair is not good the way it is. Most of them get chemically alter the heck out of it until it has a hard time growing, it's kind of odd. Anyway, the hair thing is I'm sure, a topic that goes way back for black girls and women.

Re: Is it really the end of the Detroit trash incinerator?

Minehaha Forman — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 19:42:34 -0000

Nose sore, too On hot summer nights like these the air is thick with the odor of burning rotted garbage and plastic. I can't even describe it in words. It makes it almost intolerable to breathe.

Re: Michigan women must pay out of pocket for birth control — but men get Viagra for free

Minehaha Forman — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 08:32:46 -0000

Men in charge That seems ridiculously unfair. Wow. It's a man's world, eh?

Re: How McCain handles tough questions

Minehaha Forman — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 08:54:06 -0000

Scare tactics Yeah talking about evil and graphic details of blowing up women and beheading paints this savage picture of Iranian's. He was talking about the islamic extremists but he really didn't work to hard at making the distinction between crazy "evil" extremists and regular citizens.

Re: Newsweek does a disservice to murder victim

Minehaha Forman — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 08:01:26 -0000

Blaming the victim This is all too common in writing. Good you pointed this out.
I think too many people have the idea that being gay in public is some sort of crime. I was at a bar a couple weeks ago and this guy comes up to me and says, "What's up, is this gay night or something?" because there was one openly gay couple sitting at the bar. And he went on the say "If any gay here grabs my ass I'll punch 'em out." I don't know if that was some sort of warped pick-up line but it just shows the mentality of some people.

Re: Newsweek does a disservice to murder victim

Minehaha Forman — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 10:30:35 -0000

? How should someone respond to a comment like that? I didn't know what to say, because I felt like whatever I said he was still going to be an idiot. He went on the say that he would enjoy it if all the gay people in the bar would get together and do a "stupid dance." Are people just than ignorant?? I guess so.

Re: Rogers accused of hate speech

Minehaha Forman — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 09:04:03 -0000

Enemies The only person named was Hugo Chavez. Other than that are supposed to assume that the Arabic guys are enemies, just because? WOW. That's disgusting. Thanks, Eartha.

Re: Rogers accused of hate speech

Minehaha Forman — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 10:54:20 -0000

white family Notice the nice white family silhouetted in the drawing. That's who he's gonna be protecting from the "enemies". Hah.

Re: Keyes, kooks, and keffiyehs

Minehaha Forman — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 06:47:32 -0000

Hilarious That whole scarf thing is a fad. Should we ban it along with sagging pants?