Clean Smoking Ban Up for Vote! – FAILS

23 09 2008

I’m a little behind on this.  I just got a phone call telling me to turn on House TV.  HB 4163 is on the floor right now and they are debating. 

3:42 PM – The bill’s sponsor, Brenda Clack (D-Flint) is urging colleagues to support because they will NOT be the first State to do this.

The board is open and they are voting on concurring with the Senate substitute.

3:53 PM – The board is still open for record roll call.  There’s a lot of yellow still on the board.  As for our local reps, Joan Bauer, Mark Meadows, and Barb Byrum have all voted yes.

4:00 PM – An announcement was made that the board will be closed in one minute.  Still a lot of Representatives haven’t voted.

4:03 PM –  Board is closed.  I’m waiting for the clerk to read the results.  It’s too close to tell by just looking at it.

4:07 PM – By my count, the measure failed, but 19 Representatives have not voted.  The Chair is recognizing those who have not voted.  Tempoarry excuses for four of the Reps have been granted and two Aye votes have been added.

4:10 PM – Two more late Ayes and two more Nay’s.  It’s going to turn out to be a very, very close vote.

4:12 PM – 50 Yes vote and 49 No votes.  However, the the majority of the members serving have NOT voted in favor.  They needed 56 Aye votes.  There are 11 Representatives that did not vote so that means, the motion was not concurred.  HB 4163 did not pass today because not everyone voted.

Majority Floor Leader Tobocman moved to reconsider the vote by which HB 4163 failed and moved to pass that motion for the day.  What that means is the Democrats have the option to bring the vote up again later in the week or the session.


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Press Release – SOS Office Accepting Donations for Harvest Gathering

18 09 2008

From a press release…..

Helping residents put a meal on the table
Secretary of State branches accept Harvest Gathering donations

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land today announced that Michigan residents again can drop off nonperishable food items at branch offices to benefit needy families in their communities for the 18th annual Michigan Harvest Gathering.

“Your donations help put a meal on the table for someone in need,” Land said. “Of the
1 million Michigan residents expected to visit a food bank this year, 38 percent are children and
14 percent are senior citizens. I encourage you to contribute to Michigan Harvest Gathering to help your less-fortunate friends and neighbors, including our most vulnerable populations.”

The campaign, which is coordinated by the Food Bank Council of Michigan, helps supply the state’s regional food banks through donations of food and money. The regional food banks serve food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters in every Michigan county.

People can drop off donations at all Secretary of State branch offices through Dec. 12. Requested items include peanut butter, canned tuna and other meat, and canned fruits, vegetables and soups, although all nonperishable food items are welcome. Envelopes will be available for those who wish to mail cash donations, which are used to cover the cost of collecting and distributing the food.

In 2007, the Michigan Harvest Gathering collected more than $400,000 and 289,000 pounds of food. The 2008 goal is $430,000 and 300,000 pounds of food.


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Press Release – Smokefree Air Rally

12 09 2008

From a press release….

Rally at Capitol to Encourage Concurrence Vote on Smokefree Workplace Legislation
Legislators, medical experts and smokefree advocates
to speak in support of House Bill 4163

WHAT: The Campaign for Smokefree Air is hosting a rally at the Capitol to encourage Speaker Andy Dillon (D – Redford Twp.) and the House of Representatives to concur on HB 4163, which would make all work places, including restaurant and bars smokefree. Speakers will take the opportunity to tell their personal stories as well as give concrete statistics and examples as to why Michigan should be the next state to pass smokefree legislation.

WHO: Dr. Greg Holzman, Chief Medical Officer, Michigan Department of Community Health – Event Emcee
Dr. Lawrence Abramson, DO, family practice physician – Dr. Abramson currently sits on the Board of Trustees for the Michigan Osteopathic Association.
Sen. Raymond Basham (D-Taylor) – Sen. Basham has been fighting to pass smokefree legislation for more than 10 years.
Rep. Andy Meisner (D-Ferndale) – Rep. Meisner is a proponent of smokefree workplaces and a supporter of CSA.
Rep. Brenda Clack (D-Flint) – Rep. Clack has been a long time supporter of the Campaign for Smokefree Air
Dr. Ronald Davis, past president of the American Medical Association – Throughout his medical career, Dr. Davis has worked on tobacco issues for more than 30 years.
Daniel Haberman – Mr. Haberman is the owner of the Bosco bar in Ferndale, MI and a long time supporter of smokefree workplaces.
Ashley Baracy, Miss Michigan 2008 – Ashley’s mother is a five year cancer survivor and Ashley’s personal platform is breast cancer awareness.

WHEN: Tuesday Sept. 16, 2008
12:30 p.m.

WHERE: Capitol Rotunda

                                                                #####


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Smoking Ban Getting Close?

11 09 2008

I mentioned this in a comment earlier in the week, but since WLAJ did a story on it last night, I thought I’d give the topic it’s own post.  Word on the street is the House is going to vote on the “clean” version of the smoking bill sometime before the November elections.

House democrats tell us while negotiations are ongoing right now, they hope to have the reconciled version of the smoking ban signed into law by the November election.

I really would like to see a smoking ban pass, but I’m not in favor of a 100% clean bill.  The ONLY exception should be for cigar/tobacco shops.  Employees know what they’re getting in to there.  Casino’s should not be exempted and there needs to be a way to make sure Indian Casino’s aren’t exempted as well.  There’s a lawsuit working it’s way through the courts that would require Indian Casino’s to purchase liquor license.  HB 4163 should include language mandating that establishments purchasing a liquor license must be smoke free.  That way, should the courts ever decide, it would force Indian casino’s to go smoke free as well.  That will take away the so-called advantage.

On the web. HB 4163


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Press Release – International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers

8 09 2008

Haven’t had a smoking ban post in a while, but I got this press release today from the International Premium Cigar and Pipe Retaliers…..out of Georigia. 

LANSING, Michigan September 8, 2008 – According to Chris McCalla,
legislative director of the International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers
Association, his organization has learned that the Michigan state
legislature will likely reopen debate on a proposed statewide smoking ban
based on erroneous information provided by well-funded anti-smoking forces.

Michigan’s State Representatives and Senators have been deadlocked on a
proposal for several months with each preferring their own version of such a
ban. McCalla believes the two chambers are working to approve a statewide
smoking ban by the end of this current session. Read the rest of this entry »


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Press Release – Michigan Summer Vacation Stories

2 09 2008

From a press release sent by House Speaker Pro Tempe Michael Sak.

“MADE in MICHIGAN MAKE it MICHIGAN” contest deadline is September 8

LANSING – House Speaker Pro Tempore Michael G. Sak (D-Grand Rapids) is urging residents who vacationed in Michigan this summer to submit their contest entries in order to be eligible to win a free “Destination Pure Michigan Adventure” vacation this fall. Announced in late June, Sak’s “MADE in MICHIGAN MAKE it MICHIGAN” (MiMMiM) campaign encouraged residents to travel the Great Lakes State during the summer months to experience all that Michigan has to offer.

“I have heard from countless residents in all corners of the Great Lakes state who spent their summer vacation experiencing the grandness of Michigan,” Sak said. “But I’m sure there are many more wonderful stories I haven’t heard. With Labor Day behind us, which marks the unofficial end of summer, I want to remind our residents to send me a summary of their wonderful summer experiences before our contest deadline passes. All you need to do is send me your story.” Read the rest of this entry »


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Election Day BBQ – Final Update

5 08 2008

I hope everyone did their civic duty today and voted in all the non-races in the Lansing area.  I haven’t yet, but I do plan on it before the polls close.  It’s a little wierd.  I haven’t voted on Election Day in a few years.  Illinois has early voting or what the Reform Michigan Government Now (which I strongly oppose) calls No Excuse Absentee Voting.  Our polls were also automated, so I figured I’ll use today as a practice vote for November since I hear Michigan still use paper ballets or optical scan maybe?

Anyway, since it is Election Day, it’s a good day for a BBQ, huh?  I know that’s bad logic, but everyday is a good day for a BBQ.  My girlfriend actually isn’t going to be able to leave work for dinner, so we’re being nice and smoking some pork butts for the whole office.  I’ve never blogged about my cooking, but I thought I’d share the journey since I know some people at her office read this, it’ll just get them hungrier and then, as a negative side effect, hype up my pulled pork and give me expecatations I can’t possibly achieve.

Anyway, we got two Levandowski pork butts from L & L last night.  We went with two smaller ones instead of one big one hoping to cut the cooking time down some.  I put my rub on last night and threw them in the fridge.  I used a Bobby Flay rub and this is one of the few I don’t stray from.  It is so freakin good.  I used to use my own brown sugar based rub, but this one is so much better.  Just a little bit of heat.  I cut down the measurements so I only make what I was going to use today.

4 teaspoons Ancho Chile Powder
2 teaspoons Spanish Paprika
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons dry mustard
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons ground corriander
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon Chile de Arbol powder

45

This is what my two pork butts looked like when I threw them on the grill at about 1:45

I used this on a pork tenderloin one time and thought I had died and gone to heaven.  I pulled the meat out of the fridge and fired the grill up about 1:30.  I use natural hardwood lump charcoal instead of briquettes so the fire got going pretty quickly.  I added some hickory chunks and chips to the coals and threw the butts on the grill.  I’m trying to keep the temperature down around 250, but it’s not always easy with a Weber Kettle grill. 

Keep checking back between now and 6:00 or so.  I’ll update with pictures as we go along.  It’s so sad that Lansing doesn’t have a real BBQ joint.  This stuff is so easy to do with a little patience and the result is incredible!

Make sure to click on the READ MORE link every hour or so for updates Read the rest of this entry »


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Now You Know How the Rest of Us Feel

31 07 2008

You can smoke in restaurants in Michigan, but apparently, you can only smoke approved cancer sticks at some joints.

“On Saturday my brother and I were enjoying breakfast at Fleetwood Diner (on South Cedar Street). This is our normal destination for meetings, and has been since the diner opened.

“As usual, when we finished our meal we sat and had cigarettes and talked about different issues.”

Suddenly the two men were asked to take it outside. It seems that the smoke from their peach-flavored cigarettes offended the nostrils of somebody who worked at the diner.

That’s how I feel every freaking time I walk into a restaurant that allows smoking, but I deal with it.  The Fleetwood just made a case for banning smoking in restaurants and they don’t even know it.  My nostrils are offended by all cigarettes…not just the flavored ones.  If you can you kick patrons out because you don’t like their certain cigs, you should ban smoking outright!


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Distilleries to Sell Their Own Brews

30 07 2008

Now here’s a law that makes sense.

State distilleries can now sell their brews on site thanks to a new law.

In the past, distillers could only sell their products through a middleman. Now that they can sell the alcohol themselves, they will make more money which in turn means they will be able to try different products and offer more varieties.

Public Act 218’08 was passed by the Legislature on June 27th.  Governor Granholm signed the bill into law on July 24th.  The Michigan Brewing Company was on hand for the bill signing and sent the following press release.

PUBLIC ACT 218 BECOMES LAW – MBC SHARES THE WIN IN CREATION OF MICHIGAN’S NEW ‘MICRO-DISTILLERIES’ Read the rest of this entry »


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MUCC Online Petition for Bottle Bill Expansion

23 06 2008

On-line petitions are worthless.  They are succeptable to fraud.  If you want to be taken seriously, paper petitions are still the only way to get any kind of respect.  The Michigan United Conservation Club has posted an on-line petition encouraging the expansion of Michgan’s Bottle Bill to include bottled water and juice.  While I agree with the position, I hate on-line petitions.  I have five e-mail address that I still have access to, so I can sign this petition five times…all under different names and some of them not even real names.  The goal of their campaign is 1000 signatures.  So far, they have 89, but the petition was just posted today, so with little media expsosure they’ve got a good start. Read the rest of this entry »


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