Podcasts about The Grand Rapids Press

In this week's episode of the Industrial Real Estate podcast, supply chain veteran Les Brand joined me and co-host Matt Carroll to unpack what's really happening across global logistics. With over 50 years in the industry, Les shares front-line insights on tariffs, reshoring, nearshoring, and how geopolitical tensions are reshaping trade routes and warehousing strategies. The conversation explores how 3PLs are adapting, why companies are pausing shipments, and what industrial real estate professionals need to know to navigate uncertainty. If you're interested in global supply chains, trade dynamics, and how they impact warehouse demand, this is a must-watch.About Les: Leslie G. Brand III is the Chief Executive Officer of Supply Chain Solutions, Inc. (SCS), a global supply chain and transportation management solutions company headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also serves on SCS's board of directors. Les is the President of the West Michigan Chapter of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) and is involved in various community and industry organizations including the Grand Rapids and Holland Chamber of Commerce. Supply Chain Solutions, Inc. has established a leadership position in the area of supply chain integration, collaboration and lean supply management. Both national and local business and trade publications including Inbound Logistics, Global Logistics, the Grand Rapids Press, Mi Biz, and Business Update and have featured articles sharing the innovative approach and client success that has been achieved in partnership with the Supply Chain Solutions team. Mr. Brand has been a keynote speaker at several industry conferences including the West Michigan Global Trade Center conference, the LogicTools Symposium and the Right Place Sunrise Series and has been a contributing presenter at a variety of seminars and business conferences during his career. Connect with Les:Supply Chain Solutions Website: https://scsolutionsinc.com/LinkedIn:   / lgbrand  About Matt:Driven leader with fifteen years of international business experience in Logistics and Supply Chain. I am multilingual, speak fluently in Spanish and German, while having an in-depth understanding of the complex dynamics of supply chain management, contract negotiations and thought leadership after spending more than a decade managing operations in China, Europe, Australia, Canada, and the USA. My understanding of global business environments, monetary impacts, and rules of engagement for real estate integration for successful business results, benefit the clients I work with. I am a graduate of Purdue University, where I played NCAA basketball. I was a 4-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree, the recipient of the Distinguished Scholar-Athlete award for outstanding academic achievements, and the Ward Lambert academic award. My traits of working well with a team, focusing on a positive result, and coordinating critical processes to ensure success, are my calling card for new client opportunities and servicing of my extensive existing base of relationships.Connect with Matt:  / matthewcarroll1  --

In this episode I explore forgotten customs and traditions of Halloween as covered in an article that ran in the Grand Rapids Press on October 31, 1894. It offers some unique insight into the romantic aspirations of youth that once was associated with the holiday. For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: MichaelDelaware.com

Ken Braun is Capital Research Center's senior investigative researcher and authors profiles for InfluenceWatch.org and the Capital Research magazine. He previously worked for several free market policy organizations, spent six years as a chief of staff in the Michigan Legislature, and also wrote political columns for MLive Media Group, a consortium including the Grand Rapids Press and seven other mid-sized Michigan newspapers. He is an alumni of Michigan State University. Ken Braun with Hugo Kruger: “The Anti-Nuclear NGO Industrial Complex”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24vUIWK19I4 https://twitter.com/BraunKen https://capitalresearch.org/person/ken-braun/ This piece was mentioned by Ken Braun in this podcast: “The Techno-Optimist Manifesto” by Marc Andreessen https://a16z.com/the-techno-optimist-manifesto/ At 0:45 here: “we've revealed how radical groups, funded by George Soros, hired rent-a-mobs to incite others to riot in Ferguson, Missouri” https://youtu.be/3QmnSVmvwwQ?si=a96qI6qha8kWMCbx ========= About Tom Nelson: https://linktr.ee/tomanelson1 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL89cj_OtPeenLkWMmdwcT8Dt0DGMb8RGR Twitter: https://twitter.com/tan123 Substack: https://tomn.substack.com/ About Tom: https://tomn.substack.com/about

Carol Dykhouse, owner of Creations by Carol, has been in business for 40 years. She started out doing custom sewing and alterations and bridal gowns.  When weddings were slow, she would do window treatments for friends. Her excellent work soon garnered other customers. After 5 years she exclusively did consulting and fabrication of window treatments and home decor. As her business grew, she became the go-to person for area designers to supply both hard and soft treatments.   Carol's workroom started out in a bedroom, using a 3x8 table and canned cherries for weights. Her current workroom encompasses the entire lower level, with 2 work tables and 4 commercial machines and 2 Bernina home machines, and other necessities.  One of her mantras is to put efficiency in everything she does.   Carol won 1st place in Top Treatments in 1993 for the WFCP.  That resulted in a full-page article in the Sunday Home Section of the Grand Rapids Press. Her business took off.   Links and Resources; WFCP     The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by;   The Workroom Channel   Scarlet Thread Consulting   The WCAA   The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library   Merril Y Landis, LTD   Angel's Distributing, LLC   National Upholstery Association

Here's what happened on the full show available on my Patreon.1 – 0:00:00 – Military family dinner yesterday; Marcus gives everyone Poinsettias. Grabbing hair with a Red Bull attack. Jackie temper tantrum at a JC Penney.2 – 0:29:23 – Skip Bayless praises himself.3 – 0:35:58 – Eric's ‘Unbelievable” montage. Emailer Tim picks a fight.4 – 0:42:23 – Eric's ferry ride in Honduras. Sports updates. Kalamazoo Bob calls in about line cutting.5 – 0:53:00 – Grand Rapids Press fails at paying attention. Semi people plowing. Russian Ambassador shot.6 – 1:05:25 – Home intruder hangs out with baby.7 – 1:19:04 – Know the Hour trivia. Sports updates.8 – 1:34:27 – Talking with Bob Kaser; interrupted with Brought to you By.9 – 1:53:55 – Ridiculous Bill to fight human trafficking.10 – 2:02:32 – Know the hour trivia. Sports updates.11 – 2:14:39 – O'Neil's bowel catastrophe update. Hey Siri. Women making money selling positive pregnancy tests. Saranac Jeremy loves the Eric Zane anonymity program.12 – 2:31:16 – End of the year death list. Random trivia.13 – 2:43:55 – Dave Jaconette in studio. End of the year death list (continued). Crying Eric met Bob Seger. Star Wars arguments.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-eric-zane-show-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The word “orphan” may feel like a title that doesn't fit for most of us, but have you ever felt alone? Left out? Like you don't belong? On this episode of God Hears Her, Elisa Morgan and Eryn Eddy are joined by Lorilee Craker to talk about the orphan inside us all. Lorilee shares her own story of being adopted and how she learned that the orphan in us all truly belongs in the kingdom of God.   About Our Guest: Lorilee Craker is the author of 15 books, including Anne of Green Gables, My Daughter, and Me. Lorilee was also an entertainment writer for The Grand Rapids Press for 17 years. She now writes for travel websites, blogs, and speaks at many events including writers conferences. She is the cofounder of the Breathe Christian Writers Conference and a writers day camp for children.   Notes and Quotes:  “I'm very pro-adoption, but I'm clear that adoption is not all rainbows and sunshine. There's a lot of pain. There are a lot of things to be reckoned with.” “My spirit really responded to Anne [of Green Gables] and how she was always looking for belonging. She was always looking for her people.” “The truth is we can all feel orphaned.” “One of the dictionary definitions that I found for orphans was ‘bereft, left behind, and left.' . . . In Christ we are orphans no more. And we've all felt bereft, left behind, and left.” “Once you're adopted, that doesn't mean the orphan feelings go away.” “God is not an adoptive Father, He's an adopting Father. It's ongoing. It's part of His character to adopt children.” “Any rejection, any abandonment is an opportunity to grow closer to the heart of the Father.” “God wants to be there with us. He doesn't want us to dress up like we're going to church before talking to Him. He wants us when we're lying on the floor with our face in the carpet so sad, so bereft, so left behind. That's when He wants to come to us. And dry our tears. And move through the pain with us.”    Links:  God Hears Her website: https://www.godhearsher.org/ God Hears Her newsletter sign-up: https://www.godhearsher.org/signup Subscribe on iTunes! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/god-hears-her-podcast/id1511046507?utm_source=applemusic&utm_medium=godhearsher&utm_campaign=podcast Free resource: We Are His: Belonging to the Family of God Lorilee's book: Anne of Green Gables, My Daughter, and Me Lorilee's website: www.lorileecraker.com/ Lorilee's Instagram: thebooksellersdaughter Elisa's Instagram: elisamorganauthor Eryn's Instagram: eryneddy  

The word “orphan” may feel like a title that doesn't fit for most of us, but have you ever felt alone? Left out? Like you don't belong? On this episode of God Hears Her, Elisa Morgan and Eryn Eddy are joined by Lorilee Craker to talk about the orphan inside us all. Lorilee shares her own story of being adopted and how she learned that the orphan in us all truly belongs in the kingdom of God.   About Our Guest: Lorilee Craker is the author of 15 books, including Anne of Green Gables, My Daughter, and Me. Lorilee was also an entertainment writer for The Grand Rapids Press for 17 years. She now writes for travel websites, blogs, and speaks at many events including writers conferences. She is the cofounder of the Breathe Christian Writers Conference and a writers day camp for children.   Notes and Quotes:  “I'm very pro-adoption, but I'm clear that adoption is not all rainbows and sunshine. There's a lot of pain. There are a lot of things to be reckoned with.” “My spirit really responded to Anne [of Green Gables] and how she was always looking for belonging. She was always looking for her people.” “The truth is we can all feel orphaned.” “One of the dictionary definitions that I found for orphans was ‘bereft, left behind, and left.' . . . In Christ we are orphans no more. And we've all felt bereft, left behind, and left.” “Once you're adopted, that doesn't mean the orphan feelings go away.” “God is not an adoptive Father, He's an adopting Father. It's ongoing. It's part of His character to adopt children.” “Any rejection, any abandonment is an opportunity to grow closer to the heart of the Father.” “God wants to be there with us. He doesn't want us to dress up like we're going to church before talking to Him. He wants us when we're lying on the floor with our face in the carpet so sad, so bereft, so left behind. That's when He wants to come to us. And dry our tears. And move through the pain with us.”    Links:  God Hears Her website: https://www.godhearsher.org/ God Hears Her newsletter sign-up: https://www.godhearsher.org/signup Subscribe on iTunes! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/god-hears-her-podcast/id1511046507?utm_source=applemusic&utm_medium=godhearsher&utm_campaign=podcast Free resource: We Are His: Belonging to the Family of God Lorilee's book: Anne of Green Gables, My Daughter, and Me Lorilee's website: www.lorileecraker.com/ Lorilee's Instagram: thebooksellersdaughter Elisa's Instagram: elisamorganauthor Eryn's Instagram: eryneddy  

Show Intro: Aj dedicates Episode 41 to his late grandfather, Thaddeus "Ted" Szotko. 1:30: Grandad Bourbon and grandad Szotko's favorite drink. 3:17: Drinking just a LITTLE too much church wine. 4:41: Natty Ice guy. 6:32: Drinking grandpas Baileys and Wang take a sip of grandma's "apple juice." 8:00: Janet Mohr convinces Aj not to drink black coffee, and Wang's grandpa reads the paper and sips on his coffee and ridiculous hours of the morning. 9:24: The Grand Rapids Press lost a valued customer and the joy of Aj's grandpa when he saw him in the Grand Rapids Advance. 12:35: Trying to zoom call grandpa. 13:45: Going to polka dances and how to polka - "Like a gangster two-step with a hop." 15:07: Playing spoons with grandpa in the Pulaski Day Parade. 17:51: The drunker you get, the better you feel - so eat your beans in every meal? 19:25: Grandpa chillin' in heaven and how grandparents can talk until they are blue in the face. 20:59: Wartime stories and the questions Aj wishes he could've asked. 22:19: Children (our grandparents) being sent to war and how life today is as good as it has ever been. 25:15: Wang's grandpa worked as a mechanic during the Vietnam war and the lasting effects of PTSD. 30:13: The difference with Vietnam. 31:40: Desperate times call for desperate measures. 33:13: Governments have the capability of destroying the whole world. 34:02: Grandpa Ben teaches young Wang how to go to his "happy place" and the loneliness of having a spouse die. 35:50: Maintaining a positive attitude through disease and death... finding your peace with the inevitable. 40:22: Find what you like to do and just do it. 41:28: The time West Catholic High School gave aj's grandparents the #1 Fans Award for being tailgating legends and attending every single Falcon football game. 44:30: Wang's grandpa Mort helped build the Mackinac Bridge. 45:05:  Aj's challenge to himself and how people react to different things differently. 46:53: Aj recalls saying goodbye to his grandpa. 49:20: It's not goodbye; it's see you later. 50:20: Aj is getting closure with his grandfather and how much that means. 53:07: We don't have any conception of death until we face it. 56:17: You never know the right words until it's too late. 58:21: Grandparents and their infinite knowledge. 1:00.42: Receipts from the '70s and Aj forgetting grandpa's receipt. 1:04.25: Grandpa Szotko tries to make his grandson drive him to the hardware store just to save 79 cents. 1:06.53: Sorting through allllllll the stuff. 1:12.00: Give your family something to listen to forever. 1:15.10: Show wrap up, and Aj talks to gramps one last time. 

This week, part two of Darren's interview with Ken Coleman. Ken worked for Burger Chef for 20 years and witnessed the changes to the menu.Also, Darren continued his look back at the Grand Rapids, Michigan area Burger Chef locations, including a Grand Rapids Press article from June 1959 announcing the opening of Burger Chef's first location in Grand Rapids.Commercial of the Week: "Feel Like a Burger Chef - New Sign"

My special guest today is Garret Ellison, an investigative environment reporter, at MLive and Grand Rapids Press in Michigan who covers Michigan environment and The Great Lakes. Since 2016 he has specialised on reporting on PFAS and their impact on Michigan's people and environment. From 2017 to 2019 PFAS was about the only issue he was writing about, but he says he has lost count of how many PFAS articles he has written. As an investigative reporter he has broken many PFAS stories. His PFAS work has directly influenced State environmental policy and the creation of Michigan's first State specific drinking water standards for harmful chemicals. My discussion with Garret today will include the following 3M's lawsuit against the State of Michigan. We will also discuss PFAS contamination in the Wolverine Worldwide contamination in Rockford, where a nearby resident's blood test results returned at a staggering level of 5,000,000 ppt! We also discuss PFAS in Wurtsmith Air Force Base, in Oscoda. I highly recommend a listen to the previous episode 27 Talking PFAS News where Garret discusses two new bills just introduced into Congress this month, and if passed will directly affect the military regarding PFAS. Also in that episode we discuss some new preliminary research from Indiana, that reveals PFAS levels in a rain sample from Cleveland Ohio returned levels of 1000ppt. You can read many PFAS articles that Garret has written here:https://muckrack.com/garretellison/bio

Today's Talking PFAS News is focused on PFAS in Michigan, Great Lakes, and also some new pending legislation that could result in stricter rules for the US military regarding PFAS. My special guest is Award Winning investigative/enterprise environment reporter Garret Ellison from MLive and Grand Rapids Press in Michigan. Today we discuss three of his recent stories, and because of Garret's extensive PFAS reporting, he will also be the special guest in the next Talking PFAS Feature which will publish on June 17, 2021. In today's episode we only have time to briefly mention that in April, 2021 3M filed a lawsuit against the State of Michigan which seeks to invalidate their new drinking water and groundwater clean-up limits for PFAS. In Talking PFAS Feature Garret talks much more about the 3M lawsuit as well as many other PFAS contamination issues in the Michigan and Great Lakes area.For today's show notes I am publishing links to three of Garret's articles (with short excerpts) published by MLive and used with Garret's permission. It might be useful to have Garret's articles open as you listen today.Links & Excerpts to articles in today's discussion by Garret Ellison, content used with permission“It's literally raining PFAS around the Great Lakes, say researchers.” June 8, 2021“CLEVELAND, OH — Rain that fell on Ohio this spring contained a surprisingly high amount of toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS, according to raw data from a binational Great Lakes monitoring program that tracks airborne pollution.Rainwater collected in Cleveland over two weeks in April contained a combined concentration of about 1,000 parts-per-trillion (ppt) of PFAS compounds. That's according to scientists at the Integrated Atmospheric Deposition Network (IADN), a long-term Great Lakes monitoring program jointly funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Canada.” Source Garret Ellison MLive gellison@mlive.comhttps://www.mlive.com/public-interest/2021/06/its-literally-raining-pfas-around-the-great-lakes-say-researchers.html“Two Michigan air bases on “Filthy Fifty” Senate PFAS priority list.” June 9, 2021https://www.mlive.com/public-interest/2021/06/two-michigan-air-bases-on-filthy-fifty-senate-pfas-priority-list.html“WASHINGTON, DC — Two former Air Force bases in Michigan are on a “Filthy Fifty” list of sites where the U.S. Defense Department would have to expedite cleanup of toxic “forever chemical” contamination under new Congressional legislation.Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda and K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base in the Upper Peninsula are among priority installations with toxic PFAS pollution marked for speedier cleanup under the bill package, which allocates $10 billion for remedial work nationwide and puts the Pentagon under a deadline schedule to complete construction.“Filthy Fifty Act” and “Clean Water for Military Families Act” were introduced in the U.S. Senate on Tuesday, June 8. The bills were introduced by Democratic Sens. Alex Padilla of California and Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, representing the two states with the most bases on the list.” Source credit Garret Ellison MLive gellison@mlive.comhttps://www.mlive.com/public-interest/2021/05/3m-sues-michigan-seeks-to-invalidate-pfas-drinking-water-rules.html“3M sues Michigan, seeks to invalidate PFAS drinking water rules” May 7, 2021“LANSING, MI — Minnesota chemical manufacturing giant 3M has sued the state of Michigan, claiming the state's new drinking water limits for the toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS are flawed because they were created through a “rushed and invalid regulatory process.”The lawsuit, filed in the state Court of Claims on April 21, seeks to invalidate the state's drinking water limits and groundwater cleanup criteria for seven different per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, that went into effect last summer.”

Hinduism is one of the major world religions, one with a presence in America, but about which Christians know very little. In this podcast Fred Stella joins us for a conversation about Hinduism in America. Fred Stella is a product of 16 years in the Catholic education system, including his time at the University of Detroit, where he obtained his degree in Communications & Mass Media. His interest in Hinduism began at age 15 when studying comparative religions. By the time he was in his mid-30s he formally embraced the Dharma. Over the years Fred has spent time expanding his knowledge with study & practice in various ashrams & temples in the US and India. In 2009 The West Michigan Hindu Temple ordained him as Pracharak or “Outreach Minister.” Fred is often a featured speaker at international conferences, and has completed extensive lecture tours in India and Guyana. One of Fred's passions is interfaith dialogue and cooperation. For the past 23 years he has served as President of the Michigan organization, Interfaith Dialogue Association, an affiliate of the Kaufman Interfaith Institute. In this capacity he, among other things, hosts the program, Common Threads, which airs over local Michigan NPR affiliate, WGVU-FM. He is also a weekly contributor to the Grand Rapids Press column, “Ethics and Religion Talk,” where he and fellow clerics answer questions on theology, morality and personal issues. In 2012 Fred was presented with his city's "Champion of Diversity Award" for his work in interfaith relations. Finally, Fred sits on the National Leadership Council of the Hindu American Foundation in Washington DC. For more on Hinduism, see HAF's “Hinduism 101.”   If you find this helpful, please consider supporting this podcast with your Patronage for just a few dollars a month.

Cheryl Edwards-Cannon is one of the world's unsung heroes in her advocacy for elder care. The conversation will focus on how she created a space in her life to understand her mother's early onset dementia diagnosis, how it would affect her mother, and impact the dynamic of their family. Cheryl took us inside her world through a series of heartwarming, real life vignettes inside Taking Care of Miss Bee Bee: Stories by a Daughter Extraordinaire (Taking Care of Miss Bee Bee). She shares her journey of perseverance while taking care of her elderly parents and the tough decisions she had to make for them. Cheryl's accomplishments as an elder care professional have been featured in the Women’s Lifestyle Magazine, Grand Rapids Press, Toledo Blade, and USA Today. Her caregiving stories have been published in a series for “Chicken Soup for the Soul". The valuable tips she teaches will help other caregivers who are facing or will face the challenges of elderly care. Follow and Subscribe @womenof4d on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube Follow @women_of_4d on Instagram

Fred Stella has served as President of the Interfaith Dialogue Association in Michigan for the past 23 years. In this capacity he hosts the radio program, Common Threads, which airs over local NPR affiliate, WGVU-FM. He is also a weekly contributor to the Grand Rapids Press column “Ethics and Religion,” in which he and fellow clerics from various traditions answer questions on theology, morality and personal issues. A product of 16 years in the Catholic education system, including an undergraduate degree in Communications & Mass Media at the University of Detroit, Fred’s interest in Hinduism began at age 15 when studying comparative religions. By the time he was in his mid-30s he had formally embraced Hindu Dharma. Over the years he has studied and practiced in various ashrams and temples in the US and India, and in 2009 was ordained as Pracharak, or “Outreach Minister,” by the West Michigan Hindu Temple. He has also held leadership positions in his local chapter of Self-Realization Fellowship, is a weekly contributor to the Grand Rapids Press column “Ethics and Religion,” and sits on the National Leadership Council of the Hindu American Foundation. We spoke about lessons learned from decades of interfaith work and radio interviews, and his decision to identify as Hindu. Learn more about Fred Stella and Common Threads here: www.wgvunews.org/programs/common-threads.

My guest this week is performer, educator, and arts administrator, Joseph H. Conyers. Conyers was appointed assistant principal bassist of the Philadelphia Orchestra in 2010 and has been acting associate principal since 2017. Described by the Grand Rapids Press as “a lyrical musician who plays with authenticity that transcends mere technique,” Conyers has performed with numerous orchestras as soloist including the Alabama, Flagstaff, & Richmond Symphonies, the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, and the Sphinx Symphony. As a chamber musician, Conyers is an artist of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Centerand has collaborated with artists that include James Ehnes, Daniel Hope, and members of the Emerson String Quartet. Conyers is committed to education and community engagement through music. He is currently on the faculty of the Juilliard School (NY) and Temple University (PA). Conyers has taught at numerous summer music festivals and has given masterclasses and lectures across the country including Colburn School, Curtis Institute of Music, New England Conservatory, Yale University, and the Peabody Conservatory. Mr. Conyers is also the Founder and Executive Director of Project 440, an organization that uses music as a tool to engage, educate, and inspire young musicians – providing them with career and life skills to become tomorrow’s civic-minded, entrepreneurial leaders. Partners have included Carnegie Hall, The Philadelphia Orchestra, The Curtis Institute of Music, the New York State Summer School of the Arts, and The Settlement Music School (PA).The question of the week is, "How can classical musicians keep their passion alive?" Mr. Conyers and I discuss how he believes classical musicians can keep their passion going, if he ever gets burnt out, how he sees music affecting his students through his non-profit Project 440, why classical music belongs to everyone, and why it is important for classical musicians to use social media.You can find out more about Joseph Conyers on Instagram @weatherclef

Alex and Ultimate23Dragon sit down with Steve Kaminski of the Grand Rapids Press in Grand Rapids, Michigan to talk about racing and other sports in west Michigan --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/alexwoodandco/message

Theatre Reviews“Wydetta Carter as Power Woman can belt a tune out of the ballpark!” – Toronto's Classical 96.3 CFMX (Review of Wydetta Carter in Menopause the Musical)Wydetta Carter who portrays second-in-command, Sister Mary Hubert. Carter's rich, bluesy voice lets loose in “Take the Money and Run."- Grand Rapids Press, NUNSENSE VEGAS ReviewFrancesca's' supportive best friend, her closest neighbor out in farm country, is wonderfully played by Wydetta Carter. Carter also has a great Jazz voice and sings a very funny song about her envy of the magical love affair unfolding just across the fields from her perch in the front window of her country home.  - Buzz Center Stage, Review of THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY at The Marriott TheatreWydetta Carter has a particularly powerful voice that really gets to shine when she has the spotlight. -"The Bikinis” in Review Wydetta Carter, who makes her St. Louis debut in the production, proves. Whether torching a song like “Squeeze Me”, or clowning around with “When the Nylons Bloom Again,” Carter's diction and wide range, as well as her gorgeous movement, make her performance alone worth a trip to the (alas) anti-acoustic Grandel Theatre. – Reviews of Ain't Misbheavin' by Thomas “Fats” Waller (St. Louis Black Repertory Company) The Rivert Front Times Learn more about growing your music career by visiting https://privatemusicstudio.net/ Join the weekly Online Huddle every Wednesday at 7pm to learn how to grow your music business, make money, market yourself, and set yourself up for long-term success. Register hereFollow us on social media:Instagram: @gretapopeFacebook: The Private Music StudioTwitter:  @gretapope 

YESTERDAY’S NEWS -- Tales of classic scandals, scoundrels and scourges told from historic newspapers in the golden age of yellow journalism... The Tragic Despair Of Etta Butts Episode 349 is dedicated to loyal listener Kellie Fenner who wanted to hear more about this case from her hometown Grand Rapids, Michigan, the sad sad story of a mother who committed the unthinkable act of murdering her own children. I actually did the research on this one during a camping tour of Michigan, and since it came up a little shorter than a normal episode, I’m including a revamped version of episode 67, another tragic story from Michigan, this one from the Upper Peninsula mining community of Calumet. We spent quite a bit of time in Calumet this trip, and I visited the memorial to this tragedy and paid my respects to the victims. You can read more about it on my social media channels or at www.truecrimehistorian.com/calumet. Culled from the historic pages of the Grand Rapids Herald, the Grand Rapids Press, and other newspapers of the era. PLUS: Bonus Episode from the True Crime Historian Vault: “The Calumet Christmas Catastrophe: Panic At The Italian Hall” *** A creation Of Pulpular Media We invite you to check out Pulpular Media’s newest production, Portals to Possibility, an improvised comedy about an alternate reality, where monsters are real--and hilarious!!! Visit pulpular.com/portals for a brand-new episode. Stay tuned for our next podcast, premiering soon: Catastrophic Calmaties. What could go wrong? Everything! Want to get a jump on the next episode of True Crime Historian? Why then, download the new podcast app Himalaya and get all new episodes a day early, then drop a buck in the tip jar for True Crime Historian. Or sign up for Himalaya Plus and for premium content and other special features. Or you can support your favorite podcaster at www.patreon.com/truecrimehistorian. Just a dollar an episode reserves your bunk at the safe house and access to exclusive content and whatever personal services you require. *** Opening theme by Nico Vitesse. Incidental music by Nico Vitesse, Chuck Wiggins, and Dave Sams. Some music and sound effects licensed from podcastmusic.com. Closing theme by Dave Sams and Rachel Schott, engineered by David Hisch at Third Street Music. Media management by Sean Miller-Jones Richard O Jones, Executive Producer

This week we talk with award-winning producer, songwriter and performer Michael Crittenden –founder and frontman for folk-rock’s Troll for Trout – who has deep roots in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and a biding passion for music that’s earned him widespread praise as an in-demand producer, player, studio owner and collaborator. A graduate of the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Mass., Michael has performed most of his life, sharing stages with the likes of John McVey, Todd Rundgren, Shawn Mullins, Jonatha Brooke, Hootie & the Blowfish, The Doobie Brothers, Peter Frampton and Kenny Wayne Shepard, among others.  Michael's songs have been heard on radio stations across the country as well as on MTV, ABC and PAXnet television. He was honored as Producer of the Year at WYCE’s Jammie Awards in 2013, after previously winning Jammies for Album of the Year (2002 and 2009) and Song of the Year (2009). He’s also a past recipient of an ASCAP Songwriters Award, two Billboard songwriting awards and an InterActivist Award from Los Angeles Based META Association. Michael also has served on the instructional staff at the prestigious Lamb’s Retreat for Songwriters and Mackinac Island Songwriter's Workshop. Beyond writing and performing, Michael, aka, “The Colonel,” is owner of The Mackinaw Harvest Music Group Inc., a Grand Rapids recording studio and publishing company. He has produced recordings and collaborated with many artists, including Pop Evil, The Accidentals, Ralston Bowles, Drew Nelson, Cary Cooper, Larry McCray, Brian VanderArk, Hello Dave, Kimber Cleveland, Spencer Mulder, Ed Dupas and a long list of others. And his fierce love for the Michigan outdoors and fishing not only provides a meditative respite from the hubbub of modern life, but inspiration for his music and his philosophy of life.   “Sometimes, I just like to be out in nature and open up my senses to what’s going on around me. That’s a very spiritual time for me,” Michael once told The Grand Rapids Press. “In life, you’re trying to stay in tune with what’s going on around you, with what’s happening right in front of your eyes every day. A lot of it is pretty awesome, and a lot of it we let go by because we’re not paying attention.”

Steve Cook of WTCM-FM in Traverse City recorded a song for April fool’s day in 1987 called The Legend. The song recounts a strange myth whispered by his friends and family. The joke was on him when he became inundated with stories from listeners who claimed to have seen a strange dog or wolf like creature which stood on its hind legs. The song took on new life however when Grand Rapids Press ran an article about an unknown animal near Luther which ripped apart screens and mangled door frames trying to enter the small cabin in the middle of the woods. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources investigation ruled out a bear and said it was some kind of unknown Canine. Those versed in the Occult might see a link to Sabine Barin-Gould’s recounting of the Baltic legends of werewolves that would try force their way into homes at night. If they succeeded, they would kill everyone inside. Music by Kevin Macleod https://soundcloud.com/kevin-9-1 "Shadowlands 1 - Horizon", "Shadowlands 2 - Bridge", "Shadowlands 3 - Machine", "Shadowlands 4 - Breath", "Shadowlands 5 - Antechamber", "Shadowlands 6 - The Pit", "Shadowlands 7 - Codex" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Devilrypodcast.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRUjC77Tvpg Werewolves

This week on Lean the F*ck Out we talk with Jenna Arcidiacono owner and chef of Amore, an authentic Italian restaurant in Grand Rapids, Mich. Jenna is an accomplished chef and Amore has won Best New Restaurant 2011, Grand Rapids Magazine; Restaurant of the Year 2012, Grand Rapids American Culinary Federation; Best European 2012, Grand Rapids Magazine and Chef of the Year 2013, The Grand Rapids Press. With all her accolades Jenna was noticed by Guy’s Grocery Games and recruited for an episode that aired this October. Jenna gives advice on how to build a business and keep employees long term; talks to us about how she was able to conquer the restaurant business as a female; and how she supports other women-owned businesses.   Building Restaurants Episode Highlights: Days off are very important when you have a busy schedule. Jenna has found that work can’t be her entire life, she needs a balance and break to be the best she can be for her business and family. Running a business is more like being a psychologist (especially when dealing with staff). It takes a lot of coaching and counseling. Staffing is the hardest part of running a service business. You know your service or product, but the hard part is finding a good staff to help you make it happen. Learn how to manage and deal with people in order to be successful. As a business owner you have to stand up for yourself and your product, you can’t waiver based on critics or trolls. The customer is not always right, particularly with radical complaints. Kill people with kindness. Sometimes have to let it go. Embrace that everyday you will learn something new. Find your tribe, the people who truly support you.   Jenna Arcidiacono Jenna Arcidiacono’s first job at 14 (in 1988) was slinging chili dogs and root beer floats at Cook's Drive-In in Kentwood, Michigan. Slowly she began realizing that cooking was more than just a way to pay for her stirrup pants, music cassettes and perms. She moved to East Lansing to finish her degree in art and continued to work in restaurants as a part time job. She managed a vegetarian restaurant until the owner decided to close and tried to pay the staff with hummus. At that point, she should have known what she was in for by working in this unique business. Her next job was at a Korean-Chinese restaurant where she became passionate about the diverse styles of Asian cuisines. She spent time learning from the cooks after hours and ate what they would make for family meals--which are always quite different from what's on the menu.   After receiving her Bachelor of Fine Arts at Michigan State University, Jenna decided to make a big move-- to San Francisco. She wanted to live in a big city and soak in as many styles of cooking as she could. Besides getting into plenty of trouble, she got a job at a 10 table restaurant in North Beach called "L'Osteria del'Forno.” It was run by two Italian women and is still going strong in 2017. Jenna was not educated in true Italian cuisine and was often screamed at in Italian, "How is it possible that you don't know what bresaola is!!!?"     Her next job took her to San Francisco's famed Mona Lisa restaurant, which lead to a fateful encounter. One day a stranger, named Maurizio, stopped in for an espresso. He was visiting from Milan with his friend and ended up staying a few extra days in San Francisco. Soon after, Maurizio took Jenna on her first trip to Italy and she fell in love with the food and relaxed culture (and of course with Maurizio).  She spoke no Italian--but in the kitchen with her future mother-in-law pointing and giggling sufficed. Soon after, Jenna and Maurizio were married and she lived in northern Italy for three years. Her favorite days were spent at the outdoor markets purchasing local produce, cheese and honey and in the kitchen with Vittoria, her mother-in-law, who taught her how to make gnocchi, bechamel and bread from scratch.   After having two daughters, and working in corporations, Jenna felt it was time to go for the dream of opening her own trattoria. She wanted to serve homemade locally sourced authentic Italian comfort food.  Amore Trattoria Italiana opened in July of 2010 and has been her biggest project to date.   Amore has won Best New Restaurant 2011, Grand Rapids Magazine; Restaurant of the Year 2012, Grand Rapids American Culinary Federation; Best European 2012, Grand Rapids Magazine and Chef of the Year 2013, The Grand Rapids Press.   Follow Jenna online at: http://amoretrattoriaitaliana.com/ https://www.facebook.com/AmoreTrattoriaItaliana https://www.instagram.com/Jennamoretrattoria/  

From the studios of Podcast Detroit in the Cass Corridor, this is your Daily Detroit News Byte recorded on Wednesday, August 8th.  We have primary election results, headlines, and today’s deep dive is about P-FAS. The chemical, used in firefighting and a bunch of consumer and industrial applications, has caused a lot of environmental concern. Sven Gustafson talks with MLIVE and Grand Rapids Press reporter Garret Ellison who has been at the forefront of covering the crisis. Also: We talk election results (including a squeaker when it comes to transit) The folks behind the Detroit Shipping Company have another project up their sleeves - plus an update on a future burger joint. General Motors and ExxonMobil have rolled out a new feature for 2017 and newer model Buicks aimed at making buying gas simpler. Ferndale and Detroit will be getting new public skate parks. The 10 millionth Ford Mustang rolled off the assembly line in Flat Rock. Belle Isle’s trees have seen extensive damage due to a quick but intense storm on Monday. The Detroit News reports that Detroit is having a very tough time getting landlords to comply with new regulations. And there’s a walking tour on Saturday, August 18th aims to show off the potential - and beauty - of some vacant houses in the Jefferson Chalmers and Riverbend neighborhoods. Like the Daily Detroit News Byte? Be sure to leave a review, and tell a friend.  

Tom McEvoy is the 1983 World Series of Poker main event champion, and a member of the Poker Hall of Fame. The 72-year-old from Grand Rapids, Michigan considers himself to be semi-retired from the game these days, but managed to win a total of four WSOP bracelets over the course of his career. McEvoy was working as an accountant in Michigan when he lost his job and decided to play poker for a living, which was considered an insane idea in the late '70s for a married man with three kids. In the years since, McEvoy wrote more than a dozen poker strategy books and was instrumental in making poker rooms smoke free. Highlights from this interview include saying no to the party of no, abandoning accounting, taking the paper boy's bankroll, a cross-country commute, being anti-cheating during a time of cheating, pushing smoke to the rail, the horror of working for Binion's, making mom proud on the front page of the Grand Rapids Press, cutting deals with Johnny Chan, knowing the value of bracelets, being a nationally ranked table tennis player, and getting offers from Erik Seidel NOT to write.

The story behind Jennifer Ackerman-Haywood's last column for The Grand Rapids Press and MLive.

In a special Talking Michigan Politics podcast recorded after Gov. Rick Snyder addressed the Michigan Press Association in Detroit, Grand Rapids Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder discuss:

Analysis of Gov. Rick Snyder's first State of the State address, a look at President Obama's approval two years in, and "Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother" on this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast with Grand Rapids Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder.

On this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast, Grand Rapids Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder discuss Gov. Jennifer Granholm's legacy, Michele Bachmann's visit to Grand Rapids, the Census release. Conversation starters this week focus on ways parents try to preserve Santa for kids and a tribute to Eloise Johnson, patron saint of music in Grand Rapids.

On this week's post-election Talking Michigan Politics podcast, demographics analyst Peter Bratt joins Grand Rapids Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder to talk about Tuesday's election results.

New polls in the governor's race, Club for Growth attack ads and voter turnout are the topics on this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast with Jeff Cranson, political editor at the Grand Rapids Press and Matt McLogan, vice president of university relations for Grand Valley State University.

On this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast, Grand Rapids Press politics editor Jeff Cranson and editorial page editor Ed Golder talk about money in the governor's race, a case before the state Supreme Court concerning allegations of Meijer secretly promoting the recall of township officials near Traverse City, and Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Weaver bolting the GOP.

On this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast, Grand Rapids Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder discuss the changing face of the Michigan governor's race, a flurry of endorsements for Grand Rapids-area Congressional candidates, a lawsuit challenging Michigan's campaign finance limits and the patriotism of buying American.

On this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast, Grand Rapids Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder talk about changing poll numbers in the governor's race and the Democratic debate in Grand Rapids, developments in the 3rd Congressional campaigns, and controversy surrounding film tax credits for the Grand Rapids Hangar42 project. Conversation starters: • Ed on Asian carp making it past the barrier • Jeff on pro-life and pro-choice groups finding common ground in New York as an organization seeks to make adoption a subject at abortion clinics.

On this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast, Grand Rapids Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder talk about the Michigan Truth Squad, the Michigan governors race and the challenges in remaking the nation's energy policy. Links to topics discussed: • Michigan Truth Squad • A new poll in Michigan's gubernatorial race, and the campaigns feature few promises. • President Obama's Oval Office address on the Gulf spill provokes more energy policy discussion. Jay Hakes, director of the Jimmy Carter Library and former head of the federal Energy Information Office, laid it out in his 2008 book, A Declaration of Energy Independence. Conversation starters: • Ed on the Saville report on Bloody Sunday. • Jeff on the nuclear option to cap the big hole in the bottom of the Gulf.

On this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast, Grand Rapids Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder talk about: Big endorsements in the governor's race: Attorney General Mike Cox picks up the support of Grand Rapids GOP powers Dick and Betsy DeVos, the Michigan Chamber of Commerce and possibly Right To Life of Michigan Thursday. Is it quid pro quo with the Chamber and RTL because the DeVoses donate generously to both groups? The Chamber's PACs are building a fund balance to fight a Constitutional Convention proposal on the fall ballot and to protect Justice Robert Young. The DeVos decision to back Cox also may hearken to the Engler-Betsy DeVos divide as U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, despite his West Michigan home and Fox News persona, would be perceived as likely to govern more like Engler than an uncompromising ideologue. Voter frustration: In 1994, the last time the anger meter was pegged this high, Republicans seized control of the U.S. House after a 40-year Democratic reign. Two years before, with similar numbers, West Michigan voters tossed out veteran incumbent U.S. Rep. Guy VanderJagt in favor of a bike-riding GOP businessman named Pete Hoekstra. Just how this kind of voter anger plays out in August primaries and the November election could shape Michigan’s political landscape for years to come. According to an ABC News/Washington Post poll, just 49 percent of Americans approve of their own representative in Congress, first time since 1994 that is has fallen beneath 50 percent. Just 29 percent are inclined to elect their representative, fewest since 1989. Sixty percent are inclined to look for someone else - the most on record. See Sunday's Press. Immigration reform: How does Obama balance his need to woo the burgeoning Hispanic voter population with polls that show most Americans support the Arizona immigration law? Conversation starters: • Ed on Chinese workers are flexing a little muscle, looking to share in the economic growth that has gone mostly to business owners. Has the potential to create a consumer class in China, and perhaps to expand the limits of freedom. • Jeff on Kiplinger's newest top cities list, where Topeka, Kan., cracks the top 10.

On this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast, Grand Rapids Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder discuss: 1. What do Tuesday's results in Pennsylvania, Kentucky and Arkansas mean? Is Obama's help a welcome thing for candidates? And will the Tea Party continue to be a factor? 2. Governor's race. • How about a one-term pledge? Mike Bouchard has mentioned it; Joe Schwartz says it's a certainty, should he decide to run. • Mike Cox's TV assault on Pete Hoekstra may be working. Hoekstra has taken the Americans for Tax Reform pledge, meaning he will "oppose and veto any and all efforts to increase taxes." • The end of this podcast includes audio from a separate podcast posted Wednesday that features an interview with Bouchard. 3. Consolidating governments. Is it time to merge some communities? The next installment of the Grand Rapids Press 10.0 series explores the question and how others have done it successfully. Conversation starters: • Ed: If Elena Kagan is confirmed for the Supreme Court, it will mark the first time in the country's history there will not be a Protestant on the high court. Six justices will be Catholic; three will be Jewish. Does it matter? This piece from Boston University Professor Steven Prothero argues that it does. • Jeff on Meet The Facts -- how a couple college students took it on themselves to check the validity of statements made on Sunday Morning talk shows. On The Media reported on it last week.

On this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast, Grand Rapids Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder discuss: 1. Candidate filing day suggests there will be blood in the race for governor. Among the topics in the governor's race: • Republican Attorney General Mike Cox's TV ads attacking U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra and the timing with Americans for Job Security ads, which also go after Hoekstra. • And what of a supporter of GOP candidate Rick Snyder demanding that Cox remove his image from the ad? • Hoekstra, and Democratic House Speaker Andy Dillon, come up as most winnable in surveys of Lansing insiders. • Is Snyder's decision not to fill out any interest group's surveys an example of principle turning into strategy? 2. Other filings. Two important races for Congress in West Michigan with a broad field in both the Grand Rapids-based 3rd district, being vacated by Vern Ehlers and a similarly large field in Hoekstra's 2nd district, which stretches along Lake Michigan from Allegan County to Benzie County. 3. Teacher retirement bill. Is there any hope of a compromise that will move forward an early-out proposal for many of the state's secondary school teachers? Is the Senate plan best, as a Press editorial posits? Conversation starters: • Ed on the Catholic Church, in light of the Pope's most recent -- and finally, somewhat on-key -- statement about the sexual abuse crisis. • Jeff on Grand Rapids' being touted as a success story in Fortune Magazine.

This week, Grand Rapids Press film critic John Serba and pal Cory Olsen cut through the hype in the New Movies Podcast by addressing a big question: Is "Iron Man 2" all that we expect it to be? In addition to what could be the year's biggest movie, they discuss new documentary "Babies" and director Bong Joon-ho's excellent "Mother" (which opens this weekend at the Urban Institute of Contemporary Arts in Grand Rapids).

On this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast, Grand Rapids Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder discuss: 1. Taxes. Voters said yes across West Michigan, with wide margins in the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood. In Grand Rapids, a proposal to hike the income tax from 1.3 to 1.5 percent for residents was adopted narrowly. Our friend, Peter Bratt, crunched the numbers (PDF). The question that keeps coming up is whether this signals that the anti-tax Tea Party is not as influential as believed or whether the movement is focused on nameless, faceless bureaucrats in D.C. and Lansing and is not a factor in voters' decisions on local issues. 2. Governor's race Republican candidate Peter Hoekstra continues to lead in polls, but was it a good move to seek the endorsement of Rick Santorum, a former Penn. U.S. Senator? Santorum had other stops in Michigan, including an endorsement for 2nd Congressional candidate Jay Riemersma. The social and fiscal conservative was ousted in the 2006 Democratic landslide by the largest margin of defeat for an incumbent U.S. senator since 1980. And will Attorney General Mike Cox, another GOP gubernatorial candidate, participate in a debate in Grand Rapids May 24? And what comes of a decision not to demand disclosure for campaign ad spending from Secretary of State Terri Land, running mate of GOP candidate for governor Mike Bouchard? 3. Food for thought The Center for Michigan is taking on the big issues and their Citizens' Agenda and scorecard should provoke deep thought and discussion. Conversation starter: • Ernie Harwell, whose voice was what summer sounds like to generations of baseball fans from Michigan, died Tuesday at 92. He was goodness and light and humbly understood his unique fortune in life to have mastered a profession that allowed him to give a magical gift to people of all ages -- he let us feel like kids again. A Press editorial pays appropriate homage to the voice of the Detroit Tigers for more than 40 years. Jeff reads from a portion of his 1981 speech upon being inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.

So, how does the new remake of "A Nightmare on Elm Street" stack up to the original? That's the topic addressed this week in the New Movies Podcast. Grand Rapids Press film critic John Serba and producer pal Cory Olsen tackle Freddy Krueger, new releases "Furry Vengeance," "Greenberg" and "The Art of the Steal," and new DVD titles.

On this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast, Grand Rapids Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder talk about a new poll that shows U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra hanging on to a lead among Republicans running for governor; questions over whether voter unhappiness spells good news for Republicans in November; and concerns about legacy costs and how they shape voter views ahead of key tax votes Tuesday. 1. Governor's race. New poll shows Hoekstra still leading Republicans. And Rasmussen reports that 41 percent of all voters prefer a Republican gubernatorial candidate, 36 percent favor a Democrat, 5 percent prefer some other party and 18 percent are undecided. Hoekstra also picked up an endorsement from likely 2012 presidential candidate Mitt Romney Wednesday, a return of the favor since Hoekstra supported Romney in 2008. Among Democrats, House Speaker Andy Dillon turned in 30,000 petitions Wednesday, assuring his spot on the ballot. Also, Lansing mayor and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Virg Bernero called on House Speaker Andy Dillon to use the legislative appropriations process to prohibit Attorney General Mike Cox from spending state tax dollars on a frivolous lawsuit that aims to stop federal health insurance reforms. 2. The mood How will voters' unhappiness play in November in races across the board. 3. Pensions and tax requests. Should voters consider the city of Grand Rapids' pension costs in deciding on an income tax hike request Tuesday? Meanwhile, the Legislature is moving on an early-out plan for teachers and, perhaps, other state workers. But charter school advocates are sounding the alarm that one version would require charters to participate in the MPSERS retirement plan. Conversation starters: • Ed on how Michigan's workplace smoking ban, which takes effect Saturday, affects Hookah bars. • Jeff on the Grand Rapids Student Advancement Foundation's Mind Share event, which brings out the best in Grand Rapids school supporters, many of whom live outside the city.

So, does "Kick-Ass" live up to its title? Yes. No. Maybe. The critics are divided, and Grand Rapids Press film reviewer John Serba and podcast pal Cory Olsen discuss the more controversial elements of the new teen-superhero satire. Also on the agenda are "Red Riding: 1974," which opens at the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts this weekend, "Death at a Funeral" and new DVD releases.

This week's New Movies Podcast is all about dynamic duos: One is comedic, as Steve Carell and Tina Fey have a quip-off in "Date Night." The other is dramatic and musical, as Dakota Fanning and Kristen Stewart play punk rockers Cherie Currie and Joan Jett in "The Runaways." Grand Rapids Press film critic John Serba and producer Cory Olsen discuss the aforementioned in this week's New Movies Podcast. Serba also raves about the pairing of Nicolas Cage and director Werner Herzog in "Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans," new on DVD.

Matt McLogan, vice president of university relations at GVSU, joins Grand Rapids Press political editor Jeff Cranson on this week's Talking Michigan Politics. recorded at One Trick Pony in downtown Grand Rapids. Thanks to proprietor Dan Verhil. The topics include: 1. The race for governor. A poll out Tuesday (PDF) from Lansing-based EPIC MRA confirms that the Democratic field has a ways to go in capturing interest, let alone excitement. Some 72 percent of those polled said they don't recognize the name of Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero, and 53 percent don't recognize House Speaker Andy Dillon who was preparing a run for months before sending more obvious signs upon Lt. Gov. John Cherry's departure from the race. In the poll, Dillon leads Dems with 22 percent, followed by Bernero with 15 percent and the candidate in the field the longest time, state Rep. Alma Wheeler Smith of suburban Ann Arbor, with 11 percent. On the GOP side, U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra of Holland continues to lead with 27 percent; while Attorney General Mike Cox netted 21 percent and Ann Arbor venture capitalist Rick Snyder scored 15 percent, a drop from his numbers in other recent polls. Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard, the only candidate besides Cox to have run a statewide race, notched 13 percent. After hearing background on the candidate, Hoekstra remained at the top with 26 percent, while Snyder moved up considerably, tying Cox at 21 percent. Bouchard gained two points. 2. Congressional races. Some Michigan seats are up for grabs, including those held by Democrats Mark Schauer and Gary Peters, who will most assuredly be targets of those gathering for Tea Party Express stops this weekend. Most intriguing is the battle to oust Schauer, who left the state Senate in 2008 and rode President Obama's coattails to victory in the mostly rural, GOP-leaning, southern-Michigan district. Battling to replace him is the evangelical conservative he upset, Tim Walberg, and Brian Rooney, the grandson of famed Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney. Brian Rooney is a 7th District transplant, having moved to Dexter in 2009. 3. Texting and driving. With a Senate-approved bill to ban texting while driving and make it a primary offense, all eyes are on the House. Gov. Granholm has indicated she would sign the bill if it makes it to her desk. Jack Lessenberry made a compelling case for the legislation in a recent essay. Conversation starters: • Jeff on former alpinist and author Greg Mortenson's visit to West Michigan and his "books not bombs" message. • Matt on April 15 deadline to file state and federal income taxes. Despite efforts to simplify the form, it is more complicated than ever.

On this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast, Jeff and Ed discuss: 1. Gov's race. New polls show U.S. Rep. Peter Hoekstra maintaining a lead on the Republican side, with Mike Cox slipping and Mike Bouchard now at 5 percent. On the other side, as Politics Daily put it, "some other candidate" leads the three Democrats in the Rasmussen Reports poll March 24. "It's pathetic we don't have a candidate," Robert Kolt, a Democratic-leaning public relations consultant, told the Detroit News. "We have nobody with any marquee name value." But Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero, who drew 8 percent to House Speaker Andy Dillon's 12, says he, too, is a nerd. Another Dem, state Rep. Alma Wheeler Smith notched 10 percent. Still, Dems continue not to inspire, meaning, Jeff posits, that independents will vote in the GOP primary, which would be a good thing for Rick Snyder. 2. Anonymous commenting online The issue was brought to the forefront by a recent situation at cleveland.com. 3. Poll: Dems bear more blame for threats A new poll finds the public casts blame on both sides for threats of violence toward members of Congress following the health care bill vote, though slightly more blame "political maneuvers" by Democratic lawmakers: • 49 percent said controversial political maneuvers by Democratic leaders to win passage of the measure was the major reason for the angry fallout. • 25 percent said this was a minor reason. • 22 percent said these were not a factor at all. • 46 percent pointed the finger at harsh criticism of the health care measure from conservative commentators on radio and television. • 26 percent considered this a minor reason. • 23 percent said it was not a cause. • 43 percent said harsh criticism of the measure from Republican leaders was a major cause. • 29 percent said it was a minor cause and 23 percent said it was not a reason at all. Independents spread the blame around more evenly: • 50 percent citing the maneuvers of Democratic leaders • 44 percent the criticism from conservative commentators • 40 percent the rhetoric of Republican leaders. Conversation starters: • Jeff on a New York Magazine story that suggested women should run Wall Street. • Ed's conversation starter is the Grand Rapids Press winning a lawsuit to force the Coopersville school district to disclose how much they paid to victims in a 2007 JV baseball hazing case.

Dreamworks is almost, but not quite, at Pixar's level when it comes to animated films. So says Grand Rapids Press film critic John Serba in this week's New Movies Podcast. He and producer/commentator Cory Olsen also discuss crass comedy "Hot Tub Time Machine," erotic thriller "Chloe," British drama "Fish Tank" and new DVD releases.

A full slate of new releases for this week's New Movies Podcast includes Jennifer Aniston and Gerard Butler in "The Bounty Hunter," Roman Polanski's latest film "The Ghost Writer," comedy "Diary of a Wimpy Kid," gory thriller "Repo Men" and German adventure "North Face." Notably, one of them is proclaimed the best film of 2010 so far by Grand Rapids Press film critic John Serba. He and podcast pal Cory Olsen also mull over new DVDs.

On this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast, topics include the governor's race, education funding (and Saturday's controversial Meat Out), and the 3rd District Congressional race. Grand Rapids Press politics editor Jeff Cranson chats with Matt McLogan, vice president for community relations at Grand Valley State University, who is pinch-hitting for Ed Golder. 1. Getting negative The race for governor heats up with allegations from Attorney General Mike Cox suggesting that fellow GOP candidate Pete Hoekstra is not the fiscal conservative he claims to be because of votes in favor of the $850 billion bank bailout, raising the debt ceiling, earmarks and his refusal to take the no-tax pledge. A Hoekstra spokesman responded: "Today's negative attack from the Cox campaign is not a surprise. It is a desperate attempt to divert attention from the string of controversial stories and scandals the Cox campaign has had to deal with in the last week. Unfortunately for the Cox campaign, the people of Michigan are smarter than that." Also in the news, Republican candidate Rick Snyder continues his call for investigations into the source of robocalls and negative ads. Snyder campaign officials say people connected to the groups involved in the ads were at one time connected to the Cox campaign. The Cox campaign denies any involvement. Robocalls have also been used on the Democratic side with some ringing phones in Grand Rapids last week attacking the labor union credentials of Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero. 2. Paying for education Gov. Jennifer Granholm, trying to focus on something besides not eating meat, makes her case Wednesday in conference calls with reporters and school officials for more funding for K-12 education. The calls come just days after the Obama Administration released a plan that, as the Christian Science Monitor wrote, "bends the No Child Left Behind learning curve." Granholm's calls come at the same time higher education officials are worried that action in the Senate Appropriations Committee will lead to tuition hikes. Also today, Senate Republicans failed to muster the votes for the super majority necessary to prevent 3 percent raises for state employees from going into place later this year. 3. The Grand Rapids area Congressional seat and other local races. A formidable Democrat seems poised to jump into the race where the buzz has so far focused on three GOP candidates: state Rep. Justin Amash, state Sen. Bill Hardiman, Steve Heacock and Bob Overbeek. Conversation starters: • Jeff on President Obama's NCAA picks and why he chose Kansas to win it all. • Matt on whether the House passes a health care reform bill with a straight vote or parliamentary maneuvers.

There's an odd conglomeration of new movies in theaters this week: Action with "Green Zone," starring Matt Damon and directed by Paul Greengrass. Romance with "Remember Me," starring "Twilight" hunk Robert Pattinson. And comedy, some more desperate ("Our Family Wedding") than others ("She's Out of My League"). Grand Rapids Press film critic John Serba teams up with podcast producer pal Cory Olsen to discuss all of 'em, as well as several new and notable titles on DVD.

On this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast, Press editors Jeff Cranson and Ed Golder tackle: 1. The race for governor. A new poll, released exclusively to the Grand Rapids Press and Booth Newspapers, finds Pete Hoekstra solidly out front on the GOP side with Rick Snyder continuing to surge on the strength of his TV blitz. Attorney General Mike Cox seems to be waning. On the Democratic side, Andy Dillon holds a narrow lead over Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero, though a large number of voters remain undecided. In other news, robocalls have sparked hostility and investigations by the Secretary of State. Could the state pass campaign finance laws to require disclosure of the money behind robocalls? 2. Teacher's fault? Do teachers' unions deserve the blame for Michigan's failure to get Race to the Top funds for education from the federal government? A Detroit News editorial makes the case. An MEA leader told MIRS news the union would have "sold its soul" had it signed off on the Race to the Top legislation (RTTT) without reviewing the entire document. But Gov. Granholm and others say the teachers union's obstruction cost the state the funds. Today, Dillon and Republican state Sen. Wayne Kuipers are together supporting Grand Rapids schools Supt. Bernard Taylor at his state of the schools address. 3. Tea Partiers redux. A Wall Street Journal editorial and none other than Karl Rove posit today that the Tea Party phenomenon will be bad for the GOP. This comes as Newsweek hit the stands this week with a story about Republican South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham running afoul of his party by compromising with the administration. Conversation starters: • Ed on the summer slide. Increasingly, educators are making the case for alternative school calendars and more and longer days in the classroom. • Jeff on U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts questioning whether he and the associate justices should even attend the State of the Union address in the future after being called out by President Obama on their landmark campaign finance ruling.

Skewed perspectives on a skewed perspective: That's what's going on in this week's New Movies Podcast. Grand Rapids Press film critic John Serba and producer/sidekick Cory Olsen discuss oddball director Tim Burton's skewed interpretation of "Alice in Wonderland," which puts Johnny Depp in the Mad Hatter's headgear. They also tackle "Me and Orson Welles," Romanian art film "Police, Adjective," cop drama "Brooklyn's Finest" and new DVDs "Ponyo" and "Where the Wild Things Are."

Filmmaker Kevin Smith takes another stab at the mainstream with "Cop Out," the new buddy comedy starring Bruce Willis and Tracy Morgan, which leads the New Movies Podcast discussion this week. Grand Rapids Press film critic John Serba and fellow commenter Cory Olsen also tackle period drama "The Last Station," overlooked animated delight "A Town Called Panic," documentary "Lord, Save Us from Your Followers" and new DVDs.

So, "Shutter Island": we've watched the trailers for months, and the anticipation of another Martin Scorsese/Leonardo DiCaprio collaboration kept growing. Does it live up to the hype? Grand Rapids Press film critic John Serba answers that question in the New Movies Podcast. He also defers to podcast producer/Robert De Niro expert Cory Olsen during a discussion of Scorsese's work with his two muses. And together they tackle new DVD releases.

So Woody Harrelson and Colin Firth are Oscar nominees for "The Messenger" and "A Single Man" respectively -- are they deserving? Grand Rapids Press film critic John Serba addresses the question, with producer Cory Olsen adding commentary, in the New Movies Podcast. Both films open in Grand Rapids this weekend, along with wide releases "Dear John" and "From Paris With Love."

On this week's Talking Michigan Politics podcast, Grand Rapids Press politics editor Jeff Cranson and editorial page editor Ed Golder discuss: 1. Fund-raising in the governor's race. Some surprising figures on the GOP side showed Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard near $900,000 despite low poll numbers; U.S. Rep. Peter Hoekstra, despite campaigning for several months, raised around $475,000 with $170,000 cash on hand. Attorney General Mike Cox, who leads in the polls even after noise in the fall about whether he scuttled an investigation into activities involving former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, raised $1.8 million and had $1.47 million in cash on hand. Ann Arbor businessman Rick Snyder, who is yet to crack double digits in the polls, raised $3.2 million, with $2.6 million in loans to himself. The discussion: Once Snyder goes on TV, including an ad on the Super Bowl Sunday, does he gain quickly? Will his personal spending affect voters' views? Will Hoekstra have trouble claiming viability to donors now? 2. Gov. Granholm's early-out proposal for state workers is ruffling feathers. The Michigan Education Association tweeted members today tweeted its members to call Granholm's office to "tell her wht U think abt her attack on yr retirement." Is it fair to ask state workers who still have defined pensions to kick in more while so many private employees have had their pensions frozen or eliminated? 3. Grand Rapids will soon join other area cities putting tax proposals on the ballot. Can people be persuaded if they are told the extra funds will bring back police and fire? Would focusing on streets and parks have more appeal? Conversation starters: -- Ed on the Lancet medical journal's retraction of a story from 12 years ago that suggested a link between some childhood vaccinations and autism. -- Jeff on how skepticism is often confused as cynicism. A skeptic asks questions and tries to discern a higher truth. A cynic suffers no idealism and believes the masses prefer to be manipulated to achieve an agenda. Was J.P. Morgan skeptical or cynical when he proffered: "There are two reasons people do things. The good reason and the real reason."

Does Jeff Bridges deserve all the hype, praise and awards he's received for "Crazy Heart"? That's the focus of conversation from Grand Rapids Press film critic John Serba and producer Cory Olsen in this week's New Movies Podcast. Also discussed: New releases "Edge of Darkness," "When in Rome" and "The Yes Men Fix the World."

Things (almost) get nasty in the New Movies Podcast this week. Grand Rapids Press film critic John Serba and producer pal Cory Olsen watched "Extraordinary Measures" -- the new drama starring Brendan Fraser and Harrison Ford -- and walked out with clashing opinions of the talent on hand. They also mull over kid flick "Tooth Fairy," Pedro Almodovar-Penelope Cruz collaboration "Broken Embraces," top-shelf sports drama "The Damned United" starring Michael Sheen and new faith-based indie drama "To Save a Life." Oh, and Serba makes a must-see recommendation among new DVD releases. Give it a listen:

"The Lovely Bones" doesn't always work, but Peter "Lord of the Rings" Jackson creates an ambitious adaptation of the bestselling Alice Sebold novel. So says John Serba, film critic for The Grand Rapids Press, in this week's New Movies Podcast. He also discusses Denzel Washington thriller "The Book of Eli," Jackie Chan comedy "The Spy next Door," Lars von Trier's controversial "Antichrist" and a slew of new DVD releases, including "The Hurt Locker" and "Moon" -- all with podcast producer extraordinaire Cory Olsen adding commentary.

Michael Cera, Amy Adams and Heath Ledger headline three new movies this week: "Youth in Revolt" (which was filmed in Michigan), "Leap Year" and "The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus" (featuring Ledger's last role), respectively. Grand Rapids Press film critic John Serba and producer Cory Olsen discuss these actors' performances in the New Movies Podcast, as well as "Daybreakers" and French film "35 Shots of Rum" (which opens at the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts).

Regular listeners of this podcast might have an inkling as to what Grand Rapids Press film critic John Serba's favorite, and most hated, films of the year are. Perhaps you've already read his complete list, but he elaborates further -- and, notably, acts out the best movie line of the year -- in a special version of this week's New Movies Podcast, with producer-sidekick Cory Olsen chiming in.

With such a bountiful slate of films opening for the holiday weekend, Grand Rapids Press film critic John Serba barely had time to exhale during this week's New Movies Podcast. He and producer Cory Olsen discuss "Up in the Air," "Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel," "Sherlock Holmes," "Nine," "It's Complicated," "The Young Victoria" and (pant, pant) new DVD releases.

In this special edition of the New Movies Podcast, Grand Rapids Press film critic John Serba talks about his top 10 favorite films of the decade (with some honorable mentions thrown in), while producer/sidekick Cory Olsen points out a few that he missed. Serba calls the '00s the decade of comic-book movies, Latino directors, Pixar and The Other Trilogy.

James Cameron maintains his legacy as a groundbreaking director with "Avatar," according to Grand Rapids Press film critic John Serba in this week's New Movies Podcast. He and producer/commentator Cory Olsen also tackle the long-awaited adaptation of Cormac McCarthy's novel "The Road," comedy "Did You Hear About the Morgans?," acclaimed drama "An Education" and new DVD releases, including Quentin Tarantino's "Inglourious Basterds" and "The Hangover."

Old school: That's the best phrase Grand Rapids Press film critic John Serba could use to describe new Disney animated musical "The Princess and the Frog." In this week's New Movies Podcast, he says it "might be a classic." Serba and producer-sidekick Cory Olsen also talk about Clint Eastwood's drama "Invictus," starring Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon, two new independent films opening at the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts, and new DVD releases "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," "Public Enemies" and "Julie and Julia."

Grand Rapids Press film critic John Serba declares the Coen Bros.' "A Serious Man" one of the best movies of 2009 in this week's New Movies Podcast. Sidekick/producer Cory Olsen doesn't quite agree with him, but they discuss it -- as well as "Precious," "Fantastic Mr. Fox," "Old Dogs," "Ninja Assasin" and new DVD releases -- in depth.

The burning question this week: Does "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" have anything to offer non-Twi-hards? Grand Rapids Press movie critic John Serba tackles the topic with podcast producer/funny guy Cory Olsen in this week's New Movies Podcast. They also discuss animated feature "Planet 51," Sandra Bullock in "The Blind Side," the big buzz surrounding "Precious," "Star Trek" on DVD and more.

The world done blows up real good in Roland Emmerich's latest disaster epic, "2012," starring John Cusack, Amanda Peet and a whole lotta special effects. So, is this the disaster movie to end all disaster movies? Grand Rapids Press film critic John Serba addresses the question -- with commentary by jokester-producer Cory Olsen -- in this week's New Movies Podcast. They also discuss "Pirate Radio," "Up" on DVD and more.

Michael Jackson documentary 'This Is It': In some ways, the film isn't exactly what we may be expecting, according to Grand Rapids Press film critic John Serba, who discusses it and new DVD releases with sidekick/producer Cory Olsen.

So, does "Paranormal Activity" -- which expands to wide release this week -- live up to the hype? Grand Rapids Press film critic John Serba tackles the hottest homemade horror film since "The Blair Witch Project" in this week's New Movie's Podcast. Serba and producer/sidekick Cory Olsen also discuss "Astro Boy" and other new theatrical releases, and new DVDs, including "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen."

Does "Where the Wild Things Are" live up to the hype and anticipation? Grand Rapids Press film critic John Serba and his producer/sidekick Cory Olsen address the issue in this week's New Movies Podcast. They also discuss "Paranormal Activities," "Law Abiding Citizen" and new DVDs "Drag Me to Hell," "The Proposal" and "Land of the Lost."

Grand Rapids Press film critic John Serba offers a twist for this week's New Movies Podcast: He and producer Cory Olsen discuss some of the worst movies ever made, including Tommy Wiseau's "The Room." They also touch on "Couples Retreat," "My One and Only" and "I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell."

It’s a big week for movies with Michigan ties. “Whip It” — which director Drew Barrymore shot in Detroit last year — and “Capitalism: A Love Story” — the latest from Flint-born filmmaker Michael Moore — are both new in theaters. Grand Rapids Press film critic John Serba has good things to say about both of them in this week’s New Movies Podcast, with sidekick/producer Cory Olsen kicking in some commentary as well. They also discuss the 3-D re-release of “Toy Story” and “Toy Story 2,” “Zombieland,” “The Invention of Lying,” “Cold Souls,” new DVD releases and more. Give ’em a listen:

Grand Rapids Press film critic John Serba loves Quentin Tarantino's movies -- so it's no surprise he has good things to say about "Inglourious Basterds" in this week's New Movies Podcast. He also throws in his two cents for "Post Grad" and last weekend's hit, "District 9."

The Peter Jackson-produced "District 9" is this week's buzz flick, and it's among several films being discussed in this week's New Movies Podcast. Tune in as Grand Rapids Press film critic John Serba and podcast producer Cory Olsen discuss the sci-fi movie along with "Bandslam," "Ponyo," "The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard" and "The Time Traveler's Wife," as well as new DVD releases "I Love You, Man," "The Solosit" and "17 Again."

After this week's quasi-controversy about "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra" not being screened for critics, Grand Rapids Press reviewer John Serba had to rush out Friday morning to see it for this week's New Movies Podcast. He and sidekick/producer Cory Olsen then discuss "Julie and Julia," "(500) Days of Summer," "A Perfect Getaway," "The Stoning of Soraya M." and the new-to-DVD "Race to Witch Mountain."

It's really funny, it's about real people... it's Judd Apatow's "Funny People"! So says John Serba, film critic for The Grand Rapids Press, in this week's New Movies Podcast -- and his sidekick-producer Cory Olsen concurs. They also discuss "The Hurt Locker," "The Girlfriend Experience," "Food Inc." and new DVD release "Fast and Furious."

Guinea pigs are super-spies in Disney's new kid flick "G-Force" -- which faces some tough competition at the cineplex in "Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs" and "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince." So says John Serba, film critic for The Grand Rapids Press, in this week's New Movies Podcast. He and show producer Cory Olsen also discuss the Katherine Heigl/Gerard Butler romantic comedy "The Ugly Truth," horror-thriller "Orphan" and new DVDs, including "Watchmen" and "Coraline."

Will "Bruno" be as big as "Borat"? John Serba, film critic for The Grand Rapids Press, thinks Sacha Baron Cohen's new film will offend more than the last one -- so he says in this week's New Movies Podcast. With podcast producer Cory Olsen providing commentary, he also discusses trippy sci-fi film "Moon," starring Sam Rockwell, Woody Allen's collaboration with Larry David "Whatever Works," new DVDs and more.

Two comedies debut this week in theaters: The Sandra Bullock/Ryan Reynolds romance "The Proposal" and "Year One," a yukfest starring funnymen Jack Black and Michael Cera.John Serba, film critic for The Grand Rapids Press, discusses whether these flicks bring the funny or not in the New Movies Podcast, with producer/commentator Cory Olsen in tow.

So, is the faceoff between Denzel Washington and John Travolta in "The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3" invigorating? Is Eddie Murphy comedy "Imagine That" as forgettable as much of his recent work? Does Mike Tyson biodoc "Tyson" tell a compelling story about the boxer? Well, John Serba, film critic for The Grand Rapids Press, tackles these questions and more in the New Movies Podcast, with new co-host and podcast producer Cory Olsen chiming in.

So, "Land of the Lost": Is this another Will Ferrell classic a la "Anchorman," or a dud like "Blades of Glory"? Listen to John Serba, film critic for The Grand Rapids Press, in the New Movies Podcast, and find out if Ferrell still brings the funny. He and podcast producer Cory Olsen also discuss new releases "The Hangover" and "My Life in Ruins," as well as new-to-DVD titles "Revolutionary Road" and "Defiance."

Robert Downey Jr. and Jamie Foxx star in "The Soloist." Is "The Soloist" one of the best movies of 2009 so far? John Serba, film critic for "The Grand Rapids Press," thinks so, although James Sanford of The Kalamazoo Gazette,...