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Jack's Journal

Communicating in the Age of the Emoji

A few years ago my son stood before a display of old rotary phones in an antique store, puzzled by the seemingly ancient devices....

Winter’s in the Rear View Mirror

Whew! Winter is finally in our rear view mirrors. All of Michigan’s 83 counties experienced a humdinger, didn’t they? Persistent cold, high accumulations without a traditional midseason thaw,...

Hug A Lineman

The lights flicker once, twice. You wait for it. Boom!  A crack of lightning illuminates the night sky as thunder simultaneously rolls over your...

One Last Mission

World War II seems like ancient history to a lot of folks. After all, it ended nearly 70 years ago! Never mind that 16...

Are You a Michiganian or a Michigander?

Based on the positive feedback on its debut, “Jack’s Journal” looks to be a winner in the eyes of many Country Lines readers. So...

Summer Thrills

Summer means "vacation" to many, and memories of family road trips along with the familiar mantra Mom and Dad grew weary of hearing: “Are...

Every Vote Counts

A busy year celebrating Olympians and honoring lost legends like Gordie Howe and David Bowie, 2016 will conclude with one of the most highly...

Sky’s The Limit

What happens when you combine a master electrician, educator, licensed contractor and self-described tinkerer? You get Mike Schmerl, an instructor at Northwestern Michigan College...

The Glamping Trend

If your idea of roughing it means finding the ice machine on another floor of your hotel, glamping might be for you! Glamping or “glamorous...

The Wheels on the Bus

Admit it. You just sang “go round and round” in your head. September brings cooler temperatures, football season, and the start of a new school year accompanied...

Global Comfort Food Recipes Due by January 1

Share your favorite “Global Comfort Food” recipe with us by January 1 and you could win a $100.00 credit on your electric bill. Plus,...