capitalgains - Features

Top 10 Innovations of 2008

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Choosing 10 innovations to represent the year’s best and brightest is no easy task, but we've managed to pull together 10 people who moved Mid-Michigan innovations forward in 2008.

Top 10 of Green

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Green isn’t just the color of the holidays—it’s also the color of the coming economy, and a hallmark of a movement that’s building a more sustainable future for Lansing.

Capital Gains Best Photos 2008

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

By finding the poignant in the prosaic, Dave Trumpie offers us a new outlook on our region. To close out 2008, Dave packaged a slideshow of his mastheads from the past year. So sit back, relax and look at your city through Dave's eyes.

A Farewell To 2008

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Capital Gains staff would like to wish you and yours a wonderful holiday season. In light of the season, we will not publish again until Wednesday, Jan. 7.

In the meantime, you can give the gift of Capital Gains! Sign up friends and family here. See you in 2009!

DIY Writers Make Their Mark

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Ambitious Capital region authors are bypassing the challenges of traditional publishing by turning to self-publishing to get their books in the hands of fans.

Making a Living from Living History

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In the heart of the small, historic town of Leslie, MI, about 20 minutes south of Lansing, one passionate period dressmaker is helping to weave together a network of authenticity advocates.

Capital Gains Video: SCENE Metrospace

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

SCENE Metrospace is a relaxed, unique spot in downtown East Lansing where artists, musicians, poets and dancers share their art with the Capital region community.

Wanted: One Durable Economy

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Just in time for the holidays, writer Bill McKibben visits Mid-Michigan with a wish list for building a deeper, sustainable and more satisfying local economy. Revise your shopping list here.

The Power of BWL

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Lansing’s looking to its largest utility, the Lansing Board of Water & Light, for answers to big energy issues, like adding alternative energy options that include solar, wind, biomass, hydro and landfill gases.

Crafting a Creative Community

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Lansing area businesses and nonprofits are elevating the Capital region’s creative culture by building new partnerships with the area’s performing arts community.

Lansing Learns to Leverage Landfills

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

While landfills put the olfactory nerves into overdrive, the growing green economy means that Lansing-based waste management and recycling firms are mining them for practical reuses.

Capital Ideas: Dianne Holman and Her Working Bugs

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Dianne Holman started the East Lansing-based company, Working Bugs, and is using cutting-edge fermentation and microorganisms to rebuild the country's basic, bio-based roots.

Capital Gains Takes a Turkey Break

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Tryptophan, the Sleepy Turkey Chemical, will be crashing our Capital Gains party during the week of November 24. We're going to take a little break, but will return with another well-rested read Dec. 3. Enjoy your Thanksgiving!

The Many Masteries of Doug Neal

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Doug Neal, host of 88.9 FM's Progressive Torch & Twang, has managed to meld fluid dynamics, entrepreneurialism and an encyclopedic knowledge of alt-country music into a supremely satisfying Mid-Michigan experience.

Capital Gains Video: Eastsider Joan Nelson

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Videographer Stephen Worsfold recently sat down with Joan Nelson, director of the Allen Neighborhood Center, to talk about community development and sustainability on Lansing's Eastside.

Growing by Gaming

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 19:25:39 GMT

Michigan State University is an emerging leader in video game development. With the support of East Lansing, MSU is adding a degree specialization and a national conference to the potent package.

Two Ryans Rising

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Ryan Kincaid and Ryan Henry, both barely 30 years old, are wowing the Mid-Michigan building community with big projects and a commitment to growing Lansing's green development movement.

In Sync with the Lansing Symphony

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Since 1929, the Lansing Symphony Orchestra has scored the cultural scene in Greater Lansing. Here's how it keeps attracting up to 20,000 area leaders, business people and first-time fans to its concerts each year.

Capital Gains Radio Catches a Ride

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As a pivotal funding vote looms, CG Radio's ride-along finds that Lansing's buses are good places to save money, decrease our environmental footprint and apparently, learn German.

Careening Car-Free in the Capital City

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Jonathan Ritz agreed to maneuver his way around the Capital region for a week using only the bus system. Read on for the play-by-play of his care-free, car-free Capital City adventure.

Capital Ideas: Eric Schertzing

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Ingham County Treasurer and chairman of the Ingham County Land Bank has discovered that everything in the Lansing region—housing, climate, commerce, quality of life—is tied to transportation.

Making the Move to Clean Commuting

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Too intimidated to try the bus? Afraid your carpool might accidentally leave you car-less? CATA’s Clean Commute service is helping residents and businesses make the jump to a new transportation paradigm.

Capital Gains Radio: Grabbing the Great Lakes Wind

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Listen in as Michigan Now's Chris McCarus talks with leading experts about the potential of powering 80 million homes with clean, Great Lakes-based offshore wind turbines.

Transformational Transportation

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A glimpse at an on-demand, grid-connected future where we move conveniently and happily between various small, clean vehicles depending on what we want to accomplish—and where we need to go.

Concentrated Creatives, City Builders

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

An empowered creative class is a bridge that’s been pulling the world’s small, industrial cities like Lansing out of the doldrums and into the spotlight.

Capital Gains Radio: Amish Advice for the Credit Crisis

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The credit crunch has many Americans reexamining how they spend their money. Michigan NOW's Chris McCarus taps an unlikely source—an Amish community in Vermontville—for some advice.

Capital Gains Video: Impression 5

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Contributing videographer Joshua Ortman takes us on a walk-through of Lansing's popular Impression 5 Science Center with its talented young director, Erik Larson.

Weaving Into the Global Economy

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

With a combination of entrepreneurial spirit, networked collaboration and diligent customer service, Mesee Wilson has built a nationally significant fabric business in the heart of small town Michigan.

Williamston Reinvents Itself

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Nestled gently in the shadow of Michigan's Capital City, Williamston has found a way to mix small town charm, urban amenities and modern convenience to boost its economic vitality.

Capital Gains Radio: Magic Johnson Talks City Building In Lansing

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Hometown Lansing hero Magic Johnson has a net worth of $500 to $900 million, and he was back home in Lansing recently to talk to an eager audience about politics, economic redevelopment and community building.