Now that all the holiday commotion has settled and the torn wrapping paper has been recycled, did you really get what you wanted this year? Or perhaps you have discovered you left somebody special off of your gift list. Here are some after the last-minute gift suggestions that are sure to please anyone that enjoys the great outdoors in Michigan.

Christmas memories are akin to Aunt Gertrude's bourbon-soaked fruitcake -- both are highly preserved. However, one is chock-full of cherished moments instead of green citron. To this day, I remember leaping out of bed at 4 a.m. and tiptoeing down the hallway to see what Santa had left under the tree. The fact that it was December 23 did little to quell my enthusiasm.

Rural America is witnessing a trend in our work with rural communities a growing number of high school and college students who would like to return to their rural hometowns if good career opportunities were available.

Archimedes boasted that with a lengthy lever and well-placed fulcrum he could move the world. Obviously, the Greek mathematical genius never shoveled snow with a roof rake.

The ownership of a forest has a lot to do with how that forest will be managed (or not) and even if it will still be a forest into the future. Understanding ownerships, both public and private, can help everyone better appreciate the resource.

Santa Claus seems to have an ideal job: summer vacations, flying around the world without excessive baggage charges and free cookies. The work requires a suit, but no Windsor-knot neckties. Plus, when you're a holiday icon, you don't punch a time clock. This time of year, however, the only bags St. Nick carries are the ones under his eyes.

Outdoor gardening activities are finished for the season and you're now relaxing with the catalogs or hectically getting into the holiday swing. But before shutting down all gardening thoughts, here are some things to consider.

Leaving Chicago Monday night, the steamer Missouri arrived in port shortly after noon Saturday on her last trip for the season of 1908. The steamship had a very rough trip, although she was fortunate in crossing the lake last night, consuming only 12 hours from Cheboygan to Traverse City, making several stops enroute. (Plus more news from 1908.)