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Michigan’s Five Biggest Snowstorms
The last time Michigan had a snowy Christmas morning was in 2017. This year, people in Michigan are hoping, once more, to get a snowy Christmas. And while the hopes are running high, Gander Newsroom, a Courier Newsroom publication, recently wrote about some of Michigan’s worst snowstorms.
The Upper Peninsula Snowstorm, 2022
Only eight months ago Michigan was thrashed was a snowstorm that lasted two days. The snowstorm impacted Marquette and surrounding areas in the Upper Peninsula. The storm started on Feb 21, and a total of 37.1 inches of snowfall was recorded. Several roads had to be closed because of complete whiteouts and negative temperatures. Luckily for Michigan’s residents, there were no strong winds and that kept the damage to a minimum.
The Great Blizzard, 1978
This storm is an anomaly on the list because it was not one but two storms at the same time. One coming from the Gulf of Mexico and the other from Canada. The two collided to form a slow-moving blizzard. In Muskegon, this snowstorm dropped 30 inches of snow, and averaged 10 inches elsewhere in the state, stated the article by the Courier Newsroom publication. This storm proved to be quite fatal as it took the lives of 20 people in Michigan.
The Blizzard, 1967
The winter of 1967 was unusual because it was one of the warmest on record. In fact, the state also received its first thunderstorm in January. With temperatures in the high 50s, when this blizzard rolled in, it inevitably took Michiganders by surprise. The snowstorm caused Michigan University to halt classes for the first time in over 100 years. More than a dozen people pushing stalled cars and shoveling snow died because of heart attacks. The storm dumped 15 inches across 80 miles and impacted Mitten, Benton Harbor, Harbor Beach, and Williamston.
Summer Squalls, 1923
Nothing is more unpredictable than snow in summer, but this is exactly what happened in the summer of 1923. On May 8, 1923, just when Michiganders were unrolling their summer clothes and preparing for boat trips on the beach, temperatures suddenly dropped. Within a night, much of the state was covered under an inch of snow and it kept coming the next day. By the time it stopped snowing, most of Michigan was covered in 6-9 inches of snow, The Gander Newsroom reported, a Courier Newsroom publication. Frigid temperatures continued for a few more days after the first snowfall. Lansing and Flint were impacted the most with a full foot of snow being dumped. This snowstorm, luckily, did not cause any property damage or pose a risk to people’s lives. It only gave an unsavory start to summer.
White Hurricane, 1913
This snowstorm is perhaps the only one on this list with a truly intimidating name and rightly so because this was one big snowstorm. This is, without a doubt, the deadliest storm in Michigan’s history. The White Hurricane lasted for 4 days, blasting winds exceeding 90 mph. These winds were responsible for whiteout conditions and massive drifts, with waves reaching 30 ft. The storm sunk 12 ships, damaged 30, and five went missing. According to the National Weather Service, the damage caused by the storm would amount to $117 million today.
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How to Optimize Industrial Sheds for Business Operations

Industrial sheds have become a vital part of many businesses, thanks to their versatility, affordability, and functionality. Whether used for manufacturing, storage, or office work, these spaces can serve as the backbone of your operations. But to truly unlock the potential of your industrial shed, optimization is key. A well-organized and efficient shed not only streamlines operations but can also cut costs, improve safety, and boost productivity.
If you’re ready to elevate your business, here’s a guide to optimizing your shed for peak performance.
1. Define the Purpose of Your Shed
Start by clarifying the role your industrial shed plays in your business. Is it primarily for storage, manufacturing, distribution, or office space? Identifying your shed’s purpose will dictate how you approach its layout, equipment placement, and workflow.
For example:
- Storage-focused sheds should maximize vertical space and use shelving systems.
- Production areas may require equipment zoning to ensure seamless operations.
- Workspaces need to prioritize lighting, ventilation, and ergonomic furniture.
Knowing what you want out of your space is the foundation for building an optimized setup.
2. Plan an Efficient Layout
A good layout is core to industrial shed optimization. You need a clear, logical arrangement that supports smooth workflows and reduces wasted movement.
Key considerations:
Zoning: Define dedicated zones for different activities, such as packing, assembly, or inventory management.
Workflows: Design pathways that follow the natural flow of your operations. Ensure that workers, materials, and equipment can move efficiently between zones.
Accessibility: Frequently used tools or materials should be easy to locate and access. Avoid storing daily essentials in hard-to-reach areas.
Future-proofing: Planning for growth ensures your shed layout can adapt to increased demand or new projects without requiring a costly overhaul.
3. Maximize Vertical Space
Make the most of your shed’s high ceilings by utilizing vertical storage solutions. Vertical storage can dramatically increase the usable space within your shed without expanding its footprint.
Suggestions:
- Install racking systems and pallet racks to store products or materials in an organized manner.
- Wall-mounted hanging systems can keep tools, cables, and smaller equipment easily accessible.
- Overhead storage or mezzanine levels can create additional floors for offices or lightweight storage.
Using vertical solutions unlocks valuable square footage while keeping your floor space clear and functional.
4. Prioritize Lighting and Ventilation
A well-lit and well-ventilated shed improves both safety and comfort for employees. Poor lighting can lead to workplace accidents, while inadequate airflow can create an unproductive and uncomfortable environment.
Tips:
- Install LED fixtures to reduce energy costs while maintaining a bright, consistent light level.
- Make use of natural light by incorporating skylights, transparent roof panels, or glass doors where possible.
- Ensure proper ventilation with industrial fans, air conditioning units, or strategically placed windows to promote air circulation.
Improving this aspect of your space can have a direct impact on employee morale and operational efficiency.
5. Invest in Durable and Customizable Storage Solutions
Sturdy, purpose-built storage units are a must for efficient organization. Invest in storage tailored to your business’s needs.
Storage recommendations:
- Modular shelving units: These can be expanded or reconfigured as requirements change.
- Heavy-duty cabinets: Ideal for securing tools, spare parts, and sensitive documents.
- Bins and labels: Color-coded bins and proper labeling improve inventory management and minimize errors.
The goal is to keep your shed orderly, ensuring that everyone knows where to find what they need, saving time and effort.
Final Thoughts
An optimized industrial shed sets the entire business up for success. By creating a functional layout, prioritizing organization, and incorporating technology, you can enhance productivity, safety, and adaptability. And remember—optimization is an ongoing effort that evolves with your business.
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The Cost-Saving Benefits of Moving to Infrastructure as a Service

Managing in-house IT infrastructure has become both costly and complex. For many businesses, Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) has emerged as a viable solution, allowing them to minimize expenses while gaining capabilities that were once out of reach. If you’re on the fence about making the switch, this list will help you understand how IaaS can save your organization money without compromising on efficiency or scalability.
1. Reduce Capital Expenditure (CapEx)
Setting up on-premises infrastructure demands a significant upfront investment in servers, networking equipment, and storage. With IaaS, these capital expenses are eliminated. Instead, you operate on a pay-as-you-go model, converting hefty CapEx into manageable operational expenses (OpEx). This not only minimizes financial risk but also frees up cash flow for other essential business operations.
2. Lower Operational Costs
Maintaining physical infrastructure requires ongoing costs for electricity, cooling systems, repairs, and IT personnel. By leveraging an IaaS provider, these operational expenses largely disappear. You’ll be able to put that money toward other, more immediate day to day costs within your business.
3. Scale Without Additional Hardware
Business growth typically demands additional computing resources, which means buying and integrating new hardware. IaaS allows businesses to instantly scale up or down based on demand without purchasing or configuring new equipment.
4. Avoid Hardware Obsolescence
Hardware has a lifecycle, and upgrading outdated servers or replacing worn-out equipment can be an ongoing headache. Moving to IaaS ensures access to the latest hardware and software without the burden of constant upgrades. Your business no longer has to foot the bill for staying technologically relevant—your IaaS provider takes care of it.
5. Optimize Staff Productivity
With IaaS, businesses can reduce the workload of their IT teams by shifting routine infrastructure tasks—such as server management, backups, and network monitoring—to the service provider. This not only saves on labor costs but also enables IT staff to focus on strategic initiatives that drive growth and innovation.
6. Minimize Downtime Costs
Downtime can be incredibly expensive, service downtime can potentially cost businesses upwards of $5,600 per minute. IaaS platforms are built with redundancy and resiliency in mind, offering service level agreements (SLAs) that commit to nearly 100% uptime. The reduced likelihood of interruptions means fewer financial losses and a more stable environment for business operations.
7. Access Advanced Security Without Extra Costs
Investing in robust IT security—firewalls, intrusion detection systems, data encryption—often means significant outlays of capital and expertise. Many IaaS providers bundle advanced security measures into their offerings, ensuring your infrastructure is protected without you needing an in-house cybersecurity team. For startups and small businesses, this provides enterprise-grade security at a fraction of the traditional cost.
Take Control of Your IT Costs Today
The financial advantages of adopting IaaS aren’t just theoretical—they’re tangible, measurable, and scalable to your organization’s unique needs. By reducing upfront costs, lowering operational overhead, and ensuring flexible scalability, IaaS empowers businesses to operate more efficiently while investing savings elsewhere.
Start exploring IaaS for your organization and see how it can transform both your technology stack and your bottom line. Don’t wait—your cost-effective infrastructure solutions are just one step away.
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What Is an Umu Kitchen and Why You Should Experience It

Imagine gathering around a warm, welcoming pit where food transforms into flavorful perfection beneath the earth—this is the magic of an Umu kitchen. A culinary tradition deeply rooted in Polynesian culture, an outdoor Umu kitchen offers more than just incredible food; it’s an unforgettable communal experience steeped in history and connection.
This article explores what makes an Umu kitchen special, how it works, and why you should add experiencing one to your bucket list.
1. A Unique Cooking Method with Deep Roots
The Umu kitchen isn’t your typical stovetop or grill; it’s a traditional earth oven used across Polynesia, particularly in Samoa, Tonga, and Hawai’i (where it’s called an “imu”). Food is slow-cooked underground using hot stones and layers of leaves, creating an unparalleled, smoky depth of flavor.
Cooking with an Umu dates back centuries and remains an integral part of cultural celebrations, feasts, and ceremonies. It’s more than just preparing a meal; it’s showing reverence for tradition and nature.
2. Ingredients That Highlight Freshness
One of the hallmarks of Umu cooking is its emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Staple foods like taro, breadfruit, taro leaves, pork, chicken, and fish are often used. Wrapped in banana or taro leaves, these ingredients cook slowly over several hours, locking in nutrients and flavors.
You might find yourself savoring a perfectly steamed palusami (taro leaves in coconut cream) or tender pork that falls apart with just a touch of your fork. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the rich, smoky flavor of the Umu to take center stage.
3. The Communal Spirit of an Umu Kitchen
An Umu kitchen is not just about the meal—it’s about the connections made during the cooking process. Preparing an Umu is a group activity, involving digging the pit, stacking ingredients, and carefully layering them with hot stones and leaves. The process fosters a deep sense of collaboration and unity.
Everyone has a role, creating an environment where stories are shared, traditions are taught, and bonds are strengthened. It’s a true celebration of togetherness that feels all the more special when you finally sit down to enjoy the meal as one.
4. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Practices
The Umu kitchen is a testament to sustainable living. By using natural heat sources like stones, leaves, and wood, it bypasses the need for modern, energy-consuming appliances. Additionally, the reliance on local, unprocessed ingredients reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation and packaging.
For food enthusiasts looking to minimize their environmental impact, experiencing an Umu kitchen is an inspiring example of sustainability in action.
5. A Taste Experience Unlike Any Other
The true highlight of an Umu is the flavor it creates. The slow, stone-cooked process infuses ingredients with a rich, earthy smokiness that can’t be replicated by conventional ovens or grills. Every bite carries layers of history, nature, and craftsmanship.
Imagine melt-in-your-mouth ribs enriched with umami, or a perfectly tender breadfruit with a hint of caramelized sweetness. An Umu meal is an invitation to experience food through a new lens—one where simplicity and tradition reign supreme.
6. An Essential Addition to Any Culinary Bucket List
For food adventurers and cultural explorers alike, experiencing an Umu kitchen is a must-do. Whether you’re attending a luau in Hawai’i, a Samoan fiafia (celebration), or enjoying a backyard Umu hosted by locals, the experience stays with you long after the meal is over.
It’s not just about trying a fantastic dish—it’s about connecting with a culture and a community in a profound, memorable way.
Why Wait? Discover the Magic of an Umu Kitchen
Whether you’re a culinary enthusiast or someone seeking a genuinely unique experience, an Umu kitchen offers the perfect blend of rich flavors, history, and connection. Start planning your trip to the Pacific islands or keep an eye out for cultural events closer to home to savor this extraordinary tradition firsthand.
Once you’ve experienced the joy of an Umu kitchen, you’ll understand why it’s so much more than just a meal.
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