By Derek Melot/Bridge Magazine

“The more extensive a man’s knowledge of what has been done, the greater will be his power of knowing what to do” – Benjamin Disraeli, 19th century British prime minister, author and noted clothes horse.

* The New York Times Magazine visits Benton Harbor: “Between the almost-delusional optimism of those who support the redevelopment of Benton Harbor and the almost-paranoid mistrust of those who don’t, spending time in the town can be a profoundly disorienting experience.”:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/18/magazine/benton-harbor.html

* Andy Buchsbaum of the National Wildlife Federation gives a regional perspective to what’s happened around theGreat Lakesin 2011:

http://greatlakesontheground.com/

* A supporter of Gov. Rick Snyder warns him about adding his voice to the drive at the State Capitol to treat gay Michiganians as second-class citizens:

http://annarbor.com/news/opinion/proposed-ban-on-domestic-partner-benefits-for-state-workers-is-mean-spirited-and-bad-for-business/

* A Florida school board member with three college degrees takes a version of a key student assessment test for high-schoolers — and all but flunks. Find out why:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/post/revealed-school-board-member-who-took-standardized-test/2011/12/06/gIQAbIcxZO_blog.html

* The Michigan Board of Education advises the Legislature and governor to invest in universal pre-school for all 4-year-olds and mandated, preferably full-day, kindergarten, among other things:

http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mde/sbe_budget_rec_370865_7.pdf

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