In January, Newsweek released a list of dying cities with Grand Rapids at spot #10.  It ruffled a few feathers.  In response, Grand Rapids gathered 5,000 citizens and put on a world record-breaking video to the tune of Don McLean's "American Pie".   It was shot a few days ago downtown and was filmed using one single shot.

Newsweek responded today, citing its support of GR and deflecting responsibility:

"To the Grand Rapids crowd:

First off, we LOVE your YouTube LipDub. We're big fans, and are inspired by your love of the city you call home.

But so you know what was up with the list you're responding to, we want you to know it was done by a website called mainstreet.com--not by Newsweek (it was unfortunately picked up on the Newsweek web site as part of a content sharing deal)--and it uses a methodology that our current editorial team doesn't endorse and wouldn't have employed. It certainly doesn't reflect our view of Grand Rapids."

We personally didn't take offense, since we work out of Grand Rapids and fully know that this isn't a dying city.  But it is nice to see the community band together against bad publicity.  We even got a little exposure...  Notice the Mitten and Love Michigan shirts @2:45min? :^)

Love,

The Mitten State

info@TheMittenState.com