06.30.08

Get on the Megabus

Posted in Environment, Transportation, Travel at 2:46 pm by Tim

My wife, daughter, and I not only had a great time in Chicago for three days last week, we found a new way to make the journey: Megabus.com. Featuring “low cost daily express bus service in the US and Canada,” Megabus was a suggestion of my wife’s cousin, and a most pleasant surprise. The outbound trip from Ann Arbor, Michigan was fast (under five hours, including two brief rest stops) and, even though we were picked up for the return trip an hour late (in front of Union Station), we still got home a mere 15 minutes over schedule.

I had no idea we’d see movies — Air Force One and The Core, the former of which I’d have preferred my 4-year-old not be subjected, as it’s way too violent for kids — on drop-down screens during the trip into Chicago, but it did while away the time for many passengers. Overall, we were happy to not have to drive ourselves, and the round trip ticket price for the three of us was reasonable at $144.50. Not a whole lot more, frankly, than we’d have spent on gas, and we didn’t have to find a place to park in the city. Better still, we shared the ride on a packed double-deck vehicle, obviously better for the environment. I suspect Megabus and other services will see plenty more business in coming months and years, especially if current trends continue. Next time we travel to Cincinnati, another one of the many cities Megabus serves in the Midwest and around the country, we’re likely to book with them again. Much better than the “foreclosure bus tours” that I referenced in these pages earlier this month.

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06.19.08

Art in the Sun

Posted in Michigan, Great Outdoors, Family, Art at 5:47 pm by Tim

A splendid community anytime, Northville is all the more so this weekend. Art in the Sun takes place this Saturday and Sunday, with more than 100 exhibitors, thousands of attendees, and untold smiles. Stop by, make a purchase, soak in the atmosphere. The forecast calls for temperatures in the upper 70s to low 80s — ideal strolling weather — so bring the family.   

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06.13.08

Foreclosure Bus Tours

Posted in Michigan, Economy at 10:11 am by Tim

One of the major real estate companies in my area is advertising “Foreclosure Bus Tours,” all the better to show potential clients the sheer volume of such available properties in one session. I don’t have a problem with the company putting on these tours, because I’m guessing many people will be interested in signing up, but it’s just sad. I was speaking the other day with a dental professional, and she wondered if the economy has hit bottom, as many of her colleagues are struggling badly, given that many clients can’t even afford to get their teeth cleaned. Would have loved to answer yes about the economy having bottomed out, but I couldn’t. Ugh.

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06.05.08

We Win the Cup!

Posted in Arts & Entertainment, Sports, TV, Michigan, News, Video, Detroit at 10:35 am by Tim

The culmination of another superb campaign, last night’s Game 6 victory (watch highlights) in Pittsburgh further solidifies the place of the Detroit Red Wings in hockey’s pantheon. Four Stanley Cup championships in 11 years is a remarkable accomplishment. The Wings’ playoff run was bittersweet for me, as my father — a big hockey fan, who started taking me to games at Olympia Stadium when I was very young — passed away last month. Even so, I know Dad was there in spirit, and I’m glad Nick Lidstrom was able to hoist Lord Stanley’s vaunted trophy, the first European captain in NHL history to do so. It was a nice touch when he presented veteran Dallas Drake with the peerless trophy next. Congratulations, fellas, and here’s to a repeat next season.  

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06.04.08

Detroit Festival of the Arts

Posted in Arts & Entertainment, Music, Michigan, Detroit, Great Outdoors, Family, Art at 4:23 pm by Tim

It’s “Detroit’s Unrivaled International Arts Festival,” a claim its organizers back up year after year. The 22nd Annual Detroit Festival of the Arts kicks off this Friday, June 6, and will keep tens of thousands of attendees entertained and well-fed through Sunday. Smokin’ tunes from such national acts as Raul Malo (Saturday @ 7:30) and Guy Davis (Sunday @ 3:15) intermingle with potent sounds from Motor City stalwarts that include Thornetta Davis (Saturday @ 5:30) and the Mosaic Singers (Sunday @ 12:30). Check out these profiles. In addition to the performing arts, there will be numerous practitioners of the fine arts with creations on display, so please visit them. Back in my radio days, I was a frequent emcee on various DFA stages, and loved being immersed within the excitement that unfolded at the event. I still try to attend each year. So often, I discover a new musical act or other artist, and I always enjoy the experience. Kids have plenty of fun, too. Come on down to Midtown’s University Cultural Center for this magnificent festival.    

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06.03.08

Waterfront Film Festival

Posted in Arts & Entertainment, Michigan, Film, Saugatuck/Douglas at 11:46 am by Tim

Presenting “outstanding independent films from all over the United States,” Saugatuck, Michigan hosts its 10th Annual Waterfront Film Festival. This year’s event runs June 12-15 in the town also renowned (as is sister city Douglas) for its B&Bs, and the schedule is packed with highlights, ranging from dramas to comedies to documentaries, and a “Michigan Showcase.” The festival has attained impressive status, with the Screen Actor’s Guild magazine citing it as one of its top five favorites, placing WFF alongside Cannes, Sundance, CineVegas, and SXSW. New to Saugatuck? It’s easy to get there.      

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06.02.08

Arresting Blog of the Month, June 2008: Our Michigan

Posted in Michigan, News, Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti at 11:38 am by Tim

I’ve written about her in the past, and with good reason. Chronicling the “Great People, Great Stories” of our state, Celeste Whiting pens the marvelous Our Michigan, which I’ve chosen as June’s “Arresting Blog of the Month.” In recent posts, Whiting, a self-described small business owner, educator, writer, and photographer based in Ann Arbor, has discussed such far-flung topics as political life in Michigan, LGBT life in Michigan, how and why to take a “media holiday,” and the Dalai Lama. In addition to her insightful commentary, Whiting offers a trove of links to organizations across the state and to Michigan news online, the rich ”Signs of Hope” and “Blogs, Michigan” sections, and more.

It’s comforting to know that Whiting is carefully watching developments — both good and bad — throughout the state. She’s a perfect example of the creative, keen-eyed talent I keep saying lives here, and it’s my hope she’ll continue writing Our Michigan long into the future, and contributing to the ongoing conversation of how, together, we can right the Michigan ship.  

Note: Nominations for the July “Arresting Site or Blog of the Month” award are due on Monday, June 30. I’ll announce the winner on Monday, July 7. Please learn more about the nominating guidelines. Thanks.

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