07.21.08
Posted in Business, Arts & Entertainment, Michigan, Jobs, Film at 5:14 pm by Tim
Whaddya know?! Found out today that I’m slated be on set as an extra in Drew Barrymore’s directorial debut, Whip It!, starring Ellen Page, and which begins shooting next week here in Michigan. I should know soon how many days the filmmakers will use me, and I’m honored to have been chosen, along with hundreds more area residents, by the talented folks at Real Style. It’s amazing to see how quickly the state is attracting movie business since Governor Granholm signed incentive legislation in April. This region is known for keeping wheels turning, now let’s see if we can keep reels turning.
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07.16.08
Posted in Arts & Entertainment, Michigan, Transportation, Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti, Great Outdoors, Art at 11:19 am by Tim
My daughter loves taking public transportation. If she can get on a train or a bus, it’s a great day. Yesterday was one of those great days. I picked her up from preschool late in the afternoon and, although it was rush hour, the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority buses did a great job getting us around town, and we made our connections with relative ease. AATA, aka “The Ride,” will be especially busy this week, with the Ann Arbor Art Fairs running full blast now through Saturday. AATA is running shuttle service to the event, so please take advantage, as you’ll save gas, and save yourself plenty of parking headaches. I plan to do just that not only during the fairs, but have made a promise to myself and to my daughter that, from now on, we’ll use this splendid bus service regularly.
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07.07.08
Posted in Business, The Web, Michigan, News, Detroit, Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti, Economy, Grand Rapids at 10:43 am by Tim
Featuring “daily reports on job growth and development in Southeast Michigan, from Detroit to Ann Arbor,” metromode remains one of the most compelling Michigan-focused Web sites going. As such, I’ve selected it as my “Arresting Site of the Month” for July. Packed with resources for those living in or doing business in Michigan, and/or for those thinking of moving here and doing the same, the site is updated with daily reports on job growth and development in the region, and a free weekly e-magazine goes out to subscribers every Thursday. Detroit-based Issue Media Group publishers Brian J. Boyle and Paul Schutt and their fine staff offer a slate of enticing articles and features, such as this recent piece on a green project involving 22 students from Cass Technical High School, and they spotlight growth areas and companies that merit your attention. Also check out its video section, where you’ll find nuggets like the piece about Moo Moo’s healthy food.
All in all, it’s a pleasure to read hopeful news about our state. There is a bonus with this month’s “Arresting” award, as Issue Media Group also publishes — among others — Model D, which zeroes in on the city of Detroit, in addition to Rapid Growth, which showcases Grand Rapids, and Capital Gains, a look at developments in and around Lansing.
Note: Nominations for August are due on Monday, July 28, and I’ll announce the winner on Monday, August 4. Thanks for your participation.
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06.19.08
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
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
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
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
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
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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05.28.08
Posted in Education, Michigan, Environment, Detroit, Radio at 10:59 am by Tim
Kudos to Wayne State University for their recycling efforts. Since 2006, the school’s Living Green Task Force on Environmental Initiatives has been working diligently ”…to protect the environment and enhance the campus.” WDET-FM, Detroit Public Radio, licensed to Wayne State, is doing its part, too. Join the radio station for “Recycling at Eastern Market” on Saturday, June 7, from 9am-1pm. Learn more about what you can bring to the event, and please participate, if at all possible.
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