01.05.09

Arresting Site of the Month, January: The North American International Auto Show

Posted in Business, Politics, Technology, Michigan, Detroit, Economy at 4:17 pm by Tim

Has there ever been a year more critical to the domestic auto industry than 2009? Given all the tumult of the past few months, the (often partisan) bickering in Washington, D.C. regarding its long-term health, and the faint hope even many here in Michigan have for the Big Three, the industry’s forthcoming celebration of self makes for a natural selection as January’s “Arresting Site of the Month.”

The North American International Auto Show Web site is filled with facts and figures about the 2009 event — open to the public from January 17-25 — in addition to an image gallery, videos, and more. As of this writing, certain sections don’t hold much detail, but the site will be updated during the show. Having recently completed a contract assignment for a business that closely supports one of our state’s automaker’s, I can say that these companies (as I’m sure is true of the foreign automakers and other exhibitors) are determined to put their best foot forward, and are hoping to wow us with the fresh designs and technical innovations you’ll see and hear on the hundreds of vehicles that will be on display. GM, Ford, and Chrysler, I wish you well, and hope this year’s NAIAS helps spark a turnaround.

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12.29.08

0-16; A Perfect Metaphor

Posted in Sports, Michigan, Detroit at 3:57 pm by Tim

It amazes me — and so many others — that the Detroit Lions could somehow stumble through an entire season without claiming at least one victory, especially given the fact the National Football League is geared toward parity, and has been since Pete Rozelle brought the league fully into the national spotlight in the 1960s. But with all the economic troubles in Michigan (and Detroit specifically), isn’t it just fitting the Lions did so? Ugh.

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12.17.08

50 Fun Things to Do for Under $50

Posted in Music, Film, Detroit, Art, Food/Drink at 5:55 pm by Tim

Nice list from the Detroit News. Glad to see Number 12 included, as the Dakota Inn is a memorable place.

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12.01.08

Arresting Site of the Month, December: AutoJobsMatter.org

Posted in Business, Politics, Michigan, Jobs, Detroit, Economy at 11:41 pm by Tim

Anyone whose livelihood is tied directly or indirectly to the automotive industry knows just how vital it is to their economic health, and to that of the country as a whole. Unfortunately, many in Congress just don’t get it, and would prefer to kick General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler to the curb, rather than approve the much-needed, overly-debated bridge loan. Two forward-thinking Detroit-area residents have said ‘Enough!’

Steve Still and his wife, Jenny Arnold-Still, have just launched a website that demonstrates clearly why we still need the Big 3, and helps dispel numerous misconceptions. (In the spirit of full disclosure, my wife and I have known Steve and Jenny for years, we’re also friends with Steve’s daughter, and I’m working a contract position for a business that administers the main website of one of the aforementioned companies; hence, I have a vested interest in this matter. Nonetheless, this isn’t about us, it’s about millions of people who soon could be out of work). As such, I have selected AutoJobsMatter.org as my “Arresting Site of the Month” for December. Please note the calls to action, including the December 4 rally in the Motor City, the auto industry fact sheet, the link that takes you to a printable window sign that will allow you to show your support, and more. Learn about Steve and Jenny, and spread the word about their important, fact-filled online resource.

Note: Nominations for January’s site or blog of the month are due on Monday, December 29, and I’ll announce the winner on Monday, January 5. Thanks for your participation.

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08.13.08

Whip It Good

Posted in Business, Arts & Entertainment, Michigan, Jobs, Film, Detroit at 12:10 pm by Tim

I had my three days in the Hollywood limelight, working as an extra on the set of Whip It (see July 21 post), which stars Ellen Page, Drew Barrymore, Jimmy Fallon, and many others among a top-flight ensemble. I was quite impressed with Ms. Barrymore’s directorial work, especially since it’s her debut behind the lens. She kept the action moving crisply, yet always found time to collaborate on ideas with the cast and crew, and she often (and genuinely) complimented the extras. There also were plenty of laughs on the set, which kept everyone in good spirits, even on the night I worked until after 4 a.m. in the heat of the old Monarch Steel warehouse on Mt. Elliot in Detroit. I’m hoping she returns to the Great Lake State often with her production company, Flower Films, as many area residents made extra money (no pun intended) during the production, and gained valuable experience and insight. Well done.

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08.04.08

Arresting Site of the Month, August: Detroit International Jazz Festival

Posted in Arts & Entertainment, Music, Michigan, Detroit, Great Outdoors, Family at 3:18 pm by Tim

The 29th installment of one of America’s finest musical gatherings is a Motor City traditon, and a splendid way to mark Labor Day. The Detroit International Jazz Festival will cook and swing on six stages in and around Hart Plaza and Campus Martius Park and, as is tradition, the 2008 lineup boasts stars from near and far. In addition to talented-beyond-their-years high school and university ensembles, stalwarts like Dianne Reeves, Christian McBride, Roy Hargrove, and the peerless Hank Jones will entertain the huge crowds downtown from August 29-September 1, as will ”A Love Supreme: The Philly/Detroit Summit,” which will spotlight these two musical hotbeds. The festival Web site is packed with jazz links, a photo gallery from last year’s event, and more. Get ready to thrill your ears and eyes over four days at an event that brings together longtime jazz lovers and so many others — especially kids, just beginning to experience this magnificent American art form — fittingly set in the heart of a city that continues to play a large role in its ongoing development.  

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07.07.08

Arresting Site of the Month, July: metromode

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.

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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05.28.08

Living Green at Wayne State University

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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