10.06.08
Posted in Business, Arts & Entertainment, Michigan, Jobs, Film at 10:47 pm by Tim
Film productions have been streaming into Michigan since incentive legislation that passed in April made our state Hollywood’s new “it” locale. The sheer logistics of bringing together cast, crew, and support services can be daunting, but there is a splendid resource to help filmmakers share their vision with audiences. “More than a comprehensive directory of Michigan-based production resources,” The Producer’s Guide to Michigan — the creation of industry veterans Peter Mertz and Nick Johnston — offers an array of tools and advice on how and where to find the best sound stages & studios, extras, and more.
Given the seemingly endless reports of bad economic news around the country and around our state, it’s a distinct pleasure to spotlight this job-driving guide as the Arresting Site of the Month for October. Grab a camera and get rolling.
Note: Nominations for November are due on Monday, October 27, and I’ll announce the winner on Monday, November 3. Thanks once again for your interest and your participation.
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09.16.08
Posted in Arts & Entertainment, Music, Michigan, Great Outdoors at 10:29 am by Tim
Recent financial news got you down? The place to share your blues is this Friday, September 19 and Saturday, September 20 in Lansing. The state capitol will host the Old Town BluesFest, a free event packed with acts from around Michigan and the country. Acts (tentatively) include George Bedard & the Kingpins, Madcat & Kane, The Alligators, and more, all of whom you can see and hear while visiting the many food and craft vendors on hand. Dig in.
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09.01.08
Posted in Business, Education, Michigan, News, Environment, Economy, Travel at 1:09 pm by Tim
It bills itself as “…a partnership that provides one place online for people to find information relating to the binational Great Lakes-St. Lawrence region of North America” and the Great Lakes Information Network consistently achieves that goal, and has been doing so since the early ’90s. I wrote about the Ann Arbor-based GLIN in this space back in March and, given its breadth and depth, I’ve selected it as the ”Arresting Site of the Month” for September. GLIN’s pages focus on the Great Lakes themselves, plus the region’s economy, education, environment, and tourism, and it’s easy to search by state or province, as well as by individual lake.
There also is a section on maps and geographic information systems, where you’ll encounter portals, galleries, and links that offer a swath of further detail. Speaking of the latter, GLIN nominates its own “Site of the Month,” and its extensive archive in this regard dates back to 1996. You can jump in anywhere and be sure to discover facts and figures about the Great Lakes, but a good place to start is the information center. Whether you’ve lived in Michigan or elsewhere around the Great Lakes your entire life, or you’re a recent transplant to this beautiful area, you’re bound to learn something new at GLIN.
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08.28.08
Posted in Sports, Michigan at 9:57 pm by Tim
‘Tis the season…football season, that is. There are many ways to get the scoop on your favorite college gridiron program. Devotees of my alma mater, the University of Michigan, should peruse MGoBlog, bursting with facts and opinions on the Maize ‘n Blue. The aptly named Michigan Sports Center will also keep you update on all the goings-on in Ann Arbor.
In the interests of equal time, followers of the Green and White should head directly to the Michigan State page of fanblogs.com. If you consider yourself a forward-thinking lover of everything East Lansing, then check out The Enlightened Spartan.
Let the rivalry begin anew.
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08.13.08
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
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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07.21.08
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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