01.20.09

Watching the Inauguration on the Big Screen

Posted in Politics, Michigan, History at 11:52 am by Tim

My wife Mary and I witnessed the extraordinary presidential inauguration today from cozy, warm seats inside Canton’s Emagine Theater. Joining us were hundreds of our fellow citizens eager to see a new era begin. When Barack Obama took the oath of office, the entire audience stood as one, relieved to witness this historic moment. Simply outstanding. Kudos to the theater staff for the professional manner in which they handled the event, and to MSNBC, whose live feed was beamed onto a pair of screens at the Emagine, as the cable outlet arranged likewise at many other theaters across the country.

Permalink Comments

Just Hours to Go!

Posted in Politics, Education, Environment, History, Economy at 12:19 am by Tim

At last.

Permalink Comments

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.

Permalink Comments

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.

Permalink Comments

10.30.08

Michigan Voter Information Center

Posted in Politics, Michigan at 10:38 pm by Tim

The big day is Tuesday, so please make sure you have all the information you need to cast your vote in Michigan. I verified that I am registered — it took all of about 12 seconds — and please do so yourself. It’s become a bit of a cliché, but this may well be the most important election of our lifetime. See you at the polls.

Permalink Comments

09.11.08

9/11 Remembered

Posted in Politics, News, History, Video at 1:38 pm by Tim

It was such a terrible day, and there has been so much written about it in the seven years that have followed. The University of Michigan has assembled a comprehensive set of documents and other resources that detail the attacks on New York City and Washington, D.C. on September 11, 2001, the history of terrorism around the globe, and more. It’s difficult to relive the horror of that morning, but BBC News maintains a timeline of events, including video.

Permalink Comments

04.22.08

Earth Day 2008

Posted in Politics, Environment at 3:51 pm by Tim

Happy Earth Day. Search for events, call your representative or senator, get involved. I’m trying to stay off the grid — and off the road — as much as possible today, although I needed to be online to write this, now didn’t I? A bike ride sounds great right about now.   

Permalink Comments

03.06.08

Slate’s Delegate Calculator…

Posted in Politics at 8:24 am by Tim

…will illuminate. Even if Clinton were to win Pennsylvania and North Carolina by a 75 to 25 margin, she’d still be two pledged delegates behind Obama! That is, if the remaining contests break, on average, 50-50. Plug in some numbers yourself. Love interactive tools (or is that toys?) like these.

Permalink Comments

03.05.08

Clinton Wins Battle, Still Loses War?

Posted in Politics at 11:12 pm by Tim

Hillary Clinton deserves congratulations for stemming the tide — somewhat — yesterday. Still, I have to think party leadership had a sleepless night, knowing the results may have all but guaranteed a brokered convention. Steve Rosenfeld points out today on Alternet that the remaining primaries may get rough.  

Permalink Comments

02.28.08

Mediabistro is a must read…

Posted in Business, Politics, Arts & Entertainment, Technology, The Web at 12:34 am by Tim

…for anyone in a creative/content position. The site offers an abundance of resources, from a daily newsfeed to industry job listings to online tutorials and courses, as well as its Freelance Marketplace and AvantGuild premium membership. I’ve utilized Mediabistro for years, and continue to find nuggets throughout its pages. 

Permalink Comments