The Pulice Report

Michigan Creatives - First Anniversary

One year ago today, February 4, 2009, I founded Michigan Creatives, "A place for those in Michigan's creative industry, whether as an artist, photographer, filmmaker, writer, musician, actor, designer..."

If you've already joined, thank you. If you haven't, please consider signing on today, then tell a fellow creative. It's still early in 2010, and I plan to help our social network grow significantly this year, both in terms of membership and scope. We're now on Facebook.

Look for an announcement about a group event soon. 

Arresting Blog of the Month, February: The Detroit Bureau

Given the recent North American International Auto Show, and the growing woes at the world's largest automaker, it's only fitting that an online destination which zeroes in on the auto industry grabbed my attention here in February. The brainchild of automotive expert and journalist Paul Eisenstein, along with business partner and fellow authority Ken Zino, The Detroit Bureau earns my nod for "Arresting Blog of the Month." 

As Eisenstein explains, "it’s some of the world’s brightest writers and commentators using the latest web-publishing format, but with traditional editing and journalism techniques behind it — new format, old values." Moreover, anyone with automotive knowledge or interest is encouraged to participate. Recent posts have focused on the Toyota recall, General Motors' position that its Vibe is safe, and more. Eisenstein, a frequent guest on WDET-FM, is ever insightful and to the point, as are Zino and the guest writers who share their perspectives.

Although the Motor City is slowly weaning itself from that description, this blog that bills itself as the "Voice of the Automotive World" does a terrific job of doing just that, and is a highly recommended starting point for those seeking to learn about developments in Detroit and Michigan to news from around the U.S. and the globe. 

Borders CEO Ron Marshall Bolts for New Gig

Here is a good summation from Mediabistro of today's announcement by Borders that CEO Ron Marshall has left the company suddenly.

Video from 2010 North American International Auto Show

An overview of vehicles on display at the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Arresting Site of the Month, January: Michigan Future Inc.

It has a mission "...to be a source of new ideas on how Michigan can succeed as a world-class community in a knowledge-driven economy." The non-partisan, non-profit Michigan Future Inc. features a leadership council with members from a wide range of area organizations, and its online component is filled with opinion and statistics that zero in on the challenges -- and the opportunities -- the present economic downturn presents. As such, I've chosen it as the "Arresting Site of the Month" for January.

Lou Glazer is the group's president and a co-founder, and is a frequent contributor to the site's blog. Glazer offered up his take on Michigan as a whole, and Detroit in particular, in a revealing metromode piece from September 2007, well before the financial meltdown in the fall of 2008. He has made 2010 predictions, which include his belief that Michigan's economy will improve only when we make strides in higher education.

Read about Michigan Future Inc's initiatives in three core areas, its numerous reports, and other information from an organization that clearly has a deep commitment to, as its motto states, "helping build a more prosperous Michigan."

Rally: Save the Michigan Film Tax Incentive

Over the past year-and-a-half, Michigan has developed a national reputation as a great place to make films. Well, it seems that some misguided legislators in Lansing want to yank the rug out from underneath this growing state industry, one that has employed thousands of production staff, actors, extras, carpenters, electricians, caterers, etc., on Gran Torino, Whip It!, Betty Anne Waters and so many other big screen offerings. Next Monday, October 26, there will be a rally in Pontiac to save the Michigan Film Tax Incentive so, if possible, please attend.

Keith Olbermann: Special Comment on Health Care Reform

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Please watch this impassioned plea from Keith Olbermann, Truly must-see TV.

Arresting Site of the Month, June: Michigan Positive

 

Chrysler and General Motors file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Automotive suppliers Visteon and Metaldyne announce they're doing the same. Sales in most business categories across Michigan plummet, while unemployment figures continue to rise. Hard to believe, but all is not lost in the Great Lake State, no matter what much of the mainstream media would have you believe. A splendid new online destination is out to prove just that. 

"An upbeat approach to local news" is the credo at Michigan Positive, filled with encouraging developments in our region. Publisher James Melton -- who, I should note in the spirit of full disclosure, is a member of my social network, Michigan Creatives -- publishes the site through his company Melton Media, which he founded in 2009. Contributor Sarah Snow is Melton's wife, a former Detroit City Council candidate, and native Chicagoan, also proud to call the area home. A Wayne State grad, Melton has serious journalism chops, having worked at both Crain's Detroit Business and WWJ Newsradio 950. Given their backgrounds, and obvious passion for our state, I've selected Michigan Positive as my "Arresting Site of the Month" for June.

Peruse the frequently updated Latest News section, which holds enlightening pieces like the recent one centered on Michigan's rise within the life sciences industry, and check out the site's Featured Stories section, each of which give you a vivid snapshot of our state at its finest. I recommend you join the Michigan Positive Community, as did I, where you can connect with others who also love our peninsulas. As it states on the Michigan Positive home page: "Explore. Participate. Enjoy." Well said. 

Arresting Site of the Month, May: Inside Detroit

Begun in 2005 as a way to educate the public about the state's largest city, an area non-profit operates with the belief that "The more people know about Detroit, the more they love it." I agree completely. Maureen Kearns and Jeanette Pierce are the co-founders of Inside Detroit, a Web site whose compelling mission has inspired me to name its online presence May's "Arresting Site of the Month."

Perhaps the best way to begin your tour of the site is at the Virtual Welcome Center, a directory of Detroit's bars and restaurants, art galleries, living options, and more. This is particularly handy if you're new to the area or have never really explored the city in depth. But it's also a guide for those who have lived here most (or all) of their lives, as there are plenty of new events and developments, and even Motor City regulars are bounds to uncover some hot/cool new destination or valuable piece of information. Once you're physically in town, visit the Downtown Welcome Center, located at 1253 Woodward Ave., open 11am-6pm Monday-Saturday.

The sharp folks at metromode have recently given space in their terrific publication to Pierce, who further details Inside Detroit's mission. Clearly, Pierce and Kearns have a deep passion for the city, as they answer the question: Why Detroit? Also check out the site's numerous and helpful links, sign up for their e-newsletter, and explore the many treasures of the Web site...and of Detroit itself.

NPR's "Remaking Michigan, Retooling Detroit"

Last week, National Public Radio aired the series "Remaking Michigan, Retooling Detroit." I wasn't able to hear these pieces when they aired, but I've gone back to listen, and applaud NPR for their usual in-depth treatment. Hopefully, people around the country were able to get a more accurate sense of the region, as we have what generously can be described as a big screen image problem. All in all, the network covered plenty of ground, and it was a job well done.