The Pulice Report

No "Calvin Johnson rule" for NFL

But Lions fans sure wish they would create one. Read the story from the league website: http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81ec15be/article/no-change-to-rule-that-overturned-lions-wr-johnsons-td?module=HP_headlines

Arresting Site of the Month, May: OnInnovation

The brainchild of an organization whose name is synonymous with our region and its most famous product, a recently launched website is dedicated to the concept of "Visionaries thinking out loud." Gathering the insight and the stories of numerous innovators, it affords those who visit its pages an opportunity to learn from some of the world's foremost authorities in a wide range of fields. Given the breadth and depth of bracing materials it presents, I've selected OnInnovation as the "Arresting Site of the Month" for May.    

The folks at The Henry Ford say the concept sprang from a 2008 interview with race car driver and businessperson Lyn St. James, and grew from there, the content that it now holds designed to help users grow both personally and professionally. Peruse video interview segments with St. James as well as with entrepreneur Elon Musk, inventor Stan Ovshinsky, architect Toshiko Mori, Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, and other industry leaders. Explore the Topics & Playlists page, be a part of the discussion, simply enjoy this magnificent portal.  

Learn how to use the site and more about OnInnovation. Also check out the Henry Ford's information-rich main website, to find out how this organization continues to make an impact on the community, and why its physical location in Dearborn remains a vital, year-round destination for people who live in -- and visit -- Michigan.

University of Michigan Jazz Festival

I wrote a piece today for Examiner.com about the University of Michigan Jazz Festival, which happens tomorrow in Ann Arbor. The festival has quite a lineup, and will focus largely on the music of Charles Mingus, so please consider attending. I also had the pleasure of speaking by phone with Sue Mingus, who gave me permission to use a famous image of her late husband in my article, a gracious offer.  

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. 

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."

Arresting Resource of the Month, November: Absolute Michigan's A Very Michigan Thanksgiving

 

One of my "go to" online destinations, Absolute Michigan continues its mission of highlighting the best our state has to offer. The subject matter is diverse, the information timely and informative. They explore one of the country's favorite holidays, and how you can celebrate it in Great Lake style with A Very Michigan Thanksgiving, which I've selected as the "Arresting Resource of the Month" for November.

Peruse this terrific compendium, and consider suggestions for matching wine with food, learn more about America's Thanksgiving Parade, or read about that annual Detroit Lions tradition. There's much to digest on this page, which could be a valuable guide and time-saver as you plan and prep your meal for family and friends. In fact, it's possible that just about everything you eat can be grown in our two peninsulas.

Dig in!

Michigan Central Station - 1987

A history of Michigan Central Station, shown in 1987 on a program called Sunday Times. Illuminating, yet painful to watch in light of this Detroit landmark's demise not long after the piece aired.

Of Chicago and Detroit

As usual, my wife and I had a splendid time in Chicago this weekend. Mary participated in the Bucktown Arts Fest, and business was brisk. Clearly her amazing collage photography was the primary reason, and the weather was superb. But it got me thinking about how the Windy City seems to have weathered the economic storm so much better than Detroit, in particular, and Michigan as a whole. Mary and I have worked many art fairs and festivals in 2009, and many which have taken place in Michigan also have been, like the Bucktown event, well-run, rewarding and profitable, including those in Plymouth and Northville. Still, the sheer foot traffic and the way in which people from the Chicago area seemed less concerned about whether they could afford to purchase art -- perhaps one of the first things to get the budgetary heave-ho in down times -- struck me as indicative of the ongoing differences between these regions. Even so, I am seeing a glimmer of hope that an economic rebound may soon be possible here in the Great Lake State. May that continue.