The Pulice Report

U-M spotlights famous Wolverine athletes during Black History Month

 

It's near the end of February, and I wanted to make sure that I brought to your attention a terrific feature the University of Michigan put together for Black History Month regarding some of its finest athletes. I greatly enjoyed the photo galleries included with each of these articles, and the details of each star's accomplishments. Kudos to U-M for its research on this piece, and for placing it so prominently on its MGoBlue Web site.  

Quartet of Wolverines to ice dance in Vancouver

The Winter Olympics begin tomorrow, and the University of Michigan is making a big contribution to one of this quadrennial gathering's most popular events, which I wrote about today on my Examiner.com page.

Michigan Wolverines in this year's Super Bowl

 
The University of Michigan has produced many NFL players and coaches over the years. Find out which Wolverines will be on the field and the sidelines in Dolphin Stadium this Sunday for the New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV.

Michigan State edges Michigan, 57-56

What a basketball game on Tueday night, as Michigan State beat Michigan. Listen, I'm a U-M fan, and am disappointed with the final score, but that was a classic.

Michigan skates against Ferris State in weekend home-and-home series

 

Please read the column I wrote today on Examiner.com about this weekend's hockey games between the University of Michigan and Ferris State University.  

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!

Big House Big Heart

Want to experience the rush of charging down the tunnel and onto the field at the University of Michigan's fabled Big House? You can do so and benefit charity all at the same time, but registration ends soon for the Big House Big Heart event, taking place this Saturday, October 3 in Ann Arbor, 5K and 10K chip-timed courses take you through the U-M campus, and there also is a 1 Mile Fun Run, all of which end on the 50-yard line at Michigan Stadium. I'll be out of town for this one, but would love to sign up next year. Great cause, great idea.

Are You Ready for Some Football?

It seems hard to believe that NFL training camps have begun. As usual, the Detroit Lions are putting on the pads at their Allen Park facility, and you can see your gridiron gladiators in action during general public access dates. As many games as I've seen the team play over the years, I've never been to a training camp session and may check one out this summer, time permitting. My prediction for the 2009 season: 5-11. Hey, that's a nice improvement on 2008! Another prediction: Matthew Stafford will be starting at QB by week three. Why? I have a feeling the Lions will lose their regular season opener -- probably by a lot -- in New Orleans, then lose a close one to the Vikings at Ford Field a week later. Fans clamor for change, exit veteran Daunte Culpepper, enter rookie Stafford. Just sayin'. No matter who is under center, Calvin Johnson will have a huge year.

Let's Go, Red Wings!

The auto industry continues its tailspin and the rest of the economy continues to spew what seems nothing but bad news. Even so, last night the Detroit Red Wings gave hockey fans a few precious hours of relief. The Joe Louis Arena crowd provided the home skaters a huge emotional lift in their winner-take-all contest ast night against the Anaheim Ducks, the first time the Wings found themselves in a such a Game 7 situation since the 2002 playoffs against the Colorado Avalanche.

Some may scoff at the notion that hockey in particular, and sports in general, can help people endure in such difficult times, but last night was a perfect example that it can. I was able to watch the game at a local restaurant with my wife and daughter, and the atmosphere was electric. Liked the fact that Dan Cleary, one of the hardest-working players on the team, knocked in the winning tally late in the third period. I'm looking forward to the upcoming Original Six conference final matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks. Speaking of six, I'll take Detroit in a half-dozen games. LET'S GO, RED WINGS!  

Men's 2009 Final Four in Detroit

First off, kudos to the Michigan State Spartans for their dominating performance against Louisville on Sunday, a win that vaulted them into the Final Four, and a tip-off against Connecticut this Saturday night at Ford Field in Detroit. While basketball will be the focus this weekend, there is plenty more happening in the 'D' in conjunction with the event. The NCAA earns a tip of the hat for helping visitors make their way around town through a Web site packed with information. Take a look at the Detroit City Guide, as well as a schedule of events that includes details on community initiatives in the area, and plenty more. If you don't have tickets to the big game, get yourself downtown anyway, and enjoy.

Sparty On.