The Pulice Report

#NewBooksIn5Words marketing campaign from UM Press

Please take a moment to read this article on a terrific endeavor by the UM Press.  

Read a pair of U-M Press novels for free

 
This is such an exciting development for the University of Michigan Press, about which I was happy to report today on my Examiner page. My thanks to Heather Newman at the U-M Press for her assistance.  

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.

The Accidental Teacher

 

I just published a piece to my Examiner.com page about The Accidental Teacher: Life Lessons from My Silent Son, the first-ever Open Text Project book from the University of Michigan Press. It's from author Annie Lubliner Lehmann, who lives in Michigan, and who chronicles the journey she and her family have had while learning to help her son Jonah, who was born with severe autism.

The Open Text Project is quite an interesting concept, and I encourage readers to participate in the discussion surrounding this heartfelt memoir.

48th Ann Arbor Film Festival

One of the premier cultural events in Michigan, the Ann Arbor Film Festival -- which runs Tuesday, March 23 through Sunday, March 28 -- is set to begin its 48th annual presentation of independent and experimental film, the longest-running gathering of its kind in North America. On Tuesday, the popular opening night reception kicks off the proceedings, inside the Michigan Theatre, from 6-8pm. Following will be the initial festival screening, a collection of short films designed to offer audiences a vivid snapshot of the creativity that will ensue over the next five days.

Themed programs and special guests abound on a highlights-filled schedule, which also includes panels, lectures, and after-parties. Each of this year's acclaimed jurors has their own presentation (Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 1pm), and will choose what they deem the best films of the 2010 festival, to whom awards will be given in two programs that close out the festival on Sunday night.

As was true of the 2009 AAFF, I had the pleasure to work as a volunteer pre-screener, helping Executive Director Donald Harrison and his top-flight staff pore through 2,500 submissions from visionary filmmakers across the U.S. and around the world. 170 films representing more than 20 countries made the final cut, and include animation, narrative works, music videos, documentaries, experimental visuals, and more. I interviewed Harrison before last year's event, a conversation that explores such topics as his vision for the festival and what first-time attendees can expect.

Ticket information is available on the festival's magnificent, interactive Web site. as are details about AAFF membership, and much more. Hope to see you in Ann Arbor this week.

U-M commemorates 40th anniversary of Earth Day

 

The weather is improving, and so are moods. It's a great time to talk about Earth Day, which began in 1970. The University of Michigan is hosting numerous events in conjunction with the 40th anniversary.

PLAY time at the University of Michigan

I wrote a piece today for Examiner.com on the PLAY Web site at the University of Michigan. PLAY is a bracing experience, so dig in.

Global Michigan online portal

 

Earlier today, I published a piece to my page on the Examiner Web site about Global Michigan, an online portal the University of Michigan offers. It's quite a resource, and I was pleased to learn it's available to students, alums, and more. Even if you don't have any direct ties to the school, there is much to glean from its pages.

Census 2010 Video Ad Contest

The University of Michigan announced a video ad contest this week to increase the awareness of, and particpation in, the 2010 Census, which I wrote about today on Examiner.com. It's a terrific idea, and I hope many people submit entries.

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.