The Pulice Report

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 Site of the Month, December: Let's Save Michigan

 

At the end of another trying year for our proud state, it's fitting to conclude with a note of hope, and spotlight an online destination whose "main goal is to inspire Michiganders to take ownership and get involved with our future." Given the passion with which Let's Save Michigan speaks about our two peninsulas, I've selected it as the "Arresting Site of the Month" for December.

Once inside its pages, you'll see what the authors are for, like smarter transportation policy, and against, including misguided tax breaks and tax credits, The site has teamed with the Detroit Institute of Arts for a poster contest designed to elicit from our deep pool of creative talent inspirational works that will be a "call to action" for Michigan. Submission deadline is February 15, 2010.

Learn more about Let's Save Michigan, read their blog, and take advantage of the opportunity to share your Michigan story. Finally make sure to join the cause, as I have, and to tell a friend. It takes just a minute. Consider it your gift to the Great Lake State this holiday season.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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!  

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.

Arresting Site of the Month, April: Detroit Eastern Market

It's the largest historic public market district in the United States, and a place that tens of thousands of residents throughout metro Detroit visit often, some each week, even in the coldest weather. My wife and I used to live in Hamtramck, which made shopping there easy, proximity that we miss. Still, we greatly enjoy making the fun, money-saving trip whenever possible, also a great opportunity to teach kids about the origins of the food on their plates. Filled with a bounty of sumptuous vegetables, spices, cheeses, and more, the market remains one of the region's brightest jewels. Like much of the physical area itself, its online counterpart has recently undergone a facelift. Thus, I've selected Detroit Eastern Market as April's "Arresting Site of the Month."

Now that winter has passed, today's blustery conditions notwithstanding, it's time to get ready for what may be your first venture of 2009 to this vital meeting place. Before you do, check out the site's many offerings, which include a full business directory, as well as details on market history walking tours and on the massively popular Flower Day. Check out the "Recipe of the Month" page, which for April spotlights Michigan White Bean Purée with Garlic Vinaigrette.

There is much to discuss where it comes to the site, which serves as a splendid guide to Eastern Market, especially for those who have not yet discovered its charms, particularly on -- though not limited to -- Saturdays. If you're a newbie, here are directions. Pore through the site's numerous pages, then embark on an in-person experience that likely will draw you back again and again.