The Pulice Report

Ray Riker, 1959-2010: In Memoriam

 
My wife and I were fortunate to call Ray Riker a friend. Ray and his partner Jim Gowran -- our friend, as well -- have run the Kirby House for more than a decade. Mary (who took the wonderful photo of Ray above)  and I stayed at this magnificent B&B numerous times since we were married in 2000. A few years ago, Ray and Jim even asked us to house-sit while they went on a rare vacation, which helped solidify our friendship, and gave our daughter Zoë (who was conceived in one of the Kirby's rooms) a chance to enjoy its many charms and comforts.

Tragically, Ray passed away on January 3rd from cardiac arrest, following a bout with colon cancer. So many people who knew Ray posted memories of him on the funeral home's Web site, and many of these writings, like ours, centered on his companionship and his smile. As the chef at the Kirby, Ray also crafted sumptuous breakfasts that put a smile on our faces, and jump-started our day as we made plans to venture into Saugatuck or Douglas for an afternoon of sightseeing, shopping and eating, often made even more pleasant due to tips and suggestions from our gracious hosts. Afterward, we would return, pour a cool drink, then chat, laugh and relax with Ray and Jim by the pool. Mary and I have always felt at ease, and at home, when in their company.

This past week has been a reminder to spend more time with loved ones, and we'll be there to support Jim as he goes through the grieving process. Thankfully, he plans to re-open the B&B in February, and Mary and I will be there to help, as our schedules permit. In fact, she has offered to assist with some of the cooking, since Mary, as was true of Ray, puts together wonderful feasts. Based on the comments of those who attended the funeral last Friday, the house will soon be full again, which always put a smile on Ray's face.   

Official NORAD Santa Tracker

 

As I write this, Santa Claus is working his way quickly through Australia, leaving presents for all the good boys and girls in Melbourne before moving on to do the same in Hobart, Tasmania. Of course, the folks Down Under are many hours ahead of us here in Michigan, but no matter where you call home, it's easy to follow the travels of the fabled gift-giver and his fleet reindeer with the Official NORAD Santa Tracker.

View tips on using this handy tool, remember to leave out milk and cookies, and Merry Christmas.  

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!

Fresh Groceries in Detroit

A major problem in Detroit is the lack of access to fresh groceries. One place where that isn't an issue is, of course, Eastern Market. Hopefully, another such location may be just around the corner. The nonprofit's president, Dan Carmody, says he'll know in the next few weeks if this will come to fruition. It certainly would be a welcome addition to downtown.

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.

2009 Ann Arbor Summer Festival Schedule

Once again, the Ann Arbor Summer Festival, running June 12-July 5, has assembled a stellar lineup for its newest season. In addition to all the top-flight music, the festival offers myriad other programs, including kids' activities, workshops, educational events, and more. Tickets go on sale at 9am on Monday, April 27, for such mainstage performances as Los Lobos (with special guest Pistolera), Zap Mama, and the Capitol Steps. Many of the Top of the Park performances, including those from NOMO and Hullabaloo, as well as such movies as Horton Hears a Who! and Sunset Boulevard, are free.

Plan your visit and see you there.

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.

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.

Detroit's Winter Blast

It's three days of fun, and it started today. Detoit's Winter Blast will fill Campus Martius and surrounding areas in Detroit now until Sunday night, so bundle up the kids -- although the weather forecast on Saturday and Sunday looks a bit less February-like than the norm, at least during the daytime -- and get downtown to skate, eat, and more. This is one of those events that can thrill the little ones in your life, so take advantage.

Ace of Cakes Valentine's Day Guru Challenge

Does anyone have as much fun at work as Duff and his staff?