The Pulice Report

Arresting Site of the Month, July: Traverse City Film Festival

Not only does it take place in one of the state's most appealing locales, it brings together a diverse suite of indepenent cinema from across the U.S. and around the globe. Tickets go on sale to the general public July 18 for the 5th annual Traverse City Film Festival, which runs July 28-August 2, and which continues to gain momentum as one of the premiere gatherings of its kind. It also boasts a splendid online component, which I've chosen as the "Arresting Site of the Month" for July.

Last year the festival enjoyed more than 80,000 admissions, and founder Michael Moore expects that total to rise in 2009. Check out the film guide, and make plans to attend. As usual, TCFF will be filled with highlights, including a newly restored director's cut of Woodstock (Wavy Gravy himself is slated to be on hand!) in conjunction with the cultural touchstone's 40th anniversary, plus a Kids Festival, free movies each night at dusk, and plenty more. There also are parties and special events galore. Many of the filmmakers will appear, including at the first-ever Traverse City Film Festival Film School, and TCFF will host daily panel discussions. Intrigued? You can get tickets early by becoming a 2009 member of the Friends of the Traverse City Film Festival.

Yet another reason to celebrate the state of Michigan and its numerous cultural offerings.  

Fare Thee Well, May

It has been a busy May -- I'd say my favorite month of the year, due to family birthdays, comfortable weather here in Michigan, etc. -- but I plan to post more frequently in June. Stay tuned, and thanks!

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.

Ice Skating with Zoë

She's gearing up for the 2018 (or 2022) Winter Olympics. Here five-year-old Zoë takes to the ice for only the second time in her young life, and proceeds to skate wonderfully. It was a joy to spend these 90 minutes with her on the rink -- covered by a roof, but partially exposed to the elements, a nice combination -- at Buhr Park in Ann Arbor, which also is a great facility in warmer months, with its pools and other amenities. I even strapped on the blades for the first time in decades, and am glad I did so. We'll have to do this again soon, and bring along Mary, as days like this are precious.

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.

Michigan Temperature Conversion Chart

The folks at Absolute Michigan ran a humorous piece recently on the hardiness of our state residents versus those in Texas, California, and elsewhere. Loved the entry for 0 degrees.