The Pulice Report

The Final Chapter: Borders to Liquidate

By now, many of you have heard the news. AnnArbor.com is one of the many publications across the country and around the world running articles tonight about the demise of Borders. Many of you also know that I worked for nearly a decade at Borders, first at the Birmingham, Michigan store (#180) on Woodward Avenue, then for more than seven years at the corporate office in Ann Arbor.

Look for updates here in the Pulice Report about liquidation proceedings.

Charles Woodson defends Wisconsin workers

Note: I posted this article earlier tonight to my page on Examiner.com: 

Known for his tenacity while guarding opposing receivers, Charles Woodson has displayed another kind of strong defense, joining Green Bay Packers teammates who have voiced support for belegauered union members in Wisconsin.

On Sunday, the University of Michigan alumnus and veteran cornerback issued a statement through the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) in which he backed workers embroiled in a showdown with Republican governor Scott Walker, who has called for the end of collective bargaining rights for the majority of public employees in Wisconsin, a proposal that has generated a week of protests in Madison, the state's capital. Woodson, one of his team's elected NFLPA representatives, joins several present and past Green Bay players that include Brady Poppinga, Jason Spitz, Chris Jacke, and Bob Long in backing the workers, and it comes at a time when the NFL players union and league owners are engaged in their own tense negotiations over a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA). The current CBA is set to expire on March 3, and has led to speculation that owners may lock out players if no agreement is reached beforfehand.       

Woodson's complete statement: "Last week I was proud when many of my current and former teammates announced their support for the working families fighting for their rights in Wisconsin. Today I am honored to join with them.

Thousands of dedicated Wisconsin public workers provide vital services for Wisconsin citizens. They are the teachers, nurses and child care workers who take care of us and our families. These hard working people are under an unprecedented attack to take away their basic rights to have a voice and collectively bargain at work.

It is an honor for me to play for the Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers and be a part of the Green Bay and Wisconsin communities. I am also honored as a member of the NFL Players Association to stand together with working families of Wisconsin and organized labor in their fight against this attempt to hurt them by targeting unions. I hope those leading the attack will sit down with Wisconsin’s public workers and discuss the problems Wisconsin faces, so that together they can truly move Wisconsin forward."

 

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. 

"Job Search 2010" event in Grand Rapids

I posted an article this afternoon to my page on Examiner.com regarding the "Job Search 2010" event being held this Thursday in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I'd say this is a big deal, as U-M is partnering with Michigan State and Grand Valley State. Hopefully many people on the western side of our state will land new jobs as a result.

Video from 2010 North American International Auto Show

An overview of vehicles on display at the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

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."

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.

I "Hung" Out with HBO Yesterday

I had a chance to work as an extra on the set of Hung, the new HBO comedy series, which debuts June 28. Thanks to the folks at Real Style in Birmingham for booking me -- they also did so for Betty Anne Waters and Whip It!, the latter slated to be in theaters in October -- and thanks to the HBO crew for a day well spent.

The show is about seriously down-on-his-luck Ray Drecker, played by Thomas Jane (*61). Anne Heche also stars, and both were on the set Monday in Wyandotte. Many other extras and support staff were there, as were numerous onlookers, particularly at the elaborate farmer's market location, specifically constructed for much of the day's shooting. In particular, Jane kept things loose on the set, and several local actresses had the chance to be paired onscreen with his character. I'm glad HBO opted to base one of their shows in Detroit, and from what I saw yesterday, it looks like they've chosen wisely. Check out this preview.

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. 

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!