You can also download Detroit Pistons pumpkin stencils of - can you believe how dramatically changed the 2009-2010 Detroit Pistons are?? - Arron Afflalo, Chauncey Billups, Michael Curry, Richard Hamilton, Amir Johnson, Jason Maxiell, Antonio McDyess, Tayshaun Prince, Rodney Stuckey, Rasheed Wallace and Hooper. Then carve one and send the photo of it to Pistons.com for their Pistons Pumpkin photo gallery.

Here's a video from last year's opener...

Red, White and Chrome Dream Cruise by kelley girl

The 15th annual Woodward Dream Cruise happens this Saturday, August 15, 2009 in Detroit, Michigan. It's billed as the world’s largest one-day celebration of car culture, and with more 1.7 million visitors and over than 40,000 muscle cars, street rods, custom, collector and special interest vehicles, it delivers. Be sure to check out their Woodward Dream Cruise history page!

Speaking of history, Michigan in Pictures has an excerpt from Cruisin' the Original: Woodward Avenue from Arcadia Publishing that features some excellent photos from the 1950s. Did someone say photos? Check out this Flickr slideshow of Woodward Dream Cruise photos.

The Detroit News are official sponsors of the event and are featuring extensive Woodward Dream Cruise coverage of the activities, photo galleries, live video on Cruise day and live blogging as the event unfolds. Do not miss their Interactive: Your guide to the Woodward Dream Cruise.

Absolute Michigan's video correspondents Scott Allman and Jim McClain visited the Woodward Dream Cruise in 2008 and got some great shots of the cars along with interviews with the interesting and colorful characters that make up the world's largest one-day car event:

It's definitely worth clicking over to see the high quality version.

Director Larry Charles, Producer/ Actor Jeff Garlin, festival co-founder Michael Moore, TCFF Director Deb Lake and others give their thoughts on Traverse City and the Traverse City Film Festival in this video by Scott Allman Video.

Absolute Michigan: On Location has much more coverage from the 2009 Traverse City Film Festival.

ABOUT THE DETROIT WINDSOR INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

The DWIFF brings truth to the term "International", with an event that spans two metropolitan, international cities!

Our Inaugural event in 2008 was a huge success as we brought a bit of fun, film, fame and friendship to downtown Detroit! Film lovers mingled with film makers throughout the wonderful spaces of Detroit's University Cultural Center and in downtown Windsor. Wayne State University, College for Creative Studies, the University of Windsor, the Scarab Club, the DIA, the Detroit Public Library all combined in the perfect "campus" to celebrate film, friends and the future of our creative economy.

Winners of the 2009 Festival Announced

Follow them on Twitter

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Au Sable River by lorainedicerbo

Absolute Michigan contributor Scott Allman took a trip to the Au Sable and has produced an interesting piece on reintroducing Michigan white cedar trees along the banks of the Au Sable river.

From the website Cedars for the Au Sable we learn:

The northern white-cedars along the river’s banks provide needed shade to maintain the cold water fishery of the Au Sable river. The presence of the cedar sweepers at the water line provides protection for the fish, increases the amount of large woody debris in the water, as well as the preservation of the riverbank by locking in the soil.

Furthermore the Anglers of the Au Sable website tells us:

In 2003 the Anglers signed a stewardship agreement with Howard Johnson of the Bay City Club. The agreement called for 250 trees over a five year period including their annual maintenance and subsequent replantings along the South Branch in the Mason Tract. Several dedicated members have volunteered their time and talent building cages, clearing ground, planting seedlings or watering growing trees. The cages are built on Saturday morning of Labor Day weekend while the seedlings are planted during the annual river cleanup held the following Saturday.

Wikipedia informs us that:

The Au Sable River in Michigan runs approximately 129 miles (208 km) through the northern Lower Peninsula, through the towns of Grayling and Mio, and enters Lake Huron at Oscoda. It is considered one of the best brown trout fisheries east of the Rockies and has been designated a blue ribbon trout stream by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. In French, au sable literally means "with sand." A 1795 map calls it the Beauais River.

There is plenty more at Wikipedia about the Au Sable...

Photo credit: Joahna Carol

Absolute Michigan contributor Scott Allman recently traveled to the Waterfront Film Festival in Saugatuck and brought back some cool footage from a record breaking year. If you didn't go this year then put it on your calendar for 2010!

About Waterfront Film Festival

Now in its eleventh year, the Waterfront Film Festival celebrates independent film and filmmakers in a noncompetitive environment. Located in Saugatuck, Mich., WFF is one of the leading destination film festivals in the Midwest, regularly hosting Midwest premieres of Academy Award-winning and -nominated documentaries. WFF is committed to education and features seminars designed to encourage the next generation of actors, writers and directors. In 2007, SAGIndie recognized WFF as one of its top five film festivals. For more information visit www.waterfrontfilm.org.

Waterfront Film Festival Boasts Record Numbers

The Waterfront Film Festival is very happy to announce that this year’s attendance levels exceeded previous years. The festival screened more than 70 independent films during its four-day run, and ticket sales topped 16,000, making this the best-attended Film Festival since its inception 11 years ago. “We are very happy that so many people were able to come out and enjoy the weekend and see so many of the films,” said Kori Eldean Rentz, one of the co-founders of the event. “This year we had increased individual ticket sales as well as day and weekend passes”.

This year Waterfront Film Festival placed more emphasis on the four seminars that were scheduled. These seminars gave anyone interested in the industry an opportunity to hear from industry professionals and attendees were able to ask questions and get valuable feedback. “We had great panel members this year and saw that the seminars were a huge success,” stated Kori. “We think that people have really wrapped their arms around the filmmaking industry and that there are more people now aware of the opportunities coming to Michigan”.

Photo credit: Joahna Carol - joahnacarol@aol.com

Thoughts That Went Through Matthew Stafford's Mind on Draft Day:

10. You don't often hear, "Congratulations, you're going to Detroit."

9. Why am I the only one who came to Radio City Music Hall dressed as a Rockette?

8. If the Lions win one game this year, I'm a hero.

7. Anybody dumps Gatorade on me and I'll deck 'em.

6. Holy crap, I think I just pulled a hamstring.

5. I didn't think anything could top the excitement of Heidi and Spencer getting married.

4. Is it me or does NFL Commissioner Goodell look like a young Larry Hagman?

3. Why am I here when I could be at that movie where Beyonce and that babe fight?

2. Why does Jessica Simpson keep calling me?

1. I'd gladly go No. 2 if it means not having to appear on Letterman.

morel mushroom by Latitude 45

The Boyne City National Morel Mushroom Festival takes place May 14-17, 2009. This year is the 49th annual*, and the 4 day celebration of the morel mushroom includes a morel seminar and guided mushroom hunt on Friday and of course the Boyne Valley Lions National Mushroom Hunt on on Saturday (be sure to display your finds on the Mushroom Pole too!). In addition to the Taste of Morel event where you get to try all manner of morel dishes, there is a seminar on foraging & cooking with wild food guru John Sheets and another on hunting with local expert Tony Williams, concerts with Michigan Blues legend Larry McCray and others, there's a carnival, euchre & poker tournaments, zany car race and plenty of fun for kids.

One of the highlights of the weekend is the "Morel Taste of Boyne" featuring a Chef's Challenge along with the area's finest restaurants in the big tent on Saturday afternoon serving different morel dishes and also presenting morel cooking demonstrations. This is the largest morel cooking (and eating) event in the world!

You can grab your sweetie and get warmed up with The Mushroomers Waltz and if you're hungry,Lake Magazine has a recipe for morel & hazelnut soup that looks very simple but very tasty! Chef Eric Villegas of the TV show Fork in the Road offers a recipe for midwestern risotto of carnaroli and minnesota wild rice, morel mushrooms and white truffle oil that looks more complex but every bit as tasty.

MichiganMorels.com reminds you that you can eat any mushroom ... once. They offer tips to help keep you safe, but the biggest tip is to hunt with someone who knows what they're doing! Speaking of hunting, here's a video interview of morel expert Tom Nauman that gives you a couple useful tips for morel hunting.

If you can't attend the Mushroom Festival and can't get to any morel-filled woods, you can still get morels (and leeks and other tasty treasures) courtesy of Michigan-based Earthy Delights.

Visitors will want to visit the Boyne City Chamber of Commerce and/or try Absolute Michigan keyword "Boyne" for lodging and other information. I thought it was pretty funny that the best article online about the Boyne City Mushroom Festival is from a Pittsburgh, PA newspaper. It's from May of 2003 but has great background on the festival with a focus on the National Mushroom Hunting Championship. Check out Boyne City mushroom championship has no lack of morels.

* Next year the 50th annual takes place May 13 - 16, 2010 - they are seeking recipes for a commemorative cookbook, so send them if you have them!

Ready for the Harvest by lpwines

Wine takes center stage this month with Governor Granholm proclaiming April 'Michigan Wine Month'. The Governor was quoted in a recent press release regarding the continued positive growth and impact on Michigan's economy. “With eight new wineries slated to open this year, Michigan’s grape and wine industry demonstrates that our state is ripe for growth and opportunity,” said Granholm. “Michigan’s wine industry is an important component of the state’s $71.3 billion agri-food business sector and is vital to our tourism efforts.”

Having received numerous awards and adding hundreds of millions of dollars to the state's coffers each year, Michigan produced wines have become an important addition to the economy and connoisseurs alike.

Upcoming Wine Events
If you haven't done so, you owe it to yourself to get out and explore Michigan's various wine regions. Here is a sampling of upcoming events designed for both seasoned tasters and those wanting to learn more and experience first hand the excellent wines that our wineries are producing.

Michigan Wine Celebration - April 18-19 - Southeast Michigan Pioneer Wine Trail - www.pioneerwinetrail.com

Spring Sip & Savor - May 2-3 - Leelanau Peninsula Vintners - www.lpwines.com

Blossom Days - May 16-17 - Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula - www.wineriesofoldmission.com

Lake Michigan Shore Wine Festival - June 20 - Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail - www.miwinetrail.com

Michigan Wine Country Magazine
The 2009 edition of Michigan Wine Country is now available. The 48 page annual publication features news and information on Michigan’s world-class wines and wineries - including six new ones - plus maps, activities, events, information on the most recent vintage and new releases. Order your complimentary copy today.

If you can't make it out to the tasting rooms please take time to explore Michigan wine through Absolute Michigan's Michigan Wine section and the Michigan Wine & Grape Industry Council web site to learn about the excellent offerings that are produced right here in the Mitten!

Noteworthy Articles
Absolute Michigan has been working with Sharon Kegerreis and Lorri Hathaway of Michigan Vine, authors of the Michigan Notable Book - Michigan Vine: Exploring Michigan Wineries, to promote Michigan wine. The first series of articles provided to us focuses on each of Michigan's five wine trails and their most recent series titled Michigan Uncorked takes a closer look at the individual wineries that make up the 5 wine trails.

Chris Kassel of Detroit's examiner.com takes a look at Michigan Wine Month in relation to Michigan's current economic woes in - April is Michigan Wine Month: Woo hoo!

For work-challenged, slowly imploding Michigan, every month is whine month. But only one gets to be wine month: April.

That’s because Governor Jennifer M. (not for mole) Granholm has magnanimously declared April ‘Michigan Wine Month’ in a gesture she repeats with equal magnanimity every April.

This year, however, it can be viewed as a nod to one of the few industries in Michigan that is actually doing well. Sales of Michigan wine increased by 5% in 2008, possibly because everyone is home drinking since nobody is able to find a bank willing to loan them money to buy a car to drive to a job if they had one, which they don’t.

In this March 2008 article, Agriculturally Speaking... Celebrating Michigan Wines, Michigan Department of Agriculture director Don Koivisto writes:

If you haven’t visited one of Michigan’s 60 wineries and tasting rooms, spring is the perfect time of year to witness the transformation occurring in this growing industry. Tasting rooms are less busy and staff are delighted to have the opportunity to provide extra attention to visitors.

For example, in 2007, Michigan’s wineries won 800 medals in both national and international wine competitions. Additionally, it’s estimated that nearly 1 million tourists will visit Michigan wineries this year, generating an estimated $8.6 million in wine-related tourism expenditures. It’s this combination of excellence and economics that make Michigan’s grape and wine industry a standout.

Must See YouTube - "SENATOR MICHELLE MCMANUS' "IN TOUCH WITH NORTHERN MICHIGAN."

Michigan State Senator McManus speaks with Linda Jones of the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council on the importance of those products to the local economy. March 2008, Part 1 of 3.

Check out all 3 parts at YouTube!

At the first Pine Mountain Tournament, Bob Roecker, riding for the Duluth Ski Club, shattered the American jumping record held by Alf Engen, of Salt Lake City, with a leap of 257 feet and the current U.S. record of 140 meters/459 feet is still held there.

Can you have a videogenic event like this in the age of YouTube and not have video? Of course not! The video is Pine Mountain Ski Jumps, February 16th 2008 - be sure to view in high quality by using the arrow at the bottom right of the video!

The Corez Wine Bar

Andy Dragt of Rapid Growth TV has produced a cool introduction to the new Corez Wine Bar in Grand Rapids' East Hills neighborhood with owner/sommelier Mike Dombrowski. If you haven't been following Andy's videos, you really should be!

In addition to the fact that this is the debut of Andy's new DIY camera dolly, I thought this video was interesting for Mike's handmade ethic and for his thoughts on how we don't need to dumb things down and make our businesses less to succeed in tough times.

Check out more Michigan wine bars from Absolute Michigan.

2008_03_04_UofM_HistoryMuseum_Walking
by Andy Tanguay

Jack Lessenberry writes about the frustrations of journalists at the bare cupboard of swag at this year's Detroit Auto Show and the seeming idiocy of holding an event like this in sub-arctic Detroit in The fossil show in the Metro Times. He then says:

However, I actually think I might go to the auto show for the first time in years, and not just because I have been thinking of replacing the 1927 Bugatti convertible Wayne State issued me. No, I think this might be a really fascinating year, somewhat like a trip to the end of the Cretaceous Era, when the dinosaurs were on their way out, but not quite extinct. Most people's attention would be drawn to the surviving giant lizards, still stomping and thrashing around. But I would go to see the primitive mammals.

They would have been mainly little rat-like things, nondescript, but they would have been the future, much like the hybrids and electric cars are now. My analogy isn't perfect: The dinosaurs, scientists now think, died almost all at once, thanks to a meteor or a comet, sort of that era's equivalent of a Republican-controlled Senate. Vehicles powered only by petroleum will be with us for some time. But it is not at all clear how long any of the Big Three will last; the experts don't expect a stand-alone Chrysler will make it to 2010,

But there will still be cars of some sort, and the next generation of hybrids will be on display, as will further examples of the supposedly soon-to-be-available electric cars. Some of these things will flop. Others may not.

That's an interesting take on a Detroit tradition that is fallen on hard times. And given that some of the mammals are made in Michigan, I don't think that's an altogether depressing take on the matter.

Speaking of dinosaurs...

...now even huskier!

Born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1945, Seger moved to Ann Arbor as a young boy. He began singing at the age of four. His father (who played six instruments) bought him a bass ukulele, and Seger learned how to play it by the time he was ten. At the age of fifteen, Seger started writing songs and playing guitar. His first band, called the Decibels, played high school dances, parties and small clubs. In 1968, Seger and his band signed a major record contract. The following year, “Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man” was Seger’s first national hit record.

Despite a big hit, Seger enjoyed only limited success. Critics suggested he was just a “one-hit wonder.” Seger was popular in the Midwest, especially Michigan, but as one observer wrote in 1976, “he just doesn’t seem to be cutting it” elsewhere in the nation. Despite these observations, Seger kept writing and singing songs--and things improved.

In a few years, Seger was back on the national scene with a series of hit records. The album Night Moves sold 6 million copies and was his first Top 10 album. Seger’s next album Against the Wind rose to number one on the Billboard 200 top album chart. Soon Seger’s songs (“Old Time Rock & Roll,” “Like a Rock” and “Shakedown”) appeared in movies and television commercials, giving him more national recognition.

In 2004, Seger, who took a decade off to raise a family, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Three years later, he released a new album and went on a national tour. Although older than most rock and rollers, Seger said it was “fun to go to work again.”

Today, Seger still lives in Michigan. He has sold more than 50 million records and the Detroit Free Press called him Michigan ‘s number one entertainer. When asked recently what he wanted to be remembered for, he said, “I held true to what I liked about music.”

To learn more about Michigan’s music history call (800) 366-3703 or visit www.michiganhistorymagazine.com for more information.

Couldn't resist, just for old times sake...

Sherman, to the wayback back machine....

Thistle Stop by photoshoparama

The 24th annual Silver Bells in the City takes place this Friday (Nov 21) in downtown Lansing. The event features a parade of lights, the lighting of Michigan's Christmas tree and (weather permitting) a fireworks show. It's also free and attracted more than 120,000 people last year! Click that link to learn more and see a cool video from 2007.

Yesterday we got our first snowstorm of the season, with up to a foot of snow falling in parts of the state. The Muskegon Chronicle breaks it down for west Michigan and shows a video of snow (in case you forgot what it looks like). Up in the UP, there's no need for that as they received a bunch overnight:

"Here at the office we had just about 6 inches," said Mike Dutter, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Negaunee Township. "We certainly had reports out towards Trenary of 19 inches since 10 p.m. last night."

Of course, they race outhouses in Trenary so you never know whether to believe them or not.

Snow Bound by siskokid

That chill wind we feel in Michigan isn't just from Mother Nature. The possible collapse of the Big Three and the US auto industry has been howling like a blizzard for the last week. Over on Michigan in Pictures we have a post that seeks to gather interesting articles and opinions on just what should be done regarding the collosal mess that is the US automotive industry. One of the links that we found is a web site that was created by GM called GM Facts & Fiction. It has a lot of information about the economic impact of the auto industry and we've included a video from the site below.

One person who spends a great deal of time on this is Michigan's Governor. In Economy Is Only Issue for Michigan Governor, the New York Times takes an in-depth look at Gov. Granholm, her job and her detractors - worth a read indeed.

One thing's for sure - winter is on the way. You can warm up (cool off?) with the Snow slideshow from the Absolute Michigan pool.

Watch some other videos of the Josh Davis Trio and many others on Scott Allman's YouTube channel! (Make sure to watch them in high quality mode)

About Josh Davis
Raised between the steely clamor of Detroit and the stillness of Michigan's pristine Upper Peninsula, Joshua Davis is a rare combination of both city and country. These distinct yet complimentary faces of Davis's home state of Michigan are lovingly melded in his songwriting.

Joshua writes songs, plays acoustic and electric guitar, National steel, mandolin and clawhammer banjo, tries to juggle, has a not-so-secret penchant for prestidigitation and a BA in theatre from Michigan State University.

Alongside touring nationally with Steppin' In It, he plays intimate solo shows, stripped down duo shows, and concerts backed by his roots-rock band featuring bassist Dominic John (Steppin' In It), Mike Lynch (Larry McCray band) on Hammond organ, and percussionist Mike Shimmin (Millish).

After six years and three albums as the primary songwriter of Steppin' In It, Davis released his debut solo record, Fool Rooster in 2005. The album secured the album of the year slot on WDBM's cult-favorite show, "Progressive Torch and Twang". The album features all original songs (many co-written with long time collaborator Aaron Allen)and a who's who of Michigan musicians.

He lives in Lansing, MI with his wife and daughter where he is successfully balancing touring, husband/fatherhood and finishing up writing tracks for a follow up to Fool Rooster, to be recorded in the winter of '08.

The video is May Erlewine singing her song Water and it includes some water photos courtesy photographers of the Absolute Michigan pool on Flickr. There's links to view the photos bigger on Flickr below and you can click to YouTube if you want to spread the word on your blog or Facebook or see the video in high quality.

This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.
~Elmer Davis

Today's photo and quotation is provided by luna.nik and I think that it pretty much sums up what is asked, what is given and what we are called to remember and honor on Veterans Day and all the year long.

If you don't get a chance to get out and hear some veterans speak, you can see some interviews with veterans from the Southfield Veterans Commission that were produced as part of the Library of Congress Veterans History Project. This one features Herbert Howard of Southfield and there are many more right here.

Much more Michigan Veterans Day information.

A I by thanasim25

Here's a selection of quick hits from: Pistons get Iverson for Billups, McDyess, Samb and Pistons are bringing in Iverson to generate excitement (Freep), Pistons acquire Iverson, send Billups and McDyess to Denver (ESPN, also has a video with Steven A. Smith), It’s official: Allen Iverson is a Piston (best summary & most interesting considerations award to Detroit Bad Boys), Pistons vs. Bobcats takes a backseat to Billups and Iverson (Need4Sheed) and Joe D swings for the fences (Pistons blog):

"We are pleased to welcome Allen Iverson to the Pistons organization. Allen has proven he is one of the elite players in the league, and we like what he adds to our roster at the guard position. We appreciate everything that Chauncey Billups, Antonio McDyess and Cheikh Samb brought to the organization during their time here in Detroit, and we certainly wish them all the best." - Joe Dumars

...Joe D looks for three things in players: talent, obviously; strong desire to win; and good character. Iverson is off the charts in the first two categories. Some would argue the third, but Iverson’s issues have been almost exclusively personality clashes with strong-willed coaches.

...Power forward Rasheed Wallace said he was just hearing about the trade this morning and didn't have much to add. He did think aloud about the possibility of adding a former NBA scoring champion in Iverson. "Another scorer back there with Rip (Hamilton) ... we'll see how it plays out," Wallace said. "I can't comment too much. That's not a Guaransheed right there, so I can't comment too much."

...Iverson gives the Pistons one of the most irrepressible scorers in the NBA. In the lonely moments of the playoffs, when offenses inevitably bog down, players who can create their own shots – no matter what play is called, no matter what defense is deployed – are invaluable.

...Dumars loves to gamble on players who are reputed to possess as many minuses as pluses, as seen with the trade-deadline acquisition of Rasheed Wallace in 2004 which spurred Detroit to its first championship since Dumars was playing in 1990. If this gamble doesn't work, swapping Billups for Iverson would give Detroit financial flexibility to pursue a more aggressive makeover next summer, with the highly regarded Rodney Stuckey staying put as the long-term cornerstone of the Pistons' backcourt.

...Iverson gives Dumars much-needed salary flexibility. The Pistons could have as much as $35 million of spending money next summer if you include Wallace's $14 million, which also comes off the books.

...Sure, some of our hearts may not be in it, but wishing Chauncey all the best as he goes back and plays for his home town team and a thank you for what he has done is all we can do as fans. Is Iverson truly The Answer? We will get that question answered come June. Just think, the future is so bright we have to wear shades.

The move also gives the Pistons a core of Philly natives with Sheed, Rip & AI. Detroit Bad Boys adds that the Pistons didn't waste any time signing Rip to a contract extension.

OK, here's Piston coach Michael Curry talking about A.I. (Via HoopSoup, via DBB reader Ziggity via Detroit Bad Boys):

View the high quality version of this video on YouTube!

Encore: Treat yourself to this rousing rendition of the classic song 'Soulshine'! Written by legendary guitarist Warren Haynes and originally recorded by Larry McCray on his CD 'Delta Hurricane'.

About Larry McCray
Larry McCray, the second youngest of nine children, was raised on a small farm in Magnolia, Arkansas. His father played the blues on harmonica and guitar, and his older sister Clara was a guitarist and disciple of Freddie King. The family had records by John Lee Hooker, Howlin' Wolf, Jimmy Reed and Muddy Waters, among others. McCray cites the musical influence of the three blues Kings - B.B., Albert and Freddie - on his guitar playing, as well as Albert Collins, Elmore James and Magic Sam. Larry McCray is one of a handful of talented young blues performers leading the genre across boundaries and into the new century. McCray's savage blues-rock guitar and warm, soulful vocals have drawn attention worldwide.

In the early 1970s, McCray and his family moved to Saginaw, Michigan where he took a job at a General Motors plant while finishing school. His sister Clara taught him some guitar fundamentals and showed him how to play blues classics like Muddy Waters’ “Got My Mojo Working” and Freddie King's “Hideaway.” He also turned to records for inspiration, especially the popular soul music of the time, such as Gladys Knight and the Pips, Ike and Tina Turner, James Brown, Little Milton, Stevie Wonder and Ray Charles, plus the omnipresent Motown sound. Over the next decade, he worked on the GM assembly line during the day and performed with local blues, rock, country, and jazz-fusion groups at night.

McCray's hard work paid big dividends when he became the first artist signed by Virgin Records' (now defunct) blues division - Pointblank Records. In 1990, they released his debut, “Ambition,” which was well received by the U.S. and European press. It included the standout track “Nobody Never Hurt Nobody With The Blues” - a funky blues workout with a sizzling guitar solo. Importantly, the success of Ambition gave McCray the momentum to quit his job at GM and concentrate solely on music.

The Official Larry McCray Band Website

Larry McCray at MySpace

Mama's gunna knock you out by Kcjacoby

Last night at the Creative Cities Summit, author and MacArthur Fellow Bill Strickland delivered one of the boldest and bluntest talks about what can and should be done to re-energize our cities and nation. The video below offers a little taste of Bill - you can get more at his web site.

As the video implies, he is helping to get a project going in Grand Rapids (can't find anything about it online - if you have information, please share it in the comments!). There's a great feature on Bill in Pop City and another from Pittsburgh Magazine that talks about Strickland and his book Making the Impossible Possible:

His "how-to" book on achieving success is no ordinary 10-steps-to-your-Mercedes and summering in Mykonos. It's a definition of success that anyone can achieve. It requires "owning up to our responsibilities as citizens of the planet, even in modest ways, [which] generates a sense of purpose and power in our life that is the real engine behind genuine success."

For Strickland "true success" comes from "the point where your passions, values, talents and dreams fall into alignment with the genuine desire to make the world a better place to live for all of its inhabitants."

As founder and head of Manchester Bidwell Corp., Strickland describes himself as "a guy who never forgot where he came from, and who knows first-hand how the realities of race and circumstance, and poverty and lowered expectations, can crush human dreams." His job is to rekindle those dreams and allow people to lead successful lives.

Sarna mentions the Independent Media Conference - there's a link.

Sarah Palin Addresses Michigan, photo by b24chicago

Last Friday, Republican Presidential candidate John McCain made his first major visit to Michigan. In McCain Makes a Run at Michigan, A Wavering Democratic Stronghold, the Wall Street Journal observes that Michigan could be critical in November:

If John McCain becomes the nation's 44th president, it may be thanks to Michigan -- a prize the Republicans think they can claim for the first time in nearly 20 years. On Friday, Sen. McCain and his running mate, Sarah Palin, arrived in this auto-plant town in Detroit's suburbs to begin their final election sprint.

...in the crucial Detroit area (where about half of Michigan's votes will be cast) some results foreshadow trouble for the Democrats. Most important: A Detroit Free Press poll in late August showed some 30% of area voters saying that they're open to switching preferences before November -- a significantly higher figure than normal. The vast majority of these wavering voters are white, polling experts say, making the state's racial politics particularly important.

The Detroit News reports that with an estimated 10,000 attendees, McCain's rally at Freedom Hill in Sterling Heighs dwarfed any previous appearance. They also have a panorama of the John McCain rally at Freedom Hill by Anne Savage that you'll want to check out. You can get some pics from McCain's visit right here on Flickr and also in this gallery at the Detroit News.

There's a video of McCain at the rally from brkcmo93 below, and another of VP Sarah Palin speaking. You can also see a video from the rally at the Freep.

You can also check out Barack Obama & Michigan from Absolute Michigan and leave your comments and/or more links below!

More videos from Scott Allman on YouTube and also visit Fork in the Road!

It's definitely worth clicking over to see the high quality version.

2008 Woodward Dream Cruise by Wigwam Jones

Another must see view of the event is Ann Arbor photographer Anne Savage's panoramic photos as featured in the Detroit News.

The folks at GMnext have informed us that to celebrate 100 years of great cars and trucks, GM assembled 106 legendary cars driven by GM employees, retirees and enthusiasts on Woodward during the Woodward Dream Cruise. Check out the GM Century Cruise Parade video at GMnext.com.

About the Dream Cruise

The Woodward Dream Cruise is billed as the world's largest one-day celebration of car culture, and with more 1.7 million visitors and over than 40,000 muscle cars, street rods, custom, collector and special interest vehicles, it delivers.

The 12th Street Riot was a civil disturbance in Detroit that began in the early morning hours of Sunday, July 23, 1967. Vice squad officers executed a raid at a blind pig, or speakeasy, on the corner of 12th Street and Clairmount on the city's near westside. The confrontation with the patrons there evolved into one of the deadliest and most destructive riots in modern U.S. history, lasting five days and far surpassing the 1943 riot the city endured. Before the end, the state and federal governments, under order of then President Lyndon B. Johnson, sent in National Guard and U.S. Army troops. The result was forty-three dead, 467 injured, over 7,200 arrests and more than 2,000 buildings burned down.

The best media I came across is Ashes to Hope: Overcoming the Detroit Riots from Michigan Radio (tip: open in a new tab and listen while you check out the other photos & stories).. This 2007 feature marking the 40th anniversary opens with recollections from John Conyers, Phillip Hewitt and Ronald Nye and delivers a frank look at various aspects of the riot - some say rebellion - and its aftermath from people who experienced it. I heartily recommend you click the link and listen to the whole thing. NPR's Riots Rocked Detroit 40 Years Ago Today has more recollections as does this Detroit News forum featuring letters from Detroit residents.

Here's an ABC News feature below, but the best video I found is Detroit Riot 1967/ Mr. Jacobs by KeylaBb (more videos under Related Videos at that link).:

The video features the song Black Day in July by Gordon Lightfoot which was banned in the US. Detroit Riot, July 1967 on Michigan in Pictures this morning has this listing of photos:

• Detroit Riot of 1967 portfolio at Virtual Motor City (cool site!)
• 40 Years After the Detroit Riots: Could It Happen Again? by photographer Jim Hubbard
• Six Detroit Riot photos at JamD
• 1967 Detroit Riot photos by Phil Cherner (includes a then & now video)
• Detroit 1967 Riots on Flickr (slideshow)
• Photo gallery from the Detroit News archives
• Excellent thread on Exposure.Detroit about the riot with lots of links to other resources.

There's of course a ton more to say ... I hope you'll share your thoughts in the comments and add links to sites and media we missed!

Released in 1955 by Warner Brothers, the first Michigan J. Frog cartoon is about a member of a wrecking crew who finds a time capsule in the cornerstone of a large building he is razing. When he opens the old box, he awakens Michigan J. Frog, who emerges from his confined home with a top hat, cane, dancing feet and an Al Jolson-like voice that belts out popular tunes.

The demolition man quits his job and devotes all his time to promoting his amazing discovery. But the frog will only perform for the man who rescued him. Frustrated by his lack of success, the man puts the talented frog back into the cornerstone of a nearby building undergoing construction in 1956. The film fast-forwards to the year 2056. Another worker finds Michigan J. Frog and the story repeats itself-with the same results.

For years, Michigan J. Frog served as the symbol for Warner Brothers television, until he was retired in 2005. However, Michigan J. Frog has entertained Americans in a variety of different ways. To find out how (and why he has J. for a middle initial), look for the July/August 2008 issue of Michigan History. For more information visit www.michiganhistorymagazine.com or call (800) 366-3703.

For more on this amphibious crooner, check out the Michigan J Frog entry on Wikipedia and also the entry for One Froggy Evening (the cartoon it was based on). Of course, we can't really talk about Michigan J Frog without showing a video, so here's a video:

.Doug Coldwell added this video of the S.S. Badger car ferry coming home past Ludington lighthouse to our group on YouTube. Also check out his video of the Badger from up in the lighthouse, learn more about this vessel at ssbadger.com and have a look at Shaun Davis's videos from the Badger's engine room.

The Absolute Michigan group on Flickr has a number of SS Badger photos including this cool shot of the Ludington Lighthouse from the deck of the Badger by Wigwam Jones.

Jacqui Balogh is an intern with Motion Marketing & Media who just graduated Michigan State in May. She hoped that one last time before she "had to become a real person and get a real job" she would get a chance to kick it out, have some fun and maybe make herself a more complete candidate for that real job. Add to that the fact that her college graduate-level email writing skills were quite persuasive and we hope understand why our random and arbitrary criteria led us to pick Jacqui!

Rob Forever - Pillar of Autumn
by Aaron Fortin

For the entire month of July, Absolute Michigan will be focusing of Michigan festivals celebrating music, art, food and the other things that make Michigan fun.

To kick it off, we're having a spur of the moment Rothbury Ticket Giveaway courtesy of the folks at GM Next Plug In! To enter, just send an email to absolutemichigan@gmail.com with the subject Why I Wanna Go to Rothbury. We'll pick a winner of two tickets based on our own random and arbitrary criteria and post it tomorrow afternoon! (scroll down for the details)

More about Rothbury

The inaugural Rothbury Music Festival takes place July 3-6, 2008 in Rothbury, Michigan (near Muskegon). Four days of music on six stages feature some of the biggest musical acts around including Dave Matthews Band, Widespread Panic, John Mayer, 311, Phil Lesh, Trey Anastasio (also at the fest will be Jon Fishman & Mike Gordon of Phish), Primus, Snoop Dogg, Michael Franti, Gov't Mule, The Black Keys, Mickey Hart and about a jillion others!

The festival also features "Circus & Theater" with all kinds of crazy shows, fairs and other experiences, and the Rothbury Think Tank that will be focused on finding energy independence and feature:

...a mix of provocative keynote presentations, panel discussions, workshops, film screenings, and audience Q&A sessions throughout the festival site to offer insight into these and other questions. Interactive participation, both face-to-face and through the use of multi-media technology enable the ROTHBURY community to engage with the Think Tank at multiple levels.

GM Next Plug In

GMnext Plug In is a celebration of the 100+ year relationship between cars and music. From AM to FM, 8-track to cassette, compact disc to mp3, music is almost always a part of the driving experience. It's part of GMnext, GM’s centennial program that includes a series of Web-based activities aimed at engaging a new generation with behind-the-scenes stories and insights into the people of GM and the future of transportation ... and also through some of the biggest music events of the year that will feature some of the hottest bands and artists.

If you aren't selected in the giveaway and can't make it, tune into the GMNext YouTube channel for interviews of bands backstage at the Rothbury by Tenacious D’s Kyle Gass. Here's Kyle, Flyin:

The Details

• Please don't enter if you can't go - two tickets will be in YOUR name at Will Call and you will have to show ID!
• You must be 18 years old or older. Sorry.
• By entering, you agree to hold Absolute Michigan and GM Next harmless for anything that might happen to you in the course of your festival experience. Except of course fun. You can totally hold us responsible for that!

Gore, Obama and Granholm by wizardkitten

As the editor, I try pretty hard to keep the tone on Absolute Michigan as non-partisan as possible.

When I read Obama Reaches Out to Michigan Voters in the Washington Independent, I realized that as a result, we probably side-step a lot of significant news ... and also some vital discussion for the future of this state. You should check the article out, as it pretty plainly outlines the challenge the next President (Democrat, Republican or otherwise) will face in revitalizing Michigan and other old-line industrial states.

The focus of the candidate's 2 day visit was mainly on the economy and education. Obama's speech at Kettering University in Flint addressed the severe economic plight of the region and proposed education and investment in new technologies as the pathway to renewed prosperity. In Detroit, Obama received the endorsement of Al Gore. This was a surprise to (as Newsweek noted) exactly no one. What was (to the writer) mildly interesting was the choice of Michigan as the location (something that has been questioned by others in the media). From Newsweek (which includes video of Gore's slightly less than electric speech):

Obama is obsessed with Michigan because, unlike Florida, it's a must-win state--and winning there is hardly a sure thing at this point. In Tropicana country, Obama currently trails McCain by an average of 8.3 points. That's a difficult hill to climb, which is why Obama campaign manager David Plouffe has designed his boss's electoral strategy around losing Florida (like John Kerry) in November. The problem is, Obama can't afford to drop Michigan's 17 electoral votes (which Kerry won) as well. Recent Michigan polls are rare, but the three taken since May 19 show McCain with an average lead of 1.6 percent.

The Detroit Free Press had a cool 360 degree panorama from the Joe Louis Arena. For more pictures, check out wizardkitten's Barack Obama Detroit Joe Louis 6/16/08 slideshow (set) and you might also enjoy this Obama slideshow for Monday & Tuesday (Jun 16 & 17, 2008) which is mostly photos from his visit to Flint and Detroit.

We'll close with a video from the rally at the Joe, and also a link to the Michigan Republican Party's YouTube production attacking Obama for slighting Michigan:

Also check out John McCain & Michigan and leave your comments or updates below!

Collins Caviar is the only processor of hand-made American freshwater caviars. Salmon caviars are still made fresh every week. They offer a complete line of caviars, including their flavor infused and smoked caviars. Exquisite, low salt Hackleback Sturgeon, Paddlefish, and American Golden Whitefish.

Fork in the Road is a Michigan based food show that celebrates the diverse food heritage of the Great Lakes region.

Recipe:
Check out Chef Eric's recipe: Freshwater Caviar Risotto at forkintheroadtv.com.