Tim

My wife Mary and I witnessed the extraordinary presidential inauguration today from cozy, warm seats inside Canton’s Emagine Theater. Joining us were hundreds of our fellow citizens eager to see a new era begin. When Barack Obama took the oath of office, the entire audience stood as one, relieved to witness this historic moment. Simply outstanding. Kudos to the theater staff for the professional manner in which they handled the event, and to MSNBC, whose live feed was beamed onto a pair of screens at the Emagine, as the cable outlet arranged likewise at many other theaters across the country.

At last.

Conan asked his guests and listeners for their “Blue Note moment.” I believe mine was Lee Morgan’s “The Sidewinder,” — the title cut from his classic LP, recorded in late 1963 — but it also could have been Horace Silver’s shimmering “Song for My Father,” the title tune from his 1964 masterpiece. The label remains vibrant, due to newer artists like Norah Jones, and it’s always rewarding to go back to the older recordings, helmed by legendary engineer Rudy Van Gelder. Right now, I’m listening to Hank Mobley’s smokin’ “The Breakdown,” from Roll Call. Alfred Lion founded Blue Note, and Francis Wolff joined him shortly thereafter. Learn more about the label’s amazing history, and enjoy these timeless sounds.

The North American International Auto Show Web site is filled with facts and figures about the 2009 event — open to the public from January 17-25 — in addition to an image gallery, videos, and more. As of this writing, certain sections don’t hold much detail, but the site will be updated during the show. Having recently completed a contract assignment for a business that closely supports one of our state’s automaker’s, I can say that these companies (as I’m sure is true of the foreign automakers and other exhibitors) are determined to put their best foot forward, and are hoping to wow us with the fresh designs and technical innovations you’ll see and hear on the hundreds of vehicles that will be on display. GM, Ford, and Chrysler, I wish you well, and hope this year’s NAIAS helps spark a turnaround.

It amazes me — and so many others — that the Detroit Lions could somehow stumble through an entire season without claiming at least one victory, especially given the fact the National Football League is geared toward parity, and has been since Pete Rozelle brought the league fully into the national spotlight in the 1960s. But with all the economic troubles in Michigan (and Detroit specifically), isn’t it just fitting the Lions did so? Ugh.

Steve Still and his wife, Jenny Arnold-Still, have just launched a website that demonstrates clearly why we still need the Big 3, and helps dispel numerous misconceptions. (In the spirit of full disclosure, my wife and I have known Steve and Jenny for years, we’re also friends with Steve’s daughter, and I’m working a contract position for a business that administers the main website of one of the aforementioned companies; hence, I have a vested interest in this matter. Nonetheless, this isn’t about us, it’s about millions of people who soon could be out of work). As such, I have selected AutoJobsMatter.org as my “Arresting Site of the Month” for December. Please note the calls to action, including the December 4 rally in the Motor City, the auto industry fact sheet, the link that takes you to a printable window sign that will allow you to show your support, and more. Learn about Steve and Jenny, and spread the word about their important, fact-filled online resource.

Note: Nominations for January’s site or blog of the month are due on Monday, December 29, and I’ll announce the winner on Monday, January 5. Thanks for your participation.

Jim Griffin and the team over at AnnArborAlive have broadcast from their Ypsilanti studios for some time now, and it’s a pleasure to have them in Depot Town, as they’ve made this outstanding business/shopping district all the more so. Give a listen to their passionate brand of community radio, which offers up the best in music, theater, and more throughout the area.

Nice win for the Eagles’ football team, as they upset Central Michigan University 56-52 in their season finale at Rynearson Stadium this afternoon, and sent coach Jeff Genyk out in style. The Detroit Lions should take a serious look at both quarterback Andy Schmitt and receiver Tyler Jones.