Detroit Essentials

New Lions Defensive Coordinator Announcement

Lions News:

Photo Credit: Bill Haber/AP file

Donnie Henderson is the new defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions.  He recently spent two seasons with the New York Jets and has been credited with the Jet's return to the playoffs in 2004.

see article on MSNBC for more info:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11090266/

As I stated before, it's going to take a lot to turn the Lions around.  But I'm hoping that the shake-up in the coaching staff is a step in the right direction. 

-Jovina

With your digital camera, you too can become paparazzi

So WDIV, the local news channel that seems to sensationalize everything, is starting a new program in which people who take digital pictures of celebrities can get their pictures on the air, and they get credit for it and no money.  There are expected to be many famous names in town so the promo makes sense.  Get people to take pictures and have them watch your news program in hopes of getting to see their pictures on TV.  It seems to me to be a way to play on everybody's hunger for fame to get work done for free. 

Here's a tip for aspiring junior paparazzi:  Hang out at the airport.  Most of the celebrities will have to go through there eventually.

- Atul

http://www.clickondetroit.com/detroit-superbowl/6495967/detail.html

Detroit is Getting Ready

Noticing lots of blue vans on the sides of the highway with swarms of people wearing orange vests and collecting trash?  It's not just coincidence.  It's a deliberate attempt to clean up just before the SuperBowl to give Detroit a shiny appearance for all the visitors and press.

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060125/OPINION03/601250334/1016/METRO05

Having been part of an Adopt-A-Highway crew, I can tell you there is a lot of junk out there, much of it not visible from the road.  Those cigarette butts are especially plentiful and they don't just go away.  If only people wouldn't litter to begin with, then our highways would always look good... except for the potholes...

- Atul

Kudos to Chauncey

"Let's, just once, not talk about the play of Chauncey Billups as it relates to a possible All-Star spot or Most Valuable Player award candidacy. Let's not compare and contrast him to other great point guards in the NBA.  Let's just set it out and admire it for what it is -- mature, efficient, brilliant and winning point-guard play." - Chris McCosky, The Detroit News

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060127/SPORTS0102/601270315/1004/SPORTS

I agree!!  Chauncey Billups is one of the toughest and smartest point guards in the game right now.  He's like a strong quarterback with a knack for reading other teams' plays, strengths, and weaknesses.  But what I like about him most is his unselfish style of play.  Chauncey gets as much acclaim for his assists as he does his 3-point shot.  He can garner confidence in his team and they respond with points. 

Billups deserves a spot on the All-Star team this year.  Although last year he made it to the 3-point shoot-out, he should really be in the game. 

-Jovina

Boxing before Football

The three days before Super Bowl XL takes center stage in Detroit, D-town will host three boxing shows sure to excite those who enjoy watching the jabs, right hooks, and knockouts. 

"Fight Night at the Fisher" will have Former boxing champs Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis, Larry Holmes, Hilmer Kenty, and others to raise funds for the famous Kronk Recreation Center.  Famed boxers who've trained at Kronk include Evander Holyfield, Oscar De LaHoya, Naseem "Prince" Hamed, Milton McCrory, Leon Spinks and Sugar Ray Leonard.  Prices range from $500-$2,500.  The main event will be Kronk heavyweight Jonathon Banks against Milwaukee's Michael Word.

Also, ESPN2 will host an invitation only boxing event in Greektown at the downtown Detroit International Banquet and Convention Center.  The match will feature Mary Jo Sanders defending her World Boxing Council welterweight title against Iva Weston of San Fernando, Trinidad.

The third event takes place Saturday night at the Palace of Auburn Hills.  Tommy the "Hitman" Hearns will take on Shannon Landberg.  Tommy's son Ron will also be fighting that night.

Click on the link below for more on this story:

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060127/OPINION03/601270370/1004/SPORTS

-Jovina

DetroitWonk

I found a great blog called DetroitWonk through Technorati.  This blog tackles many issues regarding Detroit, but specifically sports, culture, and politics.  It is updated very regularly and it seems to have a strong reader base. 

One of the best things this blog site has though is the BlogRoll list.  This list has the most comprehensive list of blogs about Metro Detroit I've seen so far.  I've been using this BlogRoll to find out what other blogs are saying about Detroit. 

We plan to use this site to start conversations with and be added to the BlogRoll. 

http://raywert.blogspot.com/

-Jovina

Party with an XL wallet

PARTY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Well, if you have the cash.  With the Super Bowl XL coming to Detroit in 12 days, news of all the celebrities and sport stars gettin' crunk in the Motor City are starting to be revealed.  But if you want rub elbows with Diddy at the Cashmere Party, sip Champange with Fergie and JA Rule at the Bleu Room, or rock with Tommy Lee you'll need big bucks to get in the door and then some. 

And don't count on your hook ups at the local bars.  Be assured that the celebs hosting the parties will have their own people manning the doors. 

But if you're like some and will spend the money to get in, click on this link for a partial list of where the parties will be: (courtesy of the Detroit News)

http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060124/ENT01/601240376/1033)

-Jovina

Return of the BAD BOYS????

With the Detroit Pistons leading the NBA with the best 35-5 record, many have said that the Detroit Bad Boys are back. It’s a nice testament to the glory days of Thomas, Dumars, Laimbeer, Mahorn, and others.  But to call them the Bad Boys takes away from the new generation of Piston champions.  Chauncy Billups, Rip Hamilton, Big Ben Wallace, Rasheed Wallace, and Tayshaun Prince are the starting five envy of the league.  Along with great players off the bench like McDyess, Evans, and Arroyo, this team is the epitome of team work and defense.  And with the help of Flip Saunders, offense is added to the team repertoire. 

I think this team deserves its own nickname.  They’ve been around for a few years now and have won a championship by their own right.  In my mind they have their own style of basketball.  They deserve their own legacy.  Maybe the name for them is what Mason, the game announcer, phrased “DEEETROIT BASKETBALL!” It says it all in one swoop!

I am not alone in this thought.  There’s a contest to give the Pistons a new nickname.  Maybe you can come up with a better nickname.  The link below takes you there.

http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/chatNBA?event_id=9899

-Jovina

Will Marinelli be the Lion's answer?

Today it was announced that Rod Marinelli has been selected as the head coach of the Detroit Lions.  While he's never had a head coaching position at any level, Millen sees something in this Defensive line coach from the Buc's.  Maybe it's what this team needs at the time.  But, it's going to take more than just a new coach to change our losing ways.  Hopefully Marinelli is the catalyst we need to get the Lions into a championship team.  What do you think?

-Jovina

My visit to the NAIAS

I just got back from the North American International Auto Show in Detroit: cool concept cars, cars for me and you, and large elaborate displays. 

I think the new cross-over vehicles are great.  I liked the new Lincoln MKX.  The interior was made of plush cream leather and butterscotch wood with smooth lines and clean IP.  It's a nice cross over vehicle with plenty of versatility and functionality. 

The Ford version, Edge, is more my price range with modern style, sleek lines, and great capability.  The Buick Enclave is another cross-over vehicle making its mark.  It's a nice addition to the Buick line-up, but I felt that it was very "bubbly" (if that's a word.)

I was also impressed by the new Cadillac Escalade.  The new grille is an improvement on an already cool vehicle. 

Things I wasn't too crazy about:

• Crowds:  The Auto Show can get crowded.  It's a great family event to go to, but those with strollers be warned that the large crowd can inhibit your maneuverability.
• Not being able to see the ultra lux vehicles up close:  Although I do completely understand why the Bentley's, Ferrari's, and Lamborghini's are hands off.  I mean with crowds so big, there's a need to keep these types of cars with limited view.  But still, I can't help but feel like I'm at the zoo.  The regular cars we normally see on the road is the petting zoo.  We can get in and out of them to get the touch and feel.  The ultra lux vehicles are the lions, tigers, and bears (oh my!).  We get to see them, but from a safe distance.
• Fudge on every corner: OK I like the fudge, that's why I don't like the fudge.  Trying to keep that new years resolution is difficult with the invigorating smell of scrumptious, mouth watering, chocolaty fudge.  :)

But overall, the North American International Auto Show is a must see in Detroit.  This town is all about the auto industry and this is the epitome of auto shows.  Many people in their lifetime will not see a show like this or see some of the vehicles on the show's floor.  It's worth going to.

So here's the nitty gritty on getting to the show:

Times:
Saturday, January 14 through Saturday, January 21:
9 a.m.-10 p.m. (no admittance after 9 p.m.)
Sunday, January 22:
9 a.m.-7 p.m. (no admittance after 6 p.m.)

Access for Handicapped individuals during public show is at 8 a.m.

Ticket Prices:
Adult: $12
Senior Citizen (65 and older): $6
Children 7-12: $5
Children 6 and under free with their parent

If you want more info check out the show's website:

http://www4.naias.com/

-Jovina