The Rolling Stones were out on the town on Sunday, in preparation for their concert tonight at Ford Field. Mick Jagger was seen at various spots around town, while Ron Wood arranged for a private tour of the Motown Museum, where like everyone else who has ever visited, he and other members of the “Stones” were overwhelmed with the history and songs that were created there. The Rolling Stones keyboardist, Chuck Leavell, who is a legend himself having recorded with The Stones since the early 80s and a former member of the Allman Brothers, sat down at the famous piano in Studio A, leading an epic musical moment. “It’s the grand piano that Paul McCartney restored as his gift to us.” Per Paul Barker, Director of Development for the Motown Museum told MLive, “Leavell sat down and started playing “My Girl” and the background vocalists and the whole group started to sway and sing the whole song from beginning to end. It was just a great moment.”The biggest selling song in Motown history is Dancing in the Streets, thanks in part to the Mick Jaggar/David Bowie version as well as the original version by Martha and the Vandellas.
On most clear days in Petoskey, I can see Beaver Island off in the distance in Lake Michigan. Although I have never been to the island, I always think of it as the tranquil place beautiful place. I never think of it as a place of tragedy, which is why I was so shocked to read about the airplane accident at the island that killed four of the fife people, including Kate Leese and Adam Kendall, a couple who planted a vineyard and dreamed of opening a winery there. Their 11-year-old daughter was the only survivor, and she is in serious condition. The others killed were the pilot and a real estate agent from Gaylord.
Bridge Magazine is not happy with the Michigan Independent Citizen’s Redistricting Panel. Per Bridge Magazine the redistricting panel has continued to keep private, information members used to draw districts in Detroit, prompting complaints that members are betraying their own transparency promises. Last week, Bridge Michigan and the Michigan Press Association issued a joint letter to the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission asking it to immediately make public two attorney memos discussed behind closed-doors on Oct. 27. The memos were titled “Voting Rights Act” and “The History of Discrimination in the State of Michigan and its Influence on Voting.” The discussion of the memos happened as the panel received pressure from Black residents to create majority-Black districts in the state. “Discussing issues as vital as minority representation in private violates the spirit, if not the letter, of the law — and sullies an otherwise grand experiment in open government and democracy,” John Bebow, the president and CEO of The Center for Michigan, the nonprofit that operates Bridge Michigan, and Lisa McGraw, the manager of the Michigan Press Association, wrote on Nov. 5.
On Friday November 12, Frank Price, one of the greatest high school basketball players in River Rouge’s storied history, passed away. In 1966 Frank was a member of the Detroit Free Press Dream Team as he was named one of the top 5 players in the state. In 1965 Frank scored 28 points as a junior in the state championship game against Hudsonville Unity Christian. In 1966 Frank’s two games against Hamtramck’s Rudy Tomjanovich (NBA Hall of Fame member) were packed to the rafters as the two all-staters went head-to-head. Like so many of River Rouge players, Frank was an outstanding athlete in other sports, including football. His daughter Franthea led River Rouge’s girls to their first ever girls state championship in the mid-80s. Frank went on to be a high school sports official in baseball, football and basketball.
Earlier today I posted on Facebook the below article about a Heartland, Missouri, basketball official who has decided to retire after being attacked in the parking lot following a junior high school basketball game. As we say in the business, the younger the players the worse the parents. The action of the parent is appalling. I hope he is prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Here is a link to the article. https://www.kfvs12.com/2021/11/03/heartland-referee-speaks-out-after-attack/?fbclid=IwAR0RaWiypBF7NANFWlw_HunYDmhxD8eSJDa-Z6b80nQdkPwvvpPl4jUmNzE
After reading about the Lions field goal kicking woes in their tie with the Pittsburg Steelers on Sunday, the Lions might want to consider drafting U of M kicker Jake Moody when he becomes eligible for the draft. Moody is a local guy (Northville High School) and he is really good. He has not missed an extra point in his career and he is 22 for 24 this season.
Per the Detroit News, Tigers general manager Al Avila continues to make good on his vow to be aggressive this offseason. After trading for catcher Tucker Barnhart, the Tigers Monday morning reached an agreement with veteran left-handed starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez on a five-year deal that will pay him at least $77 million, with a chance to opt out after two seasons. He also received some no-trade protection and will be able to earn an additional $3 million in incentives. The agreement, which is pending medicals, was first reported by The Athletic and Jon Heyman.Rodriguez, who will turn 29 on April 7, made 31 starts for the Boston Red Sox last season and posted a career-best strikeout rate (10.6 per nine innings) and a career-low walk rate (2.7), covering 157.2 innings. He made three post-season starts for the Red Sox, as well.
Stay safe. Wash your hands regularly. Schedule your vaccine and booster. Wear your mask. Social distance.
Orchid of the Day: Juwan Howard for choosing to play away from the friendly confines of Crisler Arena to play in Washington D.C in the first annual Coaches against Racism basketball classic.
Onion of the Day: The parent who attacked a referee in the parking lot following a junior high basketball game.
Quote of the Day: “It was phenomenal. The Stones say this leg of the tour has been kind of brutal and they hadn’t gotten to do much of anything. They said this is the one thing they wanted to do on this leg of the tour and they were so elated.” Paul Barker, Director of Development for the Motown Museum
Thanks Tom, and may Frank Price RIP. Love that Motown is as relevant today as in the golden era of music….. the sixties!!!!!! Never tire of the Motown sound🎵