• Vintage Michigan pins and buttons

    The Michigan Union Button: A Lost Tradition

    The recent discovery of an 1892 Athletic Association pin clarified the deep history of this lost Michigan tradition. I view this tradition as a bit of a historic puzzle, and this find provided a huge tangible piece of evidence on its origins. This post shares the latest history as I understand it today.

  • Wrapping Up: The A2 Adopt-A-Family program

    I swung by the gift wrapping for the Ann Arbor Adopt-A-Family program tonight at the UM Golf Course and met Debbie Williams-Hoak and a few of the volunteers. This wonderful group collects gifts for needy families in the area. Debbie confirmed they are helping out 68 families this year, a record, and start visiting homes soon. You wouldn’t believe all the gifts and donations they received if you saw it, so…see it: A small portion of the gifts purchased by donors in the area Volunteers wrapping up gifts for families Dawn King of the Ann Arbor Police Dept. (left) with founder Debbie Williams-Hoak Earlier today this site received a very nice note from someone directly helped out by Debbie Williams-Hoak and the folks running the program this season. Thought I’d pass it along: Relief and Hope! This is what I felt when I received a phone call from former pro golfer, Debbie Williams and AAPD Dawn King, informing me that my two children were being adopted for Christmas. Initially I wanted to decline such a gift as there are so many families that probably face an even greater financial burden this season. Dawn quickly reminded me of the gift of acceptance and after talking with her for almost an hour; I humbly accepted the amazing gift of adoption of my…

  • Interview with Michael Rosenberg: Part I

    Detroit Free Press sports columnist Michael Rosenberg’s first book, War as They Knew It: Woody Hayes, Bo Schembechler, and America in a time of unrest, will be released September 10. There have been a few reviews of the book out there already, and from what I’ve read it’s getting high marks. Rosenberg sent me an advance copy and I burned through the 330+ pages in a few days. It’s a wonderful read, well written and meticulously researched. A quick scan of the acknowledgments and book notes reveal the breadth of interviews, videos, books, and news sources that Rosenberg poured through to weave the tale of this period. The Ohio State-Michigan rivalry certainly plays a key role in this book but it’s more of a backdrop. Rosenberg unveils how each man and their teams both dealt with and were affected by the social and political turmoil of this time. Mixed in are some new stories and a fresh, deeper look at some of the old legends. For me, the most interesting elements of the book: * Rosenberg’s accounts of the various protests in Ann Arbor and Columbus during the period. * The insight into the mind of Woody Hayes – the guy is completely off the charts. * And apologies to my English teachers/professors but I was also re-introduced to and…

  • Alamo Likely for Carr’s Finale

    Looks like Lloyd Carr, Hart, Henne and Long will finish their Wolverine careers in the Alamo Bowl. Even if the Buckeyes worked their way back into the BCS Championship they will certainly be the only Big Ten team in a BCS bowl. After that, the bowls with Big Ten agreements pick in the following order this year: 1. Capital One 2. Outback 3. Alamo 4. Champs Sports 5. Insight 6. Motor City The Big Ten standings don’t matter after the champion is determined; the bowls pick who they want. Capitol One could take Michigan for whatever reason. Michigan fans would argue that the Wolverines are the rightful #2 based on league standings and the fact they beat Illlinois, but it doesn’t matter. CollegeFootballNews seemed to think this scenario would play out as they projected the Blue in the Capitol One Bowl this morning. Whoops. The crew a CFN must have missed this quote I found in today’s Ann Arbor News which will crush any idea that this could happen: “At best, they’d be looking at the Alamo Bowl,” said Frank Frana, an official with the Capital One Bowl. “At best.” “There are at least four teams ahead of them: Ohio State, Illinois, Penn State and Wisconsin,” Frana said/. “Their bowl opportunities are going to be tough.” How about the Outback?…

  • Ann Arbor: Guide to the Bars for fans

    Fellow Big Ten blogger NittanyWhiteOut sent an email recently asking for some advice on the local bar scene. While your Webmaster is essentially retired from that game I make it out enough to know the deal. When coming into Ann Arbor for a game I’d offer the following advice on what to do and where to go in Ann Arbor. For bars, Ann Arbor really has two major areas, although some locals would debate this and again, everything is basically within a mile or so so what’s the big deal? Campus refers to those bars directly around the Campus most frequented by the students. Main St. is the upscale area of Ann Arbor with some of the upper scale restaurants, thus an older crowd. Campus Bars: Rick’s American Cafe’ aka Rick’s – A below ground hole that is the cool hang out; at least it used to be. Older players may be seen here after the game. Will often end the night with a round of ‘The Victors’ after a big win. Cheap pitchers, pool, DJ – nothing special other than that the place is always packed. No food. Website. Good Time Charley’s aka ‘Charley’s – Like Rick’s been around for many years, great food, burgers, wings, etc. Long Island Ice teas a specialty, cheesy bread, Count Twist bread is…