johnubacon

Doing Good While Doing Well

[Click to listen to the (admittedly shorter) audio version here: BACONwallace] Everybody knows Mike Wallace was one of the best journalists of his time – and his time spanned a half-century. But he also had a great love for his alma mater, the University of Michigan, where he wrote for the Michigan Daily, and got his first taste of broadcasting.  Back then, that meant working for the student...

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A Clean, Well-Lighted Place

[Click here for the audio version: Bacon_Parthenon] Ann Arbor’s Parthenon Restaurant closed last week after almost forty years at the corner of Main and Liberty.  For me and my friends, it marked more than the passing of a favorite spot, but the end of a time-honored ritual. On our last visit, we filed in, and walked to our favorite table in the back.  A little warmer, and we’d sit outside,...

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Michigan Hockey’s Little Big Man

[Click here for the audio version: Hunwick 3-30-12] Two years ago, Michigan’s hockey team was in danger of snapping its record 19-straight NCAA tournament bids.  They finished seventh in their league – unheard of, for Michigan – so the only way to keep the streak alive was to win six straight league playoff games to get an automatic NCAA bid. Oh, and they had to do it with a back-up goalie...

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The Tigers and Lakeland: A Spring Training Marriage Built to Last

Hello Loyal Readers, Michigan Radio just finished its fund-drive, so no audio today, sports fans. Hope you enjoy this piece — even if you have to read it. -John   If you think the divorce rate among U.S. couples is high, check out the recent rash of break-ups between major league baseball teams and their spring training sites. Almost all of the major league baseball’s 30 teams have...

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And Now for Something Completely Different

Dear Loyal Readers, Michigan Radio finished their fund-drive this week, and pretty much everyone over there was exhausted and/or sick by the end of it, so we’re taking another week off from recording the weekly piece.  (Good news: They reached their goals, so Michigan Radio will continue in all its glory.  For the many of you who contributed, thank you!) In the meantime, here’s a...

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