Column for March 24, 2005

Greetings all, another day when my desk is over flowing with stuff that sometimes passes as news. I guess maybe more questions then answers, but interesting?

Toyota building in the area could mean more money and jobs. Ford Motor uses music from a German band in their American car commercials?

A Farmington Hills man with a night club in Riverview arrested by the Inkster police with $1.5 million of cocaine and steroids?

A big cat, not a lion, but maybe a cougar or something similar not only seen but video taped near homes in Farmington Hills. I believe these big cats do get loose and end up out in the community. Years ago I saw a Panther up close crossing the road. Remember that three legged deer story too?

This time of year Brian Smolinski normally would be playing hockey for the Ottawa Senators. Now the locked-out star splits his days playing with the Motor City Mechanics and working at the Auto-Lab in Farmington Hills.

Local and State government wants more money. Seems like we hear this one all the time. They used to say it will only add $40 to your yearly taxes, now they are saying it should only add $75 increase. Well, I have news for them, I don't have an extra $75 to give them. They need to do like I and many of my neighbors do and spend less. And friends and neighbors, hang on tight to that Headlee Amendment. That is there target. If they can change that they can raise property taxes to no end.

The mire mention of Daly's restaurant last week generated a lot of response. So many people have fond memories of a Daly burger or a footlong and fires. Arlen who was in Livonia's most famous band Salem Witchcraft back in the 70s, says Daly's is still owned by Scott Bracy, son of the original owners. The restaurant is doing well, Bracy may even open more locations in the future.

I heard from music supporter, photographer, car show promoter and Livonia Churchill alum Don Nicholson. Who enjoys when we mention bands, local business and restaurants. Also got a messages from Lee of the Road Hogs band thanking the Gazette for supporting local musicians.

Heard from Rock Harley the lead singer for Rocks Gang, who reports his 50s greaser band is back together doing sock-hops and concerts around town. He also has a cartoon book for kids that might be picked up as a TV show on www.g1nbc.com.

More band news. Bonnie Rockets band has changed some members and will perform March 25 and 26 at the Wayne Road Pub in Westland. Bobby Lewis has retired, his band the Cracker Jack are continuing on their own. Jamie Coe is having trouble at his Jammer II Lounge in Livonia.

I Got a "real crazy cool" CD in the mail from the Sax Maniacs, they are doing a super job of promoting their band. The Model Citizen band, Bluescasters, Sun Messengers, Steve King and the Dittlies, Government Honey, Bump all say they enjoy seeing their names in the paper.

I guess I can mention Benny and the Jets appear Wednesdays and Thursdays with Karaoke at the Last Lap Cafe in Westland and Sundays at the Lake Point Yacht Club in Livonia.

To reach Ben E. Jet call (313) 730-1627 via e mail benejets@aol.com and see the web sites www.bennyandthejets.com and www.reverendguitars.com.