--THE COLONY Returns Tuesdays at 10PM ET/PT Beginning July 27—

What would you do in the wake of a global catastrophe?  Even if you survived it, could you survive the aftermath? Detroit local Reno Ministrelli’s survival skills and personal strengths will be put to the test when he joins six other individuals from all walks of life in the Discovery Channel original series, THE COLONY.

Meet Reno

AGE: 29

EDUCATION: BAA Entrepreneurship at Central Michigan University

PROFESSION: Foreman of B&M Tower Technologies, a wireless communications construction company

SKILLS: Welding, basic auto repair, rough carpentry, finish carpentry

HOMETOWN: Detroit, MI

CURRENTLY RESIDES: Royal Oak, MI

This tough guy of Italian, Lebanese and Russian descent was raised in the suburbs of Detroit.  After working as a recruiter for a health care staffing agency, his entrepreneurial mind took over and he launched his own company but lost the business due to the struggling economy.  Realizing there is more money in climbing towers than sitting at a cubicle in an office he went on to become the foreman of a cell phone tower construction crew, Reno’s motto is: “anyone can turn a wrench but not everybody can manage to do it as few times as possible and be as effective.”

There have been many memorable Saturdays at “The Big House”.  Yesterday’s memories were for a very different reason.  It was the annual graduation day for The University of Michigan and the energy and excitement were boundless because President Barack Obama was coming to deliver the commencement address. 

Defying the pouring rain, an army of reporters and photographers and a crowd of over 80,000 people jammed into The Big House by 9AM to wait two hours for The Presidents arrival.  The rain stopped, the buzz grew, and the moment arrived.

The entire house jumped to it’s feet and gave a roaring welcome to our tall, lean, robe clad President who smiled, waved, and thanked everyone for their presence.  There were welcoming speeches from two distinguished students, Samir Islam and Alex Marston, and introductions by University President Mary Sue Coleman and Governor Jennifer Granholm.  The President rose to thunderous applause.

He began his thirty minute speech by congratulating the graduates and their families, saying he was honored to be with them in The Big House. (huge roars followed) His speech moved from light hearted and funny to contemplative and serious.  He challenged the graduates to get involved and “find a way to serve your community and your country”.  He also stressed the importance of seeking out opposition viewpoints and joining in political discourse.  However, he cautioned, it must be done with “civility”, without questioning a person’s integrity or their patriotism.   He finished with “GO BLUE”.

Troy, MI - February 5, 2010 - Winners of the annual photography contest at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), sponsored by WWJ Newsradio 950, have been announced with the close of the 2010 NAIAS. Judged by David Freers, official photographer of the NAIAS, winners were selected in five categories: Luxury, Black and White Photos, Convertibles/Coupes/Concepts, Coolest Close Up and Electric Vehicles. Each winner received $200 in prize money and will have their photo posted on http://www.naias.com/.

"The photography contest enables us to see the show through the public's eyes and gives them a way to showcase their creativity," said Barron Meade, chairman, 2011 NAIAS. "We saw many great entries and congratulate the winners on their artistic ability and efforts."

Winners are listed below (category, name, photo caption):

Luxury: Justin Parker, "Lotus-The Lap of Luxury"

Black and White: Steven Stein, "Dodge Ram TOTY"

Convertibles, Coupes and Concepts: Aaren Amersdorfer, "Cyber"

Coolest Close Up: Adam Flor, "Gone for a Spin"

Electric Vehicles: Jeffrey Daniel Morgner, "Prius"

Add "tricked out" to "alternative fuels," "high-end luxury" and "worldwide and North American debuts" when describing the vehicles showcased at the 2010 North American Auto Show. The Monster Energy DUB SHOW pulls into Cobo Arena this week, complete with rims, wheels, booming sound systems and video games as accessories.

The DUB Experience/DUB Show is run by DUB Publishing out of Los Angeles. Myles Kovacs, the founder, has made his fame on customized vehicles for a long list of rappers and celebrities.

The Show will be held in Cobo Arena on:

Friday, January 15th, 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

(Open to NAIAS Charity Preview attendees and personal invited guests only.)

Saturday, January 16, 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Sunday, January 17, 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

(Entry free with valid NAIAS public show ticket.)

Please enter the Michigan Hall entrance to access Cobo Arena.

For more details, visit www.dubshowtour.com and www.naias.com