No need to search around for spare change to feed parking meters in parts of Detroit anymore - on Tuesday, the city became one of the first in the nation to accept credit and debit cards at its new multispace meters, which were installed back in July.

Currently, there are 162 parking meters installed in the Central Business District, New Center and Wayne State University areas; the city will add 13 more next year. Each of these new “high tech pay stations” can cover up to 10 parking spots.
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Asian Village, a $4.5 million project is working towards completion along side the Renaissance Center. This private enterprise will house restaurants, entertainment and a pan-Asian marketplace. The Detroit News was quoted as saying, ” it appears to be setting a new standard for independent downtown projects.” When completed, it will take it’s place along the new River Walk to be finished this year.

What a great time to be living in the D’. Although Ozlo’s on Woodward and The Blend coffee shop closed, there have been what seems as a rush to open new restaurants and bars in the Central Business District. One of my favorites is right around the corner from my residence. “Cliff Bells” opened last year before SBXL and is a great place to hang out late night with jazz every night but Monday. It has been restored to its original decor of a 1940’s supper club. In addition the owner has opened another bar called “The Park Bar” next door.

With the Town Pump and Centaur right down the street, Proof and Chelies on Adams, Grand Circus Park is up and coming as the new entertainment zone of downtown Detroit.

A professor of mine has this quote as part of his e-mail signature. It is a line I cannot get out of my head. It gives off both a sense of pride and a sense of embitterment in that no one has actually forgotten the name or existence of Detroit; however, people do not recall it at present for the way it actually is. The image of Detroit on the national scale is one that remains highly industrial and one of class and race violence. However, if you are reading this blog, you know much better. To everyone else, Detroit may not be what it once was, but neither is any city. Every city is a living, breathing, and continually changing entity. No city can remain at a stagnant ideal. Detroit is alive, well, and awaiting your bestowal of a second chance.

So you love Model D? Here is a pleasing extension of the concept called Metromode. This e-zine covers Detroit and its surrounding areas. It is a great step in facilitating the dialogue of regionalism in the success of the city. Not everyone has to live here in the city, but the actions of those living in and around it have a direct impact on its vitality. You should most certainly get on the mailing list for both Metromode and Model D, if you haven’t already, in order to keep up with the city’s progress and its challenges in the broadest scope.

Detroit Synergy is one of many organizations in the D promoting community and facilitating change for the better. Every third Thursday, the group showcases a restaurant or bar by scheduling a social gathering of Detroiters and city supporters. This month the Signature Bar and Grille at the Riverfront Towers will be the venue from 6:00 to 8:00 on Thursday, January 18th. See you there.

Troding on snow yesterday was quite a treat. I was beginning to think dodging ice patches was something I would never experience in Detroit again. Now the snow is gone and all we are left with is the bitter chill.

Facinating documentary last night on cable titled “A Week in the Life of American Airlines.” In this two hour program they explored the ins and outs of running the largest airline company in the country. Details about fuel costs, organized labor, why the guy sitting next to you on the plane may have payed hundreds of dollars less than you did, and how they deal with flight delays and lost luggage.
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For the first time in thirteen years the Detroit TigerFest, being held on Jan. 20th, is sold out. Duhh! What a great year these guys had. This is also the first year that this event will be staged at Comerica Park under three heated concourse levels for autograqph stations, exhibits, games and contests.

On another note, the Wings, (28-12-5) play Montreal, (25-15-5) tonight at the Joe. First time in many years we have hosted the Canadiens’. There is talk around the league that during the All Star break, the owners will sit down with the NHL head ram rods and try to hash out a more exciting schedule for the 07-08 NHL season, i.e. more original six teams playing each other. For hockey fans that is a step in the right direction. Game time 7 p.m.

Many of us in the D have the day off of work or school today in honour of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; however, many of us forget to pause and reflect as to why this day is observed. Black, Civil Rights, segregation: for some these terms are figments of the past, for others these terms are pertinent in present reality. Dr. King’s work was not a solitary effort, nor was it novel, or an effort unique to the group of people we have lumped together under the “black” umbrella. Dr. King’s work was cause for those who no longer have to consider race or segregation, and Dr. King’s work continues where race and segregation persist. Today is a day we remember a man who was charismatic and inspired change in a world that still needs this spirit of change today.

Am sitting in the Key West airport waiting for a flight home and thought I’d put in my two cents for us common travelers. Oh to be wealthy enough to own and operate your own Gulf Stream V. Poneying up the $35-$55 million would be worth it just to take the hassel away from flying with the common folk.

After five days in the tropics one is quite relaxed. Returning home is a jolt back to reality. Does anyone speak english in the entire State of Florida? Key West aside, because the Conch Republic is in a class by itself), it’s difficult to communicate with wait staff at hotels and airports in southern Florida. And every time I return to the Keys, it gets worse.

How my beloved country is changing. Melting pot is correct. I got a telemarketing call last week and he said in his obviously Hindu accent, “Hello, this is Bob.” And I held the phone away from my ear and yelled, “You ain’t Bob!”

Tell you what my travelling wish is. . . to go to China and hold up in a hotel and order out American. After that I want to drive a cab in India. “”Holy cow man! “(repeat in the authentic Indian accent.)