In a similar vein to my NYC to Detroit post, I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to be home. I was excited to climb into my car that was loyally waiting for me when I flew into Metro Airport. I do hope that I do not make enemies with the friends of public transportation, but I love that in this city we can still use cars efficiently. I think a city needs a good mix of public transportation to compliment its road traffic which consists of those who choose to be in a city and still want to drive, those who wish to be free of a vehicle, tourists, and those who must drive for work (postal service, deliveries, etc.). Either way, there is a certain serenity and thrill in being able to drive down 94 on a beautiful summer day – just you, the road, and your music.

I am so glad to be home here in Detroit. I just got back from my first visit to New York City and am pleased to finally know that I do not love this city blindly. I’ve had many people tell me that Detroit isn’t a real city, and that New York will make me green with envy. However, I found New York charming in that if one took downtown Detroit, multiplied it and put a lot of people and businesses into it, it would be a similar collection of beautiful architecture, spirit, arts, and culture speckled with modern touches. New York, it was a pleasure, but Detroit I love you so.

Next Thursday at 9:00am, Steven Levitt, author of Freakonomics will be speaking at Wayne State University. You can read the Wayne State announcement and RSVP.

I think this is pretty cool. One of the things I really miss about living in East Lansing is wide variety of speakers, authors, scholars, and musical acts that come to campus. I had the opportunity to see some really cool speakers when I was in East Lansing. My favorite were the speakers brought by the Quello Center in the School of Telecommunciations and the McPherson Fellowship.

I haven’t been able to find anything comparable here in Metro Detroit. Wayne State has speakers but the topics all seem pretty homogeneous, usually either African American issues or art. Not that I’m opposed to those topics but it’s nice to see some variety, like Professor Levitt. I hope Wayne can continue this trend and get more speakers on technology, economics, and science not just liberal arts.

In conjunction with Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit, Ben & Jerry’s in the Compuware Building on Woodward is giving away free ice cream today. The Goodwill Partnershop is used to teach at-risk youth job and entrepreneurial skills. You can pick up your free ice cream from noon to six today and choose from eight flavors. MMMMmmmm. I hope one of them is mint-chocolate! For more info, call 313-964-3900.

My 6-month-old puppy, Bagley

As Southeastern Michigan comes to grips with the Troy office shooting last week that left one dead and two people injured, we were stunned again late this morning as media outlets began disseminating information about the horrific shooting incident at Virginia Tech this morning. Both of these incidents are terrible tragedies. We at Metroblogging Detroit express our deepest condolences to everyone affected by these shootings.

What a beautiful Sunday this is turning out to be. My usual trip to Fish Bones for their fabulous and inexpensive, ($22), brunch while I scan the News. Nice article in the Travel section about the Megabus that travels to Chicago twice daily from GCP and Wayne State in case you’re interested. Now it’s on to the Joe’ for some classic Red Wings Playoff action! One down and fifteen to go for a Championship. After last year I swore I’d never get excited again about the Wings but I like to play the percentages. They have been defeated in the last three post season runs and, like Rodrequez when he’s 0 for 3, the Wings are due!! Center ice, row 6. Bring it on!

It would be nice if you could ride the city buses without worrying about being assaulted. Unfortunately for us, that is not the case. Since 2006, more than fify people has been attacked on DOT transportation. Five stabbings and eight bus drivers needed medical attention. What is the City Council doing about it? Nothing! Sitting on their hands and sitting on an $11.7 million federal grant for the Detroit Department of Transportation and the Wayne County Sheriff to use. The money will pay for the return of police officers, in this case Sheriffs Deputies, that will provide security for passengers. DPD was removed in 2005.

The Council, as usual, doesn’t want the money going to the Sheriffs Dept. Typically they want control and,, as usual, they only think in terms of what is in it for them, not the citizens of Detroit. Like the bus drivers union leader said, “maybe it should be mandatory for council members to ride the bus.”

The grape throwing video made it on to YouTube. I knew it was a matter of time.

Best quote from the video, “Hitchcock was quickly arrested and escorted from the meeting, apparently proud she was able to hit a board member.” That’s two points for accuracy.

There is a new magazine in town. Michigan In Play is the brain child of publisher Jack Rosenberg of Livonia. He is a contributor to BizX, the “Crains” of Windsor and, in itself, a great publication. Jack wanted to fill a niche by creating a magazine that reports exclusively on Michigan sports. The first issue, printed last week is an excellent example of what you can do if you take the time to do it right. As a prime example, go to their web site to get the answer to the question that everyone has been asking of late. Will Ilitch build a new stadium or remodel the Joe. It looks like my guess was wrong. “New Home for the Wings?” April 10th.

Koser and Probert loom large on the cover and Bob is writing a column for the mag, giving us some insite into the NHL rarely seen. Just about every sport, professional or leisure, is covered inside the pages of Michigan In Play. You can pick up the latest issue at any of 375 locations around SE Michigan, including Cobo Center, Ford Field, the Palace, Ren Cen, auto plants and all major area attractions. Look for it in your favorite Pub and check it out. It’s a great read filled with information, interviews and photographs of sports in Michigan.