Happy Canada Day.
I look forward to crossing the Ambassador Bridge to go celebrate on Canadian soil. The waterfront fair has been calling my name for the past couple of weeks. I want to get on the Ferris wheel in Windsor and see Detroit sparkle across the river.
I just received my economic stimulus cheque in the mail. I felt a little guilty as this money could have been put to good use in social programs in city. I feel even worse about the money spent on two mailings to let us know that the cheque was on the way. However, we do not always get to decide exactly where we want our money to go, so I suppose if I could always give to the social program of my choice. However, I decided on actually using this money for what it was intended to do: stimulate the economy. I will use this money to help open my own business. This will hopefully have a lasting positive effect on the local economy versus a one time purchase.
The highways leading into Detroit city are now peppered with distinctive burgundy, black, and gold billboards advertising big name acts to be appearing at “Caesars” Casino. I was horrified and excited all at the same time that the Detroit-Windsor area was getting another casino to add to its collection of four. Across the river one can see the Caesars name across two of the tallest buildings in Windsor – one being formerly labeled Casino Windsor. Casino Windsor is being re-branded and expanded as Caesars Windsor. Our collection remains stagnant at four. I am pleased that this new venue will host shows to draw a crowd more diverse to the area. I hope Cirque du Soleil makes a stop at some point.
After being a volunteer author on Detroit Metblogs for over two and a half years, I have decided it is time for me to move on to something new. As such, this will be my last post on the site. Before I go, I want to say thank you to the readers of the site, and to the crew at Metroblogging HQ for sharing their wisdom relating to blogging and life in general. A very special thanks goes out to the volunteer authors and captains that have come and gone since the site first launched; I enjoyed working with all of you and wish you nothing but success and happiness in the future!
It has been a fun and illuminating experience, metro Detroit. In the words of Fall Out Boy (or Bob Hope, if you’re Old School): Thanks for the memories.
Griswold and Grand River has been adorned with orange, coffee, and techno courtesy of the Urban Bean Company (UBC). The two story space is retro comforting with its brown on brown carpet and stylish with its loft set up, copper bar, and orange and glass exterior framing and showcasing its offerings. Last night a techno DJ was spinning, which was perfect as I had walked into purchase Movement (Detroit’s Electronic Music Festival) tickets. The Urban Bean Company is the only outlet in the city selling tickets; weekend passes are for sale: $40, cash only. Advanced tickets online are $45.20 once you pay out the mandatory processing fee. I would suggest supporting Detroit Techno and Detroit Coffee by heading to the Urban Bean Company dropping $40 on the ticket and $5.20 saved on coffee.
I have been sharing my pleasure with the Weight Watchers program on this blog from time to time, especially since HAP covers this program as part of its heath insurance package. I am happy to report that there is now a branch at the Harbortown plaza. I have now reached my weight goal and am very scared I am going to put all the weight back on. So, I decided to do something good for my mental and philanthropic state. I got rid of all my big clothes as well as all the ridiculously small ones that I thought I would “fit into one day”. The Salvation Army Store at Fort Street and 6th Street is a favourite haunt of mine. I love VHS, buying old CDs I couldn’t afford in my youth, and finding tattered old books. Sunday the store is closed, but it accepts donations. Just pull up to the loading dock off Fort Street, ring the bell, and hand your stuff up to the attendant. I was so excited to make some space in my closet that I didn’t ask about getting a receipt. The website has all the tax deduction info.
I wonder why Bravo! Bravo! chose the French route instead of the Italian: Brava! Brava! Either way, Bravo! Bravo! is certainly worthy of its congratulatory title. The fundraiser for the Michigan Opera Theatre is being held this Friday at the Detroit Opera House. Tickets are $65 in advance and $85 at the door. High priced VIP tables may also be reserved. I went with the $65 ticket. The price is well worth its weight even if philanthropy is at the bottom of your list. Last year the opulence of the Opera House surrounded a couple thousand guests dining on the most delicious strolling supper catered by the finest restaurants in the city. The DJs were skilled and scattered throughout the venue. The people-watching alone is well worth the money. I would suggest buying a ticket ahead of time because you don’t want to miss out on a minute of this evening.
Last week I attended the third annual Made In Michigan Writers Series party at the Magic Stick bar/concert venue. In years past the event has been held in more literary environs: the Scarab Club, the Detroit Historical Museum. The Magic Stick was an interesting experiment. This year three new books of creative non-fiction were recognized along with gems from years past. The author event, held earlier in the evening of April, 22nd was literary in nature, while the real treat followed when poetry and guitars got together to sparkle. Readings from Conrad Hilberry were charming, romantic, biting, and endearingly naughty. Janet Kaufman’s readings were appropriate on Earth Day with her eco-feminist style. M.L. Liebler was lead singer for the opening band, read his own poetry, then recited to the musical accompaniment of the band High Strung. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for next year.
I have not been blogging for some time as I had lost all inspiration. What I had forgotten was that my city is my loyal muse that shelters and provides for me even though I lose sight of her power at times. It took a bewitching walk down her haunted streets, in the wee hours of the morn, for me to find her magic again. Walking in a city is allowed me to discover hidden architectural treasures I miss when I am encased in my car. Appreciating nature amidst city structures is difficult to do without being physically connected to the pavement, brick, and grass, by something other than tires. The wind blows differently around each building and in Detroit, it blows eerily through many of our buildings. The Fort-Shelby hotel – which is being renovated to become a Doubletree Hotel – is frightfully delightful with backlit plastic floating in its naked windows. Moral of the story: take full advantage of the city and walk.
This weekend? Next?
Well, go find it yourself.
I peeked around a bit on Detroit’s new Metromix site today, and while the layout isn’t my absolute favorite kind of user friendly, it is packed with some good places to check out, and events that are happening in the area. As with most Detroit-happenings sites, the focus is pretty heavy on Downtown (if you’re like me and can’t help but cry “There’s a whole city here!” hit up the Contact button and submit other sites and events for coverage), but there’s enough to keep you busy for quite awhile. These Metromix sites are already running for cities like Chicago and New York, so Detroit’s addition is another baby step toward glamour city status.
It’s no Metroblogging (!), but it is a pretty neat site.
