Redeux News: Problem Fixed...I Hope

I think I've fixed the multiple blog-posting problem!

I had TWO Twitterfeed accounts; and I had other posting applications pulling and posting.

Hopefully, everything is back in order...

hopefully...

Thanks for your patience!

Thanksgiving: A Plateful of History

As an educator and writer, I continually strive to improve the clarity and accuracy of what is taught about the history of this country. Too often, we are presented with what is considered to be a traditional mono-cultural perspective of history.

Most Americans celebrate this day of feasting and family without acknowledging the entire historical context in which events took place between the Pilgrims and the North American Indians. Many are also insensitive to those Native (and other) Americans well versed in their history and culture who may be a little reluctant to romaniticise the holiday. The "First Thanksgiving" story generally taught in school is a mix of both history and myth.

Thanksgiving or Thanksgiving day, presently celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November, has been an annual tradition in the United states since 1863, although it wasn't until 1941 that it became a federal holiday due to the continuous efforts of Sarah Josepha Hale, a magazine editor who wrote a number of articles for the cause. Now identified as a secular holiday, Thanksgiving was historically a religious observation to give thanks to God for the harvests of the land.

The Pilgrims/ Puritans, a sub sect, or splinter group of the Puritan Movement taking place in England crossed the Atlantic Ocean in a revolutionary quest to build a new society. Their doctrine was in accord with Calvinsim, which they perceived as the "pure" form of the early Christian Church. Their aim was to "purify" first themselves and then everyone else of everything they did not accept in the own interpretation of scripture.

In 1621, the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag (pronounced Wam pa NO ag) Indians shared an autumn harvest feast which is acknowledged today as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies, although that is not accurate. Native Americans throughout the Americas, including the Pueblo, Cherokee, Creek and many others organized harvest festivals, ceremonial dances, and other celebration of thanks for centuries before the arrival of Europeans in North America. The Algonkian tribes held six Thanksgiving festivals during the year.

Although it is uncertain why the Wampanoag originally joined the gathering, for three days the they feasted with the Pilgrims. It was a special time of friendship between two very different groups of people. A peace and friendship agreement was made giving the Pilgrims the clearing in the forest where the old Patuxet village once stood to build their new town of Plymouth.

It would be very good to say that this friendship lasted a long time; but, unfortunately, that was not to be. More English people came to America, and they were not in need of help from the Indians as were the original Pilgrims. Many of the newcomers forgot the help the Indians had given them. Mistrust started to grow and the friendship weakened.

The Pilgrims started telling their Indian neighbors that their Indian religion and Indian customs were wrong. The Pilgrims displayed an intolerance toward the Indian religion similar to the intolerance displayed toward the original Pilgrims who used means such as deception, treachery, torture, war and genocide (sound familiar African Americans?) as methods of persuasion. The relationship deteriorated and within a few years the children of the people who ate together were killing one another in what came to be called King Phillip's War.

* * *

My intention for this year's Thanksgiving blog is to inform as well as make a plea to public school institutions to make a stronger commitment to multi-cultural education that is both historically accurate and unbias. The "D" spot would like to take this time to give a special thanks to our readers, followers and contributors.

Sources:

They Came Before Columbus by Ivan Van Sertima

http://www.ewebtribe.com/NACulture/articles/thanksgiving.html

http://www.plimoth.org/kids/homeworkHelp/thanksgiving.php

Shameless plug: Please read The "D" Spot

Patterson Dog and Cat Hospital

3800 Grand River
Detroit, MI 48208
(313) 832-7282

Patterson Dog & Cat Hospital was founded in 1844, Patterson Dog & Cat Hospital is the oldest, privately operated veterinary hospital in Michigan.

Dr. James W. Patterson, was the only practicing veterinarian in Detroit at that time. In 1901, his son, Elijah E. Patterson, graduated from the Grand Rapids Veterinary Medical College and moved the practice to 591 Grand River Avenue. He purchased property in 1909 at our current location, and built a house and a two-story brick hospital. The downstairs had room for 25 horses; the upstairs could house 50 dogs. Dr. Elijah’s son, James E. Patterson, joined the practice in 1926, and remodeled the building – the basic layout of the hospital remains unchanged. In 1966 the hospital was purchased by Dr. Eugene G. Miller, who practiced there until retiring in 1985. Continuing its history, Dr. Glynes Graham has nurtured the practice ever since.

Wordless Wednesday: When a Bow is a sign of Respect...

...and when some former American Presidents just don't "have a clue..."

There is a difference between elected officials of countries and royalty. Cultures which have real lines of royalty generations- and centuries-long see their kings, queens, and emperors through a different lens than we here in America do.

There are three kinds of bows: the first is just about five degrees and is a greeting for friends; the second is about 10 degrees and is for a boss or senior in business; but the third one is at a full 15 degrees and is reserved for heads of state or The Emperor.  
Obama's 15 degree bow to The Emperor of Japan was correct.

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/abraham/detail??blogid=95&entry_id=51697#ixzz0XAa4eJQ8

This took place in America, not Japan. Nixon didn't bow low enough!

 

DeGaulle? He wasn't even royalty!

Bush isn't a Catholic; and America is not a Catholic country!

This is better than bowing in respect?

A bow or a scrape?

What is THIS?

Is THIS how American Presidents are suppposed to show respect to foreign leaders?

Maybe a President who actually understands and respects other cultures knows more

than one who thinks he is a comedian...

Your comments are welcome!

Let's start a civilized dialogue...

Eat/Shop: Rachel's Place

Rachel Leggs, 33, offers designer duds: Ferragamo shoes, Gucci purses, vintage jewelry and other treasures at the new resale shop Rachel's Place inCorktown. (Brandy Baker / The Detroit News)

Rachel Leggs, known for having a sense of style, decided to make her own dream come true when she opened her resale shop in a 100-year old Corktown brownstone in Detroit. Take a walk through Rachel's Place and unearth some of Detroit's fashion treasures.

2124 Pine St
Detroit, MI 48216-1153
(313) 964-9008
Get directions

Eat/Shop Detroit: 736 Java

What is warm, cozy and nestled in the heart of the Detroit's New Center area?

Give up? It's 736 Java, the neighborhood coffee shop located near the Fisher Building at 736 Lothrop Road Detroit, MI 48202. Click here for directions or call (313) 875-5282 for more information.

Enjoy breakfast or lunches, or plan on a special event with a special menu. Free parking for one hour in the Fisher Parking lot adjacent to coffee house. Open Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm, and from noon to 6 pm on Saturday.

Redeux News: Authentic Journalism Honors its Best!

Thanks Al Giordano, President, School of Authentic Journalism and friend!

The Class of 2010 of the Narco News School of Authentic Journalism, which encompasses students from 24 countries across the five major continents, will convene next February on the Yucatán Peninsula of México to be recognized and honored.

Along with the Narco News team these students strive to counter the negative effects that the mass media can have through skilled and authentic journalism and social justice. They investigate and write news reports, create documentary films and viral videos, and among them are up-and-coming pioneers of Internet journalism, all reporting on the drug war and democracy of America.

If you would like to meet and/or support the 31 scholarship recipients click here or visit http://narconews.com/Issue62/article3938.html


Shameless Plug: Please read and subscribe to The "D" Spot...

Redeux News: There's a new Tim Horton's Downtown!

Starbucks recently closed all of its stores in Detroit except the one near the Detroit Medical Center on Mack and Woodward.

However, Tim Horton's has opened a store in one of the closed Starbucks locations on East Jefferson across from the Belle Isle MacArthur Bridge!

I love Starbucks, but I think I'm going to start loving Tim Horton's too!

While you're in the "D", please support those businesses which have chosen to invest here!

Redeux News: Campus Martius Detroit Ice Rink Opens

Did you know:

The Campus Martius Detroit Ice Rink is

LARGER than the rink at 30Rock in NYC?

Ice Skating Rink & Holiday Tree

Ice skating occurs on a seasonal rink at the north lawn throughout the winter months. Special exhibitions are also possible on the rink with temporary seating that can accomodate up to 1,000 spectators. During the holiday season, a 60 foot Holiday Tree tops the Woodward Fountain.

The Rink at Campus Martius Park

Pre-season Rink opening:

November 13: 5pm - midnight

November 14: 10am - midnight

November 15: 12pm - 8pm

(313) 963-9393

RINK HOURS (November 2009 thru Jan 3):

Monday - Thursday 11am - 10pm

Friday 11am - Midnight

Saturday 10am - Midnight

Sunday 12pm - 8pm

RINK HOURS (Jan 4 thru March 14, 2010):

Monday - Thursday 11am - 9pm

Friday 11am - midnight

Saturday 10am -11pm

Sunday 12pm - 8pm

ADMISSION PRICES (2009-2010 winter season):

Adults 13 Years to 49 Years $7

Children 12 Years and younger $6

Seniors 50 Years and Older $6

Skate Rental $3

Shoe Check available for people with their own skates $2

Skate Sharpening $10

GROUP RATES - Must have reservations at least one week in advance in order to qualify for the rate discount. A non-refundable deposit of $50.00 is necessary one week prior to group date. Deposit may be applied toward costs upon arrival. Please call 313-963-9393:

Groups of 15-49 Skaters receive $.50 off admission price, skate rental $3

Groups of 50-99 Skaters receive $1 off addmission price, skate rental $3

Wordless Wednesday: Elmwood Cemetery Veteran's Day in Detroit

Image via Wikipedia

Please be sure to honor all American Veterans today...

Many veterans from the City of Detroit and the State of Michigan,

including the Buffalo Soldiers from the Civil War, and Detroit Mayor Coleman A. Young, are buried at Elmwood Cemetery

 

 

Redeux News: Kresge Artist Fellowships

The Kresge Foundation, College and Creative Studies and Artserve Michigan are teaming up to provide 18 fellowships of $25,000 and professional development opportunities annually for emerging and established Metropolitan Detroit Artists in the Literary, Preforming and Visual Arts.

More information and applications are available online. Information Sessions are scheduled for December 7, 2009 and January 13, 2010 @ 7 pm and will be held at the College for Creative Studies, 201 E Kirby St, Detroit, MI 48202-4048 or call (800) 952-2787. RSVP online to reserve your space.
Please note: Application deadline is February 26, 2010 and Visual Arts Fellowship applications will not be available until November 1, 2010.

Do it in Detroit: Detroit Welcomes Sobonfu Some'

Sobonfu Some'

When: Saturday, November 7, 2009, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Location: Shrine of the Black Madonna™ Cultural Center

Address: 13535 Livernois Avenue, Detroit, MI 48238 [map/directions]

Tickets: $15.00 in advance, $20.00 at the door

"Change Your Story,
Change Your Life"
A Lecture by Sobonfu Some'

Sobonfu Some' travels the world on a healing mission, sharing the rich spiritual and cultural life of her native land Burkina Faso, West Africa. Sobonfu Some' is the author of three books, The Spirit of Intimacy, Welcoming Spirit Home, and Falling Out of Grace: Meditations on Loss, Healing, and Wisdom and the CD collection Women's Wisdom From the Heart of Africa.

Sobonfu will be available for private divinations (readings) by appointment only. To schedule an appointment contact Linda (Amina) James at (313) 931-2539 or at lindajames711@sbcglobal.net.

Thanks Evan Chaney for the heads up!

Redeux News: Homebuyer and Jobless Aid Extended

The bill H.R. 3548 brought before the House was approved today on a 403-12 vote. The Senate passed the bill 98-0 yesterday after weeks of delays.

The legislation would provide 14 additional weeks of unemployment benefits in all states, plus another six weeks in those with jobless rates topping 8.5 percent, according to the Department of Labor. It would also allow the home buyers credit for couples earning up to $225,000 a year and individuals earning up to $125,000. That’s up from the current $75,000 limit for individuals and $150,000 for couples. Under the expanded program, the credit would apply to home purchases under contract by April 30, 2010, as long as they close by June 30.

The extension would allow home buyers who have owned their residence for at least five years to receive a $6,500 credit. Those who sell their new home or no longer use it as their main residence within three years would have to repay the credit. Homes worth more than $800,000 wouldn’t be eligible.

According to Smari Money'sLisa Scherze, the new tax credit - coupled with low mortgage rates and the supply of affordably priced homes on the market - may give many people who had been ambivalent of buying that extra nudge to step into the market.

Congress estimates that the bill would not add to the federal budget deficit, in part because it would be financed by delaying until 2018 a tax break for multinational corporations related to taxes they pay abroad. The legislation would also extend a 0.2 percent employer payroll surtax that otherwise would have expired at the end of the year. However, the provision has received complaints from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Federation of Independent Business and other business groups.

Do it in Detroit: Good Girls Go To Paris Crepes

Credit:Lindsey Muliolos/Special to Metromix

Good Girls Go To Paris Crêpes a small carryout-only crêperie is the brain-child of Torya Blanchard, a French teacher turned crêperie owner, who was inspired to stop teaching French and start making crêpes in Detroit.

With an additional location at 15 E. Kirby Detroit 48202, the Good Girl restaurant features over 20 varieties of crêpes and a plethora of ingredients. You can also find the the Good Girls restaurant at Shed 2 at the Eastern Market on Saturdays from 8:30 am-3:00pm.

Good Girls Go To Paris Crêpes is always looking for new ideas. You can submit crêpes concepts by phone 1-877-PARIS CREPES or email (goodgirlsgotopariscrepes@gmail.com).

Address: 2 John R., Detroit, MI, 48226 get directions

NEW LOCATION:15 Kirby, Detroit, MI, 48202 get directions

Hours:

9 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Thu.

9 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri.

10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sat.

9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sun.

Wordless Wednesday: Election Day in Detroit 2009

2009 Election results: David Bing, Detroit Mayor and Charles Pugh, Detroit City Council President (Gary Brown will serve as the council's president pro tem for his second-place finish). Detroit City Council Members elected also include: Shaunteel Jenkins, Ken Cockrel, Brenda Jones, Andre, Spive, James Tate, Kwame Kenyatta, and Jo Ann Watson.

Detroit Public School Board results: Lemar Lemmons, Ida Short, David Murray, CArol Banks, Margaret Betts, Deborah Davis, Willi Burton, and Marie Thornton.

Source: Channel 7, WXYZ Action News Detroit

Burton Theatre

Thanks Yelp.com and Model D for the picture.

3420 Cass Avenue
Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 473-9238

Get Directions
Admission: $7 · Wednesday Special: $5

Burton Theater which opened this month, is one of the few theaters located within the city's limits. Responding to the shortage of art house venues in the city, the Burton Theatre aims to help Detroit rival Chicago and New York as a center for independent film. Housed in the restored auditorium of the former Burton Elementary School at Cass and Peterboro the movie house will screen new, independent films, LBGT, foreign, and cult.

According to Cinema Treasures, the four partners behind the project — David Allen, Jeff Else, Nate Faustyn and Matt Kelson — saw the scarcity of movie theaters in Detroit, plus they had a 35mm projector. When developer Joel Landy purchased Burton Elementary, they discovered that he wanted a movie theater in the building.

Monday Milestone: Cobo Hall named after Detroit Mayor

Birth: Oct. 2, 1893 Death: Sep. 12, 1957 Legacy: Cobo Hall, located at 1 Washington Blvd. Detroit, Michigan Affiliation: Republican Albert E. Cobo was born in Detroit in 1893. He worked in public utilities for some years and then took a job in the city treasurers’ office in 1933. Twelve years later he ran as the Republican candidate for City Treasurer and was elected. He served in that position for five years. The previous year Michigan Republican leaders asked Cobo to run against Gov. G. Mennen Williams. Although Cobo had not participated in partisan campaigning prior to this time, he agreed to run. In his campaign, Cobo emphasized his philosophy of government: "lay out an orderly, specific program and then proceed to carry it out." By the time he took office in 1950, Mayor Cobo, his advisers and city planners; knew that Detroit was an older industrial town with a rather unattractive downtown. No new office buildings or hotels had been constructed in the central business district since 1929. Mayor Cobo was a strong advocate for using the city’s financial resources to rebuild and change the old city. He strongly supported constructing the expressways that now cross the city and allow suburban residents to easily access the city’s downtown jobs and entertainment venues. But these large roads took out numerous homes in many neighborhoods. Although it is may be difficult to appreciate the architectural appeal of Cobo Hall, here is a large rectangular convention hall fronting on Washington Boulevard with upwards of 300,000 square feet of exhibition space. It was erected in an era of massive road building with only a little thought given to public transit. Thus, the Lodge Freeway enters downtown just after passing beneath the Cobo exhibition hall. And the roof of Cobo Hall is a huge open-air parking lot. At least some thought was given to public transit since a space was designed in the bottom of the building that could someday be used as a commuter rail station for lines running toward Toledo and Ann Arbor. That space has never been used as a rail station. Mayor Cobo was elected with very little support from the city’s increasingly large black population, and then earned their animosity by strongly promoting the razing of the key black business area so that the Chrysler Expressway could be built to facilitate transportation downtown. Some say his housing policies had a negative effect on African American housing opportunities, including the razing of the African-American community known as Paradise Valley. Cobo served until he died of a heart attack in 1957 (before his term ended). He is interred at Woodlawn Cemetery.

Source: Detroit 1701 Org. (http://detroit1701.org/Cobo%20Hall.html), Feb., 2008