(Photo Courtesy: Detroit Zoo)
#Detroit #Tigers
2012 American League Champs!
Bless You, Boys!
Friday, October 19, 2012
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
September 11th: Our 14th Wedding Anniversary
I publish this post every year on September 11, to remind me to keep perspective and to celebrate the day with a love story. This year, in honor of Nick Ashford, I am adding the video of "Solid as a Rock", because that describes the relationship between my husband and me, even after after 26 years of love and friendship.
Our September 11th
September 11, 1998.That is our wedding anniversary. It was chosen totally by accident: after "being friends" for over ten years, we decided in August 1997, to "take our relationship to the next level". After several rounds of "telephone tag", we made a date on Thursday, September 11, 1997 to take "the big step"...Everything went well and in February 1998, we became engaged. We chose as our wedding date, Friday, September 11, 1998--only because that date was exactly one year from the day we decided to make our relationship permanent. Besides, our wedding was very small: 10 guests, the minister, and our favorite Patti LaBelle song on CD. Then came 2001--after experiencing the shock along with the rest of America, I was kinda "bummed" that the Attacks happened on our third wedding anniversary, until…on Thursday, September 13, 2001, I saw a gentleman on TV walking around and around the Pentagon looking totally despondent and lost. I found out from the TV commentary that September 11 2001 was his TWENTY-FIFTH wedding anniversary, and he had lost his wife in the Pentagon. They were going to have a celebration dinner that night after she came home from work...of course, she never did come home. I was never "bummed" again; and the picture of that lost and broken man will never leave me.
Ashford and Simpson: "Solid as a Rock"
Monday, September 3, 2012
A Look at Labor Day
This is a 2012 update from a previous post...
September, the month we acknowledge a National Labor Day Holiday. The holiday has historically been celebrated with parades followed by picnics. Labor Day Weekend is also celebrated as the "last weekend of summer" and while many Americans continue to celebrate in the traditional ways, too few people remember or recognize the historical importance Labor Day movements for all Americans employed or unemployed nor the relevancy to our economy and workforce today.According to R. Thomas Buffenbarger of the Detroit News, more than 9.1 million Americans today -- union and non-union alike -- are categorized by the Department of Labor as involuntary part-time workers. For more than 1 million union members and more than 13 million non-union Americans, cutting back on spending is no longer an option. It is an imperative. They lost their paycheck. In far too few instances, it was replaced by unemployment insurance checks. Another 5.7 million Americans are only marginally attached to the work force, according the Department of Labor. If you add the 9.1 million involuntary part-time workers and the 14.9 million unemployed to the 5.7 million workers marginally attached to the work force, the total number of Americans idled in this recession exceeds 29.7 million. That's 19.2 percent of the work force -- or one out of five workers.
Years ago, Detroit (Motor City) was at the heart of the labor movement. Thousands of men and women struck the plants and shops and marched the streets demanding a fair shake.Upon the completion of the Erie Canal in 1837, Detroit’s population had grown to 10,000. Housing boomed and overworked carpenters became some of the first Detroiters to organize into unions. On April 3, 1837, the city’s first strike broke out among the carpenters and journeymen seeking 10-hour work days and $2 pay.
On June 28, 1894, President Grover Cleveland, not in favor of organized labor, but under political pressure, signed a Labor Day holiday bill designating the first Monday in September for the holiday.
Organizing unions focused on skilled-trades workers of Detroit. Early organizing efforts drew sharp reactions from the employers, who formed counter organizations such as the Detroit Employers Association which identified, discriminated against, fired and blacklisted unionized workers. unionizing activity, calling them "unwanted undesirables."
The slogan of the Employers Association, "Prevention Is Better Than the Cure," struck fear in the heart of immigrant laborers seeking a better life in Detroit and helped make Detroit famous as an anti-union town.
Over the years, labor and political leaders have been the featured speakers of labor day parades. In the 1930s and through World War II, the labor movement strengthened, especially in Detroit Michigan, where Walter Reuther helped negotiate benefits such as paid vacation time and sick leave.
Meanwhile, the Labor Day march across the Mackinac Bridge, led by the governor of Michigan, became the new tradition. Today, both parades/marches are simultaneously held, and the Democratic candidates participate.
Last year, thousands of Obama's supporters, many from organized labor, jammed into Hart Plaza along the downtown Detroit riverfront to warmly welcome the Democratic presidential candidate who spoke about a different type of solidarity. He focused his speech on change and jobs as well as connected his ideas on health care reform as a tool to improve labor conditions.
Until recently, most Detroiters thought of this holiday as a last summer fling. Many Americans have forgotten the holiday's roots in unionism and equality. Relaxing at the beach or barbeque, it's easy to forget our grandparents who marched in the streets in huge parades celebrating the working man's efforts with a show of solidarity. Without union intervention, overtime pay, vacations and sick leave policies might not exist, nor workplace safety rules protect us.
Happy to Labor Day to all Americans, employed or not and be united for divided we fall!
Monday, April 9, 2012
Metro Foodland--Last African-American Owned Full-Service Grocery Store in Detroit
James Hooks has owned and operated Metro Foodland in northwest Detroit in the Grandland Shopping Center for over 27 years. Metro Foodland is the only Black-owned full-service grocery store in Detroit and one of the last in the entire United States.
A proposed Meijer superstore in the location of the now-closed Redford High School less than a mile from Metro Foodland threatens the viability of the independent grocery store.
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120409/BIZ/204090326
YOU can support Metro Foodland by committing to shop there 27 times this year and purchasing at least $27.00 with each visit. 27 visits and $27 in separate purchases to celebrate 27 years of success.
Metro Foodland
18551 Grand River Avenue
Detroit MI 48223
313.838.2754
Today in Black History
Paul Robeson was born on April 9, 1898 in Princeton, NJ. He attended Rutgers University, exceled and lettered in four sports, was on the debate team, and earned a Phi Beta Kappa key for scholarship. Trained as an attorney, Paul Robeson became a world-acclaimed actor and singer. He worked tirelessly for African-American civil rights, but as an avowed Communist later in his life, his tours and passport were cancelled by the U.S. government. Mr. Robeson died on January 23, 1976.
In 1939, renowned opera singer Marian Anderson performed on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial after being denied admission to Constitutional Hall by the Daughters of the American Revolution. Over 75,000 people attended the concert; Ms. Anderson (February 27, 1897 - April 8, 1993) has been declared as having one of the most voices of all time.
Monday, March 26, 2012
How the IRS Is Easing Up on Tax Liens
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="US Internal Revenue Service Image via Wikipedia"][/caption] The U.S. Internal Revenue Service has added a new strategy to its collection efforts that incorporates filing tax liens against foreclosed properties. Instead of the usual phone calls or demand letters, they send notifications that the United States government is a priority creditor over all other creditors. This simply means that as the property against which is lien is
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Tax Lien or Tax Deed?
How does the Tax Lien Sale Process Work? Many real investors who are looking for a high rate of return consider purchasing tax lien certificates at auction. The purchase of a tax lien certificate differs from the outright purchase of an actual piece of property: a tax lien certificate represents the total debt—including penalties and interest—that is owed to the County Tax Collector on a tax-delinquent property. The county taxing authority in which the property is located sells tax lien
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Why now is a good time to invest in tax liens
This may be one of the best environments for overseas investors to invest in tax liens that has come along in quite some time. In states such as Michigan – Wayne County in particular – the availability of decent properties for rock-bottom prices is quite encouraging. Unfortunately the reason for this is that the United States remains mired in one of the worst economic downturns since the Great Depression. States such as Michigan have suffered worse than most with one of the highest
Monday, March 19, 2012
Business Tax Structures – Tax Lien Investing
What Every Foreign Investor should know about US Tax Lien Investing A foreign national doing business in the United States is subject to several federal and state laws-- mostly pertaining to their legal business status for tax liabilities. It will be very helpful to set up your status at the beginning of your investment strategy to ensure that you are in compliance with the law, and you pay only the proper amount of taxes on your investments. What are the Different Types of Taxpayer Status
Friday, March 16, 2012
Five Things to Consider When Purchasing Foreclosed Properties in a Tax Sale
Factors to Consider when Buying Foreclosed Properties Since the recent collapse of the housing bubble in the United States, the number of foreclosed homes has grown exponentially. The ownership of foreclosed property has reverted back to the bank or lending institution if the owner defaulted on the mortgage; or the ownership has been transferred to the local tax jurisdiction if the owner did not or could pay the delinquent property taxes. Under either condition, the advantages of purchasing
Are Tax Lien Certificates Right For Me?
Investing in Tax Lien Certificates Perhaps you have read an article in a business publication about tax lien certificates, or someone you know has mentioned them as an investment strategy. You may have shared a plane ride with a successful seatmate who leaned over as if to share a secret, and whispered the words “tax liens” to you. So now you have questions about these instruments known as tax lien certificates, and you want to make sure that you understand how they work and how they pay
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Tax Lien or Tax Deed?
How does the Tax Lien Sale Process Work? Many real investors who are looking for a high rate of return consider purchasing tax lien certificates at auction. The purchase of a tax lien certificate differs from the outright purchase of an actual piece of property: a tax lien certificate represents the total debt—including penalties and interest—that is owed to the County Tax Collector on a tax-delinquent property. The county taxing authority in which the property is located sells tax lien
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
The 1-minute Trailer for the 17-minute POTUS Ad
It's coming out next week! Make sure to go to http://barackobama.com to sign up to receive the full video!
Related articles
- The POTUS Cannot Control US Gas Prices! (thedspotredeux.blogspot.com)
- Obama Campaign Releases New Footage From The Road We've Traveled Campaign Documentary (mediaite.com)
Upcoming FOCUS: Hope Career Training Fair
In honor of Focus: Hope Founders Father William Cunningham and Mrs. Eleanor Josaitis--I am excited to pass along this notice from Facebook. Things are looking up in Detroit and Michigan on the employment front and YOU want to be a part of the recovery (thanks to President Obama and the Democrats...)!
2012 Focus: HOPE Open House & Career Fair
Public Event · By Les Lance and Linda Tinsley
- Wednesday, March 21, 2012
- 10:00am until 4:00pm
- Focus: HOPE, 1400 Oakman Blvd., Detroit, MI 48238
- FREE FOR ALL TO ATTEND
WORK READINESS PROGRAMS
For more info call 313-494-4300
Explore Education Opportunities With Institutions & Programs Such As
Earn And Learn, Career Express,
Focus: HOPE - ITC, Focus: HOPE - MTI, Focus: HOPE - Fast Track,
Marygrove College, SW Designs, Banel Learning Center,
Dearborn Career Academy, Construction Education Trust,
Greater Horizon Training Institute, Kaplan Career Institute,
Detroit Training Institute of Technology, Sensible Business Solutions,
US Truck, MIAT, A Change for Life, Restaurant Opportunity Center
and many more.....
Job training options include:
Earn and Learn:
4 weeks of FREE job readiness training to become eligible for a part-time job and additional job training. You do not need a high school diploma or GED to get started.
Focus: HOPE Career Express Job Training options include:
12-week machinist training to become a machine operator
15-week training for jobs in information technology. Earn 2 certifications!
Career Fair features:
Providers of other job training opportunities, from colleges to restaurant training to truck driving schools.
GIFT CARDS, PRIZES, DRAWINGS AND
GIVEAWAYS THROUGHOUT THE DAY
Sponsored by: Focus: HOPE
www.focushope.edu
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
The POTUS Cannot Control US Gas Prices!
Yeah, Fox News admitted as much in 2008, and even urged the US to do more to promote mass transit options! Of course, that was when the President was a Republican while gas prices approached $4/gallon in the spring of 2008.
Now that Barack Obama is president as gas prices approach $4/gallon in 2012--it's ALL HIS FAULT!
Related articles
- Fox News in 2008 - "No President can Control Oil Prices" (climatecrocks.com)
- Obama Mocks Fox Correspondent Who Asks Why He Wants Higher Gas Prices (thinkprogress.org)
- Fox News On Gas Prices In 2008 vs Fox News blaming President Obama in 2012 (tribuneofthepeople.com)
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Mitt: You're STILL Going Bankrupt in Nov! Signed: Barack
Mitt may have squeaked out a win in Michigan (mostly due to stupid statements by Santorum), but as the POTUS reminded U.S. autoworkers on Tuesday, Feb 28:
Related articles
- Mitt's Detroit Appearance at Ford Field Goes Bankrupt (thedspotredeux.blogspot.com)
- The 5 Biggest Lies About Obama in Mitt Romney's Michigan Victory Speech (politicususa.com)
- Barack Obama vs. 'Folks' (a.k.a. Mitt Romney) (swampland.time.com)
- Romney Wins The Battle, But May Lose The War (usnews.com)
- Mitt Romney's decisive Michigan win won't be enough to oust Obama - The Guardian (guardian.co.uk)
Friday, February 24, 2012
Mitt's Detroit Appearance at Ford Field Goes Bankrupt
 |
| Image via Wikipedia |
NOT! There were MORE protesters than attendees at the event. Members of the UAW used American-made cars to spell out Mitt's "Let Detroit Go Bankrupt" headlining 2008 New York Times editorial. Mitt thinks we here in Michigan will forget. We haven't forgotten.
For some context, here is Barack Obama in Denver in August 2008 at the Denver Stadium:
Maybe Mitt should have included some of Michigan's trees in the audience--after all, our trees ARE the "right height"! Yes, he said it again!
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Record PROFIT for GM in 2011
Detroit Headquarters of #1 General Motors Corporation
Thank you President Barack Obama and the Michigan Democratic Congressional Leaders!
This story is courtesy of the Detroit Free Press Feb 16 2012
General Motors made a record $7.6 billion in 2011, driven by a $7.2 billion profit in North America that ensures its highest profit sharing payments of $7,000 each to its UAW workers.
Overall, GM’s 2011 profit rose from last year’s $4.7 billion and broke the previous record annual profit of $6.7 billion in 1997.
Revenue for the year increased 11% to $150.3 billion and earnings before interest and tax was $8.3 billion compared with $7 billion in 2010
The full-year results were hampered by Opel, its European unit, which lost $700 million – a $1.3 billion improvement, but Opel's 12th straight annual loss in a market struggling with overcapacity. The loss raises more questions about the wisdom of reversing the decision to sell Opel in 2009.
“We grew share around the world,” Dan Ammann, GM’s chief financial officer, told reporters this morning.
“Clearly we have work to do in Europe and South America,” he said.
Fourth-quarter net income of $500 million was flat from a year ago, but the profit of 39 cents per share was below the 41-43-cent range analysts expected.
The strength of North American operations means GM’s profit sharing payment is the largest since 1983 when payments began.
The payout formula was changed to become simpler and more transparent as part of last fall’s contract negotiations with the UnitedAuto Workers union.
The typical Ford employee is eligible for $6,200 based on the $6.2 billion in operating profit in North America in 2011.
Chrysler workers are eligible for $1,500. The Auburn Hills automaker had an operating profit of $1.97 billion and about 85% was derived from North America.
GM’s payment has only exceeded the amounts at both Ford and Chrysler twice since 1983. The previous record GM payout was last year’s average of more than $4,000 each but most years the amount was less than $1,000 and substantially below the other Detroit automakers.
Let Mitt Go Bankrupt!
So, 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate and former Massachusetts Governor Willard Mitt Romney DARES to show his face in Michigan again? Just a quick reminder about how Mittens and his Republican buddies REALLY feel about Detroit, about Michigan, and about the U.S. auto industry.
Another quick reminder that it was the Democratic President of the United States, Barack Obama, and the Democratic Congressional leaders from Michigan that LOANED GM and Chrysler the funds they needed to re-group. Ford, although it did not take any government loan, also benefitted, as did all of the ancillary auto-related businesses, because if GM and Chrysler had gone down, all of the interrelated suppliers and OEMs would have irreparably suffered also.
Go away, Mitt. We don't want you in Michigan.
WE WILL NOT FORGET, no matter how many glasses of Vernor's you drink.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Fun Friday: Motor City Winter Blast!
Winter weather's coming back...just in time for the Annual Motor City Winter Blast in Downtown Detroit! THIS WEEKEND! February 10 - 12, 2012! See you there!
WELCOME TO WINTER BLAST
presented by
Motown Winter Blast is a unique combination of hip and fun
winter events that are centered on Campus Martius Park.
FEBRUARY 10-12, 2012
Friday February 10th, 11am-11pm
Saturday February 11th, 11am-11pm
Sunday February 12th, 11am-9pm
Monday, January 30, 2012
Detroit City Football Club | Detroit's Minor League Soccer Team
Do you or someone you know play *real football*? Tryouts coming up for the Detroit City Football Club!
'via Blog this'
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Tuskegee Airman: Former Detroit Mayor Coleman A. Young
Coleman Alexander Young (1918-1997), was the longest-serving mayor of Detroit, Michigan. After ten years as a Michigan state senator, Mr. Young was elected to the mayorship in 1973 and served until 1993.
* Born in Tuscaloosa Alabama and raised in Detroit since the age of 5, Mr. Young always achieved academically. He was offered a scholarship to a local Catholic high school, but the offer was rescinded when a priest realized that young Coleman was Black. He attended Eastern High School instead and graduated second in his class.
* Young Coleman excelled in the Boy Scouts, achieving the level of Eagle Scout. However, when his troop won a trip to Bob-lo Island Amusement Park, young Coleman was turned away at the ferry boat to the island because he was Black and the day of the trip was not "Colored Day at Bob-lo".
* While working at Ford Motor Company, Mr. Young became involved in union organizing activities, believing that civil rights and workers' rights were linked. He was blacklisted and had an FBI file opened against him. Yet, he became the first Black official in the CIO.
* Mr. Young was drafted into the military during WWII and became a member of the famed Tuskegee Airmen, rising to the rank of lieutenant.
* Because of his political views and union work, Mr. Young had trouble finding work after he returned from the war. When his wife experienced complications with her pregnancy, Mr. Young could not afford proper medical care and they lost the baby.
* Mr.Young was called to testify before the Congress and its "Un-American Activities Committee"; he became a local hero to the Black committee in Detroit due to the radiocast of his testimony.
* Mr. Young served on the Michigan Constitutional Convention committee in the 1960s, writing the civil rights section of the new constitution. He became the first Black member of the Democratic National Committee in 1968.
All of his life experiences, including being a member of the renowned Tuskegee Airmen, shaped the person known as Mayor Coleman Alexander Young.
If you personally know any Tuskegee Airmen--friends or family--please let us know in the comments!
Today in Black History
Image via Wikipedia
January 18
1949: Congresman William Dawson is elected Chairman of the House Expentiture Committe, becoming the first African-American to head a standing committee of Congress.
1966: Robert Weaver takes the oath of office as Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, appointed by President Lyndon B. Johnson and becoming the first African-American to serve in the official Cabinet of a U.S. President.
1990: Washington, D.C. Mayor Marion Berry is arrested in a hotel room on a charge of purchasing and using cocaine; he was tried and convicted on the highly contested misdemeanor charge.
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