(Photo Courtesy: Detroit Zoo)
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Showing posts with label Detroit. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Detroit. Show all posts
Friday, October 19, 2012
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.
President Harry S. Truman addressed a Labor Day rally in Detroit in 1948.
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!
Friday, February 24, 2012
Mitt's Detroit Appearance at Ford Field Goes Bankrupt
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| 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!
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Tuesday Tidbits: New Downtown Detroit Restaurant
Despite all of the doom and gloom predictions and actualities for our proud City, the new businesses keep coming! This article doesn't mention whether there is free Wi-Fi, but if there is, I'm there!
Announcing: The Grand Opening of the Hudson Cafe!
<iframe width="435" height="352" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/LXq-q98SY20" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Uploaded by tellusdetroit on 2 Dec 2011
DETROIT (Tell Us Det) - Friday, December 02, 2011 The Hudson Café officially opened its doors in Downtown Detroit at 1241 Woodward Avenue on Merchants Row with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The metropolitan style eatery offers breakfast and brunch selections among other features on the exciting menu of many items which can be ordered anytime during business hours, all inside a fresh, open, airy dining area decked in a warm relaxing decor and a welcoming ambiance.
For those in a rush for a business meeting or to catch a bus? Just step over to the Cafe Coffee Bar just inside the front doors and enjoy everything from specialty coffee to fresh baked goods... and simply take it to go. And if you can dine in and don't want a table. enjoy your latte' in the comfortable lounge area which features big, roomy chairs, a fireplace and big screen television. The Hudson Café is also available for corporate events, private parties, celebrations, or any other such affair requiring an updated venue Downtown.
The cafe's prime location is directly across the street from the site of the former historic Hudson's Department Store building, in the heart of the business district; thus the name Hudson's Cafe. Classically Trained French Chef Tom Teknos, along with his partners Stavros Adamopoulos & Maurice are delighted to show their concept of a brunch cafe while spotlighting the continuing revitalization of Downtown Detroit and Merchants Row.
Meter parking is available on Woodward directly across from the restaurant. There's also underground parking available on the South/East corner of Woodward & Grand River (Premier Garage). The Hudson Café plans to use the underground parking structure for valet in the very near future.
Open seven days a week, the restaurant's normal business hours are 8AM- 4PM, with extended hours on special days where events occur Downtown. Some examples are Lions & Tigers games, City Lofts Shopping Event, Parades, Festivals, etc. These events will feature additional items not normally found on our menu.
Needless to say, The Hudson Café is very excited to help make downtown an increasingly more interesting, unique destination. Co-Owner Maurice said, "We are committed to being a part of the very exciting revitalization of our downtown. Detroit's Merchants Row is becoming the strong hub for businesses and their employees and that's what we all want it to be. The Hudson Café is integral to its progress and prosperity."
For more information or reservations call: 313-237-1000
For those in a rush for a business meeting or to catch a bus? Just step over to the Cafe Coffee Bar just inside the front doors and enjoy everything from specialty coffee to fresh baked goods... and simply take it to go. And if you can dine in and don't want a table. enjoy your latte' in the comfortable lounge area which features big, roomy chairs, a fireplace and big screen television. The Hudson Café is also available for corporate events, private parties, celebrations, or any other such affair requiring an updated venue Downtown.
The cafe's prime location is directly across the street from the site of the former historic Hudson's Department Store building, in the heart of the business district; thus the name Hudson's Cafe. Classically Trained French Chef Tom Teknos, along with his partners Stavros Adamopoulos & Maurice are delighted to show their concept of a brunch cafe while spotlighting the continuing revitalization of Downtown Detroit and Merchants Row.
Meter parking is available on Woodward directly across from the restaurant. There's also underground parking available on the South/East corner of Woodward & Grand River (Premier Garage). The Hudson Café plans to use the underground parking structure for valet in the very near future.
Open seven days a week, the restaurant's normal business hours are 8AM- 4PM, with extended hours on special days where events occur Downtown. Some examples are Lions & Tigers games, City Lofts Shopping Event, Parades, Festivals, etc. These events will feature additional items not normally found on our menu.
Needless to say, The Hudson Café is very excited to help make downtown an increasingly more interesting, unique destination. Co-Owner Maurice said, "We are committed to being a part of the very exciting revitalization of our downtown. Detroit's Merchants Row is becoming the strong hub for businesses and their employees and that's what we all want it to be. The Hudson Café is integral to its progress and prosperity."
For more information or reservations call: 313-237-1000
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Words on Wednesday: Hello Detroit!
Well, the 2010 Census numbers have been released and record population losses were recorded for Detroit and Michigan. There has been a lot of hand-wringing and Detroit-basing going on. There have been a lot of comparisons with the 1900 Detroit population numbers and the 1950 Detroit population numbers. Well, a lot of things have changed in the last several decades so what's the point of comparisons?
There are, fortunately, those who realize that good can come from change. Instead of highlighting the negatives, many are using the new Census numbers to affect postive outcomes. Things won't turn around overnight, but the population decline didn't happen overnight, either.
If you are one of the people who is pragmatic and realistic about the present, yet still positive about the future, the following famous song by the late, great Sammy Davis, Jr. will get you pumped. Learn from the past, but don't stay there. Understand the present, but don't wallow in it. Design the future you want, then work for it.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Happy Paczki Day: Hamtramck MI
This is a re-post in honor of one of my favorite holidays, "Paczki Day" in Hamtramck Michigan!
Update: One of these delectable treats is called a "paczek" [POON-check];
"paczki" [POONCH-kee] is already plural.
Hamtramck is truly unique: a "city within a city". Hamtramck is completely surrounded by the City of Detroit; so "suburb" is not a proper term. Except for a very small borderline with Highland Park, Michigan, Hamtramck is bordered by Detroit, including the I-94 and I-75 freeways.
1915 Dodge Touring Motorcar
Contrary to popular opinion, "Hamtramck" is a French name, not Polish. Although the city has been known as a "Polish" city for decades, the City is named for a French Revolutionary war hero, Colonel Jean Francois Hamtramck (1756-1803). In the late 1700s, Wayne County was divided into four townships: Detroit, Mackinaw, Segeant, and Hamtramck; of which only Detroit and Hamtramck survive. In the early 1900s, Hamtramck was populated mostly by German-American immigrants; it wasn't until the Dodge Brothers opened the Dodge Motor Company plant in 1914 that an influx of Polish immigrants came to Hamtramck. In 1922, Hamtramck incorporated itself as a city, in order to stave off being annexed to Detroit.
Hamtramck is Michigan's most internationally diverse city: although the Polish population has shrunk from 90% to 20%, the Middle Eastern population has increased, with immigrants from Yemen and Bangladesh helping to make up the almost 42% immigrant population (as of the 2000 Census). Schoolchildren in Hamtramck speak at least 26 different languages besides English.
Mitch Ryder
Several famous people are natives of Hamtramck, including Rudy Tomjanovich, Jr. ("Rudy T"), basketball player for the San Diego/Houston Rockets; Mitch Ryder (William S. Levise, Jr.), musician; Jane "Peaches" Bartkowicz, championship tennis player; Gail Kobe, actress and producer ("Twilight Zone", "Mannix", "Peyton Place"); Tom Tyler (Vincent Markowski), actor; John Hodiak, actor; and the Honorable al-Imam Warith Deen Muhammad (Wallace D. Muhammad), son of Elijah Muhammad, head of the Nation of Islam.
Paczkis with various fillings
The most famous holiday in Hamtramck is "Paczki Day". Paczki (roughly pronounced "poonch-kee") are traditional Polish doughnuts: deep-fried dough flattened and filled with fruit or sweet creams and covered with glaze or powdered sugar. On "Fat Tuesday", or the day before Lent, everyone in Detroit is "Polish" and "Paczki Day" is a day to forget about the diet and just enjoy Paczkis with friends, family, and co-workers. Luckily, "Paczki Day" lasts only one day, as Paczki have about 700 calories or more each! Although many stores around Detroit sell Paczki for Paczki Day, it is traditional to travel to one of the "real" Polish bakeries in Hamtramck on Conant or Joseph Campeau Streets, stand in line starting at 5 a.m., and purchase several dozen Paczki in white boxes tied with string.
The late Bob Bennett, an award-winning veteran TV reporter for WDIV/WWJ (Channel 4) in Detroit, has been credited with increasing the recognition and celebration of Paczki Day in Detroit; reporting every year from various Hamtramck Polish bakeries until his retirement in 2000.If you enjoyed this post, please share it and subscribe to updates!
Monday, February 7, 2011
Imported from Detroit: Chrysler 200 SuperBowl 2011 Commercial
This is the Motor City
and this is what we do.
We here in Detroit are ecstatic about the Chrysler 200 SuperBowl Commercial about Detroit starring Detroit native and
multiple-Grammy-winning
also known as
Marshall Mathers
also known as
Slim Shady!
We are very proud of our City, and we know what is special about us and our contributions to the world.
We are especially proud that our Democratic former governor, Jennifer Granholm,
Democratic President Barack Obama,
the Democratic Congresspeople from Michigan and the Democratic Party
believed in the U.S. auto companies in 2009 and approved the
of direct and indirect jobs right here in America when the other political party
wanted to auto industry to just roll over and die.
The American auto industry is BACK, and the best cars are IMPORTED FROM DETROIT!
Detroit rules!
Best commercial of the SuperBowl (for Detroit and the world)!
Congrats to our midwest neighbors, SuperBowl Champions the Green Bay Packers.
Even the Detroit Lions won some games this season!
Detroit rocks!
This is the Motor City
and this is what we do.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
ReDeux News: Chase Bank to help Detroit mortgage holders Sat-Mon
Information from the American Banking News Website:
JPMorgan Chase has decided to send loan advisors to set up shop in Detroit for three days, trying to help struggling homeowners find the best solution. The efforts are aimed at homeowners with Chase mortgages, and the customers that attend will have access to (1) Initial counseling to apply for a mortgage modification, (2) Counseling for those who are current on their mortgage but are struggling, (3) Short-sale assistance for those who cannot afford their home or don’t want to stay in it, and (4) Document signing and drop off for modifications.
In total, the effort will include forty Chase loan counselors, between Saturday, November 13th and Monday, November 15th during the hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. It will be held at the Doubletree Detroit/Dearborn, which is located at 5801 Southfield Expressway at Ford Road, Detroit. The firm’s statement has indicated that no appointments are necessary, and expects to sit down with most borrowers within 15 minutes of their arrival.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Wordless Wednesday: The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald
35 years ago, 29 crew members were lost in Lake Superior, Michigan on November 10 1975.
A famous tribute song to the Edmund Fitzgerald was written and performed by singer Gordon Lightfoot.
Every year at the Mariner's Church on the Detroit River, the bell is rung twenty-nine times in honor of each lost crew member. The memorial service also reminds people of the beauty and power of Lake Superior.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Wordless Wednesday: Detroit 1-8-7
Photo Courtesy: Reuters
Did you watch? Was it what you expected? Will you continue to watch?
Will you recommend it?
Let us know in the "Comments Section"...
Available for viewing on Tuesdays @ 10pm ET; online at ABC.com
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
What is the "Right Size" for Detroit?
We can't continue to operate as in the past.
We don't have 2,000,000 in population anymore.
Detroit is already "downsized".
We cannot afford to stretch our 1st Responder services to almost empty areas.
20th century attitudes won't help in the 21st century.
Fewer but more populated and vibrant neighborhoods is a good thing.
We can and should "re-purpose" nearly vacant areas.
Add to the discussion in the "Comments" Area.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Welcome to Detroit, Quicken Loans!
Photo Credit: Detroit Free Press
Quickens Loans, owned by Dan Gilbert who also owns the Cleveland Cavaliers, is moving its 1700 employees downtown throughout the remainder of August. The new offices will be located in the Compuware Building adjacent to Campus Martius. The deal and the decision to move the company was completed a few years ago before the current recession, but is going ahead as planned.
The additional employees from Quicken Loans working in the heart of downtown Detroit will be welcome as more and more companies join them in moving their employees and their company headquarters back to the City.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Redeux News: VOTE!
I said it yesterday, and I am repeating today:
Monday, August 2, 2010
Redeux News: You have the power!
Your vote is your #1 right as an American citizen. It is a shame that less than 20% of registered voters in Detroit are expected to exercise their power in the August primary. You can even still vote absentee today if you contact the Detroit City Clerk's office.
Only 1 in 5 registered voters will show up? What are the other four doing that they can't take an hour or less to vote? Really, are you THAT busy? What are you teaching your children?
Your vote does matter, your voice can be heard. But only if you show up and vote. Period. The polls open at 7am and close at 8pm; polling places and poll workers are paid for by your tax dollars for you to speak your mind about who will run in the general election in November.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Redeux News: President Obama Visits Detroit Auto Plants
President Barack Obama will be visiting two Detroit auto plants today, touting the huge success of the loans and corporate makeovers of 2009. Over 55,000 direct jobs were saved; along with tens of thousands of indirect jobs with suppliers, OEMs, nearby businesses. People could save their homes and of course there was an economic stimulus when all of those people have jobs and businesses large and small become more viable. The President of the United States of America will visit the Jefferson Chrysler Plant were a new Jeep Cherokee will be built; and the Detroit-Hamtramck GM plant where the new Chevy Volt will be built.
Tom Walsh, automotive writer for the Detroit Free Press, published a great article today on why President Obama's work with the auto companies is one of his greatest accomplishments to date and nothing short of a miracle. Although many may not agree, I agree with Tom that the Prez should definitely be given his props for keeping the USA out of a depression and literally saving the U.S. auto industry. Read Tom's article here.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Happy #CanadaDay, eh?
OK, if you've lived in Detroit long enough, you know that one of our "bragging rights" is that Detroit is the only place in the USA where you go south to Canada! Windsor, Ontario is right across the Detroit River...we wave at each other!
(Thanks to Canadian Ian McKenzie of Ian's Messy Desk)
- You understand the phrase “Could you pass me a serviette, I just dropped my poutine on the chesterfield.”
- You eat chocolate bars, not candy bars.
- You drink Pop, not Soda.
- You know that a Mickey and 2-4’s mean, “party at the camp, eh!”
- You don’t care about the fuss with Cuba. It’s a cheap place to go for your holidays, with good cigars and no Americans.
- You know that a pike is a type of fish, not part of a highway.
- You have Canadian Tire money in your kitchen drawers.
- You know that Casey and Finnegan were not part of a Celtic musical group.
- You brag to Americans that: Shania Twain, Jim Carrey, Celine Dion,
Michael J. Fox, John Candy, William Shatner, Tom Green, Matthew Perry,
Mike Myers, Neve Campbell and Pamela Anderson are all Canadians. - You design your Halloween costume to fit over a snowsuit.
- You know that the last letter of the English alphabet is pronounced “Zed”.
- Your local newspaper covers national news on 2 pages, but requires 6 pages for hockey.
- You know that when it’s 25 degrees outside, it’s a warm day.
- You know how to pronounce and spell “Saskatchewan”.
- You perk up when you hear the theme song from ‘Hockey Night in Canada’.
- “Eh?” is a very important part of your vocabulary, and is more polite than, “Huh?”
- Your Beer Case handles Are Big Enough To Fit Your Mitts
- You know that we don’t all live in igloos and ride polar bears to work.
- Every murder is reported.
- You froze your tongue to something metal and survived to tell about it.
Betcha didn't know that the border between the US and Canada
is the longest continuous land border in the world!
is the longest continuous land border in the world!
Canada is a beautiful country; Ontario is a great Province; and Windsor is a fun and interesting city to visit! Sometime soon, take a trip to our "neighbors to the north"; but remember, to get to Canada from Detroit: go south, young man!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Jackson 5 Exhibit to Open at Motown Museum
The Jackson 5
R.I.P. Michael
We miss you!
June 25 2009
The Detroit News reports:
Michael Jackson's career started in Detroit at Motown Records with his brothers as the Jackson 5, so the first anniversary of his death Friday is being marked by the Motown Historical Museum with a special, expanded Jackson 5 exhibit that opens that day. Jackson 5 were on the Motown label from 1968-75.
Some of the items on display at the museum, known to fans as Hitsville and located at 2648 W. Grand Blvd., include uniforms the Jackson 5 wore onstage, photographs, awards, a Michael Jackson doll, clips of the Jackson 5 cartoon series, as well as a uniform Michael Jackson wore early in his solo career. Jackson donated the uniform to the museum in 1988 when he was in Detroit on a tour stop. He also donated his hat and the famous, single rhinestone-encrusted glove (stolen once, and now in a highly secure exhibit).
The Jackson 5 exhibit runs Friday through Sept. 30. General admission is $10 for adults, $8 for children 12 and under and senior citizens. Summer hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
From The Detroit News: http://www.detnews.com/article/20100622/ENT04/6220365/1409/metro/Detroit-s-Motown-museum-readies-Jackson-5-exhibit#ixzz0rb4UqWl0
Monday, April 19, 2010
Hey #Dateline: Report THIS about #Detroit!
Lots of hashtags in this story. #Dateline showed a very unbalanced story to the nation and the world about #Detroit on Sunday April 19 2010. I am not naive about the problems in this city with unemployment, poverty, corruption, shrinking population and tax base, failing schools, etc. But that is only PART of the story.
There are still beautiful and vibrant neighborhoods, successful families, businesses, and students, and hard-working individuals, private agencies, community groups, and just regular folks working HARD to turn this city around.
Dateline did a great disservice to the City of Detroit. I personally know of one well-known community organizer who spent FOUR HOURS will Chris Hansen driving around city, showing him the beautiful and successful areas and people here. That person had 30 SECONDS on the show; while a person shooting raccoons in his backyard received over five minutes.
That's BALANCE? The following images are just the tip of the iceberg of the positive side of Detroit Michigan. Let no one or no so-called "television news show" tell you any different.
I could go on and on and on. I've been blogging about the positive happenings in Detroit for two years, along with many others. See my stories about homes, families, businesses, students, places to see and things to do at my Detroit-focused blog: the DSpot Redeux.
I just believe that there are always TWO sides to a story.
Comments welcome.
ReDeux News: Historic Boston-Edison Home Preservation Fair
If YOU own one of the beautiful historic homes in Detroit (you know, the ones that were NOT shown on the #detdateline #Dateline "documentary" on #Detroit last Sunday), you will want to attend this workshop next Saturday!
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Historic Boston-Edison Association | P.O. Box 02100 | Detroit | MI | 48202 |
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