Its 8:31 am
Nice crisp morning outside. I can see our local dog walker with her two Greyhounds down the street. Those dogs look fast even when they are standing still. First time I have seen her in a quite a while.
Caught a little of the Super Bowl on Sunday. Game was a little boring to me but am amused how Coughlin of the New York Giants seems to have to New England's Billichek's number as of late. Why everyone is acting like this is a such a big event is also funny because Coughlin knows what any real football knows....you can't win if you can't RUN the ball! New England hasn't had a real rushing back in quite a while. You can can win games with a passing attack but you win championships with a running game.
My wife wanted to watch the Madonna show at half-time so we checked it out. It was pretty much as we expected...lots of dancers,lip synched and pushing Madonna's new single. Safe and gaudy...and hoping next year they'll have a live band again. The ads were so-so with the Doritos ad showing the dog killing the cat being the worst ad by a long shot. As I said,a pretty boring Super Bowl.
But the 8th annual Puppy Bowl on Animal Planet was a lot of fun to watch this year. The Puppy Bowl features animals are are looking for homes and are featured playing football (the puppies),creating a kick ass half-time show (kittens),cheerleaders (pot bellied pigs) and flying a blimp covering the game (hamsters).
The premise is to have different groups of puppies come onto a football field and romp around with each other and several chew toys. And if a puppy manages to grab a toy and cross the goal-line,its a touchdown.
Different dogs play until they get tired out then a fresh group runs out. Half-time features the cats who are up for adoption getting their moment in the sun along the pigs and other animals. Its pretty funny actually and the play by play announcer has a lot of fun with the dog's antics.
What was also pretty cool was we had homemade pizza,the first time since radiation. While we normally load it up with tomato sauce,pepperoni,fresh tomatoes and onions,we played it safe by making it a very lean and basic pepperoni because we didn't know how Lori's stomach could handle it. She managed a slice and a half with no ill effects. This was cause for a big celebration to be sure! Well that and the fact she has discovered she loves cranberry juice after I have been trying to get her to try it for years.
Its sort of strange when I sit and write this blog out. I feel like I'm sort of repeating myself on some past entries but that is because I also feel I'm writing for people who may stumble across this from Blogspot or other areas and not just the current Inner Circle readers of which have seem to have dropped off after I landed here. I knew it was a risk but I decided to chance it anyways,right?
Besides my buddy Scorpion just reviewed this blog on his latest entry of "As My Stomach Turns"
This is what he wrote:
nd that now brings me to the last (but certainly NOT least) in this list. I met Michael "Booker" Sullivan back when I was dating Brat/Melissa back in the late 90's. At the time, he was a talent buyer for a club in San Jose. Not only did we have a mutual love for music off the beaten path, but it turns out that Booker is a pretty mean Risk player, too. (A pause for a moment for the local Peanut Gallery Risk players to stop twitching and convulsing as they recall the wicked thrashings we all took from Booker on the Risk board the times he ventured out this way). We also discovered that we both wrote e-mail newsletters. While AMST/B has pretty much stayed the same over the years, Booker's has evolved as his life has changed. Booker moved out to the Detroit area about 12 years ago, and he lives with his wife, Lori, who is battling cancer.
His blog, now called "The Inner Circle" is a well worded and highly opinionated (and I say that in a good way, natch) look at politics (especially Detroit's, where Booker leaves no sacred cow uncooked), as well as his life and his wife's battle with cancer. Booker also talks entertainment, weather it's music, movies, comics, TV shows. But not a lot of celebrity gossip, which is nice.
I am very thankful for the kind words and I have to say,not only is Aaron's blog a hoot to read but his other bloggers he is pushing as well are also very much worth reading. To see Aaron's blog,just click the link on the right hand side of the page under "Blogs I Follow".
And speaking of politics in the Detroit area.....I wrote recently how busted up the EMS services are in the city. Broken ambulances,lack of good equipment,a credit rating so bad the city can't get a loan to buy new units...a local journalist here in our area,Charlie LeDuff,has been bringing horror story after horror story of the people who have died waiting for help. The misspent money,the corrupt officials. The stories often end with Charlie saying "We contacted the Mayor's office or the City Council for comment but haven't heard back"
Well this past Sunday, a 40 year old cop suffered a heart attack while on duty at his station. A call to EMS was put through but after waiting 10 minutes for the bus,they loaded up the cop in the back of a squad car and dashed to the ER to no avail. The ambulance showed up 12 minutes after they rushed the cop to the hospital. 22 minutes....22 minutes for a officer down! But what makes this story really bitterly ironic?
The cop was the brother of Charles Pugh,the President of the City Council. So now Charles gets to experience what so many other Detroit families have....a lifetime of thinking "What if he/she had gotten the help they needed in a timely fashion?". Makes you think that perhaps a Emergency Manager is indeed needed if only to make sure the city gets some better equipment NOW instead of lives being lost by a 22 minute wait for a broken ambulance.
I have blogged before about the Bloody Mile,when we used to live in Northville,we lived off 7 Mile Road. I have written about the incredible loss of animal life there. It got so bad that I started carrying a shovel and plastic bags with me to scrape off the poor souls killed by drivers driving too fast. I saw everything,dogs,cats,deer,coons and even a huge snapping turtle that had been hit and killed. Soon another man also joined me in taking these dead creatures off the road. Lori and her friends started calling us "Road Angels". But what I really wanted was a couple if signs,a "Deer Crossing" or a "Children at Play" sign up as to help slow the traffic down. I called and emailed the county endless times begging for those signs. I went to the Department of Natural Resources to get some help but they again said it was the County's job.
I wrote that someone would be killed if nothing was done and sure enough,in the past calender year,3 people have now lost their lives on 7 Mile. A popular radio personality,another person and now a cook from a Chinese diner we used to eat at. She was killed crossing the road on the way from work. While she was crossing in the street and not at the light as the Northville cop pointed out,I like to point out that are NO crosswalks at the corner of 7 Mile and Silver Springs which would be the closest light. And why is that? That light has a major apartment complex on one side and a active mall on the other side that includes a bank. And still no crosswalk?
I'm mentioning this because I recent have befriend a county commissioner on FB named Kevin McNamara.
Kevin has recently made headlines by calling out the dirty politics by our county executive,Robert Ficano. He must have struck a nerve because all of a sudden,a tape popped up that show Kevin dangerously close to getting arrested for a DUI. While he was legally under the limit and was driven home by a Canton police department cop,the tape was released to embarrass Kevin and his family.
When I commented how disappointing to see a public official so close to the edge,he personally wrote me and again said how sorry he was. Now that takes heart for a guy who really didn't have to take the time to say sorry to anyone,come out and personally hold himself accountable. I gained a whole new level of respect for Kevin and now am asking for his help in getting two crosswalks painted and some deer crossing/Children At Play signs up on 7 Mile. Its pretty sad when you see more crosses of the people killed on that road then you do warning signs.
But I believe we'll see action in 90 days by Kevin in getting this done. I'll keep you updated.
Time to end this on a lighter note. I have been uploading my iPod as of late and now am walking with it. I have over 900 songs of which maybe 170 I put on for Lori. So went out last night and walked until I heard 15 songs play. I figured,15 songs x 3 minute average equals 45 minutes. I hit shuffle play and headed out. Of the 15 songs that played....7 were hers! Its not that they are bad but I'm not really a Coldplay kinda guy. Just thought it was funny.
Here is the link to the report of Charles Pugh's brother passing. My deepest sympathy to his family.
http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/news/detroit-police-sergeant-dies-on-the-job-at-12th-precinct-20120205-rs
Thanks for reading and please....come "follow" me here!
Scorpion - thanks for the great plug!
Kevin- I believe
Michelle/Amy L. - thanks for showing up!
bear - I need to send you some new music.
Chris B. - I need your street addy again.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Super Bowl Sunday
Its 10:56 am
Still downloading some tunes on the iPod. Doing so I have discovered that so much of my music is old.
How does one have 1,200 CDs and maybe own 5 or 6 that have released in the past five years? Is it the sad state of radio,the music industry,the lack of a good music store or being broke the past two years? Probably a combination of all of the above.
Looking at the small stack I brought up to download....will anyone recognize any of these singers/bands?
The October Project
Eric Stuart Band
Van Helsing score by Alan Silvestri
Sarah Brightman,okay I know everyone will know Sarah but wait...I have more!
Monster Mania
Belly
Mary Chapin Carpenter
The Untamed Youth
and one of my very favorite bands and artists,Cockeyed Ghost
Talked to my brother yesterday. He is works in Portland,Oregon at a shipyard that handles both private and military shipping. Despite some bumps in the road,he has really worked very hard at his craft and now has been rewarded with a promotion. To help him celebrate,the yard's General Manager gave my brother and a another supervisor a pair of court side tickets to yesterday's Nuggets-Trailblazers game.
One of the guys that my brothers with has been having some serious domestic issues at home as of late. My brother,being his friend and now his supervisor,knows this guy is a valuable teammate and wants to lift his spirits. So what does he do? He gives the guy his ticket and tells him to enjoy himself. The other supervisor says that may have been a bad idea since the GM gave them the tickets,not the regular worker.
My brother emails the GM,explains somewhat the situation and says he didn't mean any disrespect by giving away such a nice gift. The GM comes back and says that what my brother did was the right call and he was the one who was very impressed by my brother's action.
Yeah,I'm very proud of Phil....he really is starting to roll and roll large!
Today is Super Bowl Sunday. While normally I would most likely skip it because I have to utterly HATE the hype around the game,my wife likes to watch the ads. This is the only NFL game she'll watch with me,she doesn't mind watching college football and she rather watch my little San Jose State team on ESPN then any Lions/Steelers games.
I have written about the time where we watched SJSU play Nevada a couple of years back on ESPN2. Nevada scored early and a lot and at 21-0 with no hope to win,we switched the game off...but during commerical breaks,she would encourage me to check the game in case a miracle was happening. No chance of that happening,every time we turned on the game,Nevada was scoring a TD. She said maybe it was a instant replay since they kept showing Colin Kopernick scoring on the same play. It wasn't a replay,he was just scoring...and Nevada ended up winning,62-6.
But I think she is secretly amused by watching me root for the Spartans,I get so jacked come July and August,I buy the Phil Steele preview book and make it my Bible as I study the depth chart and see how Phil ranks our new recruits.
The first game comes along and there we are....playing USC,Alabama,Wisconsin and of course the rich pukes from Stanford. I would have added Georgia but since they begged off playing us....*LOL*.
We Spartans fans have come to expect a beatdown in our first game,we get a little depressed but hope burns eternal. I try and explain that SJS used to be a very strong regional power,sort of like the fake Spartans of Michigan State are now. It means we're good but not good enough to go out and play with teams like Bama,USC and Ohio State on a weekly basis.
She watches as the season goes on and we start losing more and more,the air slowly deflates from my high hopes for a New Mexico Bowl bid and all that I'm hoping for is that we don't lose to Idaho,Utah State or Louisiana Tech....which we did this year.
But big wins over Navy and Fresno State have left me happy and not really caring about the NFL/Super Bowl. Of course my fellow Raider and Lions friends can agree with me as the only time they play in the Super Bowl is on the Madden video football game.
So I guess I'm going to finish my downloads,take a shower,run a errand and get ready for some homemade pizza tonight.....better squeeze in a 3 mile walk as well if I'm going there!
Tomorrow is House Projects day so there won't be a post.
I'll leave you with the sorely missed The October Project.
and will someone other then the wonderful Pam Kelly drop a comment? *LOL*
Still downloading some tunes on the iPod. Doing so I have discovered that so much of my music is old.
How does one have 1,200 CDs and maybe own 5 or 6 that have released in the past five years? Is it the sad state of radio,the music industry,the lack of a good music store or being broke the past two years? Probably a combination of all of the above.
Looking at the small stack I brought up to download....will anyone recognize any of these singers/bands?
The October Project
Eric Stuart Band
Van Helsing score by Alan Silvestri
Sarah Brightman,okay I know everyone will know Sarah but wait...I have more!
Monster Mania
Belly
Mary Chapin Carpenter
The Untamed Youth
and one of my very favorite bands and artists,Cockeyed Ghost
Talked to my brother yesterday. He is works in Portland,Oregon at a shipyard that handles both private and military shipping. Despite some bumps in the road,he has really worked very hard at his craft and now has been rewarded with a promotion. To help him celebrate,the yard's General Manager gave my brother and a another supervisor a pair of court side tickets to yesterday's Nuggets-Trailblazers game.
One of the guys that my brothers with has been having some serious domestic issues at home as of late. My brother,being his friend and now his supervisor,knows this guy is a valuable teammate and wants to lift his spirits. So what does he do? He gives the guy his ticket and tells him to enjoy himself. The other supervisor says that may have been a bad idea since the GM gave them the tickets,not the regular worker.
My brother emails the GM,explains somewhat the situation and says he didn't mean any disrespect by giving away such a nice gift. The GM comes back and says that what my brother did was the right call and he was the one who was very impressed by my brother's action.
Yeah,I'm very proud of Phil....he really is starting to roll and roll large!
Today is Super Bowl Sunday. While normally I would most likely skip it because I have to utterly HATE the hype around the game,my wife likes to watch the ads. This is the only NFL game she'll watch with me,she doesn't mind watching college football and she rather watch my little San Jose State team on ESPN then any Lions/Steelers games.
I have written about the time where we watched SJSU play Nevada a couple of years back on ESPN2. Nevada scored early and a lot and at 21-0 with no hope to win,we switched the game off...but during commerical breaks,she would encourage me to check the game in case a miracle was happening. No chance of that happening,every time we turned on the game,Nevada was scoring a TD. She said maybe it was a instant replay since they kept showing Colin Kopernick scoring on the same play. It wasn't a replay,he was just scoring...and Nevada ended up winning,62-6.
But I think she is secretly amused by watching me root for the Spartans,I get so jacked come July and August,I buy the Phil Steele preview book and make it my Bible as I study the depth chart and see how Phil ranks our new recruits.
The first game comes along and there we are....playing USC,Alabama,Wisconsin and of course the rich pukes from Stanford. I would have added Georgia but since they begged off playing us....*LOL*.
We Spartans fans have come to expect a beatdown in our first game,we get a little depressed but hope burns eternal. I try and explain that SJS used to be a very strong regional power,sort of like the fake Spartans of Michigan State are now. It means we're good but not good enough to go out and play with teams like Bama,USC and Ohio State on a weekly basis.
She watches as the season goes on and we start losing more and more,the air slowly deflates from my high hopes for a New Mexico Bowl bid and all that I'm hoping for is that we don't lose to Idaho,Utah State or Louisiana Tech....which we did this year.
But big wins over Navy and Fresno State have left me happy and not really caring about the NFL/Super Bowl. Of course my fellow Raider and Lions friends can agree with me as the only time they play in the Super Bowl is on the Madden video football game.
So I guess I'm going to finish my downloads,take a shower,run a errand and get ready for some homemade pizza tonight.....better squeeze in a 3 mile walk as well if I'm going there!
Tomorrow is House Projects day so there won't be a post.
I'll leave you with the sorely missed The October Project.
and will someone other then the wonderful Pam Kelly drop a comment? *LOL*
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Saturday
Its 11:00 am
Just a quick hello while I'm downloading some music to the iPod before heading out to enjoy the day. Not really in a writing mood but since I'm trying to write just about every day,here I am.
Have a great day everyone!
The picture is from our vacation last year from the little naval museum in Muskgeon,Michigan.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Randomness Friday
Its 1:54 pm
Its Friday once again. Another week in the books. Before I head out to do a gang of errands,I wanted to post something. I like to thank those who have taken the time to come by and read this. When I write my blog,it provides me a escape from thinking about our situation,I may write about what whats going on but its more of a informing then a sit and worry type of feeling. And I know slowly but surely I'll get more and more of you who have followed this blog on FB to come here. Just takes patience.
Yesterday I headed down to our city hall to register as an Election Poll Worker for the Michigan Primary on 28 Feb. We have to attend two classes and then we work our assigned voting area. I did this once before with my mother when I was 18,you help set up the stations,give out and receive ballots and enter them in the ballot box. Sometimes our voting district is busy,Lori and I have seen lines out the door and other times,you are the only one voting,depends on the issue. I expect a pretty good turnout for the primary as Mittens and Newt will be fighting to see which one gets their ass kicked by Obama come November.
Also signed up for a 8 week CERT program starting in March. CERT or Community Emergency Response Team is designed to provide additional emergency responders in case of a major event like a tornado or fire.So while I was the police station filling out the paperwork,I asked about Poncho the police dog who I met when I worked overnights at the hotel. Seems like Poncho is going to be retired in a month. He was doing some bite work on his training day when his back legs gave out. Since he is almost 11 years old,his time to retire has come. I plan on attending the ceremony because I really love that dog,he was just a amazing cop.
His partner Brian would eat lunch,check his email or just chill with me at the desk. Poncho used to jump on the desk as well and let me pet him and I asked permission EVERY time,even after Brian said I didn't have to. But I never looked at Poncho as a police dog but as a police officer and I respected him for that.
I had to call for assistance 3 times when I worked there and two of the times,it was Brian and Poncho who got the call. Watching a 6'3,240 pound cop with a German Shepherd stroll in always commanded a lot of attention,even when the party who I had called on was loud and drunk. They always quieted down and left meekly. I know my wife was very thankful as she hated me working alone at the hotel. I told her I never was worried the days I knew Brian and Poncho were out covering my six. And now Poncho is going to get to live the rest of his days in Brian's home in peace. Couldn't have wished for a better ending for Poncho.
Stumbled across a new show on NBC which I had heard about but never seen until I watched it On Demand. The show is called "Grimm" and I have to say,I'm pretty hooked by it. The premise,a cop discovers that the characters in the Brothers Grimm fairy tales are real and living among us humans,maybe isn't the most original idea but the stories and the casting (for the most part) really push the show forward. It has sort of a "Angel" feel to it which isn't too surprising since one of the creators is David Greenwalt,who produced "Angel" and also "Buffy the Vampire Slayer".
While the early shows have sort of had a "Monster of the Week" feel to them and the main character,Nick Burkholdt,trying to find a way to deal with them,some good long term plot lines are also developing to keep the viewer guessing on who is on Nick's side and who isn't. The lead actor,David Giuntoli,has Christopher Reeve/Brandon Routh looks to him and his embracing his role really enhances the show. His partner Hank,played by Russell Hornsby,doesn't know his partner has suddenly become much more then meets the eye. There is even a friendly ally who really is a wolf in people's clothing. It adds up for a great ride and I'm looking forward to seeing where it takes us.
NBC has managed to do a rare thing and that is to okay a full 22 episode run,it seems like just about every cool show they have put out (hello,The Cape) has gotten a quick hook. Makes it sorta of hard to actually invest any time in watching a new show on the network. But they still seem to find a way to push those horrible Housewives shows and the ultra-creepy child molesting looking Andy Cohen on Bravo...
Okay,that is all I got for this entry....below is the Grimm preview. The show airs on Friday nights at 9 pm on NBC.
This is Poncho's bio on the CPD's page.
http://www.cantonpublicsafety.org/police_services/poncho_bio.html
See you tomorrow
Its Friday once again. Another week in the books. Before I head out to do a gang of errands,I wanted to post something. I like to thank those who have taken the time to come by and read this. When I write my blog,it provides me a escape from thinking about our situation,I may write about what whats going on but its more of a informing then a sit and worry type of feeling. And I know slowly but surely I'll get more and more of you who have followed this blog on FB to come here. Just takes patience.
Yesterday I headed down to our city hall to register as an Election Poll Worker for the Michigan Primary on 28 Feb. We have to attend two classes and then we work our assigned voting area. I did this once before with my mother when I was 18,you help set up the stations,give out and receive ballots and enter them in the ballot box. Sometimes our voting district is busy,Lori and I have seen lines out the door and other times,you are the only one voting,depends on the issue. I expect a pretty good turnout for the primary as Mittens and Newt will be fighting to see which one gets their ass kicked by Obama come November.
Also signed up for a 8 week CERT program starting in March. CERT or Community Emergency Response Team is designed to provide additional emergency responders in case of a major event like a tornado or fire.So while I was the police station filling out the paperwork,I asked about Poncho the police dog who I met when I worked overnights at the hotel. Seems like Poncho is going to be retired in a month. He was doing some bite work on his training day when his back legs gave out. Since he is almost 11 years old,his time to retire has come. I plan on attending the ceremony because I really love that dog,he was just a amazing cop.
His partner Brian would eat lunch,check his email or just chill with me at the desk. Poncho used to jump on the desk as well and let me pet him and I asked permission EVERY time,even after Brian said I didn't have to. But I never looked at Poncho as a police dog but as a police officer and I respected him for that.
I had to call for assistance 3 times when I worked there and two of the times,it was Brian and Poncho who got the call. Watching a 6'3,240 pound cop with a German Shepherd stroll in always commanded a lot of attention,even when the party who I had called on was loud and drunk. They always quieted down and left meekly. I know my wife was very thankful as she hated me working alone at the hotel. I told her I never was worried the days I knew Brian and Poncho were out covering my six. And now Poncho is going to get to live the rest of his days in Brian's home in peace. Couldn't have wished for a better ending for Poncho.
Stumbled across a new show on NBC which I had heard about but never seen until I watched it On Demand. The show is called "Grimm" and I have to say,I'm pretty hooked by it. The premise,a cop discovers that the characters in the Brothers Grimm fairy tales are real and living among us humans,maybe isn't the most original idea but the stories and the casting (for the most part) really push the show forward. It has sort of a "Angel" feel to it which isn't too surprising since one of the creators is David Greenwalt,who produced "Angel" and also "Buffy the Vampire Slayer".
While the early shows have sort of had a "Monster of the Week" feel to them and the main character,Nick Burkholdt,trying to find a way to deal with them,some good long term plot lines are also developing to keep the viewer guessing on who is on Nick's side and who isn't. The lead actor,David Giuntoli,has Christopher Reeve/Brandon Routh looks to him and his embracing his role really enhances the show. His partner Hank,played by Russell Hornsby,doesn't know his partner has suddenly become much more then meets the eye. There is even a friendly ally who really is a wolf in people's clothing. It adds up for a great ride and I'm looking forward to seeing where it takes us.
NBC has managed to do a rare thing and that is to okay a full 22 episode run,it seems like just about every cool show they have put out (hello,The Cape) has gotten a quick hook. Makes it sorta of hard to actually invest any time in watching a new show on the network. But they still seem to find a way to push those horrible Housewives shows and the ultra-creepy child molesting looking Andy Cohen on Bravo...
Okay,that is all I got for this entry....below is the Grimm preview. The show airs on Friday nights at 9 pm on NBC.
This is Poncho's bio on the CPD's page.
http://www.cantonpublicsafety.org/police_services/poncho_bio.html
See you tomorrow
Thursday, February 2, 2012
A day with Rembrandt
Its 8:46 am
Good morning...looking at a slightly grey looking day here in SE Michigan. Still pretty decent for the most California like winter since I have been in Michigan. Yesterday was just beautiful,a perfect day to go on a outing and that is exactly what Lori and I did yesterday.
But I have to comment on something,we always watch Fox 2 for our news here in Detroit. Pretty much hands down they do the best job in covering the stories in Detroit. The other stations also do a excellent job but Fox 2 just has the better journalists overall in my opinion.
So every morning while Lori is getting ready for work and I make her lunch and tea,we have the TV on. And we have started noticing that Derek Jeter really seems to watch the news when the health reporter Deena Centofanti is the screen. As soon as she is either on or starts her report,he either runs in the room or stops what he is doing and starts staring at the TV. At first we thought this was a mere coincidence but after seeing this happen 6 or 7 times,we are convinced Derek is really listening to her. He doesn't have a reaction for anyone else on the TV. Just wanted to share that.....I know,my cat is goofy.
So yesterday was FINALLY the day that we would traveling to the Detroit Institute of Art to see the Rembrandt exhibit of his "Faces of Jesus".
We had made plans to see this many times but either a work schedule change,Lori's well being or the show was sold out had hampered us from seeing it so far. We got our tickets online as to ensure our entry and away we went.
The drive to Detroit was very quick. We had a full tank of gas and our trusty GPS unit to guide us in a timely fashion. The downstairs parking was closed off so we decided to valet park our car (well worth the 10 bucks) and go in. We saw several tour buses either parked or pulling in. This exhibit has turned into a monster showing and the most successful in the DIA's history. Record crowds have turned up with many churches and groups all attending the show.
Quite honestly,I don't think anyone saw this happening as the crowds were huge for each showing. The biggest problem was the space the exhibit was designed for was much to small to handle the each group,even with the DIA limiting the groups to 175-200 people per show. Because the exhibit space was created weeks if not months before the showing,the DIA could not expand the showroom in time and because the drawings and paintings are only there for a limited time,they cannot delay or extend the show (but I'm thinking they will due to the great demand).
Our tour started at 11 am. The exhibit was broken into 14 stops where you could put on headsets and listen as the DIA's director and several Rembrandt experts explain the art.
Looking at Rembrandt's works and thinking of what is considered art today is like comparing the Wright Brother's plane to the F-22,even trying to compare is simply a waste of time. The art created by Rembrandt,Monet,Cezanne,etc is simply awe inspiring,the colors,subject matter and depth of feeling plus technique is just amazing. I can sit and stare at the masters and almost feel that I'm in the picture or smell the bronze being cast. I look at someone like Koons or Pollock and just come away so utterly unimpressed. Don't get me wrong,the art is pretty...but it has no heart,no soul and is incredibly over rated. I mean I can put some paint on Derek's paws and get the same level of depth of any modern artist. But just because I can,doesn't make it art.
Lori said she once went to the Guggenheim in New York,walked up the stairs and saw that someone had taken a stuffed goat,dashed some paint on it and they considered "high art". Yeah,okay....its why we never go see a modern or minimalist type of art showing.
But back to the Rembrandt show...the different ways he drew Jesus throughout his life is remarkable,from stern teacher early in his drawings to warm and thoughtful at the end,Rembrandt really seems to have really seen Jesus for who he was. And when he met some of the small Jewish community and was able to use a young man as a model,he really captured what Jesus most likely looked back when he was among us.
Some of the drawings/etchings wee so small,you had to really get get up close and personal to see just how wonderful the details were. I mean,you can see the full facial expressions on paper not much bigger then a large postage stamp. To think of the many hours sitting there drawing in most likely not the best light at times...
The showing also had many different pieces that Rembrandt's students also drew and placed them side by side so you could see how they each saw the same man.
The DIA also included several silent video packages showing how Rembrandt lived,loved,created and later died. The tour generally lasts about 90 minutes and ends in a small bookstore created especially for the exhibit.
Afterwards we walk around the DIA talking about the show. Lori was feeling a little hungry so we decided to leave and have lunch. We decided on the Traffic Jam and Snug on Canfield which was about a mile away from the DIA. Now while Lori had been there in the far past,it was my first time there. We also wanted to go check it out because Guy Fieri of the Food Network's "Diners,Drive-Ins and Dives" had stopped by last year and did a segment there.
The place was pretty empty after the lunch rush so we got a table and had a nice lunch. The food was pretty good on my part but Lori didn't like her burger too much. The place was very old and was Michigan's first brew pub and is the smallest licensed working dairy in the state today.
On the way out to the car,we saw a pair of small shops called NEST and City Bird which are owned and run by a brother and sister,Andy and Emily Linn. We met Emily in her store which she called NEST and it was very cheerful with small home deco items being offered as well as several local artists having their crafts being sold.
City Bird was right next door and it was a larger place with a little variety including some very cute t-shirts which said "Say Something Nice about Detroit" and a little vending machine where you could legally buy 1 squire inch of land in the D for 12.00 bucks. We didn't see anything that we didn't need (but if they sold some local band music,I might have) and headed for home.
It was a lot of fun and sure raised our moral that is for sure....
To learn more about NEST and City Bird:
http://www.ilovecitybird.com/
And if you are in the Detroit area:
http://www.dia.org/
and want to a good place to eat at:
http://www.trafficjamdetroit.com/
Good morning...looking at a slightly grey looking day here in SE Michigan. Still pretty decent for the most California like winter since I have been in Michigan. Yesterday was just beautiful,a perfect day to go on a outing and that is exactly what Lori and I did yesterday.
But I have to comment on something,we always watch Fox 2 for our news here in Detroit. Pretty much hands down they do the best job in covering the stories in Detroit. The other stations also do a excellent job but Fox 2 just has the better journalists overall in my opinion.
So every morning while Lori is getting ready for work and I make her lunch and tea,we have the TV on. And we have started noticing that Derek Jeter really seems to watch the news when the health reporter Deena Centofanti is the screen. As soon as she is either on or starts her report,he either runs in the room or stops what he is doing and starts staring at the TV. At first we thought this was a mere coincidence but after seeing this happen 6 or 7 times,we are convinced Derek is really listening to her. He doesn't have a reaction for anyone else on the TV. Just wanted to share that.....I know,my cat is goofy.
So yesterday was FINALLY the day that we would traveling to the Detroit Institute of Art to see the Rembrandt exhibit of his "Faces of Jesus".
We had made plans to see this many times but either a work schedule change,Lori's well being or the show was sold out had hampered us from seeing it so far. We got our tickets online as to ensure our entry and away we went.
The drive to Detroit was very quick. We had a full tank of gas and our trusty GPS unit to guide us in a timely fashion. The downstairs parking was closed off so we decided to valet park our car (well worth the 10 bucks) and go in. We saw several tour buses either parked or pulling in. This exhibit has turned into a monster showing and the most successful in the DIA's history. Record crowds have turned up with many churches and groups all attending the show.
Quite honestly,I don't think anyone saw this happening as the crowds were huge for each showing. The biggest problem was the space the exhibit was designed for was much to small to handle the each group,even with the DIA limiting the groups to 175-200 people per show. Because the exhibit space was created weeks if not months before the showing,the DIA could not expand the showroom in time and because the drawings and paintings are only there for a limited time,they cannot delay or extend the show (but I'm thinking they will due to the great demand).
Our tour started at 11 am. The exhibit was broken into 14 stops where you could put on headsets and listen as the DIA's director and several Rembrandt experts explain the art.
Looking at Rembrandt's works and thinking of what is considered art today is like comparing the Wright Brother's plane to the F-22,even trying to compare is simply a waste of time. The art created by Rembrandt,Monet,Cezanne,etc is simply awe inspiring,the colors,subject matter and depth of feeling plus technique is just amazing. I can sit and stare at the masters and almost feel that I'm in the picture or smell the bronze being cast. I look at someone like Koons or Pollock and just come away so utterly unimpressed. Don't get me wrong,the art is pretty...but it has no heart,no soul and is incredibly over rated. I mean I can put some paint on Derek's paws and get the same level of depth of any modern artist. But just because I can,doesn't make it art.
Lori said she once went to the Guggenheim in New York,walked up the stairs and saw that someone had taken a stuffed goat,dashed some paint on it and they considered "high art". Yeah,okay....its why we never go see a modern or minimalist type of art showing.
But back to the Rembrandt show...the different ways he drew Jesus throughout his life is remarkable,from stern teacher early in his drawings to warm and thoughtful at the end,Rembrandt really seems to have really seen Jesus for who he was. And when he met some of the small Jewish community and was able to use a young man as a model,he really captured what Jesus most likely looked back when he was among us.
Some of the drawings/etchings wee so small,you had to really get get up close and personal to see just how wonderful the details were. I mean,you can see the full facial expressions on paper not much bigger then a large postage stamp. To think of the many hours sitting there drawing in most likely not the best light at times...
The showing also had many different pieces that Rembrandt's students also drew and placed them side by side so you could see how they each saw the same man.
The DIA also included several silent video packages showing how Rembrandt lived,loved,created and later died. The tour generally lasts about 90 minutes and ends in a small bookstore created especially for the exhibit.
Afterwards we walk around the DIA talking about the show. Lori was feeling a little hungry so we decided to leave and have lunch. We decided on the Traffic Jam and Snug on Canfield which was about a mile away from the DIA. Now while Lori had been there in the far past,it was my first time there. We also wanted to go check it out because Guy Fieri of the Food Network's "Diners,Drive-Ins and Dives" had stopped by last year and did a segment there.
The place was pretty empty after the lunch rush so we got a table and had a nice lunch. The food was pretty good on my part but Lori didn't like her burger too much. The place was very old and was Michigan's first brew pub and is the smallest licensed working dairy in the state today.
On the way out to the car,we saw a pair of small shops called NEST and City Bird which are owned and run by a brother and sister,Andy and Emily Linn. We met Emily in her store which she called NEST and it was very cheerful with small home deco items being offered as well as several local artists having their crafts being sold.
City Bird was right next door and it was a larger place with a little variety including some very cute t-shirts which said "Say Something Nice about Detroit" and a little vending machine where you could legally buy 1 squire inch of land in the D for 12.00 bucks. We didn't see anything that we didn't need (but if they sold some local band music,I might have) and headed for home.
It was a lot of fun and sure raised our moral that is for sure....
To learn more about NEST and City Bird:
http://www.ilovecitybird.com/
And if you are in the Detroit area:
http://www.dia.org/
and want to a good place to eat at:
http://www.trafficjamdetroit.com/
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Quick entry...
Its 8:57 am
Just enough time to toss out a quick entry before I head to a Job Fair. 50 companies are looking to generate goodwill and add to their hiring pools by hosting a event in Livonia. Normally I don't go to these events as they are pretty much cattle calls and no one gets hired that day. But I'm going to take a chance and pass out my resume in hopes of getting a call. I'm also doing it to get a chance to actually mingle with some LIVE people. Seems like the only folks I have been talking to as late are doctors and nurses and I like to get away from that for a while...
Tomorrow has Lori and I finally heading to the DIA to see the Rembrandt showing...yes,this time we really are going,we even bought our tickets! I'll post about that visit on Thursday.
Thank you so much for your support.
Its 4:24 pm
Job Fair was a total washout......unless you wanted to sell insurance for commission only....
Just enough time to toss out a quick entry before I head to a Job Fair. 50 companies are looking to generate goodwill and add to their hiring pools by hosting a event in Livonia. Normally I don't go to these events as they are pretty much cattle calls and no one gets hired that day. But I'm going to take a chance and pass out my resume in hopes of getting a call. I'm also doing it to get a chance to actually mingle with some LIVE people. Seems like the only folks I have been talking to as late are doctors and nurses and I like to get away from that for a while...
Tomorrow has Lori and I finally heading to the DIA to see the Rembrandt showing...yes,this time we really are going,we even bought our tickets! I'll post about that visit on Thursday.
Thank you so much for your support.
Its 4:24 pm
Job Fair was a total washout......unless you wanted to sell insurance for commission only....
Monday, January 30, 2012
3 Days
Its 1:22 pm
Happy Monday to everyone.
Friday marked the end of our 28 days of radiation treatments. And to celebrate this great event,President Obama decided to pay Ann Arbor a visit. Now normally a president visit can be a real nightmare,what with roads and buildings blocked off from the public while Secret Service cordons off the area.
Knowing this and also knowing that it was our last day,I called him up at the White House and asked him if he could arrive in Ann Arbor Thursday instead of Friday. He instantly agreed and sure enough,Air Force One landed in the metro area Thursday evening and the motorcade took the President into town.
So waking and getting to the U of Michigan was easy as pie. And 45 minutes later Lori was done. They even gave her a little certificate to show she had finished the cycle.
But our day wasn't over yet,we had to kill some time because we still had to see Dr. Johnston and do some lab work as well.
We started heading to Briarwood Mall to get some breakfast but we saw a Denny's instead. We had a BOGO coupon so it made sense to eat there. Now I have only eaten at Denny's 3 times since I have moved to Michigan. Used to like it quite a bit in California but wow,has it changed and not for the good. I mean,have you seen how expensive that place has become??? Whatever happened to the 2.99 Grand Slam? Denny's used to THE place for a great breakfast but the one we went to in Ann Arbor was nearly empty other then us and a woman who had spent 4 hours drinking coffee. We finished up breakfast and headed to the huge Barnes and Noble bookstore we had passed before seeing Denny's.
This was our first visit to a big bookstore since Border's had closed it doors last year. Not that I need any books,I still have tons to catch up on. And despite the self-imposed Dollar Tree ban,I managed to find two more books to add to my backlog. But I am making progress,I have read 7 books so far this year and now am tackling "The Book on Bush" which should be mandatory reading by every American.
I settled for catching up on the latest Fangoria which had Nicholas Cage on the cover. Editor and fellow Jet Jaguar fan Chris Alexander has really worked wonders with the magazine since taking over as editor. Its fresh,exciting and has some great interviews with both today's newest horror stars and director while remembering the past greats as well. The interview with the lovely Barbara Crampton from perhaps one of the 5 best horror films ever,"Re-Animator",was a great read and very insightful.
I showed Lori a couple of pictures from a upcoming SyFy Saturday Night movie called "Two-Headed Shark Attack" which brought laughter as we love watching these cheap ass movies shot on whatever change the director has in his pants pockets.
So we had to leave and head back to the Cancer Center for labs and the doctor visit. We did labs and then moved upstairs to semi-crowded waiting room. We were about 25 minutes early but we heard Lori's name being called. She went in and I waited until the exam was over and then I would get called back for the consult. Except for two things.....one,Dr. Johnston wasn't there,a sudden call had taken out of the office and even if she had been there,since it was Lori's last day of treatment,she was still far too sore to be examined properly. So they have pushed back her follow-up appointment until the middle of February. That is alright with us...the lab results were very encouraging as her CA-125 results are 9.7 ( 0-3 is a safe range).
That said,we headed on home where we rested and did some light housework.
Saturday was a beautiful cold day. Lori said she felt so much better then usual,that will happen when you are finished with radiation! Had a light home cooked breakfast and then went grocery shopping. The store we shop at was pretty busy as they had a massive sale going on. Between our list and the crowded store,we shopped for 2 hours before finally checking out.
After a quick pit-stop,we headed back out to Northville. We are on the hunt to replace a comfy chair that has seen better days. We are shopping the consignment stores and Northville has a very good store we like to shop at. The staff isn't the most friendly but the merchindise is good and the prices fair. The little shop was busy and for a split second we thought we might have found a replacement chair for 65.00 but upon a closer look,it just didn't seem to fit out needs. But we did find a new Cat's Meow Village piece that we snapped up before heading out.
Lori still felt good so we decided to head to Novi and look at the chairs at Art Van,Michigan best furniture store. It has been a long time since we have been to Novi and we always use Novi Road.. Its a nice 5 lane road until you cross 10 Mile and Novi when it goes back to a 2 lane road for 2 miles before expanding again. Why is this worth mentioning? Because Novi is the home of the biggest shopping center in Wayne County,12 Oaks Mall. And traffic is a bear,no matter what time of the year it is. The 2 lane road creates a real bottle neck and a lot of headaches.
But a funny thing happened as we headed to Novi,the road had been fixed! Its now a full 5 lane road with a overpass over the train tracks. The traffic was free and easy as we cruised through downtown and to the Art Van store.
The Fountain Walk side of 12 Oaks Mall was again busy,it seemed like Christmas with the way everyone was out and shopping.
We spent 35 minutes looking at the many different chairs at Art Van. While we couldn't get the chair we really wanted,we have decided that we continue to look but try and save for the chair that best fits our living room. We have learned that patience is the best way to go when buying things like furniture and other household items. Just have to play it smart and save for what you want.
By now Lori was getting tired (this happens when you undergo both chemo and radiation is a short cycle) and we pointed the Rodger Young towards home.
We had a nice dinner and turned in early.
Sunday saw us attend Mass and stay close to home as Lori slept while I clipped coupons and cleaned the basement. Went for a nice brisk walk and then our neighbor came by and asked how we were doing. We chatted for a while and then had dinner. Our cable box had went on the fritz Saturday night so we fired up the Blu-Ray player and watched the first season of Mary Tyler Moore on DVD. I had never really watched this show so it was pretty new to me and I thought it was pretty cute. Got to love whole season DVDs sets!
And so that was our last 3 days......don't know who will read this but if you did and made it this far,"thank you!"
Happy Monday to everyone.
Friday marked the end of our 28 days of radiation treatments. And to celebrate this great event,President Obama decided to pay Ann Arbor a visit. Now normally a president visit can be a real nightmare,what with roads and buildings blocked off from the public while Secret Service cordons off the area.
Knowing this and also knowing that it was our last day,I called him up at the White House and asked him if he could arrive in Ann Arbor Thursday instead of Friday. He instantly agreed and sure enough,Air Force One landed in the metro area Thursday evening and the motorcade took the President into town.
So waking and getting to the U of Michigan was easy as pie. And 45 minutes later Lori was done. They even gave her a little certificate to show she had finished the cycle.
But our day wasn't over yet,we had to kill some time because we still had to see Dr. Johnston and do some lab work as well.
We started heading to Briarwood Mall to get some breakfast but we saw a Denny's instead. We had a BOGO coupon so it made sense to eat there. Now I have only eaten at Denny's 3 times since I have moved to Michigan. Used to like it quite a bit in California but wow,has it changed and not for the good. I mean,have you seen how expensive that place has become??? Whatever happened to the 2.99 Grand Slam? Denny's used to THE place for a great breakfast but the one we went to in Ann Arbor was nearly empty other then us and a woman who had spent 4 hours drinking coffee. We finished up breakfast and headed to the huge Barnes and Noble bookstore we had passed before seeing Denny's.
This was our first visit to a big bookstore since Border's had closed it doors last year. Not that I need any books,I still have tons to catch up on. And despite the self-imposed Dollar Tree ban,I managed to find two more books to add to my backlog. But I am making progress,I have read 7 books so far this year and now am tackling "The Book on Bush" which should be mandatory reading by every American.
I settled for catching up on the latest Fangoria which had Nicholas Cage on the cover. Editor and fellow Jet Jaguar fan Chris Alexander has really worked wonders with the magazine since taking over as editor. Its fresh,exciting and has some great interviews with both today's newest horror stars and director while remembering the past greats as well. The interview with the lovely Barbara Crampton from perhaps one of the 5 best horror films ever,"Re-Animator",was a great read and very insightful.
I showed Lori a couple of pictures from a upcoming SyFy Saturday Night movie called "Two-Headed Shark Attack" which brought laughter as we love watching these cheap ass movies shot on whatever change the director has in his pants pockets.
So we had to leave and head back to the Cancer Center for labs and the doctor visit. We did labs and then moved upstairs to semi-crowded waiting room. We were about 25 minutes early but we heard Lori's name being called. She went in and I waited until the exam was over and then I would get called back for the consult. Except for two things.....one,Dr. Johnston wasn't there,a sudden call had taken out of the office and even if she had been there,since it was Lori's last day of treatment,she was still far too sore to be examined properly. So they have pushed back her follow-up appointment until the middle of February. That is alright with us...the lab results were very encouraging as her CA-125 results are 9.7 ( 0-3 is a safe range).
That said,we headed on home where we rested and did some light housework.
Saturday was a beautiful cold day. Lori said she felt so much better then usual,that will happen when you are finished with radiation! Had a light home cooked breakfast and then went grocery shopping. The store we shop at was pretty busy as they had a massive sale going on. Between our list and the crowded store,we shopped for 2 hours before finally checking out.
After a quick pit-stop,we headed back out to Northville. We are on the hunt to replace a comfy chair that has seen better days. We are shopping the consignment stores and Northville has a very good store we like to shop at. The staff isn't the most friendly but the merchindise is good and the prices fair. The little shop was busy and for a split second we thought we might have found a replacement chair for 65.00 but upon a closer look,it just didn't seem to fit out needs. But we did find a new Cat's Meow Village piece that we snapped up before heading out.
Lori still felt good so we decided to head to Novi and look at the chairs at Art Van,Michigan best furniture store. It has been a long time since we have been to Novi and we always use Novi Road.. Its a nice 5 lane road until you cross 10 Mile and Novi when it goes back to a 2 lane road for 2 miles before expanding again. Why is this worth mentioning? Because Novi is the home of the biggest shopping center in Wayne County,12 Oaks Mall. And traffic is a bear,no matter what time of the year it is. The 2 lane road creates a real bottle neck and a lot of headaches.
But a funny thing happened as we headed to Novi,the road had been fixed! Its now a full 5 lane road with a overpass over the train tracks. The traffic was free and easy as we cruised through downtown and to the Art Van store.
The Fountain Walk side of 12 Oaks Mall was again busy,it seemed like Christmas with the way everyone was out and shopping.
We spent 35 minutes looking at the many different chairs at Art Van. While we couldn't get the chair we really wanted,we have decided that we continue to look but try and save for the chair that best fits our living room. We have learned that patience is the best way to go when buying things like furniture and other household items. Just have to play it smart and save for what you want.
By now Lori was getting tired (this happens when you undergo both chemo and radiation is a short cycle) and we pointed the Rodger Young towards home.
We had a nice dinner and turned in early.
Sunday saw us attend Mass and stay close to home as Lori slept while I clipped coupons and cleaned the basement. Went for a nice brisk walk and then our neighbor came by and asked how we were doing. We chatted for a while and then had dinner. Our cable box had went on the fritz Saturday night so we fired up the Blu-Ray player and watched the first season of Mary Tyler Moore on DVD. I had never really watched this show so it was pretty new to me and I thought it was pretty cute. Got to love whole season DVDs sets!
And so that was our last 3 days......don't know who will read this but if you did and made it this far,"thank you!"
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