Category Archives: Metro Detroit

It’s Only Sports After All – My Reprieve From Exile

Posted on August 14, 2012 | Comments Off

I haven’t blogged in awhile. Call it a summer heat filled dry spell. I just haven’t felt inspired or had the energy.

Often I get myself back into the swing of things by writing about sports; one of my great loves and passions.

But the truth is, I’m sick of hearing about sports. I’m sick of sports chatter. It’s a sad moment in my world.

I’m sick of the constant barrage of endless opinions, debates, and mostly, hostility. It’s one thing to share information, or challenge views, and another to encircle a hostile environment where once there was enjoyment.

The online world which connects people, aligns fans and foes, has also chiseled away at the fun in my fandom. The negativity never stops. The “to the death” debates and name calling never hear the halftime whistle. It’s more exhausting than playing the game itself.

My Detroit Tigers. Forget it. I can’t even check online without being offended, offending another, or reading terse word after terse word that make me want to missile myself towards the Belle Tire banner at Comerica Park. Twitter and the Tigers; a combination that is certainly Valium worthy.

And as excited as I am for college football and my U of M Wolverines, I’m not sure I’m ready for four months of dysfunctional UM/MSU chatter. I like one team, you like another team. Get the fuck over it and move on. Sheesh! Little Brother, Walmart Wolverine; it’s all in good fun, when it’s actually fun. More than not, it’s a hostile family Thanksgiving where Uncle Ed is drunk, Aunt Marie burned the turkey, and crazy cousin Al just found the shot-gun.

And my Lions. I can’t wait for my Lions. But, if I see another “I’m Lions free” tweet after a singular Lions loss, I may violently roar myself into oblivion. Anyone who is Lions free, truly Lions free, doesn’t tweet about them, or talk about them, or certainly watch them. Give it a rest. You are NOT Lions free. You were previously Lions frustrated, and rightfully so. We all have lived through years of intestinal torture. But, don’t torture other fans with that nonsense.

Must we steal the joy of sports from each other? Can’t we cheer together, or cheer opposite each other, with a sense of fun and entertainment? These are games. These are teams. They are nothing more. In one of my favorite songs, the Indigo Girls sing “it’s only life after all.” And if that is true of the bigger picture, then they are “only games, after all.” Win some, and lose some… and hopefully learn to enjoy moments along the way.

Happy sports watching, all…

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Posted in Metro Detroit, Sports

The “Suite” Intersection of Twitter and Sports

Posted on June 21, 2012 | Comments Off

Last night, Sam and I had the pleasure of joining a Tigers “Suiteup” with some cool Detroit folks. Before entering the suite for the game, we were honored and privileged to witness batting practice. It was cool and surreal to actually stand on the field, yards from Tigers smashing balls into the massive Comerica Park outfield. Thank you, Andy Hetzel!

Discussion in suite, pre-game, appropriately wandered into topics such as sports, fans, and Twitter. I walked back into the suite, after checking out our seats, to hear comments about my balanced approach to sports tweeting. Apparently I’m a sports Twitter friend that our host, Andy, can stand. Although his comments were appreciated and quite nice, he’s obviously missed some of my Sunday afternoon angry Lions fan tweets. Those aren’t pretty! Or, as Jim Leyland would say, those rants are “another story for another day.”

In the last couple years, however, I have noticed that Twitter has actually calmed my outbursts in some ways, because I’m able to watch hundreds of irrational and momentary responses, and realize I have allowed myself to equally fall off the rails.

Now, some of my frustration with team results has often been superseded by Twitter frustrations; it’s a war zone out there during and after games. Wear protective gear, at all costs!

What Twitter, and the combination of sports and Twitter, has made me realize is that many people think that just because they have a forum to speak (Twitter, Facebook, Message Boards, etc) that they know what they are talking about. Most of the time, most of us don’t really have a clue. And though I love sports and I applaud the passion of sports fans, most really don’t know what they are talking about. Most are really just venting, tweet after tweet….

When it comes to baseball, in particular, it’s evident that our fast paced world with instant opinions desiring instant gratification doesn’t mirror the flavor of the sport. Baseball is a long and grueling endeavor. It’s a day to day battle, with numerous ups and downs, that doesn’t always play well to an hour by hour examination.

And yes, most sports fans have their opinions. I have mine. It’s the same with opinions on politics, the economy, religion, and social issues. But they are all opinions. They aren’t fact, they aren’t gospel, and often, they are more emotional discharges than they are calm and rational discourse.

Lately with sports fans, especially many online, it seems people would rather put their stake in the ground, owning an opinion….and they won’t budge from it, seemingly hoping it true more than wanting to see team success. It is odd to me…

In the end, I love the twitter forum, really more than I ever thought I could. It allows me to not only share views, but keep abreast of what others are thinking and what’s happening out there around our globe. More than all of that, however, twitter has allowed me to meet so many great people that I would have otherwise never known, and it’s brought me some very cool experiences.

Many folks continue to encourage me to increase my sports blogging, so I’m going to “get on that.” After all, “they” say to write about what you know and what you love…. And for me, that is sports…as much as any of us can really “know” about sports. Play ball!

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Posted in Metro Detroit, Sports

Rebuking the “Walmart Wolverine” Moniker

Posted on October 22, 2011 | 2 Comments

Small or closed minds grip tightly to easily pushed sayings.  Take for instance the saying that somehow is taking over the nation; or rather, the state of Michigan.  I guess it’s not so much a saying, as it’s a label, but the label is full bodied enough to impart more than a name; it implies generations of meaning.  That label is “Walmart Wolverine.”

WALMART COMES TO TOWN

This is a new label saying.  It’s new in the years since I have returned to Michigan after 2000.  It certainly wasn’t a saying when I was growing up in the state.  Granted, Walmart only came to the forefront in the last decade or two, but regardless, the label has made its way into the Michigan Mainstream and seems like it’s a staple in the ongoing battle between bickering siblings.

“Walmart Wolverine” seems to be the slappie-easy bashing baton for Spartan fans to throw at UM fans.  After years of an inferiority complex and built up resentment, “Walmart Wolverine” is a media driven gift wrapped backslap from Sparty to Wolverine.

As most of us realize, this label is a reference to folks who shop the low brow chain store and buy up Michigan Wolverines gear in droves.  The label makers, of course, forget that Walmart and others chain store heavens like Meijer’s or Target sell Spartan gear, too.  They may sell more Michigan gear, since we are capitalist society and stores operate under the “theory” of supply and demand, but they do sell Spartan gear, as well.

But, we all also know that “Walmart Wolverine” has less to do with buying or selling gear at a store, and more to do with the idea that the Walmart Wolverine never attended the University of Michigan.  The implication is that these are not true fans; and only those that attend a school can cheer for it.  The reference draws the image of some bumbling low life who stumbles down the aisles of Walmart, half drunk, ripping Wolverine shirts from the shelves.  Pretty creative imagery, ay?

DOLLAR STORE SPARTANS

But the interesting twist of truth with this notion is that I have just as many “Dollar Store Spartan” (let’s call them that) friends or family members as I have “Walmart Wolverines” in my life; many Spartan fans, who like the “Walmart Wolverine” did not attend their university of fandom.  And make no mistake about it; many of them could probably fit that same drunk-shopping imagery that “Walmart Wolverine” obviously references.

Regardless of all of this truthful nonsense, there is more venom from Sparty to Wolverine, than vice versa, and the resentment has bubbled over into epic proportions.  That bubbling over has taken life in the form of the “Walmart Wolverine.”  The label has stuck.  The saying has spread.  It seems to be the retort that comes up when all else fails, and rational communication has long since left the state borders.  Believe me when I say, irrational communication comes in all forms and from both sides, but the “Walmart Wolverine” is the topping of immature choice these days.

It’s really all fine, either way.  I mean, someone can call another person a “Walmart Wolverine,” a “Dollar Store Spartan,” a “stupid Sparty,” or any other inane names that make them temporarily feel better or superior.

I equate this inane name calling to the Mike Hart “little brother” comment; immature nonsense that says more about the person spewing the words than the people that receive them.  I shook my head years ago when I heard Mike Hart, and I shake my head to this day.  In all reality, the comment has also returned to bite him in the nonsensical ass.

ARROGANCE IS PRETTY ROLLING WITH THE WINGED WHEEL

I often wonder if those same “Walmart Wolverine” slinging Spartan fans, many of which are probably also Red Wings fans, mind the endless Red Wings fans across the country.  We see them in every arena our Red Wings visit.  Many of them were not born in Detroit.  Many of them don’t live in Detroit, and some have never been to our state or city.  Most Red Wings fans are not only OK with these” Walmart Wings” fans, we actually brag about their existence.  “Look at all the Red Wings fans,” we say to one another.  During telecasts, the camera often pans to the sea of Red Wings jerseys in the crowd, and we hear them cheer when the Red Wings score yet another big goal.

“Yea, that is true, but Wolverine fans are arrogant,” I have heard as a response to this argument I’ve previously made.  Yea, I can sort of buy that argument.  Having the most winning program in college football could certainly do that to a University or to its fan base.   It’s quite similar to how many NHL fans view Red Wings fans; as cocky, and spoiled.

The simple fact is the Red Wings are one of the best professional sports organizations in the country.  They win.  They have the attitude and approach that other organizations respect, admire, and aspire to.  It’s the same as the University of Michigan and their football program.  As much as non-Michigan fans may hate to admit it, that is a simple fact.  Throughout much of the history of college football, the University of Michigan has been thee program; respected, admired, and one that others want to mirror.  Certainly the Rich Rod years have tarnished the shine.  But, with all things in life, there is an ebb and flow, and Michigan is certainly trying to come up from a downturn.  And make no mistake, like the Red Wings, the Michigan football program hasn’t been perfect.  Nothing in life ever is.  But they both have been envied, and where there is envy, there is anger, there is emotion and there is often name calling.

And that is really what kicks at the Spartan heart with green envy, leaving the fans to cling to a hollow phrase like children to a lime Popsicle.  Lick.  Lick.  Lick.  Suck.  Suck.  Suck.  Whatever makes you feel better…

GREAT SCHOOLS, GREAT FANS

So, I say this to Spartans and Michigan haters everywhere; grasp the silly label if you must.  But what would be more appropriate and more respected, is to actually grab the reality of your improvements and achievements.  On the football field, Michigan State has developed itself into a strong program.  Spartan fans should be proud of that.  On the basketball court, MSU has dominated for years, and I doubt they will lose grasp of their winning ways.  Michigan State University is a great school, in a great town, with passionate fans.  That is something to grasp with pride.  And I hate to break it to anyone who might hate to hear it; the University of Michigan is a great school, in a great town, with passionate fans.

If you attended the University of Michigan, or if your Dad attended, or if your sibling attended, or a great uncle attended, or your neighbor attended, or a long lost friend from high school attended…cheer for The University of Michigan as you so desire.  Don’t be deterred by silly little labels from silly little squabbles.  10 years from now, or 50 years from now (hopefully when Walmart is long gone), the squabbles will continue; that’s what siblings do.  The “Walmart Wolverine” will no doubt be replaced by something else, and the bickering will find a new perch to squawk.

PICK WHATEVER SIDE YOU LIKE

Rivals are rivals.  Fans are fans.  If you dislike MSU because you are a Wolverine fan, do it with passion and pride, and by God, do it with some class.  And the same is true the other way.  If you are a Spartan, stand tall with pride and shout “Go Green, Go White” with all your might;  just leave the silly kids’ stuff to the kids and approach things with the respect and class you want in return.

As always from this WOLVERINE fan, GO BLUE!

 

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Posted in Entertainment, Metro Detroit, Sports

Magic in Motown

Posted on October 4, 2011 | Comments Off

Some coaches, some managers, will try to sell you on the premise that there is no magic on a team.  Chemistry doesn’t play a role in the success of a team.  Mojo?  They don’t believe in such nonsense, or so they will tell you.  Momentum?  Momentum has very little to do with winning and losing, we hear.

My response to those thoughts, with all due respect, is “horse shit.”

I don’t believe it.  I don’t buy it.  And just the contrary, I have seen magic, mojo, and momentum do amazing things.

Now, I really like Jim Leyland.  He’s a character.  He has emotion.  He loves the game, and his players.  He has obvious respect and love for the Detroit Tigers organization and for the people of the city.  Those are traits I admire, even if I criticize him now and again.  Isn’t that what fans know how to do best?

Regardless, I call “horse shit” on Jim Leyland when he scoffs at momentum or chemistry.  I do so because I not only saw it, but I felt it in 2006.  Anyone who attended the ALDS or ALCS knows what I’m talking about.  Hell, anyone who watched most of the season from any location knows what I’m talking about.  The 2006 Detroit Tigers were not the best team.  They had parts of a good team.  But, more than anything, they had chemistry, and by God, they had magic.

You can’t always describe or pinpoint magic, but it’s something we all feel.  It’s energy, pure and simple.  And it’s one of the best things in life.

Throughout the 2011 Tigers season, I’ve been unsure whether I’ve seen or felt the magic.  For sure, I felt the Tigers had talent and had a “shot” at making noise on the way to the postseason.  It wasn’t until the last months of the year that I actually felt the tinges of magic.  Whether it was a brilliant Austin Jackson double-play throw-out at the plate, a walk-off homer from Santiago or Inge, or the 8 run come back after a rain delay against the evil White Sox, the juices of magic seem to be brewing up in the Old English D caldron.

It’s time to believe, Motown. It’s time to embrace and ride the magic of 2011.

And from one Detroit kitty to another, our Detroit Lions seems to have a bit of their own magic.  Two on the road 20+ point come-backs in 2 weeks?  That is magic.  I understand it’s also hard work, never giving up, talent, and some luck.  But when I add all that together and divide it by the energy produced…magic!

There is a reason that puritan people years ago feared those associated with magic; it has power.  We cannot see magic, we can’t always control magic, and we can’t always quantify it; but be sure, we all know it when we feel it.  It’s a bit like love, really, in the way it moves us and binds us together.

Ah, magic….welcome to Motown…please, stay awhile.

 

 

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Posted in Metro Detroit, Reflections, Sports

Favorite Things, Michigan Style (Part 2)

Posted on June 17, 2011 | 3 Comments

Well, I certainly did not anticipate weeks between Part 1 and Part 2 of my Favorite Things Michigan blog. But, the flu and a nasty drug reaction sidelined me for a while, leaving me on the DL for over two weeks. Regardless, my favorite things stand tall and strong. So, here we go on more smooth and soft loving for the great state of Michigan.

Detroit Science Center – My childhood included many fun trips down town to the Detroit Science Center. But, I must admit, it’s an even cooler experience as an adult. So many neat exhibits and interactive happenings ensure awesome reactions on faces, young and old.
Nature Trails – One of my very favorite things to do is walk/hike. From border to border, this state offers trails galore. Love to explore! Beauty abound. Nothing like it…
The Fox Theatre – If you haven’t been inside, run, don’t walk. The Fox Theatre is purely fantastic. I don’t much care who performs, just stepping inside the theatre is a privilege.
Pyramid Point – One of the best views anywhere, Pyramid Point is one of my very favorite hiking spots in the state. A short walk through the woods ends with a spectacular view over Lake Michigan. This is also a primo spot for snapping photos. Awe-inspiring!
Music Scene, Local Talent, Concerts – It’s hard to put all of these things in one category, as music is such a huge part of this state. Whether it’s local talent in various area, the history and tradition of music, or the amazing venues and concert options; Music matter in Michigan. From the Palace of Auburn Hills to DTE (Pine Knob). From Meadowbrook Hall to Interlochen Arts Academy in Northern Michigan. From Motown or the Jazz Fest to the Detroit Opera House. I could go on and on regarding the venues. I could go on and on regarding the endless concert options. And I could go on and on about the rich history of music, and the continued energy of music scenes in places from Detroit, Royal Oak, Lansing, and Grand Rapids.
Ann Arbor – One of my very favorite places, not only in the state, but in the country. Ann Arbor has an amazing vibe in an amazing setting. State Street in Ann Arbor is active, energetic and eclectic. It is trendy and granola all at the same time. Ann Arbor is an older traditional city with a vibe of youth and open mindedness. The tree lined hilly streets of the city sit on a beautiful meandering river, and small town and city blend beautifully.
Sanders Crème Puff Hot Fudge Sundae – I know it’s a weird unique single food item, and probably odd to highlight by itself. But, if you have ever had one of these beauties, you will know why. And if you haven’t, you must. Come to Michigan and enjoy what I believe is one of the best things on earth! Grub.
Festivals – Too many festivals to get on one page, let alone in one paragraph, but to name a few: Peach Festival, National Cherry Festival, Cedar Polka Fest, Renaissance Festival, Frankenmuth Bavarian Festival, National Asparagus Festival, National Strawberry Festival, Alpenfest, Shakespeare Festival, Black Arts Festival, numerous Pride Festivals, Balloon Festivals, Summerfests and Art Fairs. Festivals are big in the state of Michigan. And despite the rather large pain in my neck, due to the proximity of my home, the Woodward Dream Cruise is a holiday all its own. Michigan folks will do anything for a good party, and the Cruise is a prime example. Old and new cars alike come from everywhere to cruise up and down Woodward Ave, the first paved street in this country. Quite frankly, Woodward Ave is on my “Top of” Michigan list, both for its history and for its still pretty cool vibe. You can journey from Pontiac in the northern suburbs all the way south to the Detroit River, going through cities like Bloomfield Hills, Birmingham, Royal Oak, Berkley, Ferndale, Highland Park, and Detroit.
Fireworks – Let’s face it, fireworks are beautiful just about anywhere. But, if you have ever seen the fireworks show on the bay in Traverse City, or over the Detroit River in down town Detroit, then you know there is pure magic in fireworks over just about any Michigan body of water. A true favorite part of what already is an excellent summer locale.
Fall Colors – The truth is that I live for Octobers in Michigan. It’s my very favorite month of the year, regardless of my terrible Fall allergies. The vibrant Reds. The flaming bright Oranges. The crisp apple colors of Yellow. The crisp and clean air. The blue skies. It’s my own version of heaven. Fall is my favorite season and in the times I lived away from Michigan, I missed October most. If only it all lasted a little while longer. Maybe part of its magic is in its scarcity.
Food & Drinks – Like many places in the country, Michigan has its own unique tastes and flavors. Most people born and raised in the metro area are familiar with staples like Faygo or Vernors Pop. One of my favorites is Boston Coolers; which have nothing to do with Boston, being a Detroit tradition and all. By far, Boston Coolers exceed the similar but not as refreshing Root beer float. Coney Dogs. Perogies. Pasties. Fudge. Anything in Greektown. Cherry anything and everything. Blueberry anything and everything. Apple anything and everything. You get the point. Whether it’s the best bagel in the country from New York Bagel in Ferndale, the best slice of pizza I have ever had, from Tomatoes a Pizza, or eating fruit right from a tree, we know good eats.
People – When I asked a friend of mine, who is from England, what he likes best about the state of Michigan, he quickly replied “the people.” I’ve heard this same response, when I have asked others, from around the country and the world, what they like about my home state. And the truth is, what they like best, I like best, as well. Yes, we have some schmucks in Michigan. We have some lazy folks. We have some bigots here and there. But, most places unfortunately have a smattering of those types, too. But, more than anything, we have good people in Michigan. We have down to earth people. We have hard-working people. We have people that care about neighbors, about friends, about family, and enjoying our beautiful state. All of the things in my “favorite things in Michigan” are part of the reason I moved back home, and part of the reason I stay. But the biggest reason that my heart is at home here in Michigan is the people. Michigan has an interesting intersection of tradition and small town friendliness with hopeful urban inspiration towards a spirited future. The views are beautiful. The seasons are magical. But, the people, they are Michigan. And they are why this is one of my favorite places anywhere.

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Posted in Entertainment, Metro Detroit, Reflections

Favorite Things, Michigan Style (Part 1)

Posted on June 1, 2011 | Comments Off

I was born in Michigan.  I was born in the Metro Detroit area.  Like so many people in my life, both family and friends, this area is in my blood.

In recent years we have seen an increase in cheer-leading for our state, be it the successful Pure Michigan campaign, an increased attitude to Made in Michigan products, the Made in Detroit clothing line, or the overly debated but equally loved yearly “April in the D” ditty.

Cheerleading for Michigan

It makes sense that we have adopted the role of our own cheerleading section.  It’s apparent that we haven’t felt much love from outside our state for quite some time.  As “get to work” people, we have gotten to work in leading ourselves with a little pep.  It doesn’t matter what outsiders think now, because we know what they will eventually think down the road.

Anyone who grew up in this area remembers the “Stand Up and Tell Em You’re From Detroit” television advertisements that ran on ABC7.  I’m proud and a bit embarrassed to say that I could recite the song to this day.

Pure Michigan

With new times, come new tunes; as most current Michiganders instantly know the sentimental sound of any Pure Michigan ad.  It warms the cockles of our Coney-filled insides.  The ads are soft and gentle reminders of the reasons why each one of us loves our state.

I know many may call such ads and sideline banter irrelevant.  Would you say the same about sporting team fight songs?  Would you say the same about our national anthem?  I don’t know about you, but anytime I hear our National Anthem I choke up a bit, and typically end up with the goose bumps.  It’s not always the singer or the lyrics, but rather the collective celebration of oneness, and the collective celebration of everything that makes us appreciate our country; flaws and all.  That energy and spirit can also be found on the state level.

Anytime in the D

Anthems and fight sounds are not a substitute for substance, but rather a reminder of substance.  Everyone needs encouragement.  Everyone needs swagger.  Everyone needs to sing a little, and dance a little.  And everyone, at one time or another needs to be part of “April in the D.”  Even if we in Metro Detroit are cringing, we are doing it together.

It’s Spring now.  And hope springs and shines eternal.  Well, maybe it’s already Summer, as Spring in Michigan is typically a single stop on the bus ride from cool and dreary Winter days to hot and fierce Summer days.  So, for a few moments longer the Michigan Spring, I’d like to shine a light on some of the wonders of our wondrous State of Michigan.

Since Oprah has signed off for good (well, until her new show on her own network premiers), someone must fill the void in sharing favorite things.  So, here a list of my Michigan favorites:

Melissa’s Favorite Things of Michigan – Part 1

Traverse City, Michigan – From Old Mission Peninsula to Leelanau peninsula, few places offer spectacular water views with spectacular wineries, coupled with a unique vibe that intertwines community and nature.  Included in the Traverse City area are communities like Glen Arbor and Sutton’s Bay.  Stunning beauty!

The Sleeping Bear Dunes – The Dunes are located in the general Traverse City region, but they are a topic all their own.  A hike atop the dunes provides one of the best views I have ever witnessed.  And if you have the stamina to make it, climb the dunes and then hike right to the shores of Lake Michigan.

Mackinac Island – This is sort of a given favorite, to anyone who has ever visited.  The Island sits several miles off shore within Lake Huron and is an island without automobiles; a unique trait for a tourist destination within the Car Capital of the world.  A ferry ride from Mackinac City or St. Ignace provides stunning views and a wonderful fresh water breeze.  The island itself is magical, relaxing, and a fun step back in time.  Whether you walk or bike the island, or get around in a horse-drawn carriage, Mackinac Island is a place to see!

Torch Lake – Named one of the top lakes in the world, there is literally NO other place on earth that I have experienced such crystal clear turquoise blue water.  Now, I haven’t traveled the world, but I can guarantee this lake is a stunner.  And summers on the lake are beyond fantastic.  A little piece of truly divine!

The Architecture of Detroit, Michigan – We all know of the struggles in the city.  Many know selectively of its history.  What is so impressive within Detroit, however, is the amazing architecture.   This is one of the oldest cities in the country and it is steeped in tradition.  It’s true that in some ways Detroit could use a face lift.  But please, don’t give it a complete make-over.  The downtown area has a unique mix of new and old, and quite a few depression-era buildings that specifically flavor the city.  Just a few highlights include: The Guardian Building, The Penobscot Building, The Fisher Theatre, The Book Cadillac, the DIA (Detroit Institute of Arts), Detroit Public Library, and the Renaissance Center.

Coney Dogs – Uniquely Detroit.  Uniquely Yum.  Michiganders know and love this special type of hot dog topped with chili.  Various establishments put their own twist on this Detroit tradition, and most Michiganders love to Coney debate.   As long as there is chili and some cheese, I’m a happy camper!

Greenfield Village & Henry Ford Museum, Dearborn, Michigan – I admit that I spent more time here as a child.  But, I look forward to more return visits soon.  Greenfield Village is a very cool walk through time.

Orchards and Cider Mills – Two of my favorite activities in Michigan are visiting orchards and visiting Cider Mills.  Michigan grows wonderful fresh fruit and picking and eating directly from the bush or tree is exquisite.  I love to go apple picking, sampling along the way, and then later using those Michigan Apples for some homemade Apple Sauce, Pies, or Cobblers.  I equally love visiting any number of fabulous Michigan Cider Mills.   Nothing beats a Fall Day, with warm cider and a fresh doughnut in hand, strolling through a colored laced nature scene.  I guess I feel most alive as the earth around me prepares for a rather long and cool nap.  Memories of visiting cider mills on crisp cool Fall days are the memories that most stand out from my childhood in Michigan.

The Big House on Game Day – No place I would rather be than Michigan Stadium for a University of Michigan game.  With the largest college football crowd in the country, and a football program with the most victories, no place better than Ann Arbor on game day.  Maize and Blue majesty!

Tiger baseball at Comerica on a warm breezy Summer night – There are a handful of baseball gem cities in the country; Boston, New York, St. Louis, and Cincinnati, to name a few.  One would also need to include Detroit in that list.  The fans haven’t had much to cheer about for a couple decades, but the fans come out to support the team and enjoy the fan friendly park.  Comerica Park is a must stop destination during the summer.  Sit just about anywhere in the park and enjoy being in the heart of a great sports town.  Go Tigers!

Check back in coming days for more of Mel’s favorite things, Michigan Style.  And, feel free to share you favorite parts of our wonderful state.

 

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Posted in In General, Metro Detroit

Detroit Bashing Really Chaps My Hide

Posted on May 17, 2011 | 4 Comments

I have something I need to get off my chest. And I get it, Detroit is an easy target. I get it, Detroit is a modern day urban wasteland; a washed up has been that even the likes of Charlie Sheen seem to be able to successfully mock. Detroit is a very easy city to bash. And in a society that needs to have someone to bash or look down on, Detroit has filled the role long enough.

Listening to folks from around the country the last few years has really chapped my hide. And yes, I said “chapped my hide.” Whether it was CNN, Fox News, or various folks in other parts of the country, I often heard the words “why are we bailing out Detroit?”

The answers and responses to that question vary, but let’s clean up a few misconceptions. The government did not bail out Detroit, the government provided loans to 2 of the Big 3 US Automakers. A large portion of the loan money has already been paid back, with GM repaying their loan in full, ahead of schedule. Part of the repayment came in the form of the American taxpayers receiving ownership in a large volume of shares; meaning taxpayers should eventually make a profit.

As most people realize, if the US Auto Industry had completely tanked a couple years ago, it wouldn’t have just been Chrysler and GM that died, or the City of Detroit that died, or even the State of Michigan. The automotive industry touches so many segments of our economy and our society, that its total collapse may have been cataclysmic.

But, enough about all of that mambo jumbo. Those are interesting pieces to the puzzle, but they aren’t the issue that chaps my hide. Back to the cries of “why are we bailing out Detroit,” which I often heard from citizens, friends and even some family in states like California, Texas, and Florida.

I find the cries of outrage pretty perplexing given that, as a tax payer, I contribute to our federal emergency fund. Year after worsening weather year, federal funds are sent to places like Hurricane ravaged Florida, or Tornado ravaged Oklahoma. And don’t even get me started on California; I love California and I love many family members and friends that live there. But, undoubtedly we send millions and millions of dollars each year to aid with one disaster after another; earthquake, mudslide, fire, floods. It never ends out there and we all contribute to helping those in need.

The same is true of Texas, which deals with coastal hurricanes and inland tornadoes, fires, and flooding. I believe we all remember Hurricane Katrina and all know of the hazards that still exist in that region of the country.

“Well, those are natural disasters,” one might say. And, that is true. They are. But, it’s also true that most people know that hurricanes will hit Florida, and people continue to move and live there. And they continue to build as close to the ocean as possible. People know that California, although beautiful in spectacular fashion, will endure one natural disaster after another, and yet continue to overpay to live there. Although natural disasters are partially out of our control, living in the eye of their storms surely is a choice. It’s a choice many people make time after time.

And I’m OK that. And I’m OK with us as a country, helping each other. That’s how it should be. But, I’m not OK with my city and my state being selectively ridiculed and battered when it was our time of need. Over the years, The Big 3 US Automakers have aided this country tremendously; their large role in WWII, their center stage role in national and global economic growth during most of the last century, and even their typical financial contributions during national times of importance such as 9/11. Most Americans seem to forget our history. And they do so, fairly selectively. It reminds me of how some folks selectively read the big book, and pull out of it what works for them, while ignoring other large words in bold print. But, those thoughts of logic are for another day. Let’s get back to what really chaps my hide. And at this point, I think I just enjoy typing “Chaps my hide.”

Aren’t we, the 50 states of this union, the United States of America? Aren’t we a united nation that helps one another? Aren’t we a united nation that picks up a neighbor when they struggle, because we know, in the end, they would do it for us, too? What do bumper stickers mean when they promote sayings like “These Colors Don’t Run,” and “Proud to be an American?” Do they mean that we leave an industry and entire region of the country to crumble? Do they mean that we leave a city to drown in hurricane waters?

I get it. Detroit is an easy city to bash. Or more appropriately to most, Detroit is a FUN city to bash. I think it’s true that most people take some pleasure in watching great things, great people, or great places fall from grace. And that’s really what has happened with Detroit. Once a shining beacon, of industry and the American Dream, Detroit fell from grace in recent decades. Detroit has yet to fully recover from a great racial divide in the 60’s, and didn’t proactively diversify itself economically years ago, paving the way for poverty, crime, and abandoned and burned out buildings. Some blocks are wastelands. Some buildings right in downtown Detroit are empty. They are sad shells of the former life that once embodied the region. It was not long ago, relatively speaking, that Detroit was THE place to go; instead of being THE place to mock.

We all know about Charlie Sheen. We have seen the videos mocking the city of Detroit at sporting events. We heard the Mayor of New York make the suggestion that all immigrants should be required to live in Detroit. At its core, the idea has some merit, but it reads as self-serving, and really is another demeaning way to address Detroit.

Since the current Mississippi flood will ravage an entire area, where homes will need to be rebuilt and people will need to repopulate, will politicians suggest that all immigrants are sent there? It’s doubtful. Most people would never attempt to promote such an idea, as it would probably come off as insulting and degrading. Somehow, insulting and degrading has not only become acceptable behavior in relating to Detroit, it’s become common place; the norm.

It may be the norm. But it’s a tired act. It’s an old bit and I think many people are starting to wake up to the rhetoric that spews from mouths like an insipid form of turrets. More words to divide. More selective reasoning and selective discussion. We BAIL OUT Detroit, but we AID Florida. We BAIL OUT Detroit, but we HELP California. We BAIL OUT Detroit, and heck we REBUILD another country. Not only is the Detroit bashing talk deplorable, so is the inaction.

Eleanor Roosevelt once said of women, “A woman is like a teabag, only in hot water do you realize how strong she is.” I think it’s safe to say this country, along with Detroit, have been sitting in that hot water for a while now. It’s time to see the strength. And it’s time to see it together, in unity.

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Posted in Metro Detroit, Reflections