The good news is that most of the productive Detroit City Council members kept their seats and the newly elected will have a chance to turn things around. Not that it'll be easy in this economy. I was also glad to see the Detroit Public School funding issue pass. We can never give up on our youth.
Mayor Bing is still largely an unknown entity, but he has been earnest with his duties, unwavering in his vision and steadfast in his efforts thus far. I'm glad he'll get a chance to continue what he has begun, especially with a more civilized and mature City Council. (Thank god we can say, "Monica who"?)
Now for the important and hard work to be started by the new City Charter Commission. This may be the single most important work that will affect Detroit in the long haul. If this group does its job and resists political 'tampering' and meddling, it will position the 'D' for a real move forward. If they do it with too many concessions to the powers that be, it could be even worse than it is now. Citizens, get involved. Stay up to date with what is being proposed and what it will mean to you. And for goodness sake, get more than 22% of the electorate out to vote!
Did the UAW rank and file blow it with their refusal to ratify the recent negotiations with Ford? The CAW seemed OK with it. One black ink quarter does not a successful company make. I understand that everybody wants to make a statement and to stop being squeezed, but I have a very bad feeling about what will follow. Could Mexico be in line for more manufacturing jobs? I hope I'm wrong.
Republicans are starry-eyed over winning two gubernatorial contests. Democrats are over-thinking the results. How about just doing what is best for your constituents regardless of party planks? Personally, I don't give a basket of berries about your political party. Show me what you're doing and tell me why you did it. I will always vote for whom I consider best qualified for the job. You can score big points with me by working more than 3 days a week in D.C., to start.
It seems everyone is looking for 'their' handout - cash for clunker, first-time home buyer credit (hey, let's give it to everyone!). Still too many systemic problems with a too large government bureaucracy - nationally and at the state level. The bigger it gets, the slower it moves and the more diluted its actions. Everybody must be satisfied. I'm still waiting to see more reforms in the banking and insurance industries - especially those that got the big fat bailouts. What are the chances?
I'll save comments about Michigan's legislative and executive branches for later. I need to give my fingers a rest first.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
More Detroit Activities
My wife and I went to Detroit this past weekend. We stayed at the Westin Book, and jumped on the PeopleMover to go to Greektown Saturday afternoon. As we made our clockwise turns, we found a lot with many military vehicles parked. We figured out quickly that it was a staging area for the filming of the remake of 'Red Dawn'. Apparently this crew will be in Detroit for a little bit longer.
Sunday morning was pretty exciting. The Detroit Free Press/Flagstar marathon was taking place on Fort Street and Second. Actually, that was the start and finish line. The actual course winds through the city, crosses into Windsor via the Ambassador Bridge and returns through the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel. The tunnel is shut down for a few hours to accomodate the event. This is the only international marathon in the world with two border crossings. It also has the only documented 'underwater mile' - as you traverse the tunnel. Word has it that over 19,000 runners participated in all events.
Marathoner and half marathon runners alike use the border crossing. There is a 5K event that stays within the City of Detroit, so for those of us that don't want to train for 13.1 or 26.2 miles can always run, or even walk, the 5K.
The new Doubletree Hotel on Lafayette and First was pretty busy, and runners were in evidence throughout Greektown on Saturday evening. My guess is they were not carbo loading on baklava.
It was a great weekend in the 'D' and it was great to see so many people there.
Sunday morning was pretty exciting. The Detroit Free Press/Flagstar marathon was taking place on Fort Street and Second. Actually, that was the start and finish line. The actual course winds through the city, crosses into Windsor via the Ambassador Bridge and returns through the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel. The tunnel is shut down for a few hours to accomodate the event. This is the only international marathon in the world with two border crossings. It also has the only documented 'underwater mile' - as you traverse the tunnel. Word has it that over 19,000 runners participated in all events.
Marathoner and half marathon runners alike use the border crossing. There is a 5K event that stays within the City of Detroit, so for those of us that don't want to train for 13.1 or 26.2 miles can always run, or even walk, the 5K.
The new Doubletree Hotel on Lafayette and First was pretty busy, and runners were in evidence throughout Greektown on Saturday evening. My guess is they were not carbo loading on baklava.
It was a great weekend in the 'D' and it was great to see so many people there.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Mystic Creek Golf Course
I started golfing last year and have not let my relative low skill level stop me from playing some really great courses. Friends told me that the Jackal at Mt. Brighton was too hard for me, I had no business playing the Legend at Shanty Creek - you either know or can guess the drill.
I played them anyway, and I'm glad that I did. Yesterday I played two of the three nine hole courses at Mystic Creek in Milford (actually within the Camp Dearborn property). I paid a three dollar entry fee which was refunded at the Pro Shop. I decided on the Meadows and Woods courses since I figured the Lakes course would be too cool and breezy. Excellent courses, both. Low use at this time of year, so you have no pressure to keep up or speed up your play. The on-cart GPS was great for me since I had never seen the holes before. It gave tips at every tee box which was greatly appreciated.
This course is really great and a good value, too. A few of the greens had been punched as part of the fall maintenance, but overall it was in excellent shape. A small army of groundskeepers were seen darting around doing chores, and I actually played pretty well on the Meadows. That fell apart when I got to the Woods, which is a slightly longer course, and more challenging.
Lately, I'm striking the ball much better. I actually beat my son for the first time last weekend. He wasn't thrilled, but at least I loaded him up with some new golf balls that I found on sale, and that I really like. They're Nike SFT. I found them on sale at Dick's Sporting Goods, a two dozen box for $25. I didn't expect much at a buck a ball, but they seem to play very well for me. I'm not a monster hitter from the tee, a typical drive is 180-200, and a great drive is 220 or so. But these SFT's seem to work better for me than anything else I've tried.
I hope to get in a few more rounds before the snow hits. Not sure what I'll do this winter, other than visit the outdoor but covered and heated tees at Deaton's in Howell. That may give me my golf fix until Spring.
I played them anyway, and I'm glad that I did. Yesterday I played two of the three nine hole courses at Mystic Creek in Milford (actually within the Camp Dearborn property). I paid a three dollar entry fee which was refunded at the Pro Shop. I decided on the Meadows and Woods courses since I figured the Lakes course would be too cool and breezy. Excellent courses, both. Low use at this time of year, so you have no pressure to keep up or speed up your play. The on-cart GPS was great for me since I had never seen the holes before. It gave tips at every tee box which was greatly appreciated.
This course is really great and a good value, too. A few of the greens had been punched as part of the fall maintenance, but overall it was in excellent shape. A small army of groundskeepers were seen darting around doing chores, and I actually played pretty well on the Meadows. That fell apart when I got to the Woods, which is a slightly longer course, and more challenging.
Lately, I'm striking the ball much better. I actually beat my son for the first time last weekend. He wasn't thrilled, but at least I loaded him up with some new golf balls that I found on sale, and that I really like. They're Nike SFT. I found them on sale at Dick's Sporting Goods, a two dozen box for $25. I didn't expect much at a buck a ball, but they seem to play very well for me. I'm not a monster hitter from the tee, a typical drive is 180-200, and a great drive is 220 or so. But these SFT's seem to work better for me than anything else I've tried.
I hope to get in a few more rounds before the snow hits. Not sure what I'll do this winter, other than visit the outdoor but covered and heated tees at Deaton's in Howell. That may give me my golf fix until Spring.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Detroit Events
Detroit gets bashed a lot. Some of it is warranted, some is not. As an Optimist, I like to look at the positive. That doesn't mean that I have my head in the sand, but it does mean that I don't close my eyes to the good things that are around either. And I like to look at more than casinos, Greektown and the sports stadia.
Last year I purchased a subscription to a series of performances at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. A classical music fan, this was like heaven to me. For the record, I like most forms of music - I just prefer to spend most of my listening time with classical or jazz. I also went to a couple of other DSO performances, including the Count Basie Orchestra's Holiday event.
This is the first full year of new music director Leonard Slatkin's tenure and he has put together an exciting list of music that has broad appeal. Classicial, jazz, pop, youth concerts - there's something for everybody. Great parking in the DSO structure and a 37/11 program that lets those aged 37 and under to buy tickets for just $11 - and they're not just the cheap seats, just cheap prices!
The Detroit Science Center has a very interesting display opening tomorrow, October 10th. The Accidental Mummies of Guanajuato. If you've never been there, they also feature an IMAX theatre and a planetarium.
The Detroit RiverFront Conservancy is working to create a 5+ mile walk along the river, stretching from the Ambassador Bridge almost to the Belle Isle Bridge. The portion behind Joe Louis, Cobo and stretching to east of the Ren Cen is fantastic. The next time you're downtown for something, take time to check it out.
And don't forget about the Detroit Institute of Arts. Their collection includes works by Degas, Picasso, and Rembrandt's 'The Visitation.' But the DIA is more than just pictures and sculptures. Their 'Friday Night Live' series features a program of varied live entertainment, and the venerable Detroit Film Theatre has provided generations with affordable and hard to find movies.
Do you have a different, favorite Detroit spot? Send it along!
Last year I purchased a subscription to a series of performances at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. A classical music fan, this was like heaven to me. For the record, I like most forms of music - I just prefer to spend most of my listening time with classical or jazz. I also went to a couple of other DSO performances, including the Count Basie Orchestra's Holiday event.
This is the first full year of new music director Leonard Slatkin's tenure and he has put together an exciting list of music that has broad appeal. Classicial, jazz, pop, youth concerts - there's something for everybody. Great parking in the DSO structure and a 37/11 program that lets those aged 37 and under to buy tickets for just $11 - and they're not just the cheap seats, just cheap prices!
The Detroit Science Center has a very interesting display opening tomorrow, October 10th. The Accidental Mummies of Guanajuato. If you've never been there, they also feature an IMAX theatre and a planetarium.
The Detroit RiverFront Conservancy is working to create a 5+ mile walk along the river, stretching from the Ambassador Bridge almost to the Belle Isle Bridge. The portion behind Joe Louis, Cobo and stretching to east of the Ren Cen is fantastic. The next time you're downtown for something, take time to check it out.
And don't forget about the Detroit Institute of Arts. Their collection includes works by Degas, Picasso, and Rembrandt's 'The Visitation.' But the DIA is more than just pictures and sculptures. Their 'Friday Night Live' series features a program of varied live entertainment, and the venerable Detroit Film Theatre has provided generations with affordable and hard to find movies.
Do you have a different, favorite Detroit spot? Send it along!
Livingston County Notes
I went to a meeting of the Brighton Optimist Club at Mt. Brighton early yesterday morning and noticed a lot of activity at the Challis Rd. entrance. Freshly damaged trees, earth that had been moved, equipment lying about. Turns out that the production company filming the remake of the Patrick Swayze movie, 'Red Dawn', was going to film a scene there. They brought in dead trees, planted some and left others lying around. By the time I left, the Brighton Fire Department was there to make sure the 'controlled burn' didn't get out of hand. Pretty exciting. This crew has also set off some pretty spectacular explosions in downtown Detroit to make the movie, too.
Speaking of the Brighton Optimist Club, they have a great fundraiser in progress. They're partnering with Michigan's own Dutchman Farms to sell cut and container-grown Christmas trees and holiday wreaths. Well priced goods with reasonably priced UPS shipping which even allows you to choose the shipping date. I ordered a wreath as a gift and the shipping to Metro Detroit was right around $7. They have a low rate of defective or damaged good and guarantee immediate free shipment of a replacement should you get a bad item. You can check them out at http://www.dutchmantreefarms.com/green2green-fundraiser/overview.html and use code OCBRMI to give the Brighton Optimist Club credit. They ship anywhere in the lower 48 and have a special deal with UPS. The greener of us will consider the container-grown trees that can be planted outside in the Spring.
The Howell Rotary is conducting the popular 'Tour de Livingston' bike ride tomorrow, Saturday, October 10th. Routes of 25-75 miles are available and proceeds go to Livingston County's United Way. All routes start at Mt. Brighton. See http://www.tourdelivingston.org/Default.aspx for more info.
A lot of restaurants seem to be doing fine, even in this poor economy. The new Sagano's Japanese Steak House on Main St in Downtown Brighton is doing well. Stout's Irish Pub on Grand River put in a new patio with bar and stanchion-style gas heaters and a fire pit this year. Well done, comfortable and perhaps the nicest outdoor seating in the area. Next door to Stout's, work continues on the Leaf, Barley & Vine, Brighton's first real wine & cigar bar. They are approved to have an outdoor seating space with a fireplace, too. In recent years, the Stonefire Bistro and Main Street Martini Bar opened on Main Street. There are plenty of choices for different dining experiences in Brighton.
The local Farmer's Markets are still open through the end of the month, too. Catch Brighton's on Saturday mornings, in front of the downtown municipal buildings adjacent to the millpond, and Howell's on Sunday mornings, adjacent to the Historic County Courthouse.
Speaking of the Brighton Optimist Club, they have a great fundraiser in progress. They're partnering with Michigan's own Dutchman Farms to sell cut and container-grown Christmas trees and holiday wreaths. Well priced goods with reasonably priced UPS shipping which even allows you to choose the shipping date. I ordered a wreath as a gift and the shipping to Metro Detroit was right around $7. They have a low rate of defective or damaged good and guarantee immediate free shipment of a replacement should you get a bad item. You can check them out at http://www.dutchmantreefarms.com/green2green-fundraiser/overview.html and use code OCBRMI to give the Brighton Optimist Club credit. They ship anywhere in the lower 48 and have a special deal with UPS. The greener of us will consider the container-grown trees that can be planted outside in the Spring.
The Howell Rotary is conducting the popular 'Tour de Livingston' bike ride tomorrow, Saturday, October 10th. Routes of 25-75 miles are available and proceeds go to Livingston County's United Way. All routes start at Mt. Brighton. See http://www.tourdelivingston.org/Default.aspx for more info.
A lot of restaurants seem to be doing fine, even in this poor economy. The new Sagano's Japanese Steak House on Main St in Downtown Brighton is doing well. Stout's Irish Pub on Grand River put in a new patio with bar and stanchion-style gas heaters and a fire pit this year. Well done, comfortable and perhaps the nicest outdoor seating in the area. Next door to Stout's, work continues on the Leaf, Barley & Vine, Brighton's first real wine & cigar bar. They are approved to have an outdoor seating space with a fireplace, too. In recent years, the Stonefire Bistro and Main Street Martini Bar opened on Main Street. There are plenty of choices for different dining experiences in Brighton.
The local Farmer's Markets are still open through the end of the month, too. Catch Brighton's on Saturday mornings, in front of the downtown municipal buildings adjacent to the millpond, and Howell's on Sunday mornings, adjacent to the Historic County Courthouse.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Cost Savings or Cost Passing?
Boy, does it pay to do a little research. My recent interest in golf is tempered by only two things - time and money. When I can find the time to play, I like to get the best prices possible (who doesn't?).
I found a web site for golf tee times and it had some of my local courses listed. So I signed up (for free), filled out my profile and looked at some prices. It has a two-tier pricing system where you can pay a higher price to reserve a tee time but pay at the course, or pay a lesser fee and use your credit card online. (Impulse buyer's discount?)
I was ready to take advantage of the lower priced fee and decided to call the course before I clicked the mouse. Their price was a full $5 cheaper than the cheapest online price. Plus, I was told about the 'senior' rate (over 50) which saved me another $4. No mention of the senior rate with the online system. A $9 savings for picking up the phone and making my own reservation.
I completely understand that the reservation web site has to make money, too, and that there has to be some kind of fee to either the golfer to the golf course (or maybe both). But a $5 difference seemed high to me. I'll check around with some other courses and see if this was an exception, or the rule. After all, $9 will buy a modest lunch and a bucket of balls at the driving range.
I found a web site for golf tee times and it had some of my local courses listed. So I signed up (for free), filled out my profile and looked at some prices. It has a two-tier pricing system where you can pay a higher price to reserve a tee time but pay at the course, or pay a lesser fee and use your credit card online. (Impulse buyer's discount?)
I was ready to take advantage of the lower priced fee and decided to call the course before I clicked the mouse. Their price was a full $5 cheaper than the cheapest online price. Plus, I was told about the 'senior' rate (over 50) which saved me another $4. No mention of the senior rate with the online system. A $9 savings for picking up the phone and making my own reservation.
I completely understand that the reservation web site has to make money, too, and that there has to be some kind of fee to either the golfer to the golf course (or maybe both). But a $5 difference seemed high to me. I'll check around with some other courses and see if this was an exception, or the rule. After all, $9 will buy a modest lunch and a bucket of balls at the driving range.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Golf Bug Bites Hard
Last year I finally succumbed to golf. I had played in a couple of outings (with borrowed clubs) some 30 years ago and never found a thirst for the game. I could watch it on TV, be amazed at the skill of other golfers, but never had the urge to play. That changed last year.
I took four lessons in March & April of 2008, bought a starter set of clubs at the end of April and played my first round at a scramble outing in mid-May. I played a fair amount of golf last year (once a week, sometimes twice) and decided to join a league this year.
As I play more, I want to play even more. Of course, that's not possible since I still work. But I do have a certain latitude with my hours and an early morning tee time allows me to play 9 holes and still begin work before 9:30 or 10am. I like to hit a couple buckets of balls each week, too.
Some days I go to the driving range and hit a bucket of balls instead of eating lunch. Actually, I think that's been good for me as I notice lately that my belt is being fastened at the end notch, a place I haven't been for some time!
As I hit better shots more often, I want to hit better shots all the time. Not realistic since even the pros blow a shot now & then, but hey, it's a goal to work towards. There are a lot of great courses here in Livingston County, and long-time golfers tell me golf has not been this affordable for a many years.
Some of my favorite places are:
Chemung Hills Golf Course. Beautiful, but tougher with a lot of water hazards and subtle, tricky greens. If you can putt here, you can putt anywhere. A big bonus for those living nearby is the best driving range prices I've found at $3 for a small bucket and $6 for a large bucket of balls. Also a very nice club house and good food. I've used their banquet center a couple of times, too, and it's first-class.
Faulkwood Shores, not far down the road, is a great value (see their website for monthly specials) and challenging in a different way. Narrow fairways penalize those who hit 'banana' balls but it is still a 'fair' course, even for golfers of my limited ability. Greens are usually very fast, too.
The Jackal, at Mt. Brighton, is scenic - and tough! I had no business playing this course last year, but I did anyway. (I still have no business playing it, by the way.) I lost a lot of balls, but it was worth it. Elevated tees on various parts of the downhill ski slopes, plenty of water, wetlands and woods to challenge you, but overall one of my favorite courses. Very good food in the lodge and convenient to an I-96 interchange to make it convenient for your friends to play.
Huron Meadows, part of the Huron-Clinton Metropark system, is perhaps the best maintained course on which I've played. Granted, Metropark fees are a little higher, but everything is in great shape from the tee boxes to the greens. Their carts have little 'perks', too - a combination club and ball washer, and a flip-down cleat cleaner on the rear! I love this course. And you don't need a metropark pass to enter if you're paying for golf, so don't let that park fee stop you.
There are a lot of other great golf venues within a 30 minute drive of the Brighton-Howell area, and just because they're not mentioned here doesn't mean they're not worth playing. If you're a golfer with suggestions, leave a comment with your suggestions.
I took four lessons in March & April of 2008, bought a starter set of clubs at the end of April and played my first round at a scramble outing in mid-May. I played a fair amount of golf last year (once a week, sometimes twice) and decided to join a league this year.
As I play more, I want to play even more. Of course, that's not possible since I still work. But I do have a certain latitude with my hours and an early morning tee time allows me to play 9 holes and still begin work before 9:30 or 10am. I like to hit a couple buckets of balls each week, too.
Some days I go to the driving range and hit a bucket of balls instead of eating lunch. Actually, I think that's been good for me as I notice lately that my belt is being fastened at the end notch, a place I haven't been for some time!
As I hit better shots more often, I want to hit better shots all the time. Not realistic since even the pros blow a shot now & then, but hey, it's a goal to work towards. There are a lot of great courses here in Livingston County, and long-time golfers tell me golf has not been this affordable for a many years.
Some of my favorite places are:
Chemung Hills Golf Course. Beautiful, but tougher with a lot of water hazards and subtle, tricky greens. If you can putt here, you can putt anywhere. A big bonus for those living nearby is the best driving range prices I've found at $3 for a small bucket and $6 for a large bucket of balls. Also a very nice club house and good food. I've used their banquet center a couple of times, too, and it's first-class.
Faulkwood Shores, not far down the road, is a great value (see their website for monthly specials) and challenging in a different way. Narrow fairways penalize those who hit 'banana' balls but it is still a 'fair' course, even for golfers of my limited ability. Greens are usually very fast, too.
The Jackal, at Mt. Brighton, is scenic - and tough! I had no business playing this course last year, but I did anyway. (I still have no business playing it, by the way.) I lost a lot of balls, but it was worth it. Elevated tees on various parts of the downhill ski slopes, plenty of water, wetlands and woods to challenge you, but overall one of my favorite courses. Very good food in the lodge and convenient to an I-96 interchange to make it convenient for your friends to play.
Huron Meadows, part of the Huron-Clinton Metropark system, is perhaps the best maintained course on which I've played. Granted, Metropark fees are a little higher, but everything is in great shape from the tee boxes to the greens. Their carts have little 'perks', too - a combination club and ball washer, and a flip-down cleat cleaner on the rear! I love this course. And you don't need a metropark pass to enter if you're paying for golf, so don't let that park fee stop you.
There are a lot of other great golf venues within a 30 minute drive of the Brighton-Howell area, and just because they're not mentioned here doesn't mean they're not worth playing. If you're a golfer with suggestions, leave a comment with your suggestions.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)