This video gave me chills ... take a few minutes to watch this video from Greenpeace, if you can. And make a change - even a small one! - TODAY and every day to help this beautiful world we live in. Green is Gorgeous!
April 22, 2009
January 09, 2009
Showing love for Ford, yo.
Ford Fusion Tops Toyota Camry, Honda Accord Again With Best-in-Class 34 MPG 4-Cylinder Model
- The Ford Fusion is now America's most fuel efficient mid-size sedan for both hybrid and conventional gasoline models - The four-cylinder Ford Fusion S is now certified at 34 mpg highway and 23 mpg in the city, topping the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord - This entry-level 2010 Ford Fusion S is powered by a new 2.5-liter Duratec mated to a fuel-efficient six-speed automatic transmission - The Fusion I-4 joins the all-new Ford Fusion Hybrid, already at the top of the mpg tables
Friday January 9, 2009, 2:18 pm EST
DETROIT, Jan. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Ford (NYSE: F - News) Fusion is now America's most fuel efficient mid-size sedan for both hybrid and conventional gasoline models.
Ford announced today that the new four-cylinder Ford Fusion S has been certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency at 34 mpg on the highway and 23 mpg in the city -- beating both the gasoline-powered Camry and Honda Accord models. The news follows certification of the Ford Fusion Hybrid at 41 mpg rating in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, topping the Toyota Camry hybrid by 8 mpg in the city and 2 mpg on the highway.
"Take your pick: Whether you want a gas-powered or hybrid mid-sized sedan, the new Fusion offers the best fuel economy in America," said Barb Samardzich, Ford's vice president of Powertrain Engineering. "We promised to offer best-in-class or among the very best fuel economy with every new vehicle we introduce, and we are making good on that pledge with hybrids, new high-tech gasoline engines, new six-speed transmissions and other fuel efficient technologies."
The 2010 Ford Fusion fuel economy certification was conducted at Ford's testing laboratories in Allen Park, Mich. The Ford Fusion S and the base-level Mercury Milan, both powered by a new 2.5-liter Duratec 4-cylinder engine mated to a fuel efficient six-speed automatic transmission, will carry an EPA label of 34 mpg for highway driving and 23 mpg in the city when they go on sale this spring.
The latest news on Fusion joins other Ford fuel economy leaders, including:
-- The Ford Focus with 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and manual transmission delivers 35 mpg on the highway, 5 mpg better than the Toyota Corolla's 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and 2 mpg better than the Honda Fit's 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, both also with manual transmissions.
-- The all-new 2009 Ford F-150 -- which just recently was named Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year -- achieves 3 mpg more than the Toyota Tundra pickup on the highway and 1 mpg better in the city with its 4.6-liter V-8 engine, compared to Toyota's 4.7-liter V-8. The F-150's larger 5.4-liter V-8 achieves 2 mpg better on the highway than the Tundra's larger engine.
-- The 2009 Ford Escape with new 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine achieves 28 mpg on the highway, the same as Toyota's RAV4 and 1 mpg better than the Honda CR-V, both with 4-cylinder engines, too.
-- The Ford Expedition achieves 20 mpg on the highway, beating Toyota Sequoia's 4.7-liter V-8 engine by 3 mpg and its 5.7-liter V-8 by 1 mpg.
"We've done it in the heart of the truck segment with the new 2010 Ford F-150, and now we've done it in the heart of the car segment with Fusion," Samardzich said. "We understand how important fuel economy is to customers, and Ford is committed to delivering leadership. The great news is that our significant investment in fuel efficiency leadership is going to continue to pay off with every new vehicle launch."
Fuel Economy Leadership Priced Right
Ford has announced pricing for the new 2010 Fusion. The fuel-economy leading Fusion S with the six-speed automatic transmission features a base price of $20,870, plus destination and delivery charges.
Fusion also offers more engine choice than Camry and Accord, with two V-6 engine options -- the 240-horsepower 3.0-liter flex-fuel V-6 and the 263-horsepower 3.5-liter Duratec V-6 engine. The 3.0-liter V-6 models start at $23,760.
The base price of the all-new Ford Fusion Hybrid is $27,270.
The new Fusion builds on the strong quality reputation of the current model, which has gained important third-party accolades, and will offer class-exclusive features, including Ford SYNC®, SIRIUS TravelLink(TM), BLIS(TM) (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross Traffic Alert and Sony®-branded audio.
Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 224,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit http://www.ford.com/.
- The Ford Fusion is now America's most fuel efficient mid-size sedan for both hybrid and conventional gasoline models - The four-cylinder Ford Fusion S is now certified at 34 mpg highway and 23 mpg in the city, topping the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord - This entry-level 2010 Ford Fusion S is powered by a new 2.5-liter Duratec mated to a fuel-efficient six-speed automatic transmission - The Fusion I-4 joins the all-new Ford Fusion Hybrid, already at the top of the mpg tables
Friday January 9, 2009, 2:18 pm EST
DETROIT, Jan. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Ford (NYSE: F - News) Fusion is now America's most fuel efficient mid-size sedan for both hybrid and conventional gasoline models.
Ford announced today that the new four-cylinder Ford Fusion S has been certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency at 34 mpg on the highway and 23 mpg in the city -- beating both the gasoline-powered Camry and Honda Accord models. The news follows certification of the Ford Fusion Hybrid at 41 mpg rating in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, topping the Toyota Camry hybrid by 8 mpg in the city and 2 mpg on the highway.
"Take your pick: Whether you want a gas-powered or hybrid mid-sized sedan, the new Fusion offers the best fuel economy in America," said Barb Samardzich, Ford's vice president of Powertrain Engineering. "We promised to offer best-in-class or among the very best fuel economy with every new vehicle we introduce, and we are making good on that pledge with hybrids, new high-tech gasoline engines, new six-speed transmissions and other fuel efficient technologies."
The 2010 Ford Fusion fuel economy certification was conducted at Ford's testing laboratories in Allen Park, Mich. The Ford Fusion S and the base-level Mercury Milan, both powered by a new 2.5-liter Duratec 4-cylinder engine mated to a fuel efficient six-speed automatic transmission, will carry an EPA label of 34 mpg for highway driving and 23 mpg in the city when they go on sale this spring.
The latest news on Fusion joins other Ford fuel economy leaders, including:
-- The Ford Focus with 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and manual transmission delivers 35 mpg on the highway, 5 mpg better than the Toyota Corolla's 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and 2 mpg better than the Honda Fit's 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, both also with manual transmissions.
-- The all-new 2009 Ford F-150 -- which just recently was named Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year -- achieves 3 mpg more than the Toyota Tundra pickup on the highway and 1 mpg better in the city with its 4.6-liter V-8 engine, compared to Toyota's 4.7-liter V-8. The F-150's larger 5.4-liter V-8 achieves 2 mpg better on the highway than the Tundra's larger engine.
-- The 2009 Ford Escape with new 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine achieves 28 mpg on the highway, the same as Toyota's RAV4 and 1 mpg better than the Honda CR-V, both with 4-cylinder engines, too.
-- The Ford Expedition achieves 20 mpg on the highway, beating Toyota Sequoia's 4.7-liter V-8 engine by 3 mpg and its 5.7-liter V-8 by 1 mpg.
"We've done it in the heart of the truck segment with the new 2010 Ford F-150, and now we've done it in the heart of the car segment with Fusion," Samardzich said. "We understand how important fuel economy is to customers, and Ford is committed to delivering leadership. The great news is that our significant investment in fuel efficiency leadership is going to continue to pay off with every new vehicle launch."
Fuel Economy Leadership Priced Right
Ford has announced pricing for the new 2010 Fusion. The fuel-economy leading Fusion S with the six-speed automatic transmission features a base price of $20,870, plus destination and delivery charges.
Fusion also offers more engine choice than Camry and Accord, with two V-6 engine options -- the 240-horsepower 3.0-liter flex-fuel V-6 and the 263-horsepower 3.5-liter Duratec V-6 engine. The 3.0-liter V-6 models start at $23,760.
The base price of the all-new Ford Fusion Hybrid is $27,270.
The new Fusion builds on the strong quality reputation of the current model, which has gained important third-party accolades, and will offer class-exclusive features, including Ford SYNC®, SIRIUS TravelLink(TM), BLIS(TM) (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross Traffic Alert and Sony®-branded audio.
Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 224,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit http://www.ford.com/.
December 07, 2008
Cold & Lovely Detroit
Last night was the 36th Annual Noel Night in Detroit. Spanning most of the Midtown, University and Cultural areas of Detroit, the festival packed in a lot of people even after a downpouring of snow all morning and afternoon, before the festivities had begun. The streets were pretty much cleared by that time and still many people braved the cold to enjoy all that the D had to offer.
There were many many sets of musicians, carolers, vocal groups, etc. as well as stations for arts & crafts for the kids and refreshments set out for the taking. We first stopped in at the DIA to see what was going on in there. Anywhere along the promenades and in and around the various atriums and hallways, there was something going on and the art on display was free to view. The specific exhibits were not open, but there was much to see just walking the halls. We had entered through the back of the DIA and made our way to the Woodward entrance/exit when we were leaving and came upon this glorious sight as we entered the atrium there:
It's hard to get a real feel for what this looked like in person just from this photo, but it was spectacular. There were strings across a certain point of the ceiling and hanging down from the strings were these silver dangling things that just sparkled and glistened as they moved. I took a short video and that really does a better job at giving you the idea:
There were many many sets of musicians, carolers, vocal groups, etc. as well as stations for arts & crafts for the kids and refreshments set out for the taking. We first stopped in at the DIA to see what was going on in there. Anywhere along the promenades and in and around the various atriums and hallways, there was something going on and the art on display was free to view. The specific exhibits were not open, but there was much to see just walking the halls. We had entered through the back of the DIA and made our way to the Woodward entrance/exit when we were leaving and came upon this glorious sight as we entered the atrium there:
It's hard to get a real feel for what this looked like in person just from this photo, but it was spectacular. There were strings across a certain point of the ceiling and hanging down from the strings were these silver dangling things that just sparkled and glistened as they moved. I took a short video and that really does a better job at giving you the idea:
Next, we stepped outside to see artists carving their sculptures on the spot as part of a WSU challenge ... pretty cool:
On our way to the Artisan's Market on Woodward & Forest, we stopped by The Cathedral of St. Paul to get a little warmer (the wind was blistering cold!) and we got to see several of the "nativity animals" that were out in pens on the sidewalk ... a miniature horse, a donkey, lots of chickens and plenty of fat rabbits. CUTE! Though, I failed to take any pictures (I think my hands were too cold and my brain too numb to consider it). Once we stepped into the Cathedral, though, I pulled out the camera - there was a tour going on:
After stopping in a few local galleries (Artisan's Market, Spiral Collective) to see some beautiful art and goods from local Detroit folks, we also stopped in to hear a few tunes by Daisy May and Seth Bernard at Avalon Bakery while eating a yummy cinnamon sticky bun. :) Once we had our fill of a packed little bakery literally spilling out of the doors, we moved on to Traffic Jam & Snug for dinner and some dessert.
The walk back to the car (from Second & Canfield to John R & Kirby -- about 10 large blocks/avenues) was a bit brutal. With our bellies warm and full of food, we were not ready for the whipping wind & cold ... but we figure it helped us burn off some of the food and apple crisp we'd just eaten. Instead of heading right home, we drove around the downtown area a bit and I took a quick little video of Campus Martius ice skating while caught at the red light:
On our way to the Artisan's Market on Woodward & Forest, we stopped by The Cathedral of St. Paul to get a little warmer (the wind was blistering cold!) and we got to see several of the "nativity animals" that were out in pens on the sidewalk ... a miniature horse, a donkey, lots of chickens and plenty of fat rabbits. CUTE! Though, I failed to take any pictures (I think my hands were too cold and my brain too numb to consider it). Once we stepped into the Cathedral, though, I pulled out the camera - there was a tour going on:
After stopping in a few local galleries (Artisan's Market, Spiral Collective) to see some beautiful art and goods from local Detroit folks, we also stopped in to hear a few tunes by Daisy May and Seth Bernard at Avalon Bakery while eating a yummy cinnamon sticky bun. :) Once we had our fill of a packed little bakery literally spilling out of the doors, we moved on to Traffic Jam & Snug for dinner and some dessert.
The walk back to the car (from Second & Canfield to John R & Kirby -- about 10 large blocks/avenues) was a bit brutal. With our bellies warm and full of food, we were not ready for the whipping wind & cold ... but we figure it helped us burn off some of the food and apple crisp we'd just eaten. Instead of heading right home, we drove around the downtown area a bit and I took a quick little video of Campus Martius ice skating while caught at the red light:
I encourage everyone to visit Detroit and you may find out that there is much more going on, even in these hard times, than you realized. And you might find that you like it more than you thought you would.
November 24, 2008
Holiday in Detroit
Okay, I've been posting a lot about Detroit lately, I just realized. Whatever, it's what is inspiring to me right now, so I'm going with it. Next up on my Detroit agenda (along with the last post re: checking out new fun places to go) is the 5th Annual Shop Detroit event! Put on by Detroit Synergy, this is an even that takes place over four Saturday's and allows people from all over a chance to peruse and partake in much of what the creative people of Detroit have to offer/sell. Each Saturday, beginning with this upcoming Sat., hosts a new location and new bevy of artists and artisans. Here is the info - I'm straight copying and pasting it from the DS website:
Shop!
November 29 | Downtown
Check In | Lofts of Merchant's Row
Check In | Willy's Overland Lofts
Check In | Food Court
Check In | Shed 5
Features & Fun
Watch this space for more details! We'll add more as we continue planning.
SHOPPING BAGS! Get a nifty, reusable tote bag filled with a map and store directory and other good stuff when you check in. This will identify you as a SD participant and be your ticket to great offers. Bring it back on each of the four days, and keep filling it up!
To top it off, Noel Night will be happening on the evening of the second Saturday shopping event! Here's the info on that from the UCCA (University Center Cultural Assoc) site:
36th Annual Noel Night
The 36th Annual Noel Night will take place on Saturday, December 6th from 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in Midtown Detroit’s Cultural Center Area. Over 30 institutions, including the Detroit Institute of Arts, theDetroit Science Center , the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, the Detroit Historical Museum, and the Detroit Public Library, amongst many others, open their doors to the public free of charge during this Cultural Center-wide holiday "open house." Activities include horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday shopping, family craft activities and performances by over 70 area music, theatre, and dance groups. The evening’s festivities culminate with a community sing-along on Woodward Avenue led by the Salvation Army Band — a long-standing Noel Night tradition.
Noel Night activities take place in and around Midtown Detroit’sCultural Center institutions, primarily between Cass and John R and Kirby and Willis. Free shuttle service is offered between participating venues. Convenient parking is available in area lots.
Noel Night is produced by the University Cultural Center Association (UCCA), a nonprofit community development organization that supports economic growth inDetroit 's Midtown district.
For more Noel Night information, contact: The UCCA at 313.577.5088
For Digital Photos: detroitmidtown@yahoo.com
So much fun happening all around us! There is no room for "Michigan sucks!" or "Detroit is so boring!" whining now, bitches. It's time to venture out of our warm and cozy homes and dive in to the grit and splendor of the city! Who's coming with me?
Welcome to Shop Detroit!
Now in it's fifth year, we're planning a bigger event than ever! Previously a one-day event, this year's Shop Detroit will highlight four distinct districts—read on, shoppers!
Shop!
11am to 4pm each day! Check in, grab a bag, take a tour, shop till you drop!
November 29 | Downtown
Check In | Lofts of Merchant's Row
Help bring back the heyday of downtown shopping! From shops that have endured the test of time to the new kids on the block, the Central Business District and it's surrounds have a lot to offer. This area is peppered with an eclectic mix of merch: men's and women's apparel, jewelry, accessories, salons, and spas. And—don't forget to do lunch!
December 6 | Midown/University & Cultural CenterCheck In | Willy's Overland Lofts
Shop during the day and stay for Noel Night for one exciting time in Midtown! Check out what's hopping—from museum gift shops to hip boutiques, this neighborhood's retailers will be all decked out with holiday hype. The evening will be filled with fun and sparkle and music and other festivities!
December 13 | Russell Industrial CenterCheck In | Food Court
What a little hotbed creativity! The new Russell Bazaar is giving many Detroit entrepreneurs a chance to show off. Discover fine art, handicrafts, and just plain kitsch in this historic warehouse complex. You know you've just been dying to get in!
December 20 | Eastern MarketCheck In | Shed 5
You know it and love it! Enjoy the bounty that is Eastern Market. Gifts for all the foodies in your life—from locally made products to goodies from around the globe—there's something for everyone! Looking for just the right ingredients for your holiday dinner? Now's the time to pick it up! Whether you're sticking with tradition or cookin' up something new, Eastern Market's got you covered!
Features & Fun
Watch this space for more details! We'll add more as we continue planning.
SHOPPING BAGS! Get a nifty, reusable tote bag filled with a map and store directory and other good stuff when you check in. This will identify you as a SD participant and be your ticket to great offers. Bring it back on each of the four days, and keep filling it up!
SALES, SPECIAL OFFERS, SURPRISES! Each participating merchant is doing something special! We've left them to their own devices, so even we don't know what they're planning! Will you find 50% discounts, free cookies and cocoa? It's all part of the fun! We'll list some of them here as we get more details! Here's a sneak peek:
- Rowland Cafe or Stella International Cafe1/2 off any regular-sized coffee or latte. Offer valid for all 4 Shop Detroit days. Just show your bag. Limit one per customer.
WALKING TOURS! Sponsored and conducted by our friends at Inside Detroit, each tour will highlight retailers, history, and insider information! Think you know it all? Meet the shop owners and get a behind the scenes look at some real Detroit gems. It's a great way to see the sights and get your holiday shopping done!
- Tours depart from the check in location at Noon and 2pm each event day and last approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Limited spots available! Inside Detroit Tours are popular—to guarantee your spot on the tour, send an RSVP email to shopdetroit@detroitsynergy.org with the subject line "RSVP Tour".
To top it off, Noel Night will be happening on the evening of the second Saturday shopping event! Here's the info on that from the UCCA (University Center Cultural Assoc) site:
| Noel Night Schedule |  | Noel Night Map | | Noel Night Media Page | | Noel Night Sponsors |
36th Annual Noel Night| When: | Saturday, December 6, 2008 |
| Time: | 5:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. |
| Where: | Midtown Detroit's University Cultural Center District |
| Cost: | FREE |
The 36th Annual Noel Night will take place on Saturday, December 6th from 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in Midtown Detroit’s Cultural Center Area. Over 30 institutions, including the Detroit Institute of Arts, the
Noel Night activities take place in and around Midtown Detroit’s
Noel Night is produced by the University Cultural Center Association (UCCA), a nonprofit community development organization that supports economic growth in
For more Noel Night information, contact: The UCCA at 313.577.5088
For Digital Photos: detroitmidtown@yahoo.com
So much fun happening all around us! There is no room for "Michigan sucks!" or "Detroit is so boring!" whining now, bitches. It's time to venture out of our warm and cozy homes and dive in to the grit and splendor of the city! Who's coming with me?
The D is more fun than you think ...
… not that I ever thought it was particularly boring, I just haven’t been venturing out to very many new spots. Sure, there is the occasional suggestion from somebody to try a restaurant or hotspot, but it’s rare and most of the time, when we do go down, we visit the same haunts. Well, after our mini-happy-hour pub crawl on Friday, Mark and I are all kinds of excited about trying out so many ‘new’ (to us) spots in our wonderful Downtown and I thought you all might like to read about some of the stuff we found. The extensive list can be found at http://www.insidedetroit.org/ (the organization who did the pub crawl), but I’ll just go thru some that Jeanette, one of the owners/founders of Inside Detroit, discussed with us – she took the time to take our sheet (126 bars/restaurants/cafes in just the downtown area on one side and 92 more in the Midtown, New Center, Corktown, Eastern Mkt and Riverfront neighborhoods on the other side) and circle the “must go to’s”. The blurb on each place is from the Inside Detroit site:
- Beaubien Street Saloon -- 641 Beaubien
More than just a great sports bar. The Beaubien is Detroit’s version of “Cheers”. Cheap beer and pool, and by your second visit everyone knows your name. - Cliff Bell’s – 2030 Park (Mark and I are SO excited to try this place – every Wed. a 16 piece big band performs for only $5 cover and the pictures on the website look AMAZING)
This new Detroit spot in a gorgeously renovated 20’s jazz club has the bartenders, the music and the atmosphere to match its fabulous decor.
***Incidentally, I found a bunch of great dates on their calendar for night’s out here – whether that ends up being date night for me and my man, or a group of us … stay tuned for emails from me suggesting a fun night here! - D’Mongo’s Speakeasy – 1439 Griswold
Opening only 1 night a week (Friday) and not advertising hasn't deterred the crowds from showing up. It feels like you're walking into an over-the-top jazz fan's living room that used to be a lunch counter. - Foran’s Irish Pub – 612 Woodward (Mark and I have been here a few times, closed down for a bit and now it’s reopened – it’s awesome in here)
In an atmospheric, century-old railroad ticket office, Foran's serves freshly-made sandwiches, salads and entrees using local ingredients and sports a host of Michigan-made draft beers as well as many hard-to-find bottled brands. They carry all the domestics and imports that are ubiquitous. The kitchen is open til midnight on weekends. Owners are always on site. - Good Girls Go To Paris – 2 John R (seriously, go to the site and check out their menu … ummm, yum)
The coolest new addition to downtown dining al fresco. Both sweet and savory crepes for any time of day - just walk up to the window and place your order with the girl in the adorable french server outfit. It will be made fresh just for you. - Park Bar – 2040 Park
An Inside Detroit favorite! As a new beer bar in the midst of martini lounges, the Park Bar has over 20 beers on tap and is already a neighborhood spot. The Bucharest Grill (located in the back) serves the best shwarmas late, late into the night. - Pulse – 156 Monroe
One of Detroit’s newer spots this simple yet sophisticated cocktail lounge has a great environment and an even better martini menu. - Vicente’s Cuban Cuisine – 1250 Library (of course, we’ve all been talking about going to this one and the other Cuban place in AA, Tara and I almost went here after the Orbitsuns @ The Hoedown, but parking was crazy – Jeanette said we HAVE to go, that’s it’s amazing)
With its authentic Cuban & Spanish cuisine, great entertainment and friendly atmosphere, Vicente’s mixes flavor, Flamenco and family to perfection.
These are the ones she didn’t get to talk to us about, but circled on the back of our sheet:
- Honest? John’s (I think this is the bar Angi & Tony started seeing other at after their shift at DRC?)
- Roma Cafe (went here once for a friend’s bday)
- Woodbridge Pub -- this is the newly renovated place on Trumbell (right off the 94 exit) that Mark has been talking about A LOT – he’s dying to go and it does look really nice, despite the surrounding area. And they have great drink specials. Can you say BOTTOMLESS mimosa’s on Sunday’s from 11 – 4 for $11? Yummy.
- Vivio’s (includes karaoke every Fri 7-11pm)
, o, as you can see, I’m very eager to start trying out these places and hopefully y’all might want to join in some times. Especially for you out-of-state folks … more fun when you come back home to Detroit! Cliff Bell’s and D’Mongo’s is top on our list to try out soon (and I found this olde tyme vaudeville/variety/circus/burlesque group that perform at both places called Torch With A Twist – FUN!)
Okay – this is a long email, thanks for bearing with me (if you got this far). I’m just proud of Detroit and even though we have a long way to go still and are facing even more difficult times with the current economy and automotive crisis, I think it’s more important than ever to frequent these places and to show our support for our beloved Detroit. And new places and new people are always a good time.
November 21, 2008
it sure IS cold in the D ...
it's a frigid 26 degrees out today, but that isn't stopping me & Mark from heading out for a downtown pub-crawl and light fest tonight! the very cool organization, inside detroit, is hosting a three bar pub-crawl which ends at Campus Martius for the lighting of the tree ceremony. we'll be starting off at The Well and then onto the other two bars (not sure which, yet) and then will end up watching the giant xmas tree turn on for the first time this season. the owners of the bar will be handing out some free shots and providing some decent drink specials, i'm told. i hope to have a few pictures to post after the night is over.
October 29, 2008
It's been a long time ...
Well, it's been about 3 years (and some change) since I last posted on this blog! Since my last post about my trip to Boston (Angi & Tony's first travel-nurse location), Angi & Tony have traveled to several more places, got engaged, got married and are now back in Michigan, moving into a newly purchased home. As for me, I've continued on the same path with Mark - he eventually moved in with me at the Calhoun house and then we bought a lovely home together in West Dearborn in 2007.
Our jobs are still secure at Ford (for now) and we're living a wonderful life together!
I guess the reason I'm bothering to write this now is that I feel some sense of pride in this old blog. I took time to map out the layout and decide how I wanted to portray myself and, for the most part, I'm still the way you see me here. A little older (and hopefully wiser) with a few more life experiences under her belt ... but the same girl under it all. But this blog is a nice reminder of the little nuances of life that pass us by so quickly. It's nice to come here and see how I related to life at certain times and the way I chose to discuss it. I'd like to be able to gauge my progress of myself - the way I evolve as a person - and I guess these types of blogs can be sort of a small tool in that effort.
I've recently completed (and am extending to some degree) a nutritional detoxification program prescribed by my doctor. It has been a wonderful experience and I'm not too sure what I was afraid of before I started it. Thanks to the continual generosity of my 'BFF' Trent, I was able to afford this program. I've gained energy, more restful sleep, a better appreciation for healthier food and living, a bigger disdain of junk food (not completely though, I am human) and I've also LOST ... weight! yay! It feels good to grab those pants that were way too tight before and barely button, if at all, and slide them right on - buttoned up - with ease. Though the program is expensive, I would recommend it to anyone who could afford it and was passionate about helping themselves in a gentle and gradual manner.
I guess that's all I have for now ... I hope to be more diligent and tend to this little electronic diary with more frequency ... but we'll just see. That's the beauty of it; there's no one to answer to! But it's still here for me when I want it ...
Love and Light and we're almost at 2009! Sheesh ....
Our jobs are still secure at Ford (for now) and we're living a wonderful life together!
I guess the reason I'm bothering to write this now is that I feel some sense of pride in this old blog. I took time to map out the layout and decide how I wanted to portray myself and, for the most part, I'm still the way you see me here. A little older (and hopefully wiser) with a few more life experiences under her belt ... but the same girl under it all. But this blog is a nice reminder of the little nuances of life that pass us by so quickly. It's nice to come here and see how I related to life at certain times and the way I chose to discuss it. I'd like to be able to gauge my progress of myself - the way I evolve as a person - and I guess these types of blogs can be sort of a small tool in that effort.
I've recently completed (and am extending to some degree) a nutritional detoxification program prescribed by my doctor. It has been a wonderful experience and I'm not too sure what I was afraid of before I started it. Thanks to the continual generosity of my 'BFF' Trent, I was able to afford this program. I've gained energy, more restful sleep, a better appreciation for healthier food and living, a bigger disdain of junk food (not completely though, I am human) and I've also LOST ... weight! yay! It feels good to grab those pants that were way too tight before and barely button, if at all, and slide them right on - buttoned up - with ease. Though the program is expensive, I would recommend it to anyone who could afford it and was passionate about helping themselves in a gentle and gradual manner.
I guess that's all I have for now ... I hope to be more diligent and tend to this little electronic diary with more frequency ... but we'll just see. That's the beauty of it; there's no one to answer to! But it's still here for me when I want it ...
Love and Light and we're almost at 2009! Sheesh ....
October 04, 2005
wicked good times in Boston
First day back to work after a nice vacation and BLAH! there is so much to do! And here i thought I'd be able to slack all day and type a bunch of myspace posts and fiddle with my photos on Imagestation. whatevs. I got my work done and just finished fiddlin' (not diddlin', you pervs) with the pics (see link at bottom for fun photos!).
Here's a Boston recap, for those that care ....
Thursday: After a stressful rush to the Cleveland airport (we flew out of CLE to save on money) we made it just in time to see that our flight was DELAYED by three hours! balls! We ended up getting into Boston around 11pm and after figuring out the train system (the T) and catching a cab to Angi's, it was around 1am. (see previous post)
Friday: Happy Birthday Marcus! Today was "all about Mark" day! We slept in a bit, lounged around and ate hard-boiled eggs, raga muffins (blueberry), drank tea & coffee and leisurely got ready and headed down to Fenway Park to catch some Red Sox action. Since we couldn't be AT the game, we did the next best thing and parked our asses in a comfy booth in a bar across the street! We ate, drank and got very merry as we watched the Red Sox beat the Yankees (Yanks beat Sox next night though). We even thought we saw Tara Reid. No dice. But she did look a bit like her. (However, Ben Affleck & Jen Garner WERE at the game the next day, um.. but we weren't). After the bar we strolled through the city, stopped and picked up booze & snacks and eventually made our way back home. While eating an "emergency pizza" and doritos, we got to see the rerun of BWE and saw my darling Trent grace the show with his presence - no matter how quickly it went by! YAY!
Saturday: Today we spent the day in Salem, visiting the historic sites of the Salem Witch Trials, dungeons, burial grounds, old homes and churches and some of the glorious stores that hold anything a little Pagan heart desires. FUN! Mark finally got to eat some chowda and I bought myself a new triple-moon moonstone ring (same as Angi's - we're ring buddies!). There was so much about Salem that I loved; even though it's hard to comprehend the awful things that were done in that town, it's something that should be remembered and the people of Salem do a fantastic job. Even the cheese-ball ones. I really want to go back. There is not enough money or time in one day for me to take it all entirely in. I need to go back there again.
After our day in Salem, we stopped at home to gussy up a bit and down a few drinks before heading out to dinner at yummy Finians' Restaurant and on to Boston to Wally's Jazz Cafe (recommended by Ben) to see some good jazz with NO cover. There was a group of Berklee College of Music students playing that night and from what we heard while waiting outside to get in, they kicked ass. Unfortunately when we got in they took their break and continued on a break for well over an hour. The bar itself was righteous - very small and cramped and full of cool looking people of all ages, races & agendas. It was even voted Best Bar to Go When Horny. niiiiiiiiice. I tell you what, I was horny for some of that Berklee jazz action we were teased with, but no luck. They didn't get back on stage before it was time for us to turn in. We left and headed back to get some sleep for another full day on Sunday.
Sunday: Headed off to Harvard today to see how the smaht kids live. We weren't able to get into the library (had to have ID) so we made our way through courtyards and into what seemed to be a Student Union of sorts. We snooped around a bit and eventually found ourselves at Harvard Square where a giant street fair was taking place. I guess it was Welcome Week, or something, and there were all sorts of vendors and food and fun people. And we finally got our jazz! This uber-smooth group of kids (they looked young ... early college) were tearing the shit up! Keys, jazz drums, upright bass, a sax and a horn. Man, they were tight. The highlight for me was when they played Thelonious Monk's Well You Needn't. Dig.
We then hiked back to the apartment to get the car and headed out to Cape Cod! It was a nice 2.5 hour drive and when we got to the ocean, it was magickal. Too dark to take really decent shots, but I did what I could (see link). We spent some time soaking in the smells and sounds and stars and the whole spirit of the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. Then we headed into town ... Provincetown, that is. SO FUN. It's so quaint, with old homes and very well manicured and cozy landscapes. The streets wind and curve and harken back to an older time ... although the town's people are far from old-fashioned. There are a few drag queen cabaret's and the residents and visitors are largely homosexual. Even one of the restaurants - a Thai place we were going to eat at - turns into an after-hours joint once it's closed. We found that out when we stopped there to pee, realizing it was closed, and saw that the nights event was a Master & Slave Auction. Full of leather chaps, chains, whips and bondage outfits. Totally ruled. Ang & I didn't go in for fear of "Vag Alert!" being yelled upon entering. har har. Mark & Tony did though and they said it was really cool and chill in there, the Cranberries were playing. (whaaaa?)
We left P-town and drove back home singing Johnny Cash and Led Zeppelin at the top of our lungs and then stopped for some Chinese take-out. What more could you ask for?
Monday: Not wanting to leave, we dawdled around the house getting ready, cleaning up and packing. We didn't want to be stressed with rushing to make it to the airport on time, so instead we just visited the local Quincy library (beautiful!) and then Angi & Tony took us right to the airport, parked and came in with us. We sat around and drank and ate at one of the fun restaurants inside. Reluctantly we headed to the security gates where we said our goodbyes and waited for another delayed flight. This time only by an hour.
Sigh. Boston was so much fun and Angi & Tony were such gracious hosts. There is so much to do there! We didn't get to fit in a few things we really wanted: Faneuil Hall & Quincy Mkt. and going to see Walden Pond! SOOO, you know what that means ... we have to go BACK! :)
See pictures here.
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