In Memory of Aretha Franklin (1942-2018)

Sending my Condolences to the family and friends of Aretha Franklin, who died today at the age of 76. She was from Memphis, Tennessee, and grew up here in Detroit. Her father, Rev. CL Franklin, pastored New Bethel Baptist CHurch, where she got her start. She was involved with the civil rights movement, and performed all over the world. In 2016, she had part of Madison Avenue here in Detroit named in her honor during Detroit Music Weekend.The sign is shown here, taken this past Tuesday.  One of my favorite songs that she covered was You're All I Need To Get By. Rest in Peace. You will be missed by all. 

YouTube Friday: Maynard Ferguson - Birdland

Here is my latest YouTube Friday entry direct from the account of malawolf85. I enjoy this version of Birdland by Maynard Ferguson. I first heard this song in 7th grade, and last heard it a few years ago at a concert at Campus Martius Park in Downtown Detroit by the Navy Band Great Lakes.It is a peppy song, fun, as well.I certainly hope you enjoy it, as well,.

Number Retirement Weekends

This month, namely August 12 and 26,  will be a special one for many fans of the 1984 Detroit Tigers, as well as Tiger Fans everywhere. On August 12, number 47, worn by Jack Morris will be retired, and on August 26, number 3, worn by Alan Trammell, will be retired. The last number to be retired by the Tigers was number 11, for the late Sparky Anderson in 2011. Alan Trammell and Jack Morris were inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on July 29, 2018. There are quite a few people around the country that enjoyed seeing them play at Michigan and Trumbull.  There are still tickets available for both number retirements at Comerica Park. These pictures were taken July 27 and 28 at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Michigan headquarters in downtown Detroit. They usually have light displays for different holidays and special events. 

Vote your Conscience

Today is primary Election Day in most of the United States. This means that in many states, people will be voting for Governor, Congress representatives, senators, and other offices, as well as proposals for transit, schools, public safety, and other issues. Here is some history on Voting from USA.gov  For my American readers, hope you all got to vote today, I did. For all future elections, make sure to go to Vote 411 for all election related topics and issues, and to bring up a sample ballot for your particular area. If you are turning 18 in the coming year, go and register after your 18th Birthday. For all around you,  It is very important that you have a say in what goes on in the world around you. It might seem a bit confusing for some, but vote your conscience, whether you lean left, right, or center, Republican, Democratic or a third party, or vote for issues you feel strongly about, go to the polls and voice these views.

New Bird in Town

I have seen these little scooters around the downtown-Midtown Detroit area here recently. They are called Bird scooters. They are the newest form of efficient transportation in the area, besides the MoGo Bikes. I have seen these in action, they are very fast and efficient. It is an app-based ride, something like Uber and Lyft, but you go to the scooter instead of your ride coming to you. You unlock it, and ride along, using bike lanes and racks whenever possible. I hope to see more of these in my adventures around town. 

Ode to Curtis Jones

Since 2015, I have been learning about the story of Curtis Jones, one of the top basketball players in the city of Detroit. He was called "The Magician" for his skill and overall talent on the basketball court at Northwestern High School, St. Cecilia's Gym and other locations around town. From what I have read, he had, as it would be called nowadays, a Playground style of playing basketball. He made the winning shot of the first televised High School basketball game in the city against Pershing High School. Many people of a certain age remember him fondly. His story is intriguing, because it was revealed that he was illiterate, he couldn't read and write. He was passed through school, even Special Education at that time did not help. After graduating from Northwestern, he was shipped off to North Idaho Junior College for a year and a half. (Here is the 1969 Driftwood yearbook from NIJC. He is featured with the basketball team, Freshman class, Boys' dorm and a few candids). In early 1970, after a few separate incidences, some people on campus found out he was illiterate, and many on campus made light of his situation, so much that he had a nervous breakdown and returned home to Detroit, where he lived with his mother while receiving treatment at Northville Psychiatric Hospital for Schizophrenia. In the Early 1980s (two separate links here), he filed a $15 Million dollar lawsuit against Detroit Public Schools, North Idaho Junior College and the University of Michigan for failure to educate and other charges. He lost the lawsuit a few years later. He would walk around town, showing his basketball skills to young people he encountered on basketball courts and playgrounds around the city. He died from Pneumonia in Detroit in March 1999. One of the articles that I found interesting from his life was from September 1990, Labor Day weekend: Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3. A documentary was produced on his life in 2015, and released in 2016. I had never heard of his story until it was announced in March 2015 that the documentary would be made. It is fascinating to hear about what happened. I know that there are laws in place nowadays here in Michigan and across the country that say that if a child cannot read by the time they are in at least third grade, they are to be held back until they can, or receive extra help in reading. There was a program in Detroit, "Reading Corps" that helped kids read, but I am not sure if that is still running or not. What are some programs near you that help kids and adults learn to read and write?

Long time, no write...

Wow! Long time since my last post. I have been doing well, for the most part. Five seasons at my Job in Guest Relations (since 2014), and I didn't think I'd last that long. Job responsibilities have grown as I have. Lots of changes in my life, gained some new family members, lost one, and am getting back on my feet after some meds nearly took me out a couple of years ago. I'll try to blog when I get a chance and as time permits.