Stuff to Do: the Monet to Dali Exhibit @ the Detroit Institute of Arts (Part I)
Posted by Brandon | Filed under art, events
This is a guest post from Ekachai Pattamasattayasonthi. Chai is a regular visitor to Michigan and is currently studying architecture as a graduate student at MIT in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Part I of Chai’s post is below; Part II will be published next Monday.
Credit: Brandon Edward Miller
If you are tired after endless nights of holiday parties at your friends’, family, or your favorite local bars, and need a nice quiet day trip to recharge your mind, there is one perfect place not so far away. And of course it is indoors, so you don’t need to be concerned about harsh cold wind drying your soft skin away.
Eighteen minutes away from downtown Royal Oak; or to be exact, from Urbane Apartments on Washington Street!, a grand Beaux-Arts, Italian Renaissance museum, the Detroit Institute of Arts (or locally known as DIA) solemnly stands on Woodward Avenue across from Wayne State University. If you haven’t been back to DIA in a few years, you might notice the DIA’s new expansion which will inspire awe in you at first sight. A gleaming, stark white marble building is a new house for the DIA’s expanding art works, and also offers a new room for extensive special exhibitions. This wing currently features the “From Monet to Dali” exhibition.
A regular DIA ticket will normally cost you $8 and the special exhibition, From Monet to Dali, is $18. So, if you are buying for two, it will cost you $52. It might be better to buy a one year membership pass (currently $80 dollars for the pass that allows you to bring a guest, what a great deal!) which will save you much more money when you want to come back again in the future within one year.
So not to bore you guys with too many details about the DIA and it’s breath-taking collections, I will sum it up into a one short sentence – It is so worth your money! And, after your brain gets a little buzz from absorbing too much good artwork, stop by Kresge Court, a beautiful Italian-style inner courtyard, to get a cup of coffee with an incredibly reasonably-priced piece of pastry. Then, go on to absorb more good art work and explore the stunning architecture of the DIA and it’s new extension!
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Links to things going on right now at the DIA : From Monet to Dali is on Exhibition at DIA from Now until January 18, 2009. More information at www.dia.org; the current special exhibition www.dia.org/monet/
Check back next Monday for more to do @ the DIA.
Related post: Get out there and explore Metro Detroit’s cultural treasures . . . for free!
Tags: chai pattamasattayasonthi, dali, Detroit, detroit institute of arts, DIA, monet
Better Living Through Myomassology
Posted by Colton | Filed under eco, fitness, life, people, trends
So what is “Myomassology” anyway? Well, for starters, it can make your life better.
See, a myomassologist brings together many modalities of holistic care. These include massage, aromatherapy, reflexology, shiatsu, energy balancing, and craniosacral therapy.
New Body Massage and Travelling Spa is a local business specializing in myomassology. Owner, Jennifer Brown, is passionate about her company’s services.
Certified though the IMI Myomassology Institute, Ms. Brown brings the techniques and curriculum of this accredited massage training school to her clients.
I regard these “alternative” practices as essential to health and fitness. For me, combining jogging, weight training, and nutrition with myomassology has created numerous improvements in my basic health.
And after my next half marathon, I am looking forward to a myomassology appointment!
Tags: Add new tag, fitness, Health, Relaxation, Wellness
Detroit’s Eastern Market
Posted by Colton | Filed under eco, food, life, property management
A great place to visit is Detroit’s Eastern Market.
The location is north of downtown and east of Woodward Avenue.
There are lots of vendors and shops.
In addition to being a commercial district, there are a lot of residents.
Some of the business anchors in the market are: Rafal Spice Company, Bert’s Marketplace, Roma Café, and R. Hirt Jr. Company.
Also, many people are working on development plans for the area.
Business incentives exist for new ventures.
A trip to this historic district is well worth it!
Tags: Affordable Lifestyle, Detroit, Detroit Neighborhoods, Diversity, Economic Development, Local Food, Organic, shopping, Sustainable Living, Urban Development, Urban Ecology
Stop all that clicking and buy local!
Posted by Brandon | Filed under uncategorized
WHY YOU MAY WANT TO THINK TWICE BEFORE BUYING ONLINE.
With the holiday shopping season wrapping up (if you’ve been to the mall lately, you know that it’s not over yet—there are still long lines of shoppers trying to exchange that *interesting* cardigan that grandma bought them or taking advantage of post-holiday clearance sales), many of our readers will be attempting to cut back their spending as we move into 2009.
And with Amazon.com claiming record orders in the 2008 holiday season (see article here), you can bet that many will be looking online for deals in the new year.
However, before you click “Buy Now!,” please take a moment to pause and consider whether your dollars might be more wisely spent at a local business establishment here in Royal Oak, or elsewhere in Michigan.
One of the things I love about Royal Oak is the abundance of quirky boutiques and shops in the downtown area. However, if I chose to buy a bestseller I’m looking for online, rather than from the local Barnes and Noble or Five15, I believe that I’m contributing to the economic struggle of our little city. Sure, the “Kite Runner” might cost $2 less online, but having bookstores in my city is also a priority.
The International Council of Shopping Centers has launched a campaign, “Give Your Community a Lift . . . Shop Locally for Your Gifts!” The campaign “aims to remind shoppers that local retailers provide local jobs and support community-based civic and charitable organizations.” More on the ICSC’s campaign here.
I’m not trying to be a troglodyte here . . . of course shopping online is here to stay and it improves our lives in many ways. I’m just hoping that you pause for a moment and think about whether you might be able to find that pair of shoes, hair product, or perfect bar shirt right here in Michigan.
Happy Shopping!
Royal Oak Businesses: http://www.downtownroyaloak.org/
Some local retailers profiled by Brandon:
Five15 Media, Mojo & More
Pronto Corner Store, 3.0
The Royal Oak Farmer’s Market
Tags: amazon.com, Local, Royal Oak, shopping
Operation: Know Thy Neighbor
Posted by Hubert | Filed under life, people, trends
As a resident of Royal Oak going on 2 years, it has dawned on me recently that I really do not know who the people are that live around me in my neighborhood. This little factoid has been bothering for a while now, but I have not done much yet to change this. I realize that as a society we are becoming increasingly leery of one another, which has us more isolated from each other than any time I can recollect.
It is weird, because I have only just started to pay real attention to this, due to the inclement weather we have had lately. As I slaved over my driveway with a shovel - nearly to the point of a back spasm - I see my neighbor briskly clearing his space with a high-powered snow blower. Mind you, I had a bit of a sick bug that day too, so I would have LOVED a snow blower to clear my walkway. In the back of my mind I am thinking that if the roles were reversed, I would have helped anyone that did not have the fortune of moving over 5 inches of snow as easily as I could. Call me crazy, but I will call me neighborly. Oh, he never even asked if I could use some help either.
Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: anti-social, neighbors
Day Trip: Flint, Michigan
Posted by Brandon | Filed under uncategorized
One of our resolutions for the New Year (now fewer than three hours away!) is to (1) be financially responsible and (2) to spend our dollars in Michigan whenever possible. In support of this goal, this column will feature “day trips” over the next few months: culturally interesting jaunts within an hour or two of Royal Oak which our readers may not have visited in awhile. Or ever.
Flint, Michigan is a scruffy city located about an hour northeast of Royal Oak which has a lot in common with Detroit. It is suffering from the decline of the auto industry. Its citizens are a proud, hard-working lot. Its population has been in decline. And/but it has a rich cultural history.
Start your Day Trip to this city with a visit to the Flint Institute of Arts. The museum completed a $12.6 million renovation in 2005 which left it with improved exhibits and a stunning building. While over 85,000 visitors check out its permanent and visiting exhibits annually, the crowds are noticeably thinner than at the Detroit Institute of Arts — an advantage for the visitor who wants to leisurely peruse the collection without screaming kids underfoot.
Current exhibits include Las Artes de Mexico: From the Collection of the Gilcrease Museum and Masterpieces of European Painting from Museo de Arte de Ponce. The museum also features an elegant “member’s room” which is open to the public, a film series, art courses, a shop featuring, among other things, Michigan artists, and a small cafe. (Hint: thanks to Target, the museum is free on Saturdays!)
Car buffs will love the Sloan Museum which is right next door. It features a healthy dose of historic cars as well as displays on regional history. As much for the anthropologist (check out the display on camping, featuring a 60s era RV) as for the auto enthusiast, this museum is as fun for kids who will love the interactive displays as it is for adults who can relive their childhoods while viewing nostalgic displays.
After you’ve had your fill of museuming, stop by The French Laundry in Fenton on the way home. (Another hint for the wise traveller: this place is great for breakfast and lunch, and just so-so for dinner, in our opinion.) From “Would Be Prom Queens” (sandwiches) to “Eat Your Greens Child” (salads), this place located at 125 W. Shiawassee at Adelaide knows how to do lunch!
Are there any day trips which you would like to see featured? Or, what’s your favorite spot in Flint? Leave them in the comments.
Related posts by Brandon:
Stuff to Do: Ferndale Holiday Ice Festival
Noble Fish: The Best Damned Sushi in Metro Detroit
Get out there and Explore Metro Detroit’s Cultural Treasures . . . For Free!
Party Like it’s 2-0-0-9!
Posted by Nev | Filed under events, life
Can you believe we’re less than 24hrs away from 2009! Crazzeeee. It honestly feels like I was celebrating 1999 last year…
Anyway,… In case you still haven’t decided what you’re going to do tonight,.. Metro Times has a nice round up of a lot parties going around the city. Check out the MT Party Guide.
As always > Have fun + Be Safe + Happy New Year!
All good things in 09′
Tags: 09, Metro Times, New Year, Party Guide
Sip away and don’t feel as guilty:)
Posted by Monica | Filed under uncategorized
This time of year with the holidays and new year upon us, people are out and about and celebrating life while guzzling empty calories at the same time! Here are some better options for drinks that won’t leave you feeling as shameful on the calorie count the next morning…..
A few tips to know is that mixed drinks tend to creep up on calories quicker than beer or wine, depending on what you are mixing with as well as the proof of the alcohol. Try to stick to sugar free syrups or diet soda’s if you must mix.
“The higher the proof the higher the calories”
THESE ARE ALL UNDER 100 CALORIES…
Michelob ultra 95 Calorie Beer
Vodka tonic-
Dry Martini-
Rum and diet Cola-
Vodka w/ lemons-
Make your own Appletini- (use Vodka and real apple slices instead of the syrup)
So the next time you are out and about (which I am sure is most of you tomorrow night for New Years) Keep these tips in mind, especially for those of us looking to shed some weight this year but still enjoy life. Just call it Martini moderation!
CLEAR is the NEW GREEN
Posted by Nev | Filed under design, eco, fashion, people, video
Clear Magazine (based in Royal Oak, MI) has announced the publication of its first tree-less, 100 percent recyclable magazine. Printed on YUPO®synthetic papers, Clear’s latest issue, themed “fame underground,” premiered at December’s Design Miami/Basel festival, where Clear was also a media partner. This environmentally friendly publication is the brainchild of Clear founder and creative director Emin Kadi.
Clear’s unique, limited edition “green” solution closes the gap on source reduction and recycling. YUPO® is completely waterproof, stain resistant and very durable. Its unique printing surface results in exceptional color reproduction and print clarity. YUPO® is a perfect match for Clear, which has always been special and collectable. Clear’s November/December issue will withstand the wear and tear of the repeated viewing that it demands. YUPO® papers’ light weight allows significant fuel reduction in shipping and a lower overall carbon footprint. Should one wish to dispose of the issue, it may be placed in a recycling bin with any other plastic items, and it will be fully recycled.
“Our goal is to provide readers with stunning presentations of the world’s most interesting and creative artists and events. Our new partnership with Yupo allows us to do so in an environmentally responsible, respectful way. Design Miami/Basel is the perfect occasion to share our green accomplishment,” says publisher Emin Kadi.
It’s great to see such an amazing innovation in the magazine/publishing industry coming from right here in Royal Oak. Congratulations to the Clear Team! Also be sure to check out the newly relaunched ClearMag.com for the latest issue(s), blog, videos, etc.
Tags: Clear Magazine, Emin Kadi, Green, Royal Oak, Yupo
Weekly Poker Games at Woody’s Diner
Posted by Hubert | Filed under events, life
For all those that enjoy a good game of Texas Hold’em, Brass Ring Poker hosts charity poker games at Woody’s Diner in Royal Oak on Sunday through Wednesday. They can basically accommodate any game you want (Omaha, Five Card Stud, etc), but right now the major games are the freeroll Texas Hold’em tournaments with $250 - $500 guaranteed prize payouts and $1/$2 No Limit cash games (minimum $20; maximum $200). Sign-up for the freerolls and cash games start at 5:00pm and the game usually starts at 7:00pm. The cash games can start as soon as enough interested players are available. Poker play goes as long as the Diner stays open.
As a fellow poker enthusiast who has played at Woody’s recently, I can vouch and say that the games are well-managed. The Brass Ring Poker staff do a great job of making sure their patrons are taken care of and make sure we understand that proceeds from the event go to charity or non-profit organizations. If you are itching to play some and it is just too cold to drive all the way down to MGM or Motor City, then mosey on over to your local bar and grill and get in a couple hands. So far, turnout has been consistent and the play has been respectable.
Depending on your work schedule, Monday nights could be your big night out with $1 beers at Woody’s. Cheap drinks and a chance to win a bit of money, why not?!
See you at the tables!
Other posts by Hubert:
- Recovering Sneaker Addict
- Lift Designer Toy: Not Just for Little Kids
- Who’s Ready to Rock? Like, at School…
Tags: cash games, freeroll tournaments, poker, Woody's Diner
Who’s Ready to Rock?! Like, at School…
Posted by Hubert | Filed under events, music, people
The Detroit School of Rock and Pop Music logo
Blogging for Urbane, I try to give a user’s perspective in all my features, because I am a marketing/PR guy. I always want to help a person know why they would want to consume/buy something. See, I already know what it is to want to buy a pair of limited edition sneakers and I can see why one would want to collect exquisitely-designed vinyl toys. Thing is, people like me cannot keep the economy going alone. There needs to be a community effort, which I really want to see. Therein lies what makes writing these features so fun - trying to get normal folks (read: non-obsessive types) excited about supporting awesome local businesses.
Jason Gillinger
I recently met with Jason Gittinger, founder of The Detroit School of Rock and Pop Music (DSRP) and drummer for the band The Mega 80’s, to get a look at his environmentally-friendly operation with flooring from the Michigan State Fairgrounds Coliseum and doors and windows from an architectural salvage warehouse in Detroit. Upon first walkabout, I knew I was in my kind of place. I am a self-professed music geek, so I love to hang out in places where music is made. Add on the fact that I like folks that are socially- and environmentally-conscious, which Jason made obviously clear [without directly saying it], I was sold. But this piece is for more so the reader who has never heard of The Detroit School of Rock and/or cannot really understand why there is a need for such a service, as I had that question initially before entering Jason’s fine establishment.
Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: DSRP, Jason Gittinger, The Mega 80's, The Smashing Pumpkins
How about some free parking, Royal Oak?
Posted by Brandon | Filed under events, life
I love living in Royal Oak. The great cafes and bars, restaurants and shops, and the fact that I can get my haircut at 11:00 pm on a Thursday all make this my kind of town.
No town is perfect, of course. Anyone who has lived in, shopped in, or visited someone in Royal Oak knows that it has one of the most aggressive parking enforcement operations in the state. If the meter runs over just five minutes, there’s a good chance one of those guys who looks like he’s walking around with a desk calculator will slap a bright, orange ticket on your car. And, since the meters are monitored from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm, Monday through Saturday, it can make a visit downtown a bit unpleasant, especially if you can’t find some loose change that’s fallen under your seat.
In Ferndale, however, parking is free Friday through Saturday, November 28 to December 28. Sure, they’ll still ticket you on a Thursday, and it’s just for a month, but it seems like a great idea to get some shoppers downtown who will stick around (and hopefully spend some money!). The free parking program is sponsored by local businesses.
“Shopping local has never been easier or more important,” Cristina Sheppard-Decius, executive director of the Ferndale Downtown Development Authority, said in a statement. “Providing free parking encourages customers to shop longer, take their time dining and enjoy a leisurely exploration of all that our businesses have to offer.” –via hometownlife.com
So, how about it Royal Oak? Any chance the City and local businesses (through the DDA) will step up and match this resident/visitor-friendly policy?
For more on downtown Royal Oak parking, click here. Note that parking is free in downtown Royal Oak on Sundays and civic holidays. Also, most parking structures offer two hours of free parking on weekdays during business hours.
