Drama! and the Royal Oak Holiday Magic Parade
Posted by Brandon | Filed under events, people
Don’t try to sleep in tomorrow if you live in Downtown Royal Oak. High School marching bands, full grown men driving mini go-carts, and packs of families are set to invade! The Seventh Annual Holiday Magic Parade will take place on Washington Avenue this Saturday, November 22. The route begins at Washington and Lincoln and heads up to Fourth Street.
The parade will run from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. with the route beginning at Washington Avenue and Lincoln Avenue and heading up to Fourth Street. Beginning at 9 a.m., participating downtown stores will be holding a special parade day sale.
There will be 50 different floats, marching bands and other performers in the parade. Kids will have the opportunity to visit Santa at Stagecrafters from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Baldwin Theater. –ClickonDetroit
Apparently the police will be too busy guiding traffic to hand out parking tickets. Don’t feed the meters from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm as parking will be FREE.
Now, if you just clicked on this post to read about Holiday Magic Parade Drama–and we do love drama–continue reading after the break . . . It appears that local officials have found a way to inject some controversy into this family-friendly event.
Update! Frank Versagi has joined the fray:
The angry and personalized dialogue added to the concern that this particular mix of personalities is approaching dysfunctionality.
Check out his site here.
More after the jump… Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Local, Royal Oak, stuff to do
Recovering Sneaker Addict
Posted by Eric Brown | Filed under art, events, fashion
[A Guest Post by Hubert!]
Hi, my name is Hubert and I am a recovering sneaker addict. (Hi Hubert.)
For as long as I can remember, sneakers have been the highest form of visual sophistication for me. I have never really been into clothes and accessories, because they are far too seasonal. Living in Michigan, it is too costly to stay sharp for all four seasons of the year. If I lived in Southern California or Florida, I may be a different person. Thing is, I am a Michigander [through and through] and I can rock my Nike Airs year-round. I won’t lie. I also have a problem with vinyl records, so I figured I needed something that would accentuate my never-ending hunt for musical treasure. I do a lot of standing and walking, might as well look good while doing it, right? And so it goes…
Tags: burn rubber, limited edition, nike, Royal Oak, sneakers
Time to be GOOD
Posted by Nev | Filed under life, video
Following up on the theme of my last post,.. I figured it would be good to point some people in the right direction who want to help make CHANGE + DIFFERENCE in the world. GOOD magazine has put together this great video on ways you can help + volunteer.
GOOD also put together the GOOD Sheet in collaboration with Piece Studios. You can find the GOOD Sheet on-line here. Or you can go out to Starbucks and find one from Nov 13th - 19th.
Via - GOOD
Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country. - John F. Kennedy
Tags: GOOD, GOOD sheet, Volunteer
It’s All Politics
Posted by Nev | Filed under life, people, video
I know. Don’t talk about politics or religion. Don’t worry,.. this post is nothing like that. I actually wrote the following post close to a year ago,.. and feel it’s a good time to share it with everyone again. read + reflect
Talib Kweli was interviewed in a Real Detroit Weekly and had some great insight and inspiration into the whole political scene we’re currently in />
Regardless of how he’s categorized, the political element in Kweli’s work is hard to overlook. Even though he is quick to criticize the Bush administration, he sees voting as a rather limited instrument of social change.
“I know about politics. To be honest with you, it’s like a T.V. show. It’s like watching The Office or something. So it’s interesting in that respect. As far as the candidates’ policies on health care or the war, I don’t believe that you can affect that by a vote. I believe it’s misleading to tell people that they can effect change by one vote, or that somehow your one vote is some kind of revolutionary action. Like you can feel good by voting every four years and not doing anything else. It’s the stuff that you do outside of election day that determines what happens in your community.”
So true. The election is over. You cast your vote. The polls are closed. Your candidate has either won or lost. Now what? Sit back and wait for things to start changing all by themselves? Or, wait another 4years to go VOTE and make a difference (don’t get me wrong your vote DOES make a difference) The question is what can YOU DO today to start making CHANGE happen?
Choice is yours.
check out CNN’s montage of the last two years of racing >
Tags: election, politics, talib kweli
Was Obama prophetic?
Posted by Brandon | Filed under people, video
With rumors all over the place this week about Hillary possibly joining Obama’s cabinet, this clip seems uncannily prophetic.
Check out this crazy, spot-on clip from a debate a LONG time ago: Obama & Hillary
There also has been a lot of buzz in the media lately about a book–apparently one of the President-elect’s favorites–by historian Doris Kearns Goodwin entitled “Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln.” It’s available here at Amazon.com and has skyrocketed back up the charts (it was a former bestseller), and is hovering around #10 right now on Amazon’s hourly rankings. I hope someone gets this for me for Christmas. (Mom, you’re reading, right?)
Amazon.com’s review of the book, after the jump…
Tags: books, hillary, obama, politics
Bikin’ and Walkin’ in Royal Oak, Part Deux
Posted by Brandon | Filed under eco
Last week, we wrote about efforts by the League of Michigan Bicyclists to promote a “Non-Motorized Transportation Plan” which would create a safer pedestrian and bikeway program in Royal Oak. Check out that post here.
This morning the story was picked up by a slightly more venerable institution — the Detroit news published an article on the issue. Here is a brief excerpt:
Tom Regan calls it “the self-righteous rage” of motorists: the sound of a driver screaming at a bicyclist to get out of the street.
“Around Royal Oak it’s very common for motorists to scream at you to get out of the road and onto the sidewalk. They think they are helping you, but bicycles and cars can share the street. It’s the safest place for me. The motorist is bound to see you when you are in the road,” said Regan, who travels from home to his office on a recumbent bicycle.”
On Monday, Regan and about 40 other cyclists from the Metro Detroit area rode their bikes to Royal Oak to petition the City Commission to develop a safety plan for bicyclists. According to the Detroit News, city commissioners “appointed Regan and two other cyclists to a task force to write up some recommendations.” Also, a meeting between the task force and City Manager Tom Hoover will be scheduled.
The full article, which also discusses efforts to make Ferndale “an excellent example of a bike-friendly community” is available here. The Mirror and and the Daily Tribune have also covered the story.
How do you think we can make Royal Oak a more bicycle and pedestrian friendly city? Or should that not be a priority given the current economic situation? Leave your thoughts and comments!
Tags: biking, ferndale, Royal Oak, walking
Town Shuffle
Posted by Nev | Filed under drinks, fashion, food, life
Who like’s playing cards? Black Jack, Poker, Hold ‘em, etc.. Fun - right? Well,.. before you get all excited and run down to the casino (the house *usually* always wins) I want to tell you about a different set of cards you can play with. The Town Shuffle is a deck of 54 cards that encourages you to go out and explore the best Lounges + Restaurants + Shops + Spas/Salons all while saving some serious ca$h! >
54 of the hottest places in Birmingham, Royal Oak, West Bloomfield and Ferndale compose The Town Shuffle. Whether you’re getting your hair done or looking for a great place to have a night cap, The Town Shuffle invites you to save a minimum of $10 for every establishment featured. Divided into four categories: Lounge, Dining, Shopping and Beauty, The Town Shuffle invites you to deal yourself a hand and start saving at the chicest places in town!
Each card is a minimum $10 discount, redeemable at various hotspots around Town. Lady Luck is on your side with The Town Shuffle, only the best are included, recommended to you by all the Foodies, Barhoppers, Beauty Queens and Shopaholics. Each deck offers you 54 cards to places you may already go or places you have been meaning to check out.
With the current state of the economy,.. it’s safe to say anyone could benefit from some extra savings. The Town Shuffle is a great way to save + support local businesses in Michigan. Visit Town Shuffle to see what businesses are inside of the deck.
To save even more $$$ type in > Urbane < at checkout for 15% off.
Tags: Birmingham, dining, ferndale, Royal Oak, shopping, town shuffle
Taking the Bus
Posted by Brandon | Filed under life, travel
The 460 passes through downtown Royal Oak on its way to and from Downtown Detroit.
It was only a couple of months ago that gas prices were over $4 a gallon and SMART buses running along the Woodward Corridor during rush hour were becoming standing room only affairs. Now that gas prices have plummetted almost as quickly as 401k accounts ($1.99 at some locations!), it appears that metro Detroiters are starting to slip back into their old habits. It’s become easier to find a seat on the bus, drivers are speeding down highways at 80 mph again, and shoppers are not thinking twice before taking off on unplanned errands.
This brief post is written in the hopes of getting more people to consider riding the bus again, or for the first time.
Just the facts, ma’am
SMART stands for Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation; basically, it’s metro Detroit’s regional bus system. The SMART bus system connects dozens of communities in Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties through a system of over 50 bus routes. SMART serves over 225,000 riders per week and employs nearly 1,000 workers.
Why should I take the bus? I have a great job, a decent car . . .
You should still consider using SMART.
1. For those of us living in Royal Oak, Ferndale, or anywhere else along Woodward Avenue, SMART is very convenient. There is a stop right on the corner of Sixth Street and Washington in front of Pronto, which is convenient for downtown Royal Oak residents.
2. Riding the bus will give help your karma as you will be contributing to a cleaner environment.
3. It can also save you a lot of money! A ride is $1.50 in either direction or $47 per month for unlimited rides. Many employers will subsidize or pay for the pass in full. You do not need to worry about paying for parking, either. I calculate that by taking the bus all but a few days per month when I need to drive somewhere after work, I save over $2,000 per year. Throw that money in an IRA, let it compound for a couple decades, and we are talking some major cash!
4. Of course, it also saves wear and tear on your car and usually makes for a less stressful ride to work.
More on why I used the word “usually” above, after the break, along with some links to additional information . . . Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Detroit, personal finance, public transporation, Royal Oak, SMART
Baker’s Keyboard Lounge- Great Jazz, Great Soul Food
Posted by Colton | Filed under drinks, food, music
Hey Royal Oakers. If you ever become tired of the same old bars on Main Street, there’s more to life than the 48067. Take a drive, you’ll like it. Check out Baker’s Keyboard Lounge. Eight Mile and Livernois. A mere three miles away. Gated, guarded, well-lit parking lot. Step inside the front door. Say hi to John, the owner. Get yourself a table near the stage, or a booth off in the corner. If you like to drink, you’ll get your money’s worth- they pour em strong. And the good news, no smoking, except at the bar. The days of the choking smoker jazz musician are fading out, so you can come home after a night at the club and not smell like a Newport ashtray. Bonus. And dig this, the lack of second hand smoke makes the music sound even better. On Wednesday I listened to Perry Hughes (Guitar), Duncan McMillan (organ), and Djalla (drums). Some of the best Blue Note Style 60s Soul Jazz in town. They played tunes from Jimmy Smith, Jack McDuff, and Wes Montgomery. Some of the best stuff around. You can catch acts like this on almost every night of the week. And don’t forget to order some food. I recommend the ocean perch. You get two sides- I prefer black eyed peas and collard greens. The food is hot, fresh, and tasty. Like a home cooked meal- old school. Check out Baker’s- 20510 Livernois, Detroit 48221 (313) 345-6300
Crawl Through Southwest Detroit This Saturday
Posted by Eric Brown | Filed under events
Looking for something to do today, head down to the D and explore Mexicantown!
Taquerias and tequila — that sounds like our kind of crawl.
Model D is teaming up with the Southwest Detroit Business Association to host a bus and walking tour of Southwest Detroit, to include stops at local lesser-known, authentic neighborhood watering holes and taquerias. It will be from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 8.
Get a feel for the neighborhood and taste the authentic flavors at some of the neighborhood’s best, although maybe not the best known, spots.
The cost will be $10 and includes a bus tour of the neighborhood, followed by a pub and taqueria crawl. We’ll walk stop at a few local favorite spots where participants are invited to purchase a drink or sample the fare.
The bus leaves at 2 p.m. Nov. 8. from the Cafe Con Leche coffee shop at the Mexicantown Mercado, 2826 Bagley St. The tour fee is payable at the event, but we ask that you register here to reserve a spot. Please include your name and the number in your party.
For more information call 313-842-0986 ext. 41, or e-mail events@southwestdetroit.com.
Bikin’ and Walkin’ in Royal Oak
Posted by Brandon | Filed under eco, fitness, life, travel
Will bike lanes be coming to Royal Oak any time soon?
This comes to us via www.royaloaksoundoff.com:
The League of Michigan Bicyclists encourag[es] you to come out to show your support for the Royal Oak “Non-Motorized Transportation Plan” that would create a safer pedestrian and bikeway program for the city. Tom Regan will be presenting the idea to 3 policy making bodies in Royal Oak in the next couple of months.
You can show your support for the creation of a plan by attending 1 of 3 city meetings where it will be presented. Below are meeting details:
Royal Oak City Commission- Nov. 10 at 7PM at Royal Oak City Hall, 211 Williams
Royal Oak Downtown Development Authority- Nov. 19th at 4PM at City Hall
Royal Oak School Board- Dec. 11th at 7PM-1123 Lexington Blvd, Royal Oak
Royal Oak was #1 in Oakland county for car/bicycle accidents according to Michigan traffic crash facts, http://www.michigan trafficfacts. org/. The most recent tragedy was the death of Jacqueline Robinson killed while riding her bike to work on 12mile and Woodward.
So even if you are not a Royal Oak resident ride your bike or walk on over to attend one or all of these meeting to show your support and let Royal Oak know that we are all very interested in supporting a non-motorized transportation plan in the city of Royal Oak.
What do you think? Leave your comments below!
Tags: biking, Local Politics, Royal Oak, walking
Noble Fish: The Best Damned Sushi in Metro Detroit
Posted by Brandon | Filed under food
The nondescript Noble Fish Supermarket and Sushi Bar.
Noble Fish, Downtown Clawson, 45 E 14 Mile Rd, Clawson, MI, (248) 585-2314
This place isn’t for everybody. First, you have to park. There is rarely parking available on the street, and the lot behind the little Japanese market and sushi bar has more disputed boundary lines than the Middle East (park in the Aco Hardware section at your own risk – diagrams on where to park are in the store, in English and Japanese). The ambiance is . . . well, there’s really no ambiance. The entrance is nondescript and the building looks more like a branch office of the Secretary of State on the outside than a place for great food. The seating is crowded. You have to get your own water and green tea and pour it yourself into a Styrofoam cup. You can’t order a beer with your meal. And it takes a visit or two to figure out where to order and how to pay (Hint: fill out the form whether you are sitting down or taking out – pay at the cash register in the supermarket on the way out). And what’s up with the Sponge-Bob Square-Pants tip-bag?
So, why is the Noble Fish sushi bar packed at lunch and dinner, every day? Why is there often a long line full of patient patrons waiting for their take-out orders? Because Noble Fish has the freshest fish and the best sushi rolls in the metro Detroit area. And because, after two or three visits, you’ll feel like a regular, and you’ll be able to whisper instructions to the new, bewildered-looking customer trying to figure out what to order and where to sit.
The menu is simple. There are twenty single-piece nigiri items ranging from the familiar (salmon, tuna, shrimp) to the more exotic (tsubugai clam, smelt roe, and tobiko wasabi) from $1.60 to $3.50 a piece. There are nine “special rolls,” four of which are “vegetarian and semi-vegetarian”). The Michigan roll is a favorite for a good value – under $7 for a large tuna roll. There are nearly thirty regular rolls (you know, the small ones which are cut into about six pieces) and another baker’s dozen of hand rolls.
Try the hand rolls.
I recommend sitting at the bar if you are alone. You can watch the sushi chefs quickly and deftly crafting beautiful hand rolls. The bar stools are packed closely together, so say hello to your bar mate. Hopefully they’re a regular who can tell you about their favorite menu items. Or order a combo plate and let the chefs decide (priced between $10.25 and $18.75).
Finally, while the main reason to visit this place, in my opinion, is the sushi, the rest of the market is worth exploring as well. If you’ve ever lived in or visited Japan, you’ll feel at home as the store stocks over a half-dozen types of green tea, a wide selection of Japanese candies (try the chocolate-covered almonds), sushi grade pieces of fish, and strange Japanese gift shop loot.
Check out the reviews at yelp.com: http://www.yelp.com/biz/noble-fish-clawson
And leave your favorite menu items/ other great sushi spots in the comments!
Tags: Clawson, restaurants, sushi
