Brandon’s Back!
Posted by Brandon | Filed under life, people, politics
Urbane on Washington
I’m back!
After a hiatus of several months, I’m happy to announce I’ll be blogging again for The Urbane Life. I hope to continue covering gay rights issues, an issue that is particularly exciting right now. My goal is to post at least once a week. I’m also planning to continue covering politics, zeitgeist, art, gadgets, and more. If you have any special requests, please let me know.
For now, here are a few of my favorite posts . . . Let me know in the comments if there is anything you would like to write about!
Noble Fish: The Best Damned Sushi in Metro Detroit
LGBT: Gays & Catholics in SE Michigan
Tags: Arts, ferndale, gay rights, politics, urbane on washington
Let the summer movie release mayhem begin! We’re ready
Posted by scasola | Filed under Apartments Birmingham MI, Apartments Clawson MI, Apartments Ferndale MI, Apartments Royal Oak MI, Apartments Troy MI, Cool People, Detroit MI, Royal Oak, Royal Oak MI, Urbane, events, movies, people
July 4 weekend is just around the corner. If you don’t plan to spend it at a lake or poolside - chances are you’re gonna take in a blockbuster movie. The anticipation has been building around my neighborhood for weeks, so I thought it might be worthy of quick flick recap. Here are a few of the movie moments I’ve found memorable about metro Detroit lately - and some I’m looking forward to seeing:
Harold and Kumar took over Somerset Collection – On June 21, everyone’s favorite funny guys started filming their next comedy, a holiday film titled A Very Harold and Kumar Christmas, at the posh Troy mall. Twitter revealed the whereabouts of stars John Cho and Kal Penn.
Team Edward and Team Jacob sparred over Bella at Pleasant Ridge’s Stevenson Park – I have to say I’m a little biased. Anytime I can walk from my apartment to watch a vampire movie at dusk and drink Vitamin Water, I’m a happy girl. Saturday night provided me just that opportunity with a free screening of New Moon. What a cool event, and a great way to get ready for this week’s release of the third installment in the Twilight series, Eclipse.
Sunday night Birmingham’s Palladium rolled out its red carpet for a preview performance of The Kids Are All Right – Directed by Lisa Cholodenko (Laurel Canyon), stars Mia Wasikowska, of Alice in Wonderland fame, and Josh Hutcherson, strolled into the theater in style for an evening premiere that benefitted the JARC, a non-profit organization supporting children with developmental disabilities. The film opens in metro Detroit theaters, Friday, July 23rd for the rest of us, but check out the trailer here: www.KidsAreAllRightMovie.com.
Twilight Fans and sleepless nights – I’ll be attending a screening of Eclipse on Tuesday evening with friends (and yes, I’m giddy about it like a 12-year-old!). But the film opens to the public on June 30. The Henry Ford has announced that its midnight shows (12:01 a.m.) are already sold out. There are still tickets available for the 2:30 a.m. showing for Twi-hards who plan to stay up late! We’re talking IMAX people – and The Henry Ford is armed and ready with a Cappuccino Bar. That’s serious espresso and one gigantic screen. The movie runs 2 hours and 10 minutes, so plan to head straight to breakfast afterward! Get your details here: http://www.hfmgv.org/events/twilightEclipse.aspx. Then check out the Team Edward YouTube for a giggle.
What movie are you most likely to see this holiday weekend?
This post is brought to you by the good folks at Urbane Apartments and theUrbane Lobby. We would love to connect with you on Facebook and Twitter @UrbaneLife.
Tags: Birmingham, Eclipse, ferndale, Harold and Kumar, JARC, Josh Hutcherson, Mia Wasikowska, New Moon, pleasant ridge, Royal Oak, Team Edward, The Henry Ford, The Kids Are All Right, Troy, Urbane, Urbane Life, Vitamin Water
Ferndale’s temporary tent city draws attention
Posted by scasola | Filed under Apartments Birmingham MI, Apartments Clawson MI, Apartments Ferndale MI, Apartments Royal Oak MI, Apartments Troy MI, Detroit MI, Ferndale MI, Rambalings
If you passed Hilton Road and Marshall Avenue in Ferndale yesterday you might’ve determined the Michigan housing crisis had reached epic proportions. A temporary tent city was erected to demonstrate the impact the poor and homeless situation has on any community, including one close to home.
Members of The Poor People’s Economic Human Rights Campaign created a visual to accompany their concerns within Ferndale’s borders on June 20 to highlight concerns related to the ongoing recession and foreclosure crisis.
According to an article in yesterday’s Detroit Free Press, reporter Joe Rossiter wrote: “the group has been on a 12-week 24-city march from New Orleans to Detroit to attend the US Social Forum, which is schedule to run from Tuesday-Sunday in Detroit.”
The temporary tent city was meant to highlight the disparity between the rich and poor in America today, a problem amplified by the continuous job loss and resulting foreclosures in Michigan and across the country. Marchers protesting and shedding light on this ongoing problem came from varied backgrounds. The article noted they were laid off truck drivers, architects and those who have lost their homes to foreclosure. By calling attention to the problem, the organization hopes to bring people together to seek a solution.
What do you believe needs to be done to begin to solve the problems in our economy?
This post is brought to you by the good folks at Urbane Apartments and theUrbane Lobby. We would love to connect with you on Facebook and Twitter at@UrbaneLife
Tags: ferndale, foreclosures, tent city, Urbane
The Henry Ford transforms Motor City to Maker City July 31-Aug. 1
Posted by scasola | Filed under Apartments Birmingham MI, Apartments Clawson MI, Apartments Ferndale MI, Apartments Royal Oak MI, Apartments Troy MI, Cool People, Detroit MI, Ferndale MI, Rochester Hills, Royal Oak MI, Urbane, art, design, drinks, events, life, technology
Eric Merrill showed his QuadCopter at the Maker Faire preview yesterday.
I know what you’re wondering. What’s a “maker” exactly? Is it a crafter? An inventor? An engineer? The answer is yes and so much more. And we can all find out together when Make magazine brings its reknowned DIY festival, Maker Faire, to the midwest for the first time.
Dearborn’s own The Henry Ford will host two days devoted to learning, thinking, playing, inventing, crafting, creating and more when Maker Faire Detroit takes over the grounds outside July 31 and Aug. 1. More than 200 makers will feature their wares – we’re talking everything from robots and remote control toys to woodworking creations, arts and crafts and urban farming. Thursday evening, The Henry Ford hosted a preview event to introduce the press and sponsors to the concept of Maker Faire. The location makes perfect sense.
Patricia Mooradian, president of The Henry Ford, noted that the idea behind Maker Faire aligns naturally with the mission and vision of The Henry Ford. “This has always been a place where the can-do spirit of Americans has been best represented by tinkerers, by makers and by entrepreneurs,” she said. “These are people with ordinary beginnings who did something extraordinary.”
The same can be said of those expected to showcase their work at Maker Faire. Make magazine editor and publisher Dale Dougherty told the crowd that he started Maker Faire as a way to connect makers with one another and with the public. And when he did that a very natural, simple conversation occurred. They asked one another “How did you figure that out?” And that, he said, is the “seed of invention.” The Maker Faire Bay area event now draws 80,000 people over 2 days.
The Henry Ford aims to become an annual affair, as well. It’s expected to draw thousands of visitors – some from as far as Texas – in this, it’s first midwest show.
Maker Faire is about grassroots innovation, toying with technology and inspiring kids to become excited about science and math outside of the classroom. Eric Merrill, a programmer at Oakland University and member of Ferndale’s I3 Detroit, an art and technology collective, will be showing his QuadCopter at Maker Faire this year. He’s still in the “software-tuning stages” but his remote-controlled device can be used to take aerial photographs. The event inspired him to make one, something he’d been wanting to do for some time.
Merrill said he was surprised to hear Maker Faire was coming to the metro Detroit area. It’s an event he associates with major cities on the coasts, like New York and San Francisco. “I think it’s really exciting that it’s happening here,” he said.
For more information, visit makerfaire.com or send e-mail to detroit@makerfaire.com to be added to the mailing list and receive notices about other event details. See you at Maker Faire!
If you’re a maker and you’re participating this year, let us know! Leave a comment and we’ll be sure to look for you and you’re work!
This post is brought to you by the good folks at Urbane Apartments and theUrbane Lobby. We would love to connect with you on Facebook and Twitter at@UrbaneLife
Tags: Detroit, entrepreneurs, Eric Merrill, ferndale, i3 Detroit, inventors, Make magazine, Maker Faire, oakland university, The Henry Ford, Urbane, UrbaneLife
Singles get mingling - PickMIDate.com has officially launched
Posted by scasola | Filed under Apartments Birmingham MI, Apartments Clawson MI, Apartments Ferndale MI, Apartments Royal Oak MI, Apartments Troy MI, Clawson Neighborhood, Cool People, Detroit MI, Ferndale MI, Rochester Hills, Royal Oak, Royal Oak MI, Urbane, drinks, events, food, life, people
Well it’s about time Erin Rose and Sean O’Brien.
The founders of Michigan’s own PickMiDate.com – a Web site that fuses a dating game with lots of love for the mitten state – finally launched the long-awaited project last night after perfecting it for close to a year.
I first met this Oakland County-based duo, creative business partners who hail from Ferndale and Pleasant Ridge respectively, last fall. I found their take on the realm of online dating to be a fresh idea, one that had the power to revitalize the metro Detroit social scene.
In brief, here’s how PickMIDate works:
Singles, 21 and over, can log on and register to date. They’ll be asked a series of questions throughout the process and then placed in a specific dating pool on the site’s homepage. Registered voters will then cast their votes to determine whom each dater should be paired with to take a date where dinner, transportation and more are covered. Voters will have one week to rally and pair off couples online as well as on Twitter and Facebook.
Those who are already coupled-up need not feel left out. You can register as a voter and be eligible to win prizes. Learn more at PickMIDate.com or send email to 411@PickMIDate.com.
Why do I know so much about this? Well, in the interest of full disclosure I wrote this Metromix story a few months back. And Erin and Sean often stop by Urbane Space to hash out ideas and work on the site, which was artfully crafted by Core 3 Solutions in Birmingham.
PickMIDate was also featured among just a handful of Michigan-based startups at Detroit’s first-ever TECHCocktail event in April, helping spread the word about this innovative effort that not only helps singles find their perfect match, but also urges Michiganders to explore the best of what this state has to offer.
Follow all the action @PickMIDate on Twitter and find them on Facebook. Singles - get ready to meet your match.
This post is brought to you by the good folks at Urbane Apartments and theUrbane Lobby. We would love to connect with you on Facebook and Twitter at@UrbaneLife
Tags: dating Web site, Erin Rose, ferndale, matchmaking in Michigan, Oakland County, PickMIDate, pleasant ridge, Sean O'Brien, singles, Urbane, urbane apartments, Urbane Life
The Dead Format Project needs you, and your old CDs
Posted by scasola | Filed under Apartments Birmingham MI, Apartments Clawson MI, Apartments Ferndale MI, Apartments Royal Oak MI, Apartments Troy MI, Cool People, Detroit MI, Ferndale MI, Urbane, UrbaneApts, art, drinks, events
I’ve been going through some sort of spring media cleaning phase. A few months back, I decided it was time to go all digital, to clear out the towers of CDs that already exist on my iPod and hard drive and share those stacks of books I could manage to part with.
I sold or gave away nearly every CD, DVD and hardcover with a vow to buy online only. It’s going well, and I’m feeling better about living a life sans CD clutter. I’ll always been a major consumer of music, film and literature. I’ll just do it in a “greener” way.
That’s what inspired me to hear about the Dead Format Project, a charitable organization headed up by metro Detroiters Chris Bisha and Phil Childers. I touched base with Chris briefly this afternoon for a bit more insight as the co-founders prepared for their first event.
At 7 p.m. tonight The Dead Format Project presents Scarlet Oaks at Club Bart, 22728 Woodward Ave., Ferndale. Here’s why you should be there:
UrbaneLife: When did you start Dead Format Project?
UrbaneLife: What inspired it?
UrbaneLife: What “dead formats” will it encompass?
UrbaneLife: What charitable efforts does it support?
UrbaneLife: What can people expect from tonight’s event at Club Bart?
Tags: arts in Detroit, at-risk youth, Chris Bisha, Club Bart, Dead Format Project, Detroit, Detroit Public Schools, ferndale, Moth, Phil Childers, Urban Arts, Urbane, urbane apartments
BravoBravo! blends Detroit fashion, music, food into one memorable night
Posted by scasola | Filed under Apartments Birmingham MI, Apartments Clawson MI, Apartments Ferndale MI, Apartments Royal Oak MI, Apartments Troy MI, Cool People, Detroit MI, Ferndale MI, Royal Oak, Royal Oak MI, Urbane, UrbaneApts, art, drinks, events, fashion, food, people, trends
I have a confession to make. I’ve been volunteering for this year’s BravoBravo! fundraising event, which supports the Michigan Opera Theatre. So yes, I’m biased. I discovered this annual see-and-be-seen charity gala years ago as a reporter and I know how important it is to maintaining arts and culture in Detroit.
BravoBravo!, coordinated by the young professionals group of the Michigan Opera Theatre Volunteer Association, brings together the city’s top restaurants, showcases its best live musical acts and draws thousands of revelers all in support of Michigan Opera Theatre.
In its 11th year, BravoBravo!, presented by Bank of America, will take place from 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.Friday, June 4, 2010 at the Detroit Opera House, 1526 Broadway, in Detroit. Tickets cost $95 through May and $105 in June.
For a party, housed inside the Detroit Opera House, that always manages to sell out, this year’s BravoBravo! offers a passport to fashion. The theme, Destination Fashion, refers to the inspiration that comes from fashion capitals across the globe. Designers like Sarah Lapinski of WOUND Menswear, Emily Thornhill and Fotoula Lambrose of Ferndale’s Femilia Couture and Project Runways’ Joe Faris designing for Made in Detroit are just a few of the stellar names set to showcase their designs at BravoBravo!
The halls of the Detroit Opera House will again be lined with an array of dishes from some of Detroit’s premiere restaurants – including Vicente’s Cuban Cuisine, Bourbon Steak, Saltwater, Slows BBQ, Taste Pizza Bar, Union Street Tavern, Como’s, Crave, D’Amatos and so many more. Hang onto your BravoBravo! passport to receive a 15 percent discount at participating restaurants long after the event ends.
BravoBravo! is the sort of Detroit-centric event that keeps getting better every year. You don’t have to take my word for it. Just check out the killer entertainment lineup – courtesy of The Few Records’ Founder Dominic Arellano and his team – and see for yourself:
Bank of America Main Stage
Will Sessions
9:30-11 p.m. – Will Sessions Funk Big Band with Monica Blaire
11 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. – DJ Captn20 and percussionist Jarred Sykes
Detroit Outdoor Tent sponsored by Real Detroit Weekly
DJs Kevin Saunderson, John Johr and Chuck Flask
Tokyo Room/Cadillac Cafe, sponsored by Metro Times
Silverghost
Silverghost and auto-tune karaoke
7:50-8:30 p.m. – Silverghost
8:30-9:15 p.m. – Karaoke
9:15-9:45 p.m. – Silverghost
9:45-10:30 p.m. – Karaoke
10:30-11 p.m. – Silverghost
11 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. – Karaoke
Miami Room/Lomason Lounge, sponsored by Ambassador magazine
6:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. – DJ X/S
London Room/GDC Lounge sponsored by 944 magazine
8-9:15 p.m. – Ben Sharkey
9:15-10 p.m. – Recorded Music
10-11:20 p.m. – Ben Sharkey
BravoBravo! supports the continued success and daily operation of Michigan Opera Theatre. Last year, BravoBravo! drew a record crowd of over 2,000 young professionals and raised over $180,000 to support MOT. For 2010, organizers aim for a goal of $250,000 to support MOT’s artistic and educational programs. Since its inception, this event has raised more than $833,000 and is considered a critical fundraising effort for Michigan Opera Theatre.
BravoBravo! attendees must be 21 or older. Tickets can be purchased at the Detroit Opera House box office, by phone at (313) 237-SING, or online at www.MichiganOpera.org. As always, the event is expected to sell out so get your tickets before it’s too late.
This post is brought to you by the good folks at Urbane Apartments and theUrbane Lobby. We would love to connect with you on Facebook and Twitter at@UrbaneLife.
Tags: BravoBravo!, Detroit music, Detroit Opera House, FEMILIA Couture, ferndale, fundraiser, Joe Faris, Made in Detroit, Michigan Opera Theatre, Silverghost, Slows BBQ, Urbane, urbane apartments, Will Sessions, WOUND Menswear
Ferndale awaits newly-expanded library opening
Posted by scasola | Filed under Apartments Ferndale MI, Apartments Royal Oak MI, Ferndale MI, Rochester Hills, Royal Oak, Royal Oak MI, Urbane, UrbaneApts, life
Library Director Doug Raber stands inside Ferndale Public Library. Photo by Charles V. Tines / The Detroit News)
Growing up, the public library played an important role in my childhood. My mom, an avid reader, would take me over to the Rochester Hills Public Library to pick out a book whenever she was ready to read something new herself.
I remember gravitating to see a giant giraffe in the children’s area when I was little, learning to navigate the card catalogue in elementary school and taking advantage of the quiet study research rooms as a teen.
I wonder now, as our worlds are so consumed by computers, how do our local libraries remain relevant? What can they offer to residents that we can’t find at the click of a mouse at home?
Ferndale has managed to not only keep library users coming in, but also needed to expand its facility. The city will open a larger library this summer. Before that happens, the doors of its temporary facility will have to close for two weeks. That closure is currently set for 5:30 p.m. May 21, at the 642 E. Nine Mile location.
According to today’s Royal Oak Tribune, construction crews are about to complete the considerable work at the Ferndale Public Library, at 222 E. Mile Road. The library is expected to be ready in about five weeks. Residents and visitors can expect a new and improved 21,000 square foot facility that incorporates green elements like geothermal heating and cooling, a vegetative roof and water recycling system.
Having doubled in size, the Ferndale Public Library will cater to all ages with computer access, a children’s and teen-targeted programs and of course a Friends of the Ferndale Library Book Store. I’m anticipating the new offerings at the library. There’s something about my connection to public libraries that has never changed. How about you?
This post is brought to you by the good folks at Urbane Apartments and the Urbane Lobby. We would love to connect with you on Facebook and Twitter at @UrbaneLife.
Tags: ferndale, Ferndale Public Library, library, library expansion, reading, Rochester Hills Public Library, Urbane, urbane apartments
Destination Royal Oak – what draws you back?
Posted by scasola | Filed under Apartments Birmingham MI, Apartments Clawson MI, Apartments Ferndale MI, Apartments Royal Oak MI, Apartments Troy MI, Detroit MI, Ferndale MI, Royal Oak, Royal Oak MI, life, travel
As much time as I’ve spent working or wandering around Royal Oak, I can’t help but notice how vastly the landscape has changed in this downtown destination. In the ’90s, I was drawn here by hip resale shops like Cinderella’s Attic and dark independent coffee shops like Java or Brazil. I fraternized with punks sporting sky-high mohawks and piercings. We all flocked to the same corner of Main and Fourth streets. It felt like no place else.
Today, the streets are still filled with people but the area has become known more for its array of restaurants and walkable downtown. One thing that hasn’t changed – I still love spending time here.
It’s more than a popular place to live, work or visit, it’s a magnetic center for the region. Journalists Maureen McDonald of Southfield and John Shultz of Royal Oak managed to chronicle the city’s and growth in a new book, appropriately titled Royal Oak.
The 128-page book is part of Arcadia Publishing’s Images of America series. C & G Newspapers published this interesting piece about the book and it’s authors. In it, reporter Jeremy Carroll details highlights – from the fear that building I-696 would negatively impact Royal Oak and neighboring communities to the national attention Royal Oak’s Shrine of the Little Flower earned under the guidance of Father Charles Caughlin.
Ultimately, the story and the book it details proves that Royal Oak has long been and remains an important destination in metro Detroit. In the story, McDonald calls the city an “epicenter” and that’s true.
I’d venture even further to say it’s one of the most vibrant, creative cities Michigan has to offer. From it’s farmer’s market to art galleries to coffee shops, comedy clubs to music venues and movie theaters, Royal Oak has managed to maintain a relevance and atmosphere all its own.
Outside of Detroit’s geographic boundaries, it’s the area I’m most likely to introduce to out-of-state visitors. I’ve lived in cities surrounding this area for the past 12 years – from Troy to Ferndale. I’ve worked as near as Royal Oak’s downtown and as far as Livonia, but I’ve always been drawn to this section of Oakland County for nightlife and more.
What draws you to Royal Oak time and again? Do you have favorite shops or activities that keep you coming to the area? How does it differ from other vibrant metro area cities?
This post brought to you by the good folks at Urbane Apartments and the Urbane Lobby. We would love to connect with you on twitter at @UrbaneLife.
Tags: C&G Newspapers, Downtown Royal Oak, ferndale, Jeremy Carroll, Livonia, Royal Oak, Royal Oak book, Royal Oak restaurants, Troy, Urbane, urbane apartments
Is Ferndale our ‘Great American Main Street?’
Posted by scasola | Filed under Apartments Ferndale MI, Cool People, Detroit MI, Ferndale MI, Urbane, UrbaneApts, events, life, politics, uncategorized
Last night’s Ferndale Downtown Development Authority Appreciation Awards – held at Rosie O’Grady’s – offered a proverbial pat-on-the-back for the businesses that give Ferndale it’s flair. In addition to recognizing individual and business contributions, DDA Chairperson Veronica Lujic announced the exciting news that the metro Detroit suburb is in the running for the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Great American Main Street Award.
Downtown Ferndale is one of 10 cities in the semi-finals across the country and has a shot at being the first in both Oakland County and the state to earn such esteem. “This is the Oscars, the Emmy’s, the Tony’s for a downtown district,” said Lujic. Next month that list will be narrowed to its Top 5.
Ferndale’s friendly, walkable downtown initially drew me to become a resident. And though I’ve seen businesses come and go over the years, I still enjoy the chance to walk to Western Market for groceries, catch a show at the Magic Bag and meet friends for dinner at Anita’s Kitchen or drinks at The Emory. Parking is never an issue for those of us lucky enough to live within blocks of the downtown district.
And according to Executive Director Cristina Sheppard-Decius, over $4 million has been invested in downtown Ferndale over the past year – bringing in everything from new bike racks, trees, businesses and jobs.
Here are a few award highlights from last night’s event:
- Best Historic Renovation – Rosie O’Grady’s
- Best Window Displays (2007-2009) – Pinwheel Bakery
- Best Independent Retailer (2007-2009) – Detroit Comics
- Best New Independent Service Business (2007-2009) – Blumz by JR Designs
- Spirit of Ferndale Award – AJ O’Neil of AJ’s Cafe
All the fervor led me to wonder, what do you think makes a thriving downtown district? What do you look for in an ideal downtown?
Tags: downtown Ferndale, ferndale, Ferndale Downtown Development Authority, Great American Main Street
Don’t pay your rent – let strangers do it for you
Posted by scasola | Filed under Apartments Birmingham MI, Apartments Clawson MI, Apartments Ferndale MI, Apartments Royal Oak MI, Apartments Troy MI, Birmingham MI, Clawson Neighborhood, Cool People, Detroit MI, Ferndale MI, Royal Oak, Royal Oak MI, Urbane, UrbaneApts, life, people, property management, travel, trends
As a longtime renter myself, it never occurred to me that my own little Ferndale apartment could be an income generator. I’ve been more concerned with getting that check over to my landlord by the first of the month since as long as I can remember, at least since college. That all changed when I read the provocative post How I Generate Extra Income by Letting Strangers Pay My Rent, by Rebecca Rosenfelt on GetRichSlowly.org.
As a founder of her own site, RealSavvyRealEstate.com, Rosenfelt details how she’s managed to go years without paying her rent – or mortgage – in its entirety. And no, she’s not breaking any laws or in danger of being evicted.
As she writes: “I’m able to keep my condo and apartment because I let strangers pay my bills for me. I’ve created a situation where my home generates income.”
Rosenfelt details her tactics, which proved successful even in a high-rent New York City neighborhood. There’s no reason this process couldn’t work in metro Detroit or across Michigan.
From the concept of a seeking out a part-time roommate, with an opposite commuting pattern, fit to “share” her East Village apartment, she managed to save enough to buy a condo in Portland. She now rents out that space for longer stretches or extended vacations, using the services of a management company to make the process easier.
Rosenfelt is confident her methods would work anywhere. It takes a touch of creativity, an open mind and the discipline not to obsess over your space or the items you own. She does recommend homeowners and renters look into lease, zoning laws and condo bylaws before trying out her concepts.
Here are four ways to use your apartment or home to generate income:
- Vacation Rental – When you know you’ll be out of town for several days, post an ad for your home in the vacation rental section of Craigslist. Other great resources are AirBnB.com and SecondPorch (This could be a great opportunity for Detroit or Grand Rapids city-dwellers or those with homes Up North).
- Home Exchange – Consider doing a home exchange when you take vacations. A great place to start is HomeExchange.com, a vacation swapping website. (You never know when you’ll find the chance to trade your Royal Oak digs for a vacation house overseas)
- Room for Rent – If you have an extra bedroom in your home, consider listing it on a site like AirBnB.com, where travelers all over the world look for inexpensive accommodations. (Imagine your Birmingham bungalow as a B&B)
- Part-Time Roommate – If you travel regularly for work, find someone with the opposite commute pattern who needs a place to stay in your home city. Craigslist and social media like Facebook and Twitter are great resources for this.
For Rosenfelt’s complete story, click here.
Tags: apartments, Birmingham, condo, ferndale, filming location, GetRichSlowly, home exchange, let strangers pay my rent, Michigan Film Industry, mortage, part-time roommate, RealSavvyRealEstate, Rebecca Rosenfelt, renters, room for rent, Royal Oak, vacation rental
The Runaways’ Cherie Currie tells the tale behind ‘Cherry Bomb’
Posted by s_casola | Filed under Apartments Birmingham MI, Apartments Clawson MI, Apartments Ferndale MI, Apartments Royal Oak MI, Apartments Troy MI, Birmingham MI, Clawson Neighborhood, Cool People, Detroit MI, Ferndale MI, Rochester Hills, Royal Oak, Urbane, UrbaneApts, events, life, movies, music, people, video
Before The Go-Go’s gave us Vacation and Madonna danced around in a corsets, decades before The Donnas released Turn 21, The Runaways broke new ground as Hollywood’s first all-girl rock band. The year was 1976 and bandmates Cherie Currie, Joan Jett, Lita Ford, Sandy West and Jackie Fox were on the verge of making rock history – and give us rebellious teen anthems like Cherry Bomb.
In just a few short years The Runaways took over the Sunset Strip, playing clubs they weren’t legally old enough to enter, signed to Mercury Records and toured the world. Their story – or at least a biopic focused on Cherie and Joan – hits metro Detroit movie theaters today.
Despite a cast featuring Twilight sensation Kristen Stewart (as a spot-on Joan Jett) and Dakota Fanning (as Cherie Currie), The Runaways story earns it an R-rating. The band’s disorienting rise to international acclaim, accompanied by rampant drug use, sex and a heavy dose of rock n’ roll, plays out convincingly on screen.
Cherie Currie herself stopped in Detroit on her press tour this week – introducing a movie screening at Ferndale’s Magic Bag on Wednesday and signing copies of her best-selling book Neon Angel: A Memoir of a Runaway Thursday at Birmingham’s Borders Books & Music.
The film is primarily based on Currie’s book, which is a revised version of a young adult book she published in 1989. She was initially approached to share her story while working as counselor for drug-addicted teens and a children’s book illustrator. She never imagined The Runaways would become a film, or that she’d have a second chance to tell the whole story. “This book took everything I had,” said Currie.
As for Fanning’s performance, Currie couldn’t have been happier. “She did such a great job,” said Currie, an actress in her own right, having starred in movies like Foxes.
Currie, now a chainsaw artist living in California, said she has no regrets and she wouldn’t change a thing about her time with The Runaways. She left the band at age 17, after just 2 years – always hoping they’d ask her back. Exhaustion from a non-stop schedule, a looming European tour and fight with bandmate Lita Ford signaled her exit as a Runaway. “I thought they wanted me out,” she said. “I was hoping they would call me but they didn’t. I felt I had given it everything I could.”
When asked if a reunion might be in the works, Currie said without drummer Sandy West, who died in 2006, there couldn’t be a true reunion. But, she added “I’ll never say never. I never thought I would rewrite a book that came out in 1989. Now it’s a Top 10 Best-Seller.”
Overcoming obstacles is a prominent theme throughout The Runaways. For a group of teenage girls to break into the male-dominated rock scene took more than just talent. In the film, Director Floria Sigismondi focuses on eccentric manager Kim Fowley as he puts the girls though their paces to prepare them for the bitterness they’d face on the road. Beer cans were thrown at their heads, instruments and rehearsals were sabotaged and fellow musicians didn’t take them seriously. Their story is one of survival – and it happened long before VH-1’s Behind the Music debuted.
Currie said she caught a few early Runaways videos on YouTube and was amazed to see how they held up. “I thought I couldn’t sing,” she said. “I couldn’t believe it. It was pretty rockin.”
Judge for yourself – do the original Queens of Noise still stack up?
Tags: Birmingham, Cherie Currie, Cherry Bomb, Dakota Fanning, Detroit, ferndale, Joan Jett, Kim Fowley, Kristen Stewart, Madonna, movie, Neon Angel, Queens of Noise, The Donnas, The Go-Go's, The Runaways, Twilight
