Terry McAuliffe - Creative Commons photo by Edward Kimmel
The former governor of Virginia, Terry McAuliffe, will speak at the main branch of the Detroit Public Library (5201 Woodward Ave. in Midtown). This event will happen this Wednesday, July 31 from noon to 2 pm. He will discuss his new book Beyond Charlottesville: Taking A Stand Against White Nationalism.
In his book, Terry McAuliffe tells his behind-the-scenes story of the “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, Virginia that resulted in three deaths, at least 33 nonfatal injuries, and 11 arrests by police. He will also share his thoughts on how Americans can prevent other Charlottesvilles from happening.
The former governor uses Beyond Charlottesville to look at the forces and events that led to the tragedy, including the murder of Heather Heyer and the death of two state troopers in a helicopter accident.
He doesn’t whitewash Virginia history and discusses a KKK protest over the removal of a statue of Robert E. Lee. Terry McAuliffe takes a hard look at the actions of everyone on that day, including himself, to see what could have been done.
I believe that Beyond Charlottesville will be one of the definitive accounts of an infamous chapter in American history; a book that will be cited for years as a reference point in the fight against racism, extremism, and hatred.
This event is a part of the Detroit Public Library's author series, which connects Detroiters to some of the prominent writers and issues of our time. Terry McAullife's address is free and open to the public although attendees are asked to RSVP online by clicking here.
Approximately 50 protesters are at the Shell Station now. They are demanding that the business be closed down after this shooting.
The attendant in question was arrested. As of this morning, he has not been charged with a crime. However, formal charges are expected later today.
The innocent man who got shot is at a local hospital. He is currently in stable condition and is recovering from his wounds.
Officers from the Detroit Police Department are on the scene to ensure an orderly protest.
Update @ 3:09 pm
The protesters are now going through Warrendale distributing a one-page leaflet condemning the shooting. They are also asking residents to shop at one of the four black-owned gas stations in the area instead of this one.
As the heat index continues to climb to 100+ degrees, I wish to remind everyone in the Warrendale neighborhood that days like today are the reason why the Good Lord invent iced tea, lawn chairs, and shade trees.
Stay safe out there, Warrendale. I hope everyone enjoys the day.
Happy anniversary, everyone! It was 50 years ago today that humanity walked on the Moon for the first time.
I hope and pray that the success of the Apollo missions, as well as NASA's upcoming Artemis missions returning us to the Moon and pushing us onward to Mars, will continue to inspire Americans for generations to come. It is the destiny of humanity, I believe, to push our boundaries and go where we have never gone before.
Wednesday the Warrendale Camel - Photo by Frank Nemecek
My dear readers, today simply has to be a Wednesday.
I say this because earlier today I saw a very happy looking camel walking along Whitlock St. in Warrendale. I have named this camel Wednesday. Wednesday the Warrendale Camel, that is.
I'm confident that Wednesday will soon be one of the more popular tourist attractions in Detroit
Please feel free to share any photos that you happen to catch of Wednesday in the comments section of this blog.
According to a report that was released earlier today by WalletHub, Detroit is the most stressed city in the United States. The three key driving factors in our stress levels according to their research is our poverty and divorce rates as well as Detroiters not getting enough sleep. A below average amount of job security in the Detroit area also plays a role in our stress as does traffic congestion in the region.
As part of my Tip of the Week feature, therefore, I would like to pass along some advice from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control on healthy ways one can better deal with stress.
Take care of yourself. This includes eating healthy, well-balanced meals, exercising on a regular basis, and getting plenty of sleep.
Talk to others. The CDC recommends sharing your problems and how you are feeling and coping with a parent, friend, counselor, doctor, or pastor.
Avoid drugs and alcohol. These may seem like they are helping with stress. However, in the long run, they are creating more problems and increase the stress you are already feeling.
Take a break. If news events are causing your stress then take a break from listening or watching the news.
Readers may find additional advice on dealing with stress in a healthy manner - including advice specifically for parents, young people, and school personnel by visiting their website here.
With this advice, I can only hope that Detroit will not be the most stressed city in the United States in 2020.
These tips are brought to you by the Warrendale (Detroit) Blog as part of our semi-regular Tip of the Week feature. Please check back every Monday for more advice on your home, money, and life. Also, be sure to follow the author, Frank Nemecek, on Twitter and Instagram as @fnemecek for more great information.
I would like everyone's opinion on the proposed expansion of Project Greenlight.
For those who aren't already aware, since January of 2016 more than 500 businesses in Detroit have voluntarily installed high-definition video cameras on their property that are monitored by the Detroit Police Department. This program was expanded to include such cameras in public housing facilities last year.
There is now a plan to expand it again to include cameras on our traffic lights. Some people believe this is an unnecessary intrusion into our privacy. Other residents counter that it helps the police and lowers crime.
I would like to know how my readers feel about this. I've posted a survey form below. I also have a similar one on Facebook. I look forward to hearing thoughts from all of my readers.
With that said, do you support Project Greenlight as it currently is? How do you feel about expanding it to include video cameras on traffic lights?
Please let me know what your thoughts are. I'll report the results from these polls in another week.
Tire marks in Rouge Park left by doing donuts - Photo by Detroit Police Department
A 25-year old male decided that it would be a cool idea to speed through Rouge Park and do donuts in the street. All of this happened on Saturday, June 29 near the Brennan Pools.
The Detroit Police Department, however, wasn't having it. He was arrested for reckless driving and his car was impounded. Police chief James Craig said in a statement on Twitter, "We are not going to tolerate this blatant disregard for public safety in our city. More to come."
The car being impounded - Photo by Detroit Police Department
I would like to thank the Detroit Police Department for their response. The Warrendale and surrounding neighborhoods are safer with this idiot off our streets.
One of the best ways you can get in shape and learn a new skill is by taking up Brazilian Jiu-jitsu (BJJ). Regardless of what you do for a living and where you stand physically, Jit-Jitsu is something that is made for human beings of all shapes and sizes.
In the Detroit metro area, there are some great BJJ gyms, such as Stronghold Jiujitsu in Livonia, Kaizen BJJ in Northville, and 313 BJJ in Midtown Detroit.
BJJ is great for fitness and self-defense whether you’re over 50, a working mother, a couch potato, a college student, working a 9-5 job, a former veteran or an athlete. What’s great about BJJ is that unlike other sports, there is very little equipment needed to start. You essentially just need to buy an affordable BJJ gi or a BJJ rash guard and then walk onto the mat of your local BJJ gym. However, before you do that, here is an overview of some important aspects of BJJ history and its benefits.
Brief History
Jiu-Jitsu or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art that stems from Japanese judo and involves grappling and ground fighting. Carlos Gracie is known to be the father of modern Jiu-Jitsu while his lineage has been successful in popularizing the sport throughout the world. The basic concept of Jiu-Jitsu is to use technique, skill, and leverage that to overcome a larger and stronger opponent. Brazilian Jiu-jitsu provides the practitioners with physical and mental benefits, and the discipline to create a strong character which can be used as an overall benefit in all fields of their life.
Physical Benefits
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can provide you with far more extensive results than a typical aerobic exercise. One of the first differences you will notice after you begin training is how easy it is to lose weight and keep it off. Jiu-jitsu training is rigorous and tough but you won't even notice how hard you are working when your mind is occupied with learning and developing new skills and techniques. So, it is easy to fall in love with the process when there is so much fun involved. Jiu-Jitsu will work every muscle in your body, building strength in your core and increasing your overall endurance.
Mental benefits
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is also known as human chess. The sport involves using a lot of skill and technique, forcing you to make timely decisions in order to win, hence improving your critical thinking. Along with the physical aspects of the sport, it has a sweet science to it which puts your mind against your opponent’s mind. Not only that, Jiu Jitsu is therapeutic, and a great way to relieve stress, a third space where the only things that matter are learning a new technique and trying it out in live sparring.
Fun
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is an incredibly rewarding sport. You will meet people from all walks of life sparring and training on the mats and you are likely to make some new friends on the way. Walk into any academy and ask the newcomers why they train, and they will tell you how addictive Jiu Jitsu is and how it has changed their life. The culture and atmosphere in a Jiu-Jitsu academy will make you fall in love with learning and improving yourself. So get started, and best of luck for your journey.
Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu is your Tip of the Week for the week of July 1, 2019. Please check back in next week for more advice on your home, health, personal finances, or other useful topics.
