McAuliffe comes to Detroit

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.

Shooting at Shell gas station

Protesters at the Shell gas station - Photo by Frank Nemecek

As several other outlets have already reported, an attendant at the Shell station at W. Warren Ave. and the Southfield Freeway (17720 W. Warren Ave.) shot a customer last night. He was trying to shoot a different man who was stealing potato chips.

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.

Warrendale heat wave

Iced tea - Stockphoto from Pixabay

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

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.

Again, happy anniversary to everyone.

It must be Wednesday

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.

Detroit is the most stressed city in USA

Alone - Image by Grae Dickason/Pixabay

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.

Anyone want a free boat?

Abandoned boat in Warrendale - Photo by Frank Nemecek

If anyone would like a free boat, there is an abandoned one available on Warwick, just north of W. Warren Ave. It even comes with a trailer.

The boat obviously needs some work. However, it's free and its trailer is in very good condition.

The Detroit Police Department tagged this boat for removal almost a month ago. However, as of this afternoon, it's still there.

Abandoned vehicle notice on the boat - Photo by Frank Nemecek

If you can get to this boat before the Detroit Police Department does, I don't think anyone will complain as you haul it away.

Happy sailing, Detroit.