Fresh Flowers

It's hard to think about the warmer days ahead since we are finally experiencing winter but the first spring flowers appeared at the market this weekend. Tulips, daffodils and rhinoculous; the selection was small but the color options were absolutely stunning.

After trimming down the less than perfect parts, undoubtedly from the long journey, these perfectly pink rhinoculous are displayed in a vintage-style Pewabic step vase in our kitchen.

Pewabic is a familiar name for Detroiters. Founded in 1903, Pewabic Pottery is a national historic landmark located in the city. Pewabic vessels, tiles, and architectural ornamentation have been used in public and private installations across the United States (think Historic Buildings, Churches, Libraries). Modern murals still appropriately display the high attention to detail that is linked to the Pewabic name.

3x3" Pewabic tiles make very thoughtful hostess gifts (starting at about $15). Classic styles are always available and new designs are occasionally introduced for collectors at heart.

Decentralized Dance Party - Detroit

Do a search for "detroit" on Kickstarter.com, the world's largest platform for independent project funding, and you'll discover the pitch for the Decentralized Dance Party. Promoting themselves as "a portable, battery-powered Party System" this elaborate concept is the brainchild of Canadian residents, Tom and Gary.



So what exactly is the DDP?

According to the DDP Website, past events have consisted of hundreds of people, boomboxes, and FM transmitters. All boomboxes are tuned into the FM transmitter resulting in a mobile, synchronized system. Creating a new definition of a Pop Up - Party Shop, DDP has a goal to transform 13 citys on their 2012 tour. Keeping their mission in mind to "further the frontiers of Partying, bring joy to millions of people and ensure that Partying is respected, legitimized, and forever enshrined as a spiritual movement of paramount importance" the DPP has an entertaining, time-suck of a website filled with past promotional materials and legendary party footage.

If you're feeling generous and have your eye on the DDP party pack gift set, consider making a donation through kickstarter. If the funding fails, book a trip out to Seattle, NYC, Austin, or any of the many cities that have endorsed a DDP appearance this summer.

Hello Leo

Meet Leo, a vintage prison laundry truck turned Hot Rod Thread Sled for local retailer DetroitGT. Owner Chris Gorski found the rare 1979 Chevy P10 Step Van through an Indiana CraigsList ad and rolled the dice on the purchase when he skipped a test drive. After making the trek down to pick it up, Leo was given 2 months of restoration love - including his notable black and red paint job.

I had the pleasure of purchasing a vintage style Hamtramck tee from Leo this weekend at the Berkley Art Fair. Printed on an alternative apparel shirt, I'm predicting it will become my favorite top by the end of summer. If you see Leo at art fairs, city events, and Eastern Market this summer - don't be shy, the truck (and owner) are super nice. Make sure to stop over a say "hi"!

Super Score at the Record Store

Scotty Karate picked up this used gem at the record store over the weekend. The Motown Story features 5 albums filled with the greatest hits born in the Motor City. Each song includes a mini intro from a famous song writer and/or producer - think Stevie Wonder, Martha Reeves, and Marvin Gaye. It's really fantastic to hear such famous voices casually detailing how each classic was born.

The best part? When Scotty told me about this find, I responded with a comment on how underrated the song Shotgun by Jr. Walker and the All Stars is. He opened his phone to show me a text that he sent to his dad the previous day that detailed the same thought. Out of all of the hits, we both praised the same jam. I guess great minds really do think alike.

Detroit I Love You, But You're Bringing Me Down

Where do stolen car parts end up? I immediately think of the Chop Shop from Adventures in Babysitting but that just seems so 80s. I figured at this day in age I could just Google the item on a local search and it would lead me to the filthy reseller. CraigsList, Ebay, local auction sites? Is there really an underground network still operating in Detroit?

It seems like if you're smart enough to jack a navigation system out of a Denali, you're smart enough to actually be a contributing member of society. Think about it, it's really a much more lucrative career choice.

Shifting the Motor City

This image is rare in the Motor City, but with oil prices jumping up to $103 a barrel I expect to see additional stations popping up. Lawrence Technological University in Southfield offers the first active "charging station" that I've seen. Just pull your electric car into one of the spots and receive a quick pick me up to get you to your next destination.

It will be interesting to see a shift from traditional gas stations to electric vehicle charging stations over the next decade. This New York Times article looks at some complications with the switch, including potential grid overloads and a need for new infrastructures. The pics from California are wild, seems like everyone is so accustomed them already!

PPC of Detroit

Has anyone been lucky enough to experience the People's Pierogi Collective of Detroit? They set up shop in Eastern Market during the summer months. Say good-bye to the standard hot dog cart, the PPC has revolutionized mobile deliciousness. Taking requests from fans, the PPC will experiment with random fillings like PB&J but still offer the traditional favorites like potato & cheese. They also blog these cutie Grandma videos that teach you to, "Polish up your Polish". So sweet.

New Orleans Funeral

Detroit legend Jim Shaw passed away early last month after a long battle with cancer. He was the brains behind the music. The Metro Times composed a great tribute article on his accomplishments. It's only natural that his friends and family laid him to rest with a traditional New Orleans jazz funeral. Check out a couple snap shots here. The cutie under the red umbrella is Sandy, his supportive and loving wife.

Ruins of Detroit

I have a love-hate relationship with the Yves Marchand & Romain Meffre site that Zakk sent me. At first I thought, "great, another hipster photographer exposing the world to the aftermath of the industrial revolution and city riots". But, after reading the intro and browsing the pictures, I think he captured some effective images of Detroit.

I've been in Michigan Central Station, United Artists Theatre and St. Albertus School to experience the architecture and see the decay. When I look at these photographs I notice rotting books and turned over desks, but I also see classroom filled with generations of Detroiters looking to enhance their educations. I recognize churches once filled with families that found solitude and companionship when they arrived in the city. Being a realist, I don't expect these buildings to beam as they once did but I am hopeful for fresh start.

State-of-the-Art: Art

 
A round of applause to Steve and Derota Coy for their innovative artwork posted on the Roosevelt Hotel last Saturday. As a Detroiter, you may have noticed Hygienic Dress League gas-mask murals throughout the city. However, the reason behind the street art has often been misunderstood - a catalyst for success in a modern environment. This recent Detroit News article, Street Artists Put Unique Brand on Detroit, explains the details of their latest gorilla marketing plan to boost recognition for avant-garde art.