Arctic Cold Can Not Keep Us from #Gadflyin at NAIAS

Last week I braved the Arctic cold and went #Gadflyin at the North American International Auto Show.  We parked in Greektown at one of the churches and took the Detroit People Mover to Cobo Center.  Even though we went first thing in the morning on a weekday we could tell it would be packed as the parking lots were almost full and the People Mover was packed.

Detroit People Mover Cobo Center Station

I know that one of the things we say at The Gadfly Investigations Newspaper is that Detroit and Michigan is more than just cars (and they are.) 

 But Michigan still IS autos, and we LOVE our autos. 

Sign at Cobo Center Detroit Michigan

Looking down to the street entrance of Cobo Center and the statue of a great Detroiter and Heavyweight Champion of the World - Joe Louis.

Joe Louis Statue Cobo Center Detroit Michigan

Looking out at a nice view of the RenCen from Cobo Center.

GM Renaissance Center Detroit Michigan

Wow, all this and I haven't even gotten into the Auto Show yet... 

RED ALERT! IMPERIAL STORMTROOPERS HAVE ENTERED THE MASONIC TEMPLE! WILL THE DETROIT DERBY GIRLS OVERCOME? STAR WARS NIGHT! :)

     I had my Han Solo outfit finally together. THE GADFLY was on its way to the the annual Detroit Derby Girls 'Star Wars'-themed bout!

CHECK OUT THE VIDEO OF THE 'BATTLE' BETWEEN THE STORMTROOPERS AND THE REBELS!

REPUBLIC CLONE TROOPER- The Detroit Derby Girls have powerful friends!

And what a bout it was. The Grand Prix Madonnas bested the Devil Night Dames 211-100.But oh my, what a contest it was. It was nearly tied until the end of the first Half. The Night's Jammers were just amazing. 2 runs by the said Jammers put the bout within a 1 point! "Feta Sleeze" was simply brilliant(#45).  Checkout another blogger's article. Alot of great video here!

         VIDEO OF SOME ACTION-JUST A GREAT BOUT!

VIDEO OF WHY THE GRAND PRIX MADONNA'S WON. SOLID TEAMWORK!

Emily Rose of the Devil Nights Dames

The Madonnas took control right at the start of the 2nd half. About 10 minutes in it was 126-85 (Madonnas). They never lost the lead after that.

BOBA FETT & PI SAM as Han Solo. Good times at the Detroit Derby Girls bout!

Besides a great bout,we learned about the 2 Star War groups the were here:

(1) THE REBEL LEGION- The good guys. Our Jedi friend we talked to said there is a National Organization that you can call and have them goto your event!
(2) THE GREAT LAKES GARRISON- Our New Storm-Trooper Friend said the DETROIT DERBY GIRLS gave to charity in their name for their coming out! AWESOME!

Cristy, a Member of the Rebel Legion (Cos-play Group) poses for THE GADFLY

'Lazer Beam' of the Pistolwhippers looked great as a Star Wars-like Character!

Member of the DEVIL NIGHT DAMES. Thanks for talking to THE GADFLY!

Advertisement at THE MASONIC TEMPLE-DETROIT. WE better do as BOBA FETT says! lol.

FAMILY FUN. We talked to this cool Family....R2D2's outfit is a converted garbage can! Ingenious!

YIKES! The Sand People were out in force at the Detroit Derby Girl bout!

One of the GRAND PRIX MADONNA'S Power Jams

Support Staff for the DETROIT DERBY GIRLS-They are usually from non-playing teams!

JEDI & IMPERIAL STORM TROOPER pose for THE GADFLY! Cool!

The Jammers in this match were really great. Hard-hitting action between these 2 teams. At half-time there was costume contests for different categories of Star Wars Characters. Investigator Sam won the Han Solo Prize! Cool. Looking forward to the next time we come watch the DETROIT DERBY GIRLS!. Always a good time!

THANKS FOR READING OUR BLOG!

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____________________________
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• AND SO MUCH MORE!

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Impressed with the Impressionists at the DIA

Detroit Institute of Art - Life Is Short Art Is Long

Let me start off by saying I am not really what you would call an 'art lover'.  However; I decided on a #Gadflyin outing to the DIA.  The local Senior Center was offering a bus trip and for $5 you got a bus ride, welcoming cookies and coffee,  and a short guided tour.  The guided tour was of the Impressionists and afterwards you got a little time to explore on your own. 

Detroit Institute of Art - Self Portrait - Vincent van Gogh

This is a short list of what I learned:

• The Impressionism art movement occurred in the late 19th century 
• The Impressionism movement coincided with the development (no pun intended) of the camera
• The Impressionism movement coincided with the invention of the paint tube - making it easier for artists to go outside and paint
• I like Impressionist paintings
• You need more that a couple of hours to view the DIA
• The Detroit Institute of Art is a Detroit treasure

Detroit Institute of Art - Gladioli - Claude Monet

Bottom line - I will be #Gadflyin back and probably taking a full day to go through The Detroit Institute of Art.  I definitely plan on taking the multimedia tour of Detroit Industry the Diego Rivera mural.

Detroit Institute of Art Diego Rivera mural Detroit Industry

Is Michigan the Ice Dance Capital of the World?

Davis and White at Skate America 2013 in Detroit, Michigan

Congratulations to Charlie White and Meryl Davis  who won the US Figure Skating Ice Dance title for a record 6th time.  They will be heading to Sochi to face the 2010 Olympic gold medalists Canadians Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir; who incidentally train at the same rink as Davis and White in Canton, Michigan.  In fact all 3 dance teams from the United States and all 3 dance teams from Canada that are heading to Sochi train in Michigan.  3 teams train at the Arctic Figure Skating Club in Canton, Michigan, 2 teams train at the Detroit Skating Club in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan and 1 team trains at the Skating Club of Novi in Novi, Michigan.

 FYI - The University of Michigan will also be well represented in Ice Dancing, as 5 out of the 6 US Ice Dancers are students or graduated from the University of Michigan. 

Additionally, we would like to congratulate Patrick Chan, who won the Canadian Mens title and Jeremy Abbott who won the US Mens title.  Both men will be heading to Sochi to compete for Olympic gold and both men train at the Detroit Skating Club.   

 US Ice Dance team = Charlie White and Meryl Davis - Evan Bates and Madison Chock - Maia & Alex Shibutani
Canadian Ice Dance Team = Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir - Kaitlyn Weaver and Andrew Poje - Alexandra Paul and Mitchell Islam

Arctic Vortex? Arctic Ring of Life at the Detroit Zoo

Since we are experiencing an Arctic Vortex I thought I'd post a few pictures that I took when #Gadflyin at the Detroit Zoo.  One of the best habitats at the Detroit Zoo is the Arctic Ring of Life where you can see Arctic Foxes, Seals and of course Polar Bears. No animal pictures today, I want you to enjoy the other features of the Arctic Ring of Life.

Arctic Ring of Life Detroit Zoo

 Beautiful tile work as you enter the Frederick and Barbara Erb Polar Passage

Arctic Ring of Life Detroit Zoo

Arctic Ring of Life Detroit Zoo

Kids of all ages enjoy touching the 'ice wall' as they exit the Polar Passage.  Well, maybe not this week :^)

Arctic Ring of Life Detroit Zoo

If you enter the Exploration Station after exiting the Polar Passage and there is a Docent there then you will get to see some Polar Bear Bio facts like this Polar Bear skull.

SPACE-AGE LOOKING LIBRARY IN SOUTHFIELD, MICHIGAN- THE FUTURE IS HERE

THE GADFLY was at the Southfield's 46th District Court a few weeks ago and we couldn't delay taking pictures of Southfield, Michigan's cool Library.

              CHECK OUT OUR OUTSIDE VIDEO OF THE FRONT OF THE BUILDING

In 2003 it was opened at a price tag of $36,000,000. The money came from millage's around 1999.

There are 3 levels; each level has collections of books and other amenities. 

There is a fountain and the area around the building was done well- landscaping and layout.

There are auditoriums and classes held regularly. Free Wi-Fi and a nice interior!

THANKS FOR LOOKING AT OUR BLOG!

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____________________________
We provide information on locating people,finding assets and helping you with your small claims/District Court Actions (we are not Lawyers but experienced investigators & paralegals)
Supersonic Safety Research dba is your one-stop shop for:

• Places of Employment
• Vehicle Ownership
• Individual Data for Lawsuits/Collections/Judgements
• AND SO MUCH MORE!

Supersonic Safety Research- RETIRED POLICE & EXPERIENCED PI'S

248-558-9323
sam@missingnomore.com

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GRAND RAPIDS BAND SETS A NEW STANDARD FOR HIP: TOKYO MOROSE: FROM CELLO TO ROCK- THEIR STORY

I don't remember how I came across Tokyo Moross' music but I thank heavens I did! I like it so much that I asked to use their song, "Every Night" in a YouTube/Blog!

 CHECK OUT OUR VIDEO OF THE WARM UP SESSIONS

Tim Warren, (Multi-Instrumental) was my contact person. Described as the "God Father" of the band, he is quiet and unassuming but seems to be the business end of the Band. We met him and the other Band Members at the Crofoot Ballroom for their December 29th, 2013 Concert.

Trevor Edmonds (Multi-Instrumental/Back-up Vocals) seemed to be the voice of the groups as he told me of the history of this up-and-coming Indie band. Erin Lenau (vocalist/Keyboard) and Pat Wieland round out this Band which I dubbed as creating "ethereal" alternate rock music. Trevor agreed with the term, especially since they have more bass and no drum machine like when they use to be a '2-piece'; Their latest release was  "Sequence of Steps". He and Tim Warren started the Band in 2006.

From 2006, Warren was playing sounds-capes on his laptop and Edmonds playing his Cello- yes Cello! They have 'morphed' into the great great '4-piece' band they are today. They joked and said this is what the audience will see later-Wieland will operate a osculating fan and throw confetti in it!Sadly, Edmonds Cello is broken and he laughed and said it needs to be repaired. Lenau plays the Viola, but hasn't played it in awhile. Edmonds is really into the electric guitar and doesn't see this changing. I think this is just the natural development of this band.There was a cross-over of the music from 2006-present but 'micking' it for live shows was always a hassle.

Tokyo Morose in the Green Room +The Crofoot 

WHO WRITES THE MUSIC & LYRICS?

It's a group process with Lenau & Edmonds leading the way. They laughed about it but Edmonds seems to be a perfectionist and while Lenau can basically think of what she wants and put it immediately on paper. They don't practice as much as they wish they could. Edmonds lives away from the other members. When they get together they try record and get the most of the meeting.He says it is, "CREATIVE-COMMUNAL" for them. They all contribute.

Tokyo Morose singing "Every Night" +theCrofoot 

WHEN IS YOUR NEXT ALBUM COMING OUT?

They don't have a time frame. They seem happy with the process. Steven Davison mentions this in his article as "Tokyo Morose is a band that is not afraid to take it's time.". They are good friends and mentioned if one Band Member left they would most likely break up. they are that close. They like to take their time. They will be doing alot of the tech side and recording on their own in the future. Warren was the founder and it was his idea initially for the Band.

OUR VIDEO WITH TOKYO MOROSE'S SONG "EVERY NIGHT"....Thanks guys!

HOW& WHERE DO YOU PRODUCE YOU MUSIC?

The last album they did some on their own and plan on this trend to continue. They use AMBER LIT AUDIO (Matt Ten Clay). They really like Matt and want to continue using him to help with the editing and product 'clean-up'. Ten Clay, says Edmonds, has helped with "Roadblocks" in their music. Sounds like a good studio, this blogger thinks.

WHERE'S YOU FAVORITE PLACE TO PLAY?

They all agreed FOUNDERS BREWING COMPANY in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Other than playing with their Wieland before he was a member of the Band there, the venue in last 4 years has:

1. Built a new stage
2. Updated acoustics
3. Better sound system
4. Treat bands well (food/drinks)
5. Pay well
6. Try to get good shows for the Bands
7. They do all the work-advertising (some places Edmonds says aren't as helpful)
8. They got 'Everything together'-Good business

WHAT IS THE SYMBOLISM FOR THE COVERING OF THE FACE WITH A  IN YOUR HIT SONG, "EVERY NIGHT"? (link to video with scarf: http://youtu.be/AeABMCJh6zg)

VIDEO OF THEIR HIT SONG, 'EVERY NIGHT"...Check out this link for the video of the scarf: http://youtu.be/AeABMCJh6zg

Lenau said their is no symbolism in the Handkerchief covering a face. Edmonds and a friend went camping and took the picture. they took pictures with in on their faces with a flashlight. when they were thinking of Album covers she thought of that photo. "I think because it is so striking; if I saw that album, I would like say "It's really cool and pick it up"." The great sunset and video background was "awesome", says Lenau. Some adjustments were made but it is all the actual sunset.

Ready to play, Equipment set! Tokyo Morose +theCrofoot 

SO WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR 'TOKYO MOROSE'?

I mentioned the feel I get is they are going to play their music and relax. Lenau says, "It would be nice to tour". Edmonds says they are planning soon on long weekend gigs. They are thinkng about places like Chicago. Lanau mentions they don't see themselves not playing music for now. they are all really good friends. Out of the Bands I talked to tonight, they are the most cohesive.

1. They would like to experiment more- Edmonds plays the drums too and Wieland plays the Bass guitar- they switch around some but would like to do it more.
2. Their method of writing is planned but usually ends up different- it is their process. "Archaeologist"'s lyrics were written by Lenau in a day and Edmonds wrote in a quick fashion too. Warren agreed with me the best songs (This is my favorite) is usually the most popular. Lenau really likes the Lyrics to the song.

THANKS FOR READING OUR BLOG!

  Dental Services in your home!
                   Portable Dental Services
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                 Neurobehavior Services
                 Counseling/Ph.d/Testing
                         248-569-8700
____________________________
We provide information on locating people,finding assets and helping you with your small claims/District Court Actions (we are not Lawyers but experienced investigators & paralegals)
Supersonic Safety Research dba is your one-stop shop for:

• Places of Employment
• Vehicle Ownership
• Individual Data for Lawsuits/Collections/Judgements
• AND SO MUCH MORE!

Supersonic Safety Research- RETIRED POLICE & EXPERIENCED PI'S

248-558-9323
sam@missingnomore.com

FACEBOOK: facebook.com/urbangadfly

YouTube: sam gurwin pi