Dinner with the Coolest Girls in Town- The Eastside Derby Girls

THE GADFLY arrived at American Pie Pizza in Shelby Township, Michigan to attend the funding raising event for the coolest Chicks on that side of DETROIT- THE EASTSIDE DERBY GIRLS(EDGs). American Pie Owners Jon and Lisa have charity fundraising events there all the time! Really nice of them.
Charities events have included:

• Raising money for Veterans
• Helping raise money for special equipment for sick babies
• Many others almost every week!



EDG Manager "Motor City Kitty" with Daughter "Sweet Poison" of the EDG Juniors League-with Grandma :)

The Dinner crowd was light but the EDG girls and their families had enough personality to fill the Restaurant & Event location with cheer. This event was for raising money for their general fund.


                      ~FUN (AND NOT SO FUN FACTS)~

• The TAPE to marked the ring is pulled up every bout at THE NEW RINK (Home Base for the EDG's!) is expensive! The 3" Gaffers Tape they need costs about $100.00 per bout! :(
• The Eastside Derby Girls made a conscious decision not to officially join the Women's Flat Track Derby Association(WFTDA) as they do not want to travel beyond 400 miles (as they would have to if an official member).
•  They have Insurance through the Association though
• The area non-affiliated WFTDA teams call or FB each other to fill their yearly bout (match) openings!

Caption: Eastside Derby Girls Junior League Members: "Cookie Crumble", "Rainbow Dash" and "Sweet Poison" pose in their best 'CHARLES ANGEL'S MODE' :)


OUR INTERVIEW WITH TEAM MANAGER "MOTOR CITY KITTY", "KRAFTY" & "PINK POWER SLAMMER"

Q: ARE THERE ALOT OF INJURIES?

There are roughly 2 injuries for 5 bouts (Season). I spoke of the Detroit Derby Girls' (WFTDA League in Detroit) bad luck night this year with 3 broken legs in 1 bout. They heard about it and was as surprised as me. Very unusual.

Q: ARE DERBY GIRLS ALL 'A'-TYPE PERSONALITIES?

This was a good question- everyone agreed to disagree! The stereotype of an aggressive, tattooed athelete isn't true. There are also defensive-oriented girls like 'Krafty' of the EDG.  There is no 'type". The best analysis came from one of the Junior League Members who said, "You can't be afraid to hit!". That about sums it up. lol.

            (Caption- American Pie had Pizza, Pasta and so much more. It was delicious!)

Q: What do you think about the new floor the Detroit Derby Girls got at the Masonic temple?

The floor is great. It solves the slippery problem. There were 2 known 'slippery spots' on the old track on the DDG's old floor.

      (caption: Team Captain "Motor City Kitty" with "Pink Power Slammer" and "Krafty")

Q: How does a EDG 'Derby Mom' support her Daughter?

We had a great conversation with Motor City Kitty's Mom! She mentioned she goes to the matches and makes signs to support her Daughter and Grand-daughters.

   Caption:Our Friendly Waiter/Busser looks great in his pizza outfit with an "Uncle Sam Hat"! lol.

Q: How much does it cost to be a Derby Girl?

The dues for the EDG are $30.00/month. The Skates can cost around $150.00. They mentioned the wheels can cost up to $100.00. THE GADFLY knows there are other costs like protective equipment, time, gas, food and other intangibles. But they love it was the main feeling THE GADFLY got!


                               (caption: 'Krafty' and 'Pink Power Slammer' of the EDGs)

Q: Anything fun coming up for the Eastside Derby Girls?

Yes! They are having a 'STAR WARS' themed bout on May 4th. They are in negations with a local Acting Troupe to dress as characters from the Movies! They are also planning a bout that will include a Men's Roller Derby bout! THE GADFLY looks forward to these cool events.



        (Caption- 'Rainbow Dash' & 'Cookie Crumble' of the EDG Junior League)

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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)
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                                     (Caption: GADFLY Reporter Sam Gurwin at the CocoRosie Concert at the Crofoot (Pontiac, MI.) in October 2013)



   

U of M + Figure Skaters + Camp for Kids = Giving

The Detroit Skating Club Bloomfield Hills, Michigan

The Gadfly Investigations Newspaper got their tickets for Frenchie Skate 2014, did you?  Saturday we were #Gadflyin at The Detroit Skating Club, and bought our tickets to the  benefit for North Star Reach a camp for children with serious health challenges.  FYI - 100% of the proceeds will go to the camp and that is wonderful to hear.

Detroit Skating Club Bloomfield Hills, Michigan

North Star Reach is located in Pinckney, Michigan and is a provisional member of The SeriousFun Children's Network founded by Paul Newman. You can learn more about the camp here:  https://northstarreach.org/  The Gadfly Investigations Newspaper hopes to do a future blog about the camp.

Frenchie Skate 2014 at Yost Ice Arena - Ann Arbor, Michigan

Frenchie Skate 2014 will be held at Yost Ice Arena home of the University of Michigan Ice Hockey Team.  The show will feature some skaters you may know.  Those who have confirmed to skated so far that you may know are:

•  US National Champ - Alissa Czisny
• Canadian Olympic Team members, Ice Dancers  Kaitlyn Weaver and Andrew Poje
• National Champion and Olympic Team member, Jeremy Abbott 

Jeremy Abbott Detroit Skating Club

I am hopeful that either The Shibutanis or Meryl Davis and Charlie White will be there; as  they are all University of Michigan students - stay tuned.  For more information about the event, including other performers and to purchase tickets online, follow this link:  http://frenchieskate.com/ 

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DETROIT ART AND THE 1967 RIOTS- OUR INTERVIEW WITH BROOKE BERMAN

DETROIT has had a turbulent history. The racial tensions between Blacks and Whites hit a breaking point in 1967 with riots in the City of Detroit. What a lot of people don't know is there were islands of cooperation and friendship in the City before the said event. One of these places was the 1300 Lafayette Building in Detroit.

Brooke Berman, a native Detroit playwright has written a play about fictional women characters in the building; one black and one white, living at 1300. The culture and friendliness of the building is the real thing- the fictional characters show this in the Play. Brooke and Plowshares Theatre Founder Gary Anderson (were the Play is showing in March) are interested in the 'What-ifs" of DETROIT- the possibility; Brooke is showing this through '1300 Lafayette East'. The relationship between a white housewife and a black singer are symbols for a City divided-can they work together? A symbol like in real life- Can cooperation bring money into the hurting City? A viable Black middle-class is a main point in Brooke's thoughts on helping Detroit.

"Art is Spiritual Food" says Brooke.

Our interview, in a comfortable Detroit-Area Apartment, was refreshing and we learned a lot about the history of Brooke's thoughts and view on DETROIT:

Q: How has Detroit influenced your writing?

Not too much recently but I wanted to write this story and I talked to my mom 10 years ago about it. I also talked to her friends and researched it- the culture of the city, early Motown, and Police brutality. Plowshares' Gary Anderson put her onto the Police Brutality angle.

Q: When did you start writing the play?

I started this project in 2004. I was interested in the subject and asked my mom who lived there. I eventually talked to her Friends, reading books on Detroit and even talking to Associate Professor of History and American Culture at the University of Michigan, Matthew Countryman. He spoke of the "White Flight", or term to demarcate the leaving of Caucasians from an area of growing African-American influence.

Q: What is the underlying currents of '1300 Lafayette East?

The play deals with friendship and the 'Rules' of the friendship, as they are different races in 1960's American Culture. The 'crashing-in' of the politics is the fuel for the Play. The building was 'insulated' and a 'lovely little community' as told to her by her research. In the building everyone is equal. Brooke creates the insularity of the building to focus on the friendship but the outside politics comes crashing in. Detroit had a viable Middle-class for along time. There are race issues and also poverty issues. Renna Walker (character in the Play) loosely based on Tammi Terrell- she was an amazing Black woman in 1967 America as she was a pre-medical student that dropped out of Penn State University to sing for James Brown. A real Black middle-class experience. The Black middle class are as susceptible to racism too- they walk around with Black skin. (She recalled Professor Skip Gates, a friend  to President Obama, and well-known Harvard University Documentary-Maker was arrested by the Police outside his own house; they assumed he was breaking in because he was Black), The Play is about situations like this-what do you do with it? That is the question. A friendship in this time period they must be aware of the said tension. This is apart of the story.



Q: Was there alot of research for this Play?

With most plays there is research but '1300 Lafayette East' is the first play she wrote dealing with the past. With this "...history piece, I wanted to get the time right". For movies she needed to do a lot of research. Her movie adaptation of a book dealing with In Vitro Fertilization she had to do a lot of research.

                  (caption: Author Brooke Berman with Gadfly Newspaper Reporter Sam Gurwin)

Q: How do you see the Culture of the Arts in Detroit in 2014?

The Daughter of a Detroit Musician, Brooke grew up in the culture of the Arts of Detroit. Brooke was gone for 30 years, living out of State. Brook has learned a lot from Gary Anderson's Detroit-connected theater  group, as he is a 'Real Detroiter'. He was 'called' to create art in Detroit and loves it. There is a feeling of selling the renewal of the arts in Detroit to young professionals and a burgeoning cultural life. 

Q: Why did you want to write about DETROIT in 1967 and the tension?

"I grew up hearing stories of the building and it sounded like a magical place". She was at a play reading with Diana Ross's daughter, Rhonda. She mentioned their Mothers lived in the same apartment building in the 1960's. Rhonda said that was funny. When Brooke thought about it, she thought, "Well yes, that is funny". It took her 10 years to get the play together because She didn't know what She wanted "this play to be" . The play is the friendship.


                                     THANKS FOR LOOKING AT OUR BLOG!                



                       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!

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248-558-9323
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One Never Knows, Do One? This One The Gadfly Knows

 

2013-2014 Stagecrafters Baldwin Theatre Royal Oak Michigan

Last night I was #Gadflyin at the Baldwin Theatre for the Stagecrafters production of "Ain't Misbehavin" - WOW - "The Joint was Jumpin"!  Fats Waller may have said "One never knows, do one?"  But the Gadfly knows this was one good show.   "Ain't Misbehavin" is the 1978 Best Musical Tony Award winner., it is a musical review filled with Fats Waller music performed by 5 talented performers and backed by an equally talented band.  Some of the standouts for me:

• "The Vipers Drag" - Jair  (he has his own YouTube Channel) http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCXaZUcSw9lRlC3lAdtGC6A    

• "Mean to Me" -Tanya  (this was the role performed by Nell Carter)
• "You Feets Too Big" - Dez  (he appeared in the previous show "Shrek" as Donkey)
• The last part of the Second Act starting with "Black and Blue" into a Medley that included "It's a Sin to Tell a Lie" then into a reprise of "Honetsuckle Rose" - Ensemble of Shondra, Christiana, Tanya, Jair and Dez

 Some of the audience paid extra to sit on the stage and be part of the show; they sure looked like they were having a good time.  
There is still time to catch this terrific show as it runs through March 2.(Links to Stagecrafters below)  

http://www.stagecrafters.org/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stagecrafters/111900041829

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The Other Side of Gold

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No secret I am a Figure Skating fan, and I admit I was thrilled to see Davis and White win, and am enjoying all the media coverage of them.  However; for every happy ending there is a not so happy ending, especially when competition is involved. In order for there to be a #1 there has to be a #2 - 3 - 4 and so on.  I refuse to use the word loser as it has too many negative connotations.  
Where I am I going with all this?  Well, first I want to talk about an interesting connection with the musical piece Scheherazade.  In the 1984 Olympics US Ice Dancers Judy Blumberg and Michael Seibert came extremely close to winning a Bronze Medal, but lost it as one judge gave them a deduction for their music - Scheherazade - saying it was inappropriate music for Ice Dance.  Interesting that now 30 years later the US Ice Dancers win Gold with the same music.  Ice Dancing and the scoring has evolved a great deal since that time but, it is an interesting coincidence.  
For your comparison and enjoyment - Blumberg and Seibert's "Scheherazade"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyfosI-IcYY

Now on to Virtue and Moir 2010 Gold Medalists and Silver Medalists this year.  They skated beautifully and I am sure their fans felt they deserved Gold.  That is the beauty and frustration of judged sports; not everyone has the same perception.  I will say that I think we skating fans benefited from the competition between Virtue /Moir and Davis/White as it drove them both to ever higher levels.  
I saw this video on NBC's Olympics site and I thought is was very poignant and worthy of sharing. Thank you Virtue/Moir and Davis/White it was an truly epic competition.  No words necessary to describe this - it speaks for itself.

http://www.nbcolympics.com/video/team-canadas-scott-moir-caught-kissing-ice



 

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Strays Sheltered at The Royal Oak Animal Shelter

This has been some winter - snow, Arctic Vortex, snow and in the middle of all this a cat wanders into my life.  We had put out some stale bread for the birds and I see a cat outside eating it.  Now I know if this cat is eating stale bread it is pretty hungry, so I start putting out cat food for it to eat. After a little time the cat starts to get friendly with me, rubbing against my legs when I come to put the food out.  I decide to try to pick the cat up and he lets me.  I'm worried about the cat being out in the snow and the frigid temperatures.  I already have 3 cats of my own and one of them thinks he should be an 'only cat', so keeping him is out of the question.  I call the Royal Oak Animal Shelter tell the volunteer my story and he says they will be able to make room for one more.  THANK YOU.
The cat isn't too happy when I try to put him in the carrier, but he allows me and then proceeds to cry all the way to the shelter.  The volunteers that I encountered were wonderful and I feel blessed to live in a city that has a shelter staffed by such caring, wonderful people.  I will be calling or stopping by the shelter to inquire about this poor cat who must have belonged to someone at one time. I wonder did he get lost or did someone move and leave him behind.  So sad.  Everyone should have a home and someone to love them.
 I think this picture from The Royal Oak Animal Shelter's Facebook page is 'my' cat (I'll find out this week for sure).  They named him Brennan and I am hopeful someone will adopt him and give him the loving home he deserves.  I am glad that he is warm, fed and safe.  Here is The Royal Oak Animal Shelter web site:  http://members.petfinder.com/~MI151/index.html  Maybe you are looking to adopt a cat or dog, or purchase some merchandise, or contribute, or volunteer.  The animals will be thankful if you do.

Picture from The Royal Oak Animal Shelter's Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Royal-Oak-Animal-Shelter/104152189672177

The Kid from Kalamazoo is Retiring

Picture from Official Facebook Fan Page for Derek Jeter https://www.facebook.com/derekjeter/photos/pb.177902535594701.-2207520000.1392264452./691145740937042/?type=3&theater

I know, I know he plays for the NY Yankees, but...he is still a kid from Kalamazoo, Michigan.  Remember, I am a New Yorker transplanted to Michigan, so yes I am a  Derek Jeter  fan.   Anyway, today the Yankee Captain announced that he will be retiring at the end of the season, and what a career he has had.  Truly one of baseball's and NY Yankee greats.  You can not argue his accomplishments: Rookie of the Year, 13 time All-Star, 5 times World Series Champion, 2000 World series MVP...
I'm going to make it a plan to go see him play when the Yankees come to Detroit.  All the best Derek Jeter and thanks for all the great baseball memories.

Picture from Official Facebook Fan Page of Derek Jeter https://www.facebook.com/derekjeter/photos/pb.177902535594701.-2207520000.1392264199./691145820937034/?type=3&theater

   

MAGIC LIVES IN DETROIT! JOHN THE MAGICIAN AND HIS FAMOUS 'CARD TRICK'!

Here once again is John the Magician! Here he is performing several tricks involving cards. Check him out as he is at the restaurant every Thursday to delight the guests.

       CHECK OUT JOHN THE MAGICIAN'S CARD TRICK

John the Magician making balloon animals for the kids!   #gadflyin

Advertisement for John the Magician  #gadflyin

John can be reached at johnthemagician.com.

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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:

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

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Motown Ice Showdown in Sochi

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Have you been watching the Olympics?  Did you know the top 2 Ice Dance teams in the world train in Michigan?  Canton to be exact.  In years past figure skating has had 'The Battle of the Brians' and "Battle of the Carmens'.   In Sochi it looks like we have the  'Motown Ice Showdown'. 

Canadians and reigning Olympic Gold medalists  Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir versus Americans and reigning World Champions Meryl Davis and Charlie White.  Both teams go for the Olympic gold in Ice Dancing starting 02/16. 

 The Gadfly Investigations Newspaper wishes both teams all the best and looks forward to watching both teams skate - they are all GREAT.  

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Neither Snow nor Arctic Vortex nor More Snow Can Keep Us from #Gadflyin

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Michigan, like quite a bit of the country has been experiencing a very snowy and cold winter. 

Royal Oak, Michigan

 I'm NOT complaining, though I am running out of places to put the snow. 

Royal Oak, Michigan

 I know that in California they are praying for snow and/or rain, and that they would be more than happy to take some of this snow we have had off our hands.  We here at The Gadfly Investigations Newspaper are hoping and praying that you will get the precipitation you need, and wish that we could pack up my truck and bring you some of this snow.

#Gadflyin Michigan

So, all things considered we here in Michigan really haven't much to complain about.  We at The Gadfly Investigations Newspaper will continue to get out and about #Gadflyin.  

#Gadflyin Michigan

 To all our readers we say: Keep things in perspective and stay warm and safe.

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Detroit's Cool & Tough Pawn Brokers- American Jewelry & Loan

Detroit has a celebrity business and they are not the normal fare! As you have seen in the Reality Show, they are 'straight shooters' and don't mess around. Just like Detroit.

PI Sam visited the 2nd location of the Well-known Pawn shop, American Jewelry & Loan. This location is in Waterford, Michigan.

This location is a lot smaller than the one in Detroit. I entered with the intention of just looking but I ended up buying something!

The counters were taking up most of the right side with big TV's and a fur coat rack to the left. The Manger and Sales Clerk were great to let us talk to them and take pictures!

From Jewelry to movie DVDs, the shop is a Bargin-Hunter's delight.

I even haggled and got the price down on my purchase! Just like the show! THE GADFLY will try to make it out the Detroit location one day!

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One More Time - #Gadflyin at the NAIAS

So we followed our plan and got to see all the vehicles we were hoping to see at the Auto Show.  Here are a few unplanned sightings that really caught my eye.

The Ford Raptor is awesome.  I had seen one once before at the Rouge Factory Tour and even got to sit in it.  Lot of  awesome truck there. 

Ford Raptor North American International Auto Show Detroit, Michigan

I really liked this sign at the Mazda exhibit.

Mazda Poster North American International Auto Show

I don't know if it was the nice blue color or just that it was a cute car, but this Fiat caught my eye.

Fiat North American International Auto Show Detroit, Michigan

 This Bentley costs more than my house - quite a bit more.  MSRP =$301,900.  Price as shown=$389,819

Bentley Mulsanne North American International Auto Show Detroit, Michigan

And that my friends, is the end of my #Gadflyin Adventure at the North American International Auto Show at Cobo in Detroit, Michigan.  Hope you enjoyed it, I know I did. Head on over to our Pinterest site for more photos.

Meanwhile Back #Gadflyin at the NAIAS...

I think I mentioned I went to the Auto Show with 2 friends, and they had their own 'want to see list'.  For my friends it was the VW Jetta, Ford Mustangs, Chevy Camaro and Chevy Corvette.  No argument there, I am glad to take a look at these also. 

Looks like a new VW Jetta will be going from the wish list to bought and paid for list.

Volkswagen Jetta North American International Auto Show Detroit, Michigan

One of my favorite classic cars is the 1965 Ford Mustang. So glad Ford chose to include this car in their exhibit.

1965 Ford Mustang North American International Auto Show Detroit, Michigan

Here is the 2015 version of the Ford Mustang - sweet.

2015 Ford Mustang North American International Auto Show Detroit, Michigan

The Chevy Camaro is pretty sweet too.

Chevy Camaro North American International Auto Show Detroit, Michigan

The Chevy Corvette was the hardest car to get near or sit in - everyone was waiting to sit in it.

So glad my friends wanted to see all these cars, I was not disappointed with any of them. Next up, a few that weren't on any of our lists...

#Gadflyin Cars and Trucks at the NAIAS

Despite going first thing in the morning and on a weekday, the Auto Show was crowded.  We had a plan, a floor map and a list of the vehicles we definitely wanted to see.  For me it was the Ford F-150, GMC Canyon, and Dodge Muscle cars.

Beautiful new Ford F-150. Yup, looks like the "Future of Tough" is here.

Ford F-150 NAIAS Detroit, Michigan

GM's mid-size pickup the GMC Canyon.

GMC Canyon NAIAS Detroit, Michigan

The Dodge Charger - old style.

Dodge Charger NAIAS Detroit, Michigan

The Dodge Charger - new style.

Dodge Charger NAIAS Detroit, Michigan

Got to see all 'my wants'. So far the plan is working...