#GoBlue #Gadflyin U of M Yost Ice Arena

Yost Ice Arena University of Michigan Ann Arbor Michigan

A few weeks ago The Gadfly Investigations Newspaper was #Gadflyin at the University of Michigan Yost Ice Arena in Ann Arbor Michigan for Frenchie Skate 2014.  What a beautiful arena.

The ice at Yost Ice Arena University Michigan

 The arena first opened in 1923 as a field house and in 1973 was transitioned to an ice arena. It underwent renovations in 2012-13.  The arena is named in honor of Fielding H Yost.  Mr Yost was a legendary football coach and athletic director at the University of Michigan. 

University of Michigan Wolverines

The arena is home to the U of M hockey team, along with the men's and women's club hockey and figure skating teams. 

University of Michigan Yates Ice Arena

I can only imagine the energy in that building when the U of M hockey team takes the ice, maybe one day I will get to see a game there.

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Thinking back to Skate America in October

Skate America 2013 Detroit Michigan

Very excited to go to Frenchie Skate 2014 tomorrow, and it got me thinking back to Skate America in October and the beginning of the Skating Season.  Competitions are always exciting and it was great to see Meryl Davis and Charlie White debut Scheherazade.

Meryl Davis and Charlie White Skate America 2013

In addition to Davis and White, I got to see a lot of great skaters including;

• Tatiana VOLOSOZHAR / Stanislav MOROZOV (Pairs Olympic Gold Medalists)
• Ksenia STOLBOVA/Fedor KLIMOV (Pairs Olympic Siver Medalists)
• Mao Asada
• Jason Brown
• Ashley Wagner
•  Maia SHIBUTANI/Alex SHIBUTANI
• Daisuke TAKAHASHI

 
 

Zamboni Skate America 2013 Detroit Michigan

 Additionally, it was great to be at 'The Joe' (Joe Louis Arena) to see a skating competition right here in Detroit Michigan.  Detroit hosted Skate America previously in 1995, 1997 and 1998.  And of course Detroit hosted the US Nationals in 1994, which will forever be remembered for 'Tonya and Nancy'.

Motor City Joe Louis Arena Detroit Michigan

Visitors had great things to say about Detroit - how friendly and nice people were, and how well the competition was run. Hopefully we'll see more skating competitions here in the future - it is only fitting since so many skaters train in the area.  Hope to see you all at Frenchie Skate tomorrow.    
 

Ice Dance Made in Michigan Mug by GadflyInvestigations
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Hamtramck + Polish Food = Polonia

Polonia - Hamtramck, Michigan

Y-U-M is all I can say.  #Gadflyin for lunch in Hamtramck at Polonia Restaurant - what a great place.  Love the decor and service.

Polonia - Hamtramck, Michigan

The food is plentiful and it is good Polish home cooking.

Polish Sausage - Polonia- Hamtramck, Michigan

There is plenty of parking located next to the restaurant, the prices are more than reasonable and they have a senior menu after 4PM.  They do accept all credit cards; however they charge 4% for using the card - (this IS printed on the menu and the waitress did advise me before I paid).

Welcome to Hamtramck, Michigan

The Polonia Restaurant is located at 2934 Yemens St. in Hamtramck and is open M-TH 11-8, F-Sat 11-9 and Sun 1-7 (Closed on Mon during the winter). For more info and to look at the menu: http://www.polonia-restaurant.net/index.php

As always more pictures on Pinterest.  Next up - PACZKIS!!!!!!!!! 

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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

   

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

Michigan Weather Pullover Sweatshirt by GadflyInvestigations
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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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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.

#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...

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... 

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

Well It is Michigan and Baby it's Cold Outside

 As a rule, man is a fool

When it's hot, he wants it cool

When it's cool, he wants it hot

Always wanting what is not.  
Anonymous

Last night I came up with 3 new designs that I put on sweatshirts.  They are kind of in response to 'Why Michigan?' - particularly in the winter.  I got this idea when someone I know, who had  moved to Florida from Michigan was posting on Facebook about the cold weather.  It also brought back memories of people questioning my decision to move to Michigan.  The constant, 'Why Michigan?', 'Why not somewhere warm?'  These 3 designs are my response to 'Why Michigan?'

WHY MICHIGAN? BECAUSE...

Michigan Weather Pullover Sweatshirt by GadflyInvestigations
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Michigan Weather Pull Over Sweatshirt by GadflyInvestigations
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Michigan + cold weather pullover sweatshirt by GadflyInvestigations
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An Almost Magical Place in Michigan

If you live in or have ever been to Michigan than you know of and may very well have visited an almost magical place called Bronner's.  It is billed as 'The Largest Christmas Store in the World".  What makes it special?

Where else would you be greeted by elves who are tickled red and green to see you?

Bronner's Frankenmuth Michigan

Where you are greeted in just about every language you can think of...

Bronner's Frankenmuth Michigan

Trash cans too, are language friendly...

Bronner's Frankenmuth Michigan

Where Coke machines are adorned with Santa Claus...

Coca Cola at Bronner's Frankenmuth Michigan

And Santa's parking space is reserved for him year round...

Bronner's Frankenmuth Michigan

Why Bronner's of course and these are some of the reasons it is special. More tomorrow.

Bronner's Frankenmuth Michigan

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Historic Baldwin Theatre Royal Oak Michigan

Baldwin Theatre Royal Oak Michigan

I have been attending Stagecrafter shows at the Baldwin Theatre since I moved here from NY.  While it may not be "Broadway", I have rarely been disappointed.  The productions and talent is first rate.  Sunday the theatre had an open house to celebrate their being designated a local historic site.

Baldwin Theatre Royal Oak Michigan

   Fun afternoon with refreshments, show tunes on the Wurlitzer organ and a tour of the theatre.  Here are some facts I learned about the Baldwin Theatre:

Wurlitzer Organ Baldwin Theatre

1. Built in 1922 for $125,000
2. Featured silent films and vaudeville acts
3. Older than the Fox and Fisher Theatres
4. In 1984 the theatre was closed and demolition was considered
5. Stagecrafters purchased it in 1984 for $70,000
6. Members did most of the renovations and the theatre reopened 09/20/1985 with The Music Man
7. Baldwin Theatre Alumni - Sutton Foster, Jeffrey Seller and Kristen Bell 

If you ever get the chance - catch a show at the historical Baldwin Theatre.

www.stagecrafters.org

View form the stage at the Baldwin Theatre

Look for more pics on our Pinterest page:  http://www.pinterest.com/pisamindad