Detroit Essentials

Gambling in Detroit, Three Casino Options

Ever since Detroit voters approved the allowance of casinos in 1996, the door was opened to three major casinos establishing themselves in the city.  They were built a few years later and they have become landmarks and tourist destinations in their own right.  Originally slated to be located along the riverfront, the MGM Grand Casino http://detroit.mgmgrand.com will be staying in its current location near M-10 "The Lodge" highway, off of Bagley.  The Greektown Casino http://www.greektowncasino.com/ has become an anchor to the Greektown area, offering gambling and entertainment near some nice restaurants.  The Motor City Casino http://www.motorcitycasino.com/ (which has some nice advertising), but it's away from other entertainment venues.  It's located at the junction of Grand River and "The Lodge".

To be honest, I've only been to the Greektown Casino which is quite nice for this not being Las Vegas, but I'll have to visit the other two casinos and give a comparative review later.

Here's a handy local Casino Guide, courtesy of The Detroit News ...
http://info.detnews.com/casino/index.cfm

- Atul

Give Blood

I categorized this post "Things you should know in Detroit" because I think it affects us all.  The Southeastern Michigan blood banks are low and is in need of donations. 

While I was donating blood to the Red Cross today, I asked one of the volunteers about blood donations and asked how the blood supply was.  Her response was that lately they've been pretty low.  The website for the Southeastern Michigan Red Cross confirms it: 

"American Red Cross Reports Low Donor Turn Out: Blood Donations Urgently Needed. There is a critical need for blood donations; it is a gift that costs only an hour of your time and may save up to three lives.  "

Here's a snapshot of our area.  As you can see, the supply is extremely low, especially for O- and B-.

It truly is a gift of life.  Since high school, I've always given blood when I've had the opportunity.  Knowing people who have had to rely on the blood supply in operations makes this an even more important gift for me. 

If you've never given blood, the experience is not as scary as you think.  The nurses will first go through a historical questionaire with you, draw a sample of blood from your finger, and take your blood pressure and temperature.  Once you are on the donation table, they cleanse your arm with iodine for 30 seconds and insert the needle.  And in 7-15 minutes you're done!  The needle is a slight pinch, but really it isn't that bad.  There is no pain while the blood is flowing to the bag. 

So please donate blood to the American Red Cross.  Your donation can save three lives.

-Jovina

Pistons News: Lose 1, Win 1

This weekend had ups and downs for our Detroit Pistons.  Saturday night the Pistons lose to the Wizards 110-92 for the second time this year.  They are the only Eastern Conference team with a road win over the Pistons. 

Newcomer Tony Delk scored a season high of 16 for Detroit, while Rasheed scored 18, and Rip 16.  But that was no match to the Wizards Arenas, who had a great game scoring 30 points.  Arenas was pumped up to play the Pistons because he wanted to get the east coaches back for not selecting him for the All-Star Game.  "I said that I was going to get Flip back," Arenas said. "My team was behind me, they were ready to go. Easy way to get them riled up."

The loss seemed to have motivated the Pistons because Sunday their undenying denfense returned with a 94-78 victory against the Bobcats.  This after losing three of the five past games.  While my faith in the Pistons stayed strong, I admit that I was getting disheartened by the losses. 

Yesterday's win was a show of the defensive team we know the Pistons to be.  Ben Wallace had 15 rebounds and 8 points, but he did give us a scare in the 1st quarter when he rolled his ankle.  (He came back before halftime.)  Tayshaun Prince's offensive magic returned as well with 23 points.

This win marks the 50th win for Detroit, breaking the record set by the 88-89 team by 4 games.  They need to go 14-6 in their final 20 games to break the franchise mark of 63 wins.   

-Jovina

Hospital Building Boon for Detroit Metro Area

According to the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, hospitals throughout the Detroit metro area are investing hundreds of millions of dollars in new technologies and patient amenities.  For instance, a $156 million hospital expansion is taking place at the St. John Health Hospital and Medical Center in Detroit in an attempt to grow and solidify their "reputation as a regional destination hospital for primary and advanced medical treatment and research."

Construction had been postponed on some of these projects because five area hospitals had filed a suit in the Michigan Supreme Court to stop St. John's and the Henry Ford Health System from proceeding with over $500 million in hospital construction in Western Oakland County.  The Supreme Court declined to hear the case.  For the full story see the August 31st edition of Crains Detroit. 

~bEckY

 

Detroit Mexican Food outside of Mexicantown at Mexican Village

Everybody talks about going to Mexicantown in Detroit near the Ambassador Bridge, especially Xochimilco's (pronounced zo-shee-mo-cos), which I find to be overrated.  But I find another Detroit Mexican restaurant to have better food, in a location a bit away from Mexicantown.  It's Detroit's oldest Mexican restaurant, called "Mexican Village", and although it's confusing that Mexican Village isn't in Mexicantown, once you get there, there's nothing confusing about it.  It's just good food and the lunch deals are a bargain.  I especially like the chips and salsa which to me is an indicator of the deliciousness of the food at a Mexican restaurant.  I highly recommend the Spinach Enchiladas.

http://www.mexicanvillagefood.com/

They also have secured parking and there is a tortilla factory next door.  Just make sure you get good directions before you head out.  It's surrounded by some run-down areas, but don't let that stop you from this great dining experience.

- Atul

Giving Gifts for Good

Now I know that the gift-giving season is over, but keep this in mind for the next birthday or holiday that rolls around:  MP3 Relief hosts a music downloading site from which 100% of the profits goes to Mercy Corps, an organization that aids in disaster relief.   The cost seems to run at about $2 a song (though you get great discounts for downloading 5 or more songs) and they have a few Detroit natives including DJ Bone's new song "Beauty in Decay."  Get someone a gift certificate and let them pick what they want.
~bEckY

VOTE FOR AUTOMOTION! Dance Brackets on NBA.com

THE BATTLE IS ON!  In honor of March Madness, NBA.com is running a "Big Dance Bracket" contest to crown the fans' favorite NBA dance team.  First round for us is Detroit Pistons' Automotion vs. Chicago's Luvabulls. 

Be sure to go to NBA.com (or click on the link below) today, Wednesday, March 8th to VOTE for Automotion.  Today is the only day to vote in the first round. 

http://www.nba.com/features/dance_bracket_2006.html

-Jovina

The Real Retro

Now that I am back in the states I wanted to take a moment to give a shout out to my friends at The Real Retro - a fantastic Ann Arbor based tee-shirt company that creates retro sport style tee-shirts for historical and literary figures.

They keep expanding their offerings though there is yet to be a Detroit based one. Maybe we can convince them? If you had to pick a famous historical or literary figure connected with Detroit to be on a tee-shirt, who would it be? Please, send me your suggestions and I'll pass them on.

~bEckY

Plans for new retail in Detroit

Yesterday the Detroit News reported that Forman Hills Factory Warehouse plans to open four new retail stores in the city over the next several years.  (see Discount retail chain plans stores in Detroit) 

Forman Hills is a Philadelphia-based discount retailer who believes that the Detroit market has been an overlooked retail market.  They hope to "widen the retail arena and bring it to underserved areas."  As many as over 1000 jobs are expected from this development.  The first Detroit store will open at the end of March at Eight Mile and Van Dyke and will sell brands like DKNY, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Perry Ellis, Timberland, and others. 

This is great news for the city, however, I did read some comments in Detroit Yes (see Discount retail chain plans stores in Detroit) regarding employee stealing in past stores in that area causing them to shut down.  Hopefully times have changed and the developments to the city continue. 

I haven't seen anything yet regarding the location of the next three stores.  Until then, happy shopping!

-Jovina

Autorama in Detroit, The Custom Car Show

Beginning March 3, a different kind of car show will start.  It's the Autorama.  Although it’s not a huge international industry event, it’s a showcase for people that like to hotrod or “pimp”their vehicles.  I remember attending as a child and seeing a van with a fishtank as the floor of the rear of the van.  I’m sure there will be some other innovative customization going on, as well as displays in which things like Ginsu kives or miracle wax protectant are sold.  Also, there will be a bunch of celebrity appearances.  Go to this site for information on this Cobo Hall event which runs from Friday, March 3 to Sunday, March 5...

http://www.autorama.com/casi/detroit.htm

Just from viewing the website, you'll get a good idea of what the show is all about and what the scene will be like.

- Atul