Photos of the day, and Good bye to all that: December 31, 2015

Photos of the Day:  fake faces

There's some sort of theme, I think.

St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto.  November 30, 2015 at 2:45 PM.  f/5.6, 1/50 s at ISO 100.

St. Paul's Basilica Parish, Toronto.  December 3, 2015 at 7:17 AM.  f/5.6, 1.0s at ISO 100.

Romulus, Michigan.  December 15, 2015 at 8:27 AM.  f/4.5, 1/125 at ISO 200.

*Bonus* 2nd post for December 14, 2015; not so fast, sporto...

I wrote my previous post early this morning (see here).  And now I can only say, I guess I won't be going to New York just yet.

I'm writing this in a Holiday Inn near the Detroit Airport, because my flight was cancelled due to weather.  I'm super-bummed out, but everyone has been pretty good.  I lose a day in New York because the crappy cheap airline I'm flying only has two stupid flights a day and the early morning flight is booked.  Maybe I didn't do enough research, but I didn't see much choice flying from Detroit to New York.   It was either this airline or paying 3 to 4 times more to fly a larger airline.  I don't know if a different airline would have made a difference and I haven't researched to see what the weather is in NYC.

Whatever.  Nothing to do but sit around...

After cancelling all the plans I could in NYC, I spent about 10 minutes trying to figure out which boxers I have that I could pass off as swim trunks and hit the whirlpool.

Dinner at the hotel restaurant.  Filling.  Fine.  Shouldn't complain.  Lots of single guys in the restaurant, eating alone, so I felt at home.

In the absence of anything else to do, I guess I'll go to bed early and figure out what I'll do in New York.  I need to re-organize and re-pack my stuff tonight, but I need something to occupy my time before checkout, and my flight tomorrow afternoon!!!

Moving on...  Hopefully I'll be able to say something about New York City tomorrow evening.

Here are some photos of Detroit I took this morning, shortly after the sun came up.  It was rainy pretty much the whole day, but in the morning, before the rain started, the light was really pink.  Kind of beautiful and peaceful.

The light was unreal.  Detroit, December 14, 2015 at 7:55 AM.  ISO 3200 (higher than I would prefer, but I didn't have a tripod), f/8 at 1/200.

I think the light is beautiful, bathing everything in pink.  Detroit, December 14, 2015 at 7:58 AM.  ISO 400, f/4.5 at 1/80.

Sign at the Fox Theater, downtown Detroit.  December 14, 2015 at  8:18 AM.  ISO 400, f/4.5 at 1/100.

Heading to the airport before my flight was cancelled, I took a shuttle to the airport.  It was considerably cheaper than a cab ($20 for the shuttle vs (I'm told) $70 for the cab).   Good news: pretty much like a cab because I was the only one in the shuttle.  Bad news: the driver was telling me that Washington DC is built in worship of Satan and you can tell by all the architecture.  For instance, the Washington Monument, according to him (and I have yet to verify....), is 555 feet above the ground, but 111 feet below the ground.  555 + 111 = 666 = worshipping the devil.

Anyway, I'm now at the Holiday Inn.  Hopefully things will go smoothly tomorrow....

Glass of water at the Holiday Inn.  Even the glass is crying.  Sigh.  There are worse things.  Had to manually focus on this because light levels were too low for the automatic focus.

Cobb Salad.  Dinner.  Nothing special to report.  The salad wishes it were in New York City, too.

Silly to complain.  I just have a quiet next 24 hours....

Detroit: December 14, 2015; The Henry Ford, Renaissance Center, public art, and the dumbest thing at Target (?)

Off to New York this afternoon, and landing in the evening.  The thing I find frustrating about travelling in the US is that a lot is virtually impossible without a car or, at least a motor vehicle.  For instance, travelling from Detroit to NYC, the only reasonable choices that I saw were budget airlines.  If I was willing to pay *a lot*, I could fly United or American.  I'm flying a budget airlines (not mentioning the name here) but I'm being nickel and dimed for everything.  For instance, there's a charge for a carry-on bag and a charge if I check in at the airport instead of checking in and printing a boarding pass from "home." Whatever... the cost of travel I guess....

Click on all photos to enlarge.

The dumbest item I saw at Target

I'm not a big shopper but I like going to Target in the US.  I made a trip.  This, in my opinion, is the dumbest item I saw at Target.

First, I'm a sucker for Superman items.  I saw this and had to investigate...  Superman boxers.

Superman boxers at a Detroit-area Target.  *Note* the tag that says "Look at my cape!"

Yes, "Look at my cape!" indeed.  The boxers have a cape!

These boxers have a cape held in place by velcro.  Why?

At first this made no sense to me.  Who wants boxers with a cape?  But then, I realized that Superman himself wears his costume with a cape underneath his street clothes, so this actually makes sense.  Then, I realized what I was thinking and stopped myself.....

The Henry Ford Museum

I went to the Henry Ford Museum.  It's a fun museum.

The Henry Ford Museum, Dearborn, Michigan.  December 13, 2015.

It's a little strange.  As expected, the main focus seems to be cars and other modes of transportation, but there are other items that are somewhat random.  The museum also has, for instance, a collection of odd chairs, the actual bus on which Rosa Parks refused to move to the back (with her seat subtly marked--don't worry, I made sure to sit there), and a circular pre-fab home, only one of which was ever built.  

So it's a museum with a varied collection.  It's also quite spacious inside, and doesn't feel crammed with items and people, like other museums.  It would be a nice place to spend a day, I think.

Entering the Henry Ford Museum, Dearborn, Michigan.  December 13, 2015.

The amazing thing about the Henry Ford, though, is that it's the first museum I've seen that not only has an eating place (or, I believe, in this instance, eating places) outside the exhibit area, but there are *multiple* eating places within the exhibit area itself!  In an area about road travel, (I think), which also houses a neon McDonald's sign and an old Holiday Inn sign, there's an old-style diner car with a staff and that actually serves food.

In another area, there are root beer floats available for purchase.  (I saw one guy buy one and spoon the ice cream out of it, and then ask for a plastic cup to transfer everything to, so he could walk around the museum with it!  Walking around the museum with a root beer float!!).

The museum also has an Oscar Meyer Weiner-mobile, near which is also a place to eat...  Well, you get the idea.  Lots of places to eat and you don't have to even leave the exhibits....  Odd...

Hot dogs available for purchase, steps from the Oscar Meyer Weinermobile,  (which oddly, I did not take a picture of), and other exhibits.  The Henry Ford Museum, Dearborn Michigan.  December 13, 2015.

The Renaissance Center

I also finally got to stay at the Renaissance Center, which are the tall black round buildings visible in the skyline.   (See yesterday's post re my strange childhood ambitions by clicking here).

The Renaissance Center is a complex of buildings which house the offices of GM.  One of the towers (the centre one?) is the hotel and at its completion, was the tallest hotel in the world.  It isn't anymore, but when I was a kid, I wanted to stay here, so I finally took the opportunity.  

It's not expensive at all, plus I got a discount rate.  So not breaking the bank or anything....

The Renaissance Center, Detroit, Michigan.  December 13, 2015.  I believe, counterintuitively, that the building with the Marriott logo (on the left in the photo) is not actually the hotel.  I think the building in the centre is the hotel, but I could be wrong...

Detail of the exterior of the Renaissance Center, Detroit, Michigan.  December 13, 2015.

Interior of the Renaissance Center, Detroit, Michigan.  December 13, 2015.  I like that the interior fits with the buildings I've seen in the city, what people in the early 20th century imagined the city of the far future, like the 80s or 90s, would be like....  the elevated paths, the trees inside, etc. 

More interior of the Renaissance Center, Detroit, Michigan.  This picture taken December 14, 2015.

I requested an upgrade for a view with the river.  I didn't get it, but I was really happy with the view anyway.....

View from my room at the Renaissance Center, Detroit, Michigan.  December 13, 2015. 

The view in the evening from my room at the Renaissance Center, Detroit, Michigan.  December 13, 2015.

Now, is it pathetically small to dream to stay in a hotel?  Sure.  But like either Plato or Prince said, dream small and you're unlikely to fail....  Sigh... small ambitions keep us alive because the big ones eventually get beaten out of us and worn down over time.  I think....  Moving on....

The Coney Island

I'm told a Detroit thing is a Coney Island, which is a boiled hot dog, steamed bun, with chilli, onions and mustard.  I figured it was time to try one.  So I went to Lafayette Coney Island and ate this:

It's a Detroit thing:  the Coney Island.

It wasn't bad.  That's all I'll say....  Seriously, wasn't bad and I've crossed it off my list of things to do in life.

Regional accents

By the way, anyone reading these posts, you know that I enjoy regional accents in North America.  The main difference I've noted here in Detroit is that the "a" sound, as in "bad" or "back" sounds closer to the way we say the "e" vowel, as in "bed" or "fed."  So the way we say "back" sounds more like "beck."  Not exactly, but halfway between "back" and "beck," and is slightly nasalized.  

Just FYI for those who are interested....

Public art and monuments in Detroit

One other thing I love about Detroit is the public art and monuments in its downtown.

The Spirit of Detroit.  December 13, 2015.

The Monument to Joe Louis, (pro boxer, if you don't know), aka "The Fist."  Downtown Detroit, Michigan.  December 13, 2015.  The building on the left was designed by the architect who also designed the original World Trade Center towers in New York City that fell on 9/11.  I think you can see the similarities.  

Off to New York

Off to New York this evening.  I'm not sure what the internet situation is when I'm there.  In any case, New York City is one of my favourite cities in the world.  I've never been there at Christmastime so I'm interested in seeing what it's like.  Unfortunately (or fortunately, I'm not sure), it's not very Christmas-like weather here in northeastern North America, but I'll hopefully experience new things in NYC anyway....

Moving on.....

Detroit: December 13, 2015; the public library; the Renaissance Center

Last year, I stumbled upon the Detroit's Main Branch of the Public Library.  Like some of my previous experiences in Detroit, it was this amazingly beautiful building that I hadn't read about and  went into out of curiosity, and was virtually empty when I went in.  It felt like a major discovery.

And as has started to happen, it seems like other people are discovering my secret places.  Yesterday, while I was at the Rowland Cafe in the Guardian Building, (see yesterday's post here), there seemed to be a whole bunch of tourists, possibly local, touring the Guardian Building.  I heard one woman ask this other person, "Are you local?  Have you been to the Library?  Oh! It's great! [or "magnificent" or "beautiful" or something]!"  I agree, but it felt like my secret....

Click on photos for a larger view.

Detroit Public Library, Main Branch, entrance on Woodward Ave, September 12, 2015.  

The downstairs looks mostly like a local library.  Last year, it was pretty deserted (maybe because I was in Detroit in November?) but this year, there were people using the library, people studying, etc.  If you go upstairs, near the main entrance, you come to this:

Upstairs at the Detroit Public Library, Main Branch, December 12, 2015.  You can see, beyond the door, large murals, in three panels.  There's also a temporary art exhibit in front of it.  Last year, when I visited, this room was empty.  Damn you, Detroit, for making good use of your public spaces and attracting users of it!!!

This room is dominated by three murals by Canadian, John S. Coppin, called "Man's Mobility."  The murals are oil on canvas and were glued in place in 1965.

Detroit Public Library, December 12, 2015.  Using my panorama setting on the camera, giving this weird effect, showing the mural and the wall on the right.

Another view of "Man's Nobility," showing its size.  This room was empty when I visited last year, giving me the feeling I had stumbled on a secret.  Now I have to share it.  Sigh.  December 12, 2015.

The murals are meant to show modes of transportation developed by "man."

Centre panel of "Man's Mobility," Detroit Public Library, Main Branch.  Depicted behind the man's head are some rockets, and a transcontinental airliner to the right.  December 12, 2015.

Detail of the left panel of "Man's Mobility," Detroit Public Library, Main Branch.  December 12, 2015.  Depicted are a bicycle, trolley, hot air balloon as well as an early Oldsmobile.

I'm too lazy to post a picture of the hand on the right (viewer's right) not the man's right hand.  Plus I was distracted by the ceiling outside the room containing the murals.

The ceiling outside the room housing "Man's Mobility."  Detroit Public Library, Main Branch.  December 12, 2015.

Ceiling of an arch.  Detroit Public Library, Main Branch.  December 12, 2015.

There was an addition to the Main Branch, constructed in 1963, that added another entrance.  

Entrance to the Detroit Public Library, Main Branch, Cass Ave., December 12, 2015.  The mosaic is rather pretty.  Don't you think?

Later, I fulfilled a childhood dream of staying at the Renaissance Center.  It used to the tallest hotel in the world, when I was a kid, and 8-year old Teza used to see pictures of this building and say, "One day, I'll stay there!"  If I could only go back to 8-year old Teza and say, "One day, kid, you'll be living the dream."  More on that later, but here's a pic of the Renaissance Center.

Renaissance Center, Detroit, December 12, 2015.  One of those buildings is a hotel.....

More tomorrow....

Detroit: December 12, 2015; Motown! The Guardian Building!

Detroit, y'all. Motor City.  Motown, etc.

Still a warm day in southern Ontario, but excited to be re-visiting a city that I've come to love.  Beautiful downtown and pretty affordable.  

Click on the photos to enlarge, of course.  

A view of Detroit from across the river in Windsor, Saturday December 12, 2015--using the panorama setting on my camera--oh, for a fish lens.  

Detroit has been going through rough economic times for as long as I recall,  I think partly because of that, these beautiful art deco skyscrapers have continued to stand.  In other cities, where real estate was worth something, someone might have torn these down to build other buildings--bigger and taller.  

This is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful.  This is the exterior of the Guardian Building.

Exterior of the Guardian Building, Detroit.  December 12, 2015

Detail of the exterior of the Guardian Building, Detroit.  December 12, 2015.    The exterior is limestone and brick.

Detail of the exterior of the Guardian Building, Detroit.  I just like the  pattern in the decortation, and the weird shape around the windows.  December 12, 2015.

Top of the Guardian Building, Detroit, December 12, 2015. The Guardian Building is 36 stories, with two spires. 

The interior of the building is fantastic, and is an art deco wonderland!!

Upon entering the building, this is the ceiling in the entrance way, where a lone security guard sits.

Interior of the Guardian Building, Detroit.  December 12, 2015.

Up a short staircase brings you into the main atrium / lobby, which looks like this: 

The Rowland Cafe in the main atrium of the Guardian Building, Detroit.  December 12, 2015.

The atrium is decorated with tiling and houses a few tenants, mainly the Rowland Cafe and, to the left in the above picture, a Detroit gift / souvenir shop.  There's a Bank of America Branch in the back of the atrium, just in front of the "mural" on the back wall.  

Looking up, while sitting in the couches, you see this above the arches:

Arches and ceiling in the Guardian Building, Detroit. December 12, 2015.

I read in a Globe and Mail article, years ago, that in a city where real estate cost a lot, there would never be "just" a cafe in an atrium like that.  It's really great to sit with a hot beverage of choice and just look up, and pretend your Gatsby or something.....  I don't know.....

Outside the Guardian Building, Detroit.  December 12, 2015.  You can also see the people mover in the photo, which is mass transit for Detroit, but seems to be empty when I'm in Detroit.  It might be because I'm in Detroit on weekends.  I like that this view seem sto be a living concept of what people in the 20s and 30s thought it might be like in the "far future" of the 80s and 90s, with brick buildings, and elevated railways, etc.  

Something in Detroit seems to have changed, though, since I started visiting.  The last two times I visited the Guardian Building, it was empty except for the security guard in the lobby and the person working in the Rowland Cafe in the atrium.  This time, while I was sitting in the Guardian Building, so many other people were visiting the building and taking photos.  Maybe the long-rumoured Detroit Renaissance is actually happening???

Good for the city, bad for me.  I liked it when Detroit was empty and felt like my secret....  That's kind of selfish and terrible, I know....