Coke Mountain, Detroit

Not that kind of coke....petroleum coke...from Alberta oil sands...piling up along the river front. Apparently the Canadians aren't too happy with the view. This is the most popular article trending on NYTimes this morning:

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/18/bu...anted=all&_r=0

What gets to me is why these groups who hold the conference always seem to hold them in these exotic places, or where gambling is the major draw to the location.

I used to belong to a group that held such annual conferences. Originally, they were held in major US cities in the Midwest, as it was a "Midwest" organization. Then the powers-that-be decided it would be more fun to go to places that were a "bigger draw" which meant it was more expensive to travel, stay and eat.

These were not municipal conferences, but were still paid for by the smaller organizations, who obtained their funding from their individual members. So, similar to taxpayers, the little guy was footing the bill for these lavish junkets.

I believe that people need education sometimes to perform their tasks, whether paid or volunteer. What I don't believe is that the education has to take place in Hawaii, Las Vegas, Puerto Rico, New York, or on a cruise ship. These conferences should be held on a local basis, maybe at a college campus. The participants can stay in a local Holiday Inn.

I know from personal experience that most of the attendees at such things may attend one or two seminars over a week, but for the most part they are vacationing on someone else's money.

This area is deteriorating like the rest of the city due to foreclosures. There are some bargains to be had on decent houses. I love the proximity to the river.
Would you consider living in this area??

You'd think after more than twenty years the incinerator might could ionize that odor out, or dilute the output in a mist of Febreze, or something. At least I'll always have these sickly sweet memories of mornings in Midtown Detroit.

Come one, come all!! It's Official!!!

The 2013 DetroitYES Picnic is on Sunday, June 23 at 12 noon on Belle Isle.

Bring a dish to pass, your main course to grill (or not), and chairs for you and your group.

Let us know you are coming, how many in your party, and what dish you are bringing (so we don't have all desserts or all pasta salads).

Dave and I will have the paper- and plasticware, buns, condiments, and starter munchies and beverages. Plus a grill, canopy, tables, coolers, etc.

See you there!!

Since the News and Free Press don't seem to judge it worthy of reporting.

Also included the file itself in case the link breaks.

And a really easy to review map of the districts.

Over the next few days/months I'll try to make the list more digestable with whatever info I can find.

I'm pretty sure I live in district 2 if not 1, my sister in 1 if not 2 and my dad/brother/where I grew up is definitely district 3.

So I guess those are the three that interest me the most.