What should happen to Phoenix Center?

The Phoenix Center complex in downtown Pontiac was built in the 1970's as part of the Pontiac Plan.  While there are multiple parts that make up the Phoenix Center, the main section is the parking garage and ampitheater.  The ampitheater, which opened in 2004 and has seating for 6000, has had its share of decent concerts, but also controversy.

In 2004, the Phoenix Center went under a $22 million renovation with assistance from Oakland County on the loan.  The city is still paying off this loan and will do so for approximately the next 15 years.  Now the emergency financial manager is requesting a study to see if the complex is still safe and useable, if not it will come down.

So some questions I have include: if it is unsound, how and why has it deteoriated so quickly after renovations?  Who is going to pay for the demolition and why has it taken so long to be done?  Why was this not one of the first projects?

What I would like to see done if it is not beyond repair, is offer the complex to an entertainment group, like Palace Sports & Entertainment or Olympia Entertainment.  If an entertainment group wants to take it over they can handle all of the operations and management and the city could just take the parking fees.  I think it really lacked decent attention, marketing, and operating when being ran by the city.

I think it could be a win - win situation for everyone involved.  Crowds coming back downtown and filling parking lots, clubs, bars, and restaurants.  The increase in people might lead to more businesses wanting to open and start bringing more life back to the city.  I know there will always be those against it, but if its not too badly damaged, lets give it a shot.

Looking for great Chinese food?

I am not much of a Chinese food person, but my wife has conned me into having it twice now.  The first time I had it was at Mui's Carry Out in Clawson.  This is the place my wife and others said was best.  I tried it and was pleasantly suprised by how much I liked it.  Mui's is located on W. 14 Mile just east of Crooks.  There website has their menu on it as well as hours of operation and phone number.  The only downfall to Mui's is the fact that it is strictly carry out, no inside seating.

The other day we were sitting around and saw someone on tv eating Chinese and my wife said that sounds good for dinner.  I checked with a few friends and they suggested China Jade in Waterford, instead of driving to Clawson.  We gave them a shot and found out there is a reason they have been around since 1974.  The food was great here as well.  Their website has their menu, contact info, directions, and even a spot where you can order online.  They are located on W. Huron just west of Telegraph and offer carry out as well as a seating area to enjoy the whole dining experience.

I am not an adventerous person, so I just get the almond boneless chicken with rice, but the combination of quality and quanity makes either one of these great establishments worth checking out.

Looking for a place to eat in Clawson?

When my family and I are down in the Clawson area we usually end up eating dinner at Nick's Country Oven.  They are located at the corner of 14 Mile and Nahma, between Crooks and Main.  They are currently open from 7am-10pm Monday thru Saturday and til 9pm on Sunday.  If you don't have time to eat there you can always get it to go.

The have a great menu with a selection ranging from appetizers and burgers to ribs and seafood.  They have a nice selection of daily specials that also includes soup, salad, and dessert for one low price.  One word of caution though, the meals are not small and you may be walking out of there with left overs.  Some of my favorite dishes include the chicken pot pie, stuffed peppers, and bacon cheeseburger.

The only complaint that I have is the waitstaff is hit or miss.  I have been there sometimes and get excellent top-notch service and other times where well it was not the greatest.  If you go around dinner time, there maybe a short wait as they are usually busy, but the food makes it worth the wait as long as the service is good.

Last year this became a famous location in Clawson, as George Clooney filmed scene from one of his latest movies there, "The Ides of March."  Mr. Clooney was on scene for at least a day during filming and the area around the restaurant drew quite the crowd.

All in all, for the most part we have an enjoyable experience and keep coming back.  I hope you have time to get a chance and check them out.  If you like them, or know someone who may, please feel free to share this blog with them.

Does your pooch or feline deserve pampering?

As I have mentioned and shown pictures before, my wife and I have 2 really terrific dogs.  The only problem is trying to find a groomer that does a great job and is reasonably priced.  We have tried other local groomers, even the chain stores, but everyone wants close $100 (if not more) for grooming our dogs.

One day after leaving my wife's work, we stopped down at the bank at Auburn & Squirrel (in Auburn Hills) and saw a vehicle covered in advertising for a local pet salon called Emmy's Pampered Pooch.  The ads on the car advertised $25 any size dog or cat.  We were thinking this can't be true, or must be a short time deal, but 6 months later and prices are still the same.

We have had our dogs in there a few different occasions and no matter what they do to them its just $25.  I have seen all sorts of dogs in there from itty, bitty pocket dogs all the way to the miniature horse sized-dogs.  After talking to the owner, she explained that she knows times are tough right now and is trying to keep her prices low, so pet owners still take care of pampering their pets.

The business started in the owner's basement, but as her customer base grew bigger and word spread about how terrific they are, they had to move to a bigger space.  Emmy's Pampered Pooch is located at 3273 Auburn just west of Squirrel (in Auburn Hills) and is located right next to a Subway.

If you like to make sure your dog or cat gets pampered give Emmy's a shot and if you enjoy the services, make sure you help spread the word on to others along with this blog...

Sweet Cheez!

First off, I want to apologize for the delay in writing posts, as some of you know I am a new dad and while I knew the job was difficult, I didn't know how challenging it is. So with that out of the way please stick around and keep tuned to my blogs as I attempt to get back on track...

A couple of weeks ago my wife, son, and I went to Great Lakes Crossing in Auburn Hills to stroll around and see whats new, since it had been awhile since we were there last.  Wow I was impressed, there are lots of new stores in there and some of the old ones I enjoyed are no longer there.  All in all it was a great day and very enjoyable.

We decided to grab a bite to eat in the food court, and there were plenty of choices to choose from.  There are your common staples like Taco Bell and Subway and some newer unusual ones like a mobile Yates Cider Mill and a place called Sweet Lorraine's Mac n' Cheez! Kitchen.  This is the place I want to focus on.

I love all comfort food, but especially macaroni and cheese.  This is not your mom's mac & cheese, this is a gourmet mac & cheese place that has tons of choices.  There are combinations such as Pepperoni Pizza, Cheeseburger, and Macho Nacho.  There is a choice of 2 different sizes and I went for the larger size and could not even finish it.  This place is awesome, terrific, wonderful, amazing, etc...  It must have been sent to us from the big food court in Heaven.  If you are trying to be healthy, my wife says the salads are also very good here.

The only downfall is right now there is only the location inside of Great Lakes Crossing, but according to their website there are more locations planned soon for the Metro Detroit area.  So until they start to pop up everywhere, if you are ever in the Auburn Hills area and looking for a great place to eat, head on over to Great Lakes Crossing and check out Sweet Lorraine's.  You can also help spread the word on this gem, by sharing my blog page with all of your friends and family.

Angel Kisses Fundraiser

My wife and I had our only child almost 5 months ago.  We were told for years by doctors and specialists that it would most likely never happen.  After several years of trying we finally gave up, we actually started planning lavish vacations like Ireland, Scotland, Walt Disney World, etc...  Well a few weeks later, we  found out my wife was pregnant, so the plans were put on hold.  Nine months later we had a happy, bouncing baby boy named Alex.

While many people like us are fortunate enough to have happy, healthy children some people are not so lucky.  Sometimes parents experience pregnancy or newborn loss, and I can not even begin to imagine how difficult that must be.  When that happens it is great to have a very healthy support system of friends, family members, and others to help you get through the loss.  The other thing that must be a necessity when dealing with this is a kind and caring support staff  at the hospital that can help you out with bedside care and other things.

There is a group called Angel Kisses, that was started by a of Mom that had unfortunately experienced a loss.  As the years went by others have teamed up since the fundraisers began in 2009, and helped fund a bereavement room at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak.  Their mission is to help raise awareness and understanding of pregnancy loss and bring peace and healing to families who have experienced loss.

Angel Kisses will be having a fundraiser this coming Saturday, February 25th, beginning at 2pm and lasting until 8pm.  The fundraiser will be held at Woody's Diner in Royal Oak and will have a 50/50 raffle, silent auction, and a candle-lit moment of silence.  Woody's Diner is located at 208 W. Fifth Ave in Downtown Royal Oak and was generous enough to donate 20% of all food and beverage reciepts to Angel Kisses.  If you are unable to attend donations can be made to:

Angel Kisses
PO Box 1061
Royal Oak, MI 48068-1061

Further information can be found on the Angel Kisses website.

Volunteers Needed!




I know we are still months away from the kick off of the fair & festival season, but in order for the events to run smoothly planning has begun since the last event ended.  Do you frequent the local festivals?  Do you have ideas on how to make things better?  Do you want to help out?  If you answered yes than your local festival committee wants to hear from you.

Clawson's 4th of July week Kiddie Parade

The local festivals take many months of planning and organizing to make things just right. They are ran by a hard working bunch of volunteers, unfortunately though, many people don't realize how much hard work goes into the planning and just enjoy the events.  In order for these festivals to continue to run well into the future they constantly need volunteers and donations.

scene from Rochester's Arts & Apples Festival

Some of the volunteer work that may be needed is as simple as handling parking or tickets to as complex as organizing a parade or more.  If your time is limited and you have away of donating something for a bake sale or other type of fundraiser, or even cash I am sure they are even open to that. The best thing to do is contact your local festival committee or if your not sure who to get in touch with contact your local government offices for more information.

a local fireworks display

I have listed below some of the local festivals websites, if you know of others feel free to leave them in the comments section.

Clawson's 4th of July
Farmington's Founders Festival
Rochester's Arts & Apples Festival
Oakland County Fair
Holly's Dickens Old Fashioned Christmas Festival
Madison Heights Memorial Day Parade
Woodward Dream Cruise

Once again, this is just a sampling of the local events that may need assistance, many communities may have multiple events throughout the year.  All the events need volunteers for tasks no matter how big or how small or donations no matter how big or small.  For more information on your local community's events contact your local government office.