Edition No. 56
In our 56th edition of Inspired Thoughts, we share NPR’s Tool Kit episode providing expert advice on how to rejuvenate our creativity when it is difficult to find new inspiration; details about Winter at Valade Park’s Fire and Ice weekend; and remarks on the 1-year Anniversary of the assault on the U.S. Capitol.
Arts and Culture
NPR’s Tool Kit episode provides expert advice on how to rejuvenate creativity when it is difficult to find new inspiration.
Community and Family
This winter’s go-to Detroit Riverfront hot spot, Valade Park, kicks off Fire and Ice weekend this Friday!
American Democracy
Remarks on the 1-year anniversary of the assault on the U.S. Capitol.
Creativity can't be forced. Take breaks and zone out to find new inspiration
Do you ever try to be creative but despite all your efforts, struggle to access that creative voice in your head? NPR shares an episode from its Life Kit series explaining how to escape a creative rut — and it all starts with taking intentional breaks.
Sarah Urist Green points out that this concept might be easier said than done. Green is a curator, an arts educator and the producer behind the PBS series The Art Assignment. She is also the author of You Are an Artist: Assignments to Spark Creation.
"I would get intimidated if creativity and making art was something where you had to have this great inspiration," she says. "For me and for most artists who I know, it doesn't work like that."
Overcoming a creative rut isn't easy. But it isn't at all impossible — and it doesn't require a eureka moment. This episode is filled with tips from NPR experts to help you recharge your creativity.
Winter at Valade Park
Looking for something exciting to do on the weekends with the whole family? Valade Park is the go-to destination on the Detroit Riverfront for a bit of winter fun! Each weekend, visitors can warm up by outdoor fires, enjoy hot seasonal drinks, make s'mores on a custom marshmallow roaster, play synthetic ice curling and more!
This weekend, all are invited to enjoy Winter at Valade Park’s Fire and Ice weekend – Friday, January 14 through Sunday, January 16, and indulge in a bit of medieval fun! Guests will enjoy oversized fires, turkey legs and a chance to take a photo with a 6-foot-tall iron throne made of ice!
Fire and Ice weekend will feature some Renaissance Fair favorites including:
Roaming characters
A LARP (live action role-playing) meet up
Blacksmith demos
Medieval music
Additionally, the weekend will also have an ice carving competition, a 7-foot ice tower that will incase a giant bonfire, and warm up with a techno dance party on Saturday night.
The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy is committed to helping visitors embrace winter by extending riverfront programming year-round. Click the button below for additional details.
“Both at home and abroad, we’re engaged anew in a struggle between democracy and autocracy, between the aspirations of the many and the greed of the few, between the people’s right of self-determination and self- — the self-seeking autocrat…”
Remarks By President Biden To Mark One Year Since The January 6th Deadly Assault On The U.S. Capitol
January 06, 2022
Selecting an American Democracy item for this first edition of Inspired Thoughts prepared after the 1-year anniversary of the attack on Congress was an especially difficult task. There was an enormous amount of material from which to choose – speeches, retrospectives, timelines, status reports on investigations and prosecutions, and commentaries from all parts of the political spectrum.
Ultimately, we chose to put just one item in front of you – the written text of a speech by a person who has previously said little about the events of that day – the President of the United States, Joseph R. Biden. We chose to point you to the written text, rather than to an audio or video recording, to lower the temperature a little and get people to focus on the specific content of the speech – the information presented, the President’s message, and his word choices.
At roughly 25-minutes, President Biden’s speech is brief for a Presidential address. It is, however, still about seven times as long as Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address to which some commentators have compared it. Such comparisons are perhaps inevitable given the President’s reference to Lincoln early in the speech and because President Biden used his speech to honor those who died after defending democracy on January 6, 2022, just as Lincoln honored the Union dead at Gettysburg.
The official White House transcript of the President’s remarks is available at the link below.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 55
In our 55th edition of Inspired Thoughts, we share details about the return of the GPAA’s Your Old Mansion lecture series; ways to make meal planning fun with tips from Deb Perelman, a New York City-based writer and cook; and a PBS NewsHour article discussing how COVID helped cause the biggest drop in U.S. life expectancy since WWII.
Arts and Culture
Polishing up the tarnished city that was once called the “Paris of the Midwest,” the GPAA brings back Your Old Mansion a lecture series celebrating the past and present of Detroit.
Community and Family
As we launch into a new year of goals, opportunities and fresh ideas, a New York Times article shares ways to make meal planning fun for the whole family.
American Democracy
“COVID helped cause the biggest drop in U.S. life expectancy since WWII” – PBS NewsHour
Your Old Mansion
After a COVID-induced pause, the Grosse Pointe Artists Association is resuming its popular fundraiser, Your Old Mansion, Sunday afternoons this winter and early spring. The lectures will be held at Christ Church as The War Memorial thrusts ahead with construction progress. There are four lectures in this series and a bonus lecture for series ticket holders.
Series includes:
Sunday, Jan. 23 - Lowell Boileau, artist and website pioneer who drew international attention to Detroit in the late 1990s by posting photos of abandoned Detroit landmarks. For more details and to register, click here.
Sunday, Feb. 27 - Josh Elling, Jefferson East CEO will provide updates on completed projects and future plans for the Jefferson Chalmers neighborhood. For more details and to register, click here.
Sunday, March 27 - Mark Higbie, Ford Motor Company will share updates on the development of a world-class art park meant to complement the re-born Michigan Central Station. For more details and to register, click here.
Sunday, April 24 - Lisa Stolarski will introduce her company that chauffeurs its guests through Detroit’s historic neighborhoods in Model A’s, while pointing out the highlights. The tours will restart in May. For more details and to register, click here.
Sunday, May 15, as a bonus for the lecture goers, DuMouchelles will hold an Antiques Roadshow-type session, opening with brief notes on what is hot and what is not in the antiques world followed by item appraisals. For more details and to register, click here.
Tickets are available for the lectures and the appraisal separately or for the entire series with the appraisal as a bonus. All must register.
The Grosse Pointe Artists Association is appreciative to each presenter as well as Christ Church for hosting the series. Because of their generosity, 100 percent of the proceeds from the series will go toward purchasing supplies for the GPAA’s arts programming for veterans, senior citizens, their family and loved ones. For questions contact 313.881.3454.
Family Meal Planning for Real Life
Deb Perelman, a New York City-based writer and cook behind the noted food blog, Smitten Kitchen, and cookbook “Smitten Kitchen Every Day,” shares a few helpful tips in a New York Times article for those parents aiming to prioritize family meal planning more efficiently.
A new year provides a clean slate to try your hand at various approaches to day-to-day tasks. It is easy to make a quick stop for dinner before heading home from a long workday or shuffling kids to and from their various activities. To better arm your troupe for busy work and school weeks, Perelman dishes a few suggestions that have worked for her family. From finding family-friendly recipes to anticipating hurdles with your young helpers, check out these ways to make meal planning enjoyable for all.
Photo credit: New York Times
“COVID helped cause the biggest drop in U.S. life expectancy since WWII” – PBS NewsHour, Wednesday, December 22, 2021
According to the Center for Disease Control, in 2020 COVID-19 reduced life expectancy for the average American’s life by 1.8 years – the largest drop since 1943 when deaths attributable to World War II also caused US life expectancy to fall sharply.
Over the course of 2020, COVID-19 rose to become the third-most common cause of death in the United States and accounted for 1 in 10 of all US fatalities.
Persons 85 years and older died at the highest rate but the highest rate of increase in the death rate was for persons aged 35 to 44.
Longstanding racial disparities, attributable to access to care, persisted in 2020. Black men continued to die at the highest overall rate but, when adjusted for age, it was Hispanic Men who experienced the highest rate of increase in the death rate rising 43% over 2019.
There was, however, a bright spot in an otherwise depressing picture – US infant mortality fell in 2020.
The story was broadly reported but one of the best summaries, including two excellent charts, appeared on the PBS NewsHour website. That story is available at the link below.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 54
In our 54th edition of Inspired Thoughts, we share a New York Times article offering a thought-provoking review on the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art’s exhibition, By Her Hand, in collaboration with Detroit Institute of Arts; ways to stay engaged with At Home with the DIA online programming; and we return to inflation again this week and focus on a New York Times article by Noble Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman.
Image: Installation view of Artemisia Gentileschi,” Judith and Her Maidservant with the Head of Holofernes,” c. 1623–25. Credit: Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art
Arts and Culture
New York Times article offers a thought-provoking review on how the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art spotlights female artists from Italy in earlier centuries.
Community and Family
At Home with the DIA online programming features activities and art-making projects for the whole family!
American Democracy
“Inflation caused by supply-chain disruptions will probably fall within a few months, but it is not at all clear if Americans who dropped out of the labor force will return.”
The Renaissance Women Who Painted Against the Odds
An article posted in the New York Times titled The Renaissance Women Who Painted Against the Odds highlights a current exhibition at the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art in Hartford, Connecticut featuring a collaboration with the Detroit Institute of Arts. By Her Hand: Artemisia Gentileschi and Women Artists in Italy, 1500–1800 explains how female artists played a vibrant yet overlooked role in Italy in the 16th through 18th centuries.
The exhibition, By Her Hand, is dedicated to Italian female artists at the Wadsworth and explores how important female artists succeeded in the male-dominated art world of the time. The Wadsworth’s Self-Portrait as a Lute Player – is compared with a related painting from the National Gallery, London, is noted as a rare opportunity to see the paintings side by side. Gentileschi’s pioneering depictions of strong women, such as her Judith and Her Maidservant with the Head of Holofernes is featured from the Detroit Institute of Arts.
While this exhibition is not a local visit, this NYT article offers a thought provoking take on how the Wadsworth Atheneum spotlights the female artists, and asks: Who got left out of the canon?
Image credit: Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art
At Home with the DIA
Looking for ways to stay engaged during the holiday break? At Home with the DIA provides the community with free access to the Detroit Institute of Arts’ world-renowned collection. Check out the DIA’s Creating From Home, an online art studio, with simple, step-by-step art-making projects for the whole family. Also, for the word wizards, the Collection Crossword features clues that are answered by picking out details from a work of art from the collection.
Experience what the DIA has to offer while nestled with family right at home!
“The Year of Inflation Infamy,” New York Times,
Sunday, December 19, 2021
With inflation a concern in some quarters and growing calls for the Fed to raise rates and tighten the money supply, we return to inflation again this week and focus on a lengthy New York Times article by Noble Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman.
Though a “card-carrying member of Team Transitory,” Krugman indicated he would rethink his membership in that club if he saw evidence that, “expectations of future inflation are starting to drive prices – that is, if there were widespread stories of producers raising prices even though costs and demand for their products aren’t exceptionally high…” So far at least, Krugman has not seen such evidence and so argues against quicker rate hikes by the Federal Reserve at this time.
“My view is that we should be hesitant about killing the boom prematurely. But, like everyone who’s taking this debate seriously, I’m hanging on the data and wonder everyday whether I’m wrong.”
This an important but long article that filled an entire page in the print edition of the Sunday Times.
NOTE: The Times uses a paywall that may block your access to this story if you have read multiple articles in the past 30 days and do not have a subscription
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 53
In our 53rd edition of Inspired Thoughts, we share WJR’s upcoming live rendition of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens; Detroit artist Shirley Woodson’s Shield of the Nile Reflection exhibit at the Detroit Institute of Arts, which opens Saturday, December 18 and displays paintings in vibrant hues; we also share a recent collaboration between two nonprofit media organizations taking a deep dive into the specific Detroit project being put forward for that federal funding – the I-375 Improvement Project.
Community and Family
In the spirit of the season, and back by popular demand, 760 WJR brings to you a rendition of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.
Arts and Culture
Legendary Detroit artist and educator Shirley Woodson’s Shield of the Nile Reflections now at The Detroit Institute of Arts.
American Democracy
A collaboration between two nonprofit media organizations, BridgeDetroit and Grist based in Seattle, has now taken a deeper dive into the specific Detroit project being put forward for that federal funding – the I-375 Improvement Project.
In the eleven dream-like paintings selected for Shirley Woodson: Shield of the Nile Reflections, Woodson emphasizes the Nile as a metaphor for Africa by combining figuration and expressionism to symbolize the metamorphic, historical, spiritual, and cultural significance of this ancient body of water. The series began in 1984 and has been presenting Black bathers in rivers, a reference to the diasporic myth that the Nile River holds transformative and nurturing benefits for people of African descent.
Painting in vibrant hues, humans appear alongside fragments or detailed renderings of shields, horses, fish, shells, stars, chariot wheels, pyramids, birds—the distinctive visual vocabulary for this theme.
Woodson received the 2021 Kresge Eminent Artist award acknowledging her dedication to her career as a fine artist; her influence on the Detroit art scene as an educator of artists, teachers, and collectors; and her advocacy for artists She is the 13th metro Detroit artist to receive this award.
A Christmas Carol
In the spirit of the season, and back by popular demand, 760 WJR brings to you a rendition of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.
WJR (NewsTalk 760) is streaming yet another highly anticipated presentation of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. The live event will begin at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 19.
A Christmas Carol recounts the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, an elderly miser who receives an unexpected visit by the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley and the spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come. After their visits, Scrooge transformed into a kinder, gentler man.
Join WJR personalities and special guests as they bring to life the classic Christmas tale. Viewers can tune in to the presentation on the WJR Facebook page or on the WJR YouTube channel at the link below.
“A freeway ripped the heart out of Black life in Detroit. Now Michigan wants to tear it down.”
— BridgeDetroit & Grist, December 1, 2021
Image Source: Bloomberg CityLab
Inspired Thoughts #49 (November 17) highlighted a piece from Bloomberg CityLab on the Biden Administration’s interest in using funding from the recently passed Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to redress some of the harm caused when communities of color were displaced or torn asunder by 1940-1960s federally funded highway construction. The CityLab article included looks at the impact of freeway construction on Detroit and several other cities.
“Highway removal is the easy part. Making reparations is where it gets complicated.”
A collaboration between two nonprofit media organizations, BridgeDetroit and Grist based in Seattle, has now taken a deeper dive into the specific Detroit project being put forward for that federal funding – the I-375 Improvement Project. The construction of I-375, which connected I-75 to Jefferson and Gratiot, almost entirely erased Hastings Street that had been the commercial center and cultural heart of Detroit’s pre-1960 black community. The I-375 Improvement Project would bring the roadway back up to the surface, slow traffic, and potentially begin redevelopment along part of the one-time route of Hastings Street.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 52
In our 52nd edition of Inspired Thoughts we highlight the Grosse Pointe Artists Association’s exhibition, Feast for Your Eyes; reflect on the 80th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attacks; and consider recent articles from UPFRONT and The New York Times that examine inflation sector-by-sector and the new phenomena some have come to call the '“great resignation”.
Image: Serenity by Delphine Iwankowski
Arts and Culture
Grosse Pointe Artists Association hosts their exhibition, Feast For Your Eyes, which highlights a variety of excitement and good cheer perfect for the holiday season.
Image: Serenity by Delphine Iwankowski
Community and Family
On the 80th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attacks, pause to recount first-hand experiences from both civilians and service members alike.
American Democracy
A recent UPFRONT article looked at inflation sector-by-sector. Also included is a an article from The New York Times, considers the phenomena some have come to call the '“great resignation”.
Feast For Your Eyes 2021
The Grosse Pointe Artists Association invites you to visit the gallery to view the current exhibition, Feast For Your Eyes. This exhibition, which celebrates a multitude of work ranging from mixed media incorporating many holiday sentiments to pieces curated simply to uplift spirits. Alex Fedirko, assistant art director of The Parade Company, with the assistance of the company's art director Eric Schmitt, chose fifty-four pieces for this show. The richness of each one makes the exhibit a sumptuous feast for your eyes.
You can view Feast For Your Eyes in person at the GPAA gallery at The War Memorial, now through January 6. Viewing hours are 2-6:30 p.m. on Thursdays and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday
Christmas Lights by Winnie Chrzanowski
Description: Photo framed, matted & printed on archival material
Dimensions: 11inx14in (19inx23in framed)
Material: Archival photo paper
Price: $25
The Palenqueras by Vasu Tolia
Description: I painted these cheerful fruit sellers with a charming demeanor from the streets of Cartagena, Colombia, an inspiration from my travels. The smiling ladies with their colorful wares are a prime example to how happiness shines in the eyes of folks, regardless of their social status because they choose to have a positive attitude even in their simple way of living.
Dimensions: 48inx24in
Material: Acrylic on canvas
Price: $1,200
Sketching Santa by Winnie Chrzabiwski
Description: Photo framed, matted & printed on archival material
Dimensions: 11inx14in (19inx23in framed)
Material: Archival photo paper
Price: $250
Magical Fantasy by Nobuko Yamasaki
Description: It was my first time at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade in NYC, a long time ago. I remember many balloons, floats and colorful clowns. I already had a magician block print that I changed to clowns. I painted clowns and balloons, then put it all together in a collage.
Dimensions: 19inx17in
Material: Collage
Price: $500
The GPAA also hosts an art making class for veterans on Tuesdays 6-8 p.m., and A Morning Out for seniors on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. For specific dates and details, visit grossepointeartcenter.org/events.
Image: Getty Images
Eighty years ago on December 7, 1941, the military forces of the Empire of Japanese launched a sneak attack on the U.S. Navy base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii and the surrounding facilities. The primary targets that day were the eight battleships of the U.S. Navy's Pacific Fleet.
According to a recent article posted by Forbes, on this anniversary the hashtag #PearlHarbor was trending, as Americans young and old posted on social media and reflected on that moment that changed the nation. Images and videos were shared that reminded us for their valor and bravery, we salute them. May we never forget their strength and dedication to our nation. And every day at The War Memorial, we continue to offer our gratitude to the men and women who selflessly serve and protect our freedoms.
Take a moment to a read the Forbes article looking at how the 80th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor Attack was remembered this year through social media.
To read the full article, click the button below.
Is Inflation here to stay or is what we are seeing likely to be more of a short-term phenomenon?
A recent UPFRONT article from the Brookings Institution looked at inflation sector-by-sector and concluded that it is predominantly a function of the pandemic and is likely to recede along with the pandemic with one possible area of exception, “The biggest risk to inflation going forward is not a continuation of the forces currently at work in the goods sector: this will not be persistent. Instead, the biggest risk is that large increases in demand for workers in the services sector will not be met by equally large increases in labor supply.” The Brookings article is available at the link below:
Writing in the New York Times, Paul Krugman considered some differences in how the US and some European nations addressed not only pandemic relief but work more generally. Before doing that, however, he first described the phenomena some have come to call the great resignation, “Four million fewer Americans are employed than were on the eve of the pandemic, yet the rate at which workers are quitting their jobs — usually a good indicator of labor market tightness — has hit a record, and the scramble of employers to find workers has led to rapid wage increases. Noting that the “great resignation” is primarily an American phenomenon, Krugman concluded that this is an issue on which we might want to look to Europe for solutions. The Krugman article is available at the link below.
NOTE: The Times uses a paywall that may block your access to this story if you have read other articles in the past 30 days and do not have a subscription
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at lcelebi@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 51
This week in our 51st edition of Inspired Thoughts, learn about a unique way to experience The Nutcracker; engage with Learn with Smithsonian, the Smithsonian’s exclusive virtual engagement activities geared toward kids and teens; read a recent analytical piece by the Post about new district maps and the partisan impact of redistricting.
Arts and Culture
Live musicians take guests on a magical journey during Detroit Candlelight Concert Series’ The Nutcracker — a cherished holiday staple.
Community and Family
The War Memorial is delighted to share Learn with Smithsonian, the Smithsonian’s exclusive virtual engagement activities geared toward kids and teens.
American Democracy
A recent analytical piece by the Post considered new district maps for the US House of Representatives from 15-states which have completed that phase of reapportionment. Learn more about the process and the partisan impact of redistricting.
The Nutcracker: by Candelight
Thinking about new ways to enjoy your holiday favorites? The Detroit Candlelight Concert Series offers a host of performances illuminated by candlelight and presented by live musicians in some of the most iconic venues in Detroit. Music enthusiasts will delight in unique classical musical performances staged in a romantic candlelit setting. Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” is up next and set to radiate through the historic Basilica of Ste. Anne de Detroit.
Prepare to be taken into the clouds with some of the most treasured wintertime classics from Tchaikovsky, Vivaldi, and other master composers during this unique music series
Smithsonian’s 3D Program
As we welcome the community to stop by our Carriage House and take a tour of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History traveling exhibition Voices and Votes: Democracy in America, The War Memorial is also excited to share a variety of virtual engagements the Smithsonian offers exclusively for kids and teens! Young learners can enjoy art, history, and culture activities and games — including Smithsonian 3D!
Smithsonian’s 3D Program is a small group of technologists working within the Smithsonian Institution Digitization Program Office. The team focuses on developing solutions to further the Smithsonian's mission of "the increase and diffusion of knowledge" using three-dimensional capture technology, analysis tools, and its distribution platform.
From the comfort of your couch, peruse through 11 museums and 24 collections of some of the world’s most treasured artifacts.
“Competitive House districts are getting wiped off the map”
– Washington Post, November 23, 2021
As Michigan works to de-politicize its legislative redistricting process through the use of an independent citizens commission, other states appear to be moving in the opposite direction.
In a November 23rd an analytical piece, the Post’s Ashlyn Still, Harry Stevens, and Kevin Uhrmacher considered new district maps for the US House of Representatives from 15-states which have completed that phase of reapportionment.
Their conclusion?
That the new maps from those 15 states would create fewer competitive US House districts and so may increase the likelihood of continued hyper partisanship in Congress. The Post measured the competitiveness of the new and old districts by looking at the results of the 2020 Presidential election.
In the 15 states examined, the number of districts where the 2020 Presidential vote was within five percentage points fell from 23 in the old districts to just 10 in the new districts. At the same time, the number of districts strongly favoring one specific party -- by fifteen percentage points or more rose -- from 45 to 59.
For a state-by-state look at the data, as well as a consideration of the likely partisan impact of the new districts, follow the link below.
FiveThirtyEight is also following reapportionment closely. Follow the link below to an interactive tool allowing you to see the current state of play for redistricting in many more states.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 50
This week in our 50th edition of Inspired Thoughts, read about the journey of the traveling Smithsonian exhibit Voices and Votes: Democracy in America; listen to NPR's podcast series Holiday Season Starter Kit; and explore the USA TODAY series called “Seven Days of 1961” which focuses on seven 1961 protests that were pivotal in moving the cause of civil and human rights forward.
Arts and Culture
Who has the right to vote? What are the freedoms and responsibilities of citizens? Whose voices will be heard? How do you participate as a citizen? Voices and Votes: Democracy in America, a traveling version of a major exhibition currently on display at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, will be a springboard for discussions about these very questions and how they are reflected in local stories. From the revolution and suffrage to civil rights and casting ballots, Voices and Votes will provide space for conversation around our democracy.
Community and Family
Thanksgiving is tomorrow and families are eager to gather in-person once again in celebration of the holiday season. Whether it is to break bread, reconvene annual traditions or simply reflect on moments of gratitude, The War Memorial is happy to share a few helpful podcasts NPR has curated and coined its Holiday Season Starter Kit.
American Democracy
Through December, the Detroit Free Press and other USA Today Network papers are running a series called “Seven Days of 1961.” The Sunday, November 14 Free Press included much of that material as a special section which focuses on seven 1961 protests that were pivotal in moving the cause of civil and human rights forward.
Voices and Votes: Democracy in America
The War Memorial is excited to receive and host the final touring leg of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History’s traveling exhibition Voices and Votes: Democracy in America. The exhibition has already made its way to five other Michigan cities, including:
· Big Rapids – Artworks Big Rapids
· Grass Lake – Lost Railway Museum
· Traverse City – Dennos Museum Center
· Lapeer – The Center for the Arts of Greater Lapeer
· Mt. Pleasant – Chippewa River District Library
Voices and Votes examines the nearly 250-year-old American experiment of a government “of, by and for the people,” and how each generation since continues to question how to form “a more perfect union.” Visitors will have an opportunity to explore historical and contemporary photos; educational and archival video; engaging multimedia interactives with short games; and historical objects like campaign souvenirs, voter memorabilia, and protest material.
This traveling exhibition has been made available to The War Memorial by the Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street, in cooperation with Michigan Humanities, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, and is based on an exhibition currently on display at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History called American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith.
The exhibit is suitable for all ages. But, because it prompts thought and discussion about America’s past, present, and future, Voices and Votes is an especially good tool for social studies teachers, Scout leaders, and parents looking for something worthwhile to do with the kids over the holidays.
The exhibit is free, but we are asking that patrons pre-register for specific times to visit and mask when in the Carriage House in consideration for others.
Times to visit will be available Monday – Friday: 10am - 4:30pm; Saturday 10am – 1pm. The exhibit will be closed on Sundays. Holiday hours may vary so please visit the link below to view schedule updates.
J.L. Hudson Department Store in 1941 Photo credit Detroit Historical Society
Thanksgiving is tomorrow and families are eager to gather in-person once again in celebration of the holiday season. Whether it is to break bread, reconvene annual traditions or simply reflect on moments of gratitude, The War Memorial is happy to share a few helpful podcasts NPR has curated and coined its Holiday Season Starter Kit.
After the pandemic year of 2020, we can only imagine how many people spent last holiday season alone due to restrictions and health concerns. Anticipated gatherings with adored family and friends were simply put on pause.
If we realized anything throughout these challenging times it is that we are indeed social beings and exude a feeling of fulfillment when we are together, with family or friends, amongst classmates or nestled in our workspaces. We form a sense of purpose when we can connect and engage with people.
As we continue to safely reconnect with our loved ones and once again anticipate the joyous holiday season, The War Memorial encourages you to take a listen to NPR’s “Holiday Season Starter Kit,” a helpful handful of podcasts ranging from taking on family holiday recipes to ways to navigate emotionally charged conversations at the turkey table.
Times are certainly different, and we must remember to give ourselves grace as we ease back into the intricacies of gathering, but also seek gratitude as we continue to forge ahead!
“Seven Days of 1961,”
USA Today Network
“In 1961 I used to hear people say, ‘The struggle continues’, I just thought it was some words… It is, in fact, not just words. There is a reality behind it, which says those in power do not want to ever give up power.’’ -- Courtland Cox
Through December, the Detroit Free Press and other USA Today Network papers are running a series called “Seven Days of 1961.” The Sunday, November 14 Free Press included much of that material as a special section.
“Seven Days of 1961” focuses on seven 1961 protests that were both painful and pivotal in moving the cause of civil and human rights forward. In the print edition, the first article looks at the integration of the University of Georgia by its first two black students, Hamilton Holmes (1941-1995) and Charlayne Hunter-Gault. After graduation, Holmes attended medical school to become a distinguished orthopedic surgeon and professor of medicine at Emory University while Hunter-Gault went on to an equally distinguished 60-year career in journalism at NBC, New York Times, PBS NewsHour, NPR, and CNN.
The series is a magisterial treatment of seven critical events, all contained within a single calendar year, that moved our nation forward and warrants close reading and careful consideration.
NOTE: Full access to some “Seven Days in 1961” material at the link above may require a subscription to one of the USA Today Network papers.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 49
In our 49th edition of Inspired Thoughts, we visit the Detroit Historical Museum's new exhibit, Hudson's Holiday, which opens tomorrow, November 18 and will bring back the memories and magic of the holidays at Hudson's department store; we share two opportunities for you and your family to begin your holiday season with a traditional tree lighting; we also share a recent White House press briefing on the infrastructure bill, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg described the bill as creating an opportunity for the US to address a variety of transportation issues.
Community and Family
Walt Disney World, the iconic theme park celebrated its 50th anniversary this having first opened its gates to the public on October 1, 1971. Listen to an episode of Morning Edition from NPR that recalls the history that led to opening day.
American Democracy
At a recent White House press briefing on the infrastructure bill, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg described the bill as creating an opportunity for the US to address a variety of transportation issues including the negative impact of past highway location decisions on communities of color.
Nostalgic seasonal traditions take shape as holiday season quickly approaches
J.L. Hudson Department Store in 1941 Photo credit Detroit Historical Society
Countless families have a distinct holiday memory that presents itself this time of year. Many Michiganders are beginning to switch seasonal gears, swapping out pumpkins for garland and scarecrows for snowman. For some its picking the perfect tree while others prepare for the infamous holiday family photos.
Though the days of lining up at local department stores are dwindling, the spirit of the holiday season at Hudson's will come alive at the Detroit Historical Museum.
Beginning today, the Hudson's Holiday exhibit will run through January 22 at the Detroit Historical Museum, 5401 Woodward Ave., Detroit. This exhibit will display a variety of décor bringing back the memories and magic of Hudson’s in pop-up exhibitions throughout the museum, just in time for the holiday season.
Originally founded as a clothier for men and boys in 1881, J.L. Hudson Company reportedly racked up an average of 100,000 sales per day by the 1950s, and its 25-story building was the world’s tallest department store until 1961. At Hudson’s Holiday, visitors will learn what made the department store so popular, like its wide selection of merchandise and full-service approach, which went beyond in-store restaurants, salons, and alterations departments.
For more details including hours and admission for the Hudson's Holiday exhibit, visit detroithistorical.org.
Continue the holiday spirit by enjoying a local tree lighting ceremony
Image Source: Downtown Detroit Partnership
A staple for many households is gathering with family and friends at local tree lighting ceremonies. The Annual Village Tree Lighting at St. Clair at Kercheval, Grosse Pointe, kicks off this year at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 19. The evening begins with a performance by Grosse Pointe South Choir while guests indulge in delicious hot chocolate and smores and keep cozy by warming fires amongst family, friends, and community members. At 6:00 p.m., the annual tree lighting ceremony will take place, led by the City of Grosse Pointe Mayor and the Grosse Pointe Foundation.
As many beloved events continue to safely return to in-person, a Detroit tradition for families is back and will be bigger, brighter, and better than ever! The Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) and DTE Energy Foundation are proud to present the 18th annual Detroit Tree Lighting. The event will again be held at the award-winning Campus Martius Park from 5 p.m. – midnight on Friday, Nov. 19, and the public is invited to take part in a full schedule of free festivities and entertainment – including the official opening of the skate rink for the holiday season.
While we often hear that the holidays are “the most wonderful time of the year,” why not live up to that phrase by reengaging with our favorite seasonal memories.
The Social Impact of our Built Environment
“Take any major American city and you’re likely to find a historically Black neighborhood demolished, gashed in two, or cut off from the rest of the city by a highway.”
-- Bloomberg City Lab
Image Source: Bloomberg CityLab
At a recent White House press briefing on the infrastructure bill, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg described the bill as creating an opportunity for the US to address a variety of transportation issues including the negative impact of past highway location decisions on communities of color.
In July 2021, researchers associated with Bloomberg CityLab considered how one might do that in a piece entitled, “What It Looks Like to Reconnect Black Communities Torn Apart by Highways.” They used the Rondo neighborhood of St. Paul, Minnesota to describe and illustrate strategies that might be employed to redress the negative impact of these 1940s-1960s highway location decisions. To give readers a sense of the nature and extent of the problem, however, the post first used maps for Detroit and six other cities showing the paths of federally funded freeways plowing through the heart of historically black business districts and residential neighborhoods.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 48
In our 48th edition, we share an opportunity for creative novices and experts alike to expand their knowledge by attending Adobe’s MAX Conference; we celebrate the 50th anniversary and history of Walt Disney World; and listen to an edition of the Radioactive podcast series about the so-called “Radio Priest” who broadcast to a national audience in the millions from Royal Oak.
Arts and Culture
Calling all creatives! Catch Adobe MAX - an free online creativity conference uniquely immersive and engaging digital experience.
Community and Family
Walt Disney World, the iconic theme park celebrated its 50th anniversary this having first opened its gates to the public on October 1, 1971. Listen to an episode of Morning Edition from NPR that recalls the history that led to opening day.
American Democracy
“Radioactive,” a new podcast by Detroit journalist Andrew Lapin chronicles the rapid 1930s rise, and even faster 1940s fall, of Fr. Charles Coughlin the so-called “Radio Priest” who broadcast to a national audience in the millions from Royal Oak.
Adobe MAX
“Adobe MAX is….a uniquely immersive and engaging digital experience.”
If you consider yourself a creative type then chances are you have probably utilized Adobe’s Creative Cloud — a collection of 20+ apps for photography, design, content creation, video, and more! Whether you’re a novice or an expert, you might just get a bit of inspiration or learn about new innovations in the field of design by checking out Adobe MAX, a free online conference with over 400+ session featuring on-demand and live events from October 26-28, 2021.
“Disney World Celebrates Its 50th Birthday”
Walt Disney opened his first theme park, Disneyland, in 1955 in Anaheim, a small, rural town in sunny, southern California. As Disneyland flourished, scores of visitors flocked to experience the iconic theme park. Disney quickly found himself with an opportunity to expand and moved east, finally settling in Florida.
After secretly acquiring 40 square miles of land, Disney World opened its gates to visitors on October 1, 1971, Disney World opened to visitors. In this segment of Morning Edition NPR, we listened and got a glimpse into the history of the theme park that ultimately reshaped the industry’s landscape.
“Podcast talks about Detroit priest who spread hate in media,”
Detroit Free Press, October 10, 2021
“You know how some neighborhoods have a house all the kids believe is haunted?”
Those are the first words heard on the first episode of “Radioactive,” a new podcast by Detroit journalist Andrew Lapin. In this case, the “house” is the Shrine of the Little Flower Catholic church located at the corner of 12 Mile and Woodward. The podcast chronicles the rapid 1930s rise, and even faster 1940s fall, of Fr. Charles Coughlin the so-called “Radio Priest” who broadcast to a national audience in the millions from Royal Oak.
Coughlin’s time was not unlike our own. America was deeply divided and anxious. Many Americans distrusted the political system. Traditional media was viewed by some with great suspicion. Conspiracy theories abounded and extreme voices were coming to the fore. Into that combustible mix rode Fr. Coughlin who started out crusading against the Klan but became an anti-Semitic, anti-New Deal, pro-fascist writer of fan letters to Mussolini before being silenced by the Church. In 8 half-hours, “Radioactive” tells his story.
For the Freep article, click below:
For the podcast, follow the link below. Episode one tells Coughlin’s origin story in parallel with the story of what Henry Ford was up to in the 1920s. Episode one runs a little less than 30 minutes:
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at jkaminski@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 47
In this week’s edition of Inspired Thoughts we take a listen to a NPR Classical’s Deceptive Cadence series and learn about a small orchestra ensemble making making big waves in the contemporary classical music world; and a Washington Post article that argues that the inability of Americans to contextualize numbers has become enormously problematic for our politics.
Arts and Culture
As major orchestras and opera companies take the stage again, one particular small organization is honored for its work in connecting audiences and listeners to overlooked American composers and neglected classical masterpieces.
American Democracy
In a recent article for The Washington Post, national correspondent Philip Bump argues that a widespread inability on the part of Americans to contextualize numbers has become enormously problematic for our politics.
Boston Modern Orchestra Project
Arts presenters and orchestras all over the world are making triumphant returns to the stage after, what was for most, a prolonged closure due to the pandemic. From Broadway to opera, from touring musicians to orchestras, artists are once again, dazzling audiences with the familiar sights and sounds of live performances. One particular ensemble, the Boston Modern Orchestra Project, was recently honored with the Special Achievement Award by the 44th Gramophone Classical Music Awards lauding the ensemble’s mission and dedication to elevating the presence of contemporary orchestral and operatic works as well as neglected classical masterpieces in today’s concert halls and recorded music.
In this recent piece featured on Deceptive Cadence from NPR Classical, Andrea Shea, senior arts and culture reporter at WBUR — Boston’s NPR station, shares her insight in an interview with BMOP’s founder and conductor Gil Rose. Listen as Shea and Rose discuss his motivation for founding the ensemble and his vision for changing the classical music landscape.
“Podcast talks about Detroit priest who spread hate in media,”
Detroit Free Press, October 10, 2021
“You know how some neighborhoods have a house all the kids believe is haunted?”
Those are the first words heard on the first episode of “Radioactive,” a new podcast by Detroit journalist Andrew Lapin. In this case, the “house” is the Shrine of the Little Flower Catholic church located at the corner of 12 Mile and Woodward. The podcast chronicles the rapid 1930s rise, and even faster 1940s fall, of Fr. Charles Coughlin the so-called “Radio Priest” who broadcast to a national audience in the millions from Royal Oak.
Coughlin’s time was not unlike our own. America was deeply divided and anxious. Many Americans distrusted the political system. Traditional media was viewed by some with great suspicion. Conspiracy theories abounded and extreme voices were coming to the fore. Into that combustible mix rode Fr. Coughlin who started out crusading against the Klan but became an anti-Semitic, anti-New Deal, pro-fascist writer of fan letters to Mussolini before being silenced by the Church. In 8 half-hours, “Radioactive” tells his story.
For the Freep article, click below:
For the podcast, follow the link below. Episode one tells Coughlin’s origin story in parallel with the story of what Henry Ford was up to in the 1920s. Episode One run a little less than 30 minutes:
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at lcelebi@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 46
Our 46th edition is short and sweet! This week, we highlight the beloved exhibition Our Rivers, Our Lakes from our friends at the Grosse Pointe Artists Association (available through November 4); and we share an interesting piece from The Atlantic which touches on the very heartbeat of why we have launched our American Democracy initiative.
Image: A Good Breeze Would Help by Victor Pytko
Arts and Culture
Grosse Pointe Artists Association hosts their fan favorite exhibition, Our Rivers, Our Lakes, which serves to celebrate the beauty of nature, including our rivers and lakes.
Image: A Good Breeze Would Help by Victor Pytko
American Democracy
A recent piece for The Atlantic argues that universities and colleges need to do more to prepare students for effective citizenship; a piece of special interest to us and our American Democracy initiative.
Our Rivers, Our Lakes 2021
Returning to the Grosse Pointe Artists Association gallery this year is the beloved exhibition, Our Rivers, Our Lakes. This exhibition, which celebrates the beauty and tranquility of our rivers and lakes, has been a favorite among artists and art lovers. This year’s show features pieces from 45 various artists, many of which advocate for environmental causes. The show was juried by Sabrina Miller, an ecosystem specialist with the Army Corps of America; it was clear based on her awards and honorable mentions that she is passionate about wetlands and preserving our natural habitat.
You can view Our Rivers, Our Lakes in person at the GPAA gallery at The War Memorial, now through November 4. Viewing hours are 2-6:30pm on Thursdays and 10am-1pm on Saturdays.
BEST OF SHOW
Thirst by Robert Maniscalco
Description: Thirst captures that precious moment when our longing, that thirst for the object of our desire, the satisfaction of this most basic need, is finally quenched. It is an inner ecstasy. It is God speaking directly to our soul. It is satisfying on the deepest level because it connects us with others who understand this feeling. It is immediate, it lasts but an instant. It is personal yet universal.
Dimensions: 18inx18in
Material: Oil on panel
Price: $650
HONORABLE MENTION
SS Tregurtha by Winnie Chrzanowski
Description: Photo framed, matted & printed on archival material
Dimensions: 19inx23in
Material: Archival photo paper
Year: 2019
Price: $250
SECOND PRIZE
Gallup Park Reflections by Dennis Gordon
Description: I am fascinated with how our rivers and lakes create patterns and reflections. I also love how they invite us to go out and in them. This is my woodcut of tree reflections on the Huron River.
Dimensions: 16inx22in
Material: Woodcut printed with oil-based relief inks
Price: $385
THIRD PLACE
Cascading Water by Katarzyna Korytowska
Description: In 2018 we went for a lengthy trip to northern Michigan and had the opportunity to see 12 different waterfalls. This was one of them. It had crystal clear blue water.
Dimensions: 48inx60in
Material: Oil on canvas
Price: $3,200
And for those interested in participating in the next exhibition, entries are currently being accepted for the upcoming show, Feast for the Eyes. Artists are asked to capture and share the sights, sounds, smells, and memories of the holiday experience. Alex Fedirko, assistant art director at The Parade Company, will serve as the show juror. The deadline for entries is Monday, October 25. Click here to enter today!
Universities are Shunning their Responsibility to Democracy
Ronald J. Daniels, The Atlantic, October 3, 2021
In a piece for The Atlantic, Johns Hopkins University President Ronald J. Daniels drew on his forthcoming book, What Universities Owe Democracy, to make the case that universities can, and furthermore should, do more to prepare students for informed and effective citizenship. His piece was of special interest to us as it argues that America’s colleges and universities should begin doing for their students what we have been trying to do for our audience through our American Democracy initiative here at The War Memorial
President Daniels, like many observers, sees a lack of knowledge and understanding of our system of government and the Enlightenment values upon which it is based as at the core of our many of present political dysfunction. Unlike many observers, however, Daniels perceives our present moment as an opportunity to do something about civic education, beginning with our colleges and universities: “Making education for democracy a core element of higher education’s mission will face its own obstacles, and maybe tougher ones. Chief among them will be the political and ideological divisions, often bitter and unyielding, that can turn any conversation about common values into a ferocious encounter. But we are at a rare moment when the left and the right seem to be aligned behind the idea that more civic education is crucial.” The piece is insightful but still approachable and a quick read, for access click on the link below.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at lcelebi@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 45
In our 45th edition, we continue to celebrate Broadway’s triumphant return with stories from veteran performers and the 74th Tony Awards; we share a riveting piece from our friend AJ Baime on a Detroiter who set out to build his own Ford GT-40; and listen to a PBS NewsHour Weekend segment on how Michigan is attempting to take politics out of redistricting.
Arts and Culture
Another highlight of the Great White Way! Listen to an episode of Consider This from NPR that follows three Broadway veterans as they return to the stage. And we celebrate Broadway being back with the Tony Awards.
Community and Family
In early 2022, we will welcome back our old friend AJ Baime for a lecture on his newest book. In the meantime, read a piece he wrote for Road & Track about a Detroiter who decided to build his own GT-40.
American Democracy
A recent segment for PBS NewsHour Weekend looked at Michigan’s redistricting process. Learn how the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission is attempting to take politics out of redistricting.
Broadway is Back!
Last week, we shared a moving special from CBSN that followed the many actors and workers affected by the longest Broadway shutdown in history. We celebrated the shows that welcomed audiences back to their theaters, and we are eager to watch more shows follow suit. As an institution that prides itself on presenting world-class performers, we're moved by the grit, determination, and triumphant return to stage displayed by many of these individuals. So much so that we are featuring Broadway stories in Inspired Thoughts back-to-back!
This week, listen to an episode of Consider This from NPR, where they follow three industry veterans as they make their return to the stage and theater. Krystal Joy Brown of “Hamilton,” Riza Takahashi of “Mean Girls,” and Christel Murdock of “Aladdin” recount the various thoughts and emotions that go through their minds when returning to a full (and vaccinated) theater after 18 months away.
And the common theme between all these stories is one simple thing: Broadway is back! This past Sunday, The Tony Awards returned after a year hiatus to honor and award the best in the industry, as well as remind the world of the joy and unity that live theater provides. Michael Schulman provides full commentary on the popular award show in a recent opinion piece for The New Yorker. Click here to read the full article.
A DIY Ford GT-40?
Our old friend AJ Baime has a new piece out in Road & Track about a former Detroit who, unable to afford an original, decided to build his own Ford GT-40. The GT-40 is a subject AJ knows well. In fact, he was last with us physically in November 2019 speaking about his book Go Like Hell and the era when Ford created the GT-40 to take on Ferrari and end its dominance.
More recently, AJ joined us online in October 2020 to talk about his book, Dewey Defeats Truman: The 1948 Election and the Battle for America’s Soul. AJ will next join us online in early 2022 for the release of his upcoming book, White Lies: The Double Life of Walter White and America’s Darkest Secret (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, February 2022). The link below takes you to AJ’s Road & Track article.
“In Michigan, an effort to take politics out of redistricting”
Michigan is one of 21 states with some manner of redistricting commission to conduct its every 10-year reapportionments of legislative districts but one of only 4 states where that commission includes no politicians or political appointees, and the final reapportionment is not subject to review or revision by the state legislature. Given that Michigan is also a state where the current US House, as well as state Senate and House districts, most strongly favor one party, Michigan’s 2021 reapportionment by citizens commission is generating a great deal of attention.
“Michigan’s (old) maps were a poster child for political gerrymandering and partisanship”
Christopher Booker recently visited Michigan to report on our redistricting process for PBS NewsHour Weekend. His report includes some video of the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission of four democrats, four republicans, and five unaffiliated voters in action. He also interviewed three members of the Commission, Douglas Clark, a Republican, Rebecca Szetela, who's unaffiliated, and MC Rothhorn, a Democrat. This report from PBS News Hour Weekend runs 12:20.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at jkaminski@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 44
This week, watch a CBSN Originals, “Ghost Light: When Broadway Went Dark,” and learn about those impacted by Broadway’s longest shutdown ever; perfect the art of handwritten notes with an episode of NPR’s Life Kit; and review a recent study which analyzes the thoughts of American citizens on civil liberties and security.
Arts and Culture
A CBSN Originals titled “Ghost Light: The Year Broadway Went Dark” chronicles the 18-month shutdown of The Great White Way and those individuals impacted in the industry.
Community and Family
Looking for tips on how to craft a perfect letter? Dying to know the intricacies of a well-thought-out note? A recent NPR Life Kit episode breaks down all you need to know.
American Democracy
A new report from the AP-NORC Center at the University of Chicago shares the surveyed results of American citizens on their thoughts regarding civil liberties and security.
Ghost Light: The Year Broadway Went Dark
When the world shut down last March many of our day-to-day activities were halted. We began working remotely, dining in was no longer an option, and at-home workouts became the norm. However, there was one industry indisputably hit the hardest: Broadway. While many of us began adapting to a “new normal” over these past few months, The Great White Way remained closed, affecting many of those who claimed this industry of work. This issue they faced: finding another job in an industry that was dark. It’s a bit hard to go from being a swing in one Broadway hit to another…when no show is running!
The light at the end of this tunnel arrived in May when New York City announced that Broadway could resume performances at full capacity in September 2021. Just this past week, many of these artists and staff returned to work for the first time, performing to sold-out crowds. They were ushered in by remarks from individuals who understand the very importance of art and theater. For instance, Lin-Manuel Miranda welcomed guests back to Hamilton stating: “It took five years to get this show up and running, and I am so glad it didn’t take it five years to return.” And Kristin Chenoweth, who joined guests in Oz as she introduced the cast of Wicked.
The COVID-19 shutdown was the longest in Broadway history and challenged their popular catchphrase of “the show must go on.” Apart from the resilience and spirit of the actors and staff, there was one thing that remained: the ghost light. A tradition since the late 1800s, a ghost light is one single bulb traditionally left aglow in a dark theater. Logistically, it helps prevent workers from falling across a dimly lit stage. Metaphorically, it serves as a symbol that the life and light of the theater community will never die.
A CBSN Originals titled “Ghost Light: The Year Broadway Went Dark” chronicles this eighteen-month shutdown, the stories of the individuals impacted, and the ways they survived. The video at the link below runs approximately 44 minutes.
The Art (and Importance) of Writing Letters
Is it safe to say that the most forgotten and most overlooked artform is writing letters by hand? There is nothing quite like receiving a handwritten note, and the serotonin released when crafting a beautiful message for someone is unmatched. Of course, like anything you want to become good at, practice is required. Whether it be an email, text, or simple snail mail, personal writing fosters intimate relationships, boosts creativity, and most certainly brightens someone’s day. In a recent episode of Life Kit from NPR, senior writer at Hallmark Cards Courtney Taylor shares her insight into crafting the perfect message with the most perfect words.
Balancing Security and Liberty
Americans have become less inclined to support trading civil liberties for security and most do not think the country is doing a good job protecting many rights and liberties.
That is the leading conclusion of a new report from the AP-NORC Center at the University of Chicago, “Civil Liberties and Security: 20 Years after 9/11.” The report draws on an AP-NORC Survey conducted between August 12 and 16, 2021.
In the immediate wake of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, many Americans were willing to trade-off civil liberties if doing so could assure them of greater security. Since, then, however, the proportion of Americans willing to trade civil liberties for security fell from 64% in 2011 to 59% in 2013, and 45% in 2015 and 2021. Over the same period, the proportion of Americans taking the position that it is never necessary to sacrifice rights and freedoms to fight terrorism rose from 33% in 2011 to 44% in 2021.
The most interesting question on the new AP-NORC survey, however, asked respondents to evaluate how well or poorly the US Government is protecting some specific civil liberties. For each specific right about which the survey asked, respondents consistently gave the US Government lower grades in 2021 than in 2011. The single most dramatic of these changes concerned the right to vote. In 2011, 84% of those surveyed said the US Government was doing a good job of protecting the right to vote in comparison to just 43% in 2021. The second-largest drop was for the right of the people to assemble peacefully, which fell from 75% saying the US Government was doing a good job protecting that right in 2011 falling to 42% in 2021. For a more complete summary of the AP-NORC report, follow the link below.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at jkaminski@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 43
In our 43rd edition of Inspired Thoughts, we revisit Cranbrook Academy of Art’s current exhibit, With Eyes Open, which closes later this month and features a retrospective on the 90-year history of the institution; we also share two new reports from the nonpartisan Pew Research Center, which provide some much-needed context for the ongoing debate over election laws.
Arts and Culture
See it before it goes! Cranbrook Academy of Art’s latest exhibition, With Eyes Open, closes on September 19. Watch a PBS NewsHour segment to learn about this retrospective exhibit.
American Democracy
As battles over election law continue at both the state and federal level, two new reports from the nonpartisan Pew Research Center provide some much-needed context for the ongoing debate.
With Eyes Opened: Cranbrook Academy of Art Since 1932
In late June, we highlighted the latest exhibition of Cranbrook Academy of Art, With Eyes Open. The show chronicles the school’s nearly 90-year history, featuring more than 275 works by more than 220 artists. All pieces have a connection to the various areas of study at the school, including art, architecture, craft, and design.
The exhibition, which closes to the public this weekend, has gained national media attention for its ingenuity and influence on the world of art and design. A recent segment for PBS NewsHour’s art and culture series, “CANVAS,” took a look at the unique way artists were embracing the theme of the show. Jeffery Brown sat down with Museum Director Andrew Blauvelt to discuss the curation and creativity of this exhibit. Be sure to visit the exhibition before it closes. The final day to visit is September 19. To plan your trip, click here.
With Eyes Opened: Cranbrook Academy of Art Since 1932 at Cranbrook Art Museum. Photo: PD Rearick
With Eyes Opened: Cranbrook Academy of Art Since 1932 at Cranbrook Art Museum. Photo: PD Rearick
With Eyes Opened: Cranbrook Academy of Art Since 1932 at Cranbrook Art Museum. Photo: PD Rearick
Significant Differences Have Emerged in How Americans Now View Voting
As battles over election law continue at both the state and federal level, two new reports from the nonpartisan Pew Research Center provide some much-needed context for the ongoing debate. While the debate on election law changes has nominally been about questions of fact, these new Pew studies suggest that something much more fundamental may really be powering the move toward substantial election law changes in many states including Michigan.
Through surveys done in March and July of this year, Pew researchers found significant differences in how voters favoring one party versus those favoring the other party now view voting in terms of three important questions:
Is voting a fundamental right or a privilege?
Should voting be made as convenient as possible?
Can convenient voting be kept secure?
Is voting a fundamental right or a privilege?
In the Pew study, 78% of Democrats and Democratic-leaning Independents agreed with the statement, voting is a “fundamental right for every US citizen and should not be restricted in any way” in contrast to only 32% of Republicans and Republican-leaning Independents. In contrast, 67% of Republicans and Republican-leaning Independents, but only 21% of Democrats and Democratic-leaning Independents, agreed with the statement that voting is a “privilege that comes with responsibilities and can be limited.”
Should voting be made as convenient as possible?
Despite a global pandemic, the 2020 elections achieved unprecedented levels of turnout. In part, that was the result of an unusually compelling Presidential race. That record levels of voting could be achieved during a pandemic, however, was likely only possible because many jurisdictions implemented measures that facilitated voting while remaining socially distanced. Not surprisingly, whether such measures should be kept in place for future elections is an important part of the current debate. In March 2021, 85% of Democrats and Democratic-leaning Independents, but only 37% of Republicans and Republican-leaning Independents, agreed with the statement, “Everything possible should be done to make it easy for every citizen to vote.”
Can convenient voting be kept secure?
Republican and Democratic voters also exhibited markedly different responses when asked if more convenient voting could be kept secure. Republican and Democratic voters responded in dramatically different ways when the following statement was put in front of them, “If election rules were changed to make it easier to register and vote, elections would be less secure.” Among Republicans and Republican-leaning Independents, 61% agreed with that statement in contrast to only 16% of Democrats and Democratic-leaning Independents.
Bells Across America
In honor of Constitution Day on Friday, September 17, our friends at The Louisa St.Clair Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, are planning Bells Across America. This Friday at 4pm, listen as churches and bell towers ring their bells to celebrate the signing of our constitution.
Classes and Events at The War Memorial
After a long break, The War Memorial is excited to begin offering classes to the community again! There is art, fencing, ballroom dancing, and everything in between. We promise there is a class for everyone! Our website is constantly updated to reflect our most current class schedule.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at jkaminski@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 42
In this edition of Inspired Thoughts, we preview Michigan Opera Theatre’s upcoming performance of Blue, a poignant opera that engages in the conversation of race and police brutality; we give a name to that dreadful feeling of “blah” that has become so normal during the pandemic (spoiler: it’s called languishing); and we review how the demographic changes of the US census from 2010 to 2020 affect our communities.
Arts and Culture
Michigan Opera Theatre begins its 50th season with a powerful portrayal of Tazewell Thompson’s Blue, a wrenching and remarkably original opera centered on a loving, tight-knit family in modern-day Harlem.
Community and Family
Organizational psychologist and best-selling author Adam Grant finally has a name for that feeling of “blah” many of us have experienced during the pandemic: it’s called languishing.
American Democracy
Last month, the specific US Census data needed for re-districting was finally released. Learn how 2010 to 2020 demographic changes affected your community.
Tazewell Thompson’s BLUE
Our friends at Michigan Opera Theatre are returning for their 50th season, once again under the tasteful guidance of Artist Director Yuval Sharon. As you may recall, Michigan Opera Theatre made national headlines with their parking structure opera productions (formed by both the necessity to create COVID-19 safe events and the brilliant mind of Sharon), and they hope to make headlines again this weekend.
Returning to a real stage for the first time in two years, Michigan Opera Theatre is launching its 50th season this weekend (September 11 and 12), with a powerful portrayal of Tazewell Thompson’s opera Blue. Blue tells the poignant and moving story of a loving, tight-knit family in modern-day Harlem struggling to find balance and unity in their lives. Watch as the father goes to work each morning as an NYPD police officer, and his son grows politically and socially aware of the world around him. The opera examines some of today’s most powerful conversations on race and police brutality. It will challenge audiences to engage in the hardest, yet most important, conversations with their communities.
And as the production draws nears, Michigan Opera Theatre has launched “What Makes A Community Safe?” This series of virtual conversations invites community leaders, policymakers, members of law enforcement, and community advocates to discuss safety, community health issues, restorative justice, and more. It serves as the perfect complement to this moving opera. Click here to view the full series.
Languishing: The Feeling of “Blah”
This month officially marks 18 months since the COVID-19 pandemic began in the US. And just like you, we’re tired. It’s been a long year and a half, navigating through new challenges and learning to adapt to a “new” normal. However, the one thing most of us can collectively agree upon is that familiar sense of “blah.” It’s not depression or exhaustion, and it’s certainly not an over-excitement for life—it’s that feeling in-between. A feeling that we can’t quite describe, yet everyone knows. Adam Grant, Organizational Psychologist and best-selling author, penned a piece for the New York Times in which he gave a name to that widely-known feeling of blah: languishing. As Grant explains:
“Languishing is a sense of stagnation and emptiness. It feels as if you’re muddling through your days, looking at your life through a foggy windshield. And it might be the dominant emotion of 2021.”
Of course, providing processes and guidance to beat those feelings is what Grant does best. In an August 2021 TEDxMontery talk, Grant breaks down the key indicators of languishing and presents three ways to escape the dreaded “meh” feeling and once again find your flow.
US Census Redistricting Data Released
On Tuesday, August 10th, the specific US Census data needed for re-districting was finally released. Some of the best, most detailed coverage of how Michigan fared in this specific aspect of the 2020 Census came from our friends at BridgeMichigan. Follow the link below to an overview on 2010 to 2020 demographic changes at the regional level and in our state’s largest communities.
To learn how 2010 to 2020 trends affected your own community, follow the link below and then scroll down the page to the box labeled, “Census 2020: How did your community fare?” Once there, type in the name of your home community and see what you find.
It’s fun! We tried it and learned that 4 of the 5 Grosse Pointes grew between 2010 and 2020; anyone want to guess which Grosse Pointe did not? (Answer: Grosse Shores which experienced a net loss of 361 residents between 2010 and 2020)
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at jkaminski@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 41
We’re back with a new edition of Inspired Thoughts! This week, we invite you to read a report which analyzes all 381 paintings from Bob Ross’ show The Joy of Painting; as we approach the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, watch an interview with Garrett Graff, author of The Only Plane in the Sky: An Oral History of 9/11; and dive into a report from USA Facts which takes a look at the “quit rate” in the US.
Arts and Culture
We revisit a 2014 report from FiveThirtyEight that analyzes all 381 paintings done by Bob Ross—just in time for Netflix’s new documentary on the painter.
Always Remember
As we approach the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, we reflect on Garret Graff’s 2019 book, The Only Plane in the Sky: An Oral History of 9/11.
American Democracy
With federal unemployment benefits running out on September 6, we share a fascinating report from USA Facts about the US “quit rate.”
A Statistical Analysis of the Work of Bob Ross
Recently, Netflix released a new documentary titled Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal, & Greed. The film tells the story of the television and art legend, as well as the fallout of his name, brand, and legacy following his death. The documentary itself remains true to what we all know—Bob Ross was an icon. Reveling little that would paint (pun intended) Ross in a bad light, the documentary continues to celebrate the little things that make him such a staple of current pop culture.
“ He didn’t paint oaks or spruces, he painted “happy trees.” He favored “almighty mountains” to peaks. Once he’d painted one tree, he didn’t paint another — he painted a ‘friend.’”
And while we recommend watching the documentary, it did get us to think about the actual pieces of art he created while hosting his show The Joy of Painting. Known for reminding us that there are “no mistakes, just happy accidents,” Ross’ work was defined by consistency and a fundamentally personal ideal.
A 2014 report by Walt Hickey for FiveThirtyEight provides a statistical analysis of the work of Bob Ross. Breaking down the 381 images he painted (Ross painted in 381 episodes of the 403 episode series), Hick provides the reader with a deep analysis of what exactly Ross painted. How many of his paintings featured a tree? A cloud? A cloud and a tree? And while a fascinating analysis, it reminds us of the point that Hick ends his report with—The Joy of Painting was never really about painting. It was about Bob. Hickey’s report provides a statistical overview of the paintings. Click the link below to read the full report.
The Only Plane in the Sky: An Oral History of 9/11
As we approach the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, it’s hard not to feel frozen in time. We often hear how many of us can vividly remember where we were that morning and what exactly we had for breakfast. We know just what we were doing when we saw that first tower strike. Here at The War Memorial, we know that day will be etched in the history of our nation, and we remain committed to honoring and remembering the over 3,000 lives lost that day. We will once again host our 9/11 Service of Remembrance, our yearly time to pause and gather with people of all walks of life as we denounce hatred and come together in solemn remembrance of the lives lost that day.
We’re also deeply moved by the work of journalist and historian Garret Graff. In 2019, Graff published The Only Plane in the Sky: An Oral History of 9/11. Providing readers with a 360-degree account of that day, Graff pieces together the stories of so many affected that day: first responders, widows, politicians, tourists, and everyday citizens who found themselves stuck in the air begin rerouted to Newfoundland. In 2020, Graff visited the 9/11 Memorial & Museum to discuss his book, the process of collecting oral histories, and the impact these stories have and will continue to have on our society.
A New Report from USA Facts on “Quit Rates” by Industry Sector and State
With enhanced federal unemployment benefits running out on September 6, unemployment rates and labor shortages are likely to soon start getting a lot more media and public attention. With that in mind, a recent report from USA Facts about the US “quit rate” really caught our attention. (See Inspired Thoughts: Edition No. 27 – April 27, 2021, for more about USA Facts).
In April, the “quit rate” calculated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) rose to 2.8% - the highest rate since BLS began calculating that statistic in 2002. At the same time, the national unemployment rate (also calculated by BLS) stood at 6.1%—2.6 percentage points above pre-pandemic levels (the national unemployment rate has since fallen to 5.4%).
What makes this interesting is that the US quit rate has historically been low when unemployment was high. The current anomaly led USA Facts to take a deeper dive into the data where they noticed very substantial differences in the quit rates of different industries that led them to bring average hourly wages paid in those industries into the analysis.
Follow the link below to the USA Facts report and an interactive map that will show you the quit rates for any given state when you place your cursor over that state.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at jkaminski@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 40
For our fortieth edition, we share with you Detroit’s Sidewalk Festival, a celebration of art and Detroit’s unique outdoor space; focus on an opinion piece from The New York Times, in which Paul Krugman considers an intriguing aspect of America’s current hyper-partisanship —radically different perceptions of the health of the US economy; and just for fun, we make note of the Hall of Presidents Before George Washington, a unique exhibit at a Westin hotel in Maryland.
In this Edition
Arts and Culture
This next month, explore the Sidewalk Festival—Detroit’s four-weekend event featuring unique and interactive art pieces, that celebrate and embrace the natural landscape of the city.
American Democracy
Read a fascinating Times column from Noble Laureate Paul Krugman, as he considers the radically different perceptions of the health of the US economy held by self-identified Republicans and self-identified Democrats.
More American Democracy
Visiting Annapolis, Maryland soon? Visit the Westin Hotel to view their unique exhibit: Hall of the Presidents Before George Washington.
Street Festival: Healing. Revival. Party.
It’s summertime, and that means festival season. Each weekend, we fill our time with various lineups of art shows, food fairs, and music festivals. And thankfully for us, Detroit is not a city that strays away from a great street party. Kicking off this past week, Sidewalk Festival is a unique event in metro Detroit, which features local artists embracing the streets, alleys, gardens, and sidewalks of the city to create and perform jaw-dropping pieces of art.
Sidewalk Festival occurs over four weekends and celebrates the unique spaces across the city of Detroit. Marketed as “an arts festival meets neighborhood block party,” this event invites artists from around the city to find inspiration in the landscape around them. For the next three weekends, guests are invited to come and experience these interactive art forms. Artists are exploring three themes: healing, revival, and party—all of which seem aptly appropriate after the past 18 months.
A few of the featured artists include Studio Detroit, Freddy Diaz, and Thornetta Davis. Below we’ve included the various locations over the next three weeks (including our neighboring community, Jefferson-Chalmers) and a brief description of what each event will feature. More information can be found at the link below.
July 31
Chadsey-Condon
6900 McGraw Ave, Detroit, MI 48210
2-8pm
It’s lush greenway meets street art in this unique location, the site of the future Braden Street Greenway. Serving as a connecting road between two beloved community parks, this green linear path will be celebrated with music, dance, theater, interactive mural making and site-specific installation. In partnership with Bridging Communities.
August 7
Joy-Southfield
18917 Joy Rd, Detroit, MI 48228
4-10pm
An innocent parking lot becomes the staging space for an innovative night market featuring installations for the night, dance workshops, vendors, lively community singing and an immersive street mural experience. In partnership with Joy-Southfield CDC.
August 14
Dexter-Linwood
259 Manistique St, Detroit, MI 48215
2-8pm
Surrounded by the beauty of Detroit’s canal district, we will enjoy the colorful green landscape of the Manistique Creative Empowerment Garden and Treehouse. Experience healing bubbles, sound baths, avant-garde dance, and music spanning jazz, blues and classical..
Economics in a Post-Truth Nation
“The economy that voters perceive no longer bears much relationship to reality.”
In his Times column, Noble Laureate (in Economics) Paul Krugman considers an intriguing aspect of America’s current hyper-partisanship—radically different perceptions of the health of the US economy held by self-identified Republicans and self-identified Democrats. Krugman writes, “We appear to have become a country in which a large chunk of the electorate won’t even judge a president by short-run (economic) performance because those voters’ perceptions of the economy are driven by partisanship unrelated to reality.” There is also an interesting local angle to this story as it is rooted in the University of Michigan Institute of Social Research’s long-running Survey of Consumers. Please note: Subscriptions may be required to read the full article.
Just For Fun:
The Hall of the Presidents Before Washington
Disney has a “Hall of the Presidents” attraction in both its California and Florida parks. Both feature Animatronic versions of our chief executives beginning, not surprisingly, with George Washington. A recent Atlas Obscura article, however, took readers to Annapolis, Maryland, and a very different hall of the presidents. There, the Westin Hotel has converted an actual corridor into an exhibit they call the Hall of the Presidents Before George Washington.
George Washington, our 15th President?!
Because American students are routinely taught that George Washington was our first President it may come as a shock to some readers that fourteen men had already held the title of “President” before Washington was inaugurated in 1789. Those first fourteen American Presidents served during two Continental Congresses (1774-1781) and under the Articles of Confederation (1781-1788). Only two of the Presidents before Washington, however, are likely to be familiar to most Americans. The first is John Hancock who served as President twice, including when the Declaration of Independence was adopted and became the Declaration’s first signer. The second is John Jay who, along with Alexander Hamilton and James Madison, wrote the Federalist essays arguing for the adoption of our present constitution.
While the title may be the same, the office occupied by our first fourteen Presidents was actually very different. They were the presiding officer of Congress, making their role more analogous to today’s Speaker of the House than President. But, as they’re not considered to be the first fourteen Speakers, they remain neither fish nor fowl and so are honored in a hotel hallway rather than in “America’s Happiest Place.”
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at jkaminski@warmemorial.org.