August 9, 2013

Tattoos Today

Pitbull Tattoo by Travis Newville. Inspired by Villalobos Rescue Center.



Tattoos have long been viewed as artistic representation of one's self. Most tattoos, however, are thought to represent something more specific, such as a feeling, or a turning point in one's life. Pitbull tattoos in the past have been associated with white-supremacist gang members or skinheads. While at the same time, a dove or swallow tattoo has been thought to represent love or peace. The real fun part of modern tattoos is that there are people with both of these polar opposites of image meanings tattooed on them. Yes, that is correct, you do not have to be a white-supremacist to get a tattoo of a pitbull.


Colorful dove tattoo by Travis Newville

Nowadays, some people are taking a more literal approach to getting a tattoo. Support. Everyone knows someone or something that could use their support. Whether it be getting a pitbull tattoo to show support a misconstrued breed, or getting a pink ribbon in remembrance for a loved one who suffered from breast cancer, more often of late tattoos are done in support of something rather then the ancient meanings behind the image. People even get tattoos in support of themselves. Everyone has their own agenda when it comes to their life, and tattoos are no different.

August 7, 2013

Tigers' Baseball Fueling Detroit's Economy

Detroit filing for chapter 9 bankruptcy protection was devastating for communities all across Michigan. Seeing the pride and joy of Michigan turned upside down by financial crisis after financial crisis was hard for local residents to handle. There are plans being discussed as to how Detroit will get out of this tremendous hole they find themselves in. One such plan is to sell the city's art collection, but some Detroit residents fear that selling part of the history of Detroit is not even an option. Others believe that Detroit could get a step ahead financially by selling their historical art pieces. The fact is nobody really knows how to get Detroit out of the financial mess they are in, and that is why they have had to file for chapter 9 bankruptcy protection in the first place. 


Comerica Park, home of the Detroit Tigers


One area of interest still looms largely on the topic of making Detroit money, and that is sports. The Detroit Tigers are coming down the stretch on yet another World Series run, and this year the A.L. has given themselves home field advantage. Playing in October is a treat for baseball players for all of the hard work they have endeared throughout the season. Playing in October is also a great way for players to make their city money. According to Forbes.com, the Detroit Tigers organization was worth about $478 million in 2012. No chump change there. The first 4 games of the World Series alone net teams a profit of 25% of the revenue earned. There's no question that Detroit is depending on the Tigers making the World Series again, and earning their city a few extra million. Are the Detroit Tigers going to bail Detroit of of their financial crisis? No, absolutely not. But supporting Detroit's Tigers during their pennant race is the same as supporting Detroit city in its crisis.


Phil Coke and Jim Leyland signing for kids at Comerica Park




August 6, 2013

Disc Golf: More than just a trend

Tee at hole 4 at Reed Park, Michigan

Disc golfing has been around for a long time, but it wasn't until the last decade or so that the past time began making headway as a sport and not just a hobby. In fact, the Professional Disc Golf Association is making sure that everyone has a chance to get to know this great game. Other non-profit community groups, such as Disc Golfers of Michigan, are solely dedicated to promoting the sport in their community, and encouraging people to get outside and try new things. You don't have to be a top tier athlete to play disc golf, but at the same time the sport is a great workout.


Socially, disc golf is an excellent game to play with friends and family. Hanging out at the disc course is a great way to make new friends, too. In fact, Disc Golf Scene, is a social networking website dedicated entirely to the game of disc golf. At Disc Golf Scene you can post scores, meet new players, add rival players, and even trade discs with other players at their Trading Post. Disc golfers are a tight knit community. Most disc golfers only play for the love of the game, and almost always show other "discers" respect on the course. Disc golf has come a long way from the days that people thought it just an odd trend. It is now a professional sport.

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