Roller Derby | Lansing Derby Vixens

I was meeting with my financial advisor, Sara, going over my measly investments. During these meetings I usually just smile and nod because I am not much for understanding money investing lingo. A decision here, a signature there and within a few minutes we are done. The last meeting I had with her she revealed something about her that caused me to pause. Sara told me that she was a roller derby woman. My mind had visions of women flipping over railings, blood on the track and broken bones from seeing roller derby on television when I was a child. I looked across the desk at my always sweet and bubbly advisor with confused awe. She explained that the reincarnation of roller derby is different because of safety concerns. The women compete on a flat track. There is not a rail. Skaters are not to use elbows, back blocks, or use karate chops to the neck to impede competitor’s progress. It still sounded dangerous.

Sara asked me if I would be interested in being a referee. I considered the idea while holding back that I can barely walk let alone race around an oval on eight wheels. However, the thought of women in colorful costume battling it out intrigued me. I went to several practices for the Lansing Derby Vixens and was enlightened that these women are definitely serious about derby. They work their butts off three practices a week. I realized I could not commit to the time it would take for me to learn how to skate and learn derby rules well enough to be a referee. After few weeks we came up with the idea that I could be a commentator for their scrimmages and bouts. I caught the derby bug. I was all in and willing to do whatever I needed to be color commentator for derby events.

Cut to 10.10.10 – Mayhem at McMorran. I was traveling to Port Huron with excited, nervous anticipation. I was to be second commentator for the inaugural bout for both the Blue Water Derby Girls out of Port Huron and the Lansing Derby Vixens. The Derby Vixens have been working towards this first bout for over a year practicing, recruiting, holding fund raisers, doing community activism, nursing bruises and recovering from broken bones. The pressure that I felt to put on a good performance for the skaters and refs involved was extremely high. I waited impatiently for the experienced commentator to arrive. As it came closer to time for the bout to start I collected details for what I would need to know just in case she did not arrive.

The arena was filled with anxious anticipation. Not only was this an inaugural bout for the derby girls, the arena was filled with people that had never seen live derby before. There were 500 hundred people wondering what was going to happen before them.  A cornicopia of thrill seekers getting into frenzy as time came closer for the beginning of the mayhem. I felt almost sick as I realized I was the only one holding a microphone, a clip board with the team’s lineups, a program with notes scribbled in it, chicken tenders, fries and two bottles of water. It was time to dig in and get this crowd educated, motivated and excited. Far away from home I was determined to show these people what this man can do.

The bout was full of smashing action. The score was constantly close and the lead flipped sides often. The women’s competition was fierce. Ladies were bumping and falling, pushing and whipping. And fortunately the medical team was only called once and it turned out to not be a major incident. In the final seconds the score was tied. The DJ began to play AC/DC’s song Thunderstruck. As I began to scream the words along with the song into the microphone the crowd bubbled over into hysteria. Yeah, yeah, they, they, they blew our minds. The coaches and teammates were on the sidelines screaming support for their fellow skaters. My mind raced. It was the final jam. The score was tied. Thunderstruck. There was a pause in play. Beatin’ in my heart. The whistle blew. Thunderstruck. The jam began and within seconds it was over again. Now we’re shaking at the knees.  Lansing Derby Vixens score a point; called off the jam to win the bout.  You’ve been thunderstruck! ~Melik a.k.a Blacque Mandu / lansingderbyvixens.com

Lansing | Grand River | Fog

Donald Stouffer called me to let me know there was a great photo op with the moon, Grand River, Winky, Blinky and Whatever. I missed the moon but here's what I was able to come up with before my fingers began to hurt from the near zero temperatures. Now is this fog or steam? These were taken on the edge of the bridge by Moores River Drive

Why is the river creating so much fog / steam?

Night shots are getting more fun for me.

I kind of wish I owned a wide angle lens.

Oh, look at the pretty lights. Interesting I can't see the car.

Three car ghosts.

I caught an edge.

I might try this again on another eve that is not so cold.

~Melik

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Luncheon

On Monday, 17 January 2011 I had the privilege of observing The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission's 26th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Luncheon at the Lansing Center in downtown Lansing, Michigan. Side note - I very much appreciate living no more than 10 minutes from almost everything that I do.


I was pessimistic. I thought to myself this man was assassinated at 6:01 p.m. on April 4, 1968, what possibly could be said almost 43 years later. I made it a point to remain open to the experience. I observed many types of people and the usual suspects were definitely in the house - politicians and those Lansing are big wigs. This was a sold out event with about 825 people in attendance.


Here are some highlights to an uplifting event.

Singing done by Spoken Praise | Fearless Faith Church Ministries

Piano accompaniment and performance by Mr. Ray Potter III. You should check out his solo work.

The Master of Ceremonies was the President/CEO of MSU Federal Credit Union - Mr. Patrick M. McPharlin

A surprise guest was Lt. Governor, Mr. Brian Calley.

Then came a couple of mayors. From East Lansing, Mr. Victor W. Loomis. From Lansing, Mr. Virg Bernero.

There were several selections done by Minister Sharon Lawrence-Taylor

And then after lunch was served Commissioner Dr. Lee June introduced the key note speaker - United States Congressman, Maryland, 7th District - The Honorable Elijah E. Cummings.

If you ever get a chance to hear this man speak you will be enthralled. Not only was he engaging and entertaining, he was jocular and informative. A man that experienced many forms of racism during his life kept a blind eye to it all to reach his primary goal of becoming an lawyer. Through it all he maintains that there is good in everyone. Without directly saying that he is against any wars that we may be involved in as a nation Mr. Cummings stated that our greatest threat to our national security is the failure to educate every single child. He continued to say that Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke on having a sense of urgency for civil rights that Mr. Cummings believes still exists. Mr. Cummings eloquently shared and weaved his history, with this nation's history and brought us to now urging us as individuals to look to the future. He challenged the audience to continue to fight for what is the best for all mankind.

I would have like to have seen a plan of action or suggestions as to how to continue to keep the legacy living through action beyond this enjoyable event.

I am glad I was able to sneak in to this function. I questioned some as to how events like these help people and I was told that it was good to be reminded what was so that we can remember that there is a reason to try to continue to forge ahead for goodness and righteousness. it is also good to be a part of a revival of sorts to energize you so that you can continue to forge ahead.

Maybe next year I can sneak in and get a lunch out of it as well. I'll keep you posted. Until then, my personal challenge is to be more aware of how I can continue the legacy beyond this experience.

And here is more because you know I had to get a video camera in the mix. Check it out on Time Slot [Life In Lansing]

Link: Time Slot | MLK, Jr. Luncheon

~Melik

Lansing Boat Show 2011 | Lansing Center | Lansing, Michigan

Holy moly there is a lot of stuff there everything from a couple of hundred dollars to more than a house...

Just downtown at the Lansing Center.

Kayaks and wave boards.

Here's some video - on what? On Time Slot that's what. Link Lansing Boat Show | Time Slot

Is that a cup holder? Gregg Rollie would appreciate that.

What do you call tailgating when you are on a boat?

This ain't your father's jet ski.

You can put your junk in the trunk.

This is a company that makes boats from 0 to finish right up the road in Owosso, Michigan.

I'm thinking about volunteering for the Coast Guard. Your thoughts? E-mail me at melik4398 @ gmail.com

Elderly Instruments - 1 of my favorite places

I had the privilege of interviewing Keith - sales manager of Elderly. More on that to come, but since I take pictures I would like to share. For everything guitar, banjo, ukulele, and more tucked away in quaint Old Town Lansing, Michigan you will find Guitar Mecca.
Their web site: http://www.elderly.com/
Everyone there is awesomely nice and they will guide you through everything from a guitar pick to a $30,000 vintage collector piece.

This welcomes you.

When you go, ask them about I. O. O. F.

Jimi jammin'

Elderly Instruments 1100 North Washington Lansing, MI, 48906 USA 517-372-7880

Showroom hours (Eastern USA time zone) are: Mon-Wed 11am-7pm, Th 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat 10am-6pm, Closed Sunday.

11:11 1.11.11

One More Time W/ RadioShack

I was stumped. I decided not to take a chance and responded with the full name that I was given.

Robin Shelander,

I assume especially passionate is a positive spin on what seems to be a trend in retail to be especially invasive in order to up sale. Being in the service industry I fully understand the philosophy of trying to guide customers into possibly something a little bit more than what they were looking for. However, I feel this could be done in what I would consider a more symbiotic manner.

The location of the store is: 401 North Clippert Street Lansing, MI 48912 (517) 337-1853

Having shopped at this location over the years I've definitely noticed a change in not only merchandise, services and sales practices the latter has made the task of shopping more of a chore. You are not alone in this trend. There are other business that have caused me to be leery about how I spend money. This incident I've brought to your attention was a pinnacle of frustration bringing together all that I find most annoying with what used to be a simple task of going to the proper store to find that one thing.

Thank you very much for acknowledging receipt of my correspondence. I realize this one event will probably not change the world but at least now I feel someone has been enlightened to something that I have found has been bothering many of us ''shoppers''.

If you feel a phone conversation would be beneficial please let me know and I would be happy to give you a call.

Thank you for your time,

~Melik

A Response From The Shack

Or is it. I noticed that the name is RadioShack, not Radio Shack or The Shack.

Good morning Melik,

Thank you for reaching out to RadioShack to communicate your frustrations about your shopping experience on December 29th.   Our stores do strive to offer outstanding customers service and inform our customers of the many services and products we offer.  My apologies if you were working with an employee who was especially passionate about the scope of our offerings.  

I hope you will share with me the location of the store where you were shopping.  Balance is important in building relationships and trust with our customers.  Your perception of the employees skill set is tremendous information that we would like to share with the staff at the store where you were shopping.   Each day offers learning opportunities, this would be a great one.  The choice is yours and I respect your decision.

If you would like to speak with me directly instead of emailing, please feel free to call my number listed below.  Otherwise, I wish you the best in 2011 and hope you will reconsider shopping at RadioShack in the future.

Respectfully,

Robin Shelander
Customer Service Supervisor
RadioShack Corporation
817-415-0479

Radio Shack - Thank you

This is a copy of an E-mail that I have sent to Radio Shack several times with no response commenting on a recent experience there.


Dear Radio Shack,


The last time I saw you was last Thursday 30 December. Thank you for being conveniently located. Thank you for having hours that kind of match my crazy work schedule. Thank you for having toys, electronics, accessories and those weird watchmacallit doohickies. And thank you for having a staff that is knowledgeable about most of what I am looking for.


I know you want to analyze your clientele but I don’t want to give you my phone number, address or E-mail address. I guess I’m okay with giving you my zip code but with so many businesses doing that I just wish you would take my cash. That’s right – if you could be polite, say hello, and tell me how much my purchase will be please just take my cash and give me what change is due.


If I come in asking question so that I can get the one thing that I need to finish a project I wish you wouldn’t ask me a bunch of questions that do not matter. If I ask you where the routers are located if you basically grunt and point I’m okay with that. Does it really matter who my internet provider is? Does it really matter if I have a cell phone? Does it really matter what type of computer I’m using. I simply asked you for a four port router. If you would have went straight to what size space are you trying to cover I would have been okay with that. But you didn’t you told me that if I changed my cellular phone provider with a great data package I could use the phone to connect my computer to the internet. I tried to be polite, but not only are your questions bothering the heck out of me it seems you have halitosis.  Come to think of it – it is none of your business how much I pay for cellular service. Furthermore it is none of your business how much my internet provider is charging me. It is none of your business when my cell phone contract requirements will be satisfied.


I realize times have changed Radio Shack but if you are going to annoy the hell out of me you could at least give me some information that I can use like the difference between N technology and G technology. You never even mentioned that because you kept saying you can beat whatever price I am paying. I’m sorry but you have no idea what I am paying and it is none of your business.


So Radio Shack, if I do visit you again and ask you a question I will simply repeat myself until you answer my question. If I have more then I will just repeat the process. Your soft hard sell based on commission barrage of questions has become VERY annoying.
Thanks for being there all these years Radio Shack but when or if you see me again you’ll have to forgive me if I seem cold, rude and unwilling to be pumped for information as if you are an agitated bill collector.


Thank you,
~Melik


A few days later I purchased what I needed at Best Buy.

I Got Shafted

How many times have you taken a ride on an elevator? We have a lot of trust in something that we cannot see much of. There is a lot of machinery that goes into making a 'lift' work.

All this seemed really cool when I was taking the picture. I hope it translates.

Howell, Michigan - I kind of got lost

And I was frustrated so I drove around until I found something interesting to freeze frame. In short time I found this...

I do believe it is a can recycling place. This is how they empty trucks.

That's huge.

Makes me wonder what was.

I know it is 'just the sun' but have you ever thought how you would describe the sun to someone that has never seen it before.

How would you describe the sun to someone that has never felt its warmth? The sun is life.

The Other Side of the Christmas Tree

Then I realized I've never seen the Capitol side of the Christmas Tree.

That is the backside of Austin Blair - [Civil] War Governor of Michigan. An opponent of slavery. He supported giving women and blacks the right to vote. He also participated in forming the Republican Party in Jackson, Michigan in 1864.

It's Boji Tower.

And City Hall.