5th Dec 2016 – Big Mac, Blue Waters

Big Mac, Blue Waters

Photo of the Mackinac Bridge, which connects the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of Michigan, with the blue waters of Lake Huron and Lake Michigan roiling gentle below… The bridge stretches out of site, and can bring about feelings of yearning for that which is out of reach, yet attainable. (Alternately, homesickness for Michiganders who have diaspora’d.)

 

The Mackinac Bridge is a suspension bridge spanning the Straits of Mackinac to connect the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of the U.S. state of Michigan. Opened in 1957, the 26,372-foot bridge (familiarly known as “Big Mac” and “Mighty Mac”) is the world’s 17th-longest main span and the longest suspension bridge between anchorages in the Western Hemisphere. The Mackinac Bridge is part of Interstate 75 and the Lakes Michigan and Huron components of the Great Lakes Circle Tours across the straits; it is also a segment of the U.S. North Country National Scenic Trail. The bridge connects the city of St. Ignace on the north end with the village of Mackinaw City on the south.

Envisioned since the 1880s, the bridge was designed by the engineer David B. Steinman and completed in 1957 only after many decades of struggles to begin construction.

15th Aug, 2016 – Ifuru na Oge Ntoju

Ifuru na Oge Ntoju

Photograph of an African-American model of Igbo descent in front of a bush in bloom. This was taken in Michigan some time ago, but I enjoy the contrasting colors and the naturalistic look of the shot…

8th Aug, 2016 – Ambassador of Windsor

Ambassador of Windsor

A view of the Ambassador Bridge from the Windsor side, looking towards Detroit. I took this picture early in the morning during my surprise trip home to visit my father last year, on my way to get some picture of the Detroit Waterfront at night and sunrise. (Those will be appearing in the blog soon…)

The Ambassador Bridge (officially the Ambassador International Bridge) is a suspension bridge that connects Detroit, Michigan, in the United States, with Windsor, Ontario, Canada. It is the busiest international border crossing in North America in terms of trade volume: more than 25 percent of all merchandise trade between the United States and Canada crosses the toll bridge. A 2004 Border Transportation Partnership study showed that 150,000 jobs in the region and US$13 billion in annual production depend on the Detroit–Windsor international border crossing.

Jul 25th, 2016 – Snowball in the Sill

Snowball in the Sill

Snapshot of my father’s cat- which is a surprise, since he isn’t fond of cats. But I guess the wife won out… Plus, Snowball is quite friendly, which did win him over a bit.

Dec 14th, 2015 – Winter Whirl

Winter Whirl

As the Winter Solstice approaches, enjoy a picture of a girl taking a winter whirl…

August 31st, 2015 – Demetrios Ypsilantis Stands Tall

Bust and Tower of Ypsilanti

The city of Ypsilanti, Michigan in the United States – founded in 1825, during the Greek struggle for independence – is named after Demetrios. A bust of him stands between American and Greek flags at the base of the landmark Ypsilanti Water Tower, as you can see above.

A member of an important Phanariote family, Demetrios Ypsilantis (Δημήτριος Υψηλάντης) was the second son of Prince Constantine Ypsilantis of Moldavia. He was sent to France where he was educated at a French military school. He then distinguished himself as a Russian officer in the campaign of 1814. And in 1821, he lead a Greek rebellion in Moldavia that indirectly benefited the Principalities (of Moldavia and Wallachia).

In 1821, Ypsilantis went to the Morea, where the Greek War of Independence had just broken out. He was one of the most conspicuous of the Phanariote leaders during the early stages of the revolt, though he was much hampered by the local chiefs and by the civilian element headed by Prince Alexander Mavrocordatos. As a result, the organisation of a regular army was slowed and operations were limited.

On 15 January 1822, he was elected president of the legislative assembly. However, due to the failure of his campaign in central Greece, and his failure to obtain a commanding position in the national convention of Astros, he was compelled to retire in 1823.

In 1828, he was appointed by Ioannis Kapodistrias as commander of the troops in eastern Greece. On 25 September 1829, he successfully compelled the Turkish commander Aslan Bey to capitulate at the Pass of Petra, thus ending the active operations of the war.

~ via Wikipedia

Aug 19th, 2013 – The Caboose of Depot Town in Ypsilanti

The Caboose of Depot Town in Ypsilanti

The Caboose of Depot Town in Ypsilanti, Michigan – located near Frog Island and Riverside Park in Ypsilanti, the Caboose has been a small fixture in the town for decades. It is a remnant of the original Michigan Central Depot, from which the area took its name. The freighthouse, built in 1878, does still stand, and the area immediately around the freighthouse is home to the Depot Town Farmers’ Market. But outside of the market is where this little caboose still stands.