Stay in Detroit

Stay in Detroit

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On Saturdays I spend a lot of time at the Dearborn, MI library (shown previously) as they have lots of computers with OK access and long hours. On Saturday and Sunday mornings I often go to the Southfield Ballys as they have a pool (I do a couple of laps) and a whirlpool which feels so good after all the exercise I get on the line at work. Here is a picture of the Southfield Ballys.
Here is the library in Hazel Park with the nicest internet access, and they allow uploads of JPeg (picture) files from my diskettes (where my Sony Mavica camera stores them). They also allow you to reserve time on the internet for up to an hour. However, I try not use their computers to excess as they only have four and they are in big demand.
Every day after work I go to ETS Staffing to turn in my time sheet, get my check for the day ($50 for eight hours or $42.38 after taxes) and get a new sheet for tomorrow. They have asked for me to come back for 2 and 1/2 weeks, but only on a daily basis. I accumlate several checks and then mail them in to my bank, but almost everyone else walks down to the 'smokes' shop to cash their check and get smokes. Almost everyone I work with now smokes, though never in the building (it is strongly prohibited which is good with the paint fumes and such).
Dollar Stores seem even more popular in working neighborhoods in Detoit area than anywhere else I have seen. This little strip mall had two of these stores. In Family Dollar I got hard candy which I like and which were cheap enough ($1 for 96 candies) that I can share readily with all the other people on the line. I don't 'bum' cigarettes, but I am happy to share such candy. In the other store I got 15 ounces of Cheerio clones (TasteeO's by Ralston) for $1. That is a great buy.
On Sep 22, 2001 I visited Ann Arbor and went to the Syda Yoga Meditation Center there. Here is the building they are in (they lease commercial space there). There is a lovely open area in the center. I attended the Saturday evening chant from 7PM to 8PM which was a small group (about 4, but with live musicians, very nice). Then stayed over in the parking lot across the street and meditated at 6:30AM (allowed me to use the bathroom, whew). There were about 5 for meditation, but the Gurugita at 8:30AM had a pretty big crowd (about 20). Then they had a family Satsang at 10:30AM which was wonderful. A short play by the kids, chanting with a dancing saptah, and a brief meditation. Truly magical.
Here is the interior (sort of mall area) of the Arbor Atrium where they meet. The area they meet is on the center floor (same level as picture view) on the far left while their Amrit (where they have meals and such) and bookstore are on the lower level on the far right. Anyway, on Sep 27, 2001 I went to their Thursday evening Satsang. There was an M.C. who shared a little bit, then a phone call from Swami Dharmananda from S. Fallsburg, NY, chanting, and meditation. About 40 people attended. It was great. Before and after the program people visited in the sort of mall area shown here.