Party On, John; Party On, Horace!

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A funny scene in the 1992 movie Wayne’s World involves Garth (Dana Carvey) and Wayne (Mike Myers) going backstage to meet Alice Cooper at a concert in Milwaukee.

Instead of encountering rock star debauchery, the pair find a sedate and thoughtful Cooper, who launches into an intellectual discourse ranging from 1600s French missionaries to the origins of the city’s name — which, he explains, is “Algonquin for ‘the good land.'” When Cooper mentions that Milwaukee is the only major American city to ever elect three socialist mayors, Wayne says: “Does this guy know how to party, or what?”

Here’s a little Detroit history. The Dodge brothers Horace and John were brilliant automakers, and we celebrate their 100th anniversary this year. But what you may not know is that the brothers knew how to party, too. See what else George Bulanda found out about these turn of the century pillars of society (page 78).

For our “Best of Detroit” coverage, we did a little rock star-style partying ourselves — posing a few readers and models in situations inspired by some great album covers (remember vinyl?). See page 86.

And yes, this belongs in the Shameless Self-Promotion Hall of Fame, but there’s a reason we named our own party as one of the “101 Things Every Detroiter Should Do.” Come see for yourself on June 27 at the MotorCity Casino Hotel as we celebrate the “Best of Detroit” with food from select restaurants, drinks, and entertainment — and it supports charities, as well.

Horace and John would approve. Party on, Detroit!

 

P.S. ‘WE’RE NOT WORTHY!’ … (WELL, MAYBE WE ARE.)

This issue’s deadline coincided with SPJ (Society of Professional Journalists) Detroit’s annual Excellence in Journalism program. Last year we took home 10 awards … so this year, we followed up with 14. Here’s the rundown:

Associate Editor Monica Mercer won first place in the Feature Story category for her “Philanthropy 2.0” (December 2013) story and third place for Best Localization of National Story, “Word of Mouth” (February 2013).
Art Director Cassidy Zobl won second and third place for Cover Design (April 2013 and October 2013, respectively). And she took first and second for Magazine Spread Design: “Detroit-Style Pizza” (July 2013) and “Best Dressed: Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.” (November 2013).
Former Senior Editor Mark Kurlyandchik took second place for Explanatory Story, “Ebb and Flow” (May 2013).
Freelance Writer Richard Bak won first place for Localization of National Story, “The Darkest Friday” (November 2013), and third place in Feature Story, “Twist of Fate” (March 2013).
Freelance Writer Lynn Henning took first place in Sports Reporting for “Anatomy of a Manager” (April 2013).
Freelance Writer Tom Murray won second place for General News Reporting for “Court of Compassion” (February 2013).
Freelance Photographer Roy Ritchie won first place in Feature Photography for “Best of Detroit” (June 2013) and third place for “The Hour of Enchantment” (April 2013).
Freelance Photographer Jenny Risher received an Honorable Mention for Feature Photography, “Call to Arms: Fall Fashion” (September 2013).