Talking with Charlie LeDuff, even over a satellite link is an adventure. He moved out of the Motor City (like so many have), hit the heights of journalism with the New York Times ("heights", spelled P-u-l-i-t-z-e-r), only to quit and move back to the city of his roots. And what he found was surprising and depressing even to a reporter used to dealing with hard facts.
The crime, corruption, lethargy, racial divides ... all of it had cannibalized Detroit. LeDuff had to document it. And what a Hell of a book resulted. I wish everyone who reads Detroit: An American Autopsy could talk with Charlie. He's as much of a character as the character he writes about. You can tell he's aware of his big personality, his theatrical delivery and he uses it to entertain us into learning—to motivate us to push back.
Charlie called me after the interview to compliment me on making it a smooth conversation. All I did was open the door and let LeDuff work the room. Read the book. Really. You won't be disappointed.
When he comes to LA to visit, he says we're grabbing a drink. I'm holding him to it.
Certain projects, such as adding a well thought-out family room can be a wise investment, as they do add to the value of the home. Other projects, however, allow little opportunity to recover the costs when it's time to sell.
Certain projects, such as adding a well thought-out family room can be a wise investment, as they do add to the value of the home. Other projects, however, allow little opportunity to recover the costs when it's time to sell.
People who follow the ancient practice of yoga may be getting an added health boost, with a new study suggesting it can fight high blood pressure -- also known as hypertension.
People who follow the ancient practice of yoga may be getting an added health boost, with a new study suggesting it can fight high blood pressure -- also known as hypertension.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 11:55 AM EDT2013-05-21 15:55:39 GMT
An NYPD detective is accused of hacking into department computers and obtaining information about dozens of people including co-workers. Edwin Vargas was arrested Tuesday outside his home in Bronxville,
An NYPD detective is accused of hacking into department computers and obtaining information about dozens of people including co-workers.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 7:33 AM EDT2013-05-21 11:33:20 GMT
A New Jersey priest who resigned after admitting he worked unsupervised with kids despite a legal agreement that barred him from doing so is headed to court.
A New Jersey priest who resigned after admitting he worked unsupervised with kids despite a legal agreement that barred him from doing so is headed to court.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 7:23 AM EDT2013-05-21 11:23:53 GMT
The New York jury on which Caroline Kennedy served has acquitted a man of dealing crack cocaine. Kennedy was juror No. 7 at the trial of Harlem resident Nelson Chatman.
The New York jury on which Caroline Kennedy served has acquitted a man of dealing crack cocaine. Kennedy was juror No. 7 at the trial of Harlem resident Nelson Chatman.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:51 AM EDT2013-05-21 10:51:26 GMT
The Metropolitan Opera says it's decided to disband its resident ballet company.
The Metropolitan Opera says it's decided to disband its resident ballet company. The American Guild of Musical Artists said the eight remaining dancers of the Metropolitan Opera Ballet have accepted buyout packages.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:06 AM EDT2013-05-21 10:06:47 GMT
Looking for some waterfront property in tony Greenwich? A 50-acre compound known as Copper Beach Farm has hit the market with an asking price of $190 million.
Looking for some waterfront property in tony Greenwich? A 50-acre compound known as Copper Beach Farm has hit the market with an asking price of $190 million.
Monday, May 20 2013 10:42 PM EDT2013-05-21 02:42:18 GMT
Omar Morales feels lucky to be here for his son Joshua's 10th birthday on Monday. Morales was one of the passengers on board a USAir flight that made an emergency landing at Newark Liberty.
Omar Morales feels lucky to be here for his son Joshua's 10th birthday on Monday. Morales was one of the passengers on board a USAir flight that made an emergency landing at Newark Liberty.
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Tuesday, May 21 2013 11:49 AM EDT2013-05-21 15:49:04 GMT
A scant turnout is expected Tuesday when voters choose between two City Hall regulars who failed to bring much sparkle to the contest to succeed Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who exits office July 1.
A scant turnout is expected Tuesday when voters choose between two City Hall regulars who failed to bring much sparkle to the contest to succeed Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who exits office July 1 after two up-and-down terms.
The California Public Utilities Commission has reached a proposed $37 million settlement with Southern California Edison over the October 2007 Malibu Canyon Fire.
The California Public Utilities Commission has reached a proposed $37 million settlement with Southern California Edison over the October 2007 Malibu Canyon Fire.
Monday, May 20 2013 1:33 PM EDT2013-05-20 17:33:25 GMT
A big rig carrying about 35,000 pounds of grapes crashed through the center divider of the eastbound Foothill (210) Freeway in Monrovia today.
A big rig carrying about 35,000 pounds of grapes crashed through the center divider of the eastbound Foothill (210) Freeway in Monrovia today, blocking some lanes but resulting in no injuries, the California Highway Patrol reported.
Monday, May 20 2013 10:51 AM EDT2013-05-20 14:51:01 GMT
Los Angeles World Airports plans to name the grand new central hall of the LAX international terminal the "Antonio R. Villaraigosa Pavilion," it was reported today.
Los Angeles World Airports plans to name the grand new central hall of the LAX international terminal the "Antonio R. Villaraigosa Pavilion," it was reported today.
Saturday, May 18 2013 3:40 AM EDT2013-05-18 07:40:51 GMT
Maribel Ramos, 36, was last seen on surveillance video dropping off her rent check about 8:30 p.m. May 2 in Orange. Roomate has been arrested for her murder.
Maribel Ramos, 36, was last seen on surveillance video dropping off her rent check about 8:30 p.m. May 2 in Orange. Roomate has been arrested for her murder.
