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.
In recent years, veterinarians have stepped in to provide a quick, cost-effective place on the Internet for owners to have their questions answered and get solid advice no matter the time of the day.
In recent years, veterinarians have stepped in to provide a quick, cost-effective place on the Internet for owners to have their questions answered and get solid advice no matter the time of the day.
Los Angeles & SoCal NewsLos Angeles & SoCal NewsMore>>
Tuesday, May 14 2013 6:04 PM EDT2013-05-14 22:04:37 GMT
Citing problems exposed by the Boston Marathon bombings, senators weighing amendments to a sweeping immigration bill agreed Tuesday to boost security provisions around student visas.
Citing problems exposed by the Boston Marathon bombings, senators weighing amendments to a sweeping immigration bill agreed Tuesday to boost security provisions around student visas.
Tuesday, May 14 2013 2:31 PM EDT2013-05-14 18:31:41 GMT
[VIEW PHOTO GALLERY] They range in age, but they all think alike. They're Simi Valley's K-9 search and rescue, and these women go out at all hours of the night to save dogs that have gone missing.
[VIEW PHOTO GALLERY] They range in age, but they all think alike. They're Simi Valley's K-9 search and rescue. Using Facebook and some serious tracking techniques the women of Simi Valley Missing Pets go out at all hours of the night to save dogs that have gone missing.
Tuesday, May 14 2013 2:24 PM EDT2013-05-14 18:24:37 GMT
Today is crunch time for the operators of medical-marijuana dispensaries in Garden Grove. The police chief has sent them letters telling them they must close by today or face fines of 1-thousand dollars.
Today is crunch time for the operators of medical-marijuana dispensaries in Garden Grove. The police chief has sent them letters telling them they must close by today or face fines of 1-thousand dollars.
Tuesday, May 14 2013 2:48 AM EDT2013-05-14 06:48:17 GMT
There is one residential detox center across the street from Bertran Elementary in Reseda. Two others are right around the corner, and two more are being built nearby.
There is one residential detox center across the street from Bertran Elementary in Reseda. Two others are right around the corner, and two more are being built nearby.
Monday, May 13 2013 9:08 PM EDT2013-05-14 01:08:41 GMT
A 25-acre wildfire has shut down some northbound lanes of Interstate 5 in Castaic, north of Los Angeles, and is threatening a mobile home park.
A 25-acre wildfire started by a burning vehicle north of Los Angeles slowed northbound traffic on Interstate 5 to a crawl Monday and threatened a mobile home park, as hot weather and tinder-dry vegetation kept fire crews busy.
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.
