Michigan teen inspires others - by Monica

I found myself being a downer this week. “There’s no good news,” I would tell my mom. I saw, time and time again, people spouting off words to hurt others for no reason at all. And then my mom handed me the newspaper to see a story on the front page. “There is still good things happening every day,” she told me as she handed me the article to read.

This article showed me that, while some people focus on their past and never move forward, using it as an excuse to tear down others as well, other people use their past to build people up and become even stronger.

Read the two Oakland Press articles by Karen Workman:
Benjamin Schiff's story
The public's response

Nineteen-year-old Benjamin Schiff had a hard life, but instead of wallowing, he took a stand. He never met his biological father, was abused by his stepdad, had a mother who ran off when he was 14, and a brother who failed him as well. But he wasn’t a prisoner of his circumstances. His grades in high school earned him first place for last year’s Excellence in Education, a scholarship and recognition program hosted by The Oakland Press and Oakland Schools. He was ranked 14th in his class. On top of that, Schiff is on his way to West Point Military Academy, a very competitive military college. Each year, over half a million kids inquire about the school, and this year, only 1,300 students were accepted. Schiff was one of them.

“A lot of people go there and go into a negative attitude. From my past experiences, I knew I couldn’t go into a negative attitude and I think that’s what helped me out,” Schiff said. “It is what you make of it.”

One woman was so inspired about Schiff’s story that she sent $100 to him.

“It’s just amazing how a young man can pick himself up out of nothing, out of the worst situation and do so much,” 78-year-old Jan Feeny told the Oakland Press.

Schiff teaches people that, with hard work, nothing is impossible. Don’t be the kind of person that takes hard events you’ve been dealt and let it harden your heart and make you give up. Instead, be the kind of person who can look those hard times in the face and be able to say, “You didn’t hold me back! Look where I am today.”

"Good w/ the Bad" -by Kristy

In my life-span psychology class, I learned that one of the keys to understanding human development is that it is characterized by gains and losses. As we develop, our gains and losses are inevitable and often interconnected in many ways. The same can be said about superficial gains and losses throughout life. Many situations in life consist of both good and bad. We happily take the good as it comes just as we deal with the bad as it comes.

How often do you find yourself holding back because of fear? How many opportunities may have passed you by, how many chances might have been missed? We cannot hide from bad situations, they happen. So much of how we recover from them depends on how we handle ourselves. Many things may be out of your control, but how you let it affect you is ultimately your choice. Remember, it's your life and you have the choice to be weak or be strong.

Author Satish Kumar writes, "Sister, pain is part of life. By accepting it, its intensity is reduced. Do not resist it. Resistance to pain brings tension and anxiety, anxiety leads to fear. Fear of pain is worse than pain itself. This pain will pass."

Picture Credit: GettyImages.com

"Chasing Dreams, Literally" -by Kristy

I came across a story on Yahoo News and found it pretty inspiring. Amy Palmiero-Winters has a passion for running. What makes her story unique is that her lower left leg is prosthetic. She recently became the first amputee to qualify for a U.S. national track and field team. She is going to compete in the 24-hour world championships May 13-14 in France. Her story is of great achievement and shows that nothing can hold you back from your dreams if you try hard enough.

Support Michigan talent - by Monica

Read the original article on the Oakland Press.

Felicia Guest from Lake Orion auditioned for the television show "Glee" this week, and whoever gets the most votes by Monday will be on the third season of the show! I think we need to help represent Oakland County and vote for her! She's only 21 years old, and she has the most soulful voice I've ever heard. I really think she could go far.

You can vote for her as many times as you like. Just go to her website at:
feliciaguest.wordpress.com

Making people smile one Post-it note at a time - by Monica

Today, after class, I went to Meijer and in all of the dressing rooms, I posted sticky notes on the mirrors. There are plenty of derogatory remarks etched on walls. What I would love to see is self-esteem boosters posted everywhere to overtake the shallowness. On the Post-its, I wrote things like, “You are beautiful” or “You can achieve your dreams.” I don’t know about you, but there are days when I need to be complimented and encouraged, to feel like I’m not alone. And, maybe, even a sticky note in a dressing room by a stranger can brighten someone’s day. No matter what happened that day, maybe finding that note while trying on a pair of jeans will remind someone that he or she is beautiful.

I got this idea from the website Operation Beautiful, which was created by a 25-year-old woman named Caitlin from Orlando, Florida. As soon as I heard about this site, I immediately went to the book store center and bought myself some Post-its. I began by posting it on a mirror at Oakland University, on a table at Café ‘O Bears, and today in about six dressing rooms.

Caitlin wrote on her site, “I began Operation Beautiful because I am dedicated to ending negative self-talk in girls, woman, and men. Through Operation Beautiful, I hope we can all encourage a positive body image in ourselves and others. I truly believe that your beauty comes from the inside, and your unique qualities that make you YOU should be valued and celebrated.”

This movement is growing in popularity. Every day, Caitlin posts pictures to her blog that others have e-mailed her of sticky notes they’ve either posted or found.

One woman named Diane wrote this on the website: “My husband found this site for me to take a look at. Today was a day of deep depression because of the way I now see myself. I am 54 years old, was diagnosed with breast cancer a bit more than a year ago and have now had my second breast removed last week. I have so many things to be grateful for: being cancer free, having a husband that love me in a way I never thought anyone would love me. Today I broke down several times. I had a doctor’s appointment this afternoon and when I came home there were post it notes all over the house for me. Now he has shown me your website. I look forward to looking at myself differently and accepting that look. One day at a time.”

Who knows how just one Post-it, whether to a stranger or to someone you know, can brighten their outlook. Trust me, people don’t hear enough how great they are. So why not remind them?
I dare you to stick a Post-it somewhere to make someone else smile. We would love to see it – leave a comment or e-mail us at missinspirenews@aol.com with a picture of your Post-it.

A couple of notes I posted in the Meijer dressing rooms today:

"Exciting" -by Kristy

Just a quick update today! Monica and I are really excited to share our blog on the Oakland Press website! We hope any new readers enjoy our happy news. Our updates are on every Monday Wednesday and Friday. :)

Just Smile - by Monica

It’s easy to be happy when everything’s going your way. And even when everything is going our way, sometimes we have a tendency to think of what we don’t have, thinking of how it could be better. But what about being happy when times are hard, even when nothing is going your way? I know for me personally, my moods are very situational. For each happy mood I’m in, it feels like something or someone comes in to ruin it, even something as simple as getting cut off in traffic (which is pretty much a daily occurrence). We go to work – we’re in a bad mood. It rains – we’re in a bad mood. We drive – we’re in a bad mood. We don’t have enough money – we’re in a bad mood. But what if, instead, when these things happen – we smile. We stay positive. Those are the people who I admire the most – the people who, no matter what happens, they stay positive.

View original article by Marc Acito on Wallet Pop:

Mick is one of those people. Mick lives in Oregon. Many people consider Michigan, with the declining economy, as a depressing place to live. But Portland, Oregon was rated the unhappiest city in the U.S. by Business Week, and Oregon was rated last in the happiness index on mainstreet.com. And if someone can bring happiness to the unhappiest state in the U.S., then bringing happiness to Michigan should be a piece of cake.

Mick is a 75-year-old Navy veteran and he, by far, does not have what we would consider a dream job. He is one of those people who stands by himself at the street corner with a sign in hand trying to get passerbys to stop in to the nearby pizza joint. But, despite this, he keeps a smile on his face. He is so positive that he even has his own groupies who bring him food while he’s on his shift. With just a smile, he brightens Oregon, and he uses a job many people would hate to bring happiness to others. He waves and he whoops and he points at drivers passing by. He said when he began working there, it was probably the happiest day of his life.

How much happier would our lives be if we looked for the happiness in everything, even what may seem mundane to others? What if, everyday and no matter what happened, we kept smiling and made it our goal to make at least one other person smile as well? What if instead of complaining about how much we don’t want to be at work, we tried to make it fun? Wouldn’t our lives be so much better if we were thankful for what we had and focused on the happiness in our lives instead of the bad? We all have the capability to bring happiness to others, no matter who we are or what we do.

"2010 NHL playoffs" by Kristy

Tonight is the beginning of the 2010 NHL playoffs. It's an exciting time for my city, the city of Detroit- after all we are Hockeytown. The Detroit Red Wings have overcome many injuries and a lot of criticism throughout the regular season. Many thought they wouldn't even make the playoffs. Throughout March, the Red Wings have been on fire and had the hottest record of any team in the NHL. The Red Wings ended the season surpassing 100 points, which makes that a decade of straight 100+ point seasons. Coming into the playoffs in 5th seed is lower than usual, but they're a threat all the same. I love that our city, which faces much adversity has something like the Red Wings to count on for prosperity and something positive to come together for.

"Keep Your Head Up" -by Kristy

Have you ever noticed how through hard times you learn to grow the most? Maybe you don't realize it as it's happening, but later, after the pieces have been picked up, you're a stronger person because of it. In life, you're going to get dealt good cards and you're going to get dealt bad ones. It's all about rolling with it and making the most of every situation. More often than not, people are miserable because they allow themselves to be. You can either bounce back from negativity or you can stay down. Ultimately, it's your choice to be weak or be strong.

Author Karen Salmansohn writes, "Optimistic people tell themselves that setbacks are temporary, confined to that one situation, and are usually about the other person, not a character defect in themselves. They tend to assume that bad events are an exception, and good things will continue to happen. You can't change your past, but you can control its effects on your future."

You've Got It, Dude - by Monica

Read the original article at The Oakland Press or IRISH Magazine

When I was little, “Full House” was, hands down, my favorite show. Sure, now looking back, the show was a little bit cheesy, but it was a show my family and I could watch together. I feel like shows families can watch together are, today, in short supply. Television shows consist of either a) something you would never in a million years allow your child to watch or b) a TV show you would let your child watch but, when you watch it with them, you can feel your brain turn to Jell-o. “Full House” was a show with plenty of “Awww” moments, the kind of show that actually taught morals to those who watched it. I can tell you now that when I have kids someday (a long ways away, I might add), I will be stocking up on kids shows I watched when I was young.

Did you ever notice that Dave Coulier, who played Joey on Full House, would occasionally dress in a Red Wings jersey? That’s because he’s from Michigan. He actually graduated from the same school my best friend’s dad went to – Notre Dame Harper Woods. This school was also the predecessor to my alma mater, Pontiac Notre Dame Preparatory. Yes, stars are born out of Michigan too.

Coulier recently visited my alma mater and spoke to the student body (I wish he would have come about four years earlier when I still attended). And in the Oakland Press today, I saw a picture of Coulier with the principal and president of NDP along with Father Strasz, my mortality teacher who was infamous for comparing STDs to various food groups with the intent of grossing us out.

Coulier can now be seen as a part of Nick at Nite and ABC Family Network lineups. You can watch reruns of “Full House” on ABC Family at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. on weekdays. This is a great way to spend some family time together.

"friendship" by Kristy

This is just a short and sweet reminder. Never underestimate the importance of having good friends by your side, through good times and bad. Be thankful for them. Return all the good they have done for you. :)

How to avoid tickets - by Monica

This blog entry is dedicated more to something to MAKE you happy because, I don't know about you, but I'm not a huge fan of shelling out $140 or more to get, well, nothing at all in return. There are other things I'd rather spend my money on, even if it means leaving for wherever I have to go five minutes earlier than I usually do. I also think it would make people happy not to have points on their licenses as well. I'm a big fan of being able to drive myself wherever I want to go, so I don't know what I would do if my license was suspended just because I have a tendency to go five miles over the speed limit. Five miles an hour, you ask? Yes, police officers are beginning to issue tickets for only five miles over the speed limit with no mercy on the lead foot drivers that make up America. So, I just figured this is something that's important for everyone to know!

View original article on MSN's website. Content provided by Car and Driver.

More Tickets in Hard Times by George Hunter

Motorists beware: In some communities, police are issuing tickets during these hard times at a rate higher than ever in what critics say is an attempt to raise revenue in order to offset budget shortfalls.

Take, for example, the metropolitan Detroit area, which has been reeling economically much longer than has the rest of the country. The number of moving violations issued has increased by at least 50 percent in 18 communities in the metro area since 2002 — and 11 of those municipalities have seen ticketing increases of 90 percent or more. During that time, Michigan has cut revenue sharing to communities by $3 billion. Officials are scrambling to balance their budgets amid the tumbling economy, and some people say the authorities are turning to traffic cops for help.

The president of a state police union isn't pretending it doesn't happen. James Tignanelli, president of the Police Officers Association of Michigan union, says, "When elected officials say, 'We need more money,' they can't look to the department of public works to raise revenues, so where do they find it? Police departments.

"A lot of police chiefs will tell you the goal is to have nobody speeding through their community, but heaven forbid if it should actually happen — they'd be out of money," Tignanelli says.

Police Chief Michael Reaves of Utica, Michigan, says the role of law enforcement has changed over the years. "When I first started in this job 30 years ago, police work was never about revenue enhancement, but if you're a chief now, you have to look at whether your department produces revenues," he says. "That's just the reality nowadays."

Motorists such as George Hilliard are outraged at the ramped-up traffic enforcement. Hilliard, a 49-year-old warehouse worker who's been laid off, says he got a ticket last year near his home in Dearborn Heights on a section of road where the speed limit drops suddenly from 45 to 35 mph. A few weeks later, his son got a ticket on the same stretch of road. A few weeks after that, according to Hilliard, his other son got a ticket in the same spot.

"The cops sit out there and pick people off, one by one," Hilliard says. "They're catching people left and right. There's a McDonald's right there, and they pull people in there all day. They'll give you a ticket for going five miles over the speed limit. They're making so much money off people, it's ridiculous." Driving 5 mph over the limit is a $90 ticket in Dearborn Heights and tacks two points onto the motorist's driving record.

Garrett TeWinkle of Seal Beach, California, was headed to a wedding in Ohio recently when he was given a speeding ticket in Taylor, a few miles from Detroit Metro Airport.

"I was astounded to get a speeding ticket," TeWinkle says. "Even my wife, who is my harshest critic, says there is no way I was driving as fast as the officer said. I hadn't had a ticket in years.

"I had been under the impression that Michigan was trying to promote tourism," TeWinkle says. "Great way to make a first impression — no wonder the state's economy is in the porcelain."

Kathleen Weckler of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, feels the same way. Last year, on her 80th birthday, she was on her way to the dentist when a police officer in nearby Birmingham gave her a ticket for running a red light. Weckler insists she didn't run the light — "but you can't fight them. It's their word against yours," she says.

"I told one officer that I used to tell my children that police officers are their friend — but with the [ticket] quotas, they are not any more," Weckler says.

Some police officers, such as Sgt. Richard Lyons of Trenton, Michigan, say they don't like being pressured to write more tickets.

"That's not what I got into law enforcement for — to hand out chintzy tickets," says Lyons, a 21-year veteran. "Things have changed from when I first started in this job. There was a time when you'd come in, do your job, and go home.

But I've never felt pressure to bring revenue to the city like we do now.

"It's a whole different ball game now," Lyons says. "They're trying to use police officers to balance the budget on the backs of drivers, and it's too bad. The people we count on to support us and help us when we're on the road are the ones who end up paying the bills, and they're ticked off about it. We might as well just go door to door and tell people, 'Slide us $100 now since your 16-year-old is going to end up paying us anyway when he starts driving.' You can't blame people for getting upset."

Jack Walker of Flint was given two speeding tickets within a few weeks of each other last year while driving in Orion Township. He says police are more aggressive than ever about stopping motorists.

"It's getting ridiculous: Police are using us as their fundraiser, and it's not right," Walker says. "They have more important things to do."