Britney on "Glee" - by Kristy

Fox's hit show "Glee" featured Britney Spears on last night's episode. Over 13 million viewers tuned in to see the pop princess-themed episode. The cast performed several of her earlier career hits, such as "...Baby One More Time", "Stronger", and "I'm a Slave 4 U". After the recent difficult years Britney has gone through, it was great to see her in such a positive light again. She is an amazing performer and has worked hard for her career and I think she deserves to be praised more for all she has done to shape the entertainment industry. I am happy that "Glee" recgonized her in this way.

Quotes to Perk Up Your Monday -by Kristy

Happy Monday everyone. I thought today might be a good day to share a couple motivational quotes from Values.com, hope you enjoy!

“After all these years, I am still involved in the process of self-discovery. It's better to explore life and make mistakes than to play it safe. Mistakes are part of the dues one pays for a full life.”

“Your living is determined not so much by what life brings to you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at what happens.”

“There's only us, there's only this. Forget regret, or life is yours to miss. No other road, no other way, no day but today.”

“Don't be afraid to be amazing.”

Facebook founder donates millions to struggling school district - by Monica

Photo credit: thenextweb
Original article: Facebook founder's $100M gift could change Newark

A guy at work was talking to us yesterday that he doesn't know anyone who worries more about money and are more stingy with their money than the rich. He said that the richest people he knows are the ones who are constantly looking at how to get more money and are the least likely to donate their money to those in need.

To me, this seemed like a very sad fact.

So, when reading the Oakland Press today, I was happy to read about the donation a very rich man is giving to a school district in need.

You would have to live under a rock not to know what Facebook is. And Mark Zuckerberg, the 26-year-old founder of Facebook who is worth $4 billion, is giving an $100 million stock donation to Newark, New Jersey's education.

He is expected to announce this donation today at 4 p.m. on Oprah.

Zuckerberg is one of high-tech's more generous philanthropists.

According to the article in the Oakland Press by AP writers GEOFF MULVIHILL and SAMANTHA HENRY:

The Newark district, which has about 40,000 students and a $940 million annual budget, has been plagued for years by low test scores, poor graduation rates and crumbling buildings, and was taken over by the state in 1995 after instances of waste and mismanagement, including the spending of taxpayer money by school board members on cars and restaurant meals.

We all have the ability to help those in need -- whether we are rich or poor or whether by donating our time or our money. There will always be people worse off than we are. And for Zuckerberg, there are many people who are worse off than he is. And he is using the money he has made to help those who are in need instead of hoarding it all for himself.

My dream of reporting from D.C. came true (well...sort of) - by Monica

So, as I have talked about before -- a couple of weeks ago I went on vacation to Virginia to visit my boyfriend's brother and went to D.C. for three days. Well, being the journalism nerd that I am, I fell in love while in D.C. I fell in love with a museum I didn't even know existed.

It's called the Newseum, and I really can't believe it's not more popular than it is. Housed in the Newseum are hundreds and hundreds of headlines and newspaper articles of memorable events, award-winning journalists' photography, a few of Elvis' jumpsuits, a piece of the Berlin wall, the top of the World Trade Center and a chunk of the Pentagon. There was also a gift shop (where I bought the above coffee cup). Sadly, there was no Oakland Press articles there (laaame)...only Detroit Free Press articles. I'm hoping in the years to come, I can help change this *wink*wink*.

But anyway, one of my favorite parts of being at the museum was making my own mock broadcast. Seeing myself reporting from "the White House" was surreal, something I always wondered what it would look like (even if I was actually standing in front of a green screen):

Detroit - by Kristy

Tomorrow night on ABC a new show will premiere called Detroit 1-8-7. It's a drama about crime and law enforcement in, you guessed it, Detroit. I think this is a great and exciting thing for the city. So often people have the tendency to look at Detroit in a negative light. I hope this show can put a different spin on the views people have. If Detroit was really a waste, then movies and television shows wouldn't be flocking here like they have the past couple years to film. Detroit has a lot to offer and it's cool to see Hollywood take notice. Many movie stars have admitted their apprehensions towards filming in Detroit, only to immediately take it all back after they actually visit. I think this new show and new spotlight on the city is an inspiring story. It proves that things aren't always as they seem and if you look hard enough you can see beauty in something that may seem rundown at first glance.

A new window of opportunity - by Monica

I know that following your dreams is a common subject I talk about. But after a horrible week (which I know isn't happy news), I came across this article in the Oakland Press by Catherine Galasso, who's syndicated columns are published worldwide. And it really helped me to keep my head up despite the bad news it felt like I kept getting dished this week.

I know that when you're going through tough times, the last thing you want to hear is, "Sometimes bad things happen so better things can fall into place." "But it hurts NOW," you think. The last think you care about is that, in the future, it will get better.

But I learned this week that if you keep wallowing in it, it is less likely that things will get any better any time soon. That's what inspired me by Galassso's article. When you want something, you need to WORK at it. You can just sit back and feel sorry for yourself because you aren't getting what you wanted.

Galasso wrote, Yesterday, I received an email from a reader who lost a job that she really loved and feared she would never find anything quite as good. Rather than focusing on uncertainties, she looked ahead and began to see in her mind’s eye new possibilities for her future and pursued them. “A few months later,” she wrote, “I found another job right around the corner from home, with the same exact hours as before, and the salary was even better.”

Meet Henrik Zetterberg - by Kristy

Henrik Zetterberg of the Detroit Red Wings will be doing an autograph signing on Thursday September 23rd at Hockeytown Authentics in Troy. Not only do fans have a great opportunity to meet Hank the Hunk but it's also for a good cause. In exchange for a wristband to guarantee your autograph, fans need to either bring a smoke detector or a $10 donation which supports the Red Wings foundation and local fire departments.

Unfortunately I have plans that day which will prevent me from attending, but luckily Hank is one of the few Red Wings players I have already had the chance to meet. If you can, make sure you take advantage of this awesome opportunity! It supports the community and you walk away with an autograph from one the National Hockey League's finest.

Motivation by Kristy

Something happened yesterday that sparked my topic idea of motivation for today’s entry. Motivation is such a critical thing to be able to manifest. Sometimes when something doesn’t go your way, the best thing you can do is learn from it. The best thing you can do is take the bad and turn it into good. Turn it around and strive to be vindicated and have things go your way. With enough motivation, I believe, almost anything can be possible.

So the situation that brought on this entry was the season opener for the Detroit Lions at the Chicago Bears yesterday. The Lions opened the season with a loss that could have, should have, would have, been a win. I’ll spare the details and cut right to the end: with seconds left Calvin Johnson caught a pass and what he thought was the game winning touchdown with seconds left in the game. The problem? The touchdown was overturned due to a new rule. This rule basically states that a catch only counts if the "process" of the catch is completed. In the eyes of many, he caught the ball and it was clearly a touchdown BUT since he let go of it after he fell to the ground it was overturned. If you are confuse or if you think this sounds ridiculous or even stupid, well then join the rest of the NFL fan base. I’ve already read thousands of comments from fans showing their disgust for the league and this rule.

It’s one thing to lose, but it’s another thing to lose due to a controversial call. And it seems to me that Detroit sports teams and fans are all too familiar with this feeling. The referees more or less handed the playoff series over to the San Jose Sharks when they played the Detroit Red Wings this past May. Detroit Tigers pitcher Galarraga was robbed of his perfect game earlier this season. And now the Detroit Lions, who can hardly win as it is, get robbed of what would have been their first win on the road in over 4 years. Now as depressing as those facts are, it’s important to not dwell. Some of the best growth can come from loss. You need take misfortunate and turn it into motivation.

And what is Detroit Lions linebacker Zack Follett’s motivation for December 5th’s rematch at home against the Chicago Bears? That would be their classless fans. His Facebook status says, “Leaving the stadium as I look out the window Chicago fans flipping us the bird.. I don't think they realize what we WILL do to them later this season”. I think that’s a perfect example of motivation in the making.

Whatever it takes to get motivated, just realize its importance, and go with it. Any hope, dream, wish, can be yours if you want it enough. Determination and motivation matter.

What Michigan has that no one else can beat - by Monica

As I wrote in my last entry, this week I'm on vacation in Virginia to visit my boyfriend's brother. Currently, I am in D.C. at a Washington Nationals baseball game, writing my blog entry on my phone. No, I have not switched over to the dark side (which is the side of anything but the blue and orange). I do have to say, I have witnessed firsthand that no one has fans as energetic as like Michigan does. Our loyalty, through the good and the bad, always stays just as strong.
I, personally, think that says something about the people of Michigan.

That's what my boyfriend's brother Dale says he misses the most about Michigan...going to our sports' games. Even though he's lived here for 17 years, still he roots for Michigan teams, and even has the Tigers cheer as his ring tone.

What is your favorite thing about Michigan that no other state can beat?

[Update]
So, I figured just to demonstrate Dale's withstanding loyalty to Michigan teams, I would should you a couple pictures of his computer room:

Realizing your dreams - by Monica

Image credit: louisfelix.com
Ever since I was three years old, before I even knew how to write, I knew I wanted to be a writer. I would make up words to the pictures in the Reader's Digest magazine and would tell my mom the words to stories I would make up in my head. This is always what I wanted to do.

I have been in Virginia this week (which is where I am as I currently write this blog entry), visiting my boyfriend's brother and his family. I was helping his 10-year-old girl Myah with her homework tonight after dinner, and I was reminded of my big dreams when I was little (big dreams that have held true, even to this day). In her homework assignment, she was asked what great person she would want to emulate. This is when she informed me that she wants to be a fashion designer someday, so I went online with her to help her find which designer she wants to be like someday. Of course, Myah choose Vera Wang as her example.

The stars in her eyes when she saw the dresses and the way she exclaimed that this made her want to start drawing dresses as well made me smile. I could see how bright this 10-year-old's future was by watching her looking through the dresses.

Do you remember when you where little, how the world seemed so big and everything felt possible? I could see that in Myah's eyes today, and I remembered what that felt like. But I have met many adults who give up on their dreams. Hearing Myah talk about what she wants to be, I never wanted her to lose that inspiration like so many of us adults have in our lifetimes. I wanted her to believe anything is possible...because it is. And we need to remember that true -- that anything IS possible and that our dreams are within our reach...if we are willing to work for them.

So, in this blog, I want to challenge you to remember what your dream was when you were younger? Is that still your dream? Have you compromised on that dream?

If the answer to all of the above is yes, I just want to say what I said to Myah -- your dream IS possible! And you should fight for it, never compromising.

Here is an excerpt from an article I read on ezinearticle.com that I encourage you to read.

You know what's sad? When a parent pushes their child to not give up on their dreams but that child constantly sees that their parent has. As parents, we have to set the example for our children and allow them to see a role model who strives to be their very best. That child will not have a reason to give up on anything because they don't see their example in the household doing it. Experiencing the rewards that come from your accomplishment feels pretty good and that child is going to want to have that feeling as well. If the road that you are currently on is not satisfactory to you, it's ok to take a step back and regroup. Put a plan together that you can stick to so that you can make that detour pay off big for you! There are 24 hours in a day. Utilize these hours to the best of your ability! When you want something, and you want it bad...you will do what it takes to get it! So if you have to dedicate a couple of hours a day towards your plan so that you can achieve the goals that are for you, so be it! Because you know what's amazing? When you discover what it takes for you to get on your path and put a plan into place, you'll begin to notice so many things falling into your lap. All of the pieces of the complicated puzzle will begin to fall into place. So if you haven't already done so, get out a piece a paper and just do it! Don't fight it anymore because it's past time for you to experience the greatness you have been preventing yourself from achieving. Start working on your plan now so that your life can get back on track and you can begin to get ahead on accomplishing your dreams! It's time to start living the life you're supposed to live. Our lives are like a maze, it seems really complicated when you begin, but make the right turns and you'll realize that it wasn't so challenging after all.

Fall by Kristy

Labor Day is often seen as the holiday which signifies the end of summer and time to head back to school.

Many people don't like to say goodbye to summer, but I have to say fall is one of my favorite seasons. It brings cooler weather, hockey + football seasons, cider mills, and Halloween. This is the time of year that Starbucks offers their seasonal drinks, like the popular Pumpkin Spice Latte. What are your favorite things about Fall?

The future is bright...the future is green - by Monica

Put on my pajamas. Wash my face. Brush my teeth. Plug in my phone.

I'm sure thousands of other people have added plugging in their phone to their list of nightly rituals in the past decade. It takes me a couple seconds, and it has just become a habit to me.

Don't you wish everything was this easy?

Well, in the near future (within the next year or so), it looks like we'll be able to do this with our cars. And, to me, I am liking the concept of being able to plug my car in while I sleep, like I do my cell phone, instead of buying gas.

You can read the original article in the Oakland Press about the future of cars.

In the article by Susan Peck, special to the Oakland Press, Steve Irwin, who is the marketing representative of a company that is working on making these charging stations, told her that the low cost of operation is an incentive and that future municipal charging stations may be free.

“It costs about a dollar a day to operate an electric car and you get about 40 or 50 miles per charge, perfect for city driving. If you are charging at home, you can do it at night when the electric rates are lowest, just like you charge your phone for the next day,” Irwin said.

Photo credit: How Stuff Works

Online World - by Kristy

Many people argue that the internet and the many social networking sites that are offered kills the actual face to face communication among my generation. I would most certainly agree with that statement. Think about it, how many times have you written on someone's Facebook wall instead of picking up the phone or driving over to their house? Probably a majority of the time. The internet changes the way we communicate. Some people might think this is a bad thing. And I'll agree, it's controversial. It is certainly healthy for young kids to get outside and play instead of being hidden away in their rooms chatting over the computer.

But an interesting flip side to the controversy is Skype. Skype allows people to chat via webcam over the internet. It brings people across the globe closer who cannot simply get in a car and drive to visit with a friend or family member. It's the best substitution for face to face communication when oceans separate you and a loved one. Not to mention this amazing service is available free. A close friend of mine is studying abroad and when she gets homesick, Skype can help cure her blues. And it's a neat way for her friends and family to actually see what she is experiencing.



So while the internet can often isolate and separate many of us, it also can miraculously bring people across the world together - and that is truly a blessing.