Summer Concert Series - by Monica

“Music speaks what cannot be expressed"

Music is one thing in life that is universal.

Oakland County's concert schedule has been released for the Palace of Auburn Hills, DTE in Clarkston and Meadow Brook in Rochester. To me, that's a huge part, and one of the happiest parts, of summer -- sitting on the lawn with friends and singing at the top of our lungs to our favorite songs. Last year, Backstreet Boys was hands down the most memorable.

Now, here's to the start of your most musical summer yet.

MAY

Sunday, May 15: Usher with Akon and Dev + The Cataracs, “OMG Tour 2011” (R&B/hip hop), The Palace of Auburn Hills, 7:30 p.m., $1.50, $80.50, $70.50, $50.50 and $30.50 reserved.

Tuesday, May 17; Thursday, May 19 and Saturday, May 21: Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band (classic rock), The Palace of Auburn Hills, May 17 and May 19 at 7:30 p.m., May 21 at 8 p.m., $69. reserved, plus applicable fees.

Wednesday, May 25: Doobie Brothers (classic rock), DTE Energy Music Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $37.50 pavilion, $10 lawn.

Friday, May 27: Eddie Money (classic rock), DTE Energy Music Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $34.50 pavilion, $10 lawn.

Saturday, May 28: Cirque D’Or (family show), Meadow Brook Music Festival, 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., $22. pavilion, $17 General Admission pavilion.

JUNE

Friday, June 3: Phish (jam rock), DTE Energy Music Theatre, 7 p.m., $60 pavilion, $45 lawn.

Saturday, June 4: The Music of Led Zeppelin: A Rock Symphony (classic rock/tribute), DTE Energy Music Theatre, 8 p.m., $32.50, $25, $20, $15 and $10 pavilion, $10 lawn.

Monday, June 6: Ray LaMontagne & the Pariah Dogs with The Secret Sisters and Brandi Carlile (pop/rock), Meadow Brook Music Festival, 7 p.m., $45 pavilion, $30 lawn.

Friday, June 10: George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic with MC Hammer and Morris Day and the Time (funk/hip hop), DTE Energy Music Theatre, 7 p.m., $60, $50 and $30 pavilion, $10 lawn.

Sunday, June 12: Huey Lewis and the News (classic rock), DTE Energy Music Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $37.50 pavilion, $10 lawn.

Monday, June 13: “Glee Live! In Concert!” (pop), The Palace of Auburn Hills, 7:30 p.m., $92.50 and $52.50 reserved.

Tuesday, June 14: Rihanna with B.o.B and J. Cole, “Loud Tour” (R&B/hip hop), The Palace of Auburn Hills, 7:30 p.m., $102.75, $62.75, $42.75 and $22.75 reserved.

Thursday, June 16: New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys with Jordin Sparks, “NKOTBSB Tour” (pop), The Palace of Auburn Hills, 7:30 p.m., $92.50, $72.50, $52.50 and $32.50 reserved.

Thursday, June 16: The Go:Go’s and The B:52’s, “Ladies Gone Wild” tour (pop/rock), DTE Energy Music Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $42.50 and $25 pavilion, $10 lawn.

Wednesday, June 22: Earth, Wind & Fire, “40th Anniversary World Tour” (R&B), DTE Energy Music Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $59.50 and $29.50 pavilion, $15 lawn. Lawn ticket four-packs at $44. On sale at 10 a.m. Friday, May 6.

Thursday, June 23: The All:Star Magic Show, in association with the Society of American Magicians, featuring performers Mike Miller, Mark Weidhaas and Jania Taylor (magic show), Meadow Brook Music Festival, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., $15 reserved pavilion, $10 general admission pavilion.

Friday, June 24: Tim McGraw and the Dancehall Doctors with Luke Bryan and The Band Perry, “Emotional Traffic Tour” (country), DTE Energy Music Theatre, 7 p.m., $75 and $39 pavilion, $29.75 lawn. Lawn ticket four-packs at $99.

Friday, June 24: Buddy Guy with Quinn Sullivan and Jonny Lang (blues), Meadow Brook Music Festival, 7:30 p.m., $35 pavilion, $15 lawn. Lawn ticket four-packs at $44.

Sunday, June 26: Steven Curtis Chapman with Jars of Clay, Francesca Battistelli and Caleb (contemporary Christian), DTE Energy Music Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $39.50 and $25 pavilion, $15 lawn. On sale soon.

Tuesday, June 28: Katy Perry with Marina & The Diamonds, “California Dreams Tour” (pop), The Palace of Auburn Hills, 7:30 p.m., $48 general admission floor and reserved.

Wednesday, June 29: Mötley Crüe with Poison and New York Dolls (rock), DTE Energy Music Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $99.50, $59.50 and $39.50 pavilion, $29.50 lawn.


JULY

Saturday, July 2: John Michael Montgomery and Lorrie Morgan (country), DTE Energy Music Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $32.50, $25, $20, $15 and $10 pavilion, $10 lawn. On sale at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 7.

Thursday, July 7: The Temptations and The Spinners (classic R&B), DTE Energy Music Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $32.50, $25, $20, $15 and $10 pavilion, $10 lawn. On sale at 10 a.m. Monday, May 9.

Friday, July 8: Peter Frampton, “Frampton Comes Alive 35th Anniversary Tour” (classic rock), DTE Energy Music Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $45 and $25 pavilion, $15 lawn. Lawn ticket four-packs at $44.

Friday, July 8: “1964…The Tribute” (classic rock/tribute show), Meadow Brook Music Festival, 8 p.m., $20 pavilion, $10 lawn.

Saturday, July 9: Sugarland with Sara Bareilles, “The Incredible Machine Tour” (country), DTE Energy Music Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $60.50 and $46 pavilion, $30.75 lawn. Lawn ticket four-packs at $79.

Wednesday, July 13: 311 and Sublime with Rome, “Unity Tour 2011” (rock), DTE Energy Music Theatre, 6:30 p.m., $49.50 and $32.50 pavilion, $25 lawn.

Thursday, July 14: Children’s comedy classic “If You Give A Mouse A Cookie” (stage production), Meadow Brook Music Festival, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., $15 reserved pavilion, $10 general admission pavilion.

Saturday, July 16: Josh Groban, “Straight To You” Tour (adult contemporary), The Palace of Auburn Hills, 8 p.m., $99.50 and $79.50 reserved.

Saturday, July 16: Comedian Demetri Martin (comedy), Meadow Brook Music Festival, 8 p.m., $34.50 pavilion, $19.50 lawn.

Sunday, July 17: Goo Goo Dolls with Michelle Branch and Parachute (pop/rock), Meadow Brook Music Festival, 7:30 p.m., $35 pavilion, $22.50 lawn. On sale at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 7.

Wednesday, July 20: YES with Styx (classic rock), DTE Energy Music Theatre, 7 p.m., $75, $55, $35 and $25 pavilion, $20 lawn. Lawn ticket four-packs at $44.

Thursday, July 21: Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band, “Welcome to Fin Land Tour 2011” (pop/rock), DTE Energy Music Theatre, 8 p.m., $137.50 pavilion, $37.50 lawn. SOLD OUT

Friday, July 22: Slayer / Rob Zombie wsg Exodus (hard rock), DTE Energy Music Theatre, 7 p.m., $39.50 and $29.50 pavilion, $15 lawn. Lawn ticket four-packs at $44.

Saturday, July 23: Keith Urban with Jake Owen, “Get Closer 2011 World Tour” (country), The Palace of Auburn Hills, 7:30 p.m., $78, $58 and $28 reserved.

Saturday, July 23: Creedence Clearwater Revisited (classic rock), DTE Energy Music Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $34.50 pavilion, $10 lawn.

Saturday, July 23: O.A.R. wsg SOJA (rock), Meadow Brook Music Festival. On sale soon.

Sunday, July 24: Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo (classic rock), DTE Energy Music Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $35 and $25 pavilion, $10 lawn. On sale at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 7.

Thursday, July 28: Britney Spears with Nicki Minaj, Jessie and the Toy Boys and Nervo, “Femme Fatale Tour” (pop), The Palace of Auburn Hills, 7 p.m., $149.50, $89.50, $49.50 and $29.50 reserved.

Friday, July 29: “The Wiggles Big Birthday” (family show), The Palace of Auburn Hills, 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., $40 Hot Potato seating, $25 reserved, $15 general admission.

Friday, July 29: Beach Boys (classic rock), DTE Energy Music Theatre, 8 p.m., $37.50, $30, $25, $20 and $15 pavilion, $15 lawn. On sale at 10 a.m. Monday, May 9.

Friday, July 29: Direct from Las Vegas, “The Dirty Joke Show” starring Geechy Guy (comedy), Meadow Brook Music Festival, 8 p.m., $19.50 reserved pavilion, $10 general admission pavilion.

Sunday, July 31: Journey with Foreigner and Night Ranger, “The Eclipse Tour” (classic rock), DTE Energy Music Theatre, 7 p.m., $135, $85, $75, $55 and $35 pavilion, $25 lawn. Lawn ticket four-packs at $75.


August

Wednesday, Aug. 3: Sade with John Legend (smooth jazz/R&B), The Palace of Auburn Hills, 7:30 p.m., $152.50, $102.50 and $52.50 reserved.

Thursday, Aug. 4: Rascal Flatts with Sara Evans, Easton Corbin and Justin Moore (country), DTE Energy Music Theatre. On sale soon.

Friday, Aug. 5: Meat Loaf, “The Hang Cool Tour” (classic rock), DTE Energy Music Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $42 and $25 pavilion, $10. lawn

Saturday, Aug. 6: All-Star Basketball Festival (high school/college basketball exhibition), The Palace of Auburn Hills, 2 p.m., $20 VIP, $15 reserved, $10 general admission.

Saturday, Aug. 6: Disturbed, Godsmack, Megadeth and more, “Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival” (hard rock), DTE Energy Music Theatre, 2:15 p.m., advance tickets at $59.50 and $39.50 pavilion, $25 lawn. Lawn ticket four-packs at $79. All tickets $5 more day of show.

Saturday, Aug. 6: Comedian Jim Gaffigan (comedy), Meadow Brook Music Festival, 8 p.m., $49.50 and $29.50 pavilion, $19.50 lawn.

Sunday, Aug. 7: Steve Miller Band with Eric Johnson (classic rock), DTE Energy Music Theatre. On sale soon.

Wednesday, Aug. 10: Selena Gomez & The Scene with Allstar Weekend (pop), DTE Energy Music Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $55, $45, $35 and $25 pavilion only.

Thursday, Aug. 11: Chris Isaak (pop/rock), Meadow Brook Music Festival, 8: p.m., $45 and $25 pavilion, $15 lawn. Lawn ticket four-packs at $44. On sale at 10 a.m. May 7.

Friday, Aug. 12: IDENTITY, traveling electronic music festival (electronic), DTE Energy Music Theatre. On sale soon.

Friday, Aug. 12: Los Lonely Boys and Los Lobos (rock), Meadow Brook Music Festival, 8 p.m., $35 pavilion, $10 lawn.

Saturday, Aug. 13: The Men of Soul Tour: Jeffrey Osborne, Peabo Bryson, Freddie Jackson and Howard Hewett (R&B/soul), DTE Energy Music Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $45 and $35 pavilion, $10 lawn. On sale at 10 a.m. May 9.

Saturday, Aug. 13: “Family Day on Broadway” (children’s musical production), Meadow Brook Music Festival, 2 p.m., $15 reserved pavilion, $10 general admission pavilion.

Saturday, Aug. 13: “100 Years of Broadway” (musical production), Meadow Brook Music Festival, 8: p.m., $22.50 reserved pavilion, $15. general admission pavilion.

Sunday, Aug. 14: Michael W. Smith and Third Day (contemporary Christian), DTE Energy Music Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $39.50 and $25 pavilion, $15 lawn. On sale soon.

Wednesday, Aug. 17: Def Leppard with Heart and Evan Watson (rock), DTE Energy Music Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $125, $79, $49 and $29 pavilion, $25 lawn. Lawn ticket four-packs at $80.

Thursday, Aug. 18: Hippiefest 2011 featuring Dave Mason, Mark Farner (Formerly of Grand Funk Railroad), Rick Derringer, Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals and Gary Wright (classic rock), DTE Energy Music Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $36.50, $25, $20, $15 and $10 pavilion, $10 lawn. On sale at 10 a.m. May 9.

Friday, Aug. 19: The J. Geils band (classic rock), DTE Energy Music Theatre, 7:30 p.m. On sale at 10 a.m. May 13.

Friday, Aug. 19: Return To Forever (jazz), Meadow Brook Music Festival. On sale soon.

Sunday, Aug. 21: Train with Maroon 5 and Gavin DeGraw (pop/rock), DTE Energy Music Theatre, 7: p.m., $55, $45, $35 and $25 pavilion, $25 lawn. Lawn ticket four-packs at $75.

Sunday, Aug. 21: George Thorogood and The Destroyers (blues rock), Meadow Brook Music Festival, 8: p.m., $35 and $25 pavilion, $10 lawn. On sale soon.

Tuesday, Aug. 23: Kings of Leon with Band of Horses (rock), DTE Energy Music Theatre. On sale at 10 a.m. May 14.

Thursday, Aug. 25: Aretha Franklin (soul/R&B), DTE Energy Music Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $75 and $55. pavilion, $15 lawn. Lawn ticket four-packs at $44.

Thursday, Aug. 25: Children’s classic Rapunzel “UnTangled” (stage production), Meadow Brook Music Festival, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., $15 reserved pavilion, $10 general admission pavilion.

Friday, Aug. 26: Ke$ha with LMFAO and Spank Rock, “Get $leazy” Tour (pop), DTE Energy Music Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $49.50, $39.50 and $29.50 pavilion, $19.50 lawn. Lawn ticket four-packs at $64.

Friday, Aug. 26: Laugh-A-Palooza featuring Ted Alexandro and the Top Comics on the metro Detroit scene including Ben Konstantin, Martez Lareece and Nate Fridson (comedy), Meadow Brook Music Festival, 8 p.m., $19.50 reserved pavilion, $10 general admission pavilion. On sale at 10 a.m. May 9.

Saturday, Aug. 27: Alice Cooper with Ace Frehley (classic rock), DTE Energy Music Theatre, 8 p.m., $39 and $29 pavilion, $10 lawn.

Saturday, Aug. 27: Wine and Food Festival at Meadow Brook, Meadow Brook Music Festival, 1-9:30 p.m., $18 advance general admission, $20 at the door, $10 designated driver, free younger than 21 get in free. On sale at 10 a.m. May 9.

Saturday, Aug. 27: Get Back! The Cast of Beatlemania (tribute show), Meadow Brook Music Festival, 8: p.m., $19.50 reserved pavilion, $10 general admission pavilion. On sale at 10 a.m. May 9.

Sunday, Aug. 28: Whitesnake and Tesla (rock), DTE Energy Music Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $45 and $25 pavilion, $15 lawn. Lawn ticket four-packs at $44.

Sunday, Aug. 28: Wine and Food Festival at Meadow Brook, Meadow Brook Music Festival, 1-5:30 p.m., $18 advance general admission, $20 at the door, $10 designated driver, free for kids younger than 21. On sale at 10 a.m. May 9.

Sunday, Aug. 28: Barrage (Celtic dance/fiddle fest), Meadow Brook Music Festival, 6 p.m., $20 reserved pavilion, $15 general admission pavilion. On sale at 10 a.m. May 9.


SEPTEMBER

Saturday, Sept. 3: Ted Nugent with the return of Derek St. Holmes, “I Still Believe Tour” (classic rock), DTE Energy Music Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $55, $35 and $20 pavilion, $10 lawn.

Saturday, Sept. 10: MMA Cage Fight Festival at Meadow Brook (cage fighting), Meadow Brook Music Festival, 7 p.m., $25 reserved pavilion, $15 general admission pavilion. On sale at 10 a.m. May 9.

Sunday, Sept. 18: TobyMac with Peter Furler, Mandisa and Jamie Grace (contemporary Christian), DTE Energy Music Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $39.50 and $25 pavilion, $15 lawn. On sale soon.

Friday, Sept. 30: Toby Keith (country), DTE Energy Music Theatre. On sale soon.

Inspiring Gift- by Kristy

I was just browsing JCPenny's website last night and stumbled upon a ring I fell in love with. It wasn't studded in diamonds, it was simple yet so inspiring.

The ring is inscribed with the words, "Love Life Be Brave" and looks beautiful. I think it's a great gift for yourself or for someone you love.

See the ring here.

A Real-Life Fairy Tale - by Monica

Read original articles: Edmonton Journal, Pakistan Times, and the Oakland Press.

Image credit: Telegraph.

Today a real-life fairy tale occured when a "commoner" married a prince, which is the first time in 350 years of British history for this to happen.

I'm sure this gave hope to millions of little girls who watched their television sets, hoping they too would someday meet their real-life "prince charming," and that it was possible in more than just Disney movies.

In this modern love story, Kate Middleton and Prince William did not know eachother for three days before tying the knot. Instead they knew each other for ten years and dated for eight years before getting married. This makes spectators believe that this marriage will last forever, unlike the marriage of Prince William's parents. Middleton was not helplessly seeking out a man when she met Prince William. Instead, she was attending the University of St.Andrews in Fife, Scotland when the two met. And, even though she met a man who could easily support her, she graduated from college in 2005 with an honors degree in the history of art.

At one point, before the vows began, William mouthed what appeared to be: "You look beautiful," to his bride.

No, my point isn't for girls not to settle until they find a literal prince. My lesson is -- don't look so hard. Live your life and strive to be who you want to be before getting married. The person you deserve to be with forever, no matter if he or she is rich and famous or poor, will respect this quality in you and will wait for you as long as it take. He or she will treat you right, make you feel special, not like some kind of "trophy." A fairy tale shouldn't be a three-day long whirlwind romance...it's a committment that lasts forever.

Stress-free foods - by Monica

Let's just say this week has been one of the most stressful weeks I have ever had. So thinking of happy news, any kind of happy news, was very much a challenge.

Until I found this website, which lists all the foods that can help lower your stress levels. And I feel like this directly relates to how my week has been...and well, if you've ever been stressed out in your life, which I'm sure you all have, I recommend this as well:

view original article on That's Fit.

1. Whole Grains - Complex carbohydrates, such as sweet potatoes, whole wheat bread and oatmeal, are digested more slowly and will keep you feeling calm for longer. These foods make the chemical serotonin, which comforts you.
2. Milk - Researchers found that when they fed the tryptophan-rich protein found in milk to frazzled university students, their stress levels decreased and they were able to perform better on cognitive tests. To calm nerves before a big presentation, sip on a glass of non-fat milk or eat a small bowl of low-fat yogurt.
3. Chamomile tea - A randomized, double-blind study of Matricaria recutita (chamomile) extract therapy in patients with generalized anxiety disorder found that the herb improved subjects anxiety level.
4. Dark chocolate - A 2009 study in ACS' Journal of Proteome Research found that consuming about one and a half ounces of dark chocolate a day for two weeks reduced levels of stress hormones in highly stressed subjects
5. Eggs - A protein-rich meal boosts production of dopamine and norepinephrine, two neurotransmitters that regulate mood and behavior. Start the day off with a plate of scrambled eggs to keep hunger and anxiety at bay.

Helping a stranger - by Monica

Read original article Facebook Plea Answered by Catherine Kavanaugh For Journal Register Company.

I found an amazing story of helping a stranger in need.

In this case, Facebook may have saved a man's life. Roxy Kurze of Warren found out that her husband, who had a stroke and was in need of a kidney, had to wait 5 years to receive one.

Roxy wrote on her Facebook status: "I wish a kidney would fall from the sky. If anyone knows a live donor who is a type O please let me know.”

And Ricky Cisco, 25, of Royal Oak responded...a man Roxy had only met once in passing when she did work for his employer.

Roxy's husband has spent his whole life with anemia, blood pressure, and heart and kidney problems, including chronic interstitial nephritis. He went to dialysis three times a week for more than two years.

The transplant was done last week. The doctor who did the surgery said this is the first time, he's aware of, that a donor was found through Facebook.

Think about it. We are each born with an organ that we have two of, when we only need one. And one of them can save another's life. How many other things do we have that we take for granted that could save another person? Would we be willing to give it away to a stranger?

Underdogs - by Kristy

What does it mean to be an underdog? A Yahoo! definition search gives these results:

un·der·dog (ndr-dôg, -dg) KEY

NOUN:

1. One that is expected to lose a contest or struggle, as in sports or politics.
2. One that is at a disadvantage.


In the 2011 Ontario Hockey League round one playoffs, the Plymouth Whalers have been battling the Kitchener Rangers. The Rangers finished the regular season in third place, as the Plymouth Whalers fell to sixth place. The match up is one that heavily favored the Rangers to many people, however the Whalers took the lead of the series early. The Rangers battled back to force a game 7 and the winner advances to the second round, while the loser's season will come to an end. Game 7 takes place tonight in Kitchener at 7pm.

The Whalers have been known for their heart during this series. They've overcome a lot and play hard. I hope that their heart will allow them to be victorious tonight and move on to round 2. Go Whalers!

Cinderella Story Teams - by Kristy

This year's March Madness tournament has surprised many and put the spotlight on the underdog teams. The top seeds in the college basketball tournament: Duke, Ohio State, Kansas, and Pitt have all been eliminated before the finals. VCU, Butler, Kentucky, and UConn were the teams to make it to the Final Four this year.

It shows how much hard work and determination can really matter when following dreams.

Street sign named after Red Wings Captain - by Monica

I figured Kristy would appreciate this haha.

Yesterday for work, I went to the unveiling of Nick Lidstrom Drive in Novi. The drive was, obviously, named after Red Wings captain Nick Lidstrom, who is a former resident of Sweden and current resident of Novi.

He spoke at the event last night, and I could tell right away that he wasn't some full-of-himself guy, but that he truly deserved this honor.

"In Sweden, I believe you have to be dead to have a street sign named after you. That makes it even more special for me,” Lidstrom said. “This is a tremendous honor that I never even dreamt about or thought was going to happen.”

All of the Novi city officials spoke again and again that he was chosen to have the street named after him, not just for his accomplishment in the Red Wings, but for his work in the community with their youth hockey program.

Lidstrom is a star, yet he still found time to coach the youth hockey team at Novi Youth Arena. That shows, to me, that there are things more important in life than being rich and famous. It's helping out the community you live in.

Read my original article here

Love the Life You Live - by Kristy

I know that "stop and smell the roses" is a pretty cheesy expression. But, it's one that carries so much importance in it. Life goes by so fast and it's so easy to let it fly right by us. We often are living life is constant fast forward fashion, without taking time to enjoy it. Sometimes we even waste time by being negative. Sure, life is full of ups and downs; but you have the choice and the power of how you react.

I read a quote on Twitter today which stood out to me, "Grudges are a waste of perfect happiness. Laugh when you can, apologize when you should, and let go of what you can't change". Tweet credit to @TheNoteboook.

Sometimes we just need pause and be thankful for the life we have and the blessings we've been given. It can do a world of good to take a couple minutes and just appreciate ourselves and others around us.

Trip of a lifetime - by Monica

Last week was probably one of the most amazing weeks of my life -- a week that will forever change me.

I went to Haiti. I visited orphanages, an elderly home and tent cities, and I passed out supplies and helped with medical work.

And it was unbelievable to me how grateful the people were for even the smallest act of kindness.

Here in America, we've learned not to trust others. In Haiti, the children will grab the hand of a stranger without much thought and hug you over a fruit snack or a silly band.

When I went to the home for the elderly, one of the women kissed the palm of my hand, curled my hand around it, and put my hand to my heart. Even though we couldn't speak the same language, I knew what she meant. She wanted me to keep her with me in my heart.

To read more about my mission trip to Haiti visit The Daily Tribune.

March is Reading Month - by Kristy

March is reading month and many local athletes have been doing appearances at elementary schools to promote reading and learning. It's great to have a month dedicated to the importance of reading. Learning is a year long responsibility, but March is specifically tailored to reading and it's awesome to see kids get excited by the special events and games that school programs offer during this month.


Here is a picture of Detroit Red Wings player, Justin Abdelkader.

Music - by Kristy

Music and singing can inspire and help boost your mood. In Karen Salmansohn's "The Bounce Back Book", she lists tips and advice for ways to thrive in difficult times.

One of her tips include "sing your heartache out" to boost your overall mood. The Institute of Music, Health and Education supports this idea.

Aristotle has claimed, "When (people) have made use of the melodies which fill the soul with orgiastic feeling, they are brought back to a normal condition as if they had been medically treated."

Today we see music used in therapy to heal all types of negativity. It is a great outlet for a person to channel their emotions.

My personal advice? Make a play list on your Ipod filled with all your favorite upbeat songs. When you are stressed, tune out the world and listen to it.

Haiti - by Monica

Read original article I'm leaving to go to Haiti today to help the group God's Chosen One Ministry build an orphanage. Beyond Lingering Problems in Haiti, Progress and Vision Spark Hope

I am both excited and nervous, but I hope this trip with change me. There are so many things in life that we take for granted that many other parts of the world do not have. There is so much money that has been donated to Haiti by America that they have not yet received. And we felt like, the only way to ensure that our help is truly received is to go their ourselves.

I found some happy news as it relates to Haiti. Tamara Apollon, president of Mon Pays Mon Cuisine, is looking to open markets in America selling Haitian-based products such as mango juice, squash puree and dried fruits. The products support a community cooperative of 300 women fruit growers in Lascoabas, about 90 minutes from Port au Prince (where we will be going).

This task is one of many supported by the group Sustainable Haiti Coalition, an organization that wants to transform Haiti through vision, leadership and collective action. “We want to look a century out at what Haiti might become — a model of ecological restoration, cultural integrity, and shared prosperity — and then work back to the decisions that need to happen now to create that future,” says Coalition co-founder Jonathan Cloud.

I am so happy that we get to be a part of this vision, helping in a small way to get Haiti back on its feet.

Give Blood, Save Lives - by Kristy

The Plymouth Whalers are hosting a blood drive this Friday March 4th before their 7pm home game against Saginaw. From 12-6pm you can come give blood at Compuware Arena and receive a free ticket to a regular season March home game.

Find out more information, with directions and how to register, on the Whalers website here.

Find out more information about giving blood and how to find the American Red Cross that is near you by clicking on their official website here.

Zumba - by Kristy

Tonight I tried a new type of work out at my local gym. Zumba is a fantastic work out and an absolute blast. You learn choreographed dance routines that combine all sorts of different moves that work several core muscle groups. Zumba offers such a great variety of dance and can boost self esteem, mood, as well as provide you with a fantastic work out. I highly recommend this type of class.

Little girl knows more about independence than many adults do - by Monica

My niece Ashley posted this video to her Facebook page, and I had to post it on my happy news. I have met many women in my life who don't feel strong enough to live without a man, who feel like they are nothing without someone.

But this little girl knows more than many adults do -- that you need to focus on yourself before you settle down. I once dated someone who wanted to marry me -- for me to be a stay-at-home mom and always be barefoot and pregnant. If someone wants to be a stay-at-home mom, that's great! But that's just not me, and I was made to feel guilty for waiting a career first. But we've come a long way since those times when women were not equal to men. And now, we can do whatever the heck we want to. And this girl, at a young age, already knows this.

Inspirational words from songwriter of "Need You Now" - by Monica

Read original article at the Huffington Post by Gail Lynn Goodwin.

I used to write poems throughout high school. I have always loved to write, and I know that sometimes when you write, it's a way to transmit feelings you might not have even realized you were feeling onto paper.

For Josh Kear, songwriter "Need You Now," writes in a way that brings out feelings in those who listen to his music. And in a recent article on the Huffington post, he shared some more inspiration with the readers.

There's no such thing as an overnight success. It's a matter of dedication, hard work, the right timing and meeting the right people. Keep the vision strong and continue moving towards your dream.

Collaboration works. There is a special energy that happens when you're bouncing ideas off of one another. Several people together can accomplish more than the combined result of the same people working individually.

Take the first step, even if you don't know the "right way" to do it. There is no wrong way to follow your dream. The important thing is to leave the judgment behind and just go do it, without the pressure of doing it the "right" way.

Be flexible and embrace change. Priorities change, and it's okay to go with the flow and make new goals.

Adversity happens to all of us. Fear blocks our creativity, so focus strictly on the joy of the opportunity and block out all of the negative self judgment, doubts and fears. Continue to follow the dream, regardless.

Start from where you are now. Take your dream seriously enough to prepare and do the hard work. Remember that the good idea you have today may be the one that gets you enough practice, so when you get a great idea, you'll know what to do with it.

Take the time to create. Set the space and block off time with the intention of following your dream during those hours or even minutes, if that's all the time you have.

Be grateful. When everything's going really, really good, be grateful for how well it's going. And, when things aren't really, really good, be grateful for the things in your life that are. Focus on what's good, rather than the things that seems to be going wrong around you. Be grateful for what you already have.

Follow your bliss. Find that which makes you truly happy when you're doing it, and then make that the thing that you spend the greatest percentage of your time doing.
Surround yourself with people who love you and whom you love. Surround yourself with those whom you are grateful for and who are grateful for you.

Coffee Comeback - by Kristy

As an avid coffee drinker, this story caught my eye. Yahoo! Finance blog had a story on signs that the economy is making a comeback. One thing that is on the rise is Starbucks' consumption. I know personally that I have cut my daily Starbucks' trips down to once a week, sometimes only once every few weeks.

A clip from the story states, "The Venti Latte Makes a Comeback: one of the first things consumers cut out of their budgets when they're feeling pinched is a jolt of high-priced caffeine served up by their local barista. It's also one of the first little luxuries that consumers find worth shelling out for when they start to feel more comfortable with the direction of the economy. So it's telling that Starbucks' net revenues increased 9.5% in 2010, after falling 6% in 2009."

http://finance.yahoo.com/banking-budgeting/article/112150/signs-economy-is-on-the-upswing

Score for Charity - by Kristy

Richard Marsh scored a near impossible shot to earn $50,000 for a charity at an Indiana Ice (USHL) hockey game. During the intermission, this fan was given the opportunity to shot the puck the length of the entire ice into a tiny cardboard cutout hole. He made the shot and $50,000 was to be donated to St. Vincent's Cardiovascular of Indiana and the American Heart Association.

But, in an ironic turn of events, Marsh's goal was disqualified. According to the USHL, he was "standing in front of the designated starting line' when he released the shot, and thus 'the insurance company voided the award due to Marsh' standing in the wrong place."

The Indiana Ice owners made a donation to Marsh's charity anyway, leaving this miracle-gone-crazy story a happy ending.

See the shot here:

Valentine's - by Kristy

Happy Valentine's Day! Today is a day to celebrate with the one you love. Even if you are single, you can still have a good valentines day. Surround yourself with family and friends that you love.

As a single person, today I did not have any spectacular plans. So I decided it would be a great day to work on tasks for my best friend's wedding which is taking place this year. Hey, if you can't celebrate your own relationship, why not spend the day helping another's?

Sesame Street characters give patients a Valentine's to remember - by Monica

Read original article on Detroit Broadway World.
Photo credit: goodreads.com.

Monday is Valentine's Day, and the two Sesame Street stars Cookie Monster and Elmo want to make this Valentine's Day special for people who may not be where they would like to be on Valentine's Day.

Not everybody gets chocolate and flowers on Valentine's Day, but these characters of Sesame Street have a way to still make the day special. Elmo and Cookie Monster won't be spending their Monday with Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch or the rest of the Sesame Street gang.

Instead, they will be spending the day at Children's Hospital of Michigan in Detroit on Monday, bringing signed valentines for patients and visitors and giving out hugs to patients in the waiting rooms and play rooms.

I can just imagine the children's faces as they light up, seeing Elmo and Cookie Monster in the doorway with open arms, ready to give them hugs. I'm sure Valentine's Day won't start off the way they had hoped. But the characters of Sesame Street are helping their days end better than they could have imagined.

Keep doing what you're doing - by Monica

Read original article in People Magazine.

In a recent interview in People Magazine, I feel like Jennifer Aniston taught that you need to be happy doing your own thing -- not a stereotypical view of how you're supposed to be "happy."

She is 42 and divorced without any children. So people just seem to assume she must be "unhappy," when in reality, she is not.

We need to be happy with who we are and what we're doing. We don't have to be on the so-called schedule in life everyone thinks we need to be on -- get in a relationship, get engaged, have babies, get married all by a certain age. Instead, we need to do what's right for us, do what makes us happy no matter what others think and stop settling because we think it's what we're "supposed" to do. There is no blueprint for how we should live our lives. And thank God...because how boring would life be if there was.

Keep Detroit Beautiful - by Kristy

The Super Bowl commercials are popular every year. One that stood out above the rest this year was Chrysler's commercial showcasing Detroit. It shined a positive light on a city that so often gets left in the dark. Anyone who is not a Michigander likely views Detroit as a dump. It's sad that Detroit never gets recognition or respect. This commercial makes people from Michigan proud to call Detroit our home. In case you missed it, check out the You Tube video below.

James Franco - by Monica

Read original article at Movie Line.
Image credit: Ask Men.

I figured this would be a good blog post since Kristy and I have the communal hots for actor James Franco.

Franco is joining forces with Columbia College Hollywood to create a course based on his life...a class which may just make Kristy and I go back to college even though we already graduated.

Franco, who just received an Oscar nomination for his movie 127 Days Later, would speak to students weekly via Skype and would attend class when his schedule allows. In the course titled “Master Class: Editing James Franco…with James Franco," students would be editing footage to make a documentary about Franco's unorthodox road to fame.

To me, I feel like for any career path we may choose, the most lessons learned are from people who have already traveled the road we are traveling now. Some people may say Franco is cocky for creating a class about himself. But I couldn't even name all of the people who go out on the road, making presentations about their lives so others can learn from it. What's the difference?

Our lives are a series of choices, a series of mistakes and a series of accomplishments. We could sit and dwell on our mistakes, and we could sit and hoard all of all accomplishments. But I feel like we were meant to share our experiences to teach others. When I went through one of the worst times of my life, I moped and moped. And then I thought to myself, "How can I use this to help others?"

So I made a group to help others who had undergone broken hearts realize that this wasn't something that happened because they deserved it. I founded this group based on experiences in my life, and almost 400 people joined.

When you can take what has happened to you and help others, you realize more why things happened the way they did. Everything has a purpose...it's up to us to find out what it is. For Franco, he was meant to help others reach success as well, instead of hoarding all the success for himself.

Fitness - by Kristy

A good workout is not only great for your physical health, but mental and emotional health too. But going to the gym and keeping up with fitness can be very difficult. There's always some reason to eliminate it from your to-do list. Spicing up your workout routine might be the thing that helps you keep up with bettering your health. Try new things, explore the many options that are out there.

Keep these tips in mind:

If you don't have the time or money to make it to a recreation center, consider trying workout DVDs. You can work on your fitness in the comfort of your own home.

If you feel unmotivated, find a workout buddy. Chances are that many of your friends might be in the same boat, and a workout buddy can make it fun and easier to commit to.

Try any of these popular fitness classes: zumba, yoga, spinning, kickboxing, or bootcamp. All of these classes have many options for different styles, so you can easily find one that targets exactly what you want to do.

All Stars - by Kristy

Last weekend Raleigh, North Carolina played host to the NHL All Star weekend. Enemies became teammates as the best of the league competed in the game Sunday. This year two players, Lidstrom and Staal, were selected as captains. On Friday night they drafted their teams.

Phil Kessel of the Toronto Maple Leafs was put in the bittersweet position of being picked last. He remained classy and jokingly pointed out that being picked last among all these All Stars is no insult. He received a brand new car and a hefty donation to his favorite charity in his name to mend any hurt he might have been feeling deep down.

The game Sunday was back and fourth and even though Team Staal looked ready to dominate as they took an early lead, Team Lidstrom took the game with a final score of 11-10.

The All Star game is something great for the league and fans alike. Players have a blast with it, and fans can always count on a great show from their favorite players.

Hope for Haiti - by Monica

For just a $2 raffle ticket, you could win a $50 gift card to Lowe’s, a half-hour massage at Terri King Salon, a pedicure at Avanti Salon, $80 in Mary Kay products, a $30 gift card to Bahama Breeze, a $25 gift card to Mesquite Creek, a platinum detail to Honda Bloomfield and one from Toyota Waterford, a $25 gift card to the Oxford boutique Pink and Charlie, a $25 gift card to the clothing store Ella, tanning from the Tan Company in Oxford, 10 car washes from Imperial Wash and a 10-person bowling party at Airway Lanes.

Bonus: all of the money sold from the tickets goes to a group of six volunteers' trip to Haiti to rebuild an orphanage over there and also to medication and food for Haitians.

The United Nations Special Envoy to Haiti has reported that only 40 percent of money raised for Haiti in 2010 has been distributed, and only 15 percent of needed temporary housing has been built.

Members of Cornerstone Community Church, 2611 Dixie Highway, Waterford Township realized that, a year after the earthquake in Haiti, the only way to guarantee their help would be received by Haitians was to travel there themselves.

For more information about how you can enter the raffle, read the original Oakland Press article

A bright future - by Monica

Read original article by Annette Kingsbury at The Oakland Press.

I'm not sure if anybody listened to the State of the Union address last night by President Barack Obama. But, if you did, you would have noticed that one of the states he had mentioned was the state of Michigan.

How would you feel to be mentioned in a president's speech?

Well, this is exactly what happened for Robert Allen and his brother Gary of Oakland Twp. They own Allen Brothers Inc., a roofing company started by their father in Rochester Hills in 1950. In 2007, the brothers founded Luma Resources to market what they believe will be a breakthrough in solar roofing -- an easy-to-install kit designed for residential use.

Obama used them as an example to show how imagination and ideas like the Allen brother's are what will change America's economy.

"We should not celebrate the Super Bowl champion, but the winner of the science fair," said Obama.

To me, this showed that everyone needs to be celebrated for their imaginations. Because the youth's imagination is what our country will survive off of. Kids will praise football players and call the winner of the science fair a nerd. But that winner of the science fair could be the next Bill Gates, the next person to change the face of our economy, the next person to change the world.

Affordable Splurges - by Kristy

A story I found here on Yahoo! News listed 12 hot-list high-tech gadgets that have prices which continue to drop. Be sure to check out this great article and make note of which items you might be able to cross off your wish list at a great price!

Remember This... - by Kristy

Today I read a quote online that really spoke to me. It said, "It is far better to be exhausted from success than rested from failure".

Lately with all that I've had going on in my life, that felt good to read. It is a reminder that even when you feel like your mind is on overload, it's all worth the stress. Even if you cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel, keep pushing, because it's there. :)

MLK Day - by Kristy

Martin Luther King Day is a holiday to recognize and honor the historic figure who paved the way for change and activism with civil rights. His speeches and passion make him one of the most inspiring people in United States history.

Lucky penguin - by Monica

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Here's some oddball news of the day, sure to put a smile on your face haha.

My favorite is the first one -- a penguin who jumps on a snow lion's back.

Penguins are my favorite animal (as many of my friends know who gave me penguin necklaces, penguin socks and penguin nail files for Christmas haha). So, when I saw this, I just had to share it.

This penguin was definitely in a bad situation that could have ended badly. The penguin narrowly missed a bite on the tush by an angry and tired sea lion five times its size.

The penguin mistook the sea lion for a rock...well, until the sea lion started moving, that is.

This penguin is like all of us. We all make mistakes, do things before thinking about it first. But, in order to survive in this world, we just need to keep moving forward and not look back at our mistakes. And, in the mean time, maybe we can keep others from making the same mistakes as we have. Because hey, if others see you jump on a sea lion's back, they sure won't make the same mistake. Maybe that's the point of making mistakes -- to use those lessons to help those around you.

Afterall, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.



image credit: Penguin photos

Focus on life, not death - by Monica

Photo credit: WTNH News 8
Read original article on AOL News by Ben Muessig.


This week has been a pretty depressing one -- with death on the tips of many people's tongues after the Arizona shooting.

This made finding happy news tough -- and all the more necessary -- to know that even with sad news, there is still hope in the world.

And even with death, there is still life. Sometimes, we focus so much on the tragedies, of those who have died, that we forget to notice the lives that begin.

On any given day in the United States, about 10,657 babies are born (according to the US Census). According to the World Fact Book, the death rate is 8 to every 1,000 people and the birth rate is 20 to every 1,000 people. That means, no matter how much death we hear about, there is still more life in this world than there is death.

And here is one story about little Rosa, who came in to the world early yesterday morning.

Get this -- she was born on 1/11/11 at 1:11 a.m. Flora was born at that exact time, a birthday always easy to remember.

But Flora's mother was more focused on having her baby girl in her arms than what the time was on the clock.

Every person in this world has a story to tell, and every birth is a blessing, whether born at 1/11/11 at 1:11 a.m. or born on Friday the 13th like I was.

Baby Born at 1:11 on 1/11/11: MyFoxTWINCITIES.com

Gratitude - by Kristy

Gratitude is something special. It's a helpful trait to have in life. An article I found on Yahoo, which can be read using this link, showcases the importance of teaching gratitude to kids. Learning from a young age can lead to benefits for their positive outlook and mindset in the future.

As the article states, it's one thing to be polite and have manners. However, it's an entirely different thing to be truly thankful. Learning to appreciate things is important in life.

You can learn how to more consciously feel gratitude by thinking of at least one positive thing that happened to you at the end of every day. Making this into a daily routine should help steady your mood and increase positivity.

"Bar church" - by Monica

View the original article by Associate Press writer Patrick Condon at theoaklandpress.com.

I would love to live in a world without judgment.

And, of all places, I have found that many people consider churches to be the most judgmental of them all. It is a new year -- time to look forward instead of back. But it's hard when there are people who keep bringing up your past.

It was reported that over 91 percent of people who stopped attending a given church, stopped attending because of conflict and gossip.

Minnesota resident Chris Fletcher is looking to change this trend by creating a place people can go and not be judged.

He created a "Bar Church" a few months ago at Dunnigan's Pub & Grub where he has been leading weekly service. Fletcher is a paramedic, part-time bartender and seminary student.

This is not a place people would normally think of a church to be -- at a bar. But why not? Fletcher said he likes the informality and, he believes, if Jesus were alive today, these would be the kind of places he would share his message at.

I feel like we could learn from Fletcher. No matter where we go, whether work or school or the corner bar, we should make those around us feel like they belong.

Inspiring Places - by Kristy

Traveling is a great way to gain perspective and appreciate the world around us. A story on Yahoo showcased ten of the most inspirational places to visit. They are:

Big Sur, California


Crater Lake National Park


French Quarter, New Orleans, La.


Monument Valley, Utah


Yosemite National Park, California


Freedom Trail, Boston, Mass.


Lincoln Memorial and the National Mall, Washington, D.C.


Monticello, Charlottesville, Va.


Little Round Top, Gettysburg, Penn.


Timberline Lodge, Oregon

Please check out the entire story with pictures and destination descriptions by clicking here.

Clean Slate - by Kristy

Now that 2011 is here, it's the perfect chance for a fresh start. It's a holiday to take advantage of making positive changes in your life. Setting goals is a key part of finding happiness and success. Whether your resolutions are big or small, they are still important.


Click here to see a great story on the projected improvement in the job market for 2011.