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.