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?