NOISE: Freestyle

Where is our Michigan pride?

Listening to NPR this morning I heard news of the same topic that has been covering my Facebook page lately. That we are cutting filming tax breaks and that some major films have already pulled out of Michigan. I’m not just worried, I’m disturbed. Maybe people don't realize that more people will pay attention to Michigan when more things that are positive are brought into our state. 

There are people that complain daily about our roads and the state of our economy. We even have those that are angry about pollution in the great lakes. 

Where are those that are happy and excited about Michigan? Where are those that feel proud when the Pure Michigan ad is playing? What about those that are actively working hard to make Michigan a better place and the people in it happy?

TJ Duckett is well known in the community for working with and kids and giving back to his state! He is also a football star! He was instrumental in helping the Spartans win many times and then went on to play pro ball with not only Washington Redskins, Detroit Lions and Seattle Seahawks but also the Atlanta Falcons.

So why would this football icon spend time caring about the welfare of Michigan? Because that’s who he is and that’s what Michiganders do!

What about Rina Risper? Rina is a local person who wasn't even born here but has made Lansing Michigan her home and has great love for it! She works diligently trying to make the best out of the place where she hangs her hat.


And there are companies like Prima Civitas,
a group dedicated to helping Michigan thrive! Working hard to get the work force and community together by creating fun ventures that inspire people to be creative and show pride in Michigan! Recently they asked the community to submit videos in an "I love Michigan" video contest. Many have entered to show pride, love and passion about the mitten state. Now they are down to the final 10 and the stakes are high! Not only is there money involved but the ability to tell the rest of the world why they love Michigan. 


So do you have it? Do you have pride in your state or are you just getting by till you can get some where else? It starts at home! Do your part, get involved, even watch the “I Love Michigan” videos and vote for the one you like best!

Happy Valentines Day!

                                                  
Some may dread this particular holiday and yet others are excited all year round waiting for this day to arrive. There is also a view that Valentines day isn't a real holiday at all, just made up by companies to sell more stuff. Still some believe it follows the ancient tradition of not only celebrating different Saints but also a time to show love. It's looked at as a kind of a free pass to express attraction to those they may otherwise feel nervous doing so. There are some people that are just out and out offended that people have to be told when to treat others with the passion thats supposed to be there all the time!

For a moment let's focus on the beauty of the day. The thought of waking up to the significant other in your life thinking of you every moment and coming up with something special to really wow you can be euphoric! Flowers, cards and candy can be so much more then just gifts. They can be reminders of days gone by. The scents and colors can take people back and remind them of incredible times and places. 

Now I'm not suggesting for a moment that any one wait till the last minute to show your love because the last minute might have been yesterday... But for those who enjoy watching the eyes of our true love light up here of some thoughts that might help.

First don't just throw something together at the last minute. Places like SuCasa and The Bead Boutique are open year round. But if you add this hand made flare to Valentines day it can be outstanding! 


Are you short on funds and looking for something to do that will still stir feelings? Take a walk through beautiful downtown Lansing! The lights are gorgeous and there are plenty of places to stop and look at the waterways that flow through. Frozen or not they are gorgeous.
You can go and listen to the poetry of Irene McKinney at RCAH Theatre, Snyder Hall and it's FOC!

There are awesome things to do in our fair city but the most important is to spend it with the one you love! Take the time out to make your day unforgettable. Happy Valentines day to you all!

February

February is the month that we celebrate black history. Not that it’s not celebrated everyday, but this is the month when those that came before us are honored for their strength and dedication. They truly paved the way for all of us to have a nation that we can be proud of and live together in a more harmonious way.

Yesterday, despite the threat of a snow storm of which the city of Lansing hadn't seen in over 20 years, young and old filed into LCC’s Dart Auditorium. The celebration was warm and inviting to all. After all black history is really everyones history. We were treated to awards for different accomplishments of greatness and heart felt speeches of those working hard to point things in the right direction and those who stay the course.

We were also given the opportunity to witness amazing skill and passion at the hands of long time friend at amazing musician Ieesha On'trel. Her songs of self confidence had the crowd swaying! The Q's were also present showing their stepping prowess with a display of strength and rhythm. There were singers that lifted you to the heavens and also made you aware of what still needs to be done. We enjoyed poetry that shook the very walls and last but not least prayers for all.

It was an amazing display of how we as a community can stand together and say thanks to those who may not be here in body but who will always inspire us in spirit. Not to mention those that are up and coming, those Martin’s and Rosa's of tomorrow poised to change the world.