Links and Pictures

I have two links I wish to share with you all today. The first link is Delicious Bookmark sharing. I've been on this site since 2005. I usually links pretty much daily if I find something interesting to bookmark. Here's the link to my Bookmark site, if you're interested. The other site that I've been looking at for a while is Getty Images. I like looking through the pictures that are posted here. They are all very nice, and I like to see vintage pictures as well as pictures of current events. The pictures I'm looking at now are of MLB Photo Days. You can click the words to go to the page to see your team's Photo Day pictures. I like the pictures of my team, the Detroit Tigers. More tomorrow.
Lauren

TWaSbL Anniversary and Prayers

I was looking at some of my previous entries here on TWaSbL, and I realized that the 2-year anniversary of this blog was earlier this month. I know it hasn't been the best of times or the worst of times, and some of my earlier blogs were repetitive. I started this blog in February of 2008,and I've been adding pictures here and there in the early goings, and more regularly as I go to events where I take my camera with me. Hopefully I'll continue this blog for many years to come. I hope you all enjoy reading TWaSbL as of recently, and I hope that you will continue reading in the future. Right now, I'm currently looking at CNN's website, and they have info on the earthquake that hit Chile' and the Tsunami that hit Hawaii today. I send my prayers to everyone involved and their families and friends all around the world
Lauren

Snowy Days

I'm currently reading an article on Reuters website about the snowstorm on the east coast. The east has just been walloped by snow. As I read further into the article, I see that many flights were cancelled and schools were closed. I was listening to the radio here in Detroit, and the news reports were saying how many flights were either cancelled or delayed from Metro Airport due to the weather. I hope that people can get new flights soon if their original flight was cancelled. It seems like over the past month, it's been snowing all over the country. Some places got more than a foot of snow, and many other places just got a few inches, if that. Here in the Detroit area, we just got some snow on Monday that closed schools and caused many accidents on the roads. I hope that you all stay safe and sound if you all are in the snow, and if you are out and about, either driving, walking, or otherwise, be careful.
Lauren

Various Views and TWaSbL Thoughts

I was just thinking about the trips I've taken, and also about a Modern Marvels segment about Truck Stops that I saw on TV some time ago. I then ran across the website for The Detroiter Truck Stop. I remember going there with my parents on a few occasions to get gas and to stretch out. I also remember going to rest/truck stops on trips to DC in Middle School to stretch out and rest. In other news, I'm looking on Google News and reading about what all's going on around this planet of ours. . There are many interesting news stories, such as an article in the LA Times that says that SeaWorld is keeping the whale that killed an employee the other day. I think that they should keep the whale, and see what it is that they can do to help it not attack. More later or tomorrow.
Lauren

News-Monitoring

I've discovered Google News sometime last year, and I enjoy looking through the Worldwide news stories, as well as looking through the archives at old news stories. The news is always interesting to me, and I always enjoy finding out more about some of the top stories. I guess I've been a news buff since I can remember. I always liked finding out about the top stories on the news, and all sorts of other news stories. I'd pick up a newspaper or read a magazine if I was waiting at the doctor's office or in the checkout line at the store.
Lauren

Radio Bloggin'

One of my favorite ways to find out about the world and to hear the latest songs is to listen to the radio. I enjoy listening to the radio because I can hear about different things around the country and world, and even listen to the nearest songs when I'm not near a TV. My earliest memory of listening to the radio is when I would listen to WWJ with my dad while we were in the car in the late '80s, and also listening to old 93.1 WLTI (now WDRQ) or WKQI (95.5 FM) with my mom when I was in the car with her on the way to school, or on the way back from Church on Sunday Morning. I listened to many types of music growing up, as well. I clearly remember the '90s and the great music played on the radio then, as well. I listen to a little of everything now. I listen to Catholic Radio on 1090 WCAR and I also listen to music all across the Detroit Radio dial. from my favorite Genres, which are Country, Rock, Pop, R&B, Electronic and more. One of my favorite websites to look at for current info on radio across Michigan is Michiguide.com. What was your first experience with the radio, and how has it affected your life? The radio has affected my life in a positive way.
Lauren

Snow Clearing and Research

Today was a snowy day, so I helped my Dad out with clearing snow, and I also worked on my family tree. I'm finding out more about my family as I continue adding people. If you'd like to work on your Family Tree, Ancestry.com is a good place to start off at. You can look through their archives to see where your family's from. I found out from some of my research at the Library as well as visits to some of my ancestor's graves about their heritage and backgrounds. Maybe you can find something about your relatives, as well.
Lauren

Amistad

I was looking through more of my pictures, and I saw this one of a reproduction of the ship Amistad, which was taken in August 2003. It was docked at the Detroit River near Hart Plaza, and people could go to take tours. It was an informative tour of all that happened. This boat may have sailed around the country for tours that year. There was a lot of events scheduled around the arrival and departure of the ship, as well as when it was docked in Detroit. Ford and (what was then) Bank One sponsored the ship when it was docked in Detroit. Just thought I'd share this with you all.
Lauren

Shopping and Favorite Songs

Today was a pretty good day. As I'm doing things around the house, I heard the song "Leaving LA" by Deliverance, one of my favorite songs, on the Canadian oldies station on the Radio. It's a song that's heard few and far between. I listen to Canadian radio a lot because it has a good mix of everything on it. I'm currently looking at websites for Walmart and Meijer for good deals. Walmart and Meijer are good places to go for your essentials at low prices. More later or tomorrow
Lauren

Cadillac Picture

I found a CD with some old pictures from 2003, and as I was looking through them, I found this one of the Cadillac Hotel pre-renovation. This picture was taken in July 2003 as I was meandering around downtown, possibly for a festival or just a day out and about. The hotel reopened in October of 2008 after a 24 year closure. Notice that the word "Cadillac" is still displayed up above the hotel in this picture. It was known at various times under different names, such as the Book, Radisson, and Sheraton-Cadillac. Three of the Hotels downtown were run by chains of hotels back in the days: Sheraton-Cadillac, Pick-Fort Shelby and Statler Hilton. The Cadillac and Fort Shelby are run by Westin and Doubletree, respectively. The Statler was demolished in 2005. More later or tomorrow.
Lauren

Reporting Day

Spring Training has finally started in Major League Baseball with the Pitchers and Catchers reporting today. I'm eagerly anticipating the start of the season. The Tigers home opener is April 9, and many people turn out for the festivities at Comerica Park. A lot of people dress up in their best "Tiger Get-up", and many just wear their favorite piece of Tiger Gear. I always like to see everyone having a great time out at the Tiger games throughout the season. I am also looking forward to going to a few Tiger games this coming season. I hope that all the teams do well this year. More later or tomorrow.
Lauren

Ash Wednesday Blog

Today is Ash Wednesday, the start of the Lenten season. Here are a couple of articles I found interesting. These articles are from The Detroit News and The Detroit Free Press. I attended Mass today and received Ashes on my forehead. I'm giving up listening to my iPod and also having my favorite Sandwich for Lent, and I'll be praying more, as well. I'll say more prayers, as well. I'll pray for you, my readers, as well as for various needs throughout Lent. Well, more later or tomorrow.
Lauren

Shuttling around town

I noticed as I was looking at my reader stats that many people searched for the Ouzo Cruizo, so here's a picture I took of it as it was going through Greektown on its way to the Red Wings game. I took this shuttle in September when I was taking in the scene around Comerica Park one evening. The Ouzo Cruizo is one of many shuttles seen around downtown for Tigers, Lions and Red Wings games. I like the designs on all the shuttles, but the "Ouzo" and Fishbone's shuttles take the cake for most creative designs. If you are in town for any Downtown sporting event, or even if you're a local getting something to eat before a game, patronize the shuttles from any of the bars or restaurants.
Lauren

"Motown" Winter Blast

This Ice sculpture at the Winter Blast depicts the Motown Museum, which is celebrating its 25th Anniversary in 2010. This sculpture reads: "25th Anniversary, Motown Museum. There were many Motown songs played, and one of the ice skaters performed a tribute to the late Michael Jackson. The Motown Museum was represented at the Blast, and there was a gift area at Compuware, where a stage was located. I enjoyed all the Motown tributes at the show, as well. I remember visiting the Motown Museum with my Mom when I was a Teenager. Mom remembered going to the Motown Reviews at the Fox back in the '60s. I like seeing Studio A, where many Motown songs were performed. We both enjoyed ourselves at the museum. I think Mom would have enjoyed the Winter Blast if she was here today. More later or tomorrow.
Lauren

Winter Blast Recap

I went to the Winter Blast yesterday, and had a great time! I enjoyed seeing the Ice Skating exhibitions from the Detroit Skating Club, the Special Olympians, and the Heritage Skating Club, as well. Everyone did a great job! There were many things to do, such as Marshmallow roasting, fun stuff for the kids, and bands performed all day. This year's Blast celebrated the Silver Anniversary of the Motown Museum, which is located at the former Headquarters of Motown Records. This year, there was a carnival and petting zoo for the kids, and a wine tasting for the 21+ crowd. Overall, I had a good time, and it seems that everyone in attendance had a good time, as well. I'll be posting more pictures in the next few entries. More tomorrow.
Lauren

40 Days of Life

I'm currently thinking more about Lent, and I ran across the 40 Days For Life page. I'm going to do this along with my fasting, prayer and Almsgiving this year. I've been Pro-Life since I was a teenager, and I became a Catholic in my early 20's. I believe that people shouldn't take an innocent life because kids are a gift from God, and even they have a gift to give the world. I also believe that life starts at Conception, because from a few websites and pamphlets I've read over the years, you can start to gain your senses in the womb before you're born. I think that Abortion is horrific, and I also believe that it's murder, as well. More later or tomorrow.
Lauren

Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes

Today is the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes (click on the link for in-depth info). This apparition occured in 1858 in Lourdes, France to St. Bernadette. I attended Church today mainly to go to Confession, but I stayed for Service, as well. In the homily, my pastor talked about the healing springs in Lourdes, as well as the apparitions. My church had a special time for the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. I'm glad I attended service instead of hitting the exit after going to Confession. I feel renewed and refreshed, as I always do, and I also got to find out more about Our Lady of Lourdes. More tomorrow.
Lauren

Book Reviews

I've been looking through my book collection recently, and I've found a few that I'm reading that I found interesting. The first one is called "Family Secrets" by Dani Shapiro. This book is pretty good so far. It's about a family who's trying to figure out why their daughter is acting the way she is after returning from camp. The other book that I'm reading is "Prarie Tale" by Melissa Gilbert. It's her autobiography. There are a lot of facts I didn't know about her. I hope you all get to do whatever you enjoy. More later or tomorrow.
Lauren

Picture Day Memories

I was just looking through some of my School Pictures today on Picasa, and thought "Was I really that young?" I started to think about Picture Day from back in the days. What are some of your memories of Picture Days? Some of my memories include seeing everyone dressed nicely or casually for their pictures, and also taking pictures for the yearbook and package pictures in our English classes in High School (English was the only class that was required for all 4 years of HS). Pictures were in the Auditorium then, and were in an empty classroom or in the Library or Gym in Elementary and Middle School. I enjoy taking pictures as a hobby, but I don't think I could get into professional Photography. Well, more later or tomorrow.
Lauren

Windsor KofC Centennial Article

I found this story in the Windsor Star pretty interesting. It tells about the Knights of Columbus celebrating their centennial in Windsor, Ontario, which is across the river from Detroit. The article tells about the History of the KofC, as well as memories of a few of the members. I admire the Knights of Columbus for their charitable work that they do. They're more than just a hall in town, they're a group of men who are dedicated to the betterment of Church and Society. I just thought I'd pass this article along for you all to look at. More tomorrow.
Lauren

Sunday Motor City Pics

One of my favorite websites to visit is the Wayne State virtual Motor City picture Collection. These are pictures from the Detroit News that were given to Wayne State in the late '90s, and the pictures cover Detroit History in the late 19th century, and most of the 20th Century. I like taking a look at all of the old pictures from days gone by. I'm currently on the site now, looking at some pictures. I hope you all like them, as well. I've been thinking lately about Lent, which I wrote about in a previous entry, and about my Tigers, as well. I know, It's a wild combo, Church and baseball. I like them both, with church with the lead over baseball. More tomorrow.
Lauren

Saturday Snippets

Just a couple of things I ran across that got my attention. I'm reading this article in the Detroit Free Press about Student food banks at Michigan State and at Grand Valley State seeing an uptick in business in the past year. I think it's a great idea that the schools are doing this for their students, seeing how tough times are now. A lot of the students mentioned in the article are working and/or have families, and might need a little assistance. I ran across a site last night called Rosary for the Bishop. I saw this site when I was reading a blog I subscribe to. I think that this is a great idea. I should say a rosary more often. Well, more later or tomorrow.
Lauren

Friday Feature

I was just looking through the theatres that I saved as favorites on the Cinema Treasures website, and it brings back memories of back in the days, as well as memories my parents told me about. I'm looking at a theatre that was formerly located near my house. I remember going there, as well as to other theatres in the area, as a kid with my parents to see movies, since they were big movie buffs. The theatre was demolished in the last decade. I also looked at a page of a now-demolished theatre that my mom frequented on occasion as a kid. I like looking at old pictures and reading up about the days of old, and I also like to keep informed on current events as well. More later or tomorrow.
Lauren

Ash Wednesday is coming

I was just looking at my calendar today when I came home from the hair salon, and I saw that Ash Wednesday is in a couple of weeks, on February 17. That got me thinking "I should go to church to get my ashes on my forehead" I usually go to church on Ash Wednesday, except for 2008, when I was hurt and couldn't attend services. My mom always told me that some of her Catholic co-workers recieved their ashes at Ash Wednesday services at a church near her job. I've decided to give up my favorite sandwich for Lent, and try a Vegetarian option. I'll try something new each day, maybe. Well, more later or tomorrow.
Lauren

TigerFest pics

Here are a few of my pictures from TigerFest on January 23. Hope you like them!!
I arrived at Comerica Park at about 8:30, and that's where this picture was taken. I then went to get in line. As I passed the Early entrance line, I noticed that there were already a few people lined up. I felt better knowing that I wasn't the first person in line.
The Photo Area was a pretty popular area with the fans. This is where you got to take pictures with the players. I only went through the photo line twice. It got pretty crowded in the middle of the event.
This sign is in the Tiger Clubhouse. I enjoyed the Tigers' clubhouse tour, which was self guided. The lockers are pretty spacious, and there are swiveling chairs at each locker, as you can see in this picture, as well as plush couches and a couple of large-screen Televisions.
I like this ice sculpture, made especially for TigerFest. I especially like the two Tigers on the sides of the center sculpture.
Hope you like these pictures as much as I liked taking them!
Lauren

"Fabulous" Fox

I saw this picture of the "Fabulous" Fox Theatre that I took at TIgerFest among my Picasa pictures, and I decided to post it today. This picture was taken while waiting in line at the auxillary "Tiger Town" gift shop. The last time I went to the Fox was when I was a kid, and my Mom took me there for a Sesame Street Live show. I always like to take pictures of the different special messages on the Marquee, especially for Tigers' opening Day and other events. The marquee at the time had future concerts and events that were headed to the Fox in the coming weeks. The Theatre just celebrated its 80th birthday in 2008. I hope you find this picture Interesting. More later or tomorrow.
Lauren