A new "Twist" in Social Security

This ad with Chubby Checker was on the People Mover. In the ad, he reminds people to apply for Social Security so they can save on their prescriptions through Medicare. Visit the website so you can check to see if you're getting your social Security benefits, where the nearest Social Security office is to your home, school, or place of business, do your business online if it's possible, and also if you applied for a Social Security number, you can check your application to see if it went through and when it was put in the mail to you. Hope you get to do this and other things related to where you live online or in person/over the phone if not available online.

Smokless Michigan as of 5/1/10

Michigan will be going Smoke-free at the beginning of next month, and some locales, Comerica Park among them, have already gone smokeless. The casinos and other areas have exemption from this law. I don't smoke myself, but I have had relatives who lit up I've been looking around the internet, and I notice other states have similar laws banning smoking, as well. If your state has a smoking ban, how has it affected you or the places you frequent most often?

Bullying: Cut it out!

I saw this article on Fox News' website about a girl in Boston that was hospitalized after being bullied. This is reminiscent of another story in the news in recent months of a youngster that had taken their own life after being bullied at school. What is it going to take for kids to quit picking on each other so much? I think that schools should step up their programs in that kids, as well as teachers and other staff members, can notice the signs of bullying and peer pressure, and take appropriate measures to prevent another case like these two happening to someone else. I think that if someone can talk to the person doing the bullying to see what's really going on behind the scenes, and to ask why they're bullying others, that can really be a help to a kid. Sometimes, there might be problems at home or in other situations where a kid might feel neglected, left out, or just not fitting in among friends. Sometimes, it might be to gain acceptance from others. For a kid who's being bullied, every day at school or out and around can bring a sense of dread to everyday life. They might wonder if someone is going to follow them to or from school, pick on them while riding the bus or walking down the street, or while with friends. A caring person can mean the world to a kid who's being bullied or is bullying someone. They can be their sounding board and a listening ear. Whether it be a parent or relative, a good friend, a Club or Scout leader, or someone the kid trust. If you know of someone that's being bullied or is bullying someone, take them aside, and tell them that you care, and that you're there for them.

Go Wings!!

The Red Wings are starting their playoff run, so I chose this picture for the occasion. This is located downtown on an old building. Here's hoping for much success for our hockey team, and a long stay in the playoffs. I thought about the 2008 Red Wings victory Parade and rally today, and what a good time it was. I became a hockey fan in 1997, when the Red Wings won the first of their back-to-back Championships. If you're on Twitter, make sure you follow the Red Wings page, and if you're watching the game, tag your tweets #letsgoredwings.
Lauren

Tiger game pics

I went to the Tigers game yesterday against the Kansas City Royals, and had a good time. My Tigers lost, 10-5 against the Royals, but I had a good time being amongst the crowd. Here are just a few of my pictures from yesterday. Luke Hochevar pitched for the Royals, and Max Scherzer pitched for Detroit. The game was pretty all right. For more info on the game, Click here for the game story from Tigers.com. I noticed fewer people, mainly because it was a workday and the kids were at school. I also noticed that GM has the fountain in center field to itself now. It shared the fountain with Chrysler and Ford last year after GM couldn't afford the fountain during its financial difficulties, so Mr. Ilitch (owner of the Tigers) had Chrysler and Ford to either side of GM, and the phrase "The Detroit Tigers support our Automakers" in a show of support for the US car companies during this economic time. I'll post more pictures soon.
Lauren

Four Opening Pics

Here are some more pictures from Opening Day for your viewing Pleasure. Hope you enjoy them
The world famous Ouzo Cruizo, shown here, is the Greektown Shuttle. It was pictured here on Adams dropping off passengers for the game. I always see the "Ouzo" through Greektown on Saturday evenings in the summer going to games and special events. Yesterday (April 10), it ran double duty with the Tigers game and the Frozen Four tournament at Ford Field.
There were autographs available at the Block Party in Grand Circus Park from TIger Alumni until the game started shortly after 1:00. There was also entertainment, freebies, different booths, food and fun for all attendees
Here's a picture of Yours Truly with Paws, the Tigers mascot, at Opening Day. I got that hat at the Tiger Gift shop at Comerica Park before Halloween last year. I thought to wear the hat a few weeks ago when I thought about how to celebrate Opening Day. The hat proved pretty popular all day. The sign is one I made. I thought of the wording "Let's Ride the Tiger Express" after wondering what to put on the sign.
The Tigers played the Cleveland Indians for the Home Opener. Rick Porcello was the starter for the Home opener, and I read in the paper that he had family here for the opener. The Tigers handed out rally towels to all who passed through the gates for the game.


Overall, The opener was a great event for all to attend. There were events for kids and adults alike. I hope you all like these pictures as much as I enjoyed taking them.
Lauren

Opening Day '10

The Tigers Home Opener was today. I had a great time, as always. I enjoyed seeing all the people out and about mingling today. There were a lot of parties and the bars and clubs were crowded. This sign was on the Fox Theatre downtown. I attended the party at the Fillmore and also attended the Block Party at Grand Circus park, as well. I'll post more pictures in the coming days.
Lauren