Gifts and gadgets for Father's Day

Picking out a tie for Father's Day is easy because no matter what you buy, chances are he'll wear it, at least once. Shopping for a gadget for dad? Not so easy.

To help us navigate through the new world of digital technology and find the perfect present for the men in our life, experts in a variety of fields offer the following information. If you look at the list there's something to be found for everyone from the sporty dad to the barbecue dad.

Music gadgets

Just as most men enjoy listening to music, most also hate the idea of shelling out cash every time they want to download a song. So give him Muve Music from Cricket, the first wireless phone plan with unlimited music downloads, ringtones and ringbacks as part of one low, monthly rate package. Muve Music is an experience designed specifically for the mobile phone. Full-track downloads mean his music is always there (unlike streaming services). Cricket has millions of songs from 55 labels in its always growing music library with new and classic music being added every week. In addition to the music, Muve Music includes nationwide calling; text, picture and video messaging; 3G mobile Web; email; and more. Make it even better by downloading a playlist of dad's favorite songs to get him started. Find out more at Muve Music  or Cricket

Go for the green

If he's loves golf, you might want to help him improve his game by perfecting his grip. Built in to the SensoGlove Digital Golf Glove are sensors that read his grip pressure. When using the glove, he'll learn the correct grip pressure so he can get a smooth, consistent swing. That means greater distance, more precision -- and better scores. What's nice about the device is that it features a lightweight digital computer that can be removed and replaced without taking off the glove, so he can use it only when he wants to. It can be used for backyard practice, on the driving range, or during actual play. To find out more about it, visit Senso Glove

Read on!

How many times have you seen him picking up his tablet? Save dad the trouble and make the gadget easier to use by giving him a mounting system. The Ring Elegant Universal Mounting System from Vogel will allow him to mount the tablet anywhere -- at home, at work or even in the car. One click and the tablet can be used to show presentations on the wall, enjoy movies anywhere (even the car); display photos on the coffee table or play instructional videos while cooking in the kitchen. Check it out at RingO

Any other knife is pointless

Even James Bond would appreciate the Victorinox Flash Swiss Army knife. Not only does this pocketknife come with LED lights but a USB memory stick (ranging from 4 GB to 16 GB) as well. So he can be Mr. Fix-It with the nail file/screwdriver, and rescue data files, too. Scope it out at Victorinox Swiss Army

Grilling gadget

If he loves the grilling but would rather be chilling, think about getting dad a wireless digital talking BBQ thermometer. The Grill Right, from Oregon Scientific, is a nifty little gadget that lets dad keep tabs on the steaks without having to hover over the coals. All he has to do is enter the cut of meat and the desired temperature or level of doneness, and when it's done, the thermometer lets him know -- in one of 5 languages. Even better, is its built in alert system to let him know the status of the food. Dude, it's almost ready, ready and overcooked. Learn more at Oregon Scientific

Still not sure what to buy dad for Father's Day? Check out this nifty list of great gift ideas:

Contest for songwriters

Is your dad a musician or songwriter? A company in New York City is kicking off a contest just in time for Father’s Day urging singers/songwriters to create a new version of the song that made a million dads cry for the Facebook generation. Are you talented enough to do the job? Enter the contest and find out. The winning songwriter will get an aggressive P.R. push from one of NYC’s premier public relations agencies. We’ll get your music heard by all the right people (labels, press, blogs, etc). It’s a great way to make connections and get your career going. And maybe even make a difference while you’re at it.

Classic rock album

Also cool for the musical dad is the announcement that on June 28, "The Doobie Brothers Live At The Greek Theatre 1982," will be released on CD ($13.98) and DVD ($14.98) through Eagle Rock Entertainment. Fans of the band will remember that this was the incredible concert that included the surprise return of band co-founder Tom Johnson for the final two numbers. 

The original BOB Sport Utility Stroller, designed by two dads, is a jogging stroller designed to offer off-road capabilities. For more about BOB

Krups has been serving up coffee machines since 1847. Today's designs can make one cup for the dad on the go or 10 cups for the dad entertaining at home. Prices range between $59 and $299. Visit Krups 

Give your most tech-obsessed dad a gift he won't find anywhere else -- the sleek Create Your Own Design Photo Apple iPhone Case, $40 at Zazzle

Over the Hill Skeleton Decanter & Glasses ($226) features a large 54 ounce decanter and hefty 10 ounce glasses shipped in a handcrafted wood crate tied up with a ribbon. Look for it at Olive & Cocoa

Copyright Greeting Card Universe

Sometimes the best gift is a matter of a few words. Happy Father's Day

Sink your teeth into the 'Build Your Own Perfect Sandwich Sweepstakes'

Chef Bobby Flay

 

 

 

When it came to building a sandwich, my dad was as meticulous as an engineer building a bridge. Every project began with a survey of the land or, in his case, the refrigerator. Once he had a good idea of the leftovers at his disposal, he would grab a loaf of fresh Italian bread and commence building.

All of his sandwiches had a solid foundation of bread, butter and Hellmann's mayonnaise. I knew dads who used Miracle Whip, but at our house it was Hellmann's.

Once this was done, he would add a layer of meat. It could be turkey, chicken, roast beef, peanut butter, burgers, hotdogs or meatloaf, any one of them could become a sandwich star. On top of that, he would add a drizzling of brown gravy, cranberry or horseradish sauce, cheese, or whatever seemed to gel with the meat, followed by a dash of salt, pepper, and a slice of something in season, be it tomato, onion, red pepper or cucumbers. Most were topped by a blanket of lettuce and another slice of bread smothered in butter and mayonnaise. If he was really hungry, he might add a second layer of bread, butter and mayo.

To celebrate this kind of creativity and to help those who are not as gifted, Hellmann's and Best Foods have partnered with Chef Bobby Flay to show families how to create flavorful sandwich recipes.

Flay also is inviting sandwich fans to share their sandwich-making tips, tricks, techniques and secrets at Hellmann's Facebook, and enter the "Build Your Perfect Sandwich Sweepstakes." Prizes will include goodies from Hellmann's and Best Foods plus a kitchen essentials bundle and grocery gift cards.

According to Hellmann's State of the Sandwich Survey, a lot of people love making sandwiches. In fact, those in the survey said they could survive a longer period of time not talking on their cell phones (29) or avoiding shopping (26 days) rather than going without their sandwiches (20 days).

While dads are fun to watch, 33 percent of Americans who eat sandwiches credit their mom with teaching them how to make a great sandwich.

The survey also revealed that 74 percent of sandwich makers typically take a knife to it, either slicing diagonally or straight down the middle. "More sandwich eaters in the Midwest than those in other regions make sure that their crusts always remain on the bread and prefer to eat their subs wholes rather than cut in half like the rest of the country," according to  the survey.

As for condiments of choice, nearly two in three would choose mayo over mustard or oil and vinegar if they could only use one type of condiment on their sandwich.

The Build Your Perfect Sandwich Sweepstakes is sponsored by Conopco, Inc and open to legal residents of the U.S. and D.C., 18 and older. Contest runs through Aug. 15. For rules and inspiration for your perfect sandwich, visit Hellmann's 

TODAY'S MUSE

We are indeed much more than what we eat, but what we eat can nevertheless help us to be much more than what we are -- Adelle Davis

New song by Mary J. Blige inspired by screening of 'The Help'

Photo of Mary J. Blige courtesy of Mjblige.com

Recording artists are asked to work on movies all the time but how often does a story move an artist to create something on their own?

Dream Works Pictures and Geffen Records announced that multiple Grammy Award-winning recording artist Mary J. Blige wrote and recorded an original song for the soundtrack of "The Help," after she saw the screening of the film.

The film, based on the New York Times best-selling novel of the same name, stars Emma Stone as Skeeter, a Southern society girl who returns from college determined to be a writer, but turns her friends' lives and her Mississippi hometown upside down with her intentions to interview the black women who have spent their lives taking care of prominent Southern families. Viola Davis plays Aibileen, Skeeter's best friend's housekeeper and the first to agree to the interviews. Despite the fact that Aibileen and Skeeter's life-long friendships are hanging in the balance, the two women forge ahead inspiring more women to come together and embark on a secret writing project that breaks societal rules and puts them all at risk.

DreamWorks II Distribution Co.

"The beautiful thing about these women is that they were very, very smart," said Blige. "They chose to walk in love and forgiveness."

Blige has received nine Grammy Awards and four American Music Awards along with eight multi-platinum albums. Her song, "The Living Proof," from Interscope Records, will be part of the movie's soundtrack and available July 26 at select Starbucks locations.

DreamWorks II Distribution Co.

"To speak to so many women with this song means a lot to me," said Blige. "I wanted to be involved with this film because I think we need to encourage each other more. We are here to tell a story."

While anxious, audiences have to wait until Aug. 12 to see the film. But have a listen to the song inspired by the movie and Blige's own story about how it came to together.

TODAY'S MUSE

Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit. We are all the same in this notion: The potential for greatness lives within each of us -- Wilma Rudolph

Job recruiter reveals secrets to the interview process

 

It's happening more and more. People are finding jobs. That's the good news. 

What's got experts concerned is the unusual phenomenon that appears to be emerging along with the recovery.

"As people who have been looking for work a long time start to get back into the work force, many of them are so happy just to get a job that they sometimes accept a lower salary than they have to," said Bill Humbert, author of "RecruiterGuy's Guide to Finding a Job," (www.recruiterguy.com). "Some employers feel that they can probably get away with a lowball offer, and many job hunters will grab it just so they can have a job. The truth is there are ways to get the job and still get what you want."

Humbert is not a career coach. He's worked as a professional recruiter since 1981. The Washington Post, Geico Insurance and Digital Broadband Communications are just a few of the companies that have relied on the experience he's garnered over the years. Having read more than 400,000 resumes, interviewed more than 13,000 candidates over the phone and in person, and worked with more than 3,000 hiring managers, he knows how companies think when it comes to hiring new applicants.

The following is Humbert's advice when it comes to job interviews:

1. Do not fall for the salary requirements trick.

Humbert said many employee applications feature a question asking candidates what their salary requirements might be. Don't answer. Humbert said it is typically a company's first screen and it can be used against you. "I've seen people agonize over what to reveal because they are afraid of pricing themselves out of a good job," Humbert said. "My advice is to simply put 'open' in that spot. If your qualifications are on target, they'll call you. If in the interview you're asked what you made at your last job, reply by asking about the range for the one you are applying. You'd be surprised what managers or human resource representatives will tell you."

2. Do not be chatty.

Another trip-up created by employers is to ask about salary history. Don't feel pressured. It is perfectly OK to write "willing to discuss at appropriate time during interview process," and leave those numbers blank, said Humbert. "Writing down those numbers pigeonholes you," Humber said. "It reduces your negotiation power."

3. Leave salary negotiations out of it.

That's right, said Humbert. Do not discuss salary in the interviews but rather negotiate when you'll give up this kind of information. "When they ask you for that figure, tell them you don't know what you'd require until you have a clear picture of the job requirements and potential for advancement over the next five years," said Humbert. "After you have that information and you're asked again for that number, respond by asking to go through what I call your impacts -- areas of the job that directly impact the company's bottom line. This discussion will allow you to demonstrate what you bring to the table. At the end of that (chat), simply tell them that you are very interested in the position and that you'd seriously consider any offer they'd like to make."

4. Always be networking.

So you've got a job offer. Until you accept it, it's not a done deal. Humbert advises applicants to keep networking and looking for jobs. "It may give you valuable market-worth data about the position you've been offered," Humbert said. "It may also be a safety net in case something goes awry between the time you receive an offer and the time you accept it."

5. Look for wiggle room.

Once an offer has been given you have a right to ask for a clarification and whether there is any flexibility in the offer. Perhaps you gave up hours to get more money or gave up money for better hours. Asking if there's any flexibility in the offer creates an opportunity to discuss a better deal. If it does open a discussion, do not expect a large boost in pay base, said Humbert. This is the time to ask for an extra week of paid vacation, a signing bonus or other such perks.

"Keep in mind that salary negotiation is more art than science so these tips may not always apply," Humbert said. "Many hourly workers don't have as much flexibility on pay, and some companies have policies that would require you to adjust the script a little to fit those situations."

Biggest thing: Don't give them any salary range and don't think you have to accept the first offer.

"Remember, they are interviewing you because they need to fill the position. It's important to the company to have someone in that job and, while they are considering you, they aren't doing you a favor," Humbert said. "They need what you have to offer, so you should get the best offer out of them that is possible."

TODAY'S MUSE
We gain power in our refusal to accept less than we deserve -- Amber Hollibaugh

CMU students starred at Cannes

AP file photo: From left, president of the jury Robert De Niro, jury members Uma Thurman and Jude Law at the 64th international film festival May 11 in Cannes, southern France.

The Central Michigan University students working at the American Pavillion at Cannes included: Front, left to right: Krysten Cole (Saginaw), Laura Rynbrand (Kentwood), Lauren Rimmell (Rochester), Lorie Tuma (CMU Faculty); second row: Jennifer Bettinger (Macomb) Dawn Marentay (Jackson), Tara Clark (Rockford), Allison Chludzinski (Livonia), Monica Barlage (Detroit); back row: Neil Lamoureaux (Dearborn Heights), Ann McQueen (Northville), Kaity Jerolamon (Clarkston), Maggie Oldenburg (Clare), John Powell (Watersmeet); missing:  Danielle Leist (Plymouth-Canton)

______________________________________________________________________________________

The success of this year's Festival De Cannes in France was due in part to 14 students from Central Michigan University.

The students, minoring in event management at the Mount Pleasant university worked at the American Pavillion, which serves as the communication and hospitality center for Americans in Cannes during the May 11-22 festival. 

"This is the first time traditionally they've had event management minors," said Tracy Burton, CMU marketing and outreach coordinator for the College of Education and Human Services. "The group is primarily juniors and seniors. They paid for the trip, but the faculty center for innovative teaching picked up the cost for all of the students to have iPads so they could tap into the social networking sources during their trip."

CMU faculty leader Lorie Tuma who traveled with the group to Cannes said the students worked behind the scenes during the entire festival enabling them to gain the kind of invaluable experience for their future careers. Students (seniors especially) were provided an extraordinary opportunity for networking since their duties at Cannes involved working alongside the staff of actor and director Robert De Niro. He served on the festival's jury panel for feature films along with fellow actors Uma Thurman and Jude Law. 

"I truly have gained a new sense of self and possibly have landed my dream internship with the Sundance International Film Festival," said Jennifer Bettinger, a CMU junior and the daughter of Starr and Daniel Hickey of Macomb Township.

Bettinger's duties at the American Pavillion included making sure that the VIP tables were stocked and that the panel guests wanted for nothing. "I worked with four other students. We all had the same jobs in the beginning, but by the second day... I sort of started organizing everything... By the last day my boss was telling people to come to me because I was the boss... It was pretty great."

The young Americans worked for De Niro's panel but they never saw the man himself.

Bettinger did, however, meet singer Jason Mraz and actors Kevin Sorbe, Faye Dunaway, Peter Fonda and Famke Janssen. 

Jennifer Bettinger, third from left, at the festival.

"A few of our students were excited because they ran into Ryan Gosling in the American Pavillion. They took tons of pictures with him and told everyone about it," said Bettinger. They found out later, when they ran into the real Ryan Gosling coming out of a McDonald's, that the other guy in their photos was a fake.

All of the students who went to Cannes earned the right to be there. In addition to the application process, all interested students were interviewed, and had to come up with their own funding for the trip. "I took out a loan to pay for it," said Bettinger. 

Out of the 60 students who applied, 30 were given an interview and 14 got to go. "Film festivals, is what I want to go into, so the fact that I got the experience was amazing," Bettinger said.

But Bettinger did not get to see any films at the festival - she was too busy building her career. 

"CMU changed my life with this opportunity," Bettinger said. "It will pay off and I will work exactly where I want to when its time."

TODAY'S MUSE

We can teach from our experience, but we cannot teach experience -- Sasha Azevedo

Help make summer camp a splash for homeless kids

The Macomb Charitable Foundation has offered to provide lunch for the first and last day of the Macomb Intermediate School District's Summer Camp for Homeless Children, but it could use some help with the goody bags.

"The first lunch we're doing is the 21st of July and that is the first day they go swimming. So we would like to provide each child in attendance with a beach towel, flip flops, sunglasses or bubbles. The kind of stuff a child would need for a day at the pool," said Shelley Penzien of Macomb Township and president of the Macomb Charitable Foundation. "On the last day (July 28), we hope to be able to send the children home with a gas card or SMART bus pass, for their mom and dad."

Living in a hotel room with your mom, dad and three siblings is bad enough during the school year, but all summer? 

It's hot. 

It's humid. 

It's crowded. 

"It's heartbreaking to see," said Penzien. "You walk into the room and see these kids -- just sitting on the bed staring at the TV. Most of the hotels they live in are nowhere near a park, so it's not like they can go outside and play."

The MISD's summer camp for homeless children not only gets them outside but provides a bus that picks them up and drops them off. "This is a wonderful opportunity," said Penzien. "My children went to camp and they had fun and made lifelong friends."

Along with lunch and a cool tote filled with beach toys, MCF will be bringing along entertainment.

"I'm so excited for the kids," said Penzien. "Eisenhower High School's football team is going to sponsor one of the luncheons. It's a great opportunity not only as a learning situation for the older kids but a chance for these young campers to interact with some good role models. And have fun. We're going to the park."

Donated supplies, including new beach towels, flip-flops (child's medium), sunglasses, bubbles and other beach toys, along with gas cards and SMART bus passes can be dropped off at Cracklewood Golf and Country Club, 18215 24 Mile Road, Macomb. 

For information on Macomb Charitable Foundation, visit Macomb Charitable FoundationFor more information on services and camps provided by the MISD visit MISD Homeless Education Project

DAYTRIPPING

Looking for things to do during the Memorial Weekend? Check out our list of events and exhibits going on around the Detroit area:

Military cemetery tour

Veterans and their guests are invited to a special tour of Holly's Great Lakes National Cemetery, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., June 8. Transportation will be provided by a bus that is scheduled to leave Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, 8459 Hall Road (3 blocks east of Van Dyke) in Utica at 9:30 a.m. This is a great opportunity to visit Michigan's newest national cemetery for veterans and learn about free veteran burial services. Lunch will be provided. RSVP by June 1. Call (586) 731-2411 or visit Wm Sullivan & Son

Classic Hitchcock movie

The Redford Theatre and Motor City Theatre Organ Society will present the classic film, "Rebecca" starring Joan Fontaine, Laurence Olivier and George Sanders May 27, 28. In this gothic masterpiece by Alfred Hitchcock, the young second wife of a British landowner is haunted by the image of his glamorous first wife, Rebecca. Tickets: $4 Show times: Friday, 8 p.m.; Saturday, 2 and 8 p.m. Visit The Redford Theatre

Autumn Mist by Ted Lang

Reflections 

of life and history

The Warren Tri-County Fine Art Association will present its annual "Prestige Exhibit," June 7-30 at the Warren Community Center, 5460 Arden. Among the work presented will be that of Ted Lang, a member of the fine arts association and its featured artist of the month. Lang's work in traditional and digital photography covers everything from philosophical subjects to nature and history. An opening reception of the exhibit with food and beverages will take place at 6:30 p.m., June 7. Guests are welcome.

Royal Steed by Ted Lang

Warren theater

Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" presented by Warren Civic Theatre, 6:30 p.m. through May 29, at City Square Park at Warren Civic Center, north of 12 Mile Road and Van Dyke. Tickets $5 each; (586) 268-8400 or Warren Civic Theatre Seats provided, but guests may bring blanket or lawn chairs.

Rummage sale

Fraser Historical Commission rummage and plant sale and flea market, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. June 5, at Baumgartner Museum, 18577 Masonic at Kelly Road; additional parking at Somerset Swim Club on Masonic. For information and to donate items, (586) 293-7477 or (586) 293-8252.

Macomb Daily file photo by Craig Gaffield

Vintage baseball

Rochester Grangers Vintage Base Ball Club plays 1 p.m. May 28, at the Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm, 1005 Van Hoosen Road, east of Rochester Road off Tienken Road, and June 4, July 10 and Aug. 28, at Halbach Field in Rochester. Admission free to games and Van Hoosen Dairy Barn. Visit Rochester Hills or call (248) 656-4663.

'Rally for Jackson'

Scavenger hunt and pizza party benefit for a 4-year-old with a rare malignant brain tumor, noon May 28, at Stony Creek Metropark in Shelby Township; $15 per person plus $5 fee to enter park, free for younger than 5 years. For information, Jacksonscorner@yahoo.com.

Garage sale

Michigan Dog Owners Group garage sale, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. through May 30, at 15842 Semrau, Eastpointe, off Gratiot between Nine Mile Road and Stephens. Email midog48021@yahoo.com.

Clinton Seniors

Activities at the Clinton Township Senior Adult Life Center, 40730 Romeo Plank Road, include educational program on eating healthy with diabetes, 9:30 a.m. June 3; glass craft project, 9:30 a.m.-noon June 13; and how to maintain a purpose in life after retirement, 9:30 a.m. June 14. To RSVP for any program, (586) 286-9333.

Concert Choir

Detroit Concert Choir season finale "Opera Faves! Broadway Raves!" 7:30 p.m. June 4 at First Presbyterian Church, 1669 W. Maple, Birmingham, and 4 p.m. June 5, at Grosse Pointe United Methodist Church, 211 Moross Road, Grosse Pointe Farms. Tickets $20, $18 ages 62 and older, $10 ages 8-21 years; call (313) 882-0118 or Detroit Concert Choir

Leader Dogs

"Night With the Stars" benefit for Leader Dogs for the blind, June 4, at Leader Dogs for the Blind, 1039 S. Rochester Road at Avon Road, Rochester Hills. Doors open 5:30 p.m., dinner 6 p.m., show at 7. Tickets $15; call (586) 226-9066 or (586) 465-6694.

Tree of Hope

Step Up for Hope Walk and Family Fun Day sponsored by Tree of Hope Foundation, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., June 4 at Halmich Park in Warren. Advance registration $15, day of $20, includes admission, T-shirt, pizza lunch. Proceeds go toward free support groups for women and families dealing with postpartum depression and mood disorders. Visit Tree of Hope Foundation

Ringwald Theatre

Who Wants Cake? production of dramedy "Love! Valour! Compassion!", 8 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays, and 2 p.m. Sundays through June 6, at The Ringwald Theatre, 22742 Woodward Ave., Ferndale. For reservations and ticket information, (248) 545-5545.

Avon Players

Avon Players present "Into the Woods," 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, through May 29 and June 3-4, at the playhouse, 1185 Washington Road, Rochester. For tickets, (248) 608-9077.

OPC fundraiser

Older Persons' Commission walk/5K run, registration 7:15 a.m. runners,8 a.m. run start; 8:30 a.m. walkers registration, 9 a.m. start, June 4. Participants gather at OPC upper parking lot, 650 Leticia, Rochester. Entry fee $5; benefit for Meals on Wheels. Details, www.opcseniorcenter.org or (248) 608-0251.

Art association

Mount Clemens Art Association meeting, 6:30 p.m. June 6, city library, 150 Cass Ave.; program on gathered centerpiece still life. Call (586) 469-8781.

Farmers Market

Mount Clemens Farmers Market 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Nov. 19, at 141 North River Road. Locally grown products, including flowers. Visit Mount Clemens Farmer's Market

Volunteers needed

* Macomb Literary Partners needs volunteers to help adults become better readers; applicants trained to tutor an adult 2 hours per week, with training sessions held on weekends or evenings. Call (586) 286-2750.

* Detroit Historical Guild seeking volunteers interested in participating in historical activities, including flea markets at Historic Fort Wayne, tea parties, excursions to historic sites, etc. Call (586) 777-5898.

Toastmasters' Club

Toastmasters Speak Easy Club of Shelby meets 10-11:30 a.m. second and fourth Saturdays monthly at Shelby Community Center, 51670 Van Dyke, north of 23 Mile Road. Call (586) 623-9987 or (586) 531-1289.

TODAY'S MUSE

Memory is more indelible than ink -- Anita Loos