Daytripping: Mystery dinner theater for teens at St. Clair Shores Library

"The Cracks in the Wall" is a brilliant event for teens going on today at the St. Clair Shores Library. 

Starting at 6:30 p.m., teen detectives in grades six through 12 will get the chance to investigate crime scenes and examine evidence to solve a case.

Where were events like this when I was pretending to be the next Miss Sherlock Holmes or Miss Encyclopedia Brown?

“Encyclopedia Brown, Boy Detective,” by Donald J. Sobol was everyone’s favorite book. As I recall, a couple of my friends even formed their own detective agency, at one point. The big case was a missing dog. I don’t know if it was the same missing dog, but I do remember a very wet and muddy golden retriever showing up at the school. Anyway, mysteries are always fun to read and this event at the library adds to the excitement. 

It’s also a great event for readers who have discovered, “Death Cloud” by Andrew Lane, the first teen series to be granted official endorsement from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s literary estate.

Lane has written numerous spin-off novels based on the BBC sci-fi television series “Doctor Who,” and “The Bond Files: An Unofficial Guide to the World’s Greatest Secret Agent.”

In his new book, readers meet Sherlock as a young lad of fourteen, enjoying the summer of 1868, while on break from boarding school. During his stay with his eccentric aunt and uncle, in vast house in Hampshire, two local people die from symptoms that resemble the plague. Intrigued, and having the time to play detective, Sherlock begins to investigate what really killed them, helped by his new tutor, an American named Amyus Crowe.

It’s the start of Sherlock’s adventures as a sleuth on the trail of the latest unsolved mystery, and most likely to be a popular new series for teens.

“The Cracks in the Wall,” event is free but registration is required. Tickets may be picked up at Youth Services Desk; (586) 771-9020.

If you cannot make it this event listed below are a number of other fun and interesting events going on in the Metro Detroit area:

Sensory Friendly Films

AMC Entertainment and the Autism Society present the film "Gnomeo & Juliet" at 10 a.m. Feb. 12 at AMC Gratiot 21 in Clinton Township and AMC Forum in Sterling Heights in special showings for children with autism or other special needs. No previews or ads are shown before the movie, and families may bring in their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks. Children are able to get up and dance, walk, sing or shout during the movie. Tickets may be purchased that day. For more information, visit Autism Society of Michigan

Vietnam Memorial

Detroit Historical Museum, 5401 Woodward Ave. at Kirby, hosts Michigan Vietnam Veteran Traveling Memorial today through Feb. 13. The display includes memorial wall that features names of Michigan's 2,654 casualties, along with biographical books and photos. Visitors may bring photos of friends or relatives killed in Vietnam action for inclusion in books. Museum hours are 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays, noon-5 p.m. Sundays. Admission to this exhibit free to Vietnam veterans and their families. Call (313) 833-1805.

Charity tasting

The Anton Art Center, Crocker House, Macomb Literacy Foundation and Salvation Army among charities benefiting from beer and wine tasting, 6:30-8:30 p.m. today at Sherwood Brewing, 45689 Hayes, Shelby Township, hosted by Kiwanis Club of Mount Clemens. Tickets, $30 per person, include appetizer buffet, selection of beers or wines, available at Printing by Johnson, 1430 S. Gratiot Ave., Mount Clemens, or (586) 469-3555. Those attending must be at least 21 years of age.

Comedy show

Mittens for Detroit presents "A Night of Giggles & Gloves," comedy show to benefit Crossroads of Michigan, doors open 7 p.m., event 8-10 p.m. Feb. 12 at MGM Grand Detroit, Grand Ballroom, 1777 Third St. Admission $10 per ticket; for every ticket purchased, a pair of new gloves is donated to Mittens for Detroit (courtesy of Broner Hat & Glove in Auburn Hills). For tickets, Mittens for Detroit

French film

Alliance Francaise de Grosse Pointe presents French (with English subtitles) film "Paris 36," 6:30 p.m. Feb. 16, at Grosse Pointe Public Library-Woods Branch. Free.

'Bells Are Ringing'

Oakland University students present the musical "Bells Are Ringing," 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. Feb. 11, and 2 and 8 p.m. Feb. 12 at Eisenhower High School Performing Arts Center, 6500 25 Mile Road, Shelby Township. General admission: $17, students $9, available at the door an hour before the show or by calling (248) 370-3013 or going to Star Tickets

Calling all painters

Lakeside Palette Club of St. Clair Shores monthly meeting, 7 p.m. today, Activities Room of SCS Civic Arena, 20000 Stephens. Oil painting demonstration by Richard Andryziak. Want to paint, studio space available 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays in room 111 of Adult Ed Center on Masonic near Jefferson. For details, (586) 350-4518 or Lakeside Palette Club

 

'Late Night Catechism'

"Till Death Do Us Part-Late Night Catechism," Gem Theatre, Detroit, 8 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Thursdays, 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through March 6. Tickets: (313) 963-9800, (800) 982-2787, Ticketmaster, or at box office.

Wine & Food

Annual Solanus Casey Center Wine & Food Event, 6:30-10:30 p.m. Feb. 11 at Cathedral Cultural Center-St. George Romanian Orthodox Cathedral, Southfield. Tickets: $60 per person to benefit Solanus Casey Center. Call (313) 579-2100 ext. 153 or visitSolanus Casey Center

Wright Museum

Charles H. Wright Museum presents free Black History Month film series and discussion, 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays in February and March 2, at 315 Warren Ave., Detroit. Titles "Me Facing Life: Cyntoia's Story," Feb. 16; "This Is My Africa," Feb. 23; "Good Hair," March 2. Visit Charles H. Wright Museum

The Henry Ford

Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn celebrates February as Black History Month with displays on four eras of Black History in America - Pre-Emancipation, Northern Migration, Civil Rights Movement and Contemporary Times. Musical and dramatic performances, hands-on activities inspired by George Washington Carver, crafts and free 40-minute guided tour African American Innovators departing from the Museum Plaza on selected days are included. Admission free with membership, or $15 adults, $14 ages 62 and older and $11 ages 5-12. Call (313) 982-6001 or visit The Henry Ford

Seniors of Troy

British magician Keith Fields performs dinner show hosted by Seniors of Troy, 5:30 p.m. Feb. 16, Troy Community Center, 3179 Livernois. Tickets $6; reservations, (248) 525-3466 or nbhatnagar@abc-seniors.com.

Oakland Youth Orchestras

Performance of Oakland Youth Orchestras featuring approximately 300 students, 7 p.m. today at Lake Orion High School. Special performance by 2010 solo concerto competition winner Forrest Brazeal. Tickets, $10 adults, $5 children/students, $25 families, available at door.

Roman Holiday

The Redford Theatre presents "Roman Holiday," starring Audrey Hepburn (Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role," Gregory Peck and Eddie Albert in the 1953 classic film. Shows tonight at 8 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.). Saturday matinee at 2 p.m. and evening screening at 8 p.m. All shows will feature performances on the theater's pipe organ. Tickets: $4. The Redford Theatre is located at the NE corner of Grand River Ave., and Lahser Road. For details visit The Redford Theatre

 

'Seniors Got Talent'

Heart of Hills Senior Community Theatre Group presents "Seniors Got Talent," comic skits and music, 1 p.m. Feb. 16-18 at Shelby Senior Center, 51670 Van Dyke, south of 24 Mile Road. Admission $8; (586) 739-7540 or (248) 608-9008 or visit HOH Players

Ladies Night

Macomb Bike and Fitness holds free Ladies Night open house, 6-9 p.m. Feb. 17 at 28411 Schoenherr, north of 11 Mile Road, Warren. Evening includes information on new products, charity events, rides and weekly fitness activites. Registration required by calling (586) 756-5400 or visiting Macomb Bike

Go Comedy!

"Jersey Show Season 1 (Abridged)" on stage through Feb. 26 at Go Comedy! Improve Theater, 261 E. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. For showtimes and ticket information, (248) 327-0575 or www.gocomedy.net. Boy band show Menllenium starts Feb. 17 through March; new improve "Sunday Source" 7 p.m. Sundays starting Feb. 13.

Ford House

Bird walks, offered by Ford House and Wild Birds Unlimited in Grosse Pointe, 8 a.m. Feb. 12 and March 12, and 7:30 a.m. April 16, at the historic home, 1100 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Shores. Fee $7 per person; participants should bring binoculars, wear layered clothing and waterproof footwear.

"Enchanted Evening" to celebrate Valentine's Day, 6 p.m. Feb. 12, including candlelit stroll through the home, dinner, dessert, beer and wine. Tickets: $50 each.

Reservations required for each Ford House program, (313) 884-4222 or Edsel and Eleanore Ford House

Wolcott Mill

"Making a Valentine House," 2 p.m. Feb. 12, kids can make sweets including premade house with frosting and favorite Valentine candy; hot chocolate provided. Preregistration: $5 per house.  Call (586) 752-5932 or visit The Wolcott Mill

WSU theater

Wayne State University's Studio Theatre presents "Rhinoceros," 8 p.m. through Feb. 12, at The First Unitarian Universalist Church, 4605 Cass Ave., one block from the Hilberry Theatre (Studio Theatre undergoing renovations). For tickets, $10-$12, call (313) 577-2972 or Wayne Sate Shows

Greyhound adoptions

Greyheart Greyhound Rescue and Adoption of Michigan "Meet and Greet" event, noon-4 p.m. Feb. 13, at Petco in Eastbrooke Commons Shopping Center, 22631 Gratiot, at Nine Mile Road, Eastpointe. Visit Greyheart or (866) 438-4739 (GET GREY).

'Modern Orthodox'

Jewish Ensemble Theatre presents "Modern Orthodox," selected dates through Feb. 13, at Aaron DeRoy Theatre, West Bloomfield Jewish Community Center, 6600 W. Maple at Drake. Tickets, $32-$41, call (248) 788-2900.

DIA exhibits

The Detroit Institute of Arts on Woodward Avenue, exhibit "Fakes, Forgeries and Mysteries," through April 10, a behind-the-scenes look at how art experts and scientists determine if a work of art of art is genuine, fake or if the evidence is inconclusive. Tickets are $12, $6 for ages 6-17, and free for DIA members. Tickets include general museum admission.

Wild Winter Weekends

The Detroit Zoo, 10 Mile Road and Woodward, presents series of family friendly Wild Winter Weekends, through March, on the second Saturday and Sunday of the month:

Wild Winter African Adventure, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 12 and 13, celebrates Black History Month with an African drum lesson, live entertainment, arts and crafts, games, educational experiences and stories told by Kenyan naturalist and Detroit Zoo Education Specialist David Gakure.

Wild Winter Safari Social, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. March 12 and 13, featuring animal arts and crafts, animal enrichment activities, zookeeper talks, face painting and a winter safari scavenger hunt, with ice cream and hot cocoa available for purchase at a discount.

Zoo admission $12 for ages 15 to 61, $10 ages 62 and older, and $8 for children ages 2 to 14 (children under 2 are free). For more information, visit The Detroit Zoo or call (248) 541-5717. 

List compiled by staff editor Debbie Komar.

Think outside the chocolate box this Valentine's Day

Candy or flowers? If I had to choose one for Valentine's Day, it would be flowers. Love them any time, but especially in the dead of winter. It's like a shot of summer, a reminder of bright and warmer days ahead. This February, however, I'm tossing out hints of something different for Valentine's Day. Not just for me, but for everyone. Life needs a good stirring every once in awhile to keep it fresh and interesting. So, here are 10 not-so-common gift ideas that are sure to get your Valentine's attention.

 

Digital kisses

This month’s coolest gizmo comes just in time for Valentine’s Day. The "Kiss My Valentine" APP enables you to send your sweetheart kisses, hugs and Valentine wishes via your Smart phone. Feel poetic? Send a digital custom message in English, Spanish, Portuguese, or Chinese. It even stores and provides reminders (and progress) for activity related to those in the app user's contact book. "The Kiss My Valentine" APP is free until Feb. 14, or can be purchased thereafter for $4.95. For more information or downloads, visit Iconosys

What a hoot! 

If you're looking to earn brownie points in the “sense of humor” category, this is just the thing. Mattel's Sing-a-ma-jigs! The adorable, quirky, off-beat plush characters that stole the hearts of millions at Christmastime are back for Valentine's Day, and ready to sing. With the same endearing fuzzy elastic mouths and delectable tones, only this time the characters sing, "Let Me Call You Sweetheart" along with the character's usual chattering and harmonizing. Look for it at drugstores and toy shops for $12.99.

Give love a kick!

Cowboy boots like candy and flowers never go out of style. The Ariat Heritage Western boot is an exciting example of the spirited look steeped in cowgirl country tradition. It features an elegant stitch pattern, dress leather sole, and a comfortable footbed, so they can be worn for a day or night on the town. Also stylish and comfortable is the Ariat boot for him. Approximate cost: her, $160; his, $179-$220. Look for both styles at Chester Boot Shop, 28037 Gratiot Ave., Roseville. Call (586) 779-6162, or visit Chester Boot Shop 

Outpouring of love

For every bottle of Flip Flop wine sold, Underdog Wine Merchants will provide one pair of flip-flop sandals to Sole4Souls, the international shoe charity dedicated to providing free footwear to those in need. For more information, visit Underdog Wine Merchants and Soles4Souls

Healthy heart

The FitKit is a compact and portable workout kit featuring fitness tools, a pedometer with safety alarm, reflective arm band, exercise techniques specific to where you plan to work out: home, work, dorm, or golf course. 

Each kit is $29.95. For more information, visit Fit Kit

Green hearts

She'll love the Eco Lunch Box Kit not just because it's eco-friendly, but because it is an awesome set featuring a stylish lunch bag and stainless steel food containers. The kit is a tad pricey at $30-$45, but it is 100 percent plastic-free, waste-free, lead-free, BPA-free, PVC-free, vinyl-free and likely to outlast 10 of your less expensive kits. And this one comes with a spork! Look for the Eco Lunchbox at Root and Sprout, 474 North Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham, (248) 593-9552 or visit Eco Lunchbox

Tick-tick goes the heart

The red carbon fiber pocket watch from Things Remembered is not only practical for the guy on the go but stylish. Its silver case allows for plenty of sentiments, too. Cost: $75, plus engraving. 

Also from Things Remembered is a personalized heart-shaped compact mirror that comes in a snug red pouch. Cost: $14, plus engraving.

Love to read
From sweethearts and spouses to family and friends there is a book for everyone you care about. Ask for hints or check with the bookstore regarding new releases such as:  "The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest," by Stieg Larsson (Knopf, $27.95), the third volume about a Swedish hacker and a journalist; or "The Last Boy: Mickey Mantle and the End of America's Childhood" (Harper Collins, $27.99), a biography by Jane Leavy, former feature writer from the Washington Post.
 

Diamonds aren't delicious

What's for breakfast, whatever your heart desires. At Me & Goji your sweetheart can create customized cereal online from 60-plus ingredients such as granola, pecans, coconut and blueberries. Click and drag them into a virtual bowl; name the creation, upload a picture right to the label and instantly tally the benefits, and the price, which is $5 for 21 ounces. Within a week, a recyclable canister of your signature cereal will arrive. Bonus: the co-founder grew up in Rochester Hills and attended Adams High School. Visit

Me & Goji

Homeworks: Sort your clothes for charity and yourself

In light of the winter we’ve been having, I compiled a list of 50 things to do on a snow day. Many of the suggestions were drawn from my own experiences, having attended university in the prairie province of Saskatchewan. One of the items on the list was clean out your closet. If you haven't worn it in a year, toss it in a bag for charity. 

Getty Images.

How many of us have overstuffed closets or trunks filled with garments that are seldom worn but still in great shape? These are the kind of items needed by the Salvation Army Thrift Shops, Turning Point and other charitable organizations committed to providing the less fortunate in our society with the means to live comfortably. 

Remember that suit you bought but don’t wear anymore? Charities need items such as this for their clients who might be going to a job interview. A sharp looking suit or new pair of shoes can make all the difference in the world, in terms of confidence and self-esteem. And those jeans and hoodies that no longer fit your son, they too would go a long way in making a child feel better about himself.

"Twenty percent of U.S. children live in poverty and one in 10 has needed to borrow or receive a donated winter coat for their child," said Bobbie Thomas, a style editor and author who has teamed up with Glad Products Co. to share tips on maximizing the purging process to benefit those who need it most. "It's so important to give back through charities like One Warm Coat, a national nonprofit that provides free coats to people in need. Winter fashion may change from year to year, but giving back never goes out of style."

One of the style tips passed along by Thomas is the need to find new items that you will wear.

"Gather inspirational images from magazines and catalogs, and collect them in a folder or create an easy-to-find desktop file filled with photos from surfing the web," said Thomas. "This will help you develop your own spring style, giving you a fresh perspective on what you should keep in your closet, what you should store or donate."

Study the fashionable images and make a list of items that stand out, or basics that seem to show up repeatedly, such as leather boots or a black jacket.

"You may already have similar items in your closet. If not, this list will keep you on track through the season," Thomas said.

Also important is to have enough time to complete the task. "Plan to clean your closet in shifts, and zone in on one area or category," said Thomas. "For example, focus on one drawer or just your dresses since they are easiest to slip on and off. Organize by color and length. You'll want your wardrobe to welcome you the way a beautifully merchandised department store does."

Cleaning out the closet is not just a job. It's a form of therapy. Now that you've organized the clothes you own, and the list of items you need to buy, the stress of worrying about it is gone. Oh, and that feeling of guilt for not wearing items that were given to you is done, too. Then there's the satisfaction of what it will mean to others.

"The reward of feeling freshly organized is fantastic," Thomas said. "But you'll feel even better knowing that your unused (or gently used) items are helping others in need."

Need incentive? Go to TheBagBank.com to find out how you can receive free Glad ForceFlex trash bags to donate your unwanted clothing and accessories now through May 30.

For ideas on where to donate items, visit macombresources.info/Clothing.doc.

Send your comments or home and garden tips to gina.joseph@macombdaily.com

Last minute recipes for a Super Bowl party at home

If you're hosting a Super Bowl party chances are you're ready for the kick-off. It's the biggest game of the year and for some families -- the biggest party of the year. So what happens when someone on your team gets sick and you find yourself benched from the game? Like any good coach, you come up with a new game plan. 


Since the spinach dip and chicken wings are likely to be sold out at most grocery stores you'll need to be creative. It's for this reason I enlisted a couple of Super Bowl fans, who are quick on their feet and big-time football fans. Kathy and Joseph came up with two touch-down recipes that don't require a lot of work. Also included, in case you're a die-hard Packers fan and cannot bring yourself to cook up a rival dish, is a non-partisan recipe for chili. 

Steelers Super Burger Hoagie
By Kathy
Makes 4 servings


1 package of thinly sliced chipped ham (Isaly's if you're at home in Pittsburgh)
1 onion
1 package of brick cheese (sliced)
1 jar of your favorite barbecue sauce (Kathy's is Malnar's)
1 bottle of Heinz ketchup
1 package of hoagie buns
teaspoon of vegetable oil
salt and pepper




Blend the barbecue sauce and ketchup in a bowl (to your liking). Set it aside. Heat vegetable oil in medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion; cook until tender, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside in a bowl. Using the same saucepan, fry up the chipped ham. Add the 50/50 mixture of barbecue sauce and ketchup. Separate the hoagie buns on a tray and add a helping of the Super Burger mixture to each one. Then add onions and a slice of brick cheese, salt and pepper. You can also add hamburger fixings or if you're a true Pittsburgh fan you can make it Primanti-style by topping it off with coleslaw and fries. If you grew up in Pittsburgh you know about the wonderful Primanti Brothers sandwiches, which are a local delicacy. The combination of coleslaw, fries, cheese, and meat on thickly sliced Italian bread or fresh hoagie buns brings a taste of Pittsburgh to wherever you may be watching the game. Kathy also recommends serving it up with one of the oldest lagers in the United States, Iron City Beer. And for desert: Klondike Bars.

Green Bay Crab Dip
By Joseph
Makes one platter


2 packages of shredded imitation crab

2 8-ounce packages/tubs of cream cheese 

1 pint of sour cream 

1 bottle of cocktail sauce
1 box of fancy crackers
green onions (optional)
Decorative platter about an inch deep


Cut up the crab and toss it into a mixing bowl. Add the cream cheese and sour cream. Pour it into the platter and spread it over the playing field. Cover it with a layer of cocktail sauce. Now, if you really want to make it Super -- use the green onions to create the letters "G" and "B" or "Go Packers!" Serve it with Wheat Thin crackers and a glass of Pele Island 


Both of these recipes can be made and served during half-time. The chili recipe that follows, should probably be made a couple hours prior to the kick-off allowing the ingredients time to heat up before the game. Serve it with a glass of Chateau 1997, which is the year Green Bay beat the New England Patriots 35-21 at the Superdome stadium in New Orleans.  

Photo courtesy of Family Features.

Game-Day Chili


If there's one thing Steeler and Packer fans can agree on it is that chili is a great dish for any Super Bowl party. This hearty, winter classic with a spicy Southwestern twist can be served with an array of toppings on the side including cheddar cheese, red onion, Tabasco sauce (for those who like it hot), corn chips. Don't forget the fresh Italian bread, crackers and plenty of cool beverages.


Game-Day Chili
Makes 6 servings


1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 red onion, chopped
1 pound ground beef
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 can (16 ounces) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 1/2 ounces) red kidney beans, drained
2 tablespoons original Tabasco brand pepper sauce
1 can (11 ounces) corn, drained
2 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro
      Shredded Cheddar cheese, optional
Chopped red onion, optional
Cilantro sprigs, optional


Heat vegetable oil in medium saucepan and add onions; cook until tender, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.


In drippings remaining in saucepan, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until well browned on both sides, stirring frequently.  Stir in chili powder and salt; cook one minute. Add tomatoes (and their liquid), kidney beans and Tabasco sauce. Heat mixture to boiling over high heat. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in corn and cilantro; heat through.


Garnish with shredded Cheddar cheese, red onion and cilantro sprigs, if desired. 

Daytripping: Crazy rides, concerts, winter rafting and the Super Bowl

Riders throw caution to the wind

Images of what the ride will look like courtesy of Cedar Point.

Despite the snow, cold temperatures and windy conditions, the underground foundation for Cedar Point's newest ride is in the works.

The Wind Seeker as the swing ride has been dubbed -- extends 301-feet into the air - so naturally it's going to need a heavy-duty anchor.

Officials said more than 1,600 tons of concrete, measuring 60 feet by 60-feet wide and 6-feet deep were poured to build the foundation, along with more than 36 tons of steel rebar and 176 steel anchor bolts. A second pour of concrete totaling 14.2 cubic yards will top it off. Once completed, the total weight of the foundation will be more than 3.3 million pounds or 1,650-plus tons of concrete and steel.

Feel a little better about strapping your fanny to a swing about 30 stories up? Seated in two-passenger swings with their feet dangling in the air, riders will be treated to breathtaking views of the park, Lake Erie and the shoreline, as they fly around the sky-high maypole with a $5 million price tag.

Hang on to your hat and mark the calendar. Only 100 more days until Cedar Point opens for the summer. That should make some of you feel better about the winter we've been having.

In the meantime, here are a few other events and destination ideas, besides the nearest Super Bowl party, to consider:

Learn how to raise orchids

One of several in-store gardening workshops being offered by English Gardens will feature everything you need to know about orchids. Believe it or not orchids are actually a long-lasting and relatively easy plant to grow. Orchid experts will provide participants with a basic overview of the best varieties to grow (the hardiest) and tips for year-round care.

Other workshops going on in February include: an orchid basket make it and take it workshop; orchid re-potting; starting seeds indoors; spring bouquets and arranging fresh flowers. For further details visit English Gardens

Take a ride down the river

Who says you cannot go rafting in the winter? It must have been someone from a warm-weather state, because in this part of the country residents have learned to get along with winter.

A fine example is Big Bear Adventures, which has offered family-friendly rafting down the lazy-river-trips, for a decade.

No, I did not say luging down an icy river. The Sturgeon River, unlike many others in the state never freezes. It's an ideal location and because not many people know about it, a lot more peaceful than your usual summer outings. 

If you want to see wildlife such as deer, mink, beavers, eagles and wild turkey, this is the way to do it. Winter's palette makes it easy to spot such creatures too.

The rafts are big enough for a family of six. Depending on the size of the group, cost is usually $34 per person. The 1 1/2 hour trip features an experienced rafter, who shares river lore and does most of the hard paddling. For further information visit Big Bear Adventures

Show for all ages

Pontiac’s The Crofoot presents “Dancing with the Stars” celebrity Mark Ballas, along with special guest Alyssa Simmons. While audiences have seen his moves on the dance floor, as the energetic partner for Kristi Yamaguchi, not many know of his musical talents. 

“It’s obvious he’s an insane dancer but he’s also an incredible singer/songwriter/performer,” said Simmons, who met Ballas while in Los Angeles, for a recording session.

Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets: $12 in advance; $15 at the door. For more information visit The Crofoot Event Schedule

Celebrate Black History Month at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History

There are numerous events going on throughout the month including a film series, art workshop, music, poetry, African drumming and dancing and a film festival event featuring shorts written and produced by area teens. 

See a special screening of Chris Rock's film, "Good Hair."

Founded in 1965 and located in Detroit's Cultural Center, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History is the world's largest institution dedicated to the African American experience. 

Hours: open (every day during Black History Month) Monday-Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sunday 1-5 p.m. Admission: $8 adults (age 13-up); $5 seniors and children (age 3-12); free for members and children under the age of 3. For a full schedule of events, visit The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History

Looking for a Super Bowl Party?

Check out Mitch Hotts' column in ET, “Where to watch the Super Bowl this Sunday.”

 

Slow but sure campaign for the tortoise

Nature photo courtesy of Stony Creek Metropark.

It's true. For most of us in North America, our understanding of Chinese astrology and Chinese zodiac doesn't extend beyond what we gleaned from the paper placemats in our favorite Chinese restaurants.

But that doesn’t take away from our interest in the legends and mythology associated with Chinese culture. It's quite the opposite, especially when it comes to the Chinese Zodiac calendar, which includes a rat, buffalo (ox), tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. How many times have we sat in a booth discovering what sign we were born under and whether we really fit the bill? Are you as cautious as a rabbit or brave like the tiger? One of the questions that might have come up is who decided what 12 animals would appear on the calendar. The hare made the list, why not the tortoise too?

Apparently there are plenty of legends explaining it, but one of the most well-known and interesting has to do with a race that was officiated by Buddha.

"Buddha invited the animals to participate in a race. The prize was a coveted position on the Chinese Zodiac calendar. The first 12 animals to cross the river would appear on the Chinese Zodiac calendar in the order in which they completed the race," according to the story reported by Chinese Zodiac.

Legend has it the first to cross was the rat. While surprising, considering its size and the other contenders, the legend claims the rat used its brain rather than brawn and hitched a ride on what it perceived was the mightiest swimmer.

Was it the horse? The snake?

AP File Photo/Damian Dovarganes

The rabbit met Buddha’s challenge.

 Nope. The buffalo reached the shore first, but the rat jumped off the buffalo's back and crossed the finish line before everyone else, putting it at the top of Buddha's list, followed by the buffalo, tiger (cats can swim if they have to) and rabbit, which was helped during the last stretch by the dragon.

The sneaky, creepy snake hid in the hoof of the horse, letting it do all of the work in crossing the river. Legend has it that just before the horse landed on the shore, the snake jumped out and slithered to shore, spooking the horse into seventh place.

Right behind them were the sheep, monkey and rooster, earning their spots on the calendar by helping one another make it across. The dog, caring more for the bath it was getting in the river, took its time but eventually crossed in 11th place. According to this legend, the pig feasted and rested halfway through the race, but endured at the end, securing its position on the calendar.

That's not the end of the story.

According to another legend after the race all of the winners were invited to join Buddha at either a birthday celebration, a New Year celebration, or a celebration for his departure from this world. We know which one they chose.  

Is it your lucky year? Birth years for the rabbit zodiac sign include: 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023.