What does Christmas Mean to You?

by Crystal Canole 
Since I was very little, Christmas was a holiday to celebrate Jesus, but was more about the presents.  I have struggled with my own religion and beliefs, but as an adult I now understand Christmas as much more than just presents or celebrating a God.

To me, Christmas represents showing love for not only your family but for man kind.  I love giving and of course receiving, but I am much more happy giving. 

There are many charities that benefit from Christmas.  One charity that I participate in during Christmas is the Haven.  This is an organization that helps those who are victims of Domestic Violence.

During Christmas they have a gift giveaway.  They take charitable donations of new toys and goods and have a three day gift giveaway.  Individuals that they have helped over the past three years come and pick out gifts.

Children pick out gifts from their mothers.  Mothers pick out gifts from their children.  It warms my heart to know that this charity helps hundreds of children every year receive a gift for Christmas.  No child should go without a gift for Christmas.

The gifts picked out can then be taken home by the individuals and saved for Christmas morning.

Christmas is a time to give as much as you can, and share time with your family.  This is what Christmas means to me.

If you would like to learn more about this charity, click the following link: http://www.haven-oakland.org/Haven

Pets: The time I almost lost Bella

by Crystal Canole

I have never thought of having to give CPR to my dog untill an event occured that could have been tragic. My dog is a boxer and she does not swim that well but decent.  She absolutely loves the water though so during the summer I take her to rivers and lakes often. 

One day we were swimming in the river and the current was fairly high.  She had her life jacket on her and I was throwing her water toy for her.  After a while, she did not seem like she wanted to play anymore.  She proceeded to walk to a rock bed and lay down.  This was very unusual behavior for my dog becasue she has high enrgey and always wants to play.

I figured she was just tired.  I started skipping rocks and did not think anything of it.  Then Kevin called over to me and said that Bella did not look good.  Her eyes were droppy and she looked like she was going to pass out.  Hurriedly we called her over but she would not get up.  Kevin picked her up and we raced her back to the car that was about a mile away.

We got her in the car and she started trying to fall asleep.  Kevin and I both know that when a human gets cold and wants to go to sleep you do not let them.  It was about 95 degrees out, but we rolled up the windows and cranked the heat.  He started poking her trying to keep her awake.  We drove to the nearest veterinary hospital we knew and they said they would not help her.

I called my vet who is about 15 miles away and told them what had happened and that I was raciing her in.  In order to keep her awake Kevin had to keep sticking his finger down her throat and choking.  When we finally got to the vet's, she recognized the car had stopped and jumped up.  All of a sudden she was fine.  I still took her in and explained to them that she seemed fine now, but they checked her over and agreed she was okay now.

They explained that what had happened was that her body temperature had fell from the cold river water and the exertion of swimming against current and worn her out.  They said we did the right thing, and to be careful with her when he are playing in rivers and current. 

I was thankful of my vet for immediately seeing me and bringing me in the back door to treat her as soon as I got there.  If your in the detroit metro area, I would definetly recommend North Gratiot Vet.  This incident has taught me that there is knowledge out there that I can learn to save my dog.  Although I did the right thing this time, if something else happened I may not have known what to do. 

Happy Turkey Day!!

by Crystal Canole

Today is the day when we sit down with our families and eat lots of good food and get sleepy eyed after. 

Today is the day when we are giving thanks for anything and everything we want too give thanks for. 

Today is the day that we need to be especially thankfull for what we have, and if possible give to those who are less fortunate.

Today is the day when we should welome others into our home to share our meals.

Today is the day to over eat and enjoy.



I like Thanksgiving!  It is a reason to get together for a meal with family and friends.  I personally, do not like turkey but I love ham.  On Turkey day I eat ham while my family eats turkey.  This is not a problem though, because theres more turkey for those who like it!


Have a wonderful Turkey Day!

Review: Sons of Anarchy on FX

by Crystal Canole

I am a huge fan of Sons of Anarchy.  This is a TV series that is in its third season and airs on FX on Tuesdays at 10PM.  This show is about a motorcycle gang from a small town called Charming.  The first two seasons were amazing but the third season has not been as good.

The first season had lots of different stories going on and was very exciting and different.  Not one time did I know what was going to happen or anticipate something.  Jax killed Tara's ATF ex-boyfriend.  Jax became a father.  Opie and Bobby assassinated someone and a witness was left.  Opie was made to look like a rat.  Clay ordered him dead, but instead Tig shoot Donna, Opies wife.  In the end Jax was left with a nasty taste in his mouth and did not like being under the rule of Clay. 

Season 2 started with the introduction of a new problem, the White Supremacists.  Zobel is the leader of this group and orders for Gemma to be kidnapped and gang rapped to send a message to SAMCRO.  Gemma remains silent so the club never knows.  SAMCRO gets in to the pornography industry to help out an old members old lady.  The porn business is burned down and Jax thinks Clay did it so he decides to go nomad.  Before this can happen Gemma tells Clay and Jax what happened to her so that the club can be reunited.    The season ends with the Irish, Cameron, stealing Abel and killing Half-Sock because he thought the sons were the ones that killed his son. 

Season 3 starts with them trying to find Abel.  Gemma is hiding out at her fathers because ATF Stahl is trying to pin the murder of Cameron's son on her.  Gemma eventually misses her boys so she drives home to learn that her grandson, Abel was kidnapped.  She gets a call from Belfast and the MC goes to Ireland.  The contact the priest who says Jax can have his boy if he proves Jimmy is against the IRA.  Jax finds his son but lets him go to have a better life.  Jimmy steals Abel and uses him as a ticket out of Ireland.  Jax gets his son in the end, but finds out that Tara has been kidnapped. 

The third season does not seem like there is as many story lines going on.  I assumed that it would be one of the last shows before the end of the season when they got Abel back.  I knew that lady was Jax's sister.  I knew that the business man trying to protect Charming PD was no good before they showed it.  This season is still very good and worth watching, do not get me wrong, but it just does not have that spark like the last two seasons. 

Sports: FC Bayern Munich Football

by Crystal Canole

The FC Bayern Munich is the most successful football club in Germany.  It has won over 22 German titles and 15 cups.  This is a club and is not only for soccer.  There are other departments including chess, bowling, basketball, etc. 

The club was started in 1900, but it was not until the football players of 1932 when the club won their first national championship.  The players played many years in the Olympic Stadium and only moved to the Allianz Arena in 2005. 

The team has different colors that they wear for away and home but they also have a third set of colors.  The home color is red, away is white, and the third color is black and blue.  The team crest sports the colors of Bavaria. 

The 2010-2011 Season started on August 20th when they took on VfLWolfsburg and won.  The last game they played on November 14,2010 they beat Nuremberg with three goals to a big goose egg. 

Black Friday Ads

by Crystal Canole

Thanksgiving night after the turkey dinner was eaten and cleaned up, it was time to go to the gas station.  The newspaper was waiting up there for me with all the great deals that were about to happen tomorrow, on Black Friday. 

Those days of waiting till the night before are long gone.  Now, Black Friday Ads come out far in advance, and even the deals are sometimes earlier than black Friday. 

Here is a breakdown of websites with Black Friday Ads already:

1. Black Friday 2010
2. Black Friday
3. BlackFridayAds

and there are many more.

Now this is nice to have the ads in advance, so that the sale prices can be evaluated and plans can be made for the big day well in advance, but I miss the old days.  I loved running out after dinner grabbing the ads and circling all the great stuff and planning the next morning.

Now, there is almost no reason to shop on black Friday in the stores because the deals are offered earlier and there is always cyber Monday.  Some of the deals are still amazing, but unless you need that huge flat screen TV, the rest of the stuff is probably not worth it. 

Even though I know this, I will still be one of those crazies waiting outside the store at four in the morning trying to be the first one in the door. 

Motorcycles: Honda Scrambler

by Crystal Canole

The Honda Scrambler was made in different sizes and offered in different years.  Models that featured the scrambler model were:

• 305
• 175
• 160
• 250
• 350

And there are probably many more. 

Most of them were made between 1965 - 1973. 

These bikes are famous for their pipes being up high.  It is known that the pipes would get very hot and sometimes burn your leg.

I am in love with these old bikes and would really like to acquire one.  I have a CB350 right now, and think a CL350 would make a great edition. 

I would also like the Triumph Scrambler.  It is a new bike that is inspired by the old 60's style Scramblers.  If I did not have a cruiser already, I would definitely consider purchasing this one.

It has a nice size engine with 865cc.  Being that it is a triumph, one may think that it would be highly priced.  This would be a wrong assumption as it is nicely priced at $8,699. 

Pets: Lake Orion Dog Park

by Crystal Canole

Lake Orion Dog Park

2301 Clarkston Rd
Lake Orion, MI
This is the mailing address.  

This is the greatest dog park in the greater Detroit area to take your dog to play and socialize.  The dog park entrance is just off of joslyn. 

This park has over 900 acres available for your pet, plus several miles of hiking trails to explore, as well as a 14 acre large fenced area to let all the dogs run loose and play at the same time.

There is also a similar fenced area that only allows dogs under 15 pounds. All of the dog runs are well groomed lawns, and rotating the location of the runs each month keeps the park eco-friendly. Plenty of shaded picnic tables give you a place to relax while your pet wanders around. These fenced areas are conveniently double gated with a 6 foot space between the gates that allows for easy leashing and unleashing. There are cold drinking fountains, and fresh tap water for the dogs is also available. Clean restrooms are on site, and pet waste bags are also available at various locations in this park.

The gem of this dog park is the large lake that they can splash around in on those hot summer days.  Lake sixteen butts up to the park and they have made a dog friendly ramp for your pets to go in and out of the water with ease.  Bring a ball or grab a stick and watch the dogs have fun showing off there swimming abilities.  Be careful on the dock as it gets slippery when wet.

Ghost Stories: Wicked Laugh

by Crystal Canole

Since I was little, I have always been afraid of ghosts.  I have never actually seen a ghost, but I do believe in them and it frightens me. 

When I was younger, about 13 I was laying in bed and it was very late probably around 2 AM.  I woke up for some reason from sleep and in the corner of my bedroom towards the ceiling I heard the very wicked laughter.  It sounded like a laugh from a witch.

Immediately I was terrified and paralyzed and could not move.  I hid under the blanket hoping it would go away and not come bother me.  I started praying to God to make it go away and it stopped.  I was not brave enough to lift the covers and look, but I was able to fall back asleep.

Was it a ghost?  Was it my imagination?  There is no way to tell.  I know what I heard though, and it cannot be explained. 

Painting My Kitchen

by Crystal Canole
I had a week off work, and I decided to remodel my kitchen.  It is the last room in my house, besides the basement, that needed to be repainted. 

Over this past summer, I painted the bathroom that is just off the kitchen to see if I liked it.  The colors are red, black, beige, and silver.  The combination of red, black, and beige may not seem like a good combination, but it works perfectly.  I loved the bathroom when I was done with it.  I decided to wait on the kitchen, since I knew it would take a while to do.

I started on Monday and primered the walls, ceiling, molding, and cabinets.  On Tuesday I painted the ceiling two coats of beige.  With the white walls and beige ceiling I loved all the light that was coming in.  I was afraid I was making a mistake with the dark colors. 

I proceeded on though and on Wednesday I was painting the walls red.  I ran out of paint and had to get more and finished with the walls on Thursday.  I also started painting black on the trim, wall, and cupboards on Thursday.  Friday I finished the black and put a clear coat on all of the wood that was painted.

I still had the cupboard doors to work on, but did not feel like doing them all weekend.  I was done painting and needed a break.  On Sunday I started painting them and I should be done with most of them tomorrow.  The only thing I need is a new stove, refrigerator, and a couple of lights. 

I knew this project was going to be a very time consuming and large project, but I am glad I spent my week off of work doing it.  The kitchen looks amazing and it is my favorite room in the house. 

Travelling Europe

by Chris Pollock

Travelling Europe by train has been made so much easier these days by the infrastructure that is in place all around the continent. Travelling by rail can do either in done style and comfort or by affordability; whichever you choose, the rail network spans across the whole of Europe almost getting you to every accessible point. There are various options you can explore if you decide to travel by train.
So if you ever plan to travel all over Europe, first of all the InterRail with its Global Pass is one of the most affordable ways to do this. With this pass you can travel within 30 European countries in and out through as many of the 30 and as often as you wish. The pass can be purchased being valid for the duration of 5 days up to a month. Or if you plan just to explore one individual country you can purchase passes for single countries. With the single country tickets your ticket will be valid for a certain amount of days within the month, whether that is 3, 4, 6 or 8 for example. However you must be aware that the pass is not valid in your country of residence.
With the Global Train Pass you can travel consecutive periods, or choose your own 'flexi' travel days which ever you think will suit you the best. However the InterRail Global Pass can only be used by European residents, so if you are planning to come from a different continent to explore the beautiful Swiss Alps or French vineyards I am afraid you won’t be able to explore this avenue. Also for all European residents the rail pass is not valid in your own country, though you can get discounts travelling to the border and if you are in a country which the Eurostar runs you can often get Eurostar vouchers that will save you money when travelling to and from the boarder.
If you want to travel across Europe in more style then look no further than the Orient Express  with its four routes; Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, British Pullman, Northern Belle and The Royal Scotsman. The original Orient Express ran from Paris through to Istanbul, which the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express does today and only runs once a year. There are now so many other destinations and journeys you can include or travel on whether it is Verona, London, Venice, Rome, Prague and Krakow etc.
Then of course there are all the regular rail networks and companies which you can use to travel across the whole of Europe to see the Matterhorn in Zermatt or the Eiffel Tower in Paris. You can do it in a lavish style or travel a cheaper way, the choice is yours and the options and destinations are endless.

Poetry Corner : Grandparents Love

by Crystal Canole

My grandparents love

is as pure as a dove.

Their hearts love with all

which makes me call

just to hear their voices.

No matter where you may be

you are always close to me.

Within my heart you keep

a special place so I may leap

when I need your love and support.

The times we share

have now become rare

but our love and laughter

is heard through the rafters

while our memories are forever ours.

To be the lucky one

to have your love for my own

is a blessing from God

and as strong as a rod

I will hold onto forever.

Review: Toy Story 3

by Crystal Canole

Toy Story 3 was a great tale about toys and their owners.  I am not a Toy Story fan.  I liked the first Toy Story but did not bother to watch the second one. 


This one was surprisingly good.  When I sat down to watch it, I was only watching it because my boyfriend wanted to watch it.  He is a huge animation fan and wants to watch all the animated cartoon movies that come out.


The movie starts off with a good description of the life the toys have had so far.  Than they are put in a position where they have to make a decision.  They must go to the attic, garbage, or day care. 


They decide to go to the day care and the story starts.  If you make it this far you will not be disappointed with the rest of the movie.  Honestly I was starting to doze off in the beginning of the film.


From here on out, the movie takes off running.  It held my interest and drew me into the story.  Definitely a movie for kids, but also for adults. 


It left me wondering about how I treated my own toys.  Even I have thrown away toys, have some in the attic, and only a few are out but never played with. 
Check out the Toy Story Site : http://disney.go.com/toystory/

Poetry Corner : My Darling Daughter

by Cheriene Canole

A beautiful blue - eyed baby is born
We lock Eyes, love at first sight
A special bond between the two
Nothing can break, strong for a lifetime.

A child blossoms out of the baby
Full of wonder, love, and excitement
Together they explore the world
The bond grows stronger with each day

From the child a Teenager appears
A time for self discovery and explorations
Morales, Values, Confidence tested, but hold true
The bond remains unbreakable through it all

A young woman confident and beautiful
Amazes with compassion, intelligence, and love
An angel in disguise who touches lives
The bond is blessed and even stronger

A special bond to last a lifetime
Between a mother and her daughter
No other bond is quite the same
Cherished and held close to the heart forever

Dedicated to my daughter

3D Moive Glasses

by Crystal Canole
Most movies coming out nowadays are in 3D, and more people are opting to watch the 3D versions.  Every time you pay to watch a 3D movie the theater gives you a new pair of glasses individually wrapped in plastic.  Seems safe enough, and appears that they would be clean enough to place on your face.  I always assumed they were!


SCRUB THOSE GLASSES IN THE BATHROOM BEFORE YOU PUT THEM ON YOUR FACE!


Inside Edition's I-Squad had a segment about the bacteria that they found on 3D glasses in New York and New Jersey Theaters.  Disease is spread through the eyes and E. Coli getting into your eyes is a bad thing.  The investigation suggests taking an alcohol wipe with you to the theatre to wipe them off after you purchase them. 


I suggest purchasing a pair and taking them straight to the bathroom and scrubbing them.  Once you have them scrubbed and ready to wear, place them on your head and do not let go of them.  The theatres always want you to pay for the glasses each time you see a 3D movie and then recycle them at the end of the show.  I suggest taking them with you and bringing them back to the theatre the next time you watch a 3D movie.


The theatres will still make you pay for another pair, but at least you will know that your glasses are free of disease and E. Coli. The question I have is that why is the industry not doing anything about it?  Why do they not have better quality practices in place to make sure that they are clean? 

YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE THAT CAN PROTECT YOURSELF!

Review: Megamind 3D

by Crystal Canole


Your never to old to watch an animated movie!  These movies may be rated for children but there good for the entire family. 


Megaminds is a movie about two aliens who are sent from their home planets to earth.  Mega Man is voiced by Brad Pitt and Megamind is voiced by Will Ferrel.  This is your epic good vs. evil tale told by the villains viewpoint.  There are many things that Megamind must learn throughout the film that makes him evolve. 


All in all this movie was a good movie.  It is similar to some past movies, but definitely worth watching.  I love 3D movies so if ya get the chance I would definitely watch it in 3D.  It contains romance, heroism, sadness, happiness, and humor.  Megamind grows on you and by the end of the movie you will be rooting him on. 

If you do not want to spend the extra money on 3D, the graphics and quality of film is good enough to watch it plain.  I recommend 3D because I am enthralled with things flying out of the screen at me.  It is not one of those movies like say Avatar, where 3D really makes a difference though. 


Check out the trailer: Megaminds Trailer

Poetry Corner : Hurt From a Drunk

by Crystal Canole 2008

How sad it is
that the man that use to play
has become a baby again.
Sipping his bottle
only that bottle is not giving life but taking it.
Keep sipping
to me your written off.
You choose that bottle and see how
happy it makes you.
You don't give two shits about anyone else
just pass the bottle and all's better.
One day you will wake up
and see that the bottle let the demons in
and caused them to fester.
Wake Up, Everyone's Gone, Look How Great Life Is

Review: Due Date

by Crystal Canole
I just saw this movie in the theaters.   It stars Robert Downey Jr., as a man on a mission.


His wife is pregnant and due to have the baby in a few days so he is flying home to be there.  He runs into problems and gets put on the no fly list.  He has to figure out how to get home in time to see his son be delivered. Along the road there are many hurdles he must cross but he is not alone and has a traveling companion.This story is a uniquely funny tale of a man on a mission who gets teamed up with an unlikely companion.


I could not stop laughing through most of this film.  He gets a broken bone, beat up, and taken into custody by Mexican officials.  It is packed full of action, drama, and humor.  It has a nice balance between the three, and one cannot help but feel for both of the guys sides.  The movie is an epic road trip with one man being the smart level headed intellect, and the other being crazy, stupid, but loyal and loving. 

Most of the antics throughout the show that are hilarious come from, Zach Galifianakis.   He is the annoying but loyal travel companion.  He is heading to Hollywood to become an actor.  Throughout the movie he is directly related to being the reason Robert Downey Jr's character winds up in compromising situations. 

This movie is one that should definitely not be passed up.
Check out the trailer and see for yourself: Due Date Trailer

Poetry Corner: The Unseen World

by Crystal Canole 2008

I realized today
that I do not appreciate life.
To live is to take everything in
instead of just being a walking zombie.

I have worked here for three years
but never realized the beauty.
Standing on the railing
I noticed a world I was oblivious too.

To often I run to make a dollar
never stopping to appreciate life.
That mighty dollar gets a hold of you
and never wants to let go.

From here on out I make a pledge
to hold my self responsible
for breathing life
instead of walking blindly.

Snowkitting Season Is Coming

Anyone who wants to learn to Kiteboard, should learn in the snow.

The wind in the winter does not have to be as strong because there is no drag against the rider.  In the summer the water creates a huge drag.

The only problem with the winter, is that is hurts a lot more when you fall.  I use knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards.  If you are wearing the appropriate safety gear, then the sport is safe and fun.

The winter is a great time to truly learn new skills and practice the sport.

One must remember, though, that once you go back to the water in the summer, you are not necessarily going to be as good.

The mistake that I made was that I did not realize this.  I went to the water and instead of taking the appropriate precautions, I jumped on my board and took off.

I almost immediately fell off the board.  I had forgot about the drag and the power of the wind since it is more windier riding in the summer.

If anyone is interested in this sport, I will answer any questions that you have.  Trap the wind and Have fun out there!

If you need any gear or instructions in Michigan, check out: Brian - Great Lakes Kiteboarding

Top 3 Stephen King Movies

by Crystal Canole

I love Stephen King movies.  My mom and grandmother read the books, but I watch the movies.  I have not watched one of the movies made from his books that I have not liked.


#1. The Langoliers

 

This movie is about a group of people who are traveling on an airplane.  They fall asleep and when they wake up they are the only ones left on the plane.  They have to figure out why and how to get back to their destination.  

This is my favorite movie based on Stephen Kings' books and have seen it many times.  If you have not seen this one, it is definitely worth watching. 

#2.  Ridding the Bullet

This movie is based on a young man who has just found out his mother is in the hospital.  He decides to hitchhike home to be with her.  On his way home he meets some interesting people.

This story is a scary one that leaves the main character with a very hard decision he must make. 

#3. Rose Red

This movie is an excellent movie based on a house that does horrible things.  The lead female character in the movie was to investigate the house on a paranormal level and gets a team together.  

This movie is like no other and comes together nicely in the end.  This movie is a must see.

Check out the full reviews at  Rotten Tomatoes.