Facebook, Social Media Impairs Real-Life Communication

Facebook and social networking are bubbles. They occupy a lot of time and airspace for a significant number of people. A spectrum of users interact instantly and globally. We don't yet know what all the impacts will be. From my own experiences, I see that digital interaction impairs face-to-face communication. Here's how.  Read more

Detroit's 1914 David Whitney Building to Finally See Resurrection

When I first started visiting Detroit, in 1982, I was surprised that gorgeous old buildings could be left to rot. In my hometown, locals got militant to save a catwalk on the pier. I never thought that historic landmarks would be allowed to fall into ruin, spill interior rubble onto the sidewalk and everyone was okay with this. I watched people casually walk around piles of refuse from broken-down buildings as if they were used to it...because of course they were. They  had no choice but to move on. I was admittedly very naive. And people are certainly more important than buildings. But when buildings crumble it's like they take neighborhoods, made of people, with them. That's why I'm happy to share that after more than a decade, Detroit's famed David Whitney Building is finally getting her long-awaited face lift. The Detroit Free Press says a team, Whitney Partners LLC, will be the developer of the $82-million conversion of the Whitney into retail, apartments, and a boutique hotel. The long-vacant Whitney is an iconic structure downtown at Woodward and Grand Circus Park. On first glance, the Whitney looks pretty dreary and common place. It is now, thanks to a woeful 60s renovation that removed most of the elegant neo-classical City Beautiful exterior design elements. But the glorious Beaux Arts interior remains and only wants a bit of sprucing up. Detroit's David Whitney Building to Finally See Resurrection

Free Printable Easter Triduum Coloring: Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil, Easter Sunday

For Catholics, lent is the holiest season of the church year. It follows the temptation by Satan of Jesus in the desert. During this time, we fast, pray and give alms in imitation of Christ's suffering and in reparation for our sins. Lent ends with Jesus triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. From there, we follow the way of the cross (via dolorosa) as stations of the cross. In the last three days of Lent, called the Easter or paschal triduum. "Paschal" refers to the passion, death and resurrection of Christ. The Easter Triduum begins at sundown on Holy Thursday, also called Maundy Thursday. It continues through Good Friday, Easter Vigil or Holy Saturday and on to Easter Sunday. Here are free printable coloring pages to help children explore the paschal mysteries of Christ's Easter Triduum.  Free Printable Easter Triduum Coloring Pages: Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil, Easter Sunday

Rapid Rehousing, Homelessness Prevention Programs in Detroit

Many Detroiters struggle with homelessness. Just how big is the problem? Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries says 18,000 people won't have a place to sleep tonight. There are several large shelters but not enough to house that many. And as worthy as emergency shelters are, they're only temporary. Preventing homelessness is the key and that's what "rapid rehousing" is all about. In 2009, President Barack Obama signed American Recovery and Reinvestment which funded the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP) administered by the U.S.Department of Housing and Urban Development Homeless Resource Exchange (HUD-HRE). With the ending of that program last December, the need will be greater. Several organizations in Detroit continue that program model: to get people into permanent homes as quickly as possible.  Rapid Rehousing, Homelessness Prevention Programs in Detroit 

Living with Active Addiction: Staying Healthy Amid Chaos

Living with addiction in any form-- alcohol, religious, rage, money, sex, overeating, smoking--is miserable. I've played codependent to many. Addiction is cunning, baffling and powerful. I've made every mistake in the book (and invented some). Most of my dysfunctional coping mechanisms were learned in childhood and I'm working to recover from them. Here's what to expect in codependent recovery.   Living with Active Addiction: Staying Healthy Amid Chaos

Natural Antidepressants, Anti-Anxiety Supplements

I've always struggled with panic attacks, anxiety, depression, PMS (premenstrual syndrome) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. I lost two second trimester infants and started menopause early, at about 45. For seven years, I took antidepressants. These made me feel disoriented and numb. I also put on 100 pounds (which certainly didn't help the depression!) I weaned myself several years ago and now use natural supplements to combat negative feelings and boost emotional health. Here's my daily mental health regimen.  Natural Antidepressants, Drugfree Antianxiety Supplements

Dealing with Sad Feelings when Kids Elope

Our oldest daughter is getting married. The bride and her fiance live in down south and both families live up north. They're planning a destination wedding in Florida with just the two of them. We're pleased they're tying the knot, but disappointed not to be part of her big day. If you're a parent whose child is eloping, here are tips to help you deal with any disappointment and enjoy their special day! Dealing with Sad Feelings when Kids Elope