We Need More Jamie Olivers

Not to gross you out, but I think this video is pretty epic. Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution is an important step towards a massive organizational change. Proper education is a powerful tool that can effectively promote positive decision making for a life time. Give this video some attention - you'll be glad you did.

Cute Lil' Monster

This is the office dog, Thor. He loves eating food out of trash cans so the hot dog costume is a natural fit for the hungry pup! Happy (almost) Halloween!

I will not drink an effing Merlot!

Sideways, staring Paul Giamatti, is one of my favorite movies to watch over and over again. I saw it for the first time in Boston when I visited a friend during spring break. We snuck a bottle of wine into the theater (big purses rock!) and stumbled home through severe East Coast snowstorm.

This video is my favorite scene, and has now become my favorite line to pull out during random conversations. It's right up there with the classic Home Alone line, "Buzz, you're girlfriend... Woof!"

A Love for Home

I'm in love with this tune, even though it's been out for ages. Anyone who knows me knows that I'm an addict for a good horn section in a song. The lyrics from Home (is Wherever I'm with You) remind me of a simple southern love story.

This video is a network debut of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros on Letterman. Is it as catchy to you, too? I just want to put it on repeat!

Lucky to have Known Him.

Sorry for the bad news. I'm saddened to say that Orange Hat Guy passed away over the weekend. While the Wings games will not be the same, I am proud to have known him for most of my life. Thanks, Orange Hat Guy, who is secretly known as Kenneth Rucker, for bringing so many smiles over the years. You will be greatly missed by many fans.

Vintage Zombies Rock!

While I'm not super versed in Halo video games, Stubbs the Zombie in Rebel without a Pulse has an amazing soundtrack of doo-wop songs performed by indie bands. Clearly I grew up before video games had sound tracks but I think it's a great concept to gain exposure in a new market.

This modern Zombie soundtrack (I laugh every time I read that) features a fantastic cover of The Drifter's, There Goes my Baby, performed by The Walkmen. Additional artists, including The Flaming Lips, The Dandy Warhols, Ben Kweller and Phantom Planet, put a new spin on old classics. What a great album to add to the collection?! Perfect listening music for cocktail hour!

It's All in the Game

Finally, a version of Monopoly that competes with The Simpson's special edition. Some talented soul has reworked The Wire into a new style of this classic board game. "Omar's Coming - Lose $10,000" is definitely the best square but definitely the scariest to land on.

If I could change things, there would be less stoops and more details. For example, where's Prop Joe? Where's the East v. West basketball court? I mean, if Lawyer Levy gets a square - then there better be some make-good cards for Stringer Bell & Brother Mouzone. Regardless, this version definitely gives Marvin Gardens & Boardwalk a run for their money.

Patagonia

Patagonia is a great company to work with. They are known in the marketplace for their commitment to the environment and their workers. Recently, I found out about the Patagonia Environmental Internship program. Patagonia Founder, Yvon Chouinard, has always dedicated dollars to activists and realizes that Patagonia has an opportunity to donate people, too.

Through the Patagonia Environmental Internship program employees can leave their jobs for up to 2 months to work with an environmental group. Their position at Patagonia is secure and employees will continue to be paid during their time out of the office. Chouinard understands the positive value that this program will provide to the community as well as the workplace.

Corporations have a responsibility for their actions in the community. Thank you Patagonia for continuing to go above and beyond what is expected of you as a business.

Fine Art

This piece by Nelson De La Nuez really speaks to me. Probably because it's true. His work reminds me of the infamous local Detroit artist, Niagra. If you haven't been to her site, check it out - it's awesome.

Hot Toddy

Fall is here which means the Hot Toddy is back in season. The traditional Scottish recipe calls for a shot of Whisky in your favorite mug. Add boiling water, a spoonful of honey or sugar and a half slice of lemon. Stir in 2 cloves and, if you have one, a cinnamon stick. Let it brew for 3–5 minutes. Yum! One of these and you're guaranteed a good nights sleep.

Have You Seen This Man?

Mini emergency. The Orange Hat guy didn't show up to the home opener for the Red Wings tonight. If you have seen or know this man - please let us know that everything is a-ok and peachy keen. I won't sleep soundly until there's an answer.

For those of you who don't know, The Orange Hat guy is a staple of our child hood. He attends every Red Wings game and is the definition of a dedicated fan. Without him, things just aren't the same.

Watch out!

If you're not familiar with this fine creature, it's a Tarantula Hawk. Yep, you read it correctly, a tarantula hawk. They exist worldwide and can be found locally in desert areas of the US. (another plus for the mid-west!)

Our recent photo shoot crew was lucky enough to experience these hybrid pests on their most recent trip to Tuscon, Arizona. The sting, which will hopefully be described in detail by our photographer, is among the most painful of any insect, but the intense pain only lasts for about 3 minutes. For food? Pretty obvious. The tarantula hawk prefers female tarantulas and seeks them in their burrows. Sick.

Business Sustainability

Sustainable Value: How the World's Leading Companies Are Doing Well by Doing Good is a book written by Christopher Laszlo that details how modern companies have incorporated sustainability measures into their businesses. You'd be surprised by the profit revenue generated through sustainability measures - at least I know I was.

One of the main factors stressed through the book is that sustainability will not work if the whole organization is not on board and education practices are not put into place. Laszlo uses an example of a squeaky wheel to drive this point across. For a quick fix, a person can throw water on the gear and solve the noise for a short while. When the squeak comes back, louder and stronger, a person is inclined to use the same quick fix. This cycle will continue until someone investigates the cause of the squeak and delivers a solution that prevents the squeak from coming back.