“The phone works both ways.” When my mother told that to me it freed me, cursed me, helped me and hindered me. I wonder what she would say, now that we have gone through answering machines, remote access answering machines, pagers, cellular phones, E-mail, instant messaging, text messaging, and online video communication. It is absolutely amazing there are so many different ways a person can choose to communicate.

Q. I've been buddies for a couple of years with a coworker. I think she's avoiding me. I consider her a good friend and want to fix the problem. What's the best way to mend the rift?

 By Robert Pagliarini

"The nature of any human being, certainly anyone on Wall Street, is 'the better deal you give the customer, the worse deal it is for you.'" -Bernard Madoff, convicted Wall Street swindler

Remember the Bo Diddley song "Who Do You Love?" When it comes to financial advice, a better question might be, "Who do you trust?" Bernie Madoff's victims certainly wish they'd thought harder about that question, and the general cloud of scandal hanging over Wall Street these days reinforces the need to work with trustworthy-and competent-financial advisers.

  In response to public anxiety and increasing reports of bed bug infestations in Michigan’s metropolitan areas, the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has developed a Web site and a comprehensive manual aimed at educating renters, homeowners, facility managers, and other government agencies about the best practices for bed bug prevention and control.

 On Thursday, July 22, 2010, Shaton Andrews will open for the 6th Annual Poetry in the City event on the Capitol steps.  Be there! Sign up from 7:00 to 7:30 pm

A child who attended Grandparents University at Michigan State University (MSU) was diagnosed by their physician with pertussis (also known as whooping cough).

 “Knight and Day”  features Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz

Bob Robinson, one person who doesn't like the look of our State. Just like numerous people that live here right? Wrong. When my dad was sick and tired of seeing the state our State was in, he stepped forward to do something. He is working hard to become a State Representative to help get this state out of the hole it's in.

Bob Robinson, one person who doesn't like the look of our State. Just like numerous people that live here right? Wrong. When my dad was sick and tired of seeing the state our State was in, he stepped forward to do something. He is working hard to become a State Representative to help get this state out of the hole it's in.

 WATERVLIET, MI --  People came from all directions, Chicago, Lansing, Detroit and Lake Michigan to the 52-acre farm of Phil and Tia Gipson in Watervliet, MI to celebrate Juneteenth which commemorates June 19, 1865 when General Gordon Granger told the people in Galveston Texas of President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation issued two and a half years earlier on January 1, 1863.

LANSING, MI -- Jackie Summerville lovingly picked up her grandchild, Kyla Lauderdale and grazed her lips across her chubby cheek. Jackie lamented that she had been through enough this past year and was grateful for the opportunity to cherish one kiss from the 1-year-old.

 Governor Jennifer M. Granholm recently signed a package of bills that ban text messaging while driving.  The new laws took effect July 1, 2010.

 Lieutenant Colonel Shawn A. Harris, of Kentwood, Michigan, is among the chosen few to pursue this dream of elite Soldiers. In August 2010, Harris will report to the United States Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.