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The Local Beet: Local maple syrup *Sugarbush* events cooking up sweet deliciousness

Submitted 03-04-2011 under LOCAL LIFE

It's that time of year. While the land around us continues to be covered with a deep blanket of snow, there's a shift in the trees. With warmer days and cold, clear nights, the trees stretch their hibernating limbs and the sap starts to flow. ...

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Taking a Stand Against Racism

Submitted 02-28-2011 under LOCAL LIFE

On April 29, 2011, organizations in Grand Rapids will join communities across the country in taking a Stand Against Racism.   Stand Against Racism is a nationwide event coordinated by the YWCA that encourages communities to help raise awareness...

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Pets fall victim during tough economic times

Submitted 02-24-2011 under LOCAL LIFE

It's an all too common story. A family, financially stretched, looks at a stack of late notices and eviction warnings. Needing to cut costs, the pet often is the first to go.  Meet our unnamed kitty above. This kitty was trapped in a (...

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Tanya Eby: Writer, Reader, Teacher and Blunderwoman

Submitted 02-22-2011 under LOCAL LIFE

Reader reviews of Tanya Eby's first book, Easy Does It use phrases like chick lit, addictive as a bag of Doritos and cute. The reviewers also write that it is wickedly funny and insightful. Reviewers claim to laugh out loud. All of this pleases Eby...

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The Local Beet: Wholesome Pet Treats That Will Make Pigs Fly

Submitted 02-21-2011 under LOCAL LIFE

Green living isn’t a just a growing trend for people. More and more, pet owners are going natural for their animals especially when it comes to their food, treats and toys. Kelly Jansens Boos, founder and owner of local shop Green Dog Pet...

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Toi, Toi, Toi! Love at the Opera for You!

Submitted 02-11-2011 under LOCAL LIFE

The classic head-over-heels love story transcends centuries. A man falls in love with a beautiful woman. The woman is passionate about the man. Yet the seduction of material luxuries and trickery by another man who can provide those...

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Music in His Head: Singer-Songwriter Casey Stratton

Submitted 01-27-2011 under LOCAL LIFE

When songs come together for Casey Stratton, musical structure leads the creative process. Interestingly, he talks about the "lyric writer" in the second person, as if the words to his songs are written by someone else. "I'm a melodically-driven...

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Assorted Anonymous: The Masked Men of Local Hip-Hop

Submitted 01-26-2011 under LOCAL LIFE

The Grand Rapids hip-hop scene is larger than one might think, and there are new artists emerging all the time. Each one differs from the others in some way, and Assorted Anonymous is looking to change the face of hip-hop…by putting a mask on it....

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Brilliant Orchids Brighten West Michigan Winter

Submitted 01-17-2011 under LOCAL LIFE

There are few plants that are as heartbreakingly beautiful as orchids. And few plants are as heartbreaking as an orchid. A nice ordinary orchid from Meijer or a garden store will set you back about $15-$25 and serious orchid collectors consider...

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Best Foot Forward: Road Races Not to Miss in 2011

Submitted 01-07-2011 under LOCAL LIFE

Just as you've closed the log book on another year of running and added up the miles, it's time to start thinking about races for the new year. West Michigan has its share of great ones, some are classic "must do" races like the 5/3 River Bank Run...

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