Grand Rapids: Alive and Well

In January, Mainstreet.com ranked the top 10 dying citites, with Grand Rapids, MI coming in at #10. Grand Rapidsites were not pleased with the distinction so they put together a video in one continuous shot featuring thousands of people lip syncing to Don McClean's American Pie. Roger Ebert called it the greatest music video ever made. Choreographing thousands of people cheerleadering, marrying, ballroom dancing, kayaking, playing football and riding helicoptors is a feat, but the video also boasts the world record for the most people lip syncing. Maybe G-Rap isn't dying out after all!

Something to Warm Your Heart

In the dank days of winter and the duldrums of bad economic reports, here's a little sunshine! Some friends of ours have had the opportunity to care for a boy named Allan who is here in the States from Uganda undergoing numerous surgeries and therapy to gain the use of his limbs. Installments of his story are here. Whenever I read about him, I can't help but smile. I hope I can pass on some smiles to you too.