Friday, March 25, 2011

DISCOUNT: Spa Week Spring 2011 is coming April 11-17th ...and the deals are hot!

Spa Week Spring 2011 - Sponsored Post
Get deals on spa treatments. Make Your Appointment NOW!!!

Spa Week has partnered with hundreds of spas in 30 US markets (including metro Detroit) to offer spa treatments that include facials, massages and more for only $50 each during the Spring Spa Week event from April 11 – April 17.

Spas in the Detroit area include the cities of Ann Arbor, Birmingham, Howell, Brighton, Commerce, Novi, Rochester Hills, Shelby Township, Troy, Southfield, and West Bloomfield.

You can start booking your appointment NOW so that you don't miss out on this great event.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ON SPRING SPA WEEK

Enjoy!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post



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FREE Disney Pixar Cars 2 "Agents on a Mission" Tour 4/6 Auburn Hills 2-7pm

Disney Pixar Cars 2 Tour is Coming to Detroit!

On Wednesday, April 6th, make sure to take your kids to Great Lakes Crossing Outlets in Auburn Hills for the FREE Disney Pixar Cars 2 "Agents on a Mission" Tour.

Come see Lightening McQueen and his best friend Mater and new cars from the upcoming movie sequel.  There will be lots of themed activities and fun including a video kiosk, games, and giveaways.  All this FREE fun will get you ready for the new Cars 2 movie which will be in theaters in 3D on June 24th!

Click here if video is not shown


Great Lakes Crossing Outlets
4000 Baldwin Road
Auburn Hills, MI 48326

Enjoy!

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FREE MP3 from Bobby Long on Amazon.com - LIMITED TIME OFFER

FREE Music on Amazon.com

Back in February, I posted a review of a new CD by singer Bobby Long who is making his American debut with his album called "A Winter's Tale".  As part of the review, I did a giveaway of a CD to a FREEISMYLIFE reader.

Well, for a limited time on Amazon.com, you can download one of Bobby Long's songs from "A Winter's Tale" for FREE.  The song is called "Who Have You Been Loving".

As I always tell my readers about FREE on Amazon.com, download this song now if you want it because Amazon may raise it back up to the normal price at anytime.

CLICK HERE TO GET "WHO HAVE YOU BEEN LOVING" FREE ON AMAZON.COM

Enjoy!

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Living for the (FREE) Weekend in Metro Detroit- March 25th - 28th

View of Detroit from the top of the Ren Cen - Photo credit: Jackie Harper
Here is a highlight of the FREE activities you can do this weekend in the metro Detroit area and beyond:

Friday is opening day for the movie "Jane Eyre". But is it any good?  Make sure to read the movie review by our guest movie critique Liz Parker before you get your tickets. And Liz knows her movies. She predicted 10 out of 11 Oscar awards correctly this year!


Take your kids this Saturday, March 26 to your local Borders for the FREE Lego Racer event. There will be Lego building fun, crafts, games and more. The fun starts at 2pm. This event is for kids ages 8 to 12.


On Saturday, go to the Detroit Main Library for a FREE Meet & Greet Book Signing with author Rebecca Skloot. Rebecca is the author of "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks". The event starts at 2pm.


On Sunday, go to the Walled Lake Meijer store from 1-3pm for the FREE Detroit Pistons Meijer Day.  Meet Detroit Pistons player Jonas Jerebko and get autographs from 2-3pm.


How about a FREE movie night at your home?  Use this coupon from Blockbuster Express to get one FREE movie rental.  Don't know what to rent?  How about a winner from this year's Oscars?  The coupon expires on Sunday.


Sunday is the last day to get an additional 30% off at Coach Outlets stores with this coupon.  Handbags are the spice of life.


And have you made your appointment yet for a FREE SPA or HAIR SERVICE at your local Douglas J Aveda Institute?  If you are a first time customer, your service is COMPLETELY FREE!  Locations are in Royal Oak, East Lansing, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids and Chicago. Click here for details and the coupon...



Have a wonderful and blessed weekend,

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MOVIE REVIEW: Jane Eyre

Guest blogger Liz Parker is back from an advance screening of "Jane Eyre". Is this latest screen version of the classic book by Charlotte Bronte just another boring rehash or something new and wonderful? Let's read what Liz thinks...

First off, I will be judging this "Jane Eyre" movie adaptation solely on the movie itself; not compared to the novel, which I haven't read (but now want to), or any other movie or TV adaptations of it, of which there have been plenty. I knew the basics of the plot before seeing the film, but not the entire story, and between the cinematography, acting, and story, I ended up enjoying "Jane Eyre" very much

The movie begins with what we later find out is almost the end; Jane Eyre (Mia Wasikowska, "The Kids Are All Right") running through the rain, becoming soaked in her frock and hooded cloak. She finds refuge in a nearby house, where St. John Rivers (Jamie Bell, "The Eagle") and his sisters take her in and nurse her back to health. The film then returns to the beginning of Jane's life, where she is an orphan living with her aunt, who does not want her and sends Jane off to a cruel boarding school. When she is older, Jane becomes a governess for a little girl, who is the ward of Mr. Rochester (Michael Fassbender, "Jonah Hex"), who flat-out tells her that he does not enjoy the company of children or old women (referring to the housekeeper, Mrs. Fairfax, played by Judi Dench), but that he may possibly enjoy Jane's company. Jane finds herself attracted to him, and Mr. Rochester her, but he has a big secret that she doesn't yet know, which will impact any chance of a future she has with him.

The cinematography is gorgeous in the film, which was mostly filmed in Derbyshire, England, and the classical soundtrack meshes perfectly with it. I really liked that the film showed Jane's life partially in flashbacks, as it helps to show the audience who she is in the present and how she came to be that way. As far as the acting, we have a strong set of characters here, that are played well by Fassbender, Wasikowska, and Judi Dench; my only complaint is that the chemistry between Jane and Mr. Rochester wasn't that great - they are fine when they are just talking to each other, but when it comes to romance, it wasn't as believable as it could have been. The film also injects humor throughout it - for example, the first time Dench's character sees Jane and Rochester kissing, her eyes get big as saucers, and she blatantly stares at them - which was a nice contrast between the otherwise serious nature of the movie.

Yes, see this film. It cannot simply be dismissed as a "chick flick" - it is far too complicated for that. Although this is the first movie adaptation of "Jane Eyre" I've seen, I ended up really liking it, and I will probably read the original Charlotte Bronte book in the near future. Anyone can enjoy this film, and I hope that moviegoers do go and see it, regardless of any preconceived notions they may have.

"Jane Eyre" is in theaters today, March 25th.

Click here if video is not shown


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Liz Parker is a 2009 graduate of the University of Michigan. She currently works as an Assistant Medical Editor for a pathology website. Visit her at her movie blog Yes/No Films

Thursday, March 24, 2011

EMPLOYMENT: Recently Posted Detroit area Jobs on CareerBuilder.com

New Job Postings for Metro Detroit ...

Ultimate Staffing Services
Pitney Bowes
State Farm Insurance Companies
Cyberonics
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Kelly Global Talent Solution
Kelly Services
United Surgical Partners
Hendrick Health System
Restoration Personnel Source
UBS Financial Services (Home Office)
   Kroger Michigan
The Mergis Group
Spherion Staffing Services
Todays Office Professionals
Humana
Veolia Environmental Services
Epsilon
Sodexo
PEAK Technical Services, Inc.
BASF - The Chemical Company
US Security Associates
Great Clips
MetroPCS Wireless, Inc.
Siemens PLM Software

Enjoy!

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EMPLOYMENT: Michigan Nonprofit Job Center - March 24, 2011

Michigan Nonprofit Job Center - March 24, 2011


Senior Policy Analyst (Lansing)
The Michigan League for Human Services, which values diversity in its staff, seeks a Senior Policy Analyst. This person will report to the Policy Director and will provide research and analysis related to the state budget and policy, as they relate to low-income people, children and people of color. Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Research and write reports, policy briefs, fact sheets, testimony and blogs. Monitor relevant budget bills and provide analysis. Analyze data, including census and American Community Survey data. Do presentations related to the budget and policy. Qualifications and experience sought: Strong background in research, data analysis, and budget and policy analysis, especially as it applies to policy change. Excellent writing skills and the ability to communicate research and data to diverse audiences in an understandable manner. Knowledge of Michigan budget and policy process helpful. Works independently, but also collaboratively. Commitment to improving the lives of low-income people and other vulnerable populations. Bachelor’s required, Master’s preferred. Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. A benefit package is offered. To learn more about the League, please go to www.milhs.org. To apply, please send a resume and cover letter and brief writing sample to Karen Holcomb-Merrill at Karenhm@milhs.org by April 8, 2011. The Michigan League for Human Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer and strives for diversity in its staff. (Posted 3-24-11)

Fund Development Team Member (Traverse City)
The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy seeks an experienced motivated professional to join our Fund Development Team. Responsibilities include managing GTRLC’s planned giving and endowment fundraising efforts and the Sustainer’s Circle for the annual giving program. Minimum of 5 years’ experience in planned giving desired. For a complete job description and information on how to apply, please visit Job Opportunities at www.gtrlc.org. (Posted 3-24-11)

Business Development Manager (Saline)
The Business Development Manager (BDM) reports directly to the Board President and Ambassador Committee Chair collaboratively. He/she works with the Executive Director to keep the Board President, the Chair of the Ambassador Committee Chair updated on activities, and outcomes of fundraising. This includes monthly reports provided to the Board President and the Ambassador Committee Chair. The Business Development Manager will be expected to develop a caseload of active corporate/business prospects and set out and execute strategies for solicitation of these prospects. This individual will also be expected to work independently and to be self motivated in initiating contacts with potential sponsors/partners for state wide events, programs and services. He/she will be expected to create and implement strategies for cultivation, solicitation and closure, and set and achieve annual fundraising and activity goals for Special Days Camps (SDC). Special Days Camps exists to provide a safe and memorable camping opportunity in a medically supervised environment for children who have experienced cancer, their siblings, and their families. We are looking for a Business Development Director. Please email interest/resume to mtcoghlan@aol.com. (Posted 3-24-11)

Housing Crisis Program Specialist (
1.0 FTE) (Ypsilanti)
Assure the efficient and effective functioning of the Housing Crisis Program. Send résumé and letter to hr@soscs.org. See full posting atwww.soscs.org EOE (Posted 3-22-11)

Executive Director (Roseville)
MCREST is seeking an individual with exceptional leadership skills, a strong history of management and knowledge of human service administration. Considered applicants will possess a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree (Master’s preferred), 5 to 7 years management level experience with a human service agency and proven results in fund development. Qualified candidates will demonstrate the ability to effectively and efficiently perform the following: 1. Provide sound organizational leadership and execute the vision and strategies as approved by the Boards of Directors 2. Provide financial management for day to day operations including budget projections and yearend coordination of annual audit 3. Research, complete and execute both operational and programmatic grant proposals 4. Effectively communicate the mission and vision of MCREST to potential membership partners, sponsors and collaborative organizations 5. Establish the annual fund development plan and ensure execution 6. Possess demonstrated experience with fundraising, event coordination and donor appreciation 7. Ensure sound human resource practices and recommend policy as needed to the Board of Directors. 8. Provide management of agency contracts and ensure compliance with guidelines and regulations 9. Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations governing a nonprofit organization 10. Display strong oral, verbal and written communication skills 11. Understand the issues and challenges of poverty and changes within the homeless population. NO PHONE CALLS ACCEPTED! Please send cover letter, resume and writing samples to Fredp65@gmail.com or fax to 586-415-5104. (Posted 3-22-11)

Chief Executive Officer (Bloomfield Hills)
Jewish Family Service (JFS) of Metropolitan Detroit is seeking a talented, experienced, and entrepreneurial Chief Executive Officer, who excels in strategic and financial planning and management and understands a social service environment, to lead a client/community-centric agency to the next level. JFS is a modern and comprehensive social service provider, annually serving approximately 12,000 individuals and families throughout metropolitan Detroit. The CEO must be able to work well with a dynamic and team-oriented staff, lay leadership, and a cadre of volunteers to fulfill the agency’s mission. The CEO is accountable to and works closely with numerous stakeholders, including the JFS Board of Directors, the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit, various agencies, government bodies and local/national organizations. This position directly supervises the Chief Financial Officer, Chief Program Officer, Chief Administrative Officer, Chief Development Officer and Executive Assistant. JFS is an equal opportunity employer and recruits, hires, trains, promotes and compensates persons in all jobs without regard to race, color, religion, sex, or nationality. Please send resumes to: Jewish Family Service CEO Search Committee electronically to JFSexecutivesearch@jfmd.org, or by fax to (248) 642-4985. More information is available here. (Posted 3-21-11)

Donor Perfect Administrator-Fund Development (Kalamazoo)
GSHOM is searching for an experienced Donor Perfect Administrator for our Fund Development Department. Provide administrative support for the Fund Development team related to strategic priorities through objectives and action steps. Ensure gifts received are correctly processed into fund development database, Donor Perfect. Will partner with the Administrative Team in daily operations and on an as-needed basis; act as direct support to the CEO in fund raising efforts. Also act as back-up for Executive Administrator to ensure daily assignments are completed in a timely and professional manner. Will act as backup for entering membership information into registration database, Personify. Responsible for generating and analyzing reports. As a team member will assist with coordination and support of fund raising initiatives and direct mail appeals.Associate’s degree or equivalent education and experience required. Prior non-profit experience preferred. Three to fives years previous research/analytical experience helpful. Must have the ability and initiative to work independently, multi-tasking simultaneously. Must possess excellent oral and written communication skills to work in a team environment, have a willingness to accept new responsibilities and handle multiple projects, adhering to deadlines. Must have the ability and initiative to work independently, and work well with all levels of staff, donors, and volunteers. Donor Perfect software experience in data entry, training and overseeing process a must. If you are interested please email the following individuals: lburke@gshom.org (HR Director); and kmicklatcher@gshom.org (Karen Micklatcher Chief Development Officer) Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan is accepting internal and external applications simultaneously. (Posted 3-21-11)

Development Director (Jackson)
The Dahlem Conservancy’s mission is to provide environmental education and land conservancy services to the residents of south central Michigan. We operate the John and Mary Dahlem Environmental Education Center. More information about Dahlem and a complete Position Description can be found at www.dahlemcenter.org. The Dahlem Conservancy seeks an experienced full time Development Director, responsible for all phases of our fundraising (with emphasis on the Benevon fundraising model). The successful candidate will have demonstrated past success in fundraising and a passion for Dahlem’s mission and constituency. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: 1) Provides leadership in implementing the Benevon fundraising model, keeping the Development Committee (board, staff and community volunteers) on task and on schedule; 2) Takes on personally or delegates all tasks needed to fulfill each element of the fundraising system according to the agreed-upon timelines, including A) Discover Your New Dahlem Tour; B) Tour in a Box, C) Follow-up with Tour guests, D) Donor Cultivation, E) Benefit Breakfast, F) Free Feel Good Cultivation Events, G) Database tracking, and H) Personally Asking for Major Gifts from Donors. EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, CHARACTERISTICS REQUIRED:1) Bachelors degree or equivalent; 2) Documented fundraising experience; 3) Superior interpersonal skills; 4) Excellent computer literacy (Microsoft), verbal and written communication skills; 5) Ability to make formal presentations to large and small groups; 6) Ability to work flexible hours including weekends and evenings; 7) Goal oriented with the ability to monitor goals through the year and ensure adjustments as needed. FOR CONSIDERATION: Application instructions on our website at www.dahlemcenter.org (Posted 3-21-11)

House Operations Manager (Ann Arbor)
Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Huron Valley provides a “home away from home” for the families of children experiencing a serious illness or injury requiring hospitalization at an Ann Arbor-area hospital. We have served this mission with our existing Ronald McDonald House since 1985. This House provides comfort to 29 families per night. In the fall of 2011, we will be opening another Ronald McDonald House within the new C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital. This new House will serve an additional 12 families each night with a private bedroom and bath, as well as a kitchen and laundry facilities. It will be co-located on the same floor as the pediatric cardio-thoracic intensive care unit. The Mott House Operations Manager is responsible for the planning, coordination, and management of the Mott House facility. He/she implements related policies and procedures to ensure effective Mott House operations. QUALIFICATIONS:3-5 years working in a social work/agency/Health Care related position is essential. Post-secondary education preferred. Leadership experience in progressively responsible positions. Ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of people and personalities. Excellent organizational skills, verbal and written communication skills; detail oriented. Flexible, diplomatic, trustworthy, creative, poised and maintains a supportive and cheerful attitude. Maintains a professional manner in order to work with the Board of Directors, volunteers, staff and community. Ability to maintain confidential matters. Health Care experience preferred. KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED: Demonstrated ability to work with families in crisis. Ability to work collaboratively with health care personnel, social workers. Demonstrated leadership skills. Ability to work independently. Demonstrated organizational skills and attention to detail. IT experience with Microsoft Office. For consideration please send resume to kkelly@rmh-annarbor.org. More information is available here. (Posted 3-21-11)

Director of Development – Major & Planned Giving (Dearborn)
The Henry Ford, America's Greatest History Attraction, a multi-day, multi-venue destination site, including Henry Ford Museum, Greenfield Village, Benson Ford Research Center, IMAX® Theatre and Ford Rouge Factory Tour, is seeking an energetic, experienced development professional to fill a new position as Director of Development – Major & Planned Giving. Will be responsible for the development and implementation of a planned and major giving program to support annual, campaign, special restricted and endowment fundraising opportunities. Requires vision and requisite abilities to organize, shape, mold and significantly grow this important contributed revenue stream and must expand the pool of annual, major gift donors. Develops and implements strategies to secure gifts of $25,000+ in support of annual operations, special projects, campaign projects and for the endowment. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional development experience and/or certification and minimum 5 years' strategically focused development experience preferred. Track record of successful fundraising with private sector donors at the $25,000+ level. Strong familiarity with the non-profit sector, particularly the cultural community. Demonstrated ability to develop, implement and oversee fundraising programs/initiatives. History of managing and mentoring professionals required. Full position description can be found her
e. Inquiries from qualified candidates should be sent to: Tracy Wasko, Manager of Recruitment, Workforce Development, 20900 Oakwood Boulevard, Dearborn, MI 48121-1970, employment@TheHenryFord.org (online submissions preferred). The Henry Ford is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, marital status, height, weight, age, unrelated disability or other legally protected status. (Posted 3-21-11)



Director of Policy & Research (Ann Arbor)
The ETM promotes high academic achievement for all students at all levels — prekindergarten through college. Opened in the fall of 2010, the ETM is the second state-wide office. ETM works for Michigan students at all levels, particularly low-income, Latino, African American, or Native American students. Please visit: www.edtrustmidwest.org. The Director of Research & Policy will report to the Executive Director, and will provide guidance and direction to ETM's team of data analysts, manage its research projects, analyze state and federal policy, propose policy positions and take a leadership role in designing new opportunities to keep ETM on the cutting edge of education research and policy analysis. Please email a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to jobs@edtrustmidwest.org. A published writing sample is preferred. Use ““Director of Policy & Research” and your last name as the subject line for your email: e.g. ““Director of Policy & Research_Smith”. The Education Trust-Midwest is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages diversity in all facets of the organization’s work. More information is available here. (Posted 3-16-11)

Director of External Relations (Ann Arbor)
The Education Trust-Midwest (ETM), based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, seeks a Director of External Relations. As of Fall 2010, ETM is the second state-wide office for Education Trust. Ed Trust-Midwest works for Michigan students at all levels, particularly low-income, Latino, African American, or Native American students. Please visit: www.edtrustmidwest.org The Director of External Relations will work directly with the Executive Director and is responsible for increasing awareness of and commitment to The Education Trust’s mission and work among a broad range of audiences, most particularly policymakers, government and elected officials, opinion makers, the press, education advocacy and reform organizations, and the general public. Please email a cover letter, resume, and writing sample tojobs@edtrustmidwest.org. A published writing sample is preferred. Use “Director of External Relations” and your last name as the subject line for your email: e.g. “Dir. of External Relations_Smith”.The Education Trust-Midwest is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages diversity in all facets of the organization’s work. More information is available here. (Posted 3-16-11)

Social Worker Manager (Troy)
Nonprofit agency in Oakland County that provides direct support services for the developmentally disabled population seeks a Social Worker Manager. Management credentials and Bachelor Degree required (Masters preferred) in related field with direct experience. Responsibilities include your own client caseload, management and administration of our client program plus supervision over a staff who provides private and Medicaid-funded services for the developmentally disabled. Visit our website (www.onmyownofmi.org) for agency information. Submit resume to onmyownofmi@aol.com. (Posted 3-15-11)

Development Director (Royal Oak)
South Oakland Shelter seeks a Development Director. For a complete job description and application information please visithttp://oaklandshelter.jobscore.com. (Posted 3-11-11)

Development Director (Muskegon)
Muskegon Catholic Central seeks a full-time development director to start May 1, 2011. Duties include, but are not limited to: designing, implementing and managing all fundraising activities including annual giving, endowment and capital campaigns, fundraising events, special projects, and other school-related solicitations; implementing short and long-term fundraising strategies for operating support, scholarships, facilities capital campaign, endowment campaign, and special projects; assuming responsibility for all Development reports to the Board of Trustees and Development Committee and attend all Development Committee meetings. Please see the career opportunities section of MCC’s website for additional information at www.muskegoncatholic.org Deadline is April 15, 2011. (Posted 3-10-11)

Positions are posted daily on the Michigan Nonprofit Job Center at www.MNAonline.org/nonprofitjobcenter.aspx.

Enjoy!

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FREE Detroit Midtown Shuttle Service Operating Now 7-7 Daily

The Detroit Midtown Connection, a free shuttle service!

The Midtown Connection is a free shuttle service developed by Detroit Medical Center, Wayne State University and Henry Ford Health system to help students, staff, patients, and families travel more easily across Midtown locations. 

The shuttle runs north and south between the Lodge Freeway and Interstate 75, with multiple stops along a route stretching from Mack Avenue to Virginia Park Street. The shuttle service began on January 3, 2011.

Hours of operation will be: Monday - Friday 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.; no holidays or weekends.

Each system shuttle service location will move along the designated route, with three "Transfer Points" or locations where passengers can interconnect between shuttles.

The connection points are:

● 261 Mack Ave.. between Eugene Applebaum & DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan
● 540 East Canfield: north of Scott Hall
  
Click here to view the shuttle Link to the map on DMC.org Wayne State shuttle:  http://parking.wayne.edu/pdf/shuttlemap08.pdf


Enjoy!

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I will do a GIVEAWAY when I reach 700 followers !!!

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

FREE Butterfly House Exhibit at Oakland Mall in Troy 4/2 - 4/23

The Butterflies are coming to Oakland Mall
April 2 – 23
Monday – Saturday, Noon – 8pm
Sunday, Noon-5pm

Experience the wonder of Oakland Mall's interactive butterfly house, display and craft activities.


Free Admission

Exhibit is located on the lower level near JCPenney.

Adopt-A-Butterfly kits are available for an $8 donation. (a portion of the proceeds goes to Children’s Miracle Network.) You can take your own caterpillar home to watch the miracle.

Group tours available (I learned from last year that groups must pay to visit the exhibit)

For Information on the "Butterflies" field trip and In-Classroom Activities for students Click Here. Participation in this program will also benefit the Childeren's Miracle Network

Enjoy!

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FREE Music for Massage, Meditation & Yoga on Amazon.com

Get that Spa Music Experience at Home

You how that wonderful soothing music that is played while you are getting a massage or during yoga class?  While for a limited time, you can get mp3 downloads of music for massage, medication and yoga for FREE on Amazon.com

CLICK HERE FOR FREE MUSIC

Enjoy!

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CONTEST: Win the Disney Movie "Tangled" on DVD - ENDS 3/29 (CLOSED)

Click here if widget is not shown

The DVD release of Walt Disney’s newest classic animated comedy "Tangled" will be available on March 29th!

Tangled features Rapunzel (Mandy Moore), a young girl hidden away from the world by her overprotective mother, Gothel.  Rapunzel dreams of discovering what the world holds, when suddenly Flynn Ryder (Zachary Levi), a caddish drifter stumbles into her life.  They strike a deal and Flynn agrees to lead her through the forest and find the hidden strength she never knew. (READ MY ENTIRE MOVIE REVIEW)

To celebrate the DVD release of "Tangled", Disney has a few goodies just for you.  The Tangled widget (which can be seen above) allows children of all ages to discover talents they might not have known they had!  Make sure you check out the following features:

- Tangled Talents! Whether you are an aspiring artist, chef, or just feeling crafty, Rapunzel will lead the way as you find your own hidden abilities!

- Decorating Tips by Designer Claire Keane! Claire Keane, daughter of Tangled director and animator Glen Keane, will share tips on how to decorate your room just like Rapunzel’s including a time lapse video of Claire painting a mural!


GIVEAWAY
And the Tangled fun goes on for one FREEISMYLIFE reader who will win the Tangled DVD plus, a bonus promotional surprise of either a Pascal Beanie Baby, a Flynn Ryder T-shirt, a Rapunzel T-Shirt or an Official Disney Paper Lantern!  HOLLA to the FREE!

TO ENTER

- Fill out the form below.

- One entry per person please.

- The contest ends on Tuesday, March 29, 2010 at 11:59am EST.

- The winner will be selected by random number generation.

- USA residents only.

- Contest prize fulfillment will be performed by Disney or its PR company.

EXTRA GIVEAWAY ENTRIES

- You can get 1 extra contest entry for going to this link on my Facebook page and telling me your favorite thing about the Tangled movie.

- You can get 1 extra contest entry for Tweeting the following message on Twitter "I entered the @FREEISMYLIFE contest to win the Disney "Tangled" DVD http://t.co/N8fTVkn"

Good Luck!


Random.org has spoken. From 160 entries, Random.org has picked #37. Congratulations to Luis R. of Waterford, MI.


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Tuesday, March 22, 2011

TECH REVIEW: Verizon Wireless Motorola Xoom - The Tablet War is On!


Give this Hot Superstar some apps please...

For the last two weeks, I have been reviewing the hottest new tablet on the market - the Verizon Wireless Motorola Xoom.  Usually, it takes me a while to incorporate new technology into my life, but this tablet was up and working in my home within hours of it arriving.

Wifi Hotspot to the Rescue
I have had a love/hate relationship with my cable provider for a year now and the day that the Xoom arrived in the mail, my internet connection totally went out and stayed out for 12 hours. Normally, I would have hit the roof, but since I had the Motorola Xoom from Verizon Wireless, I was totally cool. I simply turned on the Wifi Hotspot feature of the Xoom and I was back on the internet in seconds. And I have to say that the Verizon signal was very strong and at times, I actually forgot that I was not using my regular cable connection.

Easy to Figure out Interface, but the on/off is a little different
Usually, It takes me a while to figure out how to use the interface on a Motorola product.  But for the Xoom, it was really easy to navigate through the screens and get to the applications that I wanted.  The only issue that I had was, well, very embarrassing.  I could not figure out how to turn the tablet on.  The on/off button is not on the unit edge as it is for other tablets.  There is a round on/off button on the back of the tablet near the top that is really hard to find.  But once you figure it out, it is really easy to just hold the tablet and use your index finger to press the button to turn it on.

Around the same size as the iPad
When I reviewed the Verizon Wireless Samsung Galaxy Tablet,  I remarked that I really liked the smaller size because it was easy to carry in my purse.  The Motorola Xoom is much bigger and heavier than the Samsung Galaxy Tablet.  The 10.1" HD screen on the Xoom is actually a little bigger than an iPad's.  And the screen resolution is stunning.  I loaded the "Angry Birds" app on the tablet for my son to play and the colors were wonderful.  The Xoom has both front and rear cameras that both have great resolutions. Also the Xoom runs the new Android 3.0 operating system known as Honeycomb which gives the tablet more features like faster speed, a richer browser that includes tabs, form auto-fill and syncing with Google Chrome bookmarks.

flicker photo by hayden_post
Xoom vs. iPad2
When I reviewed the Samsung Galaxy Tablet, I stated that it was unfair to compare it to the iPad because its smaller size really put it in a category to itself.  But since the Xoom and the iPad are so close in size and features, comparisons are necessary.

The Xoom would stand out more if the iPad2 had not been released. Since the iPad2 has dual cameras (although at a far lower resolution) and a slightly decreased weight, the major differences between the tablets have shrunk. Android tablets have expandable memory while iPads do not. It is really nice to be able to take my sd card from my smartphone and put it into a tablet so that I have my music, photos, and other important files in one place.  Also as mentioned above, the Xoom can be used as a mobile wifi hotspot while the iPad/iPad2 cannot.

The iPad2 still does not support Abode Flash while the Motorola Xoom and other Android tablets can support this feature.  If Abode Flash is important to you, then the Motorola Xoom is probably the tablet for you. But if Abode Flash and the other features mentioned above are not important to you, then it really has to come down to price.
 
Apple has priced the newest generation of iPad's at the same level as the older models, which is much cheaper than any of the Android based tablets. The funny thing is that if there were no Android based tablets on the market, I doubt that Apple would have priced their new generation of iPads so low.

Plenty of Flash for the Future
I have no doubt that the Motorla Xoom will find an audience among tablet users. The real challenge with the Motorola Xoom is that there is currently limited apps available in the Android Marketplace that take advance of the large screen size of a tablet. Other than "Angry Birds" there was really no other Android Tablet apps that I was interested in trying in the Android Marketplace.  Certain apps like "The Detroit News" displayed on the Xoom in the same size as a handheld smartphone. 

As time goes on in this war of tablets, certainly Android developers will come up with tons more apps sized just for Android tablets.  My guess is that developers will come up with apps for Android tablets like the Motorola Xoom that use lots of Abode Flash - the one feature that iPads cannot (and according to Apple will never) support.  And those apps will help to make a bright new market for superstar tablets like the Motorola Xoom.

The Verizon Wireless Motorola Xoom retails for $599 on the Verizon website with a new 2 year activation.

Enjoy!

www.freeismylife.com 



Disclosure: I was loaned the Motorola Xoom for the purpose of writing this review and stating my unbias opinion. I was not compensated for this review.

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