I’ve seen most, but would love to see the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Isle Royale National Park.

This interesting article explains the ceremony and a bit of its history.

Be sure to tune into this inspiring event.

Many stores open very early in the morning to offer savvy shoppers some of the best deals of the year on everything from electronic goods, to clothing, to jewelry and children’s toys.

So, if you are in the market for a new computer or other item, be sure to check for Black Friday sales online and buy the Nov. 27 Lansing State Journal newspaper, which will be packed with advertisements. 

Be sure to read the “fine print” to see if sales are only offered during specific times or days.

Thanksgiving has a long history that goes back to the  first people who came to Plymouth, Massachusetts from England.  It was a three-day harvest festival that the English pilgrims celebrated with the American Indians to give thanks to God for his blessings.  Centuries later it is still celebrated, now as an official national holiday.

The traditional Thanksgiving meal features turkey and a host of beloved side dishes, such as cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans and more.  Many dessert tables feature pumpkin and apple pies.

This Los Angeles Times article highlights some of the commonly found regional dishes.

But Thanksgiving is more than a meal; it is a time where people reflect on all they have to be thankful for.

Some MSU students have already eaten the traditional Thanksgiving meal at area churches this past weekend.  Others have arranged to celebrate this holiday with area families. 

Be sure to spend time on Thanksgiving Day reflecting on what you are thankful for.

Many travel “Up North” to Northern Lower Michigan or the Upper Peninsula; others prefer the southern part of the state during the 15-day firearm hunting season.

Hunting is big business in Michigan.  According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan ranks 3rd in the nation in licensed hunters (more than 750,000) who contribute $1 billion annually to the state’s economy.

Experts are predicting that hunters may find the hunt more challenging this year because lots of corn is still standing in the fields, making it difficult to see deer.

Don’t be surprised if you hear hunting tales from MSU faculty, staff or students in the coming days.

Michigan’s own — actor Jeff Daniels — captured Michigan’s hunting culture in his movie “Escanaba in Da Moonlight.”

She notes in “Your Personal Brand is Nothing if Not Global” that what may start as a small, local business has the potential to become an exporter of goods and services.

She offers a number of good suggestions to today’s students to position themselves for global opportunities.

Take time to record your time at MSU — whether it’s in a blog, diary or scrapbook.

What are you doing now to be prepared for the opportunities of tomorrow?

I recently alerted a student who needs an internship about an opportunity with a local business. She waited four to five days before sending the information the potential employer needed. Needless to say, by that time another student snatched up that internship.

What are you doing today to be prepared for opportunities that become available suddenly?

Do you have a resume prepared to send at a moment’s notice?

Do you network with MSU faculty, staff and other students to stay informed about internship opportunities?

Are you involved with student organizations that help prepare you with the skills needed for internships?

Are you active in social media like Twitter to stay apprised about job opportunities and to network locally at events like the Lansing Breakfast Club and the Mid Michigan Tweet-Up?

Is your profile complete on LinkedIn?

The more prepared you are now, the better your chances for success tomorrow.

The chart that accompanied the print version of the story showed that the number of students enrolled in Spanish language study has nearly doubled in the past 10 years.  Also having grown significantly are the East Asian languages and cultures.

This year’s theme is “We’ve Always Been Green,” one that promotes environmentally green initiatives and uses recycled materials in the parade floats.

Two of the features parade guests include Ronald McDonald, the clown “mascot” of the McDonald’s Corporation, and the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile, a vehicle that looks like a hot dog on a bun.  Both are American pop culture icons recognized by almost everyone.

Also featured in the parade are the MSU marching band and many student organizations.

The parade will begin at the intersection of Abbot Road and Burcham Drive at the East Lansing Hannah Community Center, will travel south on Abbott Road, east on Grand River, south at Collingwood, south on Farm Lane and will conclude at the corner of Farm and Shaw Lanes.

Homecoming parades are part of American life, taking place not only at universities but at most high schools in the country.  Take a moment to enjoy this once-a-year, free event.