Lent With a Twist

Lent With a Twist

Spencer Rife went on a “plastic fast,” and gave up credit cards for Lent two years ago. As a group dedicated to transforming and improving the mass transit landscape of the metro-Detroit The only thing clear about the proposed new tree ordinance in

The thoughts are reprinted in the current newsletter of First Presbyterian Church of Oshkosh under the heading "Refocus for Lent." Here they are: »All Saints Evangelical Lutheran Church of Oshkosh started a study last summer titled "Unbinding the

The West Landis Avenue church welcomed members and the community at large for a pre-Lent party, complete with authentic Russian music and food. Both young and old danced. And they dined on the food around which the event was built: the blini.

The West Landis Avenue church welcomed members and the community at large for a pre-Lent party, complete with authentic Russian music and food. Both young and old danced. And they dined on the food around which the event was built: the blini.

In Ancient Future Time, Robert Webber tells us that the roots of the Lent are to be found in the early church's baptism preparation. In the early centuries of the church, baptism of adult converts was a major event in the life of the

All hail the Mardi Gras king cake

All hail the Mardi Gras king cake

One of the most pervasive symbols of Mardi Gras is the King Cake or Gateau de Rois. It is a donut-shaped cake that is decorated in almost psychedelic shades of purple, green and gold. The colors of Carnival were chosen

Note: The cake can be adapted to any occasion by substituting or eliminating the colored sugars. Colored sugars and plastic king cake babies are generally available at baking supply stores, as well as online. For better flavor, rehydrate the raisins in

This led to lots of rich recipes, from Shrove pancakes to King Cake. In Sweden, the specialty is semlor. A group of people in Portland, Ore., are keeping that dish â€" and a few other Swedish traditions â€" alive. Picture soft, sweet rolls,

I also do my best on Facebook to show off Carnival-themed photos and offer up smart-ass ideas like bacon-flavored king cake, which is the best idea ever, and if in 2013 no one is selling them, well they're Jeremy Shockey

What does king cake taste like? Think warm, gooey coffee cake meets cinnamon roll, pastry-like cake covered in sweet icing and topped off with green, purple and

Kevin Costner recalls "sweet miracle of Whitney"

Kevin Costner recalls "sweet miracle of Whitney"

Kevin Costner was among the list of high-profile figures who spoke at Whitney Houston's funeral service, held Saturday at New Hope Baptist Church, in Newark, New Jersey.

Please take a moment to review the available e-mail newsletters has to offer. Place a checkbox next to the newsletters you wish to subscribe to. Thank you for becoming a member of wfaa.com. You now have full access to the best local coverage and late

Kevin Costner was among the list of high-profile figures who spoke at Whitney Houston's funeral service, held Saturday at New Hope Baptist Church, in Newark, New Jersey.

Kevin Costner shared an incredible bond with Whitney Houston after shooting 1992's The Bodyguard, and now the 57-year-old actor will honor her memory during her funeral in Newark, New Jersey Saturday. Houston's rep confirms to Us Weekly that Costner

Knicks sign JR Smith, waive Balkman

Knicks sign JR Smith, waive Balkman

The Celtics sure could use a little instant offense off the bench. A guy like J.R. Smith could be a nice fit talent-wise. The thing is, the Celtics only have the veterans minimum to offer him while other teams can pay him more.

By John Canzano, The Oregonian View full sizeThe Associated Press/2009The pursuit of JR Smith, a free agent who played for Denver before going to China, offers a glimpse of what the Blazers are up against in trying to fill out their roster.

By John Canzano, The Oregonian View full sizeThe Associated Press/2009The pursuit of JR Smith, a free agent who played for Denver before going to China, offers a glimpse of what the Blazers are up against in trying to fill out their roster.

J.R. Smith said on Twitter on Friday that he was joining the Knicks.

AP NEW YORK -- The New York Knicks signed JR Smith on Friday, hoping his 3-point shooting can improve one of their biggest weaknesses. The timing may be risky with the Knicks playing their best basketball of the season, but the Knicks think Smith will

Lowly Hornets Bring Knicks' Run to an End

Lowly Hornets Bring Knicks' Run to an End

Coming into the game, New Orleans had fewer wins (six) than the Knicks had in their seven-game win streak. But the streak had to end some time, and the Knicks played so poorly that they deserved to lose the game, 89-85. New York never led in the game,

NEW YORK, Feb 17 (Reuters) - The streaking New York Knicks signed former Denver Nugget JR Smith on Friday, giving point guard sensation Jeremy Lin a new backcourt mate. Smith, who averaged 12.5 points a game during seven NBA seasons, was available

Lin committed nine turnovers, tied for the most in the NBA this season, and the New York Knicks had their seven-game winning streak stopped with an 89-85 loss to the New Orleans Hornets on Friday night. Lin scored 26 points, but his turnovers nearly

lin_fansA.jpg. Join us from the Garden tonight as we provide live coverage of all the Lin-sanity as the struggling New Orleans Hornets come to Broadway to face Jeremy Lin and the streaking Knicks (Corey Sipkin/Daily News):

NEW YORK, Feb 17 (Reuters) - The streaking New York Knicks signed former Denver Nugget JR Smith on Friday, giving point guard sensation Jeremy Lin a new backcourt mate. Smith, who averaged 12.5 points a game during seven NBA seasons, was available

IRS: Beware of 'dirty dozen' tax scams

IRS: Beware of 'dirty dozen' tax scams

Millions of taxpayers qualify for free tax preparation assistance from IRS-sponsored community-based, volunteer programs. Here are 10 things the IRS wants you to know about these volunteer programs. 1. The IRS sponsors both the Volunteer Income Tax

The IRS reminds taxpayers that, although most income they receive is taxable and must be reported on their federal income tax return, there are some instances when income may not be taxable. The IRS offers the following list of items that do not have

The IRS reminds taxpayers that, although most income they receive is taxable and must be reported on their federal income tax return, there are some instances when income may not be taxable. The IRS offers the following list of items that do not have

The IRS has attached liens to nearly all property owned by the city of Blytheville as the federal government tries to regain nearly $3 million in unpaid payroll taxes.

Read conservative news, blogs and opinion about IRS, Richmond, Taxes and Tea Party from The Weekly Standard, the must read magazine available in online edition.

Dave Matthews Band Announces Summer Tour Dates!

Dave Matthews Band Announces Summer Tour Dates!

The Dave Matthews Band announced its initial 2012 tour plans this morning with no Minnesota date on the itinerary, but the schedule does predictably include another two-day camp-out July 6-7 at Alpine Valley Amphitheater in East Troy, Wis.

Here's a cocktail party tidbit: No act sold more tickets than the Dave Matthews Band did for the period that stretched from 2000 to 2009. That little factoid comes courtesy of Billboard, noting that the Dave Matthews Band sold

Here's a cocktail party tidbit: No act sold more tickets than the Dave Matthews Band did for the period that stretched from 2000 to 2009. That little factoid comes courtesy of Billboard, noting that the Dave Matthews Band sold

Dave Matthews Band recently reunited with Steve Lillywhite who produced "Under the Table and Dreaming," "Crash," and "Before These Crowded Streets" to work on its upcoming album, which is set for release later this year.

Dave Matthews Band (with openers Blind Pilot) play there on June 2; maybe they'll have new songs (they're in the studio now with producer Steve Lillywhite for their first album since 2009) and maybe they won't, but the band's live fans are devoted and

The IRS Where's My Refund Tool is Temporarily Out of Service

The IRS Where's My Refund Tool is Temporarily Out of Service

A meeting was held including the FBI, US Attorney's office, Internal Revenue Service, state police and the Indiana County District Attorney's office. “We're right at the beginning of a very intensive investigation,” said Trooper John Matchik,

Two years later, some people are seeing truth in the magazine's assessment that the administration may be using the Internal Revenue Service to silence its opposition. Ohio Liberty Council, for instance, says they are being made to jump through hoops

TAMPA - Three hours before the IRS office in Tampa even opened Wednesday morning, upset taxpayers lined up at the door. They waited hours to talk to someone about their stolen refunds, but many had to just leave without finding out anything.

Orlando Sentinel education reporters blog about local Central Florida and Orlando-area schools and the education system.

Agency and union argue new hires bring in more revenue.

Move over chocolate-covered strawberries. A better Valentine's treat awaits.

Move over chocolate-covered strawberries. A better Valentine's treat awaits.

By Cara Kelly Sometime between the publication of Geoffrey Chaucer's first romantic Valentine's Day poem and when Hallmark jumped into the celebratory fray, chocolate-covered strawberries found their place alongside Sweethearts candies as a romantic

By Cara Kelly Sometime between the publication of Geoffrey Chaucer's first romantic Valentine's Day poem and when Hallmark jumped into the celebratory fray, chocolate-covered strawberries found their place alongside Sweethearts candies as a romantic

Employees at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory store in south Naperville know customers will be stopping in to buy it's most favored item, chocolate-covered strawberries. By Mary Ann Lopez Wine bottles in various stages of decoration at Rocky

Text EAT to 71700 to get a coupon for FREE chocolate covered strawberries! Who wouldn't want FREE chocolate covered strawberries on Valentine's Day? See all of the current Earthfare deals. Be Sociable, Share! Tweet.

The flavors are chocolate + strawberry, so I was all “aw, chocolate-covered strawberries!” I think that, technically, the chocolate would have to be on top for it to be “chocolate-covered”, but whatever. I played with the idea of making a chocolate

Gay or straight, Matt Bomer'ss a terrific actor

Gay or straight, Matt Bomer'ss a terrific actor

I'd really especially like to thank my beautiful familyThank you for teaching me what unconditional love is,” he says.

Super dreamy White Collar star Matt Bomer hasn't exactly been solidly in the closet, but it looks like he's finally comfortable talking about his husband and children in public. Welcome to the club, Matt.

The White Collar star has officially admitted he is gay and mentioned his partner Simon Halls and their three kids in an acceptance speech!

Matt Bomer has dodged rumors about his sexual orientation for years, but on Saturday, the White Collar star came out publicly at the Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards. The 34-year-old was honored with the New Generation

Matt Bomer couldn't be prouder, of his new award and of the people behind him: Partner Simon Halls and their three children. "I'd really especially like to thank my beautiful family: Simon, Kit, Walker, Henry. Thank you for teaching me what

Kate Upton on cover of Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition

Kate Upton on cover of Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition

Kate Upton donned a little white dress to unveil her new Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover in NYC today. A huge billboard of the cover on display in Times Square features Kate in a skimpy bikini with a sexy smile on her

Kate Upton's 2012 Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover leaked a few hours ago â€" Barstool Sports had it, then other sites piggybacked â€" so here it is. She'll be on Letterman tomorrow. Thought you might be interested. Kate Upton

Mark Sanchez love interest Kate Upton could inch out other top models to clinch the coveted Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition cover. The Victoria's Secret model, recently linked with the Jets quarterback, is considered the top candidate for the cover

By Michael McCarthy, USA TODAY Kate Upton was revealed as cover model of the 2012 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue during a taping of CBS' The Late Show with David Letterman in New York tonight. SI unveiled a billboard of Upton's cover image across

By TARA PALMERI All-American beauty Kate Upton is sizzling on the cover of Sports Illustrated's 2012 Swimsuit Edition. Upton landing the cover was a closely-guarded secret that was leaked just hours before the announcement was to air on the "Late Show

Cause of Whitney Houston's death under investigation

Cause of Whitney Houston's death under investigation

View full sizeFile photoFlint native Dwight Reynolds, who helped write two songs for Whitney Houston's 2002 album "Just Whitney" was shaken by word of her death Saturday. “We were working and we were about to lay the vocals for "One Of Those Days,”

Whitney Houston was reportedly found dead in a bathtub with pill bottles scattered nearby. Did drugs kill this music legend?

View full sizeFile photoFlint native Dwight Reynolds, who helped write two songs for Whitney Houston's 2002 album "Just Whitney" was shaken by word of her death Saturday. “We were working and we were about to lay the vocals for "One Of Those Days,”

By William M. Welch, USA TODAY LOS ANGELES â€" Police and coroner's officials sought to determine a cause of death for singer Whitney Houston as her teenage daughter was hospitalized Sunday in a distraught reaction to the loss of her mother.

While the autopsy results have not yet been released, reports are coming out that Whitney Houston may have drowned in her hotel bathtub. TMZ is repor.

Adele's the doll of the Grammys show

Adele's the doll of the Grammys show

Our Goddess Adele is BACK - and with a vengeance! Easily the most breath-taking performance of the evening! You MUST watch the singer´s anticipated return to the stage after her highly

By Daniel Montgomery There's something wonderfully aberrant about Adele's success in the last year. She's not Rihanna-skinny. She doesn't have Lady Gaga's wardrobe gimmicks or Katy Perry's overproduced pop sheen. She's a young woman with a pure and

By NEKESA MUMBI MOODY ~ AP Adele accepts the award for best pop solo performance for "Someone Like You" during the 54th annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012 in Los Angeles. LOS ANGELES -- Adele, who captured the world's heart with an album

Anderson Cooper profiles British singer Adele, who proves the health of her voice by singing him one of her soulful songs . . . a cappella. Adele is one of the most extraordinary singers of her generation, and her global rise to fame happened suddenly.

But then fashion editors awoke to happier news, confirming another rumor that had been swirling about another big-voiced, full haired diva, 25 years Houston's junior: Singer Adele had landed the cover of March Vogue, sealing her place in fashion's top

Singer Whitney Houston dies at 48

Singer Whitney Houston dies at 48

Whitney Houston's mentor Clive Davis spoke of his devastation today at the star's sudden death but insisted: "Whitney would have wanted the music to go on." More than two decades ago, Davis had introduced Houston as young woman with a scintillating

11, 2012, that singer Whitney Houston has died at age 48. Photo: Joe Cavaretta / AP FILE - In this Nov. 22, 2009, file photo, Whitney Houston performs at the 37th Annual American Music Awards in Los Angeles. Publicist Kristen Foster said, Saturday,

I like how all these people get sad over the death of someone they never knew who died of self abuse. Most celebrities, including Whitney are just in the spotlight for the cash. People should stop acting as if the death of a singer has profoundly

Whitney Houston is dead at 48 years old. The superstar singer and actress's publicist, Kristin Foster, broke the news of Houston's passing to the AP.

Whitney Houston's mentor Clive Davis spoke of his devastation today at the star's sudden death but insisted: "Whitney would have wanted the music to go on." More than two decades ago, Davis had introduced Houston as young woman with a scintillating