College speakers offer advice that changes lives

'Tis the season for commencement speeches. Ever since Anna Quindlen's 'Get a Life' address written for Villanova University and Steve Jobs' amazing wisdom to the graduates at Stanford, the bar has been set high for sage advice imparted to graduates.

Online community raises $165,000 to support family of child without eyes

Like most people, Krissy and Heston Stein of Royal Oak expected their share of ups and downs when they married 10 years ago. But they never dreamed thousands of strangers from around the world would one day be showering them with donations and well wishes.

Newtown mom opens heart, finds her strength

Alissa Parker knows full well the irony of Mother's Day landing on what would have been her daughter Emilie's seventh birthday. Emilie was one of the 20 children massacred at Sandy Hook Elementary School in December.

After seniors endure extreme TSA pat-downs, feds make amends for missing cash

At 96 years old, Omer Petti never thought he’d live to see the day. Literally. But a year after he and his partner, Madge Woodward, 86, were subject to extreme pat-downs by Transportation Security Administration officers at the San Diego International Airport, the nonagenarian finally received a check for $300 from the government — the amount Petti says went “missing” during the trying ordeal.

Getting up in arms over new plastic surgery fad

In the first week of May, just as temperatures allow for short sleeves and sleeveless tops, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons is reporting an uptick of more than 4,000 percent in brachioplasties, or upper-arm lifts, since its first offering in 2000.

Former priest Dennis Ortman looks back in new book

Dennis Ortman is a man of many titles. He is a clinical psychologist, author of four books, a husband, stepfather of three and a former priest. Of course, it is that last title that raises the most eyebrows.

Empty nest easier when chicks fly home

I thought I would never embrace this new freedom to be me because my very favorite me, my best me, my most fulfilling me, is the one that answers to “Mom.”

Used books gem closing its doors

For 25 years, the bright blue building on Woodward with the huge block letter sign that leaves nothing to the imagination — USED BOOKS — has housed the epitome of the charming second-hand bookstore.