Dear Crabby, What Type of Music Makes You Happy?

Dear Crabby, Now that live music has started again, I was curious what sort of music do you like? And do you plan on attending a concert soon? Thanks, Hattie Harmony Dear Hattie Harmony, Years ago, someone asked me if I sing or play an instrument. Personally, I think the acoustics in my shower is wonderful and therefore, make me sound like Bing Crosby. My family, on the other hand, is less appreciative of my talents. Once, when someone asked Mrs. Crabby what part I sing, she … [Read more...]

Dear Crabby, Why are Halloween Tchotchkes Suddenly Everywhere?

Dear Crabby, My sister and I went out this past weekend for a little retail therapy in the hopes of scoring some great end-of-the-summer deals. Do you know what we found instead? Halloween! Nearly every store we walked into had full-blown Halloween and fall displays. Is it just me or is it too early for all this? Thanks,Mindy Midsummer Dear Mindy Midsummer, Ugh. I’d really love to know what sort of calendar retailers are working off from. It has to be different from what I have … [Read more...]

Dear Crabby, Where is the Best Place in Michigan to Go Make My Spirits Bright?

Dear Crabby, Between this pandemic and the lack of snow in our area, I’m having trouble finding my Christmas spirit. Do you have any fun suggestions on what my family and I can do around town that would help us feel jollier? Thanks, Cindy Lou LumosDear Cindy Lou Lumos, Your conundrum makes me think of that song from Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas, “Where Are You Christmas?” Even if you celebrate Hanukkah or something else, or nothing at all, you get the gist of the song’s … [Read more...]

Dear Crabby, Are Bees Our Friends or Foes?

Dear Crabby, The only thing more annoying than construction in the summertime is all the bees! I’ve always loathed those pesky things and yet they seem to be everywhere. And I’m not just talking physically everywhere, but also in the news and on social media. Recently there was even a National Honeybee Day. So, my question is when did bees become so popular and why should I care? Thanks! Bea Pollen Dear Bea Pollen, To bee quite honest (get it?) the only bee I care for is the one … [Read more...]

Dear Crabby, Will Michigan Ever Drop Daylight Savings Time?

Dear Crabby, I enjoyed your response to the movement of Hallows Eve. My question is whether you think the state of Michigan will ever make the shift not to keep changing our clocks to and from Daylight Savings Time? Thank you in advance for your insight. Pavel Dear Pavel, It’s always nice to hear from a fan and know that at least one person besides Mrs. Crabby is reading my column. I’ve actually written about Daylight Savings Time (DST) before, but it’s been almost 10 years ago, so … [Read more...]

Dear Crabby, What Do You Think of Zipper Merging?

Dear Crabby, Just when I think I have the construction patterns down – bam! More are added to the mix. Between the new segment of I-75 starting soon and the work on Baldwin extending into 2020, I’m seeing more articles reminding drivers to zipper merge. But does it work and why should I let a car in at the last minute when I’ve been waiting in traffic forever? Thanks, Cyndy Sideswipe Dear Cyndy Sideswipe, Why should you indeed? I know our roads are in bad shape and need to be … [Read more...]

Opening Weekend at the Michigan Renaissance Festival

Royal Pet & Ale Fest Pet Fest is one of the most popular events at the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Pet owners and their furry companions are invited to learn more about pet nutrition, safety, clubs, fostering, and new products from our pet related vendors. While the Renaissance Festival loves all animals, only dogs that have proof of their rabies vaccination are allowed into the Festival. All dogs must be leashed and check in at the Pet Gate. Go to the Website for more info. … [Read more...]

Dear Crabby, Should Young Kids Play Tackle Football?

Dear Crabby, What age do you feel kids should begin playing tackle football? Do you feel 4th grade is too young to begin? Thanks! Lacey K. Dear Lacey, I assume you are like most parents out there and worried about the chance of your kid hurting himself. I know in recent years there’s been a lot of talk about how repeated concussions can really cause trouble lateron. And don’t get me wrong; it’s a valid concern. But the way I see it, parents seem to fall into one of two camps. The … [Read more...]

Dear Crabby, Will you be Giving Away Michigan Renaissance Festival Tickets again this Year?

Dear Crabby, Will you be Giving Away Michigan Renaissance Festival Tickets again this Year? Hopeful, Lady Free Bird   Huzzah! Lady Free Bird Why yes, yes I am. And by "I" you should know I mean "we" at Rochester Media. Each year we get an amount of tickets to use as giveaways, and to encourage people like you to send in an advice question to me, your Dear Crabby friend. I've been giving away free and (if you don't mind me saying) darn good advice for a long time. And if you've … [Read more...]

Win Michigan Renaissance Festival Tickets

Want a chance to win Michigan Renaissance Festival Tickets? Ask Dear Crabby a question by emailing him at DearCrabby@rochestermedia.com If Dear Crabby uses your question from now until September 1, Rochester Media will send you a family four-pack of tickets to attend the Michigan Renaissance Festival - good any day of the 2018 season. … [Read more...]