So what is the big deal of the Lotto getting to $650 million? It’s not enough to win $300 million? The chances of winning are about the same as getting not one, but two holes-in-one in an 18 hole round. I have yet to get one and I have yet to get a Royal Flush playing Texas Holdem. Yes, we had to buy a few tickets to join the party or as one person told me, “To get a foot in the door.” I learned that for best odds, pick your own numbers. Good luck to all!

No doubt if you won the Lotto you would not pick up a penny if you saw one on the ground. But would you anyway? Chances are no. Now if Canada has its way, its residents won’t have to worry about the dilemma anymore as it wants to ban the penny much like other countries have. They state it cost them $.016 to produce a penny and they lose over $10 million a year. But if they won the Lotto. . .

Best Buy is getting crushed by amazon.com and other online retailers. They are closing 50 stores and most likely many more in the future. This is a bad sign for big box retailers as Best Buy is one of the best run retailers in the world. If they can’t make it, who is going to be left, Starbucks and Five Guys? It seems consumers no longer need a physical store to buy electronics and other gear or perhaps only to “shop” and then order online while at the store. It’s an interesting phase we are now in.

CVS found out the hard way just like Best Buy did a few years ago that breaking into the beauty market is not so easy. They have decided to shutter their 360 concept after testing it with 25 stores. ULTA is the grand prize winner and will continue to dominate the landscape. Their stock is pushing $100.

Good to see Michigan’s unemployment under 9% and the auto companies doing well. But hopefully everyone has learned their lesson and Michigan diversifies and education picks up its pace.

Are you loving the new Timeline homepage on Facebook? Not!

black 15in1 launches its refill size of Miracle Hair Treatment next month by popular request.

Beauty Buzz will be all the buzz come October. Beauty Buzz is all about beauty and will feature some great names in the business. Jay Towers will be the emcee and Ambassador magazine will cover the event top to bottom. Look for more information coming up. The event is Sunday, October 7 at the Motor City Casino Hotel.

Speaking of events, we are holding the greatest salon equipment and furniture sale in history. In fact, virtually every item in our showroom will be for sale and/or auction. If you need a new styling chair or to outfit a new salon, this is the event you have been waiting for. Monday, May 14 at the Pavillion. The fun starts at 8AM.

Of all the companies that offer TV, Internet and Phone, ATT’s U-verse ranks at the bottom. There is not another company with such poor customer service to go along with poor performing products. When Comcast looks good, you know how bad is bad.

Happy Friday!

Today is Paczki Day and if you have never heard of this day, you are lucky. Paczki’s are jumbo crème and jelly filled donuts perfected by Polish bakeries. We are fortunate (or unfortunate) to have some of the best bakeries right here in Hamtramck, just a skip and a beat from downtown Detroit. Each gut-filling creation is about 500 calories and packs a whopping 50% or more of daily fat content. But what the heck, that doesn’t stop most people from consuming two or more in a single day! For donut lovers, they are the ultimate treat. YUM especially when warm!

Of course it’s also Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Can anyone explain to me when it comes to religious holidays why they are revolve around food and drink? And do you know where the term “Fat Tuesday” came from and hence the creation of paczki’s? To use up all the sugar, flour and lard before lent started.

Do you know people (yourself included) that when in conversation with others use the expressions “Always,” “All the time,” and/or “Never” consistently? And it’s not only politicians.

Yesterday was President’s Day, yet another day off for so many people. Worse, schools are closed for 2-5 days this week and then next month is spring break. Is it any wonder that USA students rank 27th in math and 21st in reading worldwide?

Quick question: What percentage of oil consumed in the USA comes from the Middle East?

As NY Fashion Week comes to a close, isn’t it amazing the power of celebrities and prestige brands have that they can get virtually any company to not only donate their products and educators for an entire week or two but also have them pay for the privilege.

The Detroit Red Wings have won 23 straight home games. The MSU Spartans are in first place after clobbering Ohio State, Wisconsin and Purdue. The Tigers start spring ball with World Series aspirations. Even lowly U-M basketball is doing fairly well. It’s a great time to be a sports fan in Michigan.

Salons are looking for that next big thing in 2012 to replace the feather. What will it be?

Looks like Cosmoprof is supporting the upcoming ABS show while Salon Centric is favoring the ISSE show in November. Either way, Chicago wins.

Is Essie going to launch a gel polish line or stay traditional? My guess is no. Besides Essie is having too much fun partying with the celebrities. But I wonder what Max is doing?

Save the date: Sunday, October 7, 2012. It’s the premier of our new signature charity event, Beauty Buzz and it’s going to be quite spectacular.

And the answer to the above question is 16%. You were way off. In fact, 25% of oil comes right from our next door neighbor, Canada. And by 2020, we will be exporting oil to other countries.

Happy Tuesday!