At the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, a British runner with a hamstring injury, collapsed only to be pulled to his feet and helped around the finish line by another man who had jumped onto the track from the stands. Most people didn't see it, because the race was only a preliminary heat, but Mitch Albom saw a story, and ran to the stadium tunnel to find it.

Well, it's officially December, which means the holidays are in full swing. Of course, after your 20th cup of eggnog and the umpteenth rendition of "Frosty the Snowman," a break from festivities may be necessary to keep from becoming a total Scrooge. Perhaps a trip to the theater would do the trick?

Comedian Dave Landau may have houses in both L.A. and Detroit, but it's clear the latter is the house that he considers to be home. Sure, L.A. can be glamorous and all, but who can resist the allure of Michigan?

It's 10 years ago. You just got your cartilage pierced and you and your friends are cruising around town during spring break, pretty much feeling like the cool guys and gals you are. What CD are you rocking in your deck? Yea, probably Yellowcard's Ocean Avenue.

• Grand Rapids
• The Intersection
• Yellowcard
• Ocean avenue acoustic
• ocean avenue
• what's eating gilbert
• ocean avenue acoustic tour

Gilda's LaughFest announced its 2014 headliners this morning, including its signature dinner event, which is an evening with talk show host, Jay Leno. The festival is also bringing back Jim Gaffigan and Sinbad, which both sold out shows in previous years.

• Grand Rapids
• Gilda's LaughFest
• LaughFest
• Jay Leno
• Jim Gaffigan
• Sinbad
• Chris Tucker
• Judah Frielander
• Jen Kirkman

If you are fond of exercising your fingers and want to spice up the dreary month of November, consider writing a 50,000 word brand-new novel in 30 days for the National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). And no, writing one word repeated 50,000 times does not count.

File this under best kept secret: It's a little-known but luxe fact that you can get 100 percent handcrafted leather and canvas travel packs, courier messenger bags and bicycle accessories from the Mercy Supply studio located at 1111 Godfrey SW in Grandville.

• Mercy Supply
• Grandville
• AK Rikk's
• Mane EVent
• Missy Black

With a Michigan winter inevitably comes freezing temperatures, blizzards and lots of gloomy days, leading many Michiganders to opt to stay inside. But being cooped up at home induces cabin fever and plunging temperatures leaves outdoor activities less than desirable. What other options do you have? For many residents, the answer is simple – go see a movie.

Whoever first said that actions speak louder than words wasn't a poet, and they certainly never saw The Diatribe perform.

With Thanksgiving imminent in the near future, households all over America are busy stocking up on canned cranberries, green bean salad, turkeys and a plethora of other delectable foods for their Thanksgiving smorgasbord.

But before you too get wrapped up preparing for the meal-to-end-all-meals, why not take a break and check out some of November's indie-film festivities?