My band Motor City Skyline’s cover of “Kickstart My Heart” on Soundcloud

It is amazing that we recorded this song 7 years ago around 2011 and it is getting so popular on the internet. It is currently at 232,000 plays. My band Motor City Skyline started out as a female fronted cover band. We recorded four songs, but broke up shortly after recording. At the time we recorded this, I was taking this to venues trying to book gigs, but we had no interest. We only played one show under the name Motor City Skyline with the original line-up and that was at Oade’s Hidden Camel in Lansing, MI.

Now it is 2018, and I have a new line-up of Motor City Skyline and it looks as though everything is finally falling in place for this band. We are an all original music Rap Rock/Metal band. We just got a professional logo made. Our first original release recording is almost done. Things are finally looking good for this band. Here’s to a great 2019 for Motor City Skyline!

The Golden Rule

The Golden Rule is the principle of treating others as one’s self would wish to be treated. (Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Rule)

This is my most important rule to live by. If you follow this rule, you will find yourself making friends with others that follow this rule. People that don’t follow the Golden Rule should be avoided. They are not healthy to be around.

Christmas Time Break From Work

Last year Christmas was too short, too much driving from house to house, and not enough rest and relaxation. This year I planned ahead by taking time off from work December 22nd through December 30th. Now that Christmas has passed, I can say how it went.

I had my family Christmas with both my wife’s family and my family on Christmas Eve. We got together at my in-law’s house in the afternoon, and had snacks, opened gifts, and spent time with family. After that we went to our best friends and god-children’s house to spend the night, so that we could watch the kids open presents, have breakfast together, and spend time with them. Christmas afternoon my wife and I came home and watched movies together and relaxed. The day after Christmas, I spent the whole day cleaning and organizing the entire house. I did not get everything done, but I made a huge impact. Now the rest of my time off has been spending time with my wife, family, and friends. I also made time for playing video games, and I have been cooking at home just about everyday. This has been the best way for me to do Christmas as an adult, and I plan to do this every year!

Cinnamon Rolls and Cream Cheese Frosting

Cinnamon Rolls are a Robinson Christmas tradition. My wife and I make these together the weekend before Christmas and give them to friends and family so that they can make these on Christmas morning. Everyone loves these soft, sugary rolls. It is based on the Cinnabon recipe. Merry Christmas!

Yields 40 Rolls

Cinnamon Rolls

Rolls Ingredients:

1 cup Instant Mashed Potato Flakes
1 cup Milk
¾ cup Butter
¾ cup Sugar
2 tsp Salt
2 cups hot Water (for melting butter)
½ cup warm Water (110 degrees F)
2 envelopes of Instant Active Dry Yeast
2 Eggs
8 ½ cups Flour, or more if needed

Filling Ingredients:

¾ cup Butter, softened
1 ¼ cups Sugar
2 ¼ tsp Cinnamon

Directions:

  1. Combine potatoes, milk, butter, sugar, salt, and 2 cups hot water in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Stir until butter melts.
  3. Set aside and let cool.
  4. Combine yeast and ½ cup warm water in a small bowl.
  5. Let rest 5 minutes.
  6. Add eggs, 2 cups flour and yeast mixture to potato mixture.
  7. Beat until well mixed.
  8. Continue adding flour 1 cup at a time until soft dough forms.
  9. Knead on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic. (about 4 to 6 minutes)
  10. Place in a bowl and cover.
  11. Let rise about 1 hour until doubled in size, then punch dough down and divide into 4 equal parts.
  12. Roll one portion of dough on a lightly floured surface to a 16” x 16” circular square.
  13. Spread butter on with a basting brush, spoon, or knife, depending on the consistency of the softened butter.
  14. Mix cinnamon and sugar together in a small bowl then sprinkle on liberally.
  15. Roll up tightly and seal edges
  16. Cut into 10 slices.
  17. Place in greased 13” x 9” pan and cover.
  18. Let rise 30 to 45 minutes until nearly doubled.
  19. Bake in preheated 350 degree F oven for 25 to 30 minutes.  Do not over-cook.
  20. Cover with some frosting immediately, then cool for 10 minutes and cover with more cream cheese frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients:

8 oz Cream Cheese, softened
12 tbsp Butter, softened
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
4 tbsp Milk
3 cups Confectioners’ Sugar
1/2 tsp salt

Preparation:

Let the butter soften overnight at room temperature.  A couple hours before cooking put cream cheese at room temperature to soften.

Directions:

  1. Beat together cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer in a large bowl until creamy.
  2. Mix in the vanilla and milk
  3.  Gradually mix in confectioners’ sugar and salt until smooth and fluffy.