Columns

By Frank Passic             There has been realtor activity at several abandoned old businesses along Austin Avenue recently, in what used to be known as “Hunkytown” in the early 20th century. There were various merchants from Europe who operated businesses…

“Birds wing after a storm, why shouldn’t people feel as free to delight in whatever sunlight remains to them?” ~ Rose Fitzgerald KennedyThis week we celebrate Veterans Day. It’s the time to honor all veterans of our Armed Forces and…

Recently I was talking with a lady who had been caring for her handicapped child for many years. While she obviously loves her daughter, she has begun showing symptoms of anxiety and depression. She is finding herself not sleeping well,…

By Scott SullivanEditorEmotional IntelligenceEmpathy can be bad for you, say experts. Whoever they are. Tuning into and sharing other people’s emotions from their perspective can bring us together in a healing process, says Robin Stern, associate director of the Yale…

For someone who is not a certified member of the Handyman’s Union and a complete all-thumbs fiasco in most do-it-yourself projects, I find myself having to make a stop at a hardware store a couple times a week. Especially in…

As the Christmas season approaches, the lights, music, and festive cheer remind us of joy, family, and tradition. But amid the celebration, it’s also a time to remember what this season truly represents — compassion, generosity, and community. For many…

It’s time to “Stuff-A-Truck” for those in need. The Three Rivers Lions Club needs everyone’s help to do just that for this upcoming Thanksgiving. Everyone is invited to come on down to Harding’s Market, 808 West Michigan Avenue in Three…

Most of us have a morning routine that includes bathroom duties, breakfast, medications, and all that goes with it. For most of us it has become such a habit that we don’t have to think about it. We just do…

By Scott SullivanEditorChicken RunZoe Rosenberg faces up to five years in the pen for pilfering four chickens from a Perdue Farms poultry plant in Petaluma, Calif.Her defense team argued the University of California senior and animal activist rescued the birds…

Another week has passed, and much of our federal government remains shuttered. Hundreds of thousands of federal employees are either furloughed or working without pay. National parks are closed, small business loans are on hold, and millions of Americans are…

On Tuesday, Nov. 11, we observe Veterans Day. It is a “fixed” holiday, like Independence Day on July 4. These days do not move to the nearest Monday so we can have a long weekend; they are too important to…

“Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” -Marcel ProustYo-Yos were once used as weapons in the Philippines.On Saturday, Nov. 1, the Animal Rescue Fund (ARF) will sponsor…

“This is a day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Recently I was conversing with a middle-aged man, who had committed his life to God in his youth. Things were not going well for…

By Scott SullivanEditorSmart to be DumbIn their new book “The Enigma of Reason,” cognitive scientists Dan Sperber and Hugo Mercier argue people’s capacity for reason might have more to do with winning arguments than thinking straight. Humans’ biggest advantage over…

I have a niche genre of movies that make me happy. The basic plot is the main character sees others around him or her living in the shadowlands, takes action, faces challenges and drama, then the magic happens.One of the…

One of the consequences of a government shutdown should be that those legislators responsible for the shutdown should not receive their regular pay. In my mind they are just as much part of the government as the hundreds of thousand…

By Frank Passic One of the most famous sermons ever preached in American history was entitled “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,” powerfully delivered by the 18th century theologian, clergyman, and college president (Princeton), the Rev. Jonathan Edwards…

“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” -Henry MillerIf you didn’t make it to the American Legion on October 11, you missed a fantastic Burger Night fundraiser, thanks to Molly and T.J. from Mr.…

Recently I was with a group of friends having a few drinks and great conversation when things went south in a hurry. For just a few minutes, the conversation turned toward the discussion of ministers who had abused children. That…

By Scott SullivanEditorOctopus UpdateLetter writer Barbara King rightly takes me to task for making light of Detroit Red Wings fans flinging dead octopi on the hockey rink ice to celebrate playoff wins.Last week’s column recounts how the tradition started in…