Columns
“Out and About” Memorial Day, amusement parks, and dreams
What is the difference between a hurricane, typhoon or a cyclone? There is no difference except for the fact that they are known by a different name depending on where you are in the world. Most of us are familiar…
Pat’s Bits and Pieces: And so it begins…
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA The beginning of the summer season is this weekend.I know, I know, the calendar says summer starts June 21st, but let’s face it, the season always starts with Memorial Day weekend…Two Clare County schools have already held…
Postcard from the Pines: Here’s the church, where’s the steeple?
Latter Day Saints Church Early photo NE Corner Carland and Main This week brought some physical changes to Main Street and some fond Blevins Street memories for me.We don’t know what’s in store for the little former church-become-Community Space in…
Blue Star
By Scott SullivanEditor50th ReunionAs a diabetic, pokes and pricks-abetted, it’s imperative I have insulin. At the druggist’s I saw: Good healthIn a single stopSign up forShingles shots here The cute dark pharmacist on the cardboard sign next to the poem…
Life as Performance Art
On Memorial Day, there is no place I would rather be than in a small Midwest town. More specifically, it means a small town in southwestern Michigan. Like the rest of the country on that day, we will pause for a…
Mike’s Musings: AI could make our lives better or ruin us
Is anyone concerned about artificial intelligence as I am?You know the technology is growing at such a rapid rate that humans might be subservient to robots soon. Or so say a few prognosticators.Being somewhat a libertarian, I do not favor…
“Out and About” Rules of life, Global Warming and grocery prices
Here are six Rules of Life I wish I had known when I was younger: Always speak less than necessary. Life is a balance between holding on and letting go. What we think, we become. A great man is hard…
“Out and About” Tax day and spring cleaning
Next Tuesday, April 18, is Tax Day. If you haven’t filed yet, the time for procrastinating is over. If you have your taxes done professionally, I wish you the best of luck, because tax preparers have been busy for the…
Pat’s Bits and Pieces: Spring fever strikes again
Wednesday is nearly here – deadline day – and once again I am sitting here staring at the darn computer screen. As usual, I couldn’t think of a thing to write about this week, but sometimes when I start typing……
Postcard from the Pines: It’s Almost Garden Planting Time
What a grand thing this warm, springy weather has been. It gives us just enough oomph to get through any cold and gloomy siege Mom Nature may yet throw at us. The balmy breezes have us thinking of all the…
Blue Star
By Scott SullivanEditorDatedMarriage put a crimp on my dating and itself grows dated. Internet to the rescue. “[Dating] begins No find I able to impossible was to It be letter it is,” emailed Calvina Grasso. I couldn’t have said it…
Life as Performance Art
My alma mater’s alumni office phoned me recently, seeking money of course.The student making the cold call mentioned it had been quite a while (a few decades, really) since I had last visited the school. When I asked how he knew, he…
Mike’s Musings: A new found admiration for those who endure pain
As I sit here with a walker at my side, I have gained a newfound affinity for those that must endure ailments and pain. You see I’ve been very healthy all my life, and never have had surgery. I didn’t…
“Out and About” ‘Lunch and Learn,’ a 5K run, and spring cleaning attention
“Today’s accomplishments were yesterday’s impossibilities.” ~ Robert SchullerIf you are an investor, you’ll want to mark your calendar for Tuesday, April 25 and make reservations to attend a “Lunch and Learn” event at the Three Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce…
Postcard from the Pines: Born in Mrs. Little’s House
Our photo this week is an oldie, and so we apologize for the quality. This is from a glass negative photo taken in 1908. The large house on the right is the Carrow/Mrs. Little’s Maternity/Fosnaught-Holdship Funeral Home. The next is…
Pat’s Bits and Pieces: Spring is here, watch for Summer – it’s coming
It seems like this spring has been unusually chilly, but in looking back through past year’s columns, it actually was pretty typical weather for March, but other than a “spritz” of snow and some windy weather, March kinda went out…
Blue Star
By Scott SullivanEditorThe WallRe: last and this week’s lead stories: So much for practicing law with no brains.Continuing in that vein, scientists have created a tiny robot that melts, moves and can reform elsewhere, great for escaping prison and other…
Life as Performane Art
Theodore Roosevelt’s daughter, Alice, was renowned for her sharp and caustic tongue. She was also famous for a needlepoint pillow she took to parties. She would find a seat and set the pillow on the cushion next to her: It said: “If…
Mike’s Musings: Conducting business while under the knife- that was my week
For many last week was spring vacation, a time to take a trip or just enjoy family. For me it was a whirlwind of activity I will never forget.I underwent surgery on Wednesday, as the result of falling off my…
“Out and About” State debate, Good Friday dinner, and beating around the bush
Texans are very proud of their state. Before Alaska became a state, Texans would brag about how Texas was the biggest. Texans have a lot to be proud of and usually aren’t shy about sharing that pride. We Michiganders should…