Columns
Blue Star
By Scott SullivanEditorHospitalityEarly reviews on lodging at “Alligator Alcatraz,” the new migrant detention center built in eight days in Florida’s Everglades, have been mixed.
Mike’s Musings: “Pay It Forward” Is a Powerful Idea Worth Embracing
In a world often overshadowed by cynicism, economic struggle, and divisive headlines, the simple idea of “paying it forward” offers a powerful counterbalance. It’s a concept built on selflessness—doing something kind for someone else without expecting anything in return, trusting…
Life as Performance Art
“History doesn’t always repeat itself but it often rhymes,” said Mark Twain. As I write this in mid-July, it looks like there will be a change. For better or worse, I’m not sure.A wonderful thing about a firmly-established republic or…
HISTORICAL NOTEBOOK
By Frank Passic LIME LAKE HISTORY, Part 1. A mile south of Spring Arbor is Lime Lake, a popular water sports (including scuba diving) and walking/biking recreation area for area residents. The Falling Waters Trail goes through the middle of…
Out and About: Women, cardio, and walking
There is not a book that explains everything a man must know in order to better understand women. We must continue to learn from experience, or listen to a person who has dealt with the fairer sex longer than you…
May I Walk with You? MORE TAKE AND RECEIVE
According to the book, The Soul Also Keep the Score, the author quotes a prayer by St. Ignatius of Loyola called the Suscipe. Many people, not just the Jesuits, pray this prayer daily in their attempt to become the people…
Blue Star
By Scott SullivanEditorTinted LoveThe Taj Mahal, that shining white monument to love, is turning green, black and yellow. And India’s Supreme Court isn’t happy.Pollution and insect dung are discoloring Mogul Emperor Shah Jahan’s 17th-century temple built for his favorite wife.“You…
Life as Performance Art
The optics don’t look regarding how our nation is handling the immigration situation.My ancestors came to the U.S. in the 1840s seeking a better life, more freedom from overreaching clergy and government, and a chance to own their own land.…
Mike’s Musings: It’s Time for the Fed to Lower Interest Rates – Before It’s Too Late
The Federal Reserve has done its job. Inflation, which recently reached its highest point in forty years, has gradually moderated. The labor market, while still resilient, shows signs of softening. Consumer confidence is shaky, small businesses are tightening their belts,…
Out and About: Lake life, open house, and parades
“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds that you plant.” -Robert Louis StevensonThe Fourth of July weekend is now in the history books and the local lakes are now resting from all the busy…
Blue Star
By Scott SullivanEditorLightning StrikesJust when I thought life had gone to hell came word human deaths by lightning have dropped from 300-plus per annum in the 1940s to only 13 so far this year. Now there’s more people, or targets,…
Life as Performance Art
My sister Beverly is the family genealogist. She started some 60 years and has stayed with it ever since.It is not exactly an obsession, but she has converted a bedroom into her office, complete with walls lined with shelves, and…
Mike’s Musings: Legislators, lobbyists married to one another is a conflict of interest
I was sent an article from the Lansing City Pulse written by Kyle Melinn, that claims there are four state legislators that are married to lobbyists.As Melinn says “that means in four households, one person works for the state to…
HISTORICAL NOTEBOOK
By Frank Passic ALBION 100 YEARS AGO—JULY 1925 We continue with our theme of “Albion, 100 Years Ago.” July 1, 1925: “On Saturday afternoon at 1 o’clock the boulder which has been placed in Victory Park by the members…
Life as Performance Art
This coming Friday, July 4th, is our nation’s 249th anniversary since the delegates to the Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence. Two hundred forty-nine is not considered a major milestone event. We’ll wait until next year for a…
Mike’s Musings: Health costs soar, some hospitals benefit
I just read a report from the Michigan Health Purchasers Coalition (MIHPC) that essentially concluded that larger hospitals have had profits increased dramatically.Now we all know, if we have spent any time in a hospital, we are charged exorbitant amounts…
“Out and About” Rehab and hearing aids
I am now into my third week of Stage IV Cardio Rehab, or better known as the “Healthy Heart” program. It was suggested that I sign up for this extra session of Cardio Rehab at Health Trac. Unlike Stage II,…
May I Walk with you? GIVING AND RECEIVING
Living the Christian life can be seen as giving and receiving. First, Jesus gives himself to us, we receive him and then we give ourselves to him. Lately, I have been contemplating just how well I have been able to…
Blue Star
By Scott SullivanEditorHeartWho knew Ypsilanti was the cultural heart of Michigan? Me thanks to Mondly, a language learning program which surveyed 3,012 respondents nationwide asking, “Which town in your state best represents your cultural identity?”Divided by 50, that means 60.24…
Life as Performance Art
The most popular male vocal duet in 1930s England was Flanagan and Allen. Their songs were light, filled with a bit of syncopation, close harmony and left audiences smiling with a renewed sense of hope.Among their big hits was “Underneath…
