Presidential candidate Mitt Romney’s speech at the Republican Convention was everything his supporters hoped for – and then some. He was very convincing as a nice guy who was formed by a loving family, a good work ethic and a deep faith in his religion. That speech was – for the most part – by far the best one I
My first cultural wedding provides unique experience
I recently attended the wedding of my fiancé’s cousin. I was so excited to see what differences there might be between an African and an American wedding. My fiancé, Richmond, is from Liberia, a country in West Africa. His sister often tells me, “Get ready. We have a really big family.” I believed her when she told me that. However,
Please stick to word limit for letters to editor
Among newspaper people, it has long been recognized letters to editor are the “lifeblood” of the Opinion Page and the “heart” of newspapers. It is so exciting to see so many competing views from letter writers, especially as election season heats up. This column is a brief review of the Newsleaders’ policy on political letters to editor. We hope our
Let’s condemn Russian trio’s conviction
The ghost of Josef Stalin still stalks Russia. Last week, a female punk-rock trio named “Pussy Riot” was convicted of “hooliganism” and sentenced to two years in prison. In the West, hooliganism has come to mean rowdy, disruptive or vandalistic behavior, usually by groups of youth. In the Soviet Union, hooliganism has long meant any kind of behavior or speech
Music makes Sparkle remake memorable
It can be hard for writers and directors to remake films. They have to worry about staying true to the original work while giving it a new spin at the same time. Characters have to be researched and plots thoroughly developed. While it can be challenging to pull this off, the remake of the 1976 film, “Sparkle” did just that
Handwritten notes are becoming extinct. Why?
On a recent trip to Barnes and Noble, I came across a box of quotable cards. I was more than excited as it was the first time I have seen them in St. Cloud and have often found them only at the airport. It was a good day. As I expressed my excitement, an older woman walked up and we started
Once I solve problems, I’ll buy underwear
It was pointed out to me in a recent conversation with my bride of what will be 50 years this December, that I needed some new underwear. Now I’ve got to tell you, I don’t pay much attention to underwear. Don’t get me wrong. I wear it. I just don’t pay much attention to it. I shower, then I look
Now’s the time to go monarch hunting
Every child – and adult, come to think of it – should have the chance to witness in person one of the most awe-inspiring spectacles of nature: the life-cycle stages of the monarch butterfly. Seeing it on film just won’t do. That’s like trying to fathom the grandeur of the Grand Canyon by seeing snapshots of it. This is the