First appeared in The Tecumseh Herald, Dec. 14,, 2023 Squibs: Christmas Cards We are now less than two weeks from Christmas and already I'm behind on most of the things I typically do this time of year. At the top of that list is sending Christmas cards. As I write this, I have mailed about … Continue reading Christmas Greetings
Billy
First appeared in The Tecumseh Herald, Aug. 31, 2023 This is a story about Billy. Billy made a calendar for his mother when he was in first grade. It was a piece of thick cardstock upon which he had carefully stamped his handprints with red finger paint. His long, slender fingers were separated by gaps … Continue reading Billy
Marathon Man
First appearing in The Tecumseh Herald, Nov. 2, 2023 Boston, London, Chicago, Berlin, and New York City have something in common that is said to have originated in ancient Greece: these are the top five cities worldwide for marathon runners. Although millions have run 26.2-mile courses around the world, they still represent a small percentage … Continue reading Marathon Man
We’re all in this together
First appearing in The Tecumseh Herald, Oct. 11, 2023 "That government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth." These words have been used by politicians over the past 160 years, but they were first utted by Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, at a … Continue reading We’re all in this together
Thanksgiving joy
First appearing in The Tecumseh Herald, Nov. 2016, 2023 Writing a regular column is both a joy and a challenge, and right now, in this space and time, I am finding it a challenge to find joy. We are right at the start of our holiday season, with Thanksgiving just days away, and I think … Continue reading Thanksgiving joy
The Community Newspaper
First appeared in The Tecumseh Herald, January 6, 2024 As I reflect on the past year--it went pretty quickly, didn't it?--I think about the stories I've written for The Tecumseh Herald and the many people I've had the pleasure of interviewing. Most of you know I love my work at the Herald and I'll always … Continue reading The Community Newspaper
Declan McNelis
Most people would describe Declan McNelis as an amiable, affable and patient person with a great sense of humor. For a tour bus driver, these are essential qualities. McNelis, who will turn 60 in July, is a coach driver who spends his working hours piloting a tour bus around Ireland. He navigates the tightest turns … Continue reading Declan McNelis
Are you a ‘friendly wave’ or a ‘flip him off’ person?
In January, the New York Times published the results of one of its "Opinion Page Focus Groups." This weekly feature brings together "subsets of Americans and explore assumptions that others might have — digging deeper into them, challenging them, in some cases stamping out stereotypes." This focus group was made up of 11 law enforcement … Continue reading Are you a ‘friendly wave’ or a ‘flip him off’ person?
The Bomb
"If there is another world war, this civilization may go under." These were the words of J. Robert Oppenheimer in a 1950 interview. Oppenheimer, considered the "Father of the Atomic Bomb," is the subject of a biopic directed by Christopher Nolan, which opened July 20. As of Aug. 6, "Oppenheimer" had grossed $500 million worldwide. … Continue reading The Bomb
Sr. Nancy Murray presents St. Catherine of Siena
A couple of weeks ago, I had the privilege of watching Sister Nancy Murray, O.P. perform her one-woman show on St. Catherine of Siena. It was probably one of the best programs I've ever seen. Murray, a native of Chicago and the biological sibling of comedian Bill Murray, is an Adrian Dominican Sister and St. … Continue reading Sr. Nancy Murray presents St. Catherine of Siena
