Opinions

How good are you at small talk?

Given the choice, I prefer large talk. My mother was always adept at it. Less than 45 seconds in, a stranger would be revealing their life story – I’m not quite sure how she did it, but it certainly was impressive. In many circles, large talk is viewed in high regard, for it offers...

Readers speak out on pumpkin spice frenzy

Even though the temperatures are still in the 80s and 90s, fall officially starts in just two days on Sept. 23. Pumpkin spice flavored coffee, candles, air freshers, toilet paper, beer, Wendy’s Frosty, and just about everything you can think of has been back on the market since early August. So,...

It’s an all-fiction recommendation

It is an all-fiction month. Don’t turn away! Great books ahead! Ann Patchett never disappoints, and “Tom Lake” is another winner. Lovely story, easy to enjoy without being shallow or tepid. Michigan lovers will savor the Traverse Bay setting. “The East Indian” by Brinda Charry was wonderful. A dark...

How good are you at asking for help?

I wasn’t expecting her to say yes. It was a simple morning. After checking in at the dentist’s office, I quickly took a seat in the foyer and noticed an elderly woman who was, quite visibly, chilled. To be more precise, she was shivering. So I said to her: “I happen to have a sweatshirt in my...

A Grain of Truth

“What’s for breakfast?” I inquired as I entered the kitchen. Both my lovely wife, Grace, and my Aunt Toogie looked up from their perusal of news items on their smartphones. Neither spoke until Toogie finally gruffed, “Go look yourself. What do you think this is, The Greenbrier?” Grace...

Readers speak out about breakfast routines

You know the saying – breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Or is it? Some recent diet trends, such as intermittent fasting, have you skipping that first meal of the day, in favor of more of a brunch-type schedule. Some people can’t face food after just rolling out of bed. So, what’s...

Readers share what books had an impact on their life

Poll question: As adults, most of us have settled into certain genres when we read for entertainment. Some are mystery fans, some enjoy historical fiction, some autobiographical, and some enjoy the classics. But when we were in high school, much of our reading choices were made for us by teachers...

How good are you at apologizing?

Perhaps Elton John was right when he scripted: “Sorry seems to be the hardest word.” Apologizing isn’t easy and, frankly, it’s a skill that I haven’t mastered. Family therapist Carolyn Cole, as quoted by author Jen Kim, says an apology simply means that “you value the relationship...

Readers weigh in on the impact of presidential debates

Poll question: The November 2024 presidential election is still more than a year away, but the campaign season has been in full swing already for months. On the evening of Aug. 23, the GOP hosted its first of several presidential candidates debates, though some key competitors may not participate....

Mishaps and friend-cations

I love a resort vacation once we get there, but preparing to go, not so much. As if trying on my fat clothes and skinny clothes was not stressful enough, my spouse usually starts digging into stuff that we haven’t seen in years. For this particular trip, he was into old hats. He came...