By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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07.03.24
Would you agree with this statement: “Patriotism is a hot button issue in schools.” My personal reaction is, “You’re kidding!!” Well, maybe in the late 1700s.
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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06.28.24
Who among us wants to feel “excluded?” From the time we are children we want to be picked for “the team.” As teens, there is a longing to be part of a clique—the inner circle that sets you apart from the masses.
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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06.21.24
The parties shall remain nameless, but since both are now deceased, I feel at liberty to repeat this story. At the wedding rehearsal the evening before the big event, the bride and groom were practicing their traditional vows. Apparently, the groom was unfamiliar with the term “troth,” an old English term meaning “my word”...
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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06.16.24
Here comes another Father’s Day. A relatively minor blip on the annual calendar compared to Mother’s Day. No need to explain why that is, right? What does it take to become a “father” or “dad?” Biology tells us that a boy barely entering his teenage years is quite capable of impregnating a female and voilà—the baby arrives nine months later. Welcome to the world of fatherhood—and motherhood.
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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06.07.24
Ever wonder where your tax dollars go? Of course you don’t! Just read a few of the news stories in any given week and you’ll have your answer.
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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05.25.24
Memorial Day arrives May 27th. Once again, we must suffer the unintentional wince-inducing greeting from many who will utter, “Happy Memorial Day.” Not appropriate.
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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05.16.24
I recently heard a Dua Lipa pop song. (You know this artist, right?) Looked up the lyrics. Wasn’t sure if what I heard was right. It was. Third line is: “G…dammit.” Seriously. Surprised? Don’t be.
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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05.11.24
We have become a society of neologisms. But you likely know that. Even if you don’t know what the word means. Webster explains this is a noun used to describe “a new word, usage, or expression.” A few examples include beatnik, cyberspace, and workaholic.
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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05.03.24
I trust you’ll recall the source of this verbal gaffe. It came from our esteemed former president, George W. Bush. It was his attempt to define when someone undervalues or underestimates something. It was a malaprop we all understood.
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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04.24.24
It comes as no surprise to me that the so-called “progressive” mind embraces the idea of a woman’s choice to end a pregnancy. Nor does it surprise me that those of the libertarian mindset are willing to jump on the bandwagon for “choice" as well. It’s their “keep government out of our bedroom” mentality.
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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04.19.24
“Plastics, Benjamin.” Most people in the Boomer generation, who are movie goers, could tell you exactly the source of that classic line.
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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04.10.24
I saw a Facebook post recently re-shared by a friend I admire. You will need to read it all the way through to get the gist of it. Since it was a public post, here’s some of it:
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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04.06.24
The Beatles once sang, “Here Comes the Sun.” Coming up Monday, April 8th, many Illinoisans will be saying, “There goes the sun” if we’re allowed clear enough skies to witness another total solar eclipse. An Illinois government website explains that this “total solar eclipse will be visible over 128 miles of Illinois the afternoon of April 8th, 2024.”
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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03.29.24
Churches throughout Illinois are preparing for this upcoming Easter Sunday. Also known in Christendom as Resurrection Day. It is most certainly the most important of Christian celebrations on the calendar. I mean, what could possibly be more significant and impressive than a man crucified in front of witnesses come back to life a few days later?
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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03.18.24
Hard to believe is was four years ago when the dreaded COVID-19 virus scare virtually shut down America. You recall those days, right? Limited groups were allowed in stores. Schools were doing remote learning. Restaurants had restricted space or even outdoor-only seating. Family events were cancelled, including big weddings and farewell funeral gatherings.
