By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
|
01.22.25
Somehow, this atheistic musical reflection from former Beatle John Lennon found its way into former President Jimmy Carter’s recent funeral service.
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
|
01.13.25
On Wednesday, January 15th, my wife and I are hoping to celebrate our 48th wedding anniversary. We’re grateful our partnership has come this far! Especially in the season of life when we hear about what is termed “gray divorce.” Another unflattering way to describe these late-in-life divorcees is "silver splitters.”
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
|
01.04.25
It’s the start of a new year and you know what THAT means! Two things: worthless resolutions and a bevy of awards shows on television. The first of those shows is coming up Sunday, January 12th. It’s billed as The 30th Annual Critics Choice Awards. Hosting the big night will be Chelsea Handler. It will broadcast live on E!
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
|
12.28.24
Word of the year candidates for 2024 included “Polarization"—Merriam-Webster’s choice. Dictionary.com opted for “demure.” They both had their reasons. My personal choice would be “comeback,” recognizing the remarkable reemergence of a political “has been” and his party winning both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate.
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
|
12.20.24
His/Her name is Drew Stever. She holds a position as a female minister in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Drew is a transvestite who identifies as a man. I’m fairly confident she has found much support within her denomination, which is headquartered in Chicago.
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
|
12.06.24
Tomorrow will be the annual recognition of Pearl Harbor Day. It seems like the more that time separates us from the horrific events of that day, the less significant is the place it holds in our memories. December 7th, 1941, was ten years before I was born. So my early school years included rather fresh tributes and recollections.
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
|
11.25.24
For the most part, America has been spared early snowstorms in 2024. Colorado being a significant exception. Here in Illinois, it is not unusual for us to get a white covering as early as October!
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
|
11.15.24
I first met Pastor Derek Buikema in my radio work around 2018. We broadcast my two-hour talk show from the Orland Park Christian Reformed Church (OPCRC) where he serves as lead pastor. Later, he would join me on a frequent segment I hosted called the Pastors Roundtable. Always an insightful guest.
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
|
11.08.24
I didn’t like any of the three non-binding advisory questions on the ballot here in Illinois. The “Millionaire Tax” serves as a “gotcha” move by those who live with envy. And the Assisted Reproductive Healthcare Advisory Question is laden with controversy.
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
|
11.01.24
One of our Facebook friends, with whom I served on a church council, posted an invitation to visit his church on October 20th for a “politically” themed sermon. Oh, that can be dangerous.
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
|
10.28.24
It’s that time of year. Most children in Illinois will parade through the streets on October 31st begging for treats instead of tricks. The truly savvy candy hunters know exactly which neighborhoods hand out the best of the best. And there is a ranking system, as all parents likely know.
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
|
10.14.24
“Will Your Presidential Vote Send You to Hell?” It was a bit of a startling headline. But that, of course, is the idea of such a tease. I love the challenge of headline writers.
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
|
10.04.24
I can’t recall who first added a wonderful challenge to the old adage about “two things we should never talk about…religion and politics.”
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
|
09.20.24
Vice Presidential candidate J.D. Vance found himself in trouble when he said that our nation was being run by “a bunch of childless cat ladies who are miserable with their own lives and the choices that they’ve made and so they want to make the rest of the country miserable, too.” That was likely not the most gentlemanly thing to say.
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
|
09.13.24
Because of the dramatic skills demonstrated at every Olympics, it is hard not to cheer on our champions. I love the display of American flags and the playing of our national anthem when medals are being placed around the winners' necks.
