COLUMNISTS

Local view: Volunteering is the ‘heart and soul’ of a community

Communities across the nation set aside a day each November to recognize and celebrate the contributions that enrich the lives of us all. In our region, Community Giving Philanthropy Day is celebrated today with special recognition to a few of the many individuals and organizations whose achievements have made significant impacts.

By Beth Probst, Brenda Beard and Cindy Finch , November 20, 2009

Celebrating philanthropy day

A reception, lunch and awards are planned today at Northland Country Club to celebrate community giving.

November 20, 2009

He gives bicycles built by many

Bob Rogers remembers what Christmases were like when he was a kid, growing up in Superior.

By Sam Cook , November 20, 2009

The Old Scout: Art appreciation

I was in Chicago with time on my hands and the sweet woman murmured to me — you know how this goes — “Would you like to see the Art Institute?” and I was thinking No No No God No, and I said, “Sure. Fine.” “You wouldn’t rather do something else?” she said. “No,” I replied. That’s the correct answer when a woman asks you about art. Yes, absolutely, ma cherie.

By Garrison Keillor , November 19, 2009

Following Favre into my 40s isn’t a bad way to go

Three Dog Night once sang “1 is the loneliest number that you’ll ever do.”

By Rick Lubbers , November 19, 2009

Bernie Hughes: Like Lady Liberty, let’s make immigrants feel welcome

When I hear extremely critical comments about undocumented immigrants from Latin America or elsewhere, I have thoughts I’d like to share.

By Bernie Hughes , November 18, 2009

Local view: Let’s raise our standards on anonymous postings

As recent anonymous comments to news articles at duluthnewstribune.com have shown, changes in the media landscape and in media law have brought with them a new era of discourse on online sites.

November 16, 2009

Learn more/get involved at the Superior Grown Food Summit

North Shore farmer, teacher and business owner David Abazs will be a presenter at the Superior Grown Food Summit, a public conversation about the future of our food system and about building a healthier and more sustainable regional food system.

November 13, 2009

Local view: Can our region feed itself?

When last year’s fall harvest ended, my research on food systems began. I joined Stacey Stark and David Syring, researchers at the University of Minnesota Duluth, and we were awarded a university-sponsored Healthy Foods, Healthy Lives grant to assess a locally adapted food system for the western Lake Superior region.

By David Abazs , November 13, 2009

Bride’s dad has a big job

More and more often now, other men come up to me on the street and say, “Sam, what can you tell me about wedding planning?”

By Sam Cook , November 13, 2009

The Old Scout: Republican senators need an exchange of peace

There are some things we will never understand. Death, for one. I overheard a woman in the drugstore say, “He went in to the hospital yesterday and he was eating his supper and then he fell asleep and then he died. I don’t get it.” She didn’t seem grief-stricken, just uncomprehending. (Why did it have to happen now?) The paranoia that has seized the Republican Party is beyond my understanding. So is the physics of cord entanglement: how two power cords set separately in a briefcase become so complexly intertwined in only a few hours. And why do you find the rudest people in first class? Passengers in steerage accept their misery with stoical grace, while the privileged sit in luxury in a cold rage.

By Garrison Keillor , November 12, 2009

Airman's view: Thank you, veterans

American military veterans are my heroes. Professional athletes and movie stars have nothing on them. I tell my children that these are the people who deserve all the respect in the world.

By Jodi Stauber , November 11, 2009

A mother's view: Families of soldiers burdened

On Veterans Day 2009,1 percent of Americans continue to carry the burden of two wars. Never before have we asked so much of so few Americans, and now for eight years.

By Joan Najbar , November 11, 2009

In response: UMD used the proper process in harassment probe

In the case involving Rod Raymond, UMD promptly and thoroughly investigated the claims against him. He was given an opportunity to respond to those claims. After at least some of those claims were found to have merit, there was an appropriate discussion of possible sanctions. Upon the completion of the investigation, Mr. Raymond was appropriately sanctioned.

By Kathryn A. Martin , November 10, 2009

Local view: Public health care, as practiced by the Coast Guard

Concerns about government-run health care aren’t new.

By Dennis Laurion , November 10, 2009