"Sure!" Translation: "No problem!" Or, "Of course!" "Sure-" Translation: "I'll do it, but I'm not looking forward to it." Or, "Yeah, right, I know that's not what you really mean." "Sure." Translation: "Yes, I'll do it - but I don't want to." Or, "Yes, it's OK, but really I'm angry and upset." Admit it. You're familiar with texting lingo. Almost ... [Read More…]

Stories beginning with, "In my day - " or "When I was just a little twerp - " are always good for a chuckle; but often, I give them the poorer half of my divided attention. When I turned on the TV Sunday afternoon, I choked at the sight of Brett Favre throwing against the Green Bay Packers. In my day, my younger brother threw on his new No. 4 ... [Read More…]

The cities of Europe are littered with cathedrals. They are impressive, imposing, centuries old and most days, close to empty. These stone-carved buildings, with their ornately carved gargoyles and striking stone towers and buttresses, are a monument to Europe's deeply religious history. It is a history filled with inquisitions, reformations, ... [Read More…]

As a rule, I prefer chick flicks to all other movies, with the exception of some historical films. I want happy endings. I don't want to pay $8 to watch reality. All I have to do is look outside, go to class or turn on the news for that. Unsatisfying endings occur every day. When I pay money for an escape, I want happily-ever-afters. But some ... [Read More…]

Every September, when stores begin setting up Halloween aisles and seasonal costume shops start popping up all over town, I get excited. Halloween is by far my favorite holiday. Most people assume it's because it is also my birthday, but there's a lot more to it. I think I love Halloween because of the memories and traditions I associate with it. ... [Read More…]