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Stick clocks are just one way of telling the time

Lifestyle Columns

In 1905, Albert Einstein published his theory of special relativity, teaching the world that time is relative. In the science fiction novel “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy,” author Douglas Adams declared that “Time is an illusion, lunchtime doubly so.” And in March of every year, Daylight Savings Time begins, reminding us again that time isn’t absolute as we set our clocks ahead an hour. Historically, there have been many ways to track time and account for the changes in daylight hours that come with the seasons. In some systems, the length of an hour could vary ...

Wilbrecht marches to the beat of his own drum

Lifestyle Feature

Richard “Dick” Wilbrecht has worn many hats in life, a few include Eagle Scout, 3M employee, EMT, Schell’s tour guide, Salvation Army volunteer, Heritage Fest board member, Concord Singer and sought after drummer. A New Ulm native, Wilbrecht was born in Loretto Hospital Jan. 30, 1940. ...

Wordless picture books

Lifestyle Columns

Did you know that sharing a wordless picture book can be a powerful way to build important literacy skills? Wordless picture books are books without text that rely solely on the pictures to convey the story. They are often dismissed as being too easy for any age reader. But they are outstanding tools to promote comprehension, vocabulary, listening skills, and they aid in the understanding of character development and story structure. A good reader needs good comprehension skills. They need to remember what has already happened and be able to predict what may happen next. Wordless ...

Fighting censorship

Lifestyle Columns

In an 1816 letter to Charles Yancey, Thomas Jefferson wrote: “If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be. …Where the press is free, and every man able to read, all is safe.” One of the cornerstones of American librarianship is access to information. Like many institutions that have adapted and changed over time, libraries have worked to overcome mistakes of the past to help everyone have the opportunity and the freedom to read. In order for the United States to function as a healthy country, it is vital that ...

The magic behind the Peacock sciopticon

Lifestyle Columns

According to science fiction author Arthur C. Clarke, “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” Look at magic lanterns, which even have “magic” in their name. They were used in Europe by the 1650s. Traveling showmen used them to apparently conjure ghosts and demons out of thin air to the shock and amusement of their audiences. Of course, these apparitions were projected by candlelight through the lantern’s lens. Audiences loved these devices, and over time, they received improvements and became more accessible. Oil and gas lamps replaced the ...

New Ulm FSG presents “Skating to Infinity and Beyond”

Lifestyle Feature

NEW ULM — The New Ulm Figure Skating Club will be presenting its 36th annual ice skating show on Saturday, March 2 and Sunday, March 3 at the New Ulm Civic Center. The show is titled “Skating to Infinity and Beyond,” themed after “Toy Story” and the importance of friendship told by ...