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Beyond simple bad behavior

Many, if not most, children can be naughty and will misbehave. There are some children, however, who go beyond naughty. About six percent of children will show a consistent pattern of breaking rules, being overly aggressive, and generally show disregard or lack of caring for others. Their impaired pattern of disruptive behavior creates problems at home, at school, and possibly even in the community. Psychologists may classify their difficult-to-control behavior as being oppositional and defiant, or as a conduct disorder. The child may end up in the mental health system, special ...

Marriage bliss amid crisis

The writer Arthur Brooks recently penned a column about a dinner party he and his wife attended with several other long-married couples. After some requisite social niceties, the hostess posed a question that sparked an evening of fascinating discussion: have you ever had a major crisis in your marriage? Were you to ask that question of my wife and me, our answer would be, “Are you kidding? Take your pick!” The first crisis arrived forty-four years ago, on the night of our wedding. To set the stage, the connubial couple were decked out in some of the finest duds they would ever ...

A time to weep, a time to laugh

We live most of our lives at a steady pace. Do this, do the next thing, rest, do another thing. Then along comes an emotion. Emotions fill us at heightened moments. Emotions range from abject despair to soaring joy. I don’t know why, but as I get older, I enjoy emotions more, even flecks of sadness. There’s a way emotions make us feel extra alive, an intensity that ramps up. I cry easier now. Other old guys have told me that’s true for them. I even choke up at happy things, which seems crazy. Maybe it’s the realization how short and precious these moments are. I don’t ...

Walz’s nursing home cuts leave most vulnerable behind

Minnesotans take pride in caring for our most vulnerable — our seniors, veterans, and children. But now, Gov. Tim Walz is slashing funding for long-term care facilities across the state, putting thousands of seniors at risk. Over the next four years, these cuts will devastate rural communities, forcing nursing homes to reduce staff, eliminate beds, and even shut down entirely — leaving families with fewer options for care. In Senate District 22 alone, these cuts total over $15 million from 2026 to 2029. Statewide, more than $218 million over the next four years is being pulled ...

Commercials of the past; a sample of best and most clever

I remember the days when many people had favorite radio and television commercials, ones that went the extra mile for being clever and entertaining. Maybe it’s a reflection of my age, but current commercials don’t seem to measure up to the best of the past. When they try to be funny, they aren’t especially amusing. The emu commercials are a good example. The misadventures are silly but not exactly captivating. Viewers have to make a serious leap to focus on the product. There are examples from the past that I still remember after many years. It’s not possible to name all of ...

Barrel rolling and blarney

NEW ULM – People who usually grumble about Mondays will have reason to take heart this Monday, March 17 when the Irish community of New Ulm holds its 60th St. Patrick’s Day celebration. “The sunshine is always brighter and hearts are always lighter on St. Patrick’s Day,” said Pat Kearney, chairman of the New Ulm St. Patrick’s Day committee. A full slate of activities are planned, culminating with annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, starting at 5 p.m. at Third South and Minnesota Streets. The parade, Minnesota’s oldest continuously running St. Patrick’s Day Parade, will ...