April 4, 2022
Marble Memories: Life in a Small Minnesota Mining Town
I grew up and have lived in mid-to-large cities—Duluth, Twin Cities—but I always have been fascinated in learning about life in small towns.
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July 26, 2021
My Aunt Marion: Pioneering Journalist and Revered Stanford Professor
Typically, a professor at a college or university comes to the position with extensive educational credentials such as a doctor’s degree in a specialized field of study.
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March 26, 2021
At What Cost? Six Months to Get Refund Check from Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo, America’s fourth-largest bank and Minnesota’s second largest, has been facing major challenges in recent years. Chief Executive Charles Scharf was hired in October 2019 to restore the bank’s tarnished reputation, but his problems have since multiplied (“Wells Fargo CEO Finds Himself on Defense,” by Ben Eisen, October 9, 2020, Wall Street Journal).
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February 18, 2021
A History of Heartbreak in Minnesota Sports
Super Bowl LV was played on February 7. The Minnesota Vikings did not participate. In fact, 44 years have elapsed since the Vikings last played in the Super Bowl. During that hiatus, the Vikings lost six painful National Football Conference (NFC) championship games.
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March 24, 2020
Developing Unity out of Diversity: A Lesson from My Uncle 62 Years Ago
One
day, when I was about ten years- old, a package arrived at our house in Duluth.
Inside was a new high-school textbook, Our American
Government Today, coauthored by my uncle, Morris (Morrie) Lewenstein, then
an assistant professor of social sciences and education at San Francisco State
College.
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March 17, 2020
My Amazing Aunt: Poet/Author, Rhyme Rock Star
I
have been fascinated with rhymes for many years. I will try to rhyme a couple
words or string together a couple sentences that rhyme. I enjoyed reading the
poems and stories of Shel Silverstein and Dr. Seuss to my children.
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March 6, 2019
On the Importance of Gratitude…Thanks a Thousand
Last summer and fall, two famous Minnesota athletes, Lindsay Whalen and Joe Mauer, caught my attention after their retirement announcements when they publicly thanked everyone who helped make their success possible. Next, Alan Page, retired Minnesota Supreme Court Justice and National Football League great, issued a statement expressing gratitude when receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom in a White House ceremony.
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October 22, 2018
There’s a Doctor in the House: Living and Dying with the Chicago Cubs
There are many benefits to having a doctor—in this case, brother-in-law—in the family. He can translate and interpret medical terminology and information from doctors into plain English. We can consult with him on medical issues. Sometimes, he will speak directly to the doctor for us.
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September 6, 2018
From Childhood to Adulthood, Eating Animal Crackers Is Enjoyable and Educational
I don’t know when or why I developed a taste for or interest in animal crackers. I don’t recall eating them as a child (though I probably did), and I don’t remember my children eating them often. It’s ironic because I am not interested in animals, and I rarely take time to look at the various animal designs before pushing them into my mouth as if eating my late mother’s delicious oatmeal chocolate-chip cookies.
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August 8, 2017
Big Brothers Big Sisters Is Stronger Than Ever in Serving Minnesota Youth
Finding a path to a positive, productive future can be challenging for any young person but especially for youth facing adverse family situations. Effective mentoring programs, however, can help children overcome obstacles by enabling youth to gain confidence, to avoid negative behaviors, to improve in school, and to plan for the future.
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