October 23, 2022
Learning from Gurus of Writing
In a culture, knowledge is passed from generation to generation. Purveyors of knowledge may be known as gurus.
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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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March 13, 2022
City Struggles to Address Equity
At its July 20, 2022, meeting, the Vadnais Heights city council heard from proponents of creating a human rights commission. Council member Eric Goebel requested a workshop discussion on a commission, and Council member Steve Rogers supported the motion. A workshop discussion is the first step in placing an item on the council agenda.
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February 10, 2022
Record Year for Finding Golf Balls
For the second consecutive year, rounds of golf increased significantly in 2021, according to a Minnesota Golf Association survey.
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January 31, 2022
My 2021 Books Feature Outstanding New and Repeat Authors
Last year, I was pleased to read many outstanding entertaining and informative books in several categories: fiction, sports, media, politics, education, and general nonfiction.
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December 19, 2021
A W for the WNBA…and the Lynx
October may be the best month for the TV sports addict (“Confessions of a TV Sports Addict: Perspective in the Pandemic Era,” May 9, 2021, www.philsfocus.com ). Multiple sports seasons converge, some ending, some starting.
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September 30, 2021
Lack of Progress by City on Equity and Inclusion Disappointing
For the past 16 months, throughout the country, governmental units, schools and colleges, businesses, and individuals have been reckoning increasingly with issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and racism.
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September 19, 2021
My Journalism Schools, Medill and Hubbard, Celebrate 100 Years
As a child, I woke up early every morning to practice my piano lessons. But before starting to warm up with scales and chords, I would pick up our daily Duluth newspaper from the front porch and read every word of the sports section.
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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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May 9, 2021
Confessions of a TV Sports Addict: Perspective in the Pandemic Era
In spring 2020, the Minneapolis Star Tribune sports section was reduced to four pages as sports activities at all levels were suspended because of Covid-19. This pause was difficult for athletes, sports teams, conferences, and fans.
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