Blogs

Shipwrecks of the Great Lakes: The Rouse Simmons (the Christmas Tree Ship)

by Julie Royce /
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Dec 24, 2022 / 0 comments

The approximate 6,000 ships that have succumbed to raging storms attest to the power of the Great Lakes. As I traveled, writing and compiling information for my three-volume travel series that explores Michigan's coasts, I heard or read the tales left behind by those ill-fated ships. They add a somber, but compelling backdrop to Michigan’s waterways. 

Music for Winter, Solstice, and Holidays of All Sorts

by Kerry Dexter /
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Dec 19, 2022 / 0 comments

December. It is winter, solstice, and holidays of all sorts, of seasonal observances by those who hold many different faiths and by people who hold no faith .

Whatever you may be marking this winter season, music offers a way to find connection, reflection, celebration, and peace.

This is true even if Christmas is not your story, or you feel you have heard too much holiday music.

History Comes Alive at Israel’s ANU—Museum of the Jewish People

by Sandy Bornstein /
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Dec 16, 2022 / 0 comments

After 10 years of planning and renovation, the largest and most comprehensive Jewish museum reopened in Tel Aviv In March 2021. ANU—Museum of the Jewish People is an incredible place for Jews and non-Jews to learn about Jewish history and culture. Jews can connect with their heritage while Gentiles can enhance their understanding of world Jewry throughout time. For anyone unfamiliar with the Hebrew language, the word Anu means “we” in Hebrew.

Policing Bodies is a Human Rights Violation: Reproductive rights for those facing and fleeing conflict

by Emma Fitzsimmons /
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Dec 14, 2022 / 0 comments

Reproductive rights are human rights, as is having access to clean water, the freedom to express yourself, and the right to govern over your own life. On a day-to-day basis, most people will not face a direct assault on their human rights. However, for some, each new day brings with it a brutal, intentional attack that is intended to violate multiple basic rights. 

This is the daily reality endured by thousands of people who are facing, or fleeing conflict. 

Shipwrecks of the Great Lakes: The Desmond

by Julie Royce /
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Dec 11, 2022 / 0 comments

The approximate 6,000 ships that have succumbed to raging storms attest to the power of the Great Lakes. As I traveled, writing and compiling information for my three-volume travel series that explores Michigan's coasts, I heard or read the tales left behind by those ill-fated ships. They add a somber, but compelling backdrop to Michigan’s waterways. This week’s article isn’t about a specific ship. It’s about a place where many doomed vessels disappeared.

Through the Eyes of an Educator: Invite more awe

by Stacey Ebert /
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Dec 05, 2022 / 0 comments

It’s in a child’s eyes the first time they see Mickey Mouse. It’s in a parent’s face when they meet their new addition for the first time. It’s in the eyes of an individual when they connect with that person or animal who’s made a huge difference in their life. 

The Wreck of Northwest Flight 2501 Submerged in Lake Michigan

by Julie Royce /
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Nov 26, 2022 / 0 comments

The approximate 6,000 ships that have succumbed to raging storms attest to the power of the Great Lakes. As I traveled, writing and compiling information for my three-volume travel series that explores Michigan's coasts, I heard or read the tales left behind by those ill-fated ships. They add a somber, but compelling backdrop to Michigan’s waterways. The following story deviates from the shipwreck theme. In addition to the thousands of ships that surrendered to the waters of Lake Michigan, there is also one major aircraft that vanished into her angry waters.

Music for Reflecting on Change

by Kerry Dexter /
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Nov 21, 2022 / 0 comments

Change. It is a constant; at times welcome, at times resisted, at times unnoticed until much later.

Wherever you find yourself in the world at this moment, you know the effects of change, in politics, in personal life, in climate and nature, and in many other spheres.

Music to offer you varied perspectives as you live through and think about change:

Music for reflecting on change

Policing Bodies is a Human Rights Violation: Reproductive Rights in New Zealand

by Emma Fitzsimmons /
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Nov 19, 2022 / 0 comments

With over 5 million residents, and with 1.6 million people under the age of 25, reproductive rights in New Zealand are a crucial aspect of the wider healthcare system.

Travel with Awe and Wonder: Honorary Newfoundlanders' “And Long May Yer Big Jib Draw”

by Christy Anselmi /
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Nov 18, 2022 / 0 comments

This summer, my husband and I undertook a move. A relocation from Massachusetts to Arizona has been undertaken by others, no doubt. We decided to make things a little more interesting than a direct route. We headed north. Our circuitous route is winding us through Newfoundland, Portugal, and North Carolina. When one would think to take the southerly route from the Carolina’s to Arizona in the winter months, we will make Bugs Bunny’s famous right turn at Albuquerque to get to Bozeman, Montana. Then, we’ll drive to Arizona.

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