Commentary

Dominican Center programming offers ways to simplify complexities of life

Submitted 12-17-2014 under OPINION

Life as we know it is changing rapidly and dramatically. In the relentless busyness of modern life, we have lost the rhythm between stillness and activity.

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Advancing mobility one walk at a time

Submitted 12-05-2014 under OPINION

Preparations for the disART Festival in April 2015 have been underway for several months. disART will showcase performances and visual art exhibits by artists who are in some way physically or mentally impaired.

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Grand Rapids Wine, Beer and Food Show showcases craft products, purveyors

Submitted 11-26-2014 under OPINION

This past weekend the seventh annual food and wine show captivated the attention of many West Michigan residents. Spanned over three days, guests could spend their time attending seminars, sampling local restaurant menus and tasting various beverages.

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Cosplay at Grand Rapids Comic Con explores media's final frontier: diversity

Submitted 11-25-2014 under OPINION

Civil rights took center stage at Grand Rapids Comic Con 2014 with Nichelle Nichols, the first woman to play a character who was not submissive to a man, and the first black woman in a position of power as Lieutenant Uhura on Star Trek.

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Portrait: Artists deal with self, identity, culture at Free Radical 2014

Submitted 11-24-2014 under OPINION

Artists continue to explore self-awareness and self-presentation through portraiture work of various forms. Multiple artists at the 2014 Free Radical event are worth exploring.

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Campaign to End Circus Cruelty Heats Up

Submitted 11-24-2014 under OPINION

End Circus Cruelty's campaign gathers at the City Commission meeting in large numbers, urging city leaders to pass an ordinance banning the use of wild animals in Grand Rapids.

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In the actual circle with My Brightest Diamond

Submitted 11-14-2014 under OPINION

Something unique - and affirming - happened during soundcheck with My Brightest Diamond (Wealthy Theatre, 11/12.) Lead singer Shara Worden and I had an entire conversation about what she needed different with the mix, without using any words pertaining to "music." It could have been about anything.

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Exploring Free Radical 2014: Experiences with two galleries among many

Submitted 11-12-2014 under NONPROFITS

With over 20 storefront spaces involved from Grand Rapids’ Fulton St. to Wealthy St., the entire district was permeated with installations, 2D/3D designs, shared contemplation, dialogue and the dwindling leaves of another passing fall.

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