Entries by dickbernard

Ukraine and Preparedness

PRE-NOTE: February 27, 2022: Much has happened since this post was published Feb. 16.  Here is the Ukrainian National Anthem, in solidarity.  Related post here.  Moving speech by President Zalinsky to his colleagues in Europe, here. Heather Cox Richardson’s column for Feb. 27 here. I have had two subsequent blogs on the topic: here and […]

A Valentine Wish

Previous related post, Yesterday, Feb. 5.  additional Post re Ukraine et al Feb. 16, here. * Happy Valentine’s Day, Monday.  Six days to surgery. One additional post earlier this week, Welcoming Afghans Feb 11. We attended Friday’s Minnesota Orchestra program, and it was phenomenal, especially  the final piece, the original 44 minute reading of Stravinsky’s […]

Welcoming Afghan Refugees

Our parish, Basilica of St. Mary, Minneapolis, was an early and enthusiastic volunteer to host new arrivals from Afghanistan last Fall.  Donna and her husband Rich were among those who volunteered to welcome the new members of the community.  Donna’s photo and comments follow.   Basilica has long been ‘on the court’ on this issue. […]

Yesterday….

Yesterday, literally, I was at the University of Minnesota for some more medical preliminary before surgery now set for February 17.  I went down a little early so I could take a photo of the old University Hospital as it appears today: My date with the surgeon is at the old hospital.  I first saw […]

Black History Month

The month of February has a long tradition as Black History Month.  There seems to be an extraordinary portal, here, for information assembled from many sources.  The site itself is hosted by the Library of Congress. I have my own feelings of course.  I will restrict them to a little personal exercise I did back […]

Communicating

TIP: Sunday, we watched a preview of  a very powerful film which is opening today on Netflix.  The title is “My Best Friend, Anne Frank”.  Running time: one hour 43 minutes.  Do take the time.  You won’t regret it. I’m planning at least two more commentaries in next two weeks: on Black History Month; the […]

One Year

Some thoughts ending another  week full of breaking news…. Directly related post on the Feb. 1 Precinct Caucuses is here.  Ours will be virtual – I’m signed up.  More, after the caucus. * Last week was the one-year anniversary of our outstanding President, Joe Biden.  Heather Cox Richardson summarized President Biden’s year here.   The […]

Grateful

I particularly call your attention to yesterdays post, Precinct Caucuses (as they are referred to in Minnesota, but exist everywhere, this time of year).  It is easy to kick “politicians” around.  Just remember, we, the people, are solely responsible for who represents us in what so far has been a democracy. (Precinct Caucus in Minnesota is […]

Precinct Caucus

Note especially the comments at the end of this post from Jodell and Fred, who are local activists who I asked to review my column and point out errors or additional information.  At the very end, I make a recommendation for a resolution and individual action by all of us, this year. The Minnesota Precinct […]

The C-word.

Please note: Thursday, 1/20, Zoom conversation about the film “Until We Find Them”  with the filmmaker, Hunter Johnson.  Watch 31 minute film on-line beforehand.  These discussions are always very interesting. Monday, 1/24 international talks on Education, details here.  “The power of international exchange.”  At least take a look. My 1/17 post covered two topics: Supreme […]