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Buena Vista Social Orchestra plays Meijer Gardens

Submitted 09-16-2024 under OPINION

In 1932, the BuenaVista Social Club was formed in Havana, Cuba. At the time, Cuba was segregated; the club was one of many sociedades de negros, or black societies, with roots in 19th century fraternities founded by African slaves. You couldn't...

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'Urinetown' makes a splash

Submitted 09-09-2024 under OPINION

Some musicals announce their subject right there in the title. "The Phantom of the Opera" has both a phantom and an opera. Imagine going to see "Cats" and seeing no cats! You'd feel cheated. And of course there's "...

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Monty Python's Spamalot Returns To Grand Rapids Circle Theatre

Submitted 07-19-2024 under OPINION

It's been a decade since Monty Python's Spamalot last appeared on Grand Rapids Circle Theatre's stage. That it's back onstage is a tribute to the powerful, nostalgic hold Monty Python continues to exert over much of the...

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Ethics and Religion Talk: my final reflections

Submitted 07-15-2024 under OPINION

With a measure of sadness, I sit down to write this final Ethics and Religion Talk column. The column was born as a result of my response to an anonymous person who left an Easter egg in the driveway of two Jewish institutions, including my own,...

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MJ dramatizes King of Pop's preparations for his 1992 tour

Submitted 07-10-2024 under OPINION

For those too young to remember, it's difficult to imagine how omnipresent Michael Jackson was at the height of his career. Walk into a convenience store, and you'd hear "Billie Jean" playing. "Rock With You" would be...

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Restaurant review: get smart at Scholar

Submitted 07-08-2024 under OPINION

As soon as I pierced the threshold of this long-ago facility of fun, I daydreamed myself back to my younger years of cheap drinks in smoke-filled air in the historic Ionia Avenue building that formerly housed J. Gardella's Tavern.  However...

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Ethics and Religion Talk: Final thoughts and reflections

Submitted 07-08-2024 under OPINION

This week we begin to say goodbye to the Ethics and Religion Talk column as two of our panelists and one former panelist reflect back on their years.  How has being a columnist for Ethics and Religion Talk affected you personally or...

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Ethics and Religion Talk: What kind of counseling do you do?

Submitted 07-01-2024 under OPINION

I assume that if you are clergy, part of your job is personal counseling. Have you ever engaged in spiritual direction/advising with someone of a different religion? Would that even work? Would you insist that they seek out such services within...

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Ethics and Religion Talk: Is a belief in an afterlife required in your faith?

Submitted 06-24-2024 under OPINION

As a Protestant who has attended many churches of various denominations, I have noticed that the idea of an afterlife is so very important to some communities, while in others it is virtually never mentioned in sermons other than at funerals. I'...

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Ethics and Religion Talk: What do visitors to your place of worship need to know?

Submitted 06-17-2024 under OPINION

Linda Knieriemen, a retired pastor of the Presbyterian Church (USA), responds: Visitors and non-members are permitted to participate in every way, including participating in the celebration of the Lord’s Supper. Even for the questioner, the...

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