Southern Diamonds—Five: Solidarity

We all met each other’s glances hesitantly, worried that eye contact might break down our fragile control over our emotions.  It was ocular tiptoeing.  Not wanting to be obvious about avoiding each other’s eyes—because that would make it worse—but worried one look might bring us tumbling down.  And we knew that if so much as …

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Independence Day Insights from 1840 France

The United States of America was barely 60 years old when French political scientist Alexis de Tocqueville published the final volume of Democracy in America in 1840. At over 700 pages long, you might wonder how de Tocqueville could find so much to say about such a young country...and whether any of it was worth …

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Summer Jazz

Insect rhythms rise and saw Beneath a half-moon midnight sky— Here a steady cricket’s chirping whir, There a syncopated shaker or an Intermittent washboard whisk. The invisible ensemble revels In jazzy solos and calls and responses, Weaving countless lines into a warm blanket Of song without a breath of silence— Incessant until the inscrutable conductor …

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Southern Diamonds—Four: Competition

“If you’re feeling down, just wear red,” Miss Carla often said. As Linda walked into the room, she spotted Miss Carla right away at the bingo tables, wearing her signature color and hovering over her bingo card in anticipation as she alternately eyed her opponent across the table and glanced at the activities coordinator who …

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“Broker” Versus “Parasite”: A Comparison of Two Award-Winning Korean Dramas

As the trailer for Broker highlights, this 2022 Korean film is from the same studio that created the 2019 Oscar-winner Parasite.  Both films contain a blend of mystery and family and social drama, although Parasite is overall much darker and well merits its thriller genre.  Broker exhibits beautiful artistry and social commentary like Parasite, but …

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White Chocolate Peanut Butter Chex Mix (with Gluten-Free Option)

I invented this recipe as a Christmas treat for family and friends, and it was such a hit, I decided to write the instructions down and share it for other peanut butter chocolate fans.  This recipe offers a lighter alternative to Muddy Buddy mix recipes, but with a similar flavor profile and significantly less mess. …

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