Columns

How did emojis come into our lives?

Emojis, small yellow smiling faces, started entering our lives 20 years ago. First, it was facial expressions, including laughing, crying, and screaming, then a variety of other images joined the inventory. Considering that more than 3,782 emojis are available is scary. There are plans to add more.

No hankering to hit the road

Unless you’ve been residing beneath a metaphorical boulder since 2006, you’ve likely heard of “Eat, Pray, Love.” The bestselling memoir penned by Elizabeth Gilbert recounts her epic real-life journey of self-discovery as she traversed three distinct cultures and locales, Italy, India, and Bali.

Two weeks from heck

It all began a couple of Tuesdays ago. I had just finished my morning shower and turned on the hot water at the bathroom lavatory. I rinsed the various lotions and potions I had used and then turned the water off. Except it didn’t. Turn off, that is.

Why you gotta be so mean?

Even if pop music is not quite your jam, you’ve likely come across the term, “Swiftie.” This colloquial classification for Taylor Swift superfans emerged when Swift materialized on the music scene, seemingly enchanting the world.

Local news matters

In a time where national headlines often dominate our screens and social media feeds, it's easy to overlook the importance of local news. But it's the stories from our towns and neighborhoods that truly shape our daily lives and foster a sense of community.

Barefoot shoes for better feet

There is a new trend of wearing barefoot shoes. I’m not talking about the ones that spread and separate your toes. Not only did those look weird, they weren’t comfortable because toes are not meant to be splayed apart.

Fool me once...

Have you ever noticed that most individuals consider themselves a “good judge of character?” I’ve always found this stat perplexing.

Hyundai’s new stylish Santa Fe

For just a moment or two, I thought the press fleet team had delivered a Range Rover instead of the Hyundai Santa Fe I was scheduled to evaluate. Later, a neighbor volunteered the same opinion.

Style in the compact car class

Designing a compact sedan is probably not the place a new automotive stylist wants to assert his or her freshly minted skill. It’s hardly a growing segment in the USA, where SUVs and pickup trucks are by far the top sellers, so much so that our “Big Three” don’t even offer cars in that segment.

Reading heroes needed for summer programs at the library

Summer. It brings to mind images of lazy days, sunshine and, perhaps not the first thing that comes to mind, libraries. But for many children and adults, the library becomes a haven during those summer months.