Culture and Arts

Rose Madeline Mula Writes: Among other things that have disappeared, along with traditional names, are virgin brides. Actually virgins — period. And brides in general. It seems that fewer and fewer couples are opting for marriage these days as “living in sin” apparently is either no longer considered to be a sin or nobody cares. And the few marriages that do take place often feature the couple’s children as ring bearers and flower girls. A popular inscription in the autograph books we all owned was “First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes (fill in a name) with a baby carriage.” Not any more. Not in that order. And why do people need so much entertainment today? Case in point: I recently saw an ad for a waterproof radio with headphones to wear while surfing. Isn’t surfing enough? When I was young, sitting by the radio listening to “Jack Armstrong, the All-American Boy” or “Our Gal Sunday” was the highlight of my day. more »

Panel I Simone Biles Houston, TX McKayla Maroney Long Beach, CA Maggie Nichols Little Canada, MN Aly Raisman Boston, MA Panel II The Honorable Michael E. Horowitz Inspector General United States Department of Justice Washington, D.C. The Honorable Christopher A. Wray Director Federal Bureau of Investigation Washington DC  more »

A bill to permit leave to care for an adult child, grandchild, or grandparent who has a serious health condition, and for other purposes. A bill to transition the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and for other purposes. A bill to modify the employer credit for paid family and medical leave. Bringing women policymakers together across party lines to advance issues of importance to women and their families. A bill to enhance criminal penalties for health related stalking. proposals related to the Office on Violence Against Women at the Department of Justice. annual report on veteran access to gender specific services under community care contracts.   Weekly Legislative Update S… more »

Adrienne Cannon writes: I am thinking of the various trips I have taken as a solo traveler when I awaken in a strange location with no companion to talk to. Then I learned to quietly observe life around me (often quite different to my “American” background) even though I wasn’t part of it. Instead of feeling sad about my solitary state I began to treasure those calming moments of contemplation and observation. When I had to schedule appointments during pandemic lockdown and I was one of the few people in a pool, in a class, in the locker room or other places where few people were admitted at the same time, I began to understand that being solitary is not the same as being sad or lonely. In the past, I have made friends on those solo trips by reaching out after too much solitude. And so it seems during those lonely days I have made new acquaintances. They are often a little younger than I am and I happily call on them to join me in my active hours that sometimes outstrip the energies of many of my contemporaries. more »