http://www.monroenews.com/news/columnists/www.monroenews.com stories: Columnistsen-usFri, 17 May 2013 12:02:23 -0400http://www.monroenews.com/news/2013/may/17/no-excuses-playoffs/Gee, I hope the Red Wings are well rested so they can play better on Saturday.Ray KisonasFri, 17 May 2013 12:02:23 -0400http://www.monroenews.com/news/2013/may/17/no-excuses-playoffs/http://www.monroenews.com/news/2013/may/16/coffee-urn-brews-thoughts-grandma/If there were a fire at your house, what would you save? Of course the kids, pets, your phone, computer and pictures — for sure pictures. But because that’s the obvious stuff, we’re going to leave that off the list.Rebecca RegnierThu, 16 May 2013 12:23:14 -0400http://www.monroenews.com/news/2013/may/16/coffee-urn-brews-thoughts-grandma/http://www.monroenews.com/news/2013/may/13/big-thanks-caring-school-staff/The phone call was from our youngest son, Nathan, who was in a panic. “School called,” he began. “Drake fell on the playground. I’m leaving work now, but can you and mom get there quick?”Tom TreeceMon, 13 May 2013 12:00:00 -0400http://www.monroenews.com/news/2013/may/13/big-thanks-caring-school-staff/http://www.monroenews.com/news/2013/may/12/one-solution-buffet-etiquette/In most cases, attending large dinner functions such as weddings is a good time. You get to meet interesting people and have a nice free meal while enjoying the moment. Unless, of course, you’re at the wrong table.Ray KisonasSun, 12 May 2013 06:00:00 -0400http://www.monroenews.com/news/2013/may/12/one-solution-buffet-etiquette/http://www.monroenews.com/news/2013/may/09/f-ceo-has-right-opinion-customers-have-right-not-s/The CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch said this week, essentially, when it comes to the store’s overpriced, out-of-style, teenager clothes, no fat chicks. Rebecca RegnierThu, 09 May 2013 12:00:00 -0400http://www.monroenews.com/news/2013/may/09/f-ceo-has-right-opinion-customers-have-right-not-s/http://www.monroenews.com/news/2013/may/07/resources-offer-tips-financial-aid/I’ve had some discussions lately with people who are looking for financial help either for themselves or a family member.Paula WethingtonTue, 07 May 2013 12:00:00 -0400http://www.monroenews.com/news/2013/may/07/resources-offer-tips-financial-aid/http://www.monroenews.com/news/2013/may/06/advertising-missionaries-and/There’s a new and popular form of advertising these days that I am enjoying. It entails hiring someone to stand alongside the road in front of a business — sometimes wearing strange hats or apparel — while holding a sign that promotes specials or gives details about the business.Tom TreeceMon, 06 May 2013 12:00:00 -0400http://www.monroenews.com/news/2013/may/06/advertising-missionaries-and/http://www.monroenews.com/news/2013/may/05/suddenly-spring-holds-new-dangers/Every year around this time, most of us open up the win­dows to let the warm air circu­late throughout the house and get rid of the dank smell of win­ter that has been festering like a chunk of limburger cheese left on top of a furnace.Ray KisonasSun, 05 May 2013 06:00:00 -0400http://www.monroenews.com/news/2013/may/05/suddenly-spring-holds-new-dangers/http://www.monroenews.com/news/2013/may/02/aliens-here-just-ask-experts/This week a Washington, D.C., group conducted hearings on the existence of extraterrestrials and presented evidence of an alleged government cover-up.Rebecca RegnierThu, 02 May 2013 12:00:00 -0400http://www.monroenews.com/news/2013/may/02/aliens-here-just-ask-experts/http://www.monroenews.com/news/2013/apr/30/price-book-couponing-meticulous-shoppers/Have you ever looked at the cost of an item on the grocery or drugstore shelf and said to yourself “ That’s too much money.”Paula WethingtonTue, 30 Apr 2013 13:47:29 -0400http://www.monroenews.com/news/2013/apr/30/price-book-couponing-meticulous-shoppers/http://www.monroenews.com/news/2013/apr/29/us-must-be-proactive-terrorism/“We are at war ... unlike any we have ever known, and I believe these historical bells that have been ringing are warnings of what’s coming to a street corner near you!”Tom TreeceMon, 29 Apr 2013 12:00:00 -0400http://www.monroenews.com/news/2013/apr/29/us-must-be-proactive-terrorism/http://www.monroenews.com/news/2013/apr/28/3-little-letters-changed-lives-forever/I was watching a show the other night about the 1980s and it got me thinking about how pivotal that decade was in my life. Then I started thinking about other important things like what kind of meat snacks were in the fridge.Ray KisonasSun, 28 Apr 2013 06:00:00 -0400http://www.monroenews.com/news/2013/apr/28/3-little-letters-changed-lives-forever/http://www.monroenews.com/news/2013/apr/27/police-work-nothing-its-depicted-television/There has never been a short­age of police shows to watch on television. As a young man, I’m certain my career choice was influenced by “Adam-12,” “S.W.A.T.” and, of course, “Miami Vice.” When I speak with young people today who are interested in law enforcement, it is obvious that the current “NCIS” series has influenced most of them.Tom MohrbachSat, 27 Apr 2013 05:47:25 -0400http://www.monroenews.com/news/2013/apr/27/police-work-nothing-its-depicted-television/http://www.monroenews.com/news/2013/apr/25/paying-back-student-loans-becoming-growing-challen/Loans to help pay for the cost of college can be easy to find, but the repayment plans might be more than students or parents are prepared to handle financially.Paula WethingtonThu, 25 Apr 2013 15:09:33 -0400http://www.monroenews.com/news/2013/apr/25/paying-back-student-loans-becoming-growing-challen/http://www.monroenews.com/news/2013/apr/25/bad-things-happen-good-people-overcome/It is April 24 and I just saw snow. But as much as that breaks one of the rules of living in the Midwest, you know the one where it’s not supposed to snow after April 15, I am having a hard time complaining.Rebecca RegnierThu, 25 Apr 2013 12:19:05 -0400http://www.monroenews.com/news/2013/apr/25/bad-things-happen-good-people-overcome/http://www.monroenews.com/news/2013/apr/23/fewer-coupons-match-desires-shoppers/Have you noticed changes in the mix of coupons that are available to consumers?Paula WethingtonTue, 23 Apr 2013 08:20:52 -0400http://www.monroenews.com/news/2013/apr/23/fewer-coupons-match-desires-shoppers/http://www.monroenews.com/news/2013/apr/22/worst-times-best-times/In addition to taking advantage of my advantages, another personal edict I always try to incorporate into my life is to turn my disadvantages into advantages. None in my life has been more important than this.Tom TreeceMon, 22 Apr 2013 12:00:00 -0400http://www.monroenews.com/news/2013/apr/22/worst-times-best-times/http://www.monroenews.com/news/2013/apr/21/another-reason-avoid-dreaded-ladder/When it comes to plumbing projects, or any home im­provement job for that matter, before I utter my first swear word I prepare myself mentally that I will need at least six trips to the hardware store. There’s no sense fighting it. I know multiple trips are inevitable.Ray KisonasSun, 21 Apr 2013 06:00:00 -0400http://www.monroenews.com/news/2013/apr/21/another-reason-avoid-dreaded-ladder/http://www.monroenews.com/news/2013/apr/19/flip-flops-or-stilettos-can-you-relate/Star Magazine’s poll of the most irritating personalities in film, music, and television is out!Rebecca RegnierFri, 19 Apr 2013 06:00:00 -0400http://www.monroenews.com/news/2013/apr/19/flip-flops-or-stilettos-can-you-relate/http://www.monroenews.com/news/2013/apr/17/when-events-turn-tragic-social-media-show-respect/One of the crazy but wonderful details about Facebook, Twitter and other social media networks is the wide range of topics that is active at any given moment.Paula WethingtonWed, 17 Apr 2013 14:24:48 -0400http://www.monroenews.com/news/2013/apr/17/when-events-turn-tragic-social-media-show-respect/