www.monroenews.com stories: Columnists

Found wallet reminder of God's grace

Tom Treece — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 18:32:46 -0500

Tom Treece

“I read this morning that raspberries are good for you,” I called to Renee as she perused Wal-Mart’s raspberry display. “They’re high in antioxidants.”

The referenced article also had mentioned that every fruit, nut, root, animal, flower, fish, herb or vegetable on earth has a nurturing, healing or useful effect on the human body.

I remember thinking, how amazing that our Creator also created everything we would need to survive on planet Earth.

Renee loves raspberries, so I raised myself out of my wheelchair and leaned on the display case to help her select the best ones before moving on.

With many items to gather, we crisscrossed the store to find them. Once we had everything, we joined the checkout line and placed our items on the conveyor belt.

The cashier rang each item into her computer, pushed the total button before looking at me and saying, “Thirty-seven dollars and forty-two cents.”

I smiled and dug my hand deep into my pocket for my wallet.

Panic struck my heart!

There was no wallet where my wallet was supposed to be.

I gave Renee my deer-in-the-headlights look and grabbed again for my pocket, as if somehow I could have missed it the first time and it might now suddenly reappear.

I checked other pockets; perhaps I had inadvertently placed it there.

I glanced at the impatience permeating in the line behind me; I could hear collective thoughts of, “C’mon, buddy, I’m in a hurry!”

“I’ve lost my wallet!” I told the cashier, who couldn’t have been nicer. “I had it when I came in.”

She bagged my groceries, sat them aside and pointed me to lost and found at the service desk, where I heard, “Sorry, no wallets turned in.”

My panic continued. Last time I lost my wallet, in a matter of minutes someone had purchased gasoline and $800 worth of concert tickets.

“I’ll retrace my steps; you call the credit card company,” I told Renee.

Off I went to do just that. I headed for the veggies, only this time, instead of eyeing the lettuce, avocados and celery, I was eyeing the floor under them.

Suddenly I stopped in the middle of the aisle before continuing, folded my hands and asked God to help me find my wallet. Only then I went on, scouring the floor under the bok choy, bean sprouts, onions and peppers, then the almonds, oranges, lemons and limes.

And then, while rolling by the raspberries, I gasped as I caught a glance of something the same color of my wallet. Again my heart raced, only this time with joy as I leaned down and there it was!

It had fallen from my pocket as I examined the raspberries, and, remarkably, rolled back under the display where even a passing broom wouldn’t have snagged it. And, had I not been in a wheelchair and close to the ground, I would have never seen it.

Once it was back in my pocket, I again folded my hands and thanked God for bringing me to it. And once again I marveled at how He gives us what we need when we serve Him.

It’s such a simple philosophy, and I’m amazed that more people don’t recognize and endorse Him.

But what do I know?

uuu

E-mail Tom Treece at tom.treece@yahoo.com.

Column: New versions of Barbie dolls not likely to last

Paula Wethington — Fri, 29 Jan 2016 16:00:00 -0500

Paula Wethington

To say that I’m a little obsessed with Barbie is an understatement.

At last count, I owned more than 200 dolls along with three dollhouses. My home office is decorated in Barbie pink with black, gray and purple as the accent colors. And visitors to The Monroe News office have long been entertained seeing whatever doll I have displayed at my desk.

So it is perhaps no surprise that my phone started buzzing with text messages Thursday with this headline: Mattel dramatically reworked the Barbie doll play line so that there are now four body sizes — original, tall, curvy and petite — along with a range of skin tones and hair colors.

I think the new releases are rather cute and will place an order for some. I’ll be certain to include any available fashions for the differently sized dolls when making my purchase.

The reason I’m going to make a careful selection — and soon — is that given the history of the Barbie line, I don’t expect the range of choices to last.

It’s a foregone conclusion that despite the long history of diversity in appearances and ethnicity of Barbie Roberts, her friends and younger sisters, the stereotype remains that Barbie is an impossibly thin, blonde young woman who wears fabulous fashions and shares them with her friends.

Based on what I’ve seen as a fan, noticed when seeing my daughter and nieces play and learned while researching the history of Barbie, I doubt whether the market is really interested in different wardrobe sizings.

Do you remember the fashion doll made of Rosie O’Donnell in 1999? She was “curvy,” to use the current phrasing, a realistic depiction of the talk show host. But I never saw a clothing wardrobe made to fit Rosie and until now, no other mainstream fashion doll was depicted as curvy.

Another example is Skipper, Barbie’s sister who has had multiple changes in age and appearance since she was introduced in 1964. The 1996 Teen Skipper is almost as tall as Barbie and obviously a high-schooler, a significant difference from the 1988 doll who appears to be 12 despite being sold in a homecoming formal.

Neither of those dolls can wear dresses or shoes designed for each other, much less the wardrobes intended for Barbie or other sisters. They may as well be two different people!

In fact, a recent inspection of a toy shelf showed that while I could find some fashions for Barbie and a few for Ken, there were none marketed to fit Stacie, Kelly, Chelsea or whatever names the younger sisters have these days. And yet, multiple variations of the younger sister and friend dolls are on the shelf.

Let’s say you are a little girl or collector who likes to redress a doll. That was the whole point of Barbie in the first place: She was created to be a 3-D version of the paper dolls little girls loved during the 1950s.

Since most wardrobe pieces don’t have the sizings marked after you take them out of the packages, it’s a bit of trial and error to find out which outfits fit which doll.

Even with the dolls and accessories now in my collection, a particular ballet flat doesn’t fit all of the flat-footed girls, the handmade dress I bought from a crafter used a pattern that doesn’t fit the bodice of the doll I wish to display it on. You get the idea.

How soon do you think the novelty of a doll “that looks like me” or “looks like my friend” will wear off?

Contact Paula Wethington at (734) 240-5745 or paula@monroenews.com.

Opinions are welcome, but here’s some fact-checking

Tom Treece — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 16:44:05 -0500

Tom Treece

Recently, Mr. Daniels Arnett’s Letter to the Editor (LTTE) detailed how “annoying,” “redundant” and “shallow” my columns are to him. Other than typical liberal name-calling and inaccurate facts, I appreciated his opinion.

I also appreciated Editor Deb Saul defending The News with her response, informing him that I am not a News employee but a freelance writer hired to write a weekly opinion column on anything I choose.

Best of all, Ms. Saul suggested Mr. Arnett do what I expect any logical person would do when confronted by a column from someone with whom they are so obviously annoyed: Don’t read it!

Unfortunately, liberals can’t seem to do that, as pointed out by another LTTE writer in Saturday’s paper who wrote about Mr. Arnett, “If you don’t agree with him, he tries to shut down ‘our’ free speech.”

I have no interest in disparaging Mr. Arnett (as he did me); as I mentioned, I appreciated him sharing his opinion. However, his letter contained inaccuracies that need correcting.

In the referenced column (Jan. 4), I never said Mr. Obama was the “worst POTUS” in history; I said I believed he has done more to “cripple” America than anyone.

In hindsight, as the reference is to cause and effect from the numerous policy and cultural changes he has crammed down our throats (is that too mean?) during his tenure, perhaps I should have added, “I expect our grandchildren will find out if I’m right in 10-20 years.”

More importantly, I never called Bernie Sanders voters “stupid”! My point was in reference to Hillary Clinton voters and resulted from a Sanders suggestion during a recent Democratic presidential debate.

Mrs. Clinton was under fire for using her home computer server to conduct official (and classified) state department business during her time as secretary. Mr. Sanders effectively shut down further questioning by suggesting that nobody cared about her “damn e-mails.”

I wonder how many reading this has ever had a security breach on their personal computers (hacked)? Mine was. So were those of J.P. Morgan, Home Depot, Kmart, Dairy Queen, the U.S. Postal Service, Target, Blue Cross and Sony, to name a few.

Four million federal workers also were hacked and the NSA now believes the Chinese have hundreds of thousands of our security clearance forms (CNN).

Last October, Experian, one of the largest credit agency data brokers in the world, was hacked, exposing personal information of 15 million people! Now, if hackers can get through all these security barriers, I wonder how easy it would have been to get through Mrs. Clinton’s home system.

My point was, anyone conducting the critically important business for the most powerful country in the world in such manner (arrogance? convenience?) is either completely incompetent, or (let’s see, what’s a kinder word than stupid?) foolish.

Finally, I believe my column and Mr. Arnett’s resulting letter reflect a deeper caveat found in a quote from someone I think most Americans believe IS the greatest POTUS ever: Abraham Lincoln. That quote, first spoken by Jesus, warned, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.”

America is a divided house that will not stand much longer unless we figure out how to tear down the fences that divide us. Somehow, I think it might be too late for that.

But what do I know?

E-mail Tom Treece at tom.treece@yahoo.com.

Young people: Your parents are not hotel cleaning staff

Rebecca Regnier — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 12:00:00 -0500

Rebecca Regnier

My husband and I aren’t extravagant people. Cruises, trips to Europe, name brand glass cleaner, we stay away from all of it.

Our washing machine loads on the top, I use fabric softener sheets twice, and I have my mom’s dining room set from 1979.

I hang on to sheets, pillows and comforters way past their natural lifespan. My son even calls one of his pillows, with down feathers poking through the case, The Hate Pillow. I love the kid, but it’s true, that pillow is prickly.

I’m not Ma Ingalls or anything. I’ve been known to throw away a cookie sheet after burnt carnage occurred upon its alleged non-stick surface. I’ve been known to purchase five shades of under-eye concealer to find the one that didn’t make me look like a raccoon. And when it comes to rebates or coupons I pretty much don’t have time.

But generally speaking we try to be smart with our money. To that end the hubby and I have three bathroom towels in rotation all week. We hang them up, they dry, and the next time we need them, voila, they’re ready to go.

The other day I heard the question, “Mom, where are the clean towels?” It shouldn’t be hard to find them. I just finished the laundry.

Certainly they’d be in the laundry room on the dryer folded. No, no luck. In the dryer fluffing? No, not there. Stacked in the linen closet? No, I could only find an old crib sheet hiding on the shelf.

The three towels my husband and I use were also gone. Where in the heck?

Nothing in our house is officially lost unless I can’t find it so I set out to solve the mystery of the disappearing bath towels.

After a complete search I decreed that yes, we were, in fact, out of clean towels. It didn’t take long to find them however.

Just under a dozen towels between the two offspring, were in their respective rooms. My kids, who shower once a day, if we’re lucky, twice a day, if they work out, and we’re lucky, had most of the household towels flung in various locations.

What in the world? Six towels could tide my husband and I over for two weeks. And yet here they were, a mountain of used linens, compiled in one or two days by the twenty-somethings.

It turns out my kids think they’re living in The Plaza Hotel. They shower, they use a towel, and then the very next time they shower, they use another towel. Who do they think we are? Powerball winners?

I’ve since gone on to ask other parents and it turns out the phenomenon isn’t unusual. Their kids also rely on the hotel cleaning staff to provide unlimited fresh linens.

So now I’m in the retraining process. To all the young people who read this, (and there are so many I’m sure) a bath towel is good for more than one use, just like a pair of jeans. Use it, hang it on the towel rack, and then use it again, do this at least three times.

Trust me, it works, and someday, when you’re married, your spouse and the beleaguered hotel staff will thank you.

uuu

Rebecca Regnier is an award-winning television journalist. Visit her online at www.rebeccaregnier.com

Remembering 10 years of a promise kept

Tom Treece — Mon, 18 Jan 2016 14:49:53 -0500

Tom Treece

I scooped the coins from my pocket and funneled them into the change jar. All, that is, except the one rogue penny that dropped onto the desk and pirouetted to a stop.

I reached down to pick it up; such a seemingly simple task. Immediately, in my mind’s eye I saw her sitting at the table eyeing the shiny new copper penny lying before her. My sweetheart was just beginning a new journey.

Months before it had been her Toledo neurosurgeon eyeing multiple cross-sections of her brain via the MRIs the hospital had taken of her earlier that morning.

Our life together had been wonderful, but suddenly we noticed Renee very subtly dragging her right leg when she walked. Something was wrong, but we had no idea of the intensity that lay ahead as two days later, the neurosurgeon excised three tumors he found hiding in those MRIs.

The surgery was a great success … other than her near-total paralysis.

Months of intense therapy followed. I remember thinking she might as well have been facing a climb of Mount Everest, as she had to relearn how to walk and use her motor skills … which brought us to the penny.

“You can do it!” her occupational therapist encouraged. “Just reach out there and pick it up.”

I should have recognized the intensity of the gaze she gave Mr. Lincoln, that even though her body was still mostly paralyzed, she would climb that mountain!

Concentrating on her right hand, she slowly raised it from her side; 10 minutes later it was resting on the table.

Slowly she pushed the hand toward the penny, concentrating on turning it into position to engage her thumb, forefinger and middle fingers to pick it up.

I’m not sure I can relate how it crushed my spirit watching her furrowed brow transmit the frustration of four hours of futile attempts to get that penny. Then, ever kind and considerate, her nurse would say, “Enough for today, honey; we’ll try again tomorrow!”

Can you imagine spending four hours a day for weeks trying to learn how to pick up a penny? But each day, slowly, methodically, Renee progressed until she could regularly pick it up.

Soon, 25 pennies lay on the table, along with a ball of Silly Putty. Then, one by one, she picked up the Lincoln’s and pressed them into the putty until they disappeared. Once gone, she then had to dig them back out.

Saturday, I took Renee to her favorite restaurant to celebrate her 60th birthday, and this evening we will join friends to celebrate the 10 extra years God has granted her with since that surgery.

And as I sit here writing with those 10 years behind us, I expect I’ll never pick up another penny without remembering those difficult days or the incredible will of my wonderful wife to rehabilitate herself.

Best of all, I’ll forever remember God’s promise to me the evening of her surgery, that if I serve Him faithfully the rest of the way, He would heal her. He has kept His promise and so have I, despite having to deal with the occasional scathing Letter to the Editor ripping me for “preaching” to my readers … a small price to pay for keeping the woman of my dreams.

But what do I know?

E-mail Tom Treece at tom.treece@yahoo.com.

If my tips are good enough for Oprah...

Rebecca Regnier — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 12:00:00 -0500

Rebecca Regnier

So there’s a cake on the counter. It’s not just any cake. It’s chocolate cake. It’s not just any chocolate cake. It’s the kind with cream under the chocolate frosting.

So there’s free cookies in my newsroom. Not just any free cookies, but chocolate chip cookies. Not just any chocolate chip cookies, but the kind with extra-chunky chocolate chips.

So there’s potato chips in the cabinet. Not just any potato chips, but the kind with sea salt.

The new year is a good time to work on a new goal, and clearly from the statements above, my goal is NOT to spoil dinner. I know a lot of really smart people are going to let me know that I can eat anything in moderation and be fine. But that’s not who I am. I am an eat-until-it’s-time-to-get-the-stretchy-pants kind of gal. So if I don’t want to go up a dress size — and I don’t — I have to rein in the holiday eating.

My worst time of day — the time where I throw healthy eating in the garbage and fish that cake I tossed out — is afternoon.

The other day, an editor at Oprah.com asked me for some practical tips on how to keep healthy commitments. It was an awesome way to start 2016. Like I freaked out. Hello, OPRAH!

The Oprah story used my tip of getting rid of social media accounts that constantly post tempting food. Even if it’s healthy, tempting food, it is still tempting. If you’re trying to eat only when you’re actually hungry, seeing a picture of a light dessert makes you crave dessert. Oprah’s peeps loved that one.

Here are some of the other tips that didn’t make the cut:

Get yourself a non-food treat. Reward yourself with nail polish, a juicy book or a nap. A lot of us naturally reach for sweets after a busy day or handling a stressful situation. Train yourself to get that same boost somewhere else.
Get a text buddy system. I have two people who text me and I text them when we do something awesome (like staying within our Weight Watcher points or exercising). You get and give positive reinforcement.
Go negative. Sometimes no matter what you do, the cookie tray at work or the free treat at the hair salon calls to you. Imagine how many people touched that food. Start listening to the coughing and sneezing in your office and remember that same cough made it to the treat. It’s drastic, but it works.

I hope some of my strategies help you. I’m not saying you need to lose. I’m saying you need to be heathy, whatever that is for you. It could be more exercise, less salt or less stress. If it is food derailing your shiny New Year’s intentions, try a few of my tips.

Hey, they’re good enough for Oprah! (You get a healthy tip, you get a healthy tip, EVERYBODY GETS A HEALTHY TIP!) Remember, when she gave away the cars? Okay, never mind. Go eat an apple.

uuu

Rebecca Regnier is an award-winning television journalist. Visit her online at www.rebeccaregnier.com.

Prayer event in Monroe will bring all together

Tom Treece — Mon, 11 Jan 2016 17:06:29 -0500

Tom Treece

I’ve long been perplexed in Monroe’s Christian community by what I call “religious wars,” where churches huddle to support the doctrine and activities of only their denominations. In so doing, they ignore being part of the “Body of Christ.”

Whenever I’m asked my denomination, I answer, “I attend a Baptist church, but believe that when God looks down on Monroe, He doesn’t see Baptists, Catholics, Lutherans, Methodists, etc., He sees those who are covered by the blood of His Son, Jesus, and those who aren’t.”

Monroe once had a Council of Churches, but, like so many other things of spiritual nature and value, it faded into obscurity.

Hopefully, the council’s resurrection day is at hand, thanks to “Christians United,” a local group of pastors, churches and individuals intent on rebuilding the council in order to bring that Body back together again.

To kick off their effort they will present “Monroe Prays,” the first of what will be an annual event intended to help do just that. Fittingly, it will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 18 on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, as it was Dr. King who said, “To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.”

Of all the incredible wisdom he dispensed during his interrupted life, as simple as it may sound to non-believers, perhaps nothing he ever said was more profound.

When attendees enter downtown’s River Raisin Centre for the Arts for that evening’s free event (where all are welcome), they will find a box in the lobby. In the box they can place any prayer petitions for which they may have need.

Later during the service, the box will be brought onstage where seven local pastors will take turns praying over the petitions and presenting the Prayers of Petition Ritual.

After the service, one of the pastors will take the box to his church for a two-week period. His or her congregants will pray over the box and add their prayers before it moves along to the next pastor’s church for another two weeks.

The power of prayer is the greatest weapon I have in my life’s arsenal. Ten years ago next Sunday, the one thing I needed more than anything in the world was prayers for my sweetheart, who had just been diagnosed with three brain tumors. I’ll share more about that story next week.

I mention that for all who have a similar need, as this is your opportunity to access the King of the Universe via thousands of His faithful followers.

I am also excited as one of my favorite singers, Ms. Myrna Allen Austin, will be ministering in song that evening, and the minister who married Renee and me, the Rev. Joe Byrd of Stewart Road Church of God, will share the main message.

Please consider attending this important event to come together as common believers empowered by the words of Jesus in John’s Gospel: “so that they may all be one, as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.”

For a negative world desperately needing a positive message, I believe it can be found at this event.

But what do I know?

E-mail Tom Treece at tom.treece@yahoo.com.

Advice to royal family on prince's first day

Rebecca Regnier — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 12:00:00 -0500

Rebecca Regnier

By now Princess Kate Middleton has come to rely on my sage advice. I was there when she planned her wedding, there on her first anniversary, and, of course, there when she became a mother two times over. Of course by “there” I mean here, in this column, which is a known favorite of royals across the globe.

Kate has reached a new milestone as a mother. She has sent the cherubically adorable future king to his first day of preschool.

As a mother who’s gone through this and come out on the other side, Kate trusts me for the real scoop on what to expect when your child is in preschool.

There are worries: Will they fit in? Will they miss you? Will you miss them? The answer to all of those is yes and no. Except with Prince George — he will fit in. He is the future King of England; those kids will be nice or it is the Tower of London for them. Or, at least, timeout.

As a mom, it is normal to worry that your child is not ready for school. There’s this rule they need to be “potty trained.” Many moms stress out about that one. Some moms might also actually overstate their children’s competence in this area just to get them in to preschool. This is normal, and I fully support it. And one day when George has an accident, which he will, don’t freak. I guarantee you every single parent of a boy in that preschool also has been greeted after school by junior in his backup pants. The ones you have to put in the cubby. Don’t worry, it’s normal.

I’d get the refrigerator door clear and buy a lot of magnets. These next few years are about the arts. The future King of England will be creating things that for sure should go in the British Museum. Obviously, you don’t want to be accused of using your influence, so the fridge door art gallery will be sumptuously adorned instead. You’ll find yourself convinced that the macaroni and Elmer’s Glue abstract representation of uh, something, demonstrates incredible artist talent. Which is totally normal.

One night you and Wills will be VERY busy with galas and other work stuff, but you’ll have to go to the preschool holiday pageant. You might be so busy and distracted that you see it as just another thing on the endless royal “to-do” list. But sure enough, your gaze will fix upon George, probably in the back row because he seems tall for a toddler, and he’ll be singing a Christmas song. All of sudden, you’ll feel a tightness in your throat, and hot tears roll down your cheeks. And you’ll know that you’re in the exact right place in all of the empire. And of course, you’ll be convinced that the future King of England is the best singer in the world. And that’s totally normal.

Happy First Day of School, Prince George. Play nice with the other children and try not to eat any Play-doh. It smells much better than it tastes. (I’m told.)

Sports editor gives Twitter a try

Niles Kruger — Wed, 06 Jan 2016 09:47:27 -0500

Niles Kruger

My New Year’s resolution for 2016 was to catch up on some 2006 technology.

Yes, it’s true, I am now officially a Tweeter.

Or is that a Twitter-er?

Or maybe just a twit.

I signed up for Twitter on Thursday.

Within minutes, I had my first follower — The University of Detroit Athletic Department somehow found me. Shortly afterward, two more joined up.

I wonder if three followers is a record. I’ll have to do some research on that.

I have to admit this whole Twitter thing was not my idea. I held out for as long as possible. But Gatehouse Media, which purchased the Monroe News in September, likes its reporters to tweet regularly.

So, being a good employee, I became the last person in America to jump on the Twitter bandwagon.

As I said in my first tweet: “To boldly go where everyone has gone before.”

How will I use this new toy?

Frankly, I don’t really know. I am still figuring it out. But how difficult can it be? Even Ray Kisonas tweets.

If it’s anything like Facebook — which my bosses at the News strongly suggested/demanded I sign up for a few years ago — I probably will end up enjoying it.

Like Facebook, I can guarantee you what you won’t see on my Twitter. I won’t be telling you what I ate for lunch or posting pictures of my dog.

Frankly, my life is not that interesting to force others to have to live it. Often is bores me. I am sure it would bore others even more.

I will be using Twitter as another way to reach Monroe News readers. I’ll let you know about sports in the Monroe County Region, post scores and perhaps offer some of my opinions.

It will be a way to get the news out quicker.

Of course, Twitter will not be as handy for me as it is for most people who Tweet on their smart phones.

My phone definitely is a dumb phone.

It is only one step more technologically advanced than the brick phones of the 1990s. Nearly everyone who sees it laughs.

I can’t take the pictures with it.

I can’t surf the Web.

But I am able to text. My young friend Ryan Loren, who has been a Tweeter or a Twitter-er for many years, tells me there is a way to send a text message to a number that will post it on your Twitter account.

Imagine that!

Hopefully I can figure out how to do that before 2017.

For now I will be concentrating on following the sage advice from that old Jackson 5 song and tweet, tweet, tweet.

I wish I could tell you how to follow me on Twitter, but frankly I have no idea. My account is listed under my name. There can’t be too many people in America with my name.

So please follow along. If I have to tweet, it would be nice if someone was listening.

Readers can contact Niles by e-mail at sports@monroenews.com, but telephone at (734) 240-5782 or somehow or another on Twitter.

You can also find Niles and all of our newsroom Twitter accounts via a list on our Twitter page.

Prayers for health, better government in new year

Tom Treece — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 16:58:54 -0500

Tom Treece

On this fourth day of the new year, I am thrilled to have 2015 in the rearview mirror! Don’t get me wrong; I in no way want to wish my life away, as I have no idea how many more of these years — or days — I will have the privilege of breathing air alongside you.

Let’s just say, I’m praying this year is better than last.

I’m praying for better health, along with more opportunities to sing and play my guitar, more opportunities to share the joy of living the rest of my life for the One who saved and changed it.

I’m counting the days until the person who I deem has done more than anyone in history to cripple our once-great country no longer occupies the Oval Office.

I’m also praying we don’t get saddled with four more years of Barack Obama by electing his clone, Hillary Clinton. I pray truth surfaces to expose their collusive Bengazi conspiracy in order to honor the memories of Ambassador Stevens and the Navy Seals they sacrificed for political gain.

I pray her senatorial record is recognized for the joke it is (three “naming” bills passed in four years). I also hope voters aren’t as stupid as Bernie Sanders thinks they are in that nobody cares she conducted State Department business on her easily-hacked home server.

I pray for the return of an actual free press dedicated to finding and reporting truth, instead of billionaires buying TV networks in order to steer their biased personal ideology and partisan political agendas to the unsuspecting masses.

I pray “We the people” redevelop a moral compass in order to return to our founder’s Constitutional quest to “form a more perfect union” where “all legislative powers shall be vested in a Congress of the United States,” and NOT circumvented by narcissistic executive proclamations or appointed czars.

Each December I receive a Christmas card from friends with a year-in-review letter; this year’s ending was classic.

“Finally,” it began, “the usual ending to this annual missive has been, admittedly, based on thoughts reflecting on why people of our age, and those born after us should be proud of what our nation has been, and wary of what it is being mutated into. Unfortunately, this offends some who feel a Christmas letter should not contain such writings. We disagree.

“We believe religious beliefs form the moral and ethical basis allowing people to rise above the corrosive effects of enforced political correctness, and that we have real freedom of religion and speech only when we exercise it.

“Silence today equals acceptance of a society where freedom from religion, and toleration of everything, leaves people with no moral compass.

“Christmas is the perfect time to reflect on our moral legacy.”

I couldn’t have said it better.

I don’t despise anyone who doesn’t believe as I do, but, unfortunately, there are some out there who do not feel the same.

I intend to continue exercising my First Amendment rights in the New Year, and trust that you will, too. I also will pray we do so with love and honest attempts of understanding for those on the other side of our political fences, as I believe that will be critical for a happy and successful 2016.

But what do I know?

E-mail Tom Treece at tom.treece@yahoo.com.

Christmas of giving proved to be best yet

Tom Treece — Mon, 28 Dec 2015 19:26:07 -0500

Tom Treece

During the last 10 days she must have said 10 times, “This is the best Christmas ever!” I agreed each time.

Not because of special gifts she gave me or I gave her. Actually, Renee and I didn’t give each other gifts because we didn’t have time to shop — for us.

What we were able to do was coordinate an effort to make Christmas special for many needy people, thanks to friends and readers of this column.

As the result of our fundraising concert two weeks ago, an entire colony of banished and starving Vietnamese people suffering from leprosy will have food to eat for the coming two or three years.

We also were able to help our local Salvation Army with cash, plus a trailer full of food, toys, coats, hats, gloves and even a brand new bicycle.

My favorite, however, was your responses to my plea to help a homeless Marine Vietnam War veteran. Like so many from that war, for years he suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and had recently been evicted (along with his teenage son) from their home. When you start over with nothing, you need help.

The first order of business was to get him into PTSD rehab at Ann Arbor’s VA Hospital. It took hours of convincing, but we prayed together and he finally agreed to go. I’m thrilled to report that after two months, he’s out and doing great.

With your many donations we were able to find him an apartment, pay first and last month’s rent plus security deposit and load him up with food and supplies. We asked for help with furnishings and offers came streaming in.

My Facebook plea for anyone who could donate one of two twin beds they needed generated five offers; we picked up the first one around 10:30 Christmas Eve in Ida.

Two different gentlemen said, “Pick out what you need at the furniture store and send me the bill.”

Another plea for a kitchen table and chairs generated four offers. Then, someone donated a TV, a turkey, a blender and a mixer. An online reader sent a couch and two wing chairs all the way from Mason, Mich.

My Marine friend’s sister — the angel of this mission — shared a basic needs list for him and his son; a couple from our church filled them all. Our neighborhood condo association filled two large tubs with food and goodies.

One couple sent a check and wrote, “No need to use our names as this is between you, us and the Lord,” before adding, “We’ve been burdened for our vets; this is one small way we can help.”

And speaking of vets, they rode to the rescue with checks for the brother-in-arms none of them knew, especially the “Semper Fidelis” (always faithful) Marines.

Someone wrote, “What a great thing to do, especially at Christmas,” and I wondered, why couldn’t we do this every day of the year? We could, if we’d simply take time to find and reach out to others in need.

Renee was right; this was the best Christmas ever, and all because many wonderful people recognized what the Reason for the Season assured us of so very long ago: “It is better to give than to receive.”

I know He’s right!

But what do I know?

uuu

E-mail Tom Treece at tom.treece@yahoo.com.

Key to peace is earning His favor

Tom Treece — Mon, 21 Dec 2015 17:47:45 -0500

Tom Treece

While perusing the seven definitions Daniel Webster uses to describe the word “peace,” I tried equating them to America, and, personally, to myself.

First was, “the normal, non-warring condition of a nation, nations or the world.” That one doesn’t work.

Second was, “an agreement between warring antagonistic nations to end hostilities.” That one has worked, but not often, and, has too often been broken (can you say, “North Korea?”)

“A state of mutual harmony between people or groups” sounds wonderful, but considering current rhetoric between Democrats and Republicans dictates that one isn’t happening.

Mentioning towns like Ferguson, Baltimore, Chicago, San Bernardino, to name a few, let’s you know that “freedom from civil commotion and violence of a community” isn’t working.

Sadly, “cessation of, or freedom from, strife or dissension,” won’t pass the smell test in most homes these days, let alone nations, so that one doesn’t work either.

However, six and seven — “freedom of the mind from annoyance, distraction or anxiety,” plus, “a state of tranquility or serenity” — comes closest, at least for me personally, and it’s all because of Christmas!

In Luke’s recording of the birth of Jesus, he writes, “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

“And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.’” (Luke 2: 8-14)

However, reading that last verse of Luke’s words in the Holy Bible’s New International Version translation started me thinking about peace this morning. That version states, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace to men on whom his favor rests.’

I believe the key to peace and happiness — for nations or individuals — is earning His favor.

Renee and I have had our share of trouble in life, and yet, we wouldn’t change a thing. Why? All because of that precious gift of “peace and perfect love” God sent us so long ago that we celebrate this week.

I don’t want to cram my faith down anyone’s throat, and certainly don’t condone cutting someone’s head off who doesn’t believe as I do, but anyone who truly loves others always wants to share the wonderful things they find in life.

I never knew peace until I asked that gift to be Lord of my life. Once I did, His favor began resting on me.

I wish all a joyous week of celebrating the birth of Christ, and urge anyone seeking peace for their life to consider inviting His favor into your heart. Then, watch how quickly “good tidings of great joy” begin resting on you.

After all, that’s why He came!

But, what do I know.

E-mail Tom Treece at tom.treece@yahoo.com.

Get ready, UPS, for last-minute shoppers

Rebecca Regnier — Thu, 17 Dec 2015 12:00:00 -0500

Rebecca Regnier

Today is the last day you can ship anything in the regular mail and have it get to its destination anywhere near a winter holiday. But it’s okay, I’m ready to pay through the nose for shipping.

That’s right, priority express delivery via a Tesla driven by Usain Bolt is what I’m selecting for my shipping preference on Christmas gift delivery.

That does mean my youngest child will have to drop out of college, but so be it. I have to get these packages here and I am starting my Christmas shopping today.

I’m going to give you a minute and let that marinate in your brain. That’s right, you who started in July, who has everything wrapped and who is already hunting down deals for next Christmas, I am starting right now. The best part is I only know what half of the people on my list want!

My oldest child is the best, he gives me a list with pictures, suggested retailers and pricing options. He also gives different lists to everyone else. The kid who can’t remember the difference between shampoo and conditioner is so on point with lists I don’t have to stress out.

The second kid, the one I’m making quit college to pay for shipping, well he’s going to need cash, clearly, so that will be easy.

I know what one, maybe two more, people want. There’s slippers on there, a clock radio and I think someone likes a particular catalog. But otherwise I’m freeform jazz when it comes to gift buying.

So why not just go to the mall and buy and not worry about shipping? Because no matter how hard I try, I wind up walking in circles with only a half-a-dozen Hickory Farms gift boxes and a feeling of despair to show for it. I’m better online because finding a good parking spot is so much easier! Plus I can wear my pajamas.

So buckle up UPS, FedEx and USPS drivers, because you’re going to be here a lot in the next few days. Be warned, I will be in pajamas and my dog will be freaking out. He won’t bite but he will be going bat guano crazy because you’re at the door.

You’ll be here several times a day because I am not organized enough to “include all in one shipment.” So yeah, I’m starting right now, and sorry son of mine — no more college due to shipping fees, but that’s just how it is.

I’ve got the coffee brewing, Pandora Swinging Christmas channel on the iPad and my credit card number memorized. It’s going to be a long night of mouse clicking, but I can do it.

Just don’t get me started on wrapping. Gift bags are okay, right? It doesn’t mean you love anyone less just because you dropped a gift and some tissue in a bag instead of hunching over the kitchen table with tape and scissors for eleventy-hours right? RIGHT?

Just agree with me. I’m clearly going bat guano crazy. That’s how you know it’s Christmas.

uuu

Rebecca Regnier is an award-winning television journalist. Visit her online at www.rebeccaregnier.com.

Fundraiser was success

Tom Treece — Mon, 14 Dec 2015 16:29:12 -0500

Tom Treece

After everything Renee and I do — family reunion, vacation, trip to the fair, or, as in this case, our Saturday evening fundraising event for the D.O.V.E. Fund and Salvation Army — we ask each other, “What was your favorite?”

Determining our favorite part of that event was incredibly difficult; there were so many.

First, we were overjoyed with the turnout. We raised more than $5,000 to help feed the Vietnam leper colony we adopted years ago. We also filled a large enclosed trailer with Salvation Army donations of food and clothing, hats, coats, gloves, scarves, bicycles and toys for children.

“I loved seeing friends I never would have expected to come,” Renee began. “I love my friends, and to see them support such an important effort was over the top.

“I also loved seeing Jim Sellers and his wife, Yvonne,” she continued. “I got to hug him and sing with him some of the songs you sang.”

Jim is a fellow Vietnam veteran friend who recently had a stroke and is now, like me, confined mostly to a wheelchair. Seeing him and his wife there participating in our event to help others less fortunate also was over the top.

I was extremely impressed with the DJ we had chosen to entertain for the evening, Bruce Bezeau of Classic Sounds. He was in such a formidable position as he now was spinning songs in place of one of the main draws of the evening, dear departed friend, Gary “Daddy G. Knight” Vancena.

Bruce was fantastic and spoke of the inspiration Gary had been to him as he chose to follow this particular entertainment trail. There never will be a replacement for Gary, but Bruce showed he has become a more than satisfactory fill-in.

As Renee and I usually are out of town on her January birthday, we rarely get to celebrate it with loved ones. So, I thought it most appropriate to take advantage of this opportunity in order to celebrate her 60th with 150 or so of her closest friends.

I presented her a dozen red roses and then sang her a song I had written years ago about our honeymoon. I included it on my new CD, titled, “I Love You Baby.”

Finally, Renee concluded, “But my favorite was watching everyone conduct the ‘William Tell Overture.’ ”

I had written a special tribute to honor Gary, who had been the heart and soul behind these fundraising efforts. I had invited his wife, Cindy, as our evening’s special guest. She drove in from Adrian and brought Gary’s ashes, along with a picture of him.

Gary always ended each of his shows with the “Overture (Lone Ranger Theme)” and would flail his arms in the air as if conducting the orchestra. I invited everyone to do the same as Bruce played the song.

On Sunday, friend Mike Davison posted a Facebook video of the audience doing just that; it is hilarious.

As I conducted, I looked skyward and envisioned Gary looking down and laughing hysterically at what undoubtedly looked like we had all gone mad.

Whether he actually saw us or not, I have no idea. But if he did, I’m sure he loved it, and that it was his favorite part, too.

But what do I know?

E-mail Tom Treece at tom.treece@yahoo.com.

Black dress bought on Web pops up in all places

Rebecca Regnier — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 12:00:00 -0500

Rebecca Regnier

Now I’ve done it.

I ordered two dresses from the interwebs. I ordered the dresses because I literally went to every store there is in my town and couldn’t find a black dress. I was interested in a black dress, knee length, lined, sleeveless, straight, no ruffles, no lace, no sparkles and no pleats.

I am a 46-year-old woman. I have curves. I know what looks good on me and I wanted a simple black dress. I add a sweater or blazer and my own necklace. Outfit done. I know this type of dress exists because I’ve bought three in a row. When it gets old I replace it.

Boring, I know. But guess what? Mark Zukerberg wears the same thing every day. So did Steve Jobs.

Deciding what to wear every day is my nemesis. I have a uniform with a few variations and I’m good to go. The Captains of Industry do it so their genius brains aren’t wasting time on clothes. They go with a grey T-shirt and BOOM they’re ready to invent entire world-changing industries.

Same with me. I wear the dress and go to work. No futzing means I can sleep a little more and then spend the rest of the day on genius-level stuff. Truth be told, I have four jobs at my day job and two jobs at home. I’m talking jobs, not family stuff. I’m not saying this for sympathy, I’m just saying it so you know that to keep my head on straight and get stuff done I can’t freaking worry about which blouse and which skirt. SO I do the dress.

Which was why I was on the mission, and as I said, there were none to be found. So that’s when I did it. I ordered two of them online. Overnight shipping means my boring but functional wardrobe will be complete by close of business tomorrow.

But here’s the problem: I ordered from one of the sites that tracks me. And so now, every place I visit online, ads pop up with that same black dress. There’s a picture of the dress on my screen at all times. It’s staring me in the face. I see it enough ON my person and now it’s on Facebook, IMDb, Amazon, anywhere I browse!

I am starting to regret my purchase. You think the Internet would be happy. I used it to buy a dress and even did the overnight shipping. But no, the dress won’t stop stalking me.

The dress I couldn’t find anywhere is now everywhere. I think it has become self-aware.

Rebecca Regnier is an award-winning television journalist. Visit her online at www.rebeccaregnier.com.

Fundraising continues for third year

Tom Treece — Mon, 07 Dec 2015 13:11:08 -0500

Tom Treece

Four years ago, my fellow Vietnam veteran said, “Let’s do a show together and raise money for the needy; Christmastime is perfect!” I agreed, and “Tom and Gary’s First Holiday Fundraiser” was born.

He spun the tunes, my band played and hundreds of friends packed Monroe’s VFW wanting to help. We raised lots of money for our favorite charities: his, the Salvation Army, mine and Renee’s, the school we built in Vietnam educating more than 1,000 children daily.

Our second annual event was even better, and last year we began planning our third. Unfortunately, our dear and devoted friend — who would do anything to help anyone — had pointed to his chest in August and said, “I have this little burning here.”

“Get to the doctor!” I implored him.

“I did,” he responded. “Friday I went for a nuclear dye test at the VA but they ran out of dye; I’m rescheduled for next Friday.”

Sadly, next Friday never came for my best friend, Gary “Daddy G. Knight” Vancena, as days later he had a heart attack and died. Remembering that day was a stark reminder of the importance of listening to our bodies when they tell us something’s wrong.

It also reminded me of the importance of carrying on the legacy he and I had begun those years ago to make things better for those less fortunate than us. That should be easy in America!

Accordingly, Renee and I decided to re-kindle that legacy, and in so doing, dedicate it to the memory of a man who commanded as much love, respect, adoration and admiration as any man I’ve ever known.

This Saturday from 6 to 11 p.m., once again we will pack the Monroe VFW with old and new friends wanting to be part of that legacy of helping others, just as Gary Vancena did not just at Christmas, but EVERY day of the year!

We’ve kept the name — Tom and Gary’s Third Annual Holiday Fundraiser — to honor our friend, and we have a fabulous night of fun in store for you.

First, we’ll feed you with free pizza and beverages. Talented DJ friend Bruce Bezeau — who we’ve chosen for the honor of filling Gary’s UNFILLABLE shoes — will provide music for dancing. My band, Tom Treece & Friends, will perform.

She’ll kill me for including this, but we’ll also celebrate Renee’s 60th birthday (No gifts please, unless you’d like to make a donation to our D.O.V.E. Fund’s “Feed the Lepers” campaign in her honor).

Finally, we will stop to share a very special tribute to Gary, complete with his trademark ending of the “William Tell Overture.”

Admission for all this food and fun is $10 PLUS two cans of food or a new, unwrapped children’s toy, coat, hat, gloves or scarf. Tickets are available at the VFW or from Renee or me, and all proceeds benefit Monroe’s Salvation Army or the D.O.V.E. Fund’s “Feed the Lepers” campaign.

Can’t come but want to help? Please send your check naming either charity to me at 5840 E. Dunbar, #19, Monroe, MI 48161.

Honoring the legacy of those who selflessly serve our great country is a most satisfying thing to do, and almost as important as taking care of those Jesus referred to as …“the least of these.”

But what do I know?

E-mail Tom Treece at tom.treece@yahoo.com.

Sadness in world has caused need for holiday cheer, beauty

Rebecca Regnier — Thu, 03 Dec 2015 12:00:00 -0500

Rebecca Regnier

I didn’t want to do it. Decorate.

I don’t usually go nuts with it. I am not the holiday house décor prize winner by any stretch. But I do decorate for the holidays.

My typical fare includes a tree, stockings and then the big finish: a wreath on every window and a spotlight on the door. It’s about the most Martha Stewart thing I do all year. The joint looks incredibly classy if you squint when you drive by.

I wasn’t feeling it this year. Work, general fatigue and the fact that the kids aren’t kids anymore made me want to save myself some aggravation and skip it. And as I write this I’m listening to the news of San Bernardino. I’ve been listening to it for hours.

As I listen, slowly the idea of tradition is creeping into my consciousness. It seems very important — almost urgent.

Not only do I want to adorn the halls with the stuff that has been stored in the attic since January, I want to festoon everything that’s not moving with garland. I have an almost primal desire to get out ingredients and make food. Food that can be decorated and shared. What the heck is going on?

That song “I Need A Little Christmas” has gone from faint melody in the back of mind to some sort of prescription I need to fill, now. Except I need a lot of Christmas. I think we all do.

Whatever holiday tradition we celebrate, we should do it in a big way. And while we’re plugging in Griswald levels of lights let’s also remember that other phrase: goodwill toward men.

The outside world is moving fast and violently. I want to slow it down and gentle it. I want you to do the same. Let’s all be kind to our co-workers, to the people in line with us at the mall, and in our homes.

I’d been avoiding the holiday channel on the radio and ignoring the holiday shopping lists. I am not a fan of the hustle and bustle. But somehow, the deep need for all of it took hold today.

The sparkle of tinsel, the sprinkle of grass in the nativity set, the classic songs on my playlist; all of a sudden these elements are pulling at me, almost insistent that I pay attention. I can’t wait to appreciate the effort of the sparkly holiday beauty all around me, from the neighbor’s inflatable Santa to the lights decorating the street lamps in my little town.

By all means, let’s do it up. Deck the halls with me. Let’s gather for meals. Let’s exchange something thoughtful with one another. Let’s pray to whatever higher power we believe in for those in San Bernardino, in Paris and in Beirut.

“Let’s take each moment and live each moment…” That lyric is also playing in head now, too.

If I don’t see you personally, neighbor, let me say now, Happy Holidays to every single reader. Happy Holidays because I want you to know, no matter how you celebrate and worship, I wish you joy.

And your lights looks lovely.

uuu

Rebecca Regnier is an award-winning television journalist. Visit her online at www.rebeccaregnier.com.

Christmas book defines true meaning

Tom Treece — Mon, 30 Nov 2015 12:00:00 -0500

Tom Treece

Some months ago I recorded final vocals on my latest CD. Most of the songs I had written, but producer and lifelong friend John Vass suggested concluding the CD with a childhood favorite, “This Little Light of Mine.”

For John’s complex arrangement, we used local musician friends, including Steve Daniels playing a favorite instrument from my childhood, the 5-string banjo. I called to thank Steve for his help, and that’s when he mentioned a book his wife had written.

The title — “Santa, Why Do You Come on Jesus’ Birthday?” — intrigued me, so I contacted fellow author Kimberle Daniels to learn more. I learned the Tennessee native wrote the book 10 years ago, and, despite self-publishing, had incredibly already sold over 10,000 copies of the children’s book.

I decided I had to have one and ordered one for me and one for each of my grandchildren.

One of the sadder laments of my life is seeing how political correctness has slowly choked and changed American culture.

Even many Christians — of which I am a proud member — seem to have jumped on the bandwagon, and, either habitually or in fear of offending others, offer “Happy Holidays” instead of the traditional and descriptive, “Merry Christmas,” salutation I’ve used my entire life.

I asked Kimberle why she wrote the book. Her answer was continuous with my lament, and longtime thoughts I’d had after analyzing the concept of how we start our children in life by lying to them about a jolly fat man in a red suit that …well, you know the rest.

“I prayed about it and God gave me the story,” she began. “Growing up, we knew Christmas was about the birth of Christ, but I felt guilty because I also wanted what Santa was bringing me. Still, I also knew I should be focusing on Christ.

“When Steve and I had children, we wanted them to know the magic of Santa, but also wanted to raise them right by focusing on the fact that Christmas is Jesus’ birthday instead of the focus on gift giving.

“I keep it in perspective,” she continued. “Jesus did receive three gifts.”

Kimberle has kept it simple for little ones to understand, and in doing so has fashioned a clear explanation for the title’s question.

The book is illustrated by another talented Daniels family member, Kevin, Steve’s artist, blues singer and guitar-playing brother.

Kimberle’s book is available for purchase at Monroe’s favorite bookstore, downtown’s Book Nook, where owner Janet Berns has graciously created a special “Local Authors Section.”

She’s also giving an opportunity for you to meet Kimberle personally at her “Meet the Author” Book Signing, Dec. 19 from 1:30 to 4 p.m. You also can order the book from Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

The back of the book has a place to list your family Christmas traditions, and, interestingly, a recipe for one of the book’s props, Angel Cookies. That recipe was passed down to Kimberle from her Italian grandfather who came to America to fight in World War I to help gain citizenship.

I love this little book, and proudly promote it in appreciation for anyone with the courage and conviction to stand boldly before the world to define what Christmas is really all about: the birth of Jesus.

But what do I know?

E-mail Tom Treece at tom.treece@yahoo.com.

Thoughts on football, snow, Thanksgiving blessings

Tom Treece — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 12:00:00 -0500

Tom Treece

Sometimes I struggle to find something to write about; today, I’m struggling to try to decide which of the many different things in my brain I’d like to address. So, I’ll just try to hit them all.

First, I love those who take pride in themselves, whether it’s their appearance, their family, their accomplishments, or, as in this instance, their business. I appreciate those so devoted they do whatever needs to be done, no matter what.

My friend, Mack Reese, owns and operates Mack’s Body Shop and Car Wash on Dunbar Road. Days ago while exiting my nearby condo, I noticed Mack scouring the yard behind his car wash, bending over to pick up trash blown onto his lawn during last week’s wind storm.

Mack is no “spring chicken,” and he lives in constant pain from a bad back, and yet, there he was making sure the business with his name on it was standing tall and looking good, even though it was the BACK yard no one sees. It’s all about pride!

Moving along, Saturday was a fun day, beginning with my Michigan Wolverines winning at Penn State, followed by MSU’s Spartans pulling off the unimaginable upset of Ohio State in Columbus without their star quarterback.

Had OSU beaten MSU and Michigan beaten the Buckeyes next week, Michigan would play for the Big Ten championship. Their opponent: Iowa, who threw the Wolverine’s current record-setting quarterback under the bus last year, causing him to transfer to Michigan; what a game that would be!

Despite my loyalty, there was no way I would root for Ohio State, because my two favorite college teams are Michigan and anyone who beats the Buckeyes!

Saturday’s blizzard conditions were a bit outrageous for a Michigan November, and I felt for Ida and Whiteford’s football teams playing in such dire conditions. Sadly, both suffered season-ending losses, but kudos to both for giving us such excellent and exciting seasons, and doing so with such class and honor.

Saturday, Convention and Tourism Bureau President John Patterson had our downtown rocking with music everywhere. Jazz greats Alexander Zonjik and Joey Sommerville rocked the Square as snow pounded the evening’s attendees.

Later, we warmed ourselves with great grub and more music at the packed Public House where another jazz great, Nelson Rangel, brought the house down.

Sadly, Charles Krauthammer’s column in yesterday’s News noted that one of last week’s European suicide bombers had a Syrian passport, backing up Isis’ claim they have infiltrated Syria’s mass exodus of refugees to other countries, including America.

Someone asked, “If you had a bag of peanuts and you even thought one could be poisonous, would you chance feeding them to your family?”

I know I am a compassionate person, but I also believe defending America from any chance of evil is paramount to allowing these refugees in at this time. Why our president is so adamant about keeping our borders open when evil lurks at America’s doorstep only deepens my suspicions of him and his intentions.

Finally, as we prepare for Thanksgiving, I am grateful for all my many blessings, none greater than my faith in God, my family and the great blessing of living in freedom — the same freedom I believe wolves in sheep’s clothing are daily trying to destroy.

But what do I know?

E-mail Tom Treece at tom.treece@yahoo.com.

Give thanks for small stuff when big stuff is too hard

Rebecca Regnier — Fri, 20 Nov 2015 11:05:34 -0500

Rebecca Regnier

Do you feel like I do? Tense? Worried? There’s just a feeling of dread and it’s not hard to figure out why. The world at large is causing a clench in my jaw, a tightness of my neck and the fear that some other shoe is about to drop.

Today when someone cut me off I laid on the car horn so loud I practically left a dent in the thing. I yelled at the self-serve gas station entry keypad because it was taking too long. I had a plus card for Pete’s sake; where are my points? YES, I’d like to use them today.

I also yelled at a dollar changer at the car wash because it wasn’t accepting my dollar. Even though it was perfectly new and flat! I growled into the security camera that I was never going back there again. Ever.

I need to chill. There isn’t one single thing I can do about the world. So I am going to need to change my attitude or the keypad readers of southeast Michigan are doomed.

My friend gave me some Mala prayer beads. Essentially it’s a bracelet, in this case made of wooden beads. Buddhists use them to count the number of times they say a mantra so they can concentrate on the calming words of the mantra and not the numbers. I was raised Catholic so it reminds me of rosary beads. I suppose I could wear a rosary around my neck and accomplish the same thing, but that also seems like something Madonna might do in the ’80s. The bracelet is more ’90s Madonna.

No matter how I wear the beads, there’s no doubt I need to do a little work on calming down.

Mantra-wise I’m fresh out, so I did what all souls searching for enlightenment do: I Googled. Calming mantras include breathe in, breathe out, moves on. I’ve done more than enough for today. Peace is within my reach. I am enough. I feel calm and serene. I am having a good day. I have and will have a pleasant attitude.

These are nice. But they’re regular-strength Excedrin and I need industrial strength. That’s right, I’m super amping up my Mala prayer bead mantra game.

Here are my more powerful, incident-specific mantras: The office microwave is not my responsibility. Don’t let the tailgaters win. A disorganized pantry does not make me a bad person. Accept with peace that updating Java on your computer is a part of life. It is not for you to understand why the “Sun” on the Jimmy Dean Sausage commercials has a different wife every time. Buckeye fans didn’t even go to OSU and that’s okay. Embrace the comments section, for they know not what they post.

The above mantras are a good reminder that it’s all small stuff. Because I can’t do anything about the big stuff, I’m wigging out over the daily inconveniences. So beads it is.

’Tis the season when we give thanks. I give thanks for you. Thank you for laughing with me each week for the last seven years. I give thanks for the small stuff. Just stop riding my bumper.

uuu

Rebecca Regnier is an award-winning television journalist. Visit her online at www.rebeccaregnier.com.