September 2025
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Sounding the Shofar: How Then Shall We Live?
The other morning, I found a note in my mailbox from a dear friend. The subject raised for discussion pertained to confession and absolution. This is a timely message as we are in the period of the High Holy Days… Continue reading
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When Revenge Isn’t Enough
Words are often used with little thought to their meaning. Finding the right word to describe someone or something requires observation and thought. The context of what we are witnessing and how we intend to convey the observation, and to… Continue reading
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The French Alps, Faith, Forgiveness, Hate, and Carl Sandburg
On Sunday, following dinner, I settled in the living room. My wife and I were undecided whether to watch a film or a television show. We recently became hooked on a French detective program, “Le détective de la montagne” (The… Continue reading
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Cabals: How Things Work
This past Friday morning, Verdict: Legal Analysis and Commentary From Justia arrived in my mailbox. I subscribe to it for insights into the workings of the judiciary. The article I delved into was by Marci A. Hamilton titled “Déjà, the… Continue reading
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Do Apples Get a Bum Rap?
And now the autumn season waits, In mellowing forms of fruitage. – Stephen Henry Thayer (1839-1919) Autumn for me is a time of renewal. A time to reflect. This season, with all its radiance, is a period when nature reminds me… Continue reading
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Thoreau’s Straw Hat and Deliberate Living
Hats are both a fashion statement and an expression of identity. Women of the British elite are known for their hats. Appearing hatless at the Kentucky Derby is taboo for American women—fashion matters. A hat is a persona, revealing either… Continue reading
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When Grief Becomes Rage
Going to the White House was always a big deal for Daniel Patrick Moynihan. He was 36 years old when he was working for the Kennedy Administration as the Assistant Secretary of Labor. On the afternoon of 22 November 1963,… Continue reading
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Chuck Wiser, Hot Dogs, Booms, Change,and a Question
One of my pleasures on Fridays is reading Chuck Wiser’s column, “Wiser’s Wramblings” in The Wellsville Sun. Chuck summarizes his column, “I write the words to share what my eyes see and my heart feels.” Chuck’s column is a reminder… Continue reading
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ENOUGH!
You could have been on any college campus or any place where students hung out. He generated excitement, an excitement also felt by the middle-aged and the elderly. There was excitement from the streets of Manchester, New Hampshire, to Manhattan,… Continue reading
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Sweltering Parade Days
As with most summer days, the sun beat down on the tree-lined street. People were gathered on the sidewalk, some brought lawn chairs. Children raced playfully across shaded lawns. Buntings and a flag decorated the viewing stand. A cluster of… Continue reading
Charles van Heck's Woodhull Journal 