It is what it is: Aug. 6, 2025 – Commentary with Jen Brien

Jen Brien

by Jennifer Brien, commentary, contributing writer NO DRAMA COLUMN THIS WEEK FOLKS, seeing how summer is winding down and the world seems to be spinning out of control… I want to avoid politics and the ugliness of it all this week. Yup. There’s a TON TO TALK ABOUT, gripe about, worry about and be sad…

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Medicare and Medicaid at 60: Historic Milestones, Looming Changes – Herb Weiss

medicare 60th anniversary

By Herb Weiss, contributing writer on aging issues As 68 million Medicare beneficiaries recognize the 60th anniversary of Medicare, changes are coming to these landmark programs. Presented as efforts to slash costs and combat fraud, the thought of change to Medicare in almost any way leaves many older Americans feeling threatened that their health and…

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It is what it is: July 30, 2025 – commentary with Jen Brien

Jen Brien commentary

by Jennifer Brien, contributing writer, commentary BUCKLE UP  Well here we are gang, another week, more madness. There never seems to be a shortage these days. I mean, every day when I wake up I wince before I hit the button that takes me to the headlines. There’s never a lull, or a break from…

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It is what it is: July 23, 2025 – Commentary, Jen Brien

Jen Brien

by Jennifer Brien, contributing writer, commentary I DON’T HAVE AMNESIA Can someone please tell me why HUNTER BIDEN is showing up in interviews lately (3-hour LONG interviews, to be exact) literally yelling at EVERYONE, calling them expletives and voraciously defending the indefensible when it comes to his father? Did he just wake up one day…

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GriefSPEAK: What’s in a name? Madonna Della Civita – Mari Nardolillo Dias

People carrying a religious statue during a nighttime procession on a street.

by Mari Nardolillo Dias, EdD, contributing writer on grief and grieving In honor of St. Mary’s Day – Madonna Della Civita – celebrating in grand style this weekend in Knightsville, Cranston, RI, most notably. One of my favorite childhood bedtime stories was an old Italian legend that I called ‘the miracle story”. “Once upon a…

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It is what it is: July 16, 2025 Commentary – Jen Brien

Man pointing at a 'Rhode Island' sign on a wooden wall outdoors.

by Jen Brien, contributing writer, commentary CRAVING PEACE I recently read a story about how this generation feels so “overwhelmed” by everything and is now seeking a more “peaceful, simpler life” rather than the fast paced craziness of this world. (My first thought was… well, no “$hi#. A peaceful life is good). How are they…

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Exceptions are not the rule – Michael Morse

A quaint garden shed with flowers and greenery around it.

by Michael Morse, contributing writer, commentary Being a simple person I do my best to keep things simple. I like things neat. Straight lines are great. Circles that meet are pretty good too. When I say men are stronger than women, I mean it, knowing full well that some men are not as strong as…

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It is what it is: Commentary for 7.9.25 – Jen Brien

Person in black gear sitting on a motorbike against a white background.

by Jennifer Brien, contributing writer, commentary THE MATH AIN’T MATHING  Quoting the profundity of Jasmine Crockett (though it’s not an original quote from her) is so much fun sometimes! Not too long ago she blessed us all with that intellectual “brain dropping” but I have to say, in its various applications nowhere better does it…

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It is what it is: Commentary on July 2, 2025 with Jen Brien

Jen Brien on July 4th

by Jennifer Brien, contributing writer, commentary HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA! HEY GANG! As we kick off summer now that the kids are out of school and it’s a holiday week, I thought I’d lighten it up and have some fun! Life is so busy, and intense, and CRAZY these days with all that’s going on in…

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“Causes” – A Short Story by Michael Fine

Hands gently holding each other, symbolizing care and support.

By Michael Fine, contributing writer © 1990, 2025 by Michael Fine This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. _ He…

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