Andrea F.D. Saathoff

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The Blind Side: Spin-Off 1 | Mark’s Remarks

A while back, I talked about my disdain for the movie the “Blind Side.” This was after Sandra Bullock won an Academy Award for playing the lead character, a real…

Faith in Humanity Restored | Planet Ryan

Just when I thought humans on this planet were past the point of redemption, a wonderful story came along that totally changed my outlook in less than five minutes. In…

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Keeping House | Mark’s Remarks

I have written several times that I am a recovering neatness-nut. It’s a struggle.  However, wasted quality time with family and friends over the years simply because I was more…

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‘The BFG’ | Movie Review

Spielberg’s Presentation of Dahl’s “The BFG” is big, fun and good! Having always been an avid reader of Roald Dahl’s work, I cautiously approached Steven Spielberg’s adaptation, expecting there to…

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Headin’ South | Mark’s Remarks

As I write, we have returned from our recent family vacation to the Great Smoky Mountains.  I sit in a living room littered with the unpacked cargo we brought in…

It’s terror. Period. | Planet Ryan

Like everyone else Sunday morning, I was shocked and saddened to learn that 49 American citizens were slaughtered and 50-plus more were wounded in Orlando, Fla., while simply trying to…

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I’ve always wanted to do that | Mark’s Remarks

Our little theater group just wrapped up a production of “Deathtrap” at the great Capitol Theater in Waterloo. It was, I think, the 15th show I’ve been in with Monroe…

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A Way With Words | Mark’s Remarks

Believe it or not, I took journalism courses and was editor of my high school newspaper. I was blessed to have, for at least a couple of years, the legendary…

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One Last Glimpse | Mark’s Remarks

Like most seniors, we had gotten out of school a week before and returned briefly that next week for graduation practice. All of us seemed more relaxed and happy, the…

Days of Old | Planet Ryan

Last week was one of those weeks for me that tested my multitasking skills thanks to a long list of work and personal commitments that all sort of ran together…