The photo of Candy Darling on her death bed that graced Antony & the Johnson's "I Am a Bird Now" conveyed the sense of quiet despair at the heart of the album. Antony Hegarty's voice conveyed weary sorrow, acceptance and, sometimes, redemption. If there was ever an album to hear in the darkest hours before dawn, it was "I Am a Bird Now." ...more

January 22, 2009

Anyone who knows me is well aware of the fact that 2008 has not been my year. In fact, if do-overs existed in life, I would gladly apply. I would even be willing to fill out forms in triplicate, stand on my head and dance a jig - all at the same time. ...more

December 24, 2008

When I approached my principal, Tim Ducker, with the plan to host a school-wide celebration in honor of the veterans in our community, I wanted to show the students that our greatest heroes do not go by the names of Brad, Angelina, T.O., Ocho Cinco or Hannah Montana, but are most often called, "grandma," "grandpa," "mom" or "dad." ...more

November 14, 2008

Candice Clark, a small-time thief who snatched her toddler from Florida custody in 2006 and was arrested later in Wisconsin with a dead woman in her backyard and a severely abused boy in her closet, has been sentenced to 55 years in prison. ...more

November 12, 2008

Candice Clark, a small-time thief who snatched her toddler from Florida custody in 2006 and was arrested later in Wisconsin with a dead woman in her back yard and a severely abused boy in her closet, has been sentenced to 55 years in prison. ...more

November 11, 2008

In the throes of her second divorce, Cheryl English hit a wall. "I drank for 25 years. I was a practicing alcoholic," said English, the mother of two boys. "I was in a master's degree program and had to drop out midterm. ...more

May 3, 2008

Few of us knew Alexa Hall. She was only 3-months-old when her mother's boyfriend allegedly shook her to death Monday. All most of us know are what we see in the photograph of a precious baby girl and the anguish of her mother and grandparents. It's enough to break the hardest heart. What we also know about Alexa, however, is that although tragedy befell her, she brought life and happiness to others in her short time here. Besides the people who loved her, her transplanted organs provided life for other babies in several locations around the country. Alexa gave the gift of life to other little ones who also faced death. As tragic as this ordeal is for her family, at least some warmth has to be felt that part of her lives on, and gives someone else the chance at a happy life. It's the ultimate gift and Alexa's legacy will never be forgotten in the hearts of those who loved her and many other people who know little of her. How many of us can say that? ...more

November 16, 2007