Ndamukong Suh, defensive tackle for the Detroit Lions, was suspended after stepping on Green Bay Packers Quarterback Aaron Rodgers' leg after a play during a Monday night football game. I watched the video and call me naïve, but I don't know that I believe it was necessarily intentional. Regardless of what I think, it doesn't matter, I commend the NFL…[...]

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Last month West Virginia voters sent a message for change, seating a Republican legislative majority for the first time in 80 years. Candidates on both sides of the aisle ran big on jobs. Candidates that campaigned on staunch opposition to the EPA's efforts to mitigate the impact of climate change resonated with voters that believe that the President and his…[...]

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I was recently introduced to a book entitled "Hand to Mouth, Living in Bootstrap America" by Linda Tirado, and it reminded me of my own experiences with being poor. So much of what I read in this book reminded me in some part of the way that I lived the last two years of high school and my first year…[...]

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The anticipation of the beginning of a new year leaves many with high hopes and dreams that may finally be fulfilled. Whether it is a personal or professional goal to meet, this can be a very exciting time for so many. But, what about the person who has had a horrible year? Can they be so optimistic or do they…[...]

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A month ago, I was in Ferguson, Missouri to depose the St. Louis County chief medical examiner in the place where Michael Brown's autopsy occurred. I was concerned about safety, which primarily stemmed from what information I was receiving through the media. During my trip, I had the opportunity to speak about these tragic events with a diverse number of…[...]

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"I will pray for you." I recently heard these words spoken to me more than once. "I will pray for you." When first spoken, my eyes opened just a fraction. I could feel the blood rushing through my body and hear a kind of whooshing sound in my ears. I felt alarmed. I thought what do you know that I…[...]

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One of the most difficult decisions most families face at some point in their lives is having to place a loved one in a nursing home or other similar facility. Most of us will take on this challenge at some point and, as heart wrenching as it often is, sometimes there really is no other practical choice. For a family,…[...]

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What do Tom Cruise, Will Smith, Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Robert Downey, Jr., Channing Tatum, Steve Carell, 50 Cent, Matt Damon, Jake Gyllenhaal and Vin Diesel all have in common? Of course they are all accomplished actors, but they all have also recently filmed movies in Pittsburgh. A quick Google search showed that at least 48 movies have been shot…[...]

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"Silent Night, Holy Night..." Every Christmas we sing the words of this beloved carol. But have you ever wondered: just how "silent" was it on that first Christmas? With Mary ready to deliver, the holy couple is led quickly to a stable behind a busy inn. You can hear the sound of Joseph's frantic preparations, making a suitable place in…[...]

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Behind every great man, stands an even greater woman. Right? Well, what do we really know about Mrs. Claus? I envision her always baking cookies and I kind of imagined the elves as her "children." I have no doubt she hums Christmas tunes all day long and smells like sugar. I imagine I could lick the walls of her house…[...]

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