Tempering Expectations For McCartney Album

by Kevin Burton    I think writers borrow the whole Dickens thing too much. You know, best of times-worst of times. But here I think, it fits.    As a Beatles fan I am of course looking forward to “The Boys of Dungeon Lane,” PaulMcCartney’s first new solo album in six years, set for release …

Dual Citizenship Now A Popular Escape Route

by Ellie Cobb BBC    When Emily Hill, a novelist from Everett, Washington, heard about the recent changes to Canada’s citizenship-by-descent rules, she immediately wondered whether a family connection might make her eligible.    “I felt like I’d been struck by lightning,” she says, explaining that her grandmother was born in Montreal. “This possibility was …

Good News! Taking Action, Saving Lives

by Kevin Burton    The Good News Network is a good place to hang out. It’s a place to find stories Paul Harvey would have liked.    Good news above the fold for a change, and why not?    “Above the fold” refers to the part of a newspaper that shows in a newspaper box. …

These Ten Words Emerged From the Military

by Dictionary Scoop.    Most nations in history have taken great pride in the strength and honor of their military. So it seems logical that something as valuable for any society has a profound and direct impact on the way we communicate with each other. We have selected  a few words we use every day that have military …

Where Your Favorite Cheeses Come From

by Dictionary Scoop     Whether you’re a cheese expert or just enjoy a good slice on your sandwich, you’ll enjoy this flavorful ride.    There are fascinating stories behind the cheeses we eat every day. So, let’s take a trip around the world—one cheesy stop at a time—and explore ten places that gave these famous …

“Love Will Keep Us Together” Is Pop Perfection

by Kevin Burton     Did you know the 1975 smash “Love Will Keep Us Together” by Captain and Tennile is actually a breakup song?    Hey, I was there. Yes it is, a breakup song!    Well, sort of.    Fifty years ago today it was in the beginning of a four-week run at the …

Weird Traditions From Around The World

by Dictionary Scoop    Traditions come in all shapes and sizes, from a small family tradition involving a special breakfast treat to an annual activity shared by an entire community.    In that sense, some traditions around the world may seem downright strange to a keen observer. That’s why we’ve decided to highlight some of …

Can’t Forget The Breakfast Club, Simple Minds

by Kevin Burton    It’s been 40 years and I haven’t forgotten.    But it would appear that my limited affection for Simple Minds begins and ends with Ally Sheedy and The Breakfast Club.    Both the band and the Brat Pack were white hot in 1985, 40 years ago this week, when “Don’t You …

Here Comes The Bride…With 95 Bridesmaids?

by The Times (UK)    In a traditional wedding, when bridesmaids start to walk down the aisle, the bride is typically a few steps behind.    Guests at one wedding in Northern Ireland last week, however, had to watch nearly 100 bridesmaids pass in pairs before getting a glimpse of the bride.    Kathryn McGowan, …

This Girl Had A Pocket Full Of Determination

by Kevin Burton    It’s girl power times three on Page 7 today.    The third story is about car repair, the first two about clothing, beginning with my favorite, a rare tale of a big company responding to consumers. All three are from the Good news Network:    “A young English schoolgirl named Georgia …