Category Archives: News

Sept. 11: One of those Never Forget days

Posted on by September 12, 2017

September 11th. It’s still strange to me that many younger people don’t have much of a reaction to that date.

I’m guessing it was the same for the Baby Boomers when I wouldn’t flinch at the mention of Nov. 22, 1963, when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated or of April 4, 1968, when the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. was killed.

The Twin Towers on Sept. 11, 2001. Photo by YU-bin

For me Sept. 11, 2001 is one of those Never-Forget days. It was … Read more ...

The Divided States of America: I’m inspired and afraid

Posted on by January 31, 2017

Each day I sit down at my laptop and begin to write. There’s so much to discuss, so much has happened, but each day there’s a new political bombshell. Like many of you, I start each day wondering what’s next America?

Obviously, I’m talking about the President of the United States who has been in office for less than two weeks. In that time, presidential orders have been made to ban immigrants from a country founded by immigrants, to build a $40 billion wall, restricting … Read more ...

In the wake of Trump, Norwegians still give me their condolences

Posted on by December 12, 2016

Unlike my friends in the US, it’s easy for me to watch the news and not be bombarded with Donald Trump, his political appointments and latest shenanigans. Living in Norway, I still follow it all closely online, but I’m not overwhelmed by it on TV, social media, or in cafes and shops.

It wasn’t always like that. Right after the elections, even across the pond, I felt overwhelmed by the incessant chatter: How did Trump win? Was it a mistake? What were Americans thinking!?!?

And … Read more ...

Post-Trump: We hear you conservative America, and hopefully you’re willing to listen too

Posted on by November 10, 2016

I’m gutted. Donald Trump is the next president of the United States and I’m simply gutted.

I understand that so many people are thrilled for this, and I respect the outcome of the election as well as their right to be happy their candidate won. I, however, am devastated. I’m devastated and at a loss for the right words.

15032823_10102763915607762_3075969707516365478_nIt’s not that I think that the Washington establishment is fantastic. No. Not at all. But what saddens me is road the country has traveled to … Read more ...

‘They Will Have To Kill Us First’ doc shows Malian music can’t be stopped

Posted on by March 5, 2016

Music was as essential as air for those living in the west African country of Mali. Then the Islamist militants flooded in and banned music, choking off an integral part of Mali’s culture.

Instruments were burned, radio stations were ripped apart and musicians were tortured. The feature-length documentary, “They Will Have to Kill Us First: Malian Music in Exile” shows what life was like when jihadists tried to stop the music. It opens this weekend in New York at the Village East Cinema … Read more ...