Author: Vince LaBarbera

Some say Halloween is for children. But they haven’t met my friend, Rod King. You see, Rod is a cardboard craftsman. He can fashion about anything out of cellulose fiber. He’s made tunnels, hills, roads and a village for his train layout, fashioned . . . Read More

“Silence is golden” is a proverbial saying often used in circumstances where it is thought that saying nothing is preferable to speaking. That proverb could apply today for many cell-phone users. . . Read More

Way back in 1963 there was an American epic comedy film titled “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World” starring Spencer Tracy about the madcap pursuit of $350,000 in stolen cash by a diverse and colorful group of strangers. . . Read More

When I was in graduate school at Northwestern University near Chicago, I took a photography course. What a revolting development my final project turned out to be. We’re talking a long time ago when black-and-white photography and film were in vogue. . . . Read More

Most of us know our Nation observes the birthdays of Presidents George Washington (Feb. 22) and Abraham Lincoln (Feb. 12) this month on President’s Day (Feb. 20). Some folks commemorate Groundhog Day (Feb. . . Read More

One of my favorite songs is “Toyland.” Even well past the Christmas season, I find myself humming its melody from time to time. Actually, “Toyland” is not really a Christmas carol at all, but it obviously is played throughout the holiday season . . . Read More

Well, obviously I do want to talk about it, or I wouldn’t be writing this article. But I’m just going to tell it once here and then I don’t want to discuss it any further. . . Read More

Every once in a while, a gem comes along via e-mail that is worth keeping and repeating. Here’s such a jewel titled: “A mayonnaise jar and two cups of coffee.” A professor stood before his philosophy class with some items in front of him. . . Read More

Who’s the most famous person you’ve met? Maybe it was a Hollywood celebrity, movie star or Broadway headliner. Perhaps it was a recording artist, television entertainer or sports star. Whoever it was, we’ll wager you were thrilled with the opportunity to shake the person’s hand, get an autograph, have your picture taken with the celeb or be introduced and greet him or her face to face. . . Read More

If you have ever had a dog as a pet that you loved, then you know that life is better with a dog. My wife, Marty, and I love dogs, almost as much as dogs love people. . . Read More