Culture

A look into the puzzling world of Kung Fu Jimmy

June 1st, 2016

Do you like puzzles? Perhaps at some time in the last year you have contemplated the puzzles included toward the end of every issue of the High Plains Reader. Or maybe you took part in last November’s trivia game show/podcast Rocket Surgery at Dempsey’s and The Aquarium.

Both happen to be the brainchildren of a Mr. James Osborne, affectionately referred to by many as ‘Kung Fu Jimmy’ (and in the case of Rocket Surgery, one certainly can’t neglect the huge contributions by…

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​Red River Market’s second season

June 1st, 2016

Simone Wai, board member for the Red River Market, is excited about 2016’s changes and new offerings.

First of all, the market is moving to a new location, at 409 Broadway North, in front of the former Schumacher Goodyear. Simone thinks this new location will continue the “plaza format” and that this year there will be “at least twice as many vendors” than year one, likely 50-60 vendors. Simone explains, “Our offerings are increasing in every category, including makers,…

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​Planting memories

June 1st, 2016

By Ben Haugmo

benhaugmo@yahoo.com

The past meets the present at Moorhead’s Heritage Garden, which is holding its upcoming community planting days, and is seeking both donations and volunteer assistance.

The garden organizers are currently accepting via email promises of donations of perennials . After confirmation is received, donors can either bring their plants to the site on June 4 or make arrangements to have the plants picked up.

Volunteers can help with planting at the garden on…

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​All in for Alzheimer’s

May 25th, 2016

By Lonna Whiting

Lonna.Whiting@bcbsnd.com

My mom was diagnosed with dementia at age 61.

Now age 64 and three years into her dementia progression, she is completely dependent on others for daily cares, including bathroom time, bathing and eating, and often communicating.

We know more is coming for mom before “the end,” which is likely years from now. She’ll forget who we are. She’ll forget how to talk, walk and sit upright in a chair.

She’ll forget how to breathe.

She will not…

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​From Cuba with love

May 25th, 2016

By Mike Dalager

The doors are finally open! After many decades of patiently playing the waiting game, President Obama has relaxed the laws regarding US citizens being allowed to travel to Cuban territory.

Following in the president’s footsteps, I went for a visit. The main reason for traveling to Cuba was to conduct an investigative report into the understanding of global politics of the Cuban people, focusing on the loosening of travel restrictions for Americans and the subsequent…

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​Compassion Is Key With Plants For Patients

May 18th, 2016

By Ben Haugmo

A little kindness can go a long way, especially when shown to those facing life-altering decisions.

Plants for Patients aims to take an impartial approach to providing comfort to women under the care of the Red River Women’s Clinic.

The organization is holding an upcoming event for community members to pot plants for patients, and to write notes of encouragement to include with those plants. As a special treat, the first 15 participants to sign up for a free ticket on the…

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​Blind In High Definition

May 16th, 2016

by John David Berdahl

Hey! I'm John David Berdahl. I'm a writer, artist and musician here in Fargo-Moorhead. I've been described by some as, "A really nice guy. A really, really nice guy. He's the nicest guy you'd ever meet. Patient, smart, kind, conscientious and very talented!" And I'm thankful and appreciative for that description.

Me in a little more detail? I'm an Aspie, or I have Asperger's Syndrome, which can be defined as, "an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) considered to be on the…

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Bonanzaville: The Haunted Houston House

May 12th, 2016

By C.S. Hagen

Late at night, the north wind whistles through the Houston House cracks. Raindrops – tiny footsteps to the imagination – flick against the 135-year-old frame, now fitted with aluminum siding.

Darkness retreats reluctantly under a lantern’s light revealing Victorian opulence: fine lace curtains, a dusty gilt leather-bound Bible, thick as a set of encyclopedias, an Art Deco mahogany bookshelf towering above parlor chairs, a pump organ sitting silently and opposite a…

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​VETERANS UNPACK THEIR EXPERIENCES AT NDSU

May 7th, 2016

American Civil War general William Tecumseh Sherman famously quipped, “War is hell.” That also seems to be the thrust of the majority of wartime film and literature that has been passed down to us over history.

The individuals who become soldiers are never quite the same people when they return from combat. Things like taking the life of another person and witness the deaths of civilians, innocents, or friends take their toll and it is quite the adjustment from seeing those…

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​THE KENTUCKY DERBY: A PERSONAL HISTORY

May 6th, 2016

Growing up in rural Kentucky, one hour southwest of Louisville, the home of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby, the excitement of “Derby Day” was palpable. More often than not, pulled pork barbecue was in the crockpot early in the morning, filling our farmhouse with one of the most delicious scents in the world (number one being really good fried chicken).

Coverage of the day’s events started in the morning on Louisville-area television stations, so no Saturday morning…

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