Entries by Craig Harris

What animals can hold a grudge longer than their lives?

You would think that a grudge would end when an animal dies. Not so with a murder – a murder or group of crows, that is. Crows tend to live for 5-7 years. If one member of a murder has a serious grudge against someone, their murder has been known to display anger against them […]

Our Ministerial Candidate

Rev. Laura Solomon has been selected as the candidate to become the settled minister of UUCDC. Her breadth of experience, her compassion, her ability to preach and foster trust showed the Ministerial Search Committee that Rev. Laura is the person best suited to lead our congregation. On Sunday, April 27, the Ministerial Search Committee will […]

MINISTERIAL SEARCH COMPLETE!

After a nearly year-long process, a candidate for settled minister at UUCDC has been chosen! Because there are still a few I’s that need to be dotted and T’s that must be crossed, the name of this person cannot yet be revealed. More information will be provided once everything is officially set. On Sunday, April […]

The hypothalamus is a tiny part of the brain that serves many functions. Among them, it tells us to laugh when we experience a light touch to a sensitive area, and at the same time, tells us to expect a painful sensation. That’s why we tell people to stop. Laughing when tickled could be a […]

How do chimpanzees recognize each other?

Humans recognize others by their faces. And yes, chimpanzees can do that. But they also recognize each other by looking at their anogenital areas, their butts. Rear ends serve a big purpose in the chimp world. Bottoms and faces are both symmetrical, and interpreting what a behind is saying is crucial to chimpanzees’ reproductive success, […]

Happy

There is one particular song that embodies April’s Soul Matters theme: The Practice of Joy. When Pharrell Williams was young, he always had big goals. He still believes that the sky’s the limit, and has a song that lightens his spirit and brings him joy whenever he’s upset or angry: Happy.

Thresholds

The Share the Plate recipient for April is Thresholds, a nonprofit organization working to prevent violence and enhance problem-solving skills, and provides education to develop a more positive self-image for incarcerated citizens. Share the Plate receives half of all plate collections and funds received by text: $20 to 610-756-8883 for a $20 donation.

How did Louis Armstrong get the nickname Satchmo?

Louis Armstrong had many nicknames as a child, all of which referred to the size of his mouth: “Gatemouth,” “Dippermouth,” and “Satchelmouth.” During a visit to Great Britain, Louis was met by Percy Brooks, the editor of Melody Maker magazine, who greeted him by saying, “Hello, Satchmo!” (He had inadvertently contracted “Satchelmouth” into “Satchmo.”) Louis […]

What country lies south of Detroit, Michigan?

If you take the Ambassador Bridge south from Detroit, it will take you directly into Windsor, Ontario, the only major Canadian city south of the U.S. Windsor is home to, among other things, an engine plant for Ford. Detroiters had been able to pop down to Windsor and do duty-free shopping. But with tariffs, is […]