Ann Vondohlen and her mother Betty Stephens look over "Desiderata" in the plaque near the Bill Wolfe bronze of Max Ehrmann. Vondohlen read her favorite passage to her mother: "Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth."
The Tribune Star/Terre Haute, Ind.

By Mark Bennett
CNHI News Service

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. -- The universe – the one surrounding Max Ehrmann’s poem “Desiderata” – is now unfolding as it should.

With the recent dedication of the statue and plaza honoring the late poet, the center of the “Desiderata” universe shifted from Baltimore to Terre Haute, Ind., Ehrmann’s hometown.

And folks in both cities couldn’t be happier.

Beachgoers in Gloucester, Mass., take in large waves caused by offshore storms. Local officials urged swimmers to stay out of the water after dangerous conditions forced lifeguards to rescue a dozen people Tuesday. (Kate Glass / Gloucester (Mass.) Daily Times)

CNHI News Service

GLOUCESTER, Mass. -- Powerful currents that caused riptides along the coast led to one death and had lifeguards on full alert.

Patricia Coppock, owner of Anderson Costumes, shows off one of her favorite outfits for partygoers. This Halloween season will be her last in the business after 33 years of customizing special costumes.

By Karen Middleton
CNHI News Service

Financial experts say the economic recovery has stalled.

I guess in these difficult times it’s hard to see the glass half full when we expected so much more.

It’s the same with crooks. They have to make a living in their chosen profession.

A case in point occurred in Atlanta this summer. We all know it takes a lot of folding green to live in –– or even visit –– “Hotlanta,” so this particular crook cannot be blamed too much for seeing his glass half empty.

By Mike Pound
CNHI News Service

There is a reason most sporting events don’t start before noon and I can sum up that reason in three words: Because. That’s why.