Cathren is a community collaborative artist who has been working with the Community Libraries of Providence and other non-profits since 2012, developing arts and literacy programs and creating public art installations. She has been an artist in residence at Hattie Ide Chaffee Home since 2023, implementing visual arts and health programs with seniors and dementia patients. Website: ArtHouseRI.com
What are The Trenches? Where are they, who lives in them, and why? This was a question asked by our publisher and it seems like a good way to start this new year. I define The Trenches as the sub-paths that branch off of the straight and narrow highway of the American Dream. Those of […]
Do a Google search on ‘tips for a healthier 2023’ and you will quickly find every suggestion you need in order to get into the best shape of your life: Exercise regularly! Eat right! Protect yourself from COVID-19 and the flu! If everybody actually followed all those tips, that would be great – but we […]
As 2022 draws its last shuddering breath, the world is on a mad dash though Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Christmas. What generally follows is a crawl to the denouement of New Year’s Day, when we will all be hit in the face with the consequences of whatever delusions we’ve permitted ourselves through the holidays. My wish […]
Dear C and Dr. B: When I was a kid I was 100% full of expectation and enthusiasm. Not a bad thing – it really motivated me to get out there and try to do something. But as an adult I find that those same expectations seem to be working against me. Whether it’s my […]
Dear C and Dr. B: I saw your column on my dad’s computer, and I am hoping maybe you can answer my question. I am 15. Last summer, my parents separated and now my mom lives someplace else even though both my parents still work at the restaurant they own. My mom has started a […]
Dear C and Dr. B; We have a new boss at work and half the people there are ready to quit after listening to her for a week. When it comes to straightening out problems and keeping things on course, she has the diplomacy of a water buffalo in heat. She has this totally negative approach! […]
Dear C and Dr. B; My wife Maeve asked me today, “Do I have ADHD?” I am a doctor and we should never diagnose friends and family, but I considered the question. Yeah – she had traits. But then, I have some of the characteristics of Asperger’s, and nearly every medical student meets the criteria […]
I spoke with Dr. Jane Chen, a professor of sociology in Taoyuan, Taiwan, about how the people of Taiwan are reacting to the ongoing conflict with China that has been making headlines for months in the global media. Cathren Housley (Motif): Do any of the people or political groups in Taiwan actually support reunification with […]
Dear C and Dr. B: My friend Adam is a really wonderful guy. He is always cooking for other people and he makes incredible food. He even won a cooking competition on a local TV channel. The problem is that he is about 100 lbs overweight and refuses to do anything about it but eat even […]
Dear C and Dr. B: Yesterday I was at the drugstore waiting in the drive-up window line. My fellow passenger in the car had tested COVID-positive and we were picking up his anti-viral prescription. Because of that, I was wearing a mask and driving with all windows open in order to protect myself. A guy […]