Alternative art celebrated at tattoo convention

In my time, we did not have graduation ceremonies for pre-kindergarten, kindergarten or grade school. There may have been cookies and juice before we went to high school after Grade 8, but we were never gowned, portraited and diploma-ed. I vaguely remember a white poplin dress with a yellow bow somewhere along the way, but it is an image that drifts in and out of focus with a context I can’t verify.

I must have had some ceremony at the end of high school, but as a misfit, plump and bewildered, high school was no picnic and I have brushed away the particulars.

I did not attend my undergraduate university ceremony as I was readying myself for a May wedding my mother was not pleased to design. When I received my doctorate, years later, I had two boys and a husband who understood every one of my misgivings about whether or not I could succeed.

During that last graduation, I opened the manila envelope given to me as I walked across the stage only to find a rather severe notice stating I would not be degreed unless I returned outstanding library books.

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DEAR MISS LONELYHEARTS: I kind of lost it recently with the hot weather and all the sweating, so I had my barber buddy completely shave off my thick head of hair.

Right away, I loved the cool feeling and thought it really looked good with my silver earring.

But when I came home that evening with my new look, my wife said it looked terrible and freaked her out.

Then she really went too far and said I’m now “all nose, with beady little eyes and a big mouth.” I had no idea she didn’t like my face anymore. I’ve never been considered an ugly man, but is that how my wife sees me now? At least other women don’t think so.

In November 2025, Garden Hill Anisininew Nation declared a state of emergency. The threat was not wildfire or flood. The reason was hepatitis A, a vaccine-preventable liver infection spread through contaminated water, food and close contact.