One of the first things that attracted me to SOTRU was the idea of telling the stories behind the news headlines– the issues that may inform our lives in a big way, but don’t make it to the top of a newscast or front page of the paper. But, that said, knowing what’s going down where we live is a vital part of having a healthy community… and these are not easy times for the news industry. (more…)

While Greensburg, Kansas, is rebuilding as a green community, it is also constructing new cultural cornerstones. The 5.4.7 Arts Center is a nonprofit organization that is fascinating in both look and mission. They are another important and quiet exciting piece in Greensburg’s rebirth and were kind enough to answer some questions: (more…)

Hear How This Little Instrument Is Changing Lives

Sounds of the Re:Union - The Milwaukee Ukulele Club

The ukulele typically evokes thoughts of a Pacific island paradise, but as we found out, it’s all the rage in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Milwaukee Ukulele Club consists of a group of people who come together to play the small instrument and find a meaningful, positive social outlet that creates a unique sense of community in their lives.  We spoke with the club’s founder and leader Lil Rev, as well as members Nina and Cheryl Ann. (more…)

In living with a two year old, SpongeBob rules the domestic airwaves. Additionally, the margin I once used to hit up my favorite news websites has diminished to near nonexistence. So it’s this out of touch cavern that I reside in and to be honest, it’s not all that bad. Frustration spawned from political insanity and the daily global chaos has been replaced by the antics of an underwater world ruled by Krabby Patties. But one of the pitfalls of unplugging like this is reaching a comfort level with omitting certain things that should never be dismissed from my daily stream of consciousness. (more…)