Charles Thomas: The Low-Risk Way to Jump Social Classes
WSV’s Charles Thomas argues a person doesn’t have to attend an Ivy League school to better their lives or the lives of their children in this week’s “Big World, Small Town.”
Charles's Latest Articles
Charles Thomas: A Very Serious Column
WSV's Charles Thomas writes, "Denial is considered an unhealthy defense mechanism while suppression is considered healthy. Sure, you could sit around all day and ponder the inevitability of death, but thanks to suppression, most of us are able to put that nasty little detail out of our minds and do the dishes, mow the lawn or write the column. But the denial of death, on the other hand, can lead to people making risky decisions or living what Plato called 'an unexamined life.' When it comes to defense mechanisms, it’s important to make the healthy choice."
The Surprising Power of Collaboration
WSV's Charles Thomas tells the story of Spencer Silver and Art Fry, who together invented Post-It Notes in the 1970s, as an example of the "amazing things (that) can happen when people collaborate."
Column: The Death of the Guitar Solo
WSV's Charles Thomas writes, "I know a lot of people my age often talk about how contemporary music isn't as good as it was when they were younger, but that hasn't been my impression. There's still a lot of great music being made in 2021. What has struck me, though, as I compare the music of my youth to the music of today is the general lack of musicianship in today’s popular music. I've sampled dozens of popular songs in the last few weeks and I've been struck by the total and complete lack of songs featuring a guitar solo, or any instrumental solo for that matter."
Proposed solar farm in Fabius Township generates controversy
A proposed solar farm in Fabius Township is generating more controversy than energy at the moment. The project, which is in the “very preliminary” stages of development, has some township residents concerned about how it would affect property values, how it may look, and whether it will affect lifestyles of those who live nearby.
Our Unquiet Minds: The Mental Health Impact of COVID-19
WSV columnist and licensed psychotherapist Charles Thomas writes, "Sometimes, in the midst of a crisis, a tiny dose of compassion, and a little help keeping things in perspective can be very powerful medicine."
Charles Thomas: The Biggest Barrier to Self-Improvement
WSV Columnist Charles Thomas writes, "While it’s great to aim high, such lofty goals have a major downside. When our resolution is to lose 50 pounds, it’s hard to get very excited when we’ve lost five pounds. That’s just a drop in the bucket, a mere 10 percent of the goal! But when we start smaller and make our initial goal to lose five pounds, we can celebrate an actual victory as we plan how to take the next step."
Editorial: A Calculator for Christmas
Watershed Voice Columnist Charles Thomas writes about his upbringing, and the greatest gift his father ever gave him.
The Elusiveness of Justice: The Trial of the Chicago 7
In his latest column WSV's Charles Thomas reviews The Trial of the Chicago 7. The film, written and directed by The West Wing creator Aaron Sorkin, tells the true story of seven men federally charged with inciting violence during the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
Column: Fall Seven Times, Stand up Eight
In the real world, recovery from addiction is often a lengthy and agonizing process, both for the addict and their loved ones. Recovery happens in fits and starts and repeated relapse is almost always part of the marathon road to sobriety. In fact, real world recovery looks less like that The Bold and the Beautiful storyline and more like the public trials being faced by St. Joseph County Prosecutor John McDonough.
