By Jim Nichols At the entrance to a large multi-store like Walmart or a grocery store, it is common to encounter a person or two (usually including children) with boxes in front of them containing either puppies or kittens. They are at some distance from the store itself on the driveway leading to the store. They hold cardboard signs advertising

By Jim Nichols The chorus concluded the last notes, and the director dropped her hands during the silence. Immediately, applause erupted from the audience. The conductor gave a thumbs-up to the chorus, smiled, and turned to the audience and bowed. She stepped to the side and waved her hand to the chorus as the audience continued applauding. Then, the conductor