R-T Columns
The informality of our youth | Mark’s Remarks
I have often thought of the contrasts that present themselves when we look back at our early days on this earth; or for that matter, even before we got here.…
Read MoreMotherhood | Ott Observations
Some people think Mother’s Day is a holiday contrived by greeting card companies and florists to sell more of their products. Certainly the crass commercialization of religious or historical events…
Read MoreSchool laziness | Mark’s Remarks
I just saw a Snow Angel Challenge video, which the kids call reels these days. It was a guy in swim trunks who had been challenged to dress that way,…
Read MoreA good plan? | Ott Observations
Depending on the day of the week, we have heard many different reasons for President Trump’s proposed and real tariffs. Many of Trump’s supporters believe he is trying to restore…
Read MoreToo much sittin’ around | Mark’s Remarks
I’m coming up on one year since I retired from a 34 -year teaching career, and it has flown by at warp speed. I didn’t think it would. I wasn’t…
Read MorePeacekeeping | Mark’s Remarks
It occurs to me quite often how many of us spend an enormous amount of time trying to be proactive with people. If you are a people pleaser like me…
Read MoreTrust issues | Ott Observations
This opinion column started with a Letter to the Editor I wrote in November 2020 immediately after the election. My Republican friends and neighbors were aghast at the pending destruction…
Read MoreFavorite quotes of Lewis | Mark’s Remarks
We recently saw a performance of “The Screwtape Letters,” a story by C.S. Lewis which was made into a 90-minute play. It was extraordinary. I would recommend reading the book,…
Read MoreSittin’ in church | Mark’s Remarks
My brother and I have had issues with giggling for a long time. We have a mutual twisted sense of humor and if one of us goes off the rails…
Read MoreThe only real guardrails | Ott Observations
Throughout the first Trump presidency and after, there was constant media banter about the “guardrails of democracy.” Trump’s use of executive power was unprecedented in our history and raised many…
Read MoreVictim mentality | Mark’s Remarks
eing the victim is a lot of fun sometimes. You often get a lot of attention, at least for a while, from people who rally around you, feel sorry for…
Read MoreYou know what happens when you assume | Mark’s Remarks
It’s funny how things occur to you when you are older, and you think “Wow. If I’d only known.” Am I right? How often did you assume something that you…
Read More