R-T Columns
Taste Buds | Church fundraiser serves up more than food
In the sparkling new fellowship hall, the Zoar United Church of Christ congregation served a summer smorgasbord at their annual barbeque and fundraiser on Aug. 3. A bustling church kitchen…
Read MoreExceptions ARE the rule | Ott Observations
Recently, I was reading the results of the 2024 World Happiness Report. This is a well-regarded annual study of happiness by country. It is based on statistical and survey analysis…
Read MoreSummer of 1978 | Mark’s Remark
Friday was my birthday. I got my driver’s license 41 years ago. I’m headed toward sexagenarianism, and as exciting as that sounds, I find it alarming. Not necessarily in…
Read MoreEssential cinema | Mark’s Remarks
Last week, I wrote about reading and how summer seems to lend itself to new discoveries and topics. This week, how about some popcorn and some movie talk? I’ll wait…
Read MoreTotal incompetence | Ott Observations
So much has already been written and said about the 2020 presidential election that I hesitate to add more. I look at the issue a little differently, though. Donald Trump’s…
Read MoreSummer reading and girly books | Mark’s Remarks
Sometimes books can be dangerous. I have a few friends who recommend and loan books to me, and one of my friends is always spot on about the books I…
Read MoreThe outage | Mark’s Remarks
Where were you? Many of us can remember who we were with, what we were wearing and even what words were said if we were around for important, shocking, or…
Read MoreNuanced conversation and complex thinking
College student pro-Palestinian protests have dominated the news cycle of late. University administrators have been struggling to find the right balance between respecting freedom of speech, protecting students from…
Read MoreOK | Mark’s Remarks
Several years ago, I was pumping gas and I heard a noise over the usual gas station noise. Finally, I realized it was a voice. “Mr. T.! Mr. T.!” I…
Read MoreA sweet change: Cutting back on added sugars | For Your Health
By Dr. Graham A. Colditz Siteman Cancer Center You often wouldn’t know it from what we see on TV and social media, but the basics of a healthy lifestyle can…
Read MoreWicked anyway | Mark’s Remarks
Scholars, believers and skeptics all tend to have the same questions about the Bible. At times, we come across things that are puzzling or even hard to believe. Those folks…
Read MoreReal journalism | Ott Observations
Thanks to performance artist politicians who don’t want to be contradicted by the truth, it has become vogue to dismiss any media criticism as “fake media.” Let’s explore more deeply…
Read More