R-T Columns
Real education support | Ott Observations
In the past few months, Waterloo School Board meetings have been setting parent attendance records. Coverage of these meetings by the Republic-Times has required some of the largest column inch…
Read MoreWaving goodbye | Mark’s Remarks
When the end of summer rolls around, I begin to remember things I knew as a kid. I remember the katydids and crickets singing as the sun was going down.…
Read MoreAnd just like that, before you know it | Mark’s Remarks
With each passing year, I am amazed at how quickly time goes by. I’ve said it before, again and again, so much so that I risk the thought of you…
Read MoreReflections on Affirmative Action | Ott Observations
Recently, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Affirmative Action is unconstitutional. For almost 50 years, this has been an admissions practice by universities, accepting minority student applicants who might not…
Read MoreOffended by the uncomfortable | Mark’s Remarks
In the past few years, I’ve noticed that people don’t want to hear from anyone they disagree with, because people who disagree with them make them feel uncomfortable or not…
Read MoreActing out | Mark’s Remarks
It happened, even with my brother and I. We’d be at our grandparents or someone else’s house. Our parents would come to pick us up, and we’d get into a…
Read MoreThe A to Zzzzz of Healthy Sleep | For Your Health
By Dr. Graham A. Colditz Siteman Cancer Center It’s that time of year when it can be pretty easy to lose a couple hours of good sleep. Even if we’re…
Read MoreImagine | Ott Observations
Imagination is a powerful word. To have a goal is to imagine something beyond where you’re at today. Progress requires both an imagined better situation and imagination as to how…
Read MoreWalter | Mark’s Remarks
We have not had the best track record with dogs. Our first two dogs met untimely deaths, one accidentally and the other due to health issues. Both deaths were…
Read MoreHaving no clue | Mark’s Remarks
If you’ve read many of my columns, you can almost figure out what type of week I’ve had or what season of life I’m in. When I read over…
Read MoreDestroying our institutions (and ourselves?) | Ott Observations
The definition of an “institution” is an established official organization having an important role in the life of a country. Established practices, customs or laws are also considered institutions. Institutions…
Read MoreWash Day | Mark’s Remarks
One thing I think about, especially on early summer mornings, is wash day at my grandma’s house. It was always on Monday, and there was a system she had. If…
Read More