R-T Columns
Block party | Mark’s Remarks
Michelle is a good match for me, because she often has fanciful ideas that end up being excellent ones. After I unintentionally pop her idea bubble, bring up boring…
Read MoreMarybeth | Mark’s Remarks
“Have you met Marybeth yet?” My friends who already knew her said we just had to meet. I had no idea who this Marybeth was. People kept telling me…
Read MoreOur two biggest challenges | Ott Observations
I think our country today faces two immense and complex challenges, but they aren’t what you think. It’s not the economy, the environment or how to handle Russia, China or…
Read MoreToo much discussion | Mark’s Remarks
I love to watch the show “Hoarders.” Most of the episodes are predictable. A team comes in, assesses the hoard and then goes about convincing the person to let go…
Read MoreFlossie and the chip | Mark’s Remarks
Sometimes when I am majorly fed up with some of my own children and their idiosyncrasies, I try very hard to reach back in the recesses of my memory and…
Read MoreReal 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…
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