Bill Ott

Logic | Mark’s Remarks

Lately, I’ve headed to work as the first bits of daylight light up the sky and noticed the moon is still out. The other morning, there was a big ‘ol…

Cool it | Mark’s Remarks

I heard a very respected leader, one who I hold in high regard, use the words “cool it” the other day.  This was amid squawking about how life isn’t fair.…

Hanging out with Jesus

Sometimes my judgmental self and my good-person self pass one another in the hallway.  There, they have a good argument about what’s right and what is wrong.  More often than…

Man cards and the demise of the male species

I had a good conversation recently with a gentleman I respect very much.  We talked a good deal about how guys are, about friends and friendships, and about how men…

What’d ya get? | Mark’s Remarks

Every year, when school starts back up, I like to eavesdrop on my students a little. I usually hear them talking about “what they got” for Christmas. There is some…

That was the year that was | Mark’s Remarks

When I look back at this year, I can honestly say it’s been one of the worst.  I won’t begin to list all the reasons, but there are plenty. I’m…

Mismatched

My youngest daughter has always been her own person. She is still, after living almost a decade, able to be a free thinker and is true to her convictions.  She…

Christmas recommendations | Mark’s Remarks

Some of my earliest memories of Christmas involved being sprawled out in front of the television set, watching all the Christmas shows.   Back then, the early-to-mid-1970s, I don’t think…

Filling space | Mark’s Remarks

I read books that are designed for middle school students because I want to see what they are reading and what I can recommend.   I’m currently reading a story…

Letter to the Commander in Chief

Dear Mr. President: When you became a candidate in 2016, I rooted for you. I wasn’t pleased with your demeanor or with much of how you behaved, but I strongly…