Bill Ott

marks

Touchy subjects | Mark’s Remarks

When teachers deal with negotiations and start talking about salaries, emotions can run high. I’ve been on negotiation teams in the past. It’s rarely fun. You see, there is a…

Syria: what’s going on? | Planet Ryan

Syria. It’s the smoking hot topic around the world. Thousands of analysts all have varying takes on the situation. I love the extended coverage, personally, but the problem is that…

Sour pusses | Mark’s Remarks

We all know them. People who rarely smile. People whose mouths naturally turn downwards. People who gripe, complain, and disapprove most of the time and have the face to match.…

Soft skills that employers seek

By KATHI WEILBACHER Career Specialist Employers in today’s job market are looking for more than technical skills. They place a high value on “soft skills” — everyone needs these skills…

Every generation | Mark’s Remarks

Remember that Mike and the Mechanics song “In the Living Years” from 1988? It was a hit when I was just leaving my teenage years behind. The lyrics of that…

Transferable skills

By KATHI WEILBACHER Career Specialist As you begin your job search or consider careers you want to pursue, it’s important to know what you are good at and what you…

Find and protect your missing smartphone | Planet Ryan

According to recent statistics from Pew Research Center, more than half of American adults (61 percent) own a smartphone. That’s a staggering number, and one that will surely grow over…

Little celebrations | Mark’s Remarks

Of course, I always write school-related columns this time every year. Being a teacher for almost 25 years, starting school is always monumental time. I always seem to write columns…

Breaking Employment Barriers

By KATHI WEILBACHER Career Specialist Job hunting at any age can be stressful. For those over the age of 50, the experience can be frightening in an uncertain job market.…

Compassion for the bug | Mark’s Remarks

As the school year begins, I find myself spending every waking moment at school. I often go in early in the mornings on weekends or after the kids have gone…