Christine Otten

A moment of your time | Mark’s Remarks

I just read an article in my hometown newspaper, written by my college sociology and composition teacher who happens to be a phenomenal writer and historian. She wrote about a…

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A self-loathing nation | Ott Obeservations

This past month, we celebrated St. Patrick’s Day.  It’s a day where most of us claim to be a little Irish.  I found myself thinking about my vacation a few…

Tornado chaser | Mark’s Remarks

As a kid, I was terrified of tornadoes. Storms didn’t bother me too much, but tornadoes really messed me up. I could really whip myself into a dither thinking about…

Getting the urge | Mark’s Remarks

My wife has been threatening me for the past few years as my retirement loomed.  Not in a bad way, by any means, but sort of a gentle coaxing. Not…

bill ott

The boys who cry wolf | Ott Observations

Reading headlines and listening to political sound bites got me thinking about the old Aesop fable “The Boy Who Cried Wolf.” It is about a shepherd boy who repeatedly fools…

Heels | Mark’s Remarks

I wonder how neglect of certain items in our lives began? I look in my closet sometimes and see a pair of shoes that are sort of squished back in…

Eggs | Mark’s Remarks

When I was a kid, I didn’t really like eggs.  I thought they stunk. I thought they looked gross, and I never really cared for the consistency or texture. If…

Graham A. Colditz, MD, Deputy Director, Institute for Public Health, is photographed at FLTC on March 15, 2022. MATT MILLER/WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

Literally taking steps to boost mental health | For Your Health

By Dr. Graham A. Colditz Siteman Cancer Center Apart from not smoking, it’s hard to find something that’s better for us than being physically active. From lowering the risk of…

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Not in my neighborhood | Ott Observation

nn, a Catholic charity. They want to build a shelter for unhoused pregnant women in West St. Louis County.  Some potential residential neighbors protested based on security concerns.  A lawsuit…

Looking good | Mark’s Remarks

 pants to wear to church. I didn’t have new shoes, or a tie, or even new underwear.  It had always been a tradition for us to have new clothes at…