Christine Otten
Listen to the words | Mark’s Remarks
Go figure. I like to listen to the oldies station. If you’ve read any of my columns about my love of history, that will come as no surprise. However, it…
The magic of an ordinary birthday | Mark’s Remarks
Bless Andrea Degenhart’s heart. Every year she wishes me a happy birthday in her column. You would think that all of us at the Republic-Times are one big happy family…
The airwaves | Mark’s Remarks
In my hometown, we have a little radio station that started broadcasting in the 1950’s. I grew up listening. In the mornings, there would be commentary from the announcer, a…
Leave no crop behind | Planet Ryan
Back in mid-May, I told you about my near-insatiable urge to plant a garden. Perhaps it’s just one of those things you feel you have to do as you get…
Waiting for Rosie | Mark’s Remarks
I know most of you remember watching “The Jetsons” when you were a kid. Or maybe when your kids were kids, or whatever. The stuff on that show seemed centuries…
The night the lights went out | Mark’s Remarks
Recently, we had a power outage that was, I thought, wonderful. It seemed everything halted for a time. We lit candles and sat around in the quiet, really enjoying each…
How hard is it to smile? | Mark’s Remarks
I went to a local business office not too long ago. A lot of you must go there from time to time. I will try to be as vague as…
The Rodent Destroyers | Planet Ryan
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been fascinated with snakes. I’m not talking about keeping a house full of them in cages or any kind of domestication –…