Republic-Times
Technology and taking things for granted | Mark’s Remarks
I’m trying to remember my early days as a teacher, conjuring up memories of the “hardships” we like to tell stories about when young teachers complain about the internet being…
‘Flora and Son’ | Movie Review
Movie critics and writers often try to sound eloquent and high-brow when reviewing movies. They use metaphors. They compare movie characters to great characters in literature or find correlations between…
Let’s talk baseball | Ott Observations
Part of the beauty of sports is they give us a break from all the stresses of daily life. And in this world of increased polarization, one thing virtually all…
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…
Marybeth | 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…
Our 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…
Too 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…
Flossie 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…