Columnists
Want to Fix Government? Here’s How
It’s that time of year when we pay more attention to our money – because Uncle Sam and all his many, many, many, many relatives in Washington, Indianapolis and right here at home have their hands out and have ever-so-kindly given us until April 15 to fork over our hard-earned dollars. OK, forget the family…
Read MoreCOOL VACATION IN A HOT SPOT
There? Really! In the winter? Seriously? That’s what many people said when I told them that Mary Ellen and I (and our son) were headed to Iceland for a vacation and taking 17 hearty souls with us. We knew that others had gone on this very same adventure and loved it. For many, this destination…
Read MoreVaccines and Autism
Vaccines are among the most significant advancements in public health, preventing diseases that previously devastated communities and caused widespread illness and death. Despite overwhelming evidence demonstrating vaccine safety, misinformation about vaccines persists—particularly the myth linking them to autism. As a family physician who practiced in rural west central Indiana, I regularly discussed vaccine concerns with…
Read MoreLove of Writing, Noblesville Helped Shape Guest Columnist
It was the spring of 1964 and I was 6 years old. As I sat by the creek that wound around my country home in Noblesville, I was taken by the beauty of the buds on the weeping willow tree that swayed softly over the rippling creek. I was an only child, but my life…
Read MoreMedia Isn’t Giving You Whole Story
A recent story in the media reported the Indiana Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith wants to double his office’s budget. This, during a time when Gov. Mike Braun is asking for state agencies and departments to tighten their belt. Doesn’t sound like very responsible government, does it? Remember Paul Harvey? Miss him? Yeah, me too. So…
Read MoreAsk Rusty – Can I Avoid Paying the Medicare Premium?
Dear Rusty: Is there any way I can get out of paying the $185 I am told will be taken out of my Social Security for Medicare Part B when I turn 65? We pay for Medicare all our working lives, and now I have to pay a monthly premium for insurance that only covers…
Read MoreDespite Track Record, Purdue Gets Little Respect from Prognosticators
Here are some interesting numbers from Purdue’s NCAA Tournament run. Six – That’s the number of Sweet 16 appearances over the last eight tournaments. Midwest Region top seed Houston, the Boilermakers’ opponent Friday night at Lucas Oil Stadium, also has six. Seven – Numbers of turnovers against High Point, matching a school record for fewest…
Read MoreChamomile, the 2025 Herb of the Year
From Time to Thyme By Paula Dunn The Herb Society of Central Indiana may not be holding their annual Spring Symposium, but we can still celebrate the 2025 Herb of the Year, chamomile (or camomile, if you prefer the traditional British spelling.) The word, “chamomile” is derived from the Greek for “ground or earth apple”…
Read MoreThe Parable of the Delivery People
Shipt has been delivering my groceries for approximately two years now. It saves a lot of time, especially now since I’m not fond of going to the stores, especially during COVID. I received a text from a young lady “Ameerah” telling me she was starting to shop for my groceries, but she was running a…
Read MoreThe Newspaper Industry Showed Up
A buddy I consider a brother and I were talking about the current state of affairs in the newspaper industry. We mentioned the old Walt Kelly cartoon, Pogo. Way back on Earth Day in 1970, Kelly drew Pogo standing in a forest filled with trash and garbage. He had a forlorn look on his face.…
Read More