Columnists
Roller-Coaster Season for Purdue’s Boilermakers Continues Into NCAA
The roller-coaster ride taken by the Purdue men’s basketball team since the dawn of 2026 is once again on an upward trajectory. Becoming the first No. 7 seed to win the Big Ten Tournament has renewed some faith in the eighth-ranked Boilermakers, who were viewed as a preseason national championship contender. Beating the Michigan all-star…
Read MoreCelebrating “Tea-riffic Herbs”
From Time to Thyme By Paula Dunn When I learned that the 2026 Herb of the Year was turmeric, my initial reaction was, “Oh. Great.” Not being into spicy food, I’ve never had occasion to use turmeric. I do, however, know a few things about it. Turmeric comes from the rhizome of the plant, Curcuma…
Read MoreTaking Care of the Caregiver
More than 50 million people provide care for a chronically ill, disabled or aging family member during any given year. Whoever said that family matters must stay out of the workplace has never been a caregiving family member. So just who are these folks who are juggling responsibilities in the workplace as well as their…
Read MoreAbraham Lincoln’s Younger Brother
In 2012, NPR did a survey on Abraham Lincoln. How many books were written about him? The estimate came out to around 15,000. To read a few is to presume to know the man. His is an American story: ancestors moving from the east coast after the Revolutionary war to settle in the Midwest. Going from rags to riches, and going from…
Read MoreCramping My Style
I have leg cramps. I know the last thing you want to hear about is the medical problems of some two-bit humorist. Sometimes my calf cramps into a knot at night, and the pain becomes unbearable. My hands also cramp, along with my fingers. Sometimes, it’s my thigh. Keep reading this column; it’s about to…
Read MoreNO LAUGHING MATTER
About three months ago, a friend who lives in a nearby state asked if I would be willing to give a presentation to the local hospitals’ laughter club. Apparently, there are quite a few of these around the country. They provide an opportunity for staff and patients to enjoy the true benefits of a good…
Read MoreBehind the Mic With Purdue Announcers Rob Blackman, Bobby Riddell
Every play-by-play announcer dreams of a signature call. Think Al Michaels and the 1980 Olympic hockey semifinal between the U.S. and Soviet Union. “Do You Believe in Miracles? Yes!” To this point in Rob Blackman’s career with the Purdue Global Radio Network, his came on Easter Sunday in 2024 in Detroit during the final seconds…
Read MoreWhy Is My SS Retirement Benefit So Small?
Dear Rusty: Can you help me understand? I have paid into Social Security since I started working in 1978. I did have a lot of tax deductions, but I don’t understand why I only receive $350 a month from Social Security. Signed: Befuddled Senior Dear Befuddled Senior: Your Social Security benefit is based upon your average monthly earnings for…
Read MorePaula’s Hamilton County March Madness Quiz
From Time to Thyme By Paula Dunn I know the term, “March Madness,” technically applies to the NCAA basketball tournament, but since this year’s IHSAA boys state basketball tournament is being held in March, too, I’m going to fudge a bit and call this a “Hamilton County March Madness Quiz” — In the spirit of…
Read MoreBranna’s Mad About March
A brain as wild as a March hare and marching to the beat of a different drum … well, enough about me! Let’s talk about the month of March’s myriad of milestones! The noun “march” means “a steady, rhythmic walk.” The verb “march” has one walking with regular, measured steps. The month of March is…
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