Deflation, not the deficit, is the most serious economic worry

In deflation, prices spiral downward and it is difficult to stop. It leads to a Depression. It has caused economic stagnation depression in Japan for nearly two decades. Friday, August 27, 2010

Scarberry welcomes students, community to new school year

Welcome back to the new school year. Fairborn is excited and ready for the start of the 2010-11 year. Schools are always in the news and there is no question that public school districts in Ohio are being held accountable every day for the academic achievement of every student in the district. Friday, August 27, 2010

A bleach blonde bucket list

So I have, along with tons of other people, the proverbial “Bucket List.” I think I called it my “wish list” or “to–do list” before the movie … but I like Bucket List much better. Thursday, August 26, 2010

The presidential paradox

President Barack Obama’s entry into the debate over the proposed community center (mosque) in Lower Manhattan overlooking Ground Zero has puzzled White House observers. Thursday, August 26, 2010

The importance of City Council meetings with the public

Editor: The open exchange of citizens with their elected officials is a hallmark of American government. The ability of the people to speak with and address those elected to office is of the greatest importance in keeping those officials educated, informed and involved in issues that are important to the people that they represent. Thursday, August 26, 2010

They don’t make them like they used to

In the 1990 movie, “Back to the Future II,” Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) explains to a befuddled Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd) that all the best things are made in Japan. As Marty had just arrived from 1985, the 1955 Doc was used to Japanese-made items being cheap knock-offs put on the market to undersell their American-made counterparts. Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Confessions of a working class worrier

The decline of America’s middle class can be charted directly. In the three decades after World War II, the median wage (smack in the middle) grew rapidly, right along with productivity gains. Even as late as 1980, the richest 1 percent of Americans received only about 9 percent of the nation’s total income. Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Heed your advice, Dr. Laura

So now Dr. Laura is playing the victim? Radio talk show host Laura Schlessinger built an empire and made a fortune telling folks to stop complaining, make better choices and take responsibility. Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Senior Moments: You’re never too old to dream

Back in the days when the crust of the earth was still cooling and the music of Fats Domino and Little Richard and Chuck Berry was the music of choice for America’s teenagers, I dreamed of being a radio disc jockey. Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Back to school immunizations are a vital ounce of prevention

Over the past 70 years, public health has made significant advances in the fight against pertussis, better known as whooping cough. In the 1940, before widespread immunization efforts, there were as many as 147,000 cases of pertussis in the U.S. each year. Monday, August 23, 2010

Obama facing international challenges in coming months

“The Diplomat’s Dictionary,” compiled by the mischievous former Ambassador Chas. W. Freeman Jr., contains this familiar proverb about the virtues of patience: “Everything comes to those who wait.” Monday, August 23, 2010

It Seems to Me: The Golden Rule

It seems to me that the recent incident involving a flight attendant on a JetBlue airplane kinda sets a body to thinkin’. In case you’re not familiar with the event, the essence is that Steve Slater, the flight attendant, had an encounter with a passenger. Monday, August 23, 2010

The hidden fees of simple gardening

I planted a garden this year mostly because I would rather be on my hands and knees groveling in the dirt than deal with my writing. Friday, August 20, 2010

Book Review: ‘Historic Greene County,’ illustrated by Catherine Kidd Wilson

The newest Greene County history book is not a large book. But don’t let the size fool you. This is not a rehash of old history books, but a modern look at the kind of history that is interesting yet often overlooked. There are several large old volumes on Greene County history that methodically lay out the settlement of the county and development of its government, churches, schools, financial institutions etc. Wilson’s book is more about how the people lived and loved and what they fought about in the courts. Friday, August 20, 2010

Comfortable school shoe shopping tips for kids

Summertime is almost over and school bells are getting ready to ring. It’s back to school time and shoe sales are popping up in malls and stores all over the country. It’s that time of year again when kids begin begging for the most fashionable new shoes to wear to school. Friday, August 20, 2010

Hot August fights continue

Now that the copious clouds of carbon monoxide from Hot August Nights (HAN) auto entries have wafted out of the Truckee Meadows, the serious business can begin about whether or not the HAN organization can sign a long-term commitment with the cities of Reno and Sparks for future celebrations. Thursday, August 19, 2010

It was going to be a great day

The sun was shining brightly after a week of rain. I only had three loads of laundry instead of five. The chicken I took out for dinner didn’t have freezer burn. My jeans zipped up without me having to lie down to do it. It was going to be a great day. Thursday, August 19, 2010

Who has the time anymore?

If I could save time in a bottle … Well, the first thing I’d have to do is rush to cap it, as it would be overflowing. Then I’d be bringing in a boatload of bottles and they’d all soon be overflowing, too. Flipping the calendar to August was like a slap in the face to me, and I’m still reeling — where has the summer gone? Wednesday, August 18, 2010

A new way to enrage Latinos

Supposedly, elephants don’t forget. But these days, when it comes to the explosive issue of immigration, I wonder if they even bother to think. Wednesday, August 18, 2010

New mosque development at Ground Zero foolhardy at best

President Obama’s support of a proposed Islamic center and mosque to be built two blocks from the site of the World Trade Center has fueled national controversy over the project. But the president’s voice has largely been drowned out by the cries of the families of 9/11 victims who believe that the project would dishonor the memories of those who died that day. Wednesday, August 18, 2010