Columns

Journalism has changed markedly in my 73 years. In the past you could read many newspapers and be reasonably comfortable that the editors presented the facts without a strong bias in their reporting. Most of us relied upon the newspaper, along with trusted news anchors, to learn what was going on around the world. Sadly, that seems like ancient history, except for this newspaper.

It's wedding season! Tents are up on lawns, caterers are hustling to plan the perfect farm-to-table feasts, and brides and their maids are configuring outfits down to the smallest detail.

It's 8 p.m. on a Wednesday and I've not had anything to eat since noon. Luckily, I have to drive within dangerous proximity of a bunch of fast-food joints on my way home.

The fine for following a fire truck within 500 feet is $152. The fine for following any other emergency vehicle within 150 feet is $154. Failure to yield to an emergency vehicle is a Class E crime that can result in arrest. The fine for following any other vehicle too closely is $152.

It is difficult to imagine life in 1900. It was three years before the Wright brothers flew their first plane and eight years before Ford introduced the Model T. Making a living was an all-consuming effort, and entertainment as we know it now simply did not exist. However, one way to escape or explore new worlds was the same then as it is now — books.

What is it about snakes that causes people to cringe, recoil or shriek? These reactions can be caused by a photo or even the mere mention of a snake, let alone a live encounter with one. I have witnessed otherwise well-grounded folks running in panic from small garter snakes, so clearly there is a deep-seated trigger mechanism at work.

My name is Fred and I am a vacuum robot. I am connected to the internet and can send text messages to Gregory's phone if something goes wrong when I am cleaning Gregory's house.

There's a business communication exercise that asks you to consider what you mean when you wish someone a "great night" and what you think that person understands.