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Opinion

25 years of observations on technology

25 years of observations on technology

    I marvel at the ability of artificial intelligence to express coherent summaries of content. The world's storehouse of knowledge is indeed at our fingertips. 

    Flashback 1979: Facing another cliff

    Flashback 1979: Facing another cliff

    • By Jonathan Coppess, University of Illinois

    ‘The more birthdays you have…’

    ‘The more birthdays you have…’

      Years ago a somewhat wise person told me the more birthdays you have, the longer you live. This came to mind recently when I celebrated another birthday.

      When discussion becomes negotiation

      When discussion becomes negotiation

        Only one time in my 33-year career have I witnessed an heir negotiate their own inheritance before the death of a parent.

        When discussion becomes negotiation

        When discussion becomes negotiation

          Only one time in my 33-year career have I witnessed an heir negotiate their own inheritance before the death of a parent.

          Love of farming comes with pain

          Love of farming comes with pain

            Author’s note: Over the past 14 years since retirement, I consciously removed myself from the front lines on helping rural families with their life challenges — especially in the realm of economic crisis, which some farmers are now facing again.

            To see a person with a disability as more

            To see a person with a disability as more

              As a society, we are too often preoccupied with the superficial. Good looks and athletic ability too often carry more weight than a pleasant personality, a caring heart and mental acuity.

              When the quiet season doesn’t feel quiet

              When the quiet season doesn’t feel quiet

                As I continue to plod my way through winter, I’ve been mindful in trying to follow my own recommendations when it comes to managing mental health.

                Leaders react to tariff decision

                Leaders react to tariff decision

                • By Tom Barton, Lee-Gazette Des Moines Bureau

                Farmers and business leaders say the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision striking down President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs Feb. 20 underscores the need for stability in trade policy, while also amplifying concerns about the economic strain tariffs have placed on agriculture and manufacturing…

                Winning the culture war at home

                Winning the culture war at home

                  I am 85 years old. I’ve been around the block for a while.

                  Letter writing has become a lost art in age of instant messages

                  Letter writing has become a lost art in age of instant messages

                    Back in 1935 when Fats Waller recorded “I’m Going to Sit Right Down and Right Myself a Letter” he had no idea that the written letter — a common means of communication for centuries — would be an endangered art form 90 years later.

                    Fifty-nine days of the winter months

                    Fifty-nine days of the winter months

                      I think it was the winter of 1977-78, one of the coldest and snowiest winters on record. I still remember the “treat” of being snowed in on a Thursday and Friday, so we kids had a four-day weekend.

                      Reflections on the ones who taught readin’, writin’ and ’rithmetic

                      Reflections on the ones who taught readin’, writin’ and ’rithmetic

                        Some time back I saw a bumper sticker that read, “If you can read this, thank a teacher.” I quietly mumbled, “Amen.”

                        Strengthening family bonds in life’s second half

                        Strengthening family bonds in life’s second half

                          We just celebrated our 60th wedding anniversary by taking a four-day cruise from New Orleans to Cozumel, Mexico. On a cruise ship, we had a captive audience, prepared meals, lots of entertainment venues and fun activities for every age group.

                          Old perspectives for the new year

                            Today was a hard day. Even though we are in a new calendar year, for some folks it may not be easy to start fresh. We are supposed have “resolutions” and a positive outlook for the new year.

                            Reflections on readin’, writin’ and ’rithmetic

                            Reflections on readin’, writin’ and ’rithmetic

                              Some time back I saw a bumper sticker that read, “If you can read this, thank a teacher.” I quietly mumbled, “Amen.”

                              Growing older? Continue to make memories

                              Growing older? Continue to make memories

                                Editor’s note: This was originally published July 29, 2010.

                                Wrapping up the year with ritual, reflection

                                Wrapping up the year with ritual, reflection

                                  Today is the winter solstice. Upon waking, Rudi, my German Shepherd, and I went outside and were treated to a spectacular eastern sky backlit with delicious orange cream, pink and lilac colors. It was an intense visual treat.

                                  Resolutions parents would love teenagers to make

                                  Resolutions parents would love teenagers to make

                                    Editor’s note: The following was originally published Dec. 30, 2007.

                                    Grandparents can make holidays special

                                    Grandparents can make holidays special

                                      Editor’s note: This column was originally published Dec. 15, 2005.

                                      Forecasting a season of grief and glimmers

                                      Forecasting a season of grief and glimmers

                                        I just checked the weather forecast. At this next time week, the day’s high temperature is supposed to be 45 degrees cooler than today.

                                        What’s missing from houses these days?

                                        What’s missing from houses these days?

                                          Take an afternoon drive around an urban or suburban area anywhere in the Midwest. Look at the houses. What is missing from these homes that would likely have been there 50 years ago?

                                          Fueling our way out of a corn surplus

                                          Fueling our way out of a corn surplus

                                          • By Ben Rhodes, Nebraska Ethanol Board

                                          Curiosity key to meaningful relationships

                                            My wife and I chose to finish my PhD by doing a yearlong internship in clinical psychology in Nebraska. After completing my professional training, we decided to stay in the Midwest.

                                            Pain in rear adjusts attitude with age

                                            Pain in rear adjusts attitude with age

                                              I’m a senior citizen and I’m mature enough to admit to my faults.

                                              More Opinion

                                              Editorials

                                              UW thinks big about pedestrian mall — the city of Madison should, too

                                              UW thinks big about pedestrian mall — the city of Madison should, too

                                              STATE JOURNAL VIEW:

                                              Make this the summer that State Street comes roaring back

                                              Make this the summer that State Street comes roaring back

                                              OUR VIEW: Madison should make this the summer that State Street comes roaring back

                                              GOP for weed? Medical marijuana deserves swift passage

                                              GOP for weed? Medical marijuana deserves swift passage

                                              STATE JOURNAL VIEW: Republican bill allowing doctor-prescribed cannabis doesn't go far enough but represents progress and compassion

                                              Those 'Alcatraz' jail cells really need to go

                                              Those 'Alcatraz' jail cells really need to go

                                              STATE JOURNAL VIEW: Dane County leaders have dithered long enough on plans for better jail in Madison

                                              Columnists

                                              Reflections on readin’, writin’ and ’rithmetic

                                              Reflections on readin’, writin’ and ’rithmetic

                                              Some time back I saw a bumper sticker that read, “If you can read this, thank a teacher.” I quietly mumbled, “Amen.”

                                              ‘Jeepers!’ When words become obsolete

                                              ‘Jeepers!’ When words become obsolete

                                              Jeepers Creepers, where’d ya get those peepers?” Now there’s a phrase you probably haven’t heard for a while. Perhaps you’ve never heard it. The line is from a song recorded by Louis Armstrong in the late 1930s.

                                              Growing old not for sissies

                                              Growing old not for sissies

                                              As a mere lad of 60 years with some semblance of youth, or as some would say “denial,” I wrote about meeting the challenges of growing old in a column entitled “Seven Ways to Grow Old Gracefully.”

                                              Identify pieces of farm transition puzzle

                                              Identify pieces of farm transition puzzle

                                              Fitting the pieces of a farm transition puzzle together can be challenging. Like a puzzle, you need to find the corner pieces first, then the outer straight edges to frame up the foundation.

                                              Letters to the Editor

                                              Letter to the Editor: Supreme Court acknowledges “buyer’s rights”

                                              The U.S. Supreme Court got something right (for a change) when they ruled that California can refuse to buy pork from another state if such pork is not raised to their demands.

                                              GOP strings together bad week — Alison Lindsay Mares

                                              GOP strings together bad week — Alison Lindsay Mares

                                              The State Journal on March 15 reported that legislative Republicans tried to introduce a bill that would give women even fewer rights and freedoms on abortion than they had before the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.

                                              Letter to the Editor

                                              There’s a great economics lesson to be learned in the front page article, “For Sale, U.S. crops find buyers despite fewer deals.” (February 11, 2023)

                                              Republicans push a race to the bottom -- Randy Schramm

                                              Republicans push a race to the bottom -- Randy Schramm

                                              Republicans are working hard to make Wisconsin like Mississippi -- one of the worst educated and poorest state in the nation.

                                              Curated Commerce

                                              Best Greens Powders for 2025: A Nutritionist’s Top 5

                                              Best Greens Powders for 2025: A Nutritionist’s Top 5

                                              Affiliate. We asked a nutritionist to share their top 5 greens powder picks to boost your daily nutrient intake and support overall health.

                                              9 Considerations Before Bringing a Pet Home In 2025

                                              9 Considerations Before Bringing a Pet Home In 2025

                                              Affiliate. Find out what you should consider when bringing home a new pet for the holidays. 

                                              8 best CBD gummies for relaxation and wellness

                                              8 best CBD gummies for relaxation and wellness

                                              Affiliate. Take a closer look at some of the top CBD gummy options on the market.

                                              Healthy Supplements for Dogs from St. Louis-based Native Pet!

                                              Healthy Supplements for Dogs from St. Louis-based Native Pet!

                                              Affiliate. Learn about Native Pet and their variety of healthy, natural supplements for pets.

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