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It’s OK to embrace compliments

Most times when I’m invited to speak at a conference, someone introduces me by reading the short bio provided. But this past week at the Southeastern Writers’ Association Conference, my friend, the Georgia judge and novelist Lori Duff, introduced me. She started off by warning she might embarrass me, then proceeded with the most generous and warm introduction I’ve ever received. What a gift to hear how your friend sees you. Not that long ago, I would have struggled to listen. I would have made self-deprecating jokes to not appear arrogant or uppity. Self-worth is something I’m ...

Lawmakers wise to take another look at HB 795

A group of lawmakers appears to have listened to advocacy groups and ordinary Ohioans, as they have stepped away from sections of state House Bill 795 that would have banned family members from serving as paid caregivers in the state. The anti-fraud effort is understandable, but as is often the case in Columbus, lawmakers took it a step too far. “How dare you come in my house and tell me who can care for my child! I’m not standing here telling you thank you,” Marlana Kendrick said last week, according to Statehouse News Bureau. “I drove two and a half hours from Cleveland with ...

Why drinking alcohol is well worth the small risks

Is a glass of wine with dinner going to increase your chance of getting cancer or another serious illness? For the past few years, we’ve been deluged with studies and news accounts suggesting that the answer is yes. This week, the USDA reinstated a caution in its dietary guidelines about limiting alcohol. Note: This is the Trump administration. No sane person seeking guidance on a health matter would look to its science-trashing witch doctors. At the moment, they appear to be whipsawed by industry interests and other constituencies. But who cares? They forfeited credibility the ...

Orchids & onions

ORCHID: To Art Dunn, 88, of Lordstown and formerly of Newton Falls, for setting an example for all senior citizens — and all Mahoning Valley residents for that matter — on the value of walking. Since Dunn turned 70 nearly two decades ago, he has logged more than 3,000 miles walking the entire perimeter of Ohio, a jaunt to Washington, D.C., and back plus many other lengthy foot treks. As he did, he also soaked in the many health benefits they provide such as strengthening the heart and circulation, managing weight effectively and enhancing mental well-being. We congratulate Art on his ...

A toast to Yost for success at ‘Doing Big Good’

“Do Big Good.” That short but snappy commandment served as a fitting motto that Dave Yost lived by to characterize his mission as chief legal officer of Ohio. Though prissy grammar purists might take issue with his phrasing, few would deny that former state Attorney General Yost succeeded in fulfilling that promise to state residents. As he left office this week for a new job in the private sector, he also leaves behind a legacy of large-scale achievements to benefit Ohioans for the better for years to come. Yost on Monday ended a 25-year stint in public service as Delaware ...

Will this be the unhappy birthday?

In one month, the United States will observe its 250th birthday. It is shaping up more like a memorial service for a lost loved one than a party to celebrate something special. Rather than anticipating a happy occasion, America at 250 is increasingly characterized by anger, name- calling and scandals. Performers are withdrawing from President Trump’s Freedom 250 Great American State Fair in Washington, claiming organizers lied to them about its partisanship. Trump, who has contributed mightily to the growing divisions among us, is threatening to make a “major speech,” mostly to ...