While December has always been the last month of the year, it hasn't always been the twelfth month. It got its name from the Latin word “decem” meaning “ten” because the year, at that time,...

One of the most iconic jobs in television is Homer Simpson’s role at the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant. The two cooling towers became an iconic part of the show, and the plant brought highly educated...

In today’s rapidly changing economy, traditional pathways to education and employment are evolving, and Kirkwood Community College is at the forefront of this transformation. In addition to offering...

The traditional idea of a young adult going off to residential college to explore academics and choose a career isn't always appropriate for everyone's circumstances. Instead, high school students should...

I was asked to speak last week at the annual conference of the National Freedom of Information Coalition. My remarks boiled down to a simple message: The public needs more information *about* their governments,...

When you've finally dealt with the leftovers and gotten back on the diet, it's time to think seriously about Christmas. You've probably already put up the Christmas tree, most people do these days, especially...

Last week, I bumped into an Appanoose County woman I have known for several years. She thanked me and the nonprofit organization I manage for shining the spotlight on the actions of Centerville Community...

There are different accounts of that feast in Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1621. Some say it was not an observance of thanksgiving for a successful year, but the celebration of a treaty with the Wampanoag...

Since Thanksgiving is so late this year, you might want to think about some of the other things you can celebrate in November. The 16th is National Button Day. I'm not sure if it refers to the kind...

If any institution is aware of the demand for women’s sports, it should be the University of Iowa. After years of barrier-breaking and record-setting history with the UI women’s basketball team...

By now, you probably know how the election turned out – I don't as of the writing of this column. By the time this gets to you it will be all over but the shouting. The process it has to go through...

A friend of mine was a development economist and worked all over the world helping countries solve problems. I asked what he thought was the most serious problem in the world. Without hesitation, he said,...