Columns

While many are focused on fighting the government takeover of the health care system, a lesser-known bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives last week that paved the way for a government takeover of the student loan industry.

Recent polls have shown that Americans feel the government is trying to do too many things that should be left to businesses and individuals.

Do you remember the Jolly Green Giant? What about a card catalog? Have you ever "shaken down" a thermometer? Remember when we had to watch the evening news to find out what had happened in the world?

I do. And I have.

But not so for most of this year's college freshmen.

Each August for the past decade, Wisconsin's Beloit College has released what it has termed a "Mindset List." The list is the creation of Beloit's Keefer Professor of the Humanities Tom McBride and Emeritus Public Affairs Director Ron Nief.

As a matter of full disclosure, let me first say that I’m not a big fan of traveling. Sitting in a car for more than a couple of hours makes my back ache severely, killing the potential for any fun that I might have at my destination.

With that said, I just came back to work after spending a week laying on the beach, shopping, dining out, going to the movies and generally spending more money than I should have. And I did it all right here in Taylor County.

A sign you are getting older - your pediatrician retires.

Like many other now 20-somethings in this community, I faithfully went to see "Dr. Winit" for all of my childhood ailments.

As I was growing up, I remember Dr. Winit's kind words made me - and my parents - genuinely feel better about whatever illness I had.

I will never forget how Dr. Winit pronounces my first name and one of several signature phrases he repeatedly told us during our visits - "Enjoy the baby."