See if this makes sense to you: For years, I’ve argued with certain African-American people about their insistence upon using the so-called N-word which, to my ears, is, inalterably, a statement of self-loathing. They say I don’t understand. They say the word no longer means what it has always meant. They say it’s just a [...]
Dear Savvy Senior, What can you tell me about clinical trials and how to go about finding one? My wife has a chronic condition and we’re interested in trying anything that may be able to help her. — Looking For Help Dear Looking, Each year, hundreds of thousands of Americans participate in clinical trials [...]
The Obama administration’s policy on Syria has me confused. Confused and disappointed. Quite some time ago, the president declared that his administration, and the American people, would take decisive action against the government of Syrian President Bashar al Assad if and when the Syrians “crossed the Red Line.” This “Red Line” for President Obama was [...]
More than 5 million kids alive today will die prematurely from smoking-related illnesses. Each day, more than 3,500 kids in the U.S. try their first cigarette; and each day about 1,000 other kids younger than 18 years of age become new regular, daily smokers. Ask kids where they get their cigarettes and 50 percent of [...]
For nearly a month this spring, much of Michigan experienced torrential rains and unprecedented flooding, resulting in millions of dollars in damages to homes, businesses, and public buildings and infrastructure. Recently I joined with other members of Michigan’s congressional delegation on two important efforts to get Michigan communities, families and businesses the help they need [...]
By Pat Turkmenoglu Director of the International Office “You’re from Yasar University in Aegean Turkey – awesome!” “And you’re wearing a Ferris State University sweatshirt – even more awesome!” Summer days in Michigan in June were unexpectedly cool for these visitors from Yasar University in Izmir, Turkey. A present of Ferris State University sweatshirts saved [...]
By Curt Finch Mecosta-Osceola Intermediate School District Superintendent The Mecosta Osceola Intermediate School District has been using the “Good to Great” concepts penned by Jim Collins to form its approach to providing service to the local districts. Although the series of books are more “business-based,” the tenet is applicable to educational circles as well. [...]
Gordon Telfer is a 4th generation (near) native to Big Rapids. He is the husband of a most wonderful wife and father of two fantastic sons. He is a graduate of Big Rapids High School and has worked many jobs in Big Rapids, retiring after thirty years from Ferris State University College of Pharmacy. [...]
At a party a few years ago, a young reporter bounded over to my cluster of social nodders and, with the breathlessness of a born tweeter, chirped: “What’s the new hot thing?!” Without disturbing my mascara, I replied: “Anonymity.” She looked befuddled. I continued: “To be Googled and to have nothing turn up. That’s hot.” [...]
‘Frankenwheat’ crops are sprouting like crazy in Oregon Bob Dylan once sent a two-word lyric to Ben Harper, a talented songwriter he admired. “Well well,” was the lyric, and Dylan challenged Harper to make a song of it. He did! By adding another “well” to the title, Harper wrote “Well, well, well” — a stinging [...]