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The clash between science and religion

All of us know things. Some things we saw, heard, touched, tasted, or smelled. Our senses inform us every day. Other things we were told. By a parent, a teacher, a friend, or something we read. We can’t experience everything ourselves. So, we take understanding from human beings who came before. Science grows from the many who have observed and studied. We all benefit from science to one degree or another, even if we don’t understand it. I sure don’t know the science behind air conditioning. But I’m glad to have it on a muggy July day. A series of smart people make that ...

SEE.SAFE.SMART: avoid the ‘Door Zone’

Independence Day has come and gone, but there’s still plenty of summer left to get out and enjoy bicycling around town. This month’s SEE.SAFE.SMART. safety campaign message is “To stay safe, we avoid the door zone,” and so we’re here to answer some questions about the “door zone” and safe bicycling in general. Q. What is the “door zone”? A. If someone in a parked car were to open their car door, a bicyclist needs to be riding far enough away in the road so they don’t get hit. This is what’s called the “door zone.” Q. What is the purpose of the “Bike ...

Mortified by marriage

Dear Annie: I’ve been with my girlfriend for seven years and lived with her for four. She wants to get married and have kids. For the past three years, I’ve promised to propose every six months, but when the time comes, I back out. I even went ring shopping but couldn’t pull the trigger. Although I want to get married and have kids one day, just the discussions of such a commitment give me serious anxiety to the point where I cannot breathe. I want us to travel the world before tying the knot, but she’s too attached to her job. My family says I am too young to get married at 27 ...

Money matters

Dear Annie: My sister “Kendra” and I are not very close and only communicate two to three times per year, mainly in emails. Kendra sold her home and moved out of state. Through our sibling, I heard that she listed her house high to begin with and had to come down on her price in the end but made a decent amount on it. I never commented on how much she made or didn’t make on her old house; I felt that was absolutely none of my business. When she moved and posted pictures of her new house, I commented that I was happy for her. Fast-forward to me selling my home a year or so later. ...

Dealing with older age depression

Depression in older adults can have some serious consequences. For many people their first bout with depression begins in later life. They may deny or minimize the depressed feelings, but still display the symptoms of depression such as changes in the way they think, developing physical problems, or lose interest in previous interests and activities. Sleep issues or insomnia can also be a marker. People with late-life depression may complain of fatigue, slow thinking, slower physical movements, express loss of interest in living, and voice hopelessness about their future. Complaints ...

Grüße aus Ulm!

Greetings from Ulm! Thank you to the Sister-Cities Commission of New Ulm for facilitating the Hans Joohs Exchange. I am about seven weeks into my 12-weeks stay in Ulm, Germany. Below is my first article, of three, for the New Ulm Journal about this wonderful experience. It has been said ...