Ohio Young Birders starting a local chapter in the Holmes County area
For a number of years there has been an active young birders group based in northwest Ohio, through the Black Swamp Bird Observatory (BSBO). Some of our young birders have been part of this group, and BSBO folks have come to Holmes County as well. But now there will be a local group affiliated with the BSBO. This will allow more activities, including field trips for young birders between the...
Someone with mental illness is not evil
In initial interviews after the Washington Navy Yard shooting Sept. 16, I heard several news people use the word evil to describe the killer, Aaron Alexis. When reports began to surface of Alexis hearing voices and feeling a microwave was trying to penetrate his brain, my mind flashed back to a young man with schizophrenia, Christopher, who came to my office one day because he had heard...
Gather around and let me count the ways to enjoy fall
Plain and simple, autumn has her way with me. Im in love with fall for so many reasons. Let me count the ways. The dazzling leaves mesmerize me. I could sit and ponder the various color patterns and striations of a single leaf for hours on end, but only if my wife isnt home. I am captivated by how rapidly the leaves on some trees alter their colors, while the same species nearby stands pat...
Dreams for my daughter on her 18th birthday
Hannah was born on a rainy October night and, from the moment she was born, I knew she would be a snuggler. As a newborn, Hannah loved it best when we held her close. That is when she relaxed most, sleeping on top of us, heartbeat to heartbeat. When we tried to put her in the crib, she kept us up more nights than I care to remember. Hannah was also a fast learner, walking at nine months,...
Federal tax rulings treat same-sex couples as married for tax purposes
Q: I heard legally married same-sex couples will now be treated as married for federal tax purposes. I was married in a state that allows same-sex marriages, but recently moved to a state that does not recognize our marriage. Will the IRS still recognize us as married for tax purposes even if our current state of residence does not? A: Yes. Due to a recent U.S. Department of the Treasury and...
