Balance, Schmalance

By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times “Work life balance” It is a concept that garners A LOT of press, particularly around the start of the school year. However, with all the buzz, I have yet to discover a definitive formula for success. When I was a high schooler (back in the time of the covered wagon), you were defined by your intellect OR your athletic prowess. Not to say that you couldn’t...

A peek behind the curtain – and insiders look at a dental practice

By Dr. Stephanie McGann, DMD FAGD, Columnist, The Times When I was building my first office, I was amazed by the tremendous amount of time, energy and money that was needed for things that I felt had no direct relation to patient care.  Decades later, the only difference is that each and every one of these tasks I have learned has a very direct relationship to patient care.  It’s the side...

On Your Table: Savoring Summer’s bounty

By Cathy Branciaroli, Food Correspondent, The Times Tomatoes, the jewels of summer. It’s that time of summer when produce beckons.  All of it. From that first bite into butter slathered corn on the cob, to that cherry tomato that bursts with flavor when you pop it into your mouth, to the juicy sweetness of red ripe watermelon.  Even zucchini, that butt of too many jokes.  Well, I’m sure...

Don’t Retire, ReFire: Soak in the Summer

By Gail Supplee Tatum, Columnist, The Times It is ever so subtle.  The days are starting to get just a little bit shorter. When that starts to happen, there’s a sense of urgency that comes over me, like I better be outside as much as possible, soak up the warmth of the sun and thoroughly enjoy the last forty-five days left of the summer. While Fall is a wonderful season, as the leaves turn their...

It goes by too fast

By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times Mothering is very, very hard work. For those of you with older kids, do you remember when they were little wondering “will I ever get 15 minutes to myself again”? Escaping to go to the bathroom uninterrupted was wishful thinking. I recall (vividly) setting the timer on the stove for a mandatory “rest” when my boys refused to take naps (much too...

Inner Nature: Metamorphosis – Buggy Development

By Vidya Rajan, Columnist, The Times The growth of a single cell from a fertilized egg, or zygote, to an adult composed of trillions of cells is amazing and magical. This process which scientists, with their knack for understatement, call “development” happens with most eukaryotic organisms – those that have cells with a nucleus and other membranous compartments. Nucleated eukaryotic cells...

On Your Table: It’s National Blueberry Month — let’s eat pie!

By Cathy Branciaroli, Food Correspondent, The Times What better way to celebrate National Blueberry Month than with a mouthwatering pie. “Everybody in the car!”  On scorching hot July Ohio mornings, my mother, siblings and I headed out in our trusty station wagon to an abandoned blueberry farm near town where we filled turkey roasters with scads of perfectly ripe dusky-colored blueberries...

Super Six: The Annual Nordstrom sale

By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times Ladies, get your credit card ready! It’s time for the Super Bowl of Shopping : The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!!!!!!! This yearly event is eagerly anticipated because the discounts are dramatic AND new (never seen before) fall items are included! It is the PERFECT time to pick up a coveted item, stock up on basics, and (gasp) shop for Christmas presents!...

Inner Nature: Aposematism – Worn Warning

By Vidya Rajan, Columnist, The Times Aposematic coloration refers to the conspicuous colors some animals exhibit to advertise their unpalatability or warn of peril to potential predators. A familiar example is the black and yellow/orange stripes of bees. Black and orange aposematic coloration extends to flatworms (ex. sea slugs), reptiles (ex. coral snakes), fish (ex. lionfish) amphibians (ex....

Vacations were made for smiles

By Dr. Stephanie McGann, DMD FAGD, Columnist, The Times School is out and the shore traffic tells us all that vacation season is in full swing.  We all need a vacation and for most of us we cherish those well-deserved days away from the daily grind of work and chores. Before you pack your bags, be sure your dental visits are up to date. Fixing a small concern before you go may prevent a toothache...