Time marches on.

Communication is important in politics. Politicians and their advisers frequently wonder if they're "on message."

I am not a parent, which means that in addition to the many times I am envious of those who are, at times I am grateful not to be one.

Right up front, it’s important to know that I’m not a contestant for the title of Mr. Totally Financially Prepared.

The story of the Greek mathematician Archimedes is one of those classic, basic things you learn in school. In the centuries since the time of the ancient Greeks, knowledge has grown exponentially. Yet the amount of time children spend in school — in many cases re-learning forgotten knowledge — in more recent years has remained relatively constant.

The word holiday really isn’t appropriate for it. The word implies fun, a much-appreciated time away from care and daily burdens of living.

SCENE: Dawn of New Year's Day in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. The growing light causes a mutual moan from both William Tell and the 'Zona Ranger, two men with nothing in common except a theme song each claims as his. The night before they took part in a once-and-for-all-who's-the-toughest drinking contest that turned out, well....

The economy, the stock market, the credit markets, retail, real estate, you name it and the word “uncertain” can be stamped in front of it as an apt adjective. And this year, most politicians only wish their approval ratings among voters were as high as they were a few years ago, which is to say, still dismal, but better than today.

We live in times where we feel the very ground beneath us shudder and the natural instinct to withdraw one's money and oneself from general circulation often takes over.

Scottsdale’s elected leaders and many who want their jobs often insist there is no north or south in this community and that “we are one city.” And yet it’s things like a plan to disguise cellular telephone towers as saguaro cactuses that make you wonder hard about that.

Have you heard this one yet? A bartender walks into a restroom …