The Norman Transcript Columns

Outhouse enthusiast’s hobby more than a relief

2012-05-27T01:10:59-05:00

Editor’s note: This previously-published column has been a reader favorite and is one of the most requested columns....

What features create a cultural center?

2012-05-24T01:54:55-05:00

The question has been raised whether an aquatic center somehow constitutes a cultural center. Although the more thorough response would be to ask, in turn, what features create a cultural center, this short treatise will simply focus on ...

End marriage war by redefining license

2012-05-22T01:54:55-05:00

Excitement raged across the political spectrum last week when President Barack Obama came out in support of gay marriage....

Concerns with the proposed NEDA

2012-05-21T01:54:55-05:00

My concerns for the Norman Economic Development Authority (NEDA) as proposed do not have to do with any aversion to economic growth. As an economist, to be against economic growth is a concept as alien as being against plant growth is to a ...

A key for every lock and every user

2012-05-20T01:54:55-05:00

Folks differ about the care of keys. Paranoid as some are about keys they constantly check on them. Others never think about keys until they can’t find them....

Landmarks, people bind community

2012-05-20T01:10:59-05:00

A previous column on Brooks Street generated quite a few comments. Some of them about their own experiences on Brooks and other streets in Norman. We all get attached to landmarks....

Now is not the time to lower taxes

2012-05-18T01:54:55-05:00

State lawmakers soon will vote on whether to lower state income taxes. Because of state law, it will be very difficult to ever again raise the state income tax if it’s cut, and state income tax is the main source of schools’ funding. There ...

We benefit from Staggered Board law

2012-05-17T01:54:55-05:00

Oklahoma fared better than most states in the recent recession, due to the robustness of our energy industry. Regardless, Oklahomans continue to want their state government to put forth policies to create, as well as protect, jobs. We are ...

Neighbors become friends on porch

2012-05-15T01:54:55-05:00

Many activities take place on a long front porch: Breaking string beans, shucking corn, eating watermelon without worrying about drips, sharing homemade ice cream made with real cream. On clear nights, some chase fireflies, while others ...

Truth about U.S. Postal Service reform

2012-05-12T01:54:55-05:00

Now that U.S. Senate has passed a bill, SB 1789, to reform the ailing U.S. Postal Service, critics are trying to disable the bill on its way to the House of Representatives. Business Week recently catalogued unhappy stakeholders, including ...