Even More Hugging; Part Two
I’m beginning to understand how it feels to be hugged partially against one’s will.
Columns 2013 - 2014
Remedial Hugging; In Time for the Holidays
It was a bit painful at first, but I have to admit that I have grown to like promiscuous hugging. Maybe too much.
Halloween - A Good Time to be Elsewhere
It’s not uncommon for minivans from God knows where to pull up to our door and expel masses of miniature costumed creatures.
Election Advice for the Distracted
I’d dearly love to abandon Mississippi as the only other state never to have elected a female congressperson or governor.
The Band is Doing the Best it Can
We will not be playing a flawless concert this evening, so I'm here to reduce your expectations.
Iowa Propaganda Elevator Speech
I asked her what she knows about Iowa. She frowned for a few seconds and then asked hopefully, “Potatoes?”
Just an Enthusiastic Social Drinker
Evidently, a whiskey after work and a glass of wine with dinner place me in the refrigerator-box-dwelling underbelly of society.
A Whole Other World at Banjo Camp
Yes, there is such a thing as a Banjo Camp, and no, I don’t play banjo.
Not Too Late to Learn to Sail
Few activities so tangibly reward your physical efforts when they are in harmony with the natural world.
Everyone Who Sits Too Much, Please Stand Up
Standing and walking are things we all do as briefly as possible until we can locate somewhere to sit again.
Canada - Not All Hockey and Snow
When we arrived last Saturday afternoon, the temperature was -13 degrees Farenheit.
The Moped Helmet Law Slippery Slope
The proposed moped helmet law has no traction, which is good news if you are on a transplant waiting list.
Investment Advice for the Lazy
Buy low, sell high. That’s about all I remember from an investments course I took at the University of Iowa in the mid-seventies.
Flogging; Too Good for Paving Contractors
I understand the recipients of such attitude adjustment seldom reoffend, assuming they survive.
Circular Reasoning Regarding Roundabouts
If you are a roundabout newbie, here’s some advice; gird your loins.
Feeling Vulnerable at 60
People my age could die at any moment from something called “natural causes.” Really? What do I watch out for?
Coralville Comes Into its Own
It took a while, but the Coralvillian worm has turned. These days, Coralville probably even has snobs of its own.
The Upside of Forgetfulness
I'm almost 60, and so far have not accidentally left the gas stove burning or put the cat in the refrigerator.
Upgrading From Wine to Whiskey
When I have a whiskey in my hand, I feel oddly sophisticated. And tipsy.
Making a Case for the New Justice Center
A number of factions with competing agendas want the Justice Center bond issue on May 7 to fail.
Justice Center is a Tough Sell
Perversely, its fate is now in the hands of the people who are arguably the least familiar with it
Charity Sometimes Begins at the Office
Having completely overthought this experience, I’m still not sure what the takeaway is.
Letter to My Ex-Employee
In almost every business there are employees that just need to be fired.
My Brief Life of Crime
This was my first visit to a Johnson County courtroom despite my having lived here my entire life.