Opinion
'The View' for men offers evidence there is no constitutional right to be heard
We were playing one of those “tell your secrets” board games.
The question I had to answer: Which of your five senses would you prefer to live without first, if you had to choose?
My wife knew what my answer would be: Hearing.
There is way too much noise in our world – and in our American society.
The little engine that could, and did...
A couple years ago, we had a discussion in our house about careers and how it seems that in the newspaper business nothing was a sure bet.
Businesses were constantly being sold, bosses get moody, and you are suddenly out the door over a typo...it seems to be the easiest way to get rid of reporters, of course the company never would pay a proofreader.
Winter driving safety: Don't be that guy.... or that one..or that one...

Christmas classics: Let them renew your faith
Saturday was a great lesson for me. It answered a question for me that many married people at times have in their mind but dread to voice outloud:
"What would life be like if I were still single?"
Well, I got one answer to that question Saturday.
I spent the morning listening to NPR.
11:45 and most is well....
Last week, I wrote about what it's like on a day when there is no news.
See that story, if you have not already seen it, HERE.
Today seems to be a day very much like that one. Other than having a few holiday event photos, and a news release about wind power at an area utility, today's news is pretty quiet.
And after the week we've had, it's a welcome change.
Letter to the Editor: Crossing paths with a dishonest Christmas customer
I would like to address my remarks to the Big Box Store Customer with whom I had the misfortune of crossing paths.
Dear Costumer,
Last week I purchased a number of boxes of Christmas lights. On Tuesday I pulled out the tree and the boxes of new lights. The first box I opened reeked of mice.
Big city reporters inspire one to want to carry a big stick
As I'm sure you've read, we had a bit of excitement out here yesterday...more than I EVER want to see again!
Thank God, the outcome was only the loss of a material things, and unfortunately keepsakes and memories...those things matter, but no lives were lost, down to the little dog that lived in the house.
Every story affects somebody's neighbor; today it was mine

Journalism lesson: Avoiding the armpit pitfall
Lots of people were probably thinking lots of things Friday night as the Vikettes prepared to play Marion.
“Is there something I forgot to do before I came here?”
“I should have stopped for supper first.”
“I hope my kid gets to play/score/win.
Growing Old in Vinton
You know the smells in the air when you go to Cedar Rapids? Sometimes its bad, sometimes you smell Captain Crunch. I have the same relationship with old folks homes.
This last Sunday, the girls and I did something that I don't believe we've done for probably 10 years.
We went to a couple of "care center" services with the folks from church.