We like to think of government agencies as cold, unfeeling and impersonal.      Especially the IRS.

     Regarding Mr. Jason Clayworth's report on gay marriage and civil unions in the Des Moines Register, on Feb 1, 2011, Page 3A.

      Often when something of historical significance happens, people will ask, “Where were you?”     I can tell you exactly where I was on this date eight years ago, Feb.

A few nights ago  we watched American Idol. I have to admit, watching the people that can sing, well, I think that's the boring part.  There's just something about watching someone who is such an awful singer, but has so much confidence in themselves, that they are shocked when someone says, "Sorry, you CAN'T sing!" A few days ago, one of my overly confident friends, sent me a note telling me that I should join him in protecting marriage.

     Vinton-Shellsburg School Board member Megan Rickels sat next to the pool, her two young sons in her lap, getting splashed as she watched the Vinton-Shellsburg boys swimming meet at the IBSSS pool on Tuesday evening.

       Imagine reading a book from a century and a half and an an ocean away, and seeing in that book a name that you see every day on your way to work.

Have you ever been looking for something and can't find it, then you find it in your pocket? My favorite is when I'm looking for my glasses.

       Thanks to the wonder of the Internet, my grandpa’s little farm – which has been in years gone by a place to raise corn, watermelon and even pigs – is now also a library.

       One of my favorite humorous poems has always been an 120-year-old ditty called “The Mosquito Hunt.”      The poem, from a book of poetry dated around 1860, tells of the story of a couple trying to kill a mosquito that threatened to interrupt their sleep with a painful bite.

Most have seen or heard of the gold plate/diamonds in so called “Obamacare”, but where is the coal?   1.  The bribes to Nebraska and Louisiana for their votes.