Monthly Archives: May 2008

I received this e-mail from reader Jim Mead Thursday morning: Todd, I finally figured out why I so often skip your column. It’s your picture! I look at your face and think oh, it’s going to be a column about how … Continue reading →

Reader Rich Lyle, who is among many great folks who told me how to quench my thirst for Grain Belt Premium around these parts, sent me this proud rendition of his tailgating flag. Rarely have I seen such pride and dedication on … Continue reading →

I’ve been debating for a couple of days whether to write anything about the tornado that smashed Parkersburg and parts of neighboring towns on Sunday. I really didn’t think I had much to add, opinion-wise. It’s a horrific scene and my … Continue reading →

Today’s $4 word, from the Urban Dictionary STAYCATION — A vacation that is spent at one’s home enjoying all that home and one’s home environs have to offer. Usage — “Even though I live and work in New York, I … Continue reading →

Date: Friday, May 16 Location: Cedar Valley Trail near downtown Level: Minor I was walking along the trail around midday when I encountered a running woman. Running Woman: “Are you that Tom who writes those articles?” Walking Me: “Uh..yes.” Running … Continue reading →

My column on the Postville immigration raid drew quite a bit of mail. Most agreed with me that congressional paralysis on both immigration reform and on reining in the excesses of the nation’s meatpacking industry made Postville’s trauma possible. I received lots of … Continue reading →

Let this be a cautionary tale for our local local pierogi peddlers, or any dancing kolaches. From the St. Petersburg Times: CLEARWATER – Goodness knows there are plenty of baddies roaming the streets of this city. Drug dealers. Thieves. Killers. … Continue reading →

From Radio Iowa: Iowa’s 42-year-old chief executive is ranked near the top of a list of the nation’s “sexiest” governors. The ranking was done a panel of strippers, organized by Playboy Radio. The strippers were asked which U.S. governors were … Continue reading →