“Rod Stewart Hair”
“I like your hair!” a woman at the party said.
Opinions
For two weeks this July, we crisscrossed our state, carrying forward a tradition started by Senator Grassley 40 years ago to meet with Iowans in every county, every year. On this road trip, we each reached Iowans in 29 counties. Like Iowa students who are eager to return to their classrooms and...
There are many perpetual delusions permeating the social sphere of the United States, and the supposed “greatness” of America is perhaps the most historied fairytale that we as a country continue, ignorantly, to put stock in. As I alluded to last week, in no uncertain terms, the history of America—...
To the Editor,
I am working on a project to remember Yesterday’s High School Sports Heroes from Lake Mills and other North Iowa high schools from 1970-2000.
Here are some that I either saw play when we lived in Lake Mills and Mason City or heard about:
Mike and Maynard Stensrud were...
“The Blue Tarp”
I noticed my wrists were sticking to my desk.
This was a gradual awareness. I spend almost all day at my desk and I don’t know precisely when it started, but I finally looked down because my wrists were undeniably sticky. I had used the wrist rest in front of my keyboard for...
Q: Why did you conduct congressional hearings to examine overseas supply chains?
A: Even before COVID-19 reached America, I’ve led oversight and investigations into supply chain issues, such as the sale of counterfeit goods and our reliance on foreign countries for active pharmaceutical...
As it turns out, Regular Readers, a week without “inspiration,” is always preferable to one with “inspiration.” At least when it comes to this column.
I have several points to make, and I will try to be as transparent and succinct as possible.
First: Politicians are not prophets.
Political...
The 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote in 1920, equal rights for women and the pending Equal Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution make for a trilogy around a common theme. But, here we are in 2020 with many men and a political party fighting against the advancement of their...
I have decided it is time to speak up. Too many things have been happening and so many of us are remaining silent. Granted, the death of George Floyd was horrific. To think one policeman put pressure on him long enough to kill him and that three other policemen stood by and watched without trying...
“Hummingbird Curfew”
My husband, Peter, is fascinated by hummingbirds.
This year has been a difficult year for hummingbird watching, as there has been a lot of competition at the feeder. First, the ants wouldn’t leave it alone. Then a bear smashed the feeder to bits. Right after Peter replaced...
As often as I seem to repeat myself of late, it may be difficult to believe that I do not enjoy doing so; but rather, it seems unavoidable given the repetitiveness day-to-day life has taken these past four to five months in isolation. The highlights of my week are small, personal comforts that have...
