Living in Society
Politics mostly social commentary.
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At a time when conservative political activists tell us what we can and can’t read and learn in public spaces, summer reading programs at public libraries continue to thrive. In the City of Solon, population 3,018, 261 kids attended the public library’s May 30 Summer Reading Program kick-off event. Most have heard of Dolly Parton’s… Read more
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The population of the city near where I live was 3,018 during the 2020 U.S. Census. It is growing yet much remains the same about small city life. The grocery store will give you cash back, that is, unless it is early in the morning and they have not received any $20 bills in the… Read more
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This chart says a lot about the history of newspapers in the 21st Century. As the number of employees in the business declined by 75 percent, private equity extracted financial resources from these businesses through mergers and acquisitions, leaving a much diminished infrastructure to provide news and information. There are fewer daily newspapers in 2024… Read more
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After a long shift working in the garden I took a nap. When I woke around 4 p.m., the jury in the New York trial of Donald J. Trump had returned a guilty verdict on each of the 34 charges for which he was indicted. There was no surprise here as I had been following… Read more
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When Antoine LeClaire, George Davenport, and others brought the first steamboat full of land speculators from Saint Louis to sell them plots in what would become the city of Davenport, Iowa, they did not appear to have clear title to the land. Sales were lackluster. Right or wrong, I attribute this to the dominant unanswered… Read more
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Lately I forgot to take photos while out trail walking. I carry my mobile device with me. Maybe I’m distracted. Maybe the sight of Canadian Geese sunning themselves on a jetty is too commonplace. I did, however, have pleasant walks on the trail before rain started again on Friday. I used an old photo on… Read more
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I possess a personality yet expend little effort in knowing or cultivating it. I avoid considering a self-concept when I can. When I feel I have one, I try not to impose it on others. Most times I don’t pay much attention to who I am to focus on others. People appreciate someone who takes… Read more
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Saturday afternoon I attended the campaign kick off meeting for Jay Gorsh in Williamsburg. The event was lovely. Shade in the backyard, combined with a gentle breeze, helped us forget the ambient temperature was 87 degrees. It was a good gathering of new and old friends. Shorter Shifts, Slower Progress In between rain and sunshine… Read more
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I’m okay with increased isolation as I age. I spent so much of my working years with people, I’m ready for a break. Let’s call it a permanent break. For the time being, I still drive, use the internet, and get along in social media. I can do my own shopping and make an occasional… Read more
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If a person wanted to know how the Iowa landscape changed, a trip along Interstate 80 from Iowa City to Des Moines will provide the information. Thursday, while picking up my spouse, the green of emerging corn and beans was visible under large cumulus clouds set against a vast expanse of blue sky. Nothing remotely… Read more
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