Posted September 04, 2013in Joe's Neighborhood
Here’s a novel thought — people make mistakes. Usually not big mistakes. But mistakes, nonetheless. Frankly, I’ve made one mistake already this morning. (Was I really just rude to a hard-working guy downtown trying to do a survey at the market?) Heck, it’s not even 10 a.m., and I’m off
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Posted August 28, 2013in Joe's Neighborhood
Thirty-three is an auspicious age. Even if you’re not going to be kissed by Judas, it seems to carry its own baggage. You know exactly what I mean, right? We all take out the yardstick to measure ourselves at different times of our lives. “Where am I professionally?” “What do
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Posted August 21, 2013in Joe's Neighborhood
Congressman Steve King’s recent comments are confounding. You know, his statement about the “dreamers” having “calves the size of cantaloupes because they’re hauling 75 pounds of marijuana across the desert.” It is so strange that you begin wondering if there is a play within the play. Without a doubt, to
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Posted August 14, 2013in Joe's Neighborhood
The long hair is what first catches your eye — dramatic for a man of middle age. Caught in tendrils by sweat, it frames his angular face and hawked nose to make him even more exotic. But it is the energy coiled that really grabs your attention, an energy that
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Posted August 07, 2013in Joe's Neighborhood
Way to go, George. You’ve been born at last. Eight pounds, six ounces of joy. Congratulations. You survived the media hype with barely a spit-up. Now you will be getting all sorts of presents and well-wishes from just about everyone. Precious stones, beautiful artisan works and the latest in baby
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Posted July 31, 2013in Joe's Neighborhood
Come and sit next to me in the back of the room. Don’t worry; you won’t have to say anything. Yes, I know it’s after work hours, and we should be at home with our families. Oh, I’m sorry; you were actually going to the bar to hang with your
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Posted July 24, 2013in Joe's Neighborhood
You first notice the smell of wax. It clings to your nose even after the reflected sunlight causes you to look up from the polished surface. Wow, that is glossy smooth. You slowly bend to get a closer look, and your gaze involuntarily drifts down the entire stretch. Lord, it
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Posted July 17, 2013in Joe's Neighborhood
In the basement of the old Catholic elementary school in Iowa City, we all lined up with our vendor trays attached by straps across the back of our necks. Ranging in ages from 10 to 13, we were loaded down with homecoming mums. After a quick lecture from Sister Timothy
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Posted July 10, 2013in Joe's Neighborhood
Come on. This is just weird. He is sitting way too close. His knee is almost touching yours. Can you tell him to back up? Is your breathing getting a little ragged? Does he notice that your eyes are moistening? The lean of his body into yours is as intimate
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Posted July 03, 2013in Joe's Neighborhood
Fear can raise a rebellion even in the smallest of hearts. It certainly was the force that propelled me at the age of 8 to barricade myself in the family station wagon on a hot summer day many years ago. The windows were rolled up, and my parents and seven
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