Posted September 25, 2013in Joe's Neighborhood
“Two books of tickets, please.” You shout over the music and through the small hole in the glass. Money passes one direction; tickets slide out the other direction. Vicki Smith looks out at you with a weariness. It’s late, and the season is almost over. You are another one of
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Posted September 18, 2013in Joe's Neighborhood
The counter must be the problem. The lilting music in the background and the four-foot-tall goddess perched next to the napkins certainly add to the problem. But I’m thinking it’s the counter that prevents you from seeing the waiter clearly. Paramjeet Singh is on the other side of the counter
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Posted September 11, 2013in Joe's Neighborhood
“This is Midday with Mary Brubaker and Dolph Pulliam…” “The Mary Brubaker Show weekdays at 9 a.m. on KCCI TV 8.” “The Muscular Dystrophy Telethon, hosted by Mary Brubaker.” “ ‘Time Capsule’ with John Pascuzzi, Connie McBurney, Rick Swalwell and Mary Brubaker.” “Mary Brubaker interviews Jimmy Carter… Ted Kennedy… Jane
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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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