What national treasure would you buy if the debt ceiling collapses and forces a national sell-off?

The nation’s lawmakers continue to engage in thoughtful discourse about the country’s debt ceiling and a compromise appeasing both sides seems likely well before the June 1 deadline. Nah, just kidding. The Democrats and Republicans are,  as usual, locked in a childish game of brinksmanship that resembles children holding their breath until they turn blue.Continue reading “What national treasure would you buy if the debt ceiling collapses and forces a national sell-off?”

Talking Paragraphs Podcast No. 123: An Ode to toast; Paul’s vacation adventures; Tucker Carlson, Don Lemon, and other TV dopes get fired; All Hail Carol Burnett at 90; so much more

The ol’ Paragraph Stacker, Dan who drives a van, connects with his pal, Pal, an account for the King of Rock and Roll. Together the laughs ensue as much as is allowed on the brittle skeletons of two middle-aged white men. Topics include: 1. Toast: Dark or light? Butter or jam? 2. Paul’s vacation tripContinue reading “Talking Paragraphs Podcast No. 123: An Ode to toast; Paul’s vacation adventures; Tucker Carlson, Don Lemon, and other TV dopes get fired; All Hail Carol Burnett at 90; so much more”

An open letter to my former teacher: ‘I’m sorry I was such a jerk’

Dear Mrs. Liechty: I’m in the final weeks of my first year as a teacher. You taught me in fourth and seventh grade in Winterset. You lit the spark in me to be a writer, which is what I was for 27 years. You encouraged me, along with Chris Madison, my first journalism teacher, toContinue reading “An open letter to my former teacher: ‘I’m sorry I was such a jerk’”