Author Archives: nick

Palin/Paul

Posted on September 13, 2011 by nick

As the son of a school teacher (English and Latin), I can’t help but wince at Governor Palin’s syntax. As a midwesterner, I can’t help but find her accent endearing. But that is all beside the point, I hope. I … Continue reading →

Posted in General | Leave a comment

Chinese Tennis

Posted on August 30, 2011 by nick

Listening to the commentary on the early rounds of the U.S. Open (tennis), I listened to a bunch of speculation about why Li Na, winner of the French Open, has not won two consecutive matches since then. There was this … Continue reading →

Posted in General | Leave a comment

Hell to Pay

Posted on August 21, 2011 by nick

I don’t care what any Presidential candidate thinks about: abortion gay marriage global warming evolution My dream candidate for President is not someone who agrees with me about all of these subjects. My dream candidate for President is someone who … Continue reading →

Posted in General | Leave a comment

Peyote and Me

Posted on August 18, 2011 by nick

Me and Victor would order the green peyote buttons, several dozen at a time, from Lawson’s Texas Cactus Gardens. They came with planting instructions, but we never planted any of them. This was 1965 in Iowa City, Iowa. The buttons … Continue reading →

Posted in General, My Life | Leave a comment

Workin’ at the Heinz Plant

Posted on August 7, 2011 by nick

It was 1966 in Iowa City. Susan and I had just gotten married and our first child was on the way. We were flat broke. Victor said he knew where I could get a job. He had worked there before, … Continue reading →

Posted in General, My Life | Leave a comment

THERE ARE NO SPENDING CUTS!

Posted on August 3, 2011 by nick

I had resolved to lay off the political rants, and just post stories from my actual life, like the two previous posts here. But I just couldn’t stand to keep my mouth shut about this whole debt ceiling farce. Everyone … Continue reading →

Posted in Economics, General | Leave a comment

Crazy is as Crazy Does

Posted on August 1, 2011 by nick

For awhile I worked as an attendant on the day shift at Psych Hospital in Iowa City. It was 1965. I was 21. Psych Hospital was part of the University of Iowa. They only accepted patients who had some reasonable … Continue reading →

Posted in General, My Life | 2 Comments

Building Catfish Pond

Posted on July 27, 2011 by nick

“In a home, it’s the site that matters.” -Lao Tzu How we built a ten bedroom, two story house on Saturdays, with a little help from our friends. It was getting on late summer of 1977 when it began to … Continue reading →

Posted in General, My Life, Photos | 1 Comment

Cults and Politics

Posted on July 21, 2011 by nick

I was a member of a cult, back in the 70s and early 80s. I understand how the cult mentality works. There are many cults, some more subtle than others. Don’t be too sure that you are not a member. … Continue reading →

Posted in General, Politics | 2 Comments

The New Kitchen

Posted on July 12, 2011 by nick

The dishwasher quit working. It would just make this horrible noise and not do anything. So we figured we’d get a new one at Home Depot and have them come and install it and take the old one away. But … Continue reading →

Posted in General, My Life, Photos | Leave a comment