Columns

What were you doing ten years ago today?

On Sept. 11, 2001, I awoke at about 9:00 a.m. local time. I was living with my brother on Samuel Street in the Heights. I stretched, wandered over by my computer and went to a Usenet newsgroup I visited regularly.…

Musings for September 2011

September is coming up, and it’s hard to believe that the year 2011 is drawing to a close. Children are back in school, and hopefully the weather is going to cool off. It will be good if this is the…

West Peoria News for September 2011

West Peoria is hosting their 11th annual Night Against Crime on Saturday, September 17th from 4:00 – 6:30 p.m. at Franciscan Park. Traditionally, these events are held in August but this was changed in order to avoid the heat of…

We did it again

Thanks to editor, Debbie Adlof, I’ve had the pleasure of writing this column for over ten years. Much of what I write comes from friends. They represent various aspects of life in Peoria and central Illinois from politics to business…

Progressive – and proud of it!

Patience is a virtue, it’s said, and that might be especially true when reform is sought. If progress seems slow, impatience can lead to frustration and worse.Patience is particularly important when conventional wisdom, stereotypes, etc. become obstacles to change. For…

Fear Factor

If little Miss Muffet had sat on her tuffet and refused to be frightened away, that lone little spider that sat down beside her could never have ruined her day. In reality, Miss Muffet had nothing to fear, but fear…

Kevin ‘Catch-and-Release’ Lyons isn’t our problem anymore

The Journal Star reports that newly-appointed circuit court judge, Kevin Lyons, has been appointed to a position in the Tazewell County Court House. So, it’s official. He’s Pekin’s problem now. The Peoria Journal Star announced he will be handling one…

The Un-lived Life of Russell Stone a novelette, part eight

Rachel walks to the elevator with Mrs. Stone’s journal in her hand. It is 8:45 a.m._____________________________________________ I don’t remember walking to the elevator. In fact, I don’t remember anything from the moment Mrs. Stone handed me her journal until I…

Serendipity: Self knowledge is essential

Wisdom arrives more easily when I’m surrounded by silence. Early morning provides excellent opportunities for contemplation. A cup of coffee, a view of the rising sun, and reflections on times past are excellent components for soul searching. While such introspection…