Submitted by David Anderson. “A lot of people had the chance, so nobody stood up to say, that is not a good design?” Incredulous, National Transportation Safety board member Earl Weener asked the question during a hearing in Washington, D.C. concerning the investigation following the Amtrak derailment December 18 just south of Lakewood, Washington that […]
To Ponder
Letter: Frogs vs. Landlords, a Rental Inspection showdown
Submitted by David Anderson A lowly frog – yes, a frog – has hopped up to the bench of the country’s highest court where the critter’s “black dorsal surface covered in warts” will be examined by none other than the black-robed members of the U.S. Supreme Court.
Communicating and Being Understood
Submitted by Don Doman. In communication so much is said and so much of it is taken for granted . . . or not. I’ve always liked the story of the general who sent an order to his troop, “Have your company moved to the left wing” with no punctuation. The response came back, “No, […]
Our Friend Pat Flynn
Submitted by Don Doman. Pat Flynn passed away on Saturday, July 7th. Most people will know Pat for her work raising money for cancer research with Relay for Life. We knew her as a friend. Today you can find Relay For Life in 5,000 communities in the United States and in 29 foreign countries with […]
Saving Money by Mail
Submitted by Don Doman. Last week my friend Jim and I were going to lunch on Friday. Thursday’s mail delivered a copy of “Your Local Shopper” with coupons for money saving offers. When Jim picked me up I gave him two choices, “Mexican food or pub food,” I queried. “What’s pub food,” Jim asked. “Drive […]
Home from Home: Crowned Heads
Submitted by Susanne Bacon A few weeks ago, the world was following another British Royal Wedding, and US magazine covers were plastered with the happy young couple. As these pictures slowly fade in our memories, the internet is following suit with images of a brand-new duchess traveling with “the” Queen, and social media are overflowing […]
Families Belong Together – Pierce County Rally
Submitted by Don Doman. I arrived a good half hour early. I lost count of friends, Rotarians, organizations, elected officials (past and present), kids, bikes, and families as I walked around People’s Park. The people were open and congenial. The weather was constantly threatening, but the people weren’t. Protestors spoke their minds, but everyone in […]
Making Do . . . Inventiveness
Submitted by Don Doman. As I child I enjoyed playing with lead soldiers, but often the stands for them would break off. I used pop bottle caps as a form and poured melting lead into the caps, where I then stood up my sometimes foot missing soldiers into their new base. When the new footers […]
Ale House Restaurant Review
Submitted by Don Doman. The last time I ate at the Ale House, which is located on Mildred Street a few blocks from Tacoma Community College, a friend ordered their “fiery pasta.” When it was delivered he complained it was too spicy. The rest of us just laughed at him as we pointed out, “Well, […]