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What I didn't do on my summer vacation

All week Facebook has been helpfully reminding me that there is no Comic-Con this year by posting my photos of conventions from years past. Thanks for that, Zuck.
The photos are almost bizarre to look at. A sea of densely packed people from all over the world where the only masks in sight belong to the cosplayers. It's hard to believe how quickly things can change.

Prepare to vote safely this fall

The COVID-19 pandemic is not over.
These numbers are a warning sign that the pandemic is getting worse – not better – in Iowa:
• Record high daily total of 769 new confirmed COVID-19 cases last weekend
• More than 35,000 con-firmed cases statewide
• More than 750 confirmed Iowa deaths from COVID-19

Continuing to serve to the people of North Iowa

It has been a tremendous honor to serve you as State Representative in the Iowa House over the past 18 years. Thank you for the opportunity.

How to respond to racism

To the editor:

Pros and cons

It's something I look forward to every year. The annual release of the Comic-Con International panel schedule.
It forms the foundation of the Comic-Con experience, dictating where I'll be for the bulk of my annual pilgrimage.
Last week, the schedule for this year's Comic-Con was released. Just like it would be any other year.
Kind of.

Can we talk?

I've been pleased in recent weeks to have some thoughtful responses to this column. They contrast to some I'll mention here just to make us thankful for the civil discussion we treasure.
Civil discourse does not include personal attacks or one line rebukes with no supporting information.

To the editor:

I read with frustration “A Setback for Civil Rights,” written by Fritz Groszkruger in the July 1 Hampton Chronicle. I have my own opinions.

Six months to go

We did it! We're halfway through 2020!
To say that this has been a challenging year would be an understatement. It seems that every month we get some horrendous new disaster to deal with.

Take your vitamin D

Karl and I had reservations to fly to California to see fami-ly...until last night. The airline texted that the flights were canceled. So that's on my mind right now.

A case of identifiable copyright

The game is afoot!
It's been a while since I've written about copyright law, but now there's a case sure to interest. Last week the Conan Doyle Estate filed a lawsuit against Netflix over their upcoming film "Enola Holmes."

A setback for civil rights

I've always thought it was just Rhode Island. But the news says that they are now chang-ing the state's name to Rhode Island from “The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations (as on state docu-ments).” The word “planta-tions” is offensive.

Reflecting Iowans’ priorities

The state budget is paid for with Iowans’ hard-earned tax dollars and should reflect your priorities. That’s why a bal-anced budget based on the latest revenue estimates is the first and foremost obligation of the Legislature.
Unfortunately, the $8 bil-lion bundle approved for the fiscal year beginning July 1 failed Iowans on many levels.

Who is that masked man?

It's become routine at this point. I stopped at Kum and Go on my way to work this morning. Before I went in to grab my usual breakfast sandwich and coffee, I pulled up a bandana over my face.
Like my wallet and cell phone, the black piece of elastic material has become just another item that I make sure to grab before I leave the house.
This should be the case for more people.

Pay attention to the teacher

The COVID-19 crisis has given us an opportunity to discuss the health care system from an unemotional and objective viewpoint.

The Next Generation

It's the end of the era and the beginning of a new one.
Last December, Microsoft revealed their Xbox Series X, their next big step in home video game systems.
Last week, Sony responded, finally unveiling their PlayStation 5.

Black Lives Matter

I suppose it's my job to comment on the racial discrimination issue that has taken over public discussion. It is difficult because each time the English language opens a door it be-comes like British soccer fans fleeing a match gone bad. The door is plugged with complications.

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