by Phil Houseal | May 25, 2022 | All Articles, History, People of the Hill Country, Philosophy
May 25, 2022–Like the dog with its head hanging out the window of a car, we only notice other dogs. I’ve been crisscrossing the state the past several weeks, sharing seats with riders of various bents. What I have learned is that while many are in the same vehicle,...
by Phil Houseal | May 18, 2022 | All Articles, Food, History, Philosophy
May 18, 2022–We all like to count the ways we are “too busy.” “There are not enough hours in the day.” “I just don’t have time.” “I wish I could, but…” So I decided to actually time how long it took me to do each of my myriad regular daily tasks. The impetus...
by Phil Houseal | May 11, 2022 | All Articles, History, Philosophy
May 11, 2022–I don’t understand those who enjoy driving. While the romantic version is that of an intrepid traveler rolling over miles of ever-changing terrain, the reality is that you are sitting inside a 4-foot by 5-foot room, pressing your right foot on a pedal. If...
by Phil Houseal | May 4, 2022 | All Articles, Food, History, Philosophy
May 4, 2022–When I was a paperboy, every Christmas customers would give me a treat as I collected for their weekly delivery. This surprised me at first, because at age 11 I was unfamiliar with the concept of tipping for service. I couldn’t believe my good fortune. I...
by Phil Houseal | Apr 27, 2022 | All Articles, Events, Music, Philosophy, Venue
April 27, 2022–I remember the exact place and moment I decided to play drums. I was in the 5th grade, attending Homecoming Weekend as the University of Iowa Hawkeye Marching Band passed by on Iowa Avenue in Iowa City, Iowa. Standing on the curb as the drum section...
by Phil Houseal | Apr 20, 2022 | All Articles, History, Philosophy
April 20, 2022–What was your first job, and what did learn from it? Growing up on a farm before OSHA, my first jobs would violate every federal labor law today. They usually involved unsupervised gangs of 14-year-old boys working 12-hour days operating dangerous...
