The Original Tough Copper

How would you catch a bootlegger if you were a cop in the 1930’s? You’d chase him and if you lost him, you’d call for back up to intercept him, right? Well, that wouldn’t work too well for Norfolk cops, who didn’t get radios installed in their cars until 1941. And searching for a gas station with a phone, would often give crooks time to escape. But my late grandfather, John Estes, a Norfolk police officer for 35 years, had a skill that terrified criminals - he could fly...

Click on the title above to link to the rest of the article, The Original Tough Copper on the on-line magazine Blogcritics.

Virginian-Pilot Mascot

It is the nature of a locale to be almost myopically focused on its own surroundings. It's always been challenging to simultaneously focus on the trees and the forest. And thus city leaders should stay focused on their own areas, as they know them best. The mascot of regionalism serves the purpose of reminding the different city sectors of a common goal, a realization that our actions have ripple effects. Jeez, this could get deep.

Home Scams

The box to my recliner made a great home for a Cleveland homeless person. I gave him some plastic to put under the box to prevent moisture, but he wasn't content - he wanted not one blanket, but two. I also offered some decorating ideas for the inside of the box, but he wasn't interested, saying he wasn't going to live there long enough to enjoy it.