Life in Joliet

        Tim is about as Joliet as you can get without having spent time in the Big House. He's a lifelong resident who grew up here, was schooled here, and has spent the bulk of his working life in its shadow. His family is no Johnny-come-lately to the area, either. His parents and grandparents were all born and raised right here. His son even has the distinction of being a 4th generation student at St. Raymond's. His roots in the area give him the street cred (as the kids say) to write about his hometown with both an affectionate, yet sometimes critical, eye.

Here are many of the columns that put Tim on the local map as a writer-- from his very first newpaper column arguing the new baseball team should be named "Jailbirds" to his most recent wondering about the state of his neighborhood.

You'll find columns on local politics, local people, and local lore. Every quirky, wonderful, aggravating, worrisome, hilarious thing you've ever thought about  Joliet probably appears in one of these columns. Spend some time and get to know your fellow J-towner.

City Hall a SAD Place To Work-- The lack of sunlight in City Hall can really get a guy down.

Parking Fees Raise Blood Pressure-- A medical group's new parking fee, along with a host of others, will get your pressure cooking!

Tornado Blows Down Trees, Not Spirit -- Cathedral Area tornado brings neighbors together.

Inescapable Memory of a Fall Night -- One year after the fact, Tim recalls the best football game ever!

Giant White Ball Intriguing -- an immense orb goes up near the canal. What is it?

Why Not Jailbirds?-- Tim's very first column for the Herald News. The big reaction it received sent Tim on his way as a writer.

Foresight Lacking on Evergreen-- City fathers let the housing project fester until it was a problem they couldn't control.

Booted From The Astrodome-- Joliet teacher Vicki Perella went to Houston to help the Katrina transplants, then got shown the door of the Astrodome.

Joliet's Secret Scenic Treasures-- Tim reveals the area's best places to see some natural beauty.

Rose-colored Glasses Hiding Truth About Neighborhood? -- Is the temperature in Tim's neighborhood hotter than he realizes?

Top Ten Reasons Herald News Didn't Endorse Tomczak-- Joliet paper goes after state's attorney in a big way, but he wins primary anyway.

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     2007 Nuggets and Nonsense Columns

Joliet Nuggets and Nonsense-- When a guy reads his local paper, he starts thinking about things. Adrianne Curry was not a fan of this column.

A Little Teasing Not All Bad -- Adrianne Curry's "tender" response and more local nuggets.

From Dogs to Diocese -- More homorous tidbits about local doings.

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Why Joliet? Because It's Home-- The final column in Tim's Waitress Saga (found here), speaks of his affection, and frustration, with his hometown.

Joliet's Poet Laureate-- Tim takes on some local topics in his application to become Illinois' new poet laureate.

We've Got Our Own Mistakes By the Lake-- In light of the criticism of new Soldier Field, Tim looks at local architecture.

Hammers Drop The Ball-- Spring cleaning comes late to a dirty Silver Cross Field.

The Babe Did Play Here-- A rumor about Babe Ruth once playing in Joliet proves to be true.

Judge Cerri's Juvenile Jailhouse Jackpot! -Judge teaches kids a lesson in fair play.

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             The "Open Line" Columns

Open Line Dirt Still Very Fetching -- Tim is swearing off the the Herald News' "Whiner Line."

Open Line: Can't Beat It? Embrace It! -- Tim rethinks his crusade to end the world of the blight of the O-Line.

Open Line Falls on Hard Times-- When the anonymity of the "Whiner Line" disappears, so does all the fun.