Revisit assumptions, could haves and should haves in “The Midnight Library” (Book Review)

October 17, 2021October 18, 2021 Cathy Chavez

Cover photo for a review of "The Midnight Library" by Matt Haig

Many of us humans, flawed and egotistical as we are, believe our own interpretations are the only correct or accurate ones. “The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig helps readers recognize that they might be looking at things too narrowly.

New, worse opioid epidemic calls for better solutions including legal cannabis in Iowa (EDITORIAL)

October 7, 2021October 9, 2021 Christine Hawes

Photo exhibiting cannabis oil, flower and hemp as part of the solution to overdoses from heroin, fentanyl-laced street drugs and prescription painkillers.

Cannabis legalization in Iowa, or at least expansion of its medical marijuana program, needs to be part of the solution to a new, worsening opioid epidemic.

Dangers of social media more severe for LGBTQ+, BIPOC, female and young people (TRM Blog: Series Kickoff)

September 29, 2021October 7, 2021 Christine Hawes

Wake up to how social media poses greater dangers to not only teens but also LGBTQ+, BIPOC and female people. This is the first in a series about social media and its increasing damage.

9/11’s 20th anniversary demands a return to perspective (TRM Blog)

September 10, 2021September 16, 2021 Christine Hawes

Picture of New York skyline in 2017, overlayed with 1970s picture of the Twin Towers

We’ve already been down the path of pushing it to the limit, as we’re newly reminded with the 20th anniversary of 9/11. We can’t keep going down this path of relentless escalation and “shock and awe,” liberal-style. We have to stop the macro-ization of every micro-aggression.

Are any lies kind? Worthy questions in Nancy Johnson’s first-time novel (Book Review)

September 7, 2021September 9, 2021 Cathy Chavez

Four new books recommended this spring by Pesky Librarians include "The Kindest Lie" by Nancy Johnson.

Nancy Johnson’s first novel raises a worthy question about lies, despite leaving characters unexplored, writes Cathy Chavez in her new “Off the Shelf” book review.

Defensiveness: give yourself a break and apologize for real

September 2, 2021September 7, 2021 Guest Writer

Four body language postures illustrating defensiveness: hands facing outward in front of oneself, crossed arms, hand in front of face

Even good people need to work on healthy apologies and overcoming defensiveness. Alex Kestrel offers some tips In his new “Starting With You” column on self-investment.

‘Pray Away’ devastates by showing religion’s leading role in ongoing conversion therapy abuse of LGBTQ+ people (Review)

August 24, 2021September 1, 2021 Aime Wichtendahl

Pray Away is about how conversion therapy is still happening, targeting transgender people within the LGBTQ+ community, and masquerading as religious love. Read Aime Wichtendahl’s review.

Simplify your search: 10 themed calendars help sort LGBTQ affirming, intersectional events in Illinois, Iowa

August 23, 2021September 2, 2021 Christine Hawes

The Real Mainstream themed calendar announcement

Find the events you’re looking for with 10 themed calendars of LGBTQ affirming, intersectional events in Illinois and Iowa.

Informed consent is beyond sex, all about boundaries, and never forever (Column)

August 20, 2021September 2, 2021 Guest Writer

How many times have you made little Tommy give Grandma a hug, or scolded him because he didn’t want to give Aunt Sue a kiss? Or given into that hug at the family barbecue from the creepy neighbor that stopped by, because you didn’t want to seem rude? Remember how it felt when that person grabbed your ass at the bar? Ever been pressured into having sex with someone? These scenarios are all consent violations. I know I am guilty of the first scenario with my own children. It wasn’t until I entered the Leather…