Newsy Articles

This section features articles that are good for you -- current events, politics, economics, history -- that sort of thing.

This doesn't necessarily mean that they're boring.

My Country 'Tis of Thee, Sweet Land of Aquarium Toliets

Thursday, 01 July 2010 00:00 Patrick J. Sauer

As the Fish N Flush with The H2Orb sparklers blaze this Independence Day, it's worth taking a moment to reflect on this here beautiful mess known as the U.S. of A.

We certainly have our ongoing issues, but never forget:

We are the land of the free, and the home of engineers who took it upon themselves to combine a toilet and an aquarium.

Now, with the Fish 'n Flush, your crapper can be a source of joy and whimsy for a mere $200.

Enjoy the holiday, pass the potato salad, and God Bless America!

(Even the Tea Partiers. Offer good for one day only.)

Everything You Always Wanted to Know About 10-Foot Wieners

Tuesday, 18 May 2010 16:49 Patrick J. Sauer

I recently got a new gig as a contributor to the relaunched AOL Small Business site, which is loaded with full-steam-ahead stories about entrepreneurs keeping this American economy afloat. Good to know so folks aren't waiting out the recession, right?

My first two pieces are:

A "Made in the U.S.A." round-up of baseball companies, inlcuding Milwaukee-based Olympus Flag & Banner, which makes the giant sausage mascots that make Miller Park a must-visit for fans of the grand old game and foam chorizos alike.

A chat with one of the founders of Fire Island Beer, who was kind enough to provide samples and conduct the interview in old school Mickey Mantle fashion. (You figure it out.)

I'll be writing a lot for AOL, so tune in here for all your breaking offbeat business folk news.

"Marine Wedding" Brings the War Home

Monday, 05 April 2010 13:49 Patrick J. Sauer

(FYI: it's worth checking out the HuffPo comments section for this piece. There's a number of notes from veterans and parents of wounded soldiers.)

No matter what new technologies develop, singular photos always seem to provide the lasting images that sum up wars on the whole. Matthew Brady's shots at Antietam brought the horror and carnage of the Civil War home, the V-J Day "Kiss" captured the euphoria and relief of the end of the "good war," and the terrifying "Napalm Girl" displayed the barbarity of modern weaponry unleashed on a civilian populace.

Final Hotel Wrap-Up: Hometown Hip Spot & D.C. Dwellings

Monday, 04 January 2010 20:12 Patrick J. Sauer

Happy New Year, loyal readers!

Here's to hoping 2010 is better than last year. Unless you were one of the fortunate few to have a great '09, let's bet that Ooohh-oohh-chiiiiiild....things are gonna' get easier.

In the spirits of better days ahead, here's a lovely view of New York City from an upper-floor bathroom at the super hip Hotel on Rivington.

May we all get to bathe in the lap of luxury this year. (No, this was not the room I bedded down in.)