Category Archives: People

My pal Newt

Posted on December 16, 2011 by hro50ta1

By Joel Thurtell I like Newt. I can’t say it too often — Newt Gingrich is the greatest! I owe Newt a big debt of gratitude, because it was Newt who nudged me off the dime and into the race … Continue reading →

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Pepper gas kills

Posted on November 23, 2011 by hro50ta1

By Joel Thurtell In light of the current controversy surrounding use by cops of pepper spray, I’m reprinting my Detroit Free Press articles in 2000 and 2003 about the death of a Pontiac, Michigan man, Kerwin Thomas from an asthma … Continue reading →

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Margaret Dunning: Still cruisin’

Posted on November 16, 2011 by hro50ta1

Five years ago, I rode around Plymouth in Margaret Dunning’s classic Cadillac for a Detroit Free Press story. Then, Margaret Dunning was 96 years old. I remember being thrilled as she turned the big Caddy north onto Sheldon and, with … Continue reading →

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They eat horses, don’t they?

Posted on October 24, 2011 by hro50ta1

By Joel Thurtell Couple weeks ago, my friend Donna invited me to dinner. I was delighted. Donna has a summer place near our cottage in McGregor Bay, Ontario, and I’ve eaten her food before. She is a brilliant cook. We … Continue reading →

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SHOESTRING REPORTER

Posted on February 27, 2011 by hro50ta1

By “Floyd Inkjet” JOTR Book Critic At last, someone has penned a book about Journalism that truly can be described as all these things — a personal memoir, a comprehensive strategy for building a Journalism career, a nuts-and-bolts textbook and, … Continue reading →

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Susan Tompor: ‘We did win!’

Posted on August 5, 2010 by hro50ta1

By Joel Thurtell JOTR favorite Susan Tompor has won the Detroit Free Press charity popularity contest. I was curious about what had happened after I urged readers on July 23, 2010 to vote for Susan in the paper’s “Reader Envy” … Continue reading →

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Advice to pope: Get thee to a monastery!

Posted on April 10, 2010 by hro50ta1

By Joel Thurtell King Louis XIV of France is supposed to have said, “Apres moi, le deluge.” I wonder if the pope thinks that because he is anointed to serve as the Vicar of Christ for life, no earthly force … Continue reading →

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Lord of the Lies

Posted on March 30, 2010 by hro50ta1

By Luke Warm Professor of Mendacity University of Munchausen There comes a time in the career of every Professor of Mendacity — even those of us who have earned multiple PhDs in the fields of Duplicity, Mendacity, Deceit and Diversion … Continue reading →

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CANADA ROCKS!

Posted on March 1, 2010 by hro50ta1

By Joel Thurtell I was sitting in the living room of Zoe and Burnley McDougall’s house on Vim Island in McGregor Bay on Sunday, February 21, 2010, the day the U.S. Olympic hockey team beat the Canadians in the quarter … Continue reading →

Posted in Bay, People | 1 Comment

“Han shot first,” and all that

Posted on January 4, 2009 by admin

By Joel Thurtell Some blaster-totin’ goon’s got the drop on you, threatening to blow your brains out on the spot. No help in sight. Your back is to the wall. What do you do? Well, if you’re Han Solo, with … Continue reading →

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