• My brief, unpleasant encounter with a PETA nut job.

    Being a champion of animals is noble, don’t you think? The brave and just who speak out when they see abuse or neglect or suffering are heroes. No question. But the ones who willfully misrepresent reality are extremists endangering their own cause. Those extremists usually belong to PETA. Not long ago I had an encounter…

  • Here Reader, Reader, Reader.

    I know you’re out there. I can hear you breathing. What will it take to get you to stop by my blog? Candy? Free beer? Wait, how about a coupon for free visits? Absolutely free, no strings attached. Research does show that regular visits to publikworks will make you wittier, smarter, happier, and, yes, more…

  • Are libraries disappearing?

    When you’re a kid, nothing’s as exciting as a trip to the library. Remember? Riding in the backseat of the car, mittened hands tapping corduroy-clad knees, anxiously watching the city roll past. After what seemed like a long time, but wasn’t, we’d finally get there. Bursting from the car I’d hurry inside, stick my coat…

  • Please Step Away From the “Send” Button: A Refresher.

    In light of recent shenanigans in DC, specifically those concerning the unfortunately named Mr. Weiner, perhaps now is a good time to brush up on the dangers of electronic data. Too many people are committing too much information to the Internet. None of us know as much as we should about the technology we use.…

  • If I were queen.

    What’s the best invention in the history of the world? Fire? Nope. The wheel? Nope. Spandex? Okay, now you’re not even trying. The answer is dogs. Those four-footed, tail wagging bearers of unbridled glee and boundless love. Those furry, panting creatures who wait anxiously for your return from a long trip to the mailbox. In…