The Panel

All of our regular bloggers need to read this post!! We are changing the format of the Bistro. No longer will we post threads inviting everyone to respond. Our responders are going to be limited to a few of our most loyal and insightful bloggers. We will be posting a weekly question, and each of you will be asked to post your thoughts on that topic. We will refer to it as "the question of the week". Anyone interested in being on this "panel"  should POST HERE NOW letting us know. I would like to extend invitations to Big Nasty, Buford T. Pusser, Diamond Dave, Rich, Iona Trailer, and the rest of you who have posted regularly. Remember, you will only be asked to post once a week, so it won't be too difficult. Ready? LET'S FORM THE PANEL!!!

Just Relax !

We all get stressed; good reason, wrong reason, no reason. What do you do to slide into that "What, me worry?" state of mind? Vacation? Fishin'? Road trip? Good book? I guess a simple list of personal vices would work if that's what works for you and it's done in good taste.

BP Oil Spill

What do you do about the BP oil spill? Maybe you don't even think it's your problem. Whose problem is it? Who should be taking charge of this?

Favorite Street

What is your favorite street in Jefferson? Maybe based on its appearance. Maybe you want to use some other criteria. Whatever you decide, give us your choice.

Suspicious Photography

Why is it so tough to take pictures of Jefferson? Lately, our staff has been asked to leave public buildings in Jefferson, even though it was perfectly legal to be there. The latest incident involved a citizen reporting us to the police for taking a picture of a house from the street. What gives?

The Best Steak I Ever Ate

Where's your favorite steak house? What cut of meat do you prefer? Maybe you like to grill your own. Any favorite recipe? This is Iowa - let's talk about steaks!

My Most Unforgettable Boss

We've all had several jobs, and several bosses. Who stands out as the best boss you ever had? Maybe you had a boss that you feel is worth mentioning as the worst boss you ever had. Either way works.

Infamous Schoolhouse Memories

What are your favorite memories of grade school? Did you go to Cooper? Maybe the "pink penitentiary"? How about your favorite or least favorite teacher? Let's see how much we can remember.

Open Forum

Here's where you can share your thoughts, ideas, and opinions without any theme or boundaries. Maybe something is going on that we missed. What do you think?

That First Car

Remember your very first set of wheels? Maybe it was something cool or possibly a real piece of junk. Have any memories of where you used to take it, or where you wrecked it?

Small Town Humor

Do you have a favorite small-town anecdote from Jefferson or anywhere else? How about a funny story or joke pertaining to small towns or rural Iowa? Keep it clean!

At the Movies

Do you have any all-time favorite movies? What was the first movie you went to? Do you remember the old drive-in movie days? Lets talk about movies.

Carroll, Jefferson, or Perry?

A simple, straightforward question. Which town would you rather live in and why Jefferson, Perry, or Carroll? Use any criteria you like. No other cities are included. Vote as often as you like. Your thoughts are anticipated.

Food !!!

How about food? Is anyone's favorite something other than a nice spider goulash? How about potato salad or sweet corn? How about food on a stick from the state fair? How about potato soup or homemade chili? Let's open this up to hear about your favorite comfort foods. Recipes can be included if it does not bring in the legal team from Kentucky Fried.

No Smoking

How have Iowa's public smoking bans affected you? Have you stopped smoking? Do other areas have similar laws? Maybe you just appreciate less smoky environs.

Politics

How do you feel about the current administration? If you like, keep it local. How are your elected officials doing? Any of them do anything stupid lately?

Open Discussion

Time to start a new thread without the burden of having a topic. What's going on that we missed? Maybe you missed your opportunity to speak out on a past thread. Here's your chance.

New Street Names

A plan has recently been suggested which would rename the streets in Jefferson after famous past residents east and west, and after Iowa counties north and south. What do you think?

Dirty Jobs

What's the worst job you ever had? Never had a bad one? Maybe some one you knew had a bad job. Maybe you just heard about a really, really bad job. At any rate, how bad was it?

County Consolidation

Iowa has 99 counties, which is the most per capita of any state in the union. Recently, a bill was introduced in the state legislature that would require us to cut that number in half by 2014. Good or bad idea?

Music

The Bell Tower Festival thread has brought to our attention differences our readers have regarding the music offered at the event. What kinds of music do you prefer? What are Iowans listening to? Who are your favorite current recording artists?

2010 Bell Tower Festival

Is anybody fom out of town planning on attending the Bell Tower Festival this year? Tell us what things you would like to see at the event. Got any good Bell Tower stories or info?

What's So Funny?

What makes you laugh? Do you have a favorite comedian? Maybe a bit or TV show? What kinds of comedy are Iowans tuned in to? Share your thoughts or jokes.

This Is Living

Maybe you have fallen in love with Iowa. Nothing wrong with that. But on our web site alone, we have staffers in places like LA, Atlanta, and Phoenix. We're just wondering, if you could call anywhere in the US your home, where might you land ...

Open Forum

 What do YOU want to talk about? NASCAR? Bad Weather? Ex- girl/boyfriends? We don't care at this point. This thread is for you. Jump on it.

That Old-Time Religion

On a few of our threads lately, we have seen religion getting discussed and the bible being interpreted in different ways. Use this thread to discuss anything of a religious nature that you need to.

Jefferson Schools

What school did you attend? Share the most interesting moments you experienced while attending school in Jefferson. Good and bad.

Most-Missed Businesses

Jefferson Iowa News is currently running a story titled "Jefferson's 15 Most-Missed Businesses". Most of those listed greatly impacted the city and its quality of lifestyle. What places did we leave out?

Who needs pennies?

Do we really need to keep minting pennies? It seems to me that merchandise could be bought and sold just as easily without them. Lots of places already round off.

Culinary Treats

What is the strangest food you ever ate - or the most unusual thing you ever heard of anyone eating? Some cultures have pretty odd eating habits.

Beat the Dead Horse

Jefferson's population dropped from 4,600 in 2000 to an estimated 4,000 in 2010. Anyone visiting recently may question even that number. Is there any way that trend can be reversed?

Recycling

What is your opinion of Iowa's nickel can and bottle deposit law? Do you recycle anything on a regular basis? Are these laws and procedures important to the environment or just a waste of time?

Open Discussion

It's once again your chance to create your own thread. What have we overlooked lately? Whatever you decide to talk about, I'm sure somebody out there has an opinion.

Home Improvement

OK, I'm giving you a $5,000 line of credit at Menard's and orders to use it improving the condition of one particularly annoying Jefferson eyesore. What do you do?

Term Limits

Do we need term limits for congressmen? Or should we just let people elect who they want for as long as they want? Are term limits even constitutional?

Capital Punishment

Express your views on this topic. Should the punishment fit the crime? Is it a deterrent? Are innocent people often executed? What about victims' rights?

Jefferson Area Architecture

Without bringing up the courthouse, Mahanay Tower, or Gallup house, what are some of your favorite buildings in the Jefferson area? Maybe you know of an obscure item unknown to the rest of us.