Tommy Tomlinson

Gail Helms figures she has it better than most. Even though she's been unemployed since October 2008.

On Tuesday, about 10 in the morning, the Observer's e-mail crashed. Not "crashed" as in "we had to unplug it and plug it back in." More like "crashed" as in "somebody rolled the server in front of an 18-wheeler."

On Tuesday, about 10 in the morning, the Observer’s e-mail crashed. Not “crashed” as in “we had to unplug it and plug it back in.” More like “crashed” as in “somebody rolled the server in front of an 18-wheeler.”

Jerk, cad, toad, scum, hound, slime, louse, creep, fraud, bum, sleaze, clown, skunk, worm and weasel.

The train whistle blew around midnight. For some reason this one sounded like a foghorn. I expected to look through the blinds and be staring at open sea.

The world had no idea what Nell Rose Bates was up to.

The news of the day: Less crime. The mood of the day: More fear.

Put yourself in his shoes, just for a moment.

I'd like to start off the new year by announcing my candidacy for the Mecklenburg County ABC board.

So far this year we've missed the snow, and I mean that two ways. Missed it, in the sense that it hasn't quite hit Charlotte yet. And missed it, in the sense that I wish we had some, and it's the first time I've felt that way.