We’re all maps of our experiences, our lives a tapestry of our time spent. Every second, every moment of them. Those reflections of paths taken and choices made, big and small, lead to who we are, in ways big and small. Those decisions can be huge – who we decide to love, to marry, to live with. Or they can be small – the places we frequent, the habits we hold, the culture we imbibe. For more than a decade, Caribou Coffee was a huge part of the mural of my life, and my son’s. And while the closing of a coffee shop may seem small in the larger picture of things, it’s still something. Something... Read More

There’s not going to be any more brew at the ‘bou after this fall. Caribou Coffee, one of my favorite local coffee shops, will be closing their only Quad-Cities location inside the Moline HyVee on John Deere Road next month. The store posted a note this week, stating the following: “Unfortunately, Caribou Coffee will be closing Nov. 15 due to a store remodel.” Patrons of the distinct and delicious coffee and drinks have until Oct. 29 to order any retail items (e.g. bags of coffee, syrups) in order for Caribou to have them before the store closing on Nov. 15. Patrons also... Read More

A teenager who can see the worlds of demons and the paranormal around us that others cannot is the protagonist of Sean Leary’s critically-acclaimed graphic novel series, “Exorcising Ghosts” The book is available worldwide and in local bookstores. Leary wrote and illustrated the series when he was a teenager and the books seem ripped from the diary of a teen, featuring various perils of growing up, including family issues, relationship breakups, friend squabbles and more, but with an added twist. The anti-hero of the story, Colin Drewry, is a recovering alcoholic and addict who... Read More

Things are not looking good for this fall in regard to covid-19. Numbers are spiking, the government has been pathetically inept in terms of dealing with the crisis, and the economy is once again on the verge of completely tanking. Unemployment is up, some industries are shut down through the end of the year, and others are teetering on the precipice of being shut down, maybe for good. I don’t know about you, but I’m so pessimistic I’m starting to stock up on toilet paper. That’s why it’s more important than ever to shop at your locally-owned small businesses now. Local... Read More

Are you a fan of baseball? Delicious food? Raising money for a good cause? Then this is the event for you! On Saturday May 27, Hy-Vee on John Deere Rd in Moline will be hosting a Family Baseball Event, Play Ball! From 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. you can bring the whole family out for a day full of baseball fun. You will have an opportunity to show off your curveball skills at the Fast Pitch Machine, or your pitching speed at the Dunk Tank! Each throw is $1 or you can buy a bundle of 6 throws for $5. All proceeds will be given to the Children’s Therapy Center. From 12-1:30 p.m. Rascal the Racoon, the... Read More

Hello my fellow coffee lovers, time for another trek on the java journey. Now let’s travel down by the Riverside Down by the Riverside, the mighty Mississippi River Side to Milltown coffee 3800 River Drive #2  Moline. I spoke with a nice young man Ben, the general manager of Milltown coffee, and he told me Milltown coffee has been there for two and a half years. It gets its name from” City of Mills on the river. It’s a place to open your mind up to creativity, escape from the stress of work and enjoy the view of the river. The large windows and spacious area make it possible and... Read More

Put down that newspaper grab a Cup a Joe and follow my series, the Java Journey. Our latest stop is Caribou Coffee, located at the John Deere Road and 7th Street Moline HyVee. I walked up to this little coffee stand and asked for a decaf mocha with dark chocolate chips. It was delicious! It  tasted like homemade! Caribou coffee, located inside the Moline HyVee, which is usually bustling with customers, is a cozy  little nook with a comfy leather couch and plenty of seating in a little enclave. I learned it was a whole separate world from the store itself. As I spoke with Kathy, the bubbly friendly... Read More

Change. We undergo transformations every day of our lives, in ways small and significant, in ways good and bad. Sean Leary’s “Does The Shed Skin Know It Was Once A Snake?” offers 11 award-winning short stories dealing with the life changes many of us face, and the positive ways in which our lives can transform, even in difficult times. “Shed Skin” is available in bookstores and webstores worldwide  as a print book and eBook for every eReader format. It is also available direct from the author at seanleary@seanleary.com. Leary will be signing copies of the book at several... Read More

Is it Shop Small Business Week? I never pay attention. Because for me, and thousands of other Quad-Citians, every week is shop small business week. And honestly, that should always be the case. Local businesses aren’t just the economic and entrepreneurial life blood of an area, they offer you a world of new adventures you’re never going to find anywhere else. And if variety is the spice of life, the Quad-Cities offers you a pretty ample spice rack that’s full of delicious flavors for you to enjoy. Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know. I see your eyes rolling, “ANOTHER damn patronizing editorial about... Read More