The Tom Dwyer Newsletter YEAR IN REVIEW 2022!

We always say the Tom Dwyer Newsletter is unlike any other you’ve ever read, and there’s only one reason… if you get bored, you won’t read it. We try to stay interesting by covering a lot of ground, from Auto advice to politics to environment to technology and much, much more. You never know what you’ll find, but we try to make sure it’s always worth a look. Here’s a look at everything we did in 2022…

Feature Articles

Our Monthly Columns

Why did the chicken cross the road? Mainly to check out the monthly original cartoons and puzzles of Keith and Jen, but also for some of those dank mechanic memes. Here’s a sample of each from 2022, but there’s more every month on our Funny Page!

From the unimaginable expanse of the multiverse to the tiniest living beings and the quarks and leptons they’re made of, science is an adventure. The “Department of Reality Studies” may do little to affect the appreciation of science, but we’ll enjoy sharing our own excitement with you. Let’s go!

Nov 2022- Speed of light shattered, unearthly materials, and how to know if we live in a computer program

October 2022- Fuzzy definitions, portable MRIs, and failures of the scientific imagination

September, 2022- Live robotic skin, life rains from space, and why it’s dark at night

August, 2022- Animal perception, time crystals, and artificial mice

July, 2022- The James Webb Telescope. Of course.

May/June, 2022- Beginnings of Life, Telescopes, and Gas Giants

April, 2022- New planets, old dinosaurs, and failures of the imagination

March, 2022- Answers from Hawking and a Trip Into A Fusion Reactor

February, 2022- Inside a black hole, going to Neptune, and the Simulated Universe

Reality Studies for January, 2022- Intelligent Octopuses, Less-Intelligent Americans, and Special Spots that Do Nothing

If you’re a fan of our old KPOJ ads, you’ll want to keep up on Tom’s Tidbits. It’s all the musings of the old days, but in a little longer form.

Tom’s Tidbits- The Domestic Enemies are winning

Greetings, It’s been over two years since Donald Trump and his allies attacked our Capitol. Hundreds of low-level footsoldiers and thugs have been arrested, tried, and convicted, but the traitors who organized the attack still run free. Worse, these Domestic … Continue reading →

Tom’s Tidbits- Bye, Nance. Don’t let the door hit ya…

Tom’s Tidbits- Bye, Nance. Don’t let the door hit ya… Greetings, It seems there’s much to be grateful for this Thanksgiving. We all dodged a bullet as election deniers, insurrectionists, racists, and general whack-jobs lost across the board. Not all … Continue reading →

Tom’s Tidbits- Wake me when it’s over

Greetings, People often question why I risk our company’s standing by bringing current news into a business environment, and the short answer is I won’t sell out my role as ‘citizen’ in order to succeed as a ‘businessman’. (The much … Continue reading →

Tom’s Tidbits- What to do when feelings matter more than facts

It’s not news that we (as a country) are barely talking with each other anymore. We’ve always fought, often loudly, with political battles lasting decades or lifetimes. But we’ve almost always chosen (with the relevant exception of the Civil War) … Continue reading →

Tom’s Tidbits- We deserve a better class of table scraps

Greetings, Biden scored another semi-victory by forgiving about half a trillion dollars in student loans, directly affecting about 43 million people. This is good and long overdue, but as with so many other things these days I just can’t get … Continue reading →

Tom’s Tidbits- Donald Trump is not guilty of anything

Donald Trump is not guilty of anything Greetings, The crimes of Jan 6 are undisputed but the who, what, and why behind the crimes need to be answered, wherever those answers may lead. That’s what the Jan 6 Committee is … Continue reading →

Tom’s Tidbits- It’s time to look horror in the face

Greetings, Like a still-reassuring majority of Americans I’m sickened and appalled at the latest mass killing (which was Uvalde when I wrote this, but has already been eclipsed by Tulsa, Philadelphia, and Chattanooga). Among other things I’ve been struck by … Continue reading →

Tom’s Tidbits- Reality matters most in this time of universal deceit

Tom’s Tidbits Reality matters most in this time of universal deceit When I’m writing these monthly editorials I try to bring something useful to the table by avoiding shallow partisanship and addressing the deeper meanings behind the headlines, the … Continue reading →

Tom’s Tidbits- Can propaganda possibly be true?

Tom’s Tidbits Can propaganda possibly be true? Greetings, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine seems pretty black-and-white. One of the world’s premiere military powers rolled into a sovereign neighbor to kill civilians until their government surrenders. Plucky Ukrainians, grandmothers and granddaughters all, … Continue reading →

Tom’s Tidbits- Can we solve the homeless problem with basketball?

Greetings, The crime-ridden homeless campsites across America are a problem for the people in them and for cities they occupy as well. People are forced to exist somewhere even without shelter, and while cities can provide … Continue reading →

Tom’s Tidbits- The person who wants to steal your vote is your enemy.

Greetings, I was three years old when Dr. King stood at the Lincoln Memorial and described his vision for a better society. Only two lifetimes before, the Civil War was ending with over 600,000 dead and by 1870, the legal … Continue reading →

When it comes to local reporting it doesn’t get more hyper-local than than the goings on in our shop. Catch the important shop details along with Comment of the Month and up-to-the-minute NHTSA recalls and alerts.

Shop Talk- Should you buy an older vehicle with low miles?

Comment of the Month We’re big and active fans of Quora. Like any site in the InterTubes there’s good and bad, but there’s a lot of good to be found on Quora if you look. Our … Continue reading →

Shop Talk- Our Moreland Theater Halloween Ads

We try to ask each new client how they heard about us so we know where our advertising dollars are being spent most effectively. Most folks learn about us through word-of-mouth Referrals (well over half!) and … Continue reading →

Shop Talk for September 2022

Comment of the Month Our Outreach Advisor, Charles, was on lunch when a gentleman came by and left a potentially disturbing message… “Why do you have pictures of my young daughters in your Sellwood Bee ad?” … Continue reading →

Shop Talk- We paved the lot! (Well, a little)

Shop Talk We paved the lot! (Well, a little) Comment of the Month This month we address one of the most common, most frustrating Comments we get… “I really wish you’d pave the lot or wash my car” -Many, … Continue reading →

Shop Talk for July 2022

Leaping into the 21st Century! We stay cutting-edge on our Shop tools, but sometimes we fall behind on our Office technology. Longtime clients will know about our credit card reader, the one that allowed ample time for small talk as … Continue reading →

Shop Talk- How far would you go for Tom Dwyer Service?

Just a short Comment this month. Client Don M. told us… “I drive 200 miles to have my car serviced by your Team- Thank you, it’s worth it!” Thanks Don, it’s an extra delight to serve … Continue reading →

Shop Talk for April, 2022- Nancy thinks we’re just awesome!

Comment of the Month Nancy K. had a very brief, very much appreciated comment… “You all are AWESOME!” We get a lot of compliments on these Comment Cards, and a general compliment to our staff is one of … Continue reading →

Shop Talk- Our Mask Policy adapts to a new reality

Comment of the Month This month’s Comment comes from a client on their 18-month “Where have you been?” card. (We send these to clients when we haven’t heard from them for 18 months. We’ll keep servicing … Continue reading →

Shop Talk Feb 2022- Should you pay separately for diagnosis?

Comment of the Month This month’s Comment comes from a longterm client on one of his post-service Comment cards. His question is on the card, and our response is below… Hi Michael, Thanks for taking … Continue reading →

Shop Talk- Goodbye to David Coquet, a friend of many years

Goodbye to David Coquet, a friend of many years This month we wanted to say a fond farewell David Coquet, a friend and colleague of many years. Dave started with us back in 2006 and he kept our Domestic vehicles … Continue reading →

Pull out a plate and dig in to Kyle’s Kitchen. From simple to epicurean, from old standards to Kyle’s originals, you’ll find something mouthwatering every month.

Kyle’s Kitchen- Pasta Aglio e Olio (Pasta with Garlic & Oil)

“Aglio e Olio” translates to garlic and oil, and is a simple sauce usually served with pasta like spaghetti. This traditional Neapolitan pasta is popular for being inexpensive and using pantry ingredients, while being utterly delicious. Chef Roy Choi calls … Continue reading

Kyle’s Kitchen- Cooking at home matters

Cooking At Home Matters! Kyle Speers, December 2023 “I don’t have the time”, “I don’t know any recipes”, “I can’t cook anything”, “I don’t enjoy it”… These are some of the excuses I have heard from my peers about why … Continue reading →

Kyle’s Kitchen Bacon- Wrapped Sweet Potato Fries

Kyle’s Kitchen Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potato Fries Ahh, Thanksgiving. The original Kitchen Holiday! Sure there’s the turkey and dressing, but the holiday hinges on all the appetizers and side dishes, all the special sparklies that everyone loves. Try these bacon-wrapped sweet … Continue reading →

Kyle’s Kitchen- Mummy Hot Dogs

Mummy Halloweenies This classic recipe is guaranteed to be a hit at any Halloween party, plus it’s easy enough to get the kids involved before they hit the neighborhood for trick-or-treating. Ingredients: Hot Dogs– Use your favorite hot dogs, but … Continue reading →

Kyle’s Kitchen- KYLE’S ORIGINAL Steamer Clams With Chorizo

Ingredients: 1 tablespoon good olive oil 4-8 oz Spanish chorizo (do not use Mexican chorizo for this dish, it will not work) diced or sliced into thin rounds 1 shallot finely diced 5 garlic cloves finely … Continue reading →

Kyle’s Kitchen- Peach, Burrata, and Basil Salad

Kyle’s Kitchen Peach, Burrata, and Basil Salad Peach, burrata, and basil salad is a summer staple when it’s either too hot or you’re too lazy to do much more for supper than simply slice. Arrange some oozing pieces of burrata … Continue reading →

Kyle’s Kitchen- Prosciutto-Wrapped Pork Medallions with Fiorentina Sauce

Summer means grilling in Kyle’s Kitchen, so he’s bringing you a wonderful take on one of the most convenient and versatile cuts of pork… tenderloin. This recipe is based on a Tuscan favorite, Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine Steak), but you … Continue reading

Kyle’s Kitchen- Big Bob Gibson’s White Sauce

Kyle’s recipe this month is for a white BBQ sauce made famous by Big Bob Gibson in Alabama. It is DELICIOUS. Kyle recommends it for grill or smoking chicken, basting it on in the last 5-10 minutes of cooking. Don’t … Continue reading →

Kyle’s Kitchen- Kyle’s Baked Trout (or Salmon)

Kyle’s Kitchen Kyle’s Baked Trout (or Salmon) With Spring upon us Kyle is spending more and more time out on the lake fishing. Trout season is almost here as well, so he’s taking this opportunity to show you his preferred … Continue reading →

Kyle’s Kitchen- Kyle’s Shepherd’s Pie

Kyle’s Shepherd’s Pie It’s Saint Patrick’s Day, the day we celebrate the Irish Bishop who removed the snakes from Ireland that were never there. According to Wikipedia, “Celebrations generally involve public parades and festivals, céilís, and the wearing of green … Continue reading →

Kyle’s Kitchen- Asparagus Caesar Salad

The weather’s getting nice and the grills are coming out, but anyone can grill meat, right? Kyle’s here with a recipe that will bring some creativity to your friends’ boring steak, chicken, or fish… Caesar … Continue reading →

If you like our Lobby Library, you’ll love our Book Spotlight. These are the best book recommendations you’ll get from any auto repair shop in America!

Book Spotlight- “Compass and Gyroscope” by Kai N. Lee

“Compass and Gyroscope” by Kai N. Lee Synopsis by publisher- Using the Columbia River Basin in the Pacific Northwest as a case study, Kai Lee describes the concept and practice of “adaptive management,” as he examines the … Continue reading →

Book Spotlight- We teach you two ways to lie

Book Spotlight We teach you two ways to lie Our Spotlight this month falls on two books that came to us through our Facebook page. We posted these pictures of the Red/Blue split in US politics to show how the … Continue reading →

Book Spotlight- “The Big Truth- Upholding democracy in the age of the Big Lie”

“The Big Truth- Upholding democracy in the age of the Big Lie” by Major Garrett and David Becker From the Publisher- When a seven million vote margin of victory and 306 electoral votes pointed to Joe Biden as the victor … Continue reading →

Book Spotlight- “Constitution of Knowledge” by Jonathan Rauch

Book Spotlight Constitution of Knowledge A Defense of Truth by Jonathan Rauch “In what could be the timeliest book of the year, Rauch aims to arm his readers to engage with reason in an age of illiberalism.” –Newsweek From … Continue reading →

Book Spotlight- “Monopolized: Life in the Age of Corporate Power” by David Dayen

“Monopolized: Life in the Age of Corporate Power” by David Dayen From the cars we drive to what toothpaste we use, how a tiny group of corporations have come to dominate every aspect of our lives … Continue reading →

Book Spotlight- “Ladies and Gentlemen of the Jury” by Michael Lief

“Ladies and Gentlemen of the Jury” by Michael Lief Dwyer Review– by Charles Letherwood This isn’t a new book by any means… almost 25 years old as we write this. But it came highly recommended and I’ve been digging deep. … Continue reading →

Book Spotlight- “The Plot Against the King” by Kash Patel

Book Spotlight When you’ve lied to all the adults, you’re just down to the kids. When we shove a book out on stage into the Spotlight we usually think it’s worth reading. Sometimes we’ve read the book ourselves, other times … Continue reading →

Book Spotlight- “The End of Loyalty” by Rick Wartzman

“The End of Loyalty” The rise and fall of good jobs in America By Rick Wartzman In the current era of intense global competition, advancing technology, weakness in organized labor and a worshiping of shareholder value, the idea of … Continue reading →

Book Spotlight- “Compass & Gyroscope” by Kai N. Lee

Book Spotlight “Compass & Gyroscope” by Kai N. Lee Synopsis Using the Columbia River Basin in the Pacific Northwest as a case study, Kai Lee describes the concept and practice of “adaptive management,” as he examines the successes and … Continue reading →

Book Spotlight- “The Water Knife” by Paolo Bacigalupi

“The Water Knife” by Paolo Bacigalupi (from the publisher) “In the near future, the Colorado River has dwindled to a trickle. Detective, assassin, and spy, Angel Velasquez “cuts” water for the Southern Nevada Water Authority, … Continue reading →

Healthy vehicles are useless without healthy drivers, and we do our best to maintain the smart and squishy part of your vehicle with Health Notes!

Health Notes- Moral injury is real, and we’ve all been exposed

Moral Injury Is an Invisible Epidemic That Affects Millions Moral Injury is a specific kind of trauma results when a person’s core principles are violated during wartime or a pandemic from Elizabeth Svoboda in Scientific American, Sep 2022 “…What spurred … Continue reading →

Health Notes- Daily meditation may work as well as a popular drug

Daily meditation may work as well as a popular drug to calm anxiety, study finds from April Fulton on NPR News, Nov 2022: “Anxiety symptoms like restlessness, feelings of worry and dread, and sleep problems, can interfere with daily life, … Continue reading →

Health Notes- New malaria vaccine is world-changing

New malaria vaccine is world-changing New malaria vaccine is world-changing, say scientists from James Gallagher at BBC News: A malaria vaccine with “world-changing” potential has been developed by scientists at the University of Oxford. The team expect it … Continue reading →

Health Notes- Sniffing out Parkinson’s… literally

Health Notes Sniffing out Parkinson’s… literally. Parkinson’s test: Woman who smelled disease on husband helps scientists from Elizabeth Quigley at BBC News: A Scottish woman who found she could detect Parkinson’s through smell has inspired scientists to develop a … Continue reading →

Health Notes- Another artificial sweetener… or is this “the One”?

Health Notes Another artificial sweetener… or is this “the One”? In The Search For The Perfect Sugar Substitute, Another Candidate Emerges from Dan Charles on NPR’s “All Things Considered”: There’s a new candidate in the century-old quest for perfect, … Continue reading →

Health Notes- A Pharmaceutical Scientist Explains How Drugs Know Where to Go in The Body

A Pharmaceutical Scientist Explains How Drugs Know Where to Go in The Body Tom Anchordoquy in The Conversation, June 2022 When you take aspirin for a headache, how does the aspirin know to travel to your head and alleviate … Continue reading →

Health Notes- Amazing progress in several cancer cures

Health Notes Amazing progress in several cancer cures We ran across two articles discussing amazing progress against the Emperor of Maladies that we thought you’d find interesting. Going back in our own Health Notes archives we found a couple more … Continue reading →