Books, brews and boo-boos

It’s Wednesday.

Meaning ...

It’s Chat Day.

The idea is that if I keep reminding you of the schedule, eventually it’ll pop up in your sleep.

Won’t that be thrilling?

No, never mind.

And so without further ado, let’s rock and roll ...

ITEM: Well, we have to open today with an apology.

Of sorts.

In an earlier column, I referred to the good old days of journalists hollering at each other in raucous newsrooms, and said that we’ve come to a time when walking into a newspaper office was “... like you’ve made a trip to the library.”

I certainly didn’t mean to insult libraries, which also are full of intelligent people engaged in diligent research.

But in libraries, it’s done quietly.

I suspect that Bette Ammon, director of the Coeur d’Alene Public Library, knew precisely what I was saying — but it gave her a great chance to slap my wrist and promote the library at the same time.

“Steve, Steve, Steve: I must protest in a most civil manner,” Bette wrote. “Have you been to the library lately?

“When you visit, you’ll find all sorts of fun — ranging from hilarious story times, video game tournaments, makerspaces, drones, live music, amazing activities, teen book discussions, books galore, and so much more.

“We’re more fun than most places.”

I believe it.

ITEM: You may have read that a new pub called the Kilted Growler has opened near the corner of Highway 95 and Prairie in Hayden.

As a Scotsman through and through — and having lived in the Auld Country fairly recently — I was excited to see that this new “public house” (Brit term) will serve 56 beers and ales, along with traditional hard cider.

My only disappointment was learning that none of the brews will be served at room temperature, which could be a shock to any visitors from Scotland — not to mention the many Scottish families that go way, way, way back in this county.

Cold ale?

“Canna abide it, laddie!”

Owner Steve Welch said the issue was space, and that at the moment, he didn’t have enough room to store cold brews along with some at room temperature.

I warned Steve that anyone from Scotland or anywhere else in Britain might make a fuss over chilly brew.

Most would never touch it. Kills the taste, they’ll tell you.

“If enough customers mention it,” he said, “we’ll find a way. But right at the start here, we don’t have any real Scottish theme besides all of us wearing the kilts.

“It’s not like there are Scottish items on the walls, or anything like that. But we’re open to the idea if it turns out people want it.”

Fair enough: I’m soon heading over to loan the Kilted Growler a fairly large Saltire (Scottish flag) for proud display.

Cue the bagpipes.

And ...

If my new mate Steve learns the normal greeting (“Fit like?”), I’ll be pleased to give the traditional response ...

“Nae bad.”

ITEM: It’s not exactly news that a sizeable group of Kootenai County residents have done pretty well for themselves financially.

Since these folks generally have good accountants, they’re probably aware that a 2015 law is finally showing its teeth.

Under that legislation, there will be more than simply an adjustment — or even a negotiated fine — if you have a tax debt that the IRS computes to be $51,000 or more.

In fact, you can be denied a new passport, or even a renewal, if you are considered a tax debtor.

Stay alert, well-to-do locals, or you may wind up vacationing in Oklahoma instead of Tuscany.

No worries, though.

You can always loan me the jet and that villa.

I’ll be packed in a flash.

•••

Steve Cameron is a columnist for The Press.

A Brand New Day appears Wednesday through Saturday each week. Steve’s sports column runs on Tuesday.

Email: scameron@cdapress.com.

Twitter:@BrandNewDayCDA