Old-school pub breaks corner’s curse
By LIZ HEITZMAN of the Tribune’s staff
Early in his bartending career, Otto’s Corner Bar & Grill co-owner Joel Thiel was taught a lesson by a barkeep in St. Louis that has stuck with him throughout his two decades in the industry.

FUNNY BUSINESS

STREET TALK
Country Inns & Suites lands Keene location
By KEVIN COLEMAN of the Tribune’s staff
Construction is under way on a three-level, 86-room Country Inns & Suites near Columbia Regional Hospital at 817 Keene St., co-owner Manny Patel said. The 52,766-square-foot hotel is expected to open in about a year.

GRAND OPENING: NEW BUSINESS IN COLUMBIA
Paper Rock Scissors

GOP could be on track to lose legislative control
By BRUCE BARTLETT
In my new book, "Impostor," I am highly critical of President George W. Bush for failing to stand up for conservative principles. One of the main criticisms I have heard is that Republicans in Congress deserve much of the blame for out-of-control federal spending and other sins that I pin on him.