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Author Archives: Marty Ryan
Censorship Sucks!
When I first heard about a possible censorship of Dr. Seuss books, like so many others, I said: “What?” My eighteen years of working at the American Civil Liberties Union gave me experience to ask, “who is the censor?” Not … Continue reading
Posted in Youth
Tagged BookScan, Cancel-culture, censorship, Dr. Seuss, Dr. Seuss Enterprises, Judy Blume, Margot Zemuch, Theodor Seuss Geisel
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Wishing you enough
We celebrated Stephanie’s birthday last August in quaint, humble style. I bought her a cake, but instead of the usual “Happy Birthday” greeting, the top of the cake was decorated with “Wishing you enough.” We’ll be married for 16 years … Continue reading
Posted in General
Tagged Brian Gentry, Governor Vilsack, Iowa League of Women Voters, Judie Hoffman, Rev. Carlos Jayne
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42 Capons
During my packing plant career in the 1970s and 80s, I would spend Friday afternoons or evenings in a Vail, Iowa, bar. Whether it was Lucky’s, Homer’s, the Longbranch, or the American Legion Club, I could be found in one … Continue reading
Posted in General
Tagged capon, Homer's, Longbranch, Lucky's, Vail, Vail American Legion
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Hey, Joe! Where you going with that gun in your hand?
WARNING! Do not read this while eating! After writing about one of my favorite watering holes when I was younger, I had a few people ask me to write to about Homer’s brother, Joe. I blogged about Joe’s brother, Homer, … Continue reading
Posted in General
Tagged Dave Berry, Dennis Mohatt, Homer's, Iowa, Joe Devaney, Marvin's Provisions, RedMan, Terry Murtaugh, Vail
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Clay Spear Amendments
Clay Spear was a legislator from Wever, Iowa, when I began my lobbing career in 1992. Rep. Spear, a former postmaster in southeastern Iowa, died while in office, on January 27, 1993. I recall coming into the Capitol on a … Continue reading
Posted in General
Tagged Brent Seigrist, Clay Spear, Curt Sytsma, Dennis Cohoon, Justice Wiggins, Mark Lambert, Pam Jochum, Steve Hansen, Tony Bisignano
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Wintertime Fun in Vail
We’re getting more snow. The previous blast of snow and cold air a few weeks ago, left branches covered with wet, heavy snow, and very slick streets. Once again, this month, I am reminded of living as an adolescent in … Continue reading