Author Archives: Marty Ryan

The Pledge Paradox

Posted on May 26, 2024 by Marty Ryan

The Des Moines Register has been running a series giving readers and voters information on upcoming candidates running for office. Although special interest groups help fund campaigns, it is hard-earned taxpayer money that pays the salaries and generous health and … Continue reading →

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Grape Nehi

Posted on May 11, 2024 by Marty Ryan

Like the character Radar O’Reilly on the long-running sitcom MASH, I love grape Nehi soda. Growing up, I hung around a Texaco gas station on the south side of U.S. Highway 30. Highway 30, also known as the Lincoln Highway, … Continue reading →

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What are the odds?

Posted on May 5, 2024 by Marty Ryan

Mise en place [MEEZ ahn plahs] is the process of measuring and acquiring all the ingredients before the start of preparing a recipe. I practice the method religiously. However, when I decided to make some ham and scalloped potatoes last … Continue reading →

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Iowa Governor Reynolds’ “Poor” Math

Posted on April 29, 2024 by Marty Ryan

Last December, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds turned down $29 million of federal funding that would have provided a low-income family $40 per month “to help with food costs” during the 3-month break in the school year. Her justification for snubbing … Continue reading →

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No Comprendo!

Posted on March 17, 2024 by Marty Ryan

“Get your number two pencils out. Nothing else, just your number two pencils.” At that point the nun teaching the class would go to the child who was never prepared for anything and take away his ink pen, or other … Continue reading →

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A Retired Ritual

Posted on March 7, 2024 by Marty Ryan

Some traditions vanish before you think to tell your children about them. On the other hand, I doubt very much that my children or grandchildren would be interested in hearing about the anachronistic ritual of a chivaree. [Alteration of the French word … Continue reading →

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