Author Archives: Marty Ryan

At the Car Wash

Posted on January 5, 2024 by Marty Ryan

Years ago, I attended a round-table discussion with the late Congressman from Iowa, Leonard Boswell. He wanted to know what small businesses needed to compete. Most people at the meeting talked about taxes, paperwork, etc., while one business owner replied … Continue reading →

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Censorship – Revisited

Posted on December 4, 2023 by Marty Ryan

THIS IS A REPOST FROM NOVEMBER, 2021 Censorship: “the suppression or prohibition of any parts of books, films, news, etc. that are considered obscene, politically unacceptable, or a threat to security.” What is so attractive about shutting down the ability … Continue reading →

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For What It’s Worth

Posted on November 13, 2023 by Marty Ryan

The topic of professional baseball salaries came up in discussion in a bar one sunny afternoon in 1980. One person at the table was rigid in his opinion that no professional athlete is worth a million dollars. In November of … Continue reading →

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By Any Other Name

Posted on October 20, 2023 by Marty Ryan

Why do humans name cats? They never come when you call. If you have a routine that lets them know it’s time to eat, they will come running. But most of all, the cat will be there staring at you … Continue reading →

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That’s the Ticket!

Posted on October 12, 2023 by Marty Ryan

Cheap entertainment is hard to find when you reach my age. As we were getting ready to walk the trail near our residence, a City of Des Moines police car was sitting on the curb in front of our house. … Continue reading →

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Whether to go or Weather to stay

Posted on October 5, 2023 by Marty Ryan

“Everybody complains about the weather, but nobody does anything about it.” I had always thought the first to say it was Benjamin Franklin. No, when it comes to weather, Ben Franklin said: “Some people are weatherwise, some are otherwise.” The … Continue reading →

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