Author Archives: Marty Ryan

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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First Book Report in 60 Years

Posted on February 28, 2024 by Marty Ryan

Book reports are something for grade school students, specifically seventh and eighth-graders. The last book report I probably wrote was about a book that I thoroughly enjoyed. I had checked a book out of the St. Ann’s Grade School library … Continue reading →

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By the dawn’s early light

Posted on February 19, 2024 by Marty Ryan

The Iowa Legislature is often a source of frustration and agony for many who follow the process, and particularly for those involved in the process. But it can also be a source of great entertainment as long as you don’t … Continue reading →

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The Grace of God

Posted on February 13, 2024 by Marty Ryan

The Des Moines River flows about a third of a mile east of our house. Between the house and the river is a street, a recreational trail, and a levee. On the other side of the levee is a housing … Continue reading →

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