Category Archives: Youth

Hear No Evil, See No Evil, Read No Evil

Posted on November 4, 2021 by Marty Ryan

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 of another to read, see, or hear … Continue reading →

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Exercise Can Be Exhilarating

Posted on July 15, 2021 by Marty Ryan

As we get older, exercise becomes more difficult.  I long for the days when I could ride my bicycle down the hill all the way to Homer’s, have a couple beers, and throw the bike in the back of someone’s … Continue reading →

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The Vail Independent Basketball Tournament

Posted on March 18, 2021 by Dennis Mohatt

The Vail Independent Basketball Tournament was a cornerstone of our youth in Vail, Iowa; a waymark in the passage of every year, for every kid growing up in Vail.  The Tourney was sponsored each January by the Knights of Columbus, … Continue reading →

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Censorship Sucks!

Posted on March 5, 2021 by Marty Ryan

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 →

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What IS the Age of Maturity?

Posted on May 22, 2019 by Marty Ryan

A recent question in CityView, a Des Moines alternative newspaper, asked readers: “Should the minimum age to purchase tobacco products be raised to 21 in Iowa?”  All sorts of answers ensued.  One reader said tobacco should be outlawed and marijuana … Continue reading →

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“Thank you, sir”

Posted on March 20, 2019 by Marty & Stephanie

Vail is a small community in west-central Iowa. It’s also a ski resort in Colorado. But I grew up in the Iowa version. One thing both communities have in common is a swimming pool. However, Vail, Colorado has ten times … Continue reading →

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