Author Archives: Jeff

Dec 18

My seasonal challenge

Posted on Wednesday, December 18, 2019, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

By the time I found out about the Marion Community Band, I had not officially played for more years than I had. But, thanks to all those early years of practicing, I was able to wobble my way back on the … Continue reading →

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Dec 17

2019: The Year in Food (6)

Posted on Tuesday, December 17, 2019, at 2:00 PM by Jeff

6. Sammy’s Pizza, International Falls, Minnesota (Aug. 19); Brooklyn Pizza Co., Seymour, Indiana (Nov. 1) One is from a small chain with all but two of its 15 locations in Minnesota; the other is a minor diner. The first was consumed … Continue reading →

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Dec 17

Playing the game the right way

Posted on Tuesday, December 17, 2019, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

In case you missed it, a great Jeopardy run (by someone who loves Star Wars!) ended Monday. Ugh. I definitely don't like playing bottom-up. #Jeopardy — Author Jennifer Quail (@jenniferquail) December 17, 2019 (note to self: do not look up … Continue reading →

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Dec 16

Do I have to haul this out again?

Posted on Monday, December 16, 2019, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

I was in charge of the “mini-mag” for the yearbook my junior and senior years of high school. This was in the era of desktop publishing where we had the digital layout but not the digital photos. (We still had … Continue reading →

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Dec 13

2019: The Year in Food (5)

Posted on Friday, December 13, 2019, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

5. Pork Strip Basket, Iowa State Fair, near the southwest corner of the fairgrounds (Aug. 16) “Three delicious Chuckie’s Pork Strips, made from center cut pork loin; hand breaded with Chuckie’s Famous batter, seasoned waffle fries, creamy cheese sauce, bacon … Continue reading →

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Dec 12

2019: The Year in Food (4)

Posted on Thursday, December 12, 2019, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

4. 10-ounce New York Strip, Big Vern’s Steakhouse, Shamrock, Texas (July 21) More steak in Texas? More steak in Texas, this time in a town with a population that has fallen below 2000 and whose famous landmarks are the tallest water tower … Continue reading →

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Dec 11

2019: The Year in Food (3)

Posted on Wednesday, December 11, 2019, at 10:01 AM by Jeff

3. “Sopepizza,” Cornerstone First Edition Pizza & Subs, Tucumcari, New Mexico (July 17) From the menu: “Marinara, Mozzarella, and filling choice, stuffed in a sopapilla and deep fried.” What is a sopapilla, you ask (and I asked)? It’s a bread unique(ish) to … Continue reading →

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Dec 10

2019: The Year in Food (2)

Posted on Tuesday, December 10, 2019, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

2. 8-ounce top sirloin, Big Texan Steak Ranch, Amarillo, Texas (July 17) The Big Texan Steak Ranch is a Route 66 landmark. It’s the home of the 72-ounce steak challenge — but the fine print is, you have to eat the rest … Continue reading →

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Dec 09

2019: The Year in Food (1)

Posted on Monday, December 9, 2019, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

In lieu of the trip reports I have not prepared for publishing, I shall spend the next few days regaling you of my adventures in gastronomy (well, adventures to me, anyway). They will serve as a shorthand of where I … Continue reading →

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Dec 08

Good luck, Lucas

Posted on Sunday, December 8, 2019, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

Lucas Grundmeier, my former Iowa State Daily and Des Moines Register cohort, has been named the Register’s opinion editor. I have yet to make peace with people around my age being in charge of things. (Like running a football team. Or … Continue reading →

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