December 09, 2015 by justin
in Political Mercury
Eric Branstad, leader of a fierce grassroots organization backing renewable-energy sources like ethanol, said last Thursday that Ted Cruz is far and away the most hostile presidential candidate — of either major party — to Iowa-grain-boosting fuels. Branstad, a son of Gov. Terry Branstad, is the state director of America’s Renewable Future,
Read More →Adele “25” XL/Columbia There are a few things in this world that are unarguably, irrefutably, universally true. That Adele is a huge talent blessed with a magnificent voice is certainly one of them. So in that regard, “25” is gorgeous. You can put the album on shuffle, listen to any
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December 09, 2015 by justin
in Sound Circuit
Strong Like Bear and Electric Jury are two separate bands, but they seem to do some of their best, most dynamic work when they’re on the same page. The two acts have joined forces in the past to produce some highly experimental shows that highlight the prog nature of both
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December 09, 2015 by justin
in Belly Up To...
The recent renovation of a historic music venue has brought upon a new focus for Lefty’s Live Music. Shirts from every band to ever play at Lefty’s line the ceiling, while snacks and beer from around the metro area are served every night. “We stuck to our gameplan. We wanted
Read More →Meet Nimona. She’s a firecracker of shape-shifting energy, so eager to prove herself she ends up causing mayhem and disaster wherever she goes. She wants to shake things up, try something new and win the day, even if it means breaking the rules. In spite of her chaotic tendencies, she’s
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December 09, 2015 by justin
in Food Dude
During the current rancor about immigration laws for different ethnic groups, America’s history with such matters can be instructive. Few people today are aware that the Magnuson Act of 1943 repealed the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. For the 62 intervening years, Chinese laborers were completely banned from entering the
Read More →Minnesota Vikings (8-4) vs. Arizona Cardinals (10-2) Thursday, Dec. 10, 7:25 p.m. CT University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona The Minnesota Vikings have won each of the last three head-to-head games against the Arizona Cardinals, but this is not the Cardinals of years past. Yes, the Vikings are an improved
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December 09, 2015 by justin
in On The Tube
“Transparent” Friday, Dec. 11 (Amazon Prime) Season Premiere: Long before Caitlyn Jenner demanded your instant approval, Mort-turned-Maura (Jeffrey Tambor) earned that respect and adoration in the wildly fantastic debut season of Jill Soloway’s “Transparent,” a family dramedy like nothing ever seen on TV (or streaming service, app, etc.). Season 1
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A grab bag of thoughts, and happy holidays
Cue the organist: A popular church hymn begins, “Onward Christian soldiers, Marching as to war…” That’s appropriate for Gov. Terry Branstad and his cohorts, and lots of Iowans who want to ban Syrian orphans and widows and others from being refugees in Iowa and the U.S. — and maybe even
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