Welcome to an extra edition of the mailbag where you will find some of the comments, questions and ideas sent recently by subscribers of this newsletter or our publications. They are edited for space and clarity.

“Great editorial commentary this week, Shane. I especially appreciated the national anthem/American flag commentary (Patriotism, Feb. 6, 2024). Patriotism has become a misappropriated word in today's lexicon, and it needs to return to be a term for all who truly embrace and support America's Constitutional ideals.” - John

It seems to me that patriotism should be a basic American value that we should all want, and I simply don’t understand the hatred. Our country is not perfect, but, like most things in life, you choose to be either part of the solution or part of the problem. - Shane

“With one of my career stops with a pro wrestling organization in the Eastern Time Zone, my Senior Vice President of Live Events would ask if anyone had the time, and people would shout out hours and minutes (Yes or no, Feb. 7, 2024). He would rebuff all and say,’ I asked if anybody had the time, not what time it was.’ Something about being an alphabet hole.” - Rex

I think I have been called an alphabet hole before, or something like that. - Shane

“Shane, do you remember the 45 records you could cut off the back of a cereal box (Cereal box prizes, Feb. 12, 2024)? I remember Bobby Sherman had one on the back of Sugar Crisp. My female classmates were all eating Sugar Crisp!” - Kevin

Oh, yes. I remember those wobbling, needle-wrecking records. I couldn’t wait to spin them… on my brother’s record player. - Shane

“Different generation, different pursuits (Cereal box prizes, Feb. 12, 2024). In the mid 1950s, I was all in for small car — 1955 to 1957 Fords mostly — that came in cereal boxes. Kellogg's, I think. These were plastic and about the size of Hot Wheels or Matchbox metal cars that came later. My friends and I were so obsessed with these that one time two of us rode our bicycles over a large section of the metro area in which we lived, seeking these special cereal boxes. In today's RAGBRAI world, that may not seem like a big deal, but in the mid 1950s, 10-year-olds just didn't ride their bikes in places and traffic like that just to get a small toy!” - Chuck

Those were the days of the good prizes, but what did you do with all that cereal? - Shane

Have a thoughtful Thursday, and thanks for reading.

Shane Goodman
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305
www.thedailyumbrella.com

See Shane Goodman's previous columns here.

FILM REVIEW
‘American Fiction’ explores racism, identity and the commodification of Black narratives

By David Rowley

Cord Jefferson’s directorial debut, “American Fiction,” is a delightful movie that transcends conventional storytelling. It’s fueled by an exceptional cast and enriched by its exploration of identity, family dynamics and the challenges faced by Black creators in the creative industry.

Adapted from Percival Everett’s 2001 novel “Erasure,” the screenplay intelligently explores racism, identity and the commodification of Black narratives. Harvard-educated professor and published author, Thelonious “Monk” Ellison (Jeffrey Wright), is a bitter, prickly man. He can’t find an audience (other than adoring academic critics) for his most recent book, he’s grown tired of the stupidity of the students in his class, and, on top of all of that, he is forced to take a sabbatical after a classroom kerfuffle caused by his students brings him back home to visit his family — a task he dreads more than being forced to spend time with his students and colleagues.

The price of regular unleaded gasoline rose 11 cents, averaging $2.94 across Iowa according to AAA. Prices rose 11 cents from last week’s price and are down 31 cents from a year ago. The national average on Wednesday was $3.26, up 11 cents from last week’s price.

Retail diesel prices in Iowa rose 26 cents this week with a statewide average of $3.80. One year ago, diesel prices averaged $4.14 in Iowa. The current Iowa diesel price is 28 cents lower than the national average of $4.08.

Wholesale ethanol held steady and is currently priced at $2.16.

Propane prices averaged $1.59 per gallon statewide.

Home heating oil prices averaged $3.22 per gallon statewide.

Natural gas prices fell 36 cents at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $1.61/MMbtu.

These celebrities were born on this date: Natalie Morales, Amber Riley, Gary Clark Jr., Megan Thee Stallion, Steven Michael, Zachary Gordon, George Russell,  Birdman, Amber Riley, Jane Seymour, Matt Groening, Matt Duffer

SUBMIT: Send your birthday greetings and congratulatory notes to: tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

The answer to yesterday's riddle:

What do you call an ocean habitat with inhabitants that argue a lot? A QUARREL REEF! - Carolyn Rogers, William Snyder

Today's riddle

What is it called when you store your money from work in a vase?

Have a guess? Email tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

To advertise in this daily newsletter, contact Jolene Goodman at jolene@iowalivingmagazines.com, or call 515-953-4822 ext. 319.

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