Friday, September 19, 2014

ISIS Cancels Fall, Winter Meetings

Local Announcements


The Iowa Symposium on Interfaith Studies has cancelled all remaining meetings for calendar year 2014.

Group to Present Travelogue


ISIL, the Ida Grove Society for Inter-species Love, will be presenting a slide show chronicling the group's recent trip to Scotland.

The presentation will be narrated by Kenny Halter and is entitled "McTavish, the Sheepish Farmer."

Sunday, August 24, 2014

Siouxland "Faint Praise" Awards

by Flain Douglas, Staff Factotum

The 2014 Siouxland "Faint Praise" Awards Ceremony was held Saturday evening at the Stockyards Convention Center Annex Shed.



Third Place Award: The Salix Chateau
"Best ski slopes in the Missouri River Valley"


Second Place Award: Representative Steve King
"Best Congressman in Iowa's Fourth District"


First Place Award:  Hy-Vee Bagels
"Best bagels in Sioux City"

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Town Braces for Militarization, Breakfast

by Flain Douglas, Factotum

The militarization of city police forces has become the latest "hot button" issue in the United States.  No community, large or small, is immune, as citizens of Blencoe, Iowa recently discovered.

Under the Department of Defense Excess Property Program (DoD 1033), the Blencoe police force has been provided with surplus military equipment for use in local law enforcement.

The materials arrived at 10:00 a.m., delivered by a uniformed representative of the United Parcel Service. Mayor Rusty Collison accepted the equipment on behalf of the town in a small ceremony last Friday.

As part of DoD 1033, Blencoe has received a pallet of "Cheesy Omelet" Meals Ready to Eat (MREs) and two entrenching tools.

Mayor Collison presented one of the tools to the wife of Blencoe's Chief of Police, Mrs. Rusty Collison.

In a brief speech, Mayor Collison stated, "With great power, comes great responsibility."



Blencoe Community Center to Host Breakfast Fundraiser

The Blencoe Sunrise Club will host a community breakfast this coming Sunday.  Funds raised by the breakfast will be dedicated to the construction of new sidewalks, replacing those mistakenly torn up last week.

The menu includes:
  • A Cheesy Omelet
  • Side of Fruit Cocktail
  • Crackers
  • Spread
  • Dessert
  • Skittles
  • Beverages - Gatorade-like drink mixes, coffee, tea (choice of one)
  • Hot sauce
  • Flameless Ration Heater (not for consumption)
  • Accessories - may include spoon, matches, creamer, sugar, salt, chewing gum, toilet paper, etc.
In addition to the delicious meal, the Sunrise Club will hold a raffle. First prize: a camping shovel!

P-I Announces Sporadic Return

by Sarah Anchorage-Second Assistant Editor-in-Chief

The Sioux City Pre-Intelligencer is proud to announce our return to publication on an intermittent basis. During the next few months, we will be publishing news important to Siouxland, as we are able.

Although our permanent offices at the Old Factory Business park are still not available, we look forward to returning as soon as we get the go-ahead from Sioux City Animal Control.

In the meantime, we are publishing from several Siouxland locations, including Starbucks, the Winnevegas Casino in Sloan, and the Blencoe Public Library.  If the news is urgent, we plan to park outside Mayor Flannel's home, since he still has an unsecured WiFi router.

You may see our "newsmobile" in your neighborhood.  Look for Flain Douglas in his lime green 1967 Plymouth Belvidere with the "George McGovern for President" bumper sticker.

Operating With Reduced Staff

Unfortunately, we are operating with a "bare bones" staff during this time. Flain Douglas (Staff Factotum), Beth Peterson (VP-Human Resources) and I will keep the journal running as smoothly as we can.

Many of our other staff members are looking for work.  To keep up to date with "the gang", please visit our "Where Are They Now?" page.

We appreciate your patience during this time of transition, and we pledge to make the Pre-Intelligencer the quality publication we hope some day to be.

Saturday, April 12, 2014

P-I Temporarily Suspends Publication

The Sioux City Pre-Intelligencer has been forced to suspend publication temporarily.

The suspension was necessitated by a structural analysis of our building at the Old Factory Business Park which determined the building to be unsound.

The Landlord has been notified and is in the process of addressing the structural issues.  We anticipate this temporary suspension to be temporary or shorter.

Other firms at the building will also be affected, including the Hoof & Claw nail salon, Adequate Tax Preparation Services, and Sorenson's Yoga and Chiropractic Center.

We regret this inconvenience, and look forward to resuming publication when these issues are resolved.

Friday, April 11, 2014

Candidate Bellow Apologizes For Comments

Senate Candidate Wright Bellow issued a statement yesterday concerning his original statements.

"If my earlier comments offended anyone, I am sorry.

"I might have made an unfortunate choice of words, but I'm sure members of my base knew exactly my intentions.

"I depend upon the short memories of the larger electorate to insure my victory in the fall."


Thursday, April 10, 2014

No Baloney! Fact Checking The Bellow Comments

By Flain Douglas - Factotum


(Note: The editorial and decency standards of the Sioux City Pre-Intelligencer preclude us from documenting Bellow's exact statement.  This column examines only some of the purported factual bases of the comments-- editor)

  • The 2014 Federal Farm Bill does NOT include "death panels."
  • Neither penguins, ostriches, nor any other type of flightless bird is allowed to vote in any United States election.
  • Twerking was NOT responsible for the fall of ancient Rome.
  • Members of the Daughters of the American Revolution are NOT planning to take over the country by force.
  • The special election for the office of Commissioner, Monona County Drainage District 42 (Northeastern Blencoe) was NOT stolen by his opponent promising voters free beer koozies.
  •  President Obama does NOT have                on his                        .
I rate Candidate Bellow's statement:

Four Slices of Baloney!


Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Bellow Statements Spark Strong Reactions

Responses to Senate Candidate Wright Bellow's incendiary statements came from all corners of society:

The Vatican:
Pope Francis held a special mass yesterday for the soul of candidate Bellow.

Fox News:
Both Sean Hannity and Bill O'Reilly addressed the furor in their commentary yesterday.  O'Reilly characterized the comments as "sub-human".  Echoing his early intentions to move out of New York, Hannity plans to leave the continent.

Family:
Bellow's parents, Don Bellow and Iris Yurname, have initiated legal proceedings to disown their son.

The White House:
In reaction to Bellow's town-hall speech, the President has declared tomorrow a National Day of Revulsion.

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Little Known Facts! Cherry Blossom Time!

By Molly Dibnum-Sioux City Pre-Intelligencer Columnist

Last week, Di and I took a trip to Sherman Township for the annual Cherry Blossom Festival!

  • Free tickets to a festival are a wonderful gift!  Be sure to check the dates on the tickets before you go!
  • Sherman Township has many fascinating alternative sights!  In April, don't miss the yearly burning of the road ditches!
  • A "Couch and Crackers" is not the same as a "Bed and Breakfast!"
  • Onawa, Iowa has a great movie theater!  To avoid long lines, go on a night when the locals are at a political rally!
  • Even things like buying groceries or searching for an open gas station can be fun when you're with someone you love!

Monday, April 7, 2014

Bellow Comments Shock, Cause Anguish, Uproar

Tactical police and medical teams were called to the scene of a political town-hall meeting after comments made by Senate candidate Wright Bellow incited a riot by the audience.

Immediately after his off-the-cuff comments, there was stunned silence, broken by a single shout of  "Get him!"

The Anthon Community Center was significantly damaged by the mob.  Witnesses described the scene as "chaotic."

"Men were shouting, children were howling, and women were weeping quietly. I don't know where the torches and pitchforks came from, but everybody had one."

Sunday, April 6, 2014

Pre-Intelligencer Week In Review For March 30, 2014






First of all, let me say how happy I am to be back at the helm of the P-I!  Thanks to all the little people who kept the ship afloat in my absence!

The P-I has its first spin-off!  Our regular Tuesday column, "King's English", now has its very own Interweblog!  You can check it out at King's English.

Molly Dibnum's "Little Known Facts!" will now be running on Tuesdays.  Our new fact-checking column "No Baloney" will be presented on Thursdays, featuring the work of our new factotum.

This week we salute the Monona County Pagan's Bureau, headed by our own Perry Fard.  Best luck to them on their spring membership drive!

Sarah Anchorage
Second Assistant Editor-in-Chief

This past week in the P-I:



Pre-Intelligencer Launches Major Exposé (Monday, March 31, 2014)
Prehistoric Remains Found At Peters Park (Wednesday, April 2, 2014)
Little Known Facts! Around The Home! (Thursday, April 3, 2014)
Douglas Hired: Promoted To Factotum (Friday, April 4, 2014)
Editorial: The Mysteries Of Love (Saturday, April 5, 2014)


Comments, suggestions, praise, please email: Sarah Anchorage


Saturday, April 5, 2014

Editorial: The Mysteries Of Love

By Sarah Anchorage - Second Assistant Editor-in-Chief

Marriage equality continues to be a controversial topic; it is one of the primary battlegrounds in America's ongoing "culture wars."

Rick Santorum, Pat Robertson, Rand Paul and other leading intellectual lights in American politics have all warned of the principle danger in permitting same-sex marriage:  it will lead to human-animal marriage.

The argument came to the fore again this week, when House Candidate Phil Berger Jr. told a sixth grade class in North Carolina that same-sex marriage would be like "a man marrying a dog."

To this chorus of negativity, I can only quote from State Senator Jason Crowell of Missouri: 

"If not now, when?
If not us, who?"

Friday, April 4, 2014

Douglas Hired: Promoted To Factotum

Sarah Anchorage
Flain Douglas, an unpaid intern at the Sioux City Pre-Intelligencer since 2010, has accepted a salaried position at the journal.

Sarah Anchorage, Second Assistant Editor-in-Chief, made the announcement Thursday after close-of-business.

In addition to his current responsibilities, Douglas will head the P-I's new fact-checking service, carrying the title of "Factotum".

Anchorage commented on Douglas' new assignment:

"I'm very pleased that Flain understands how important his new position is to me.  I plan to work even more closely with him in future, and have moved his desk to a spot outside my office door.

"Unfortunately, Flain will not have the personal resources to finish his investigative work on the Bogo case.  His time will be in great demand, and priority calls need to be made."

Thursday, April 3, 2014

Little Known Facts! Around The Home!

by Molly Dibnum-Sioux City Pre-Intelligencer Columnist

(Molly Dibnum is on vacation this week.  This is a re-print of her column from February 23, 2014 -- ed.)


A shout-out to our own Sarah Anchorage for today's fascinating Little Known Facts!

  • The adult human body contains about 5 quarts of blood.  An adult chimpanzee has only about 3 quarts.
  • If placed in a well-sealed vacuum bag, meat will last over two years in the freezer.
  • To remove pet hair from washable garments, add 1/2 cup of white distilled vinegar to your washer's rinse cycle.  This helps the fabric fibers relax and release the hair.
  • To clean and "freshen" your butcher block, use a solution of  1/2 cup peroxide, 1 cup water and a tablespoon of dish detergent. Scrub with a soft brush and let dry overnight.
 Kudos, Sarah!

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Prehistoric Remains Found At Peters Park

Students from the College of Archeology at Briar Cliff University have discovered prehistoric relics at the abandoned gravel pit at Peters Park near Rodney, Iowa.

The findings include evidence of a dwelling site and an amazingly intact skull identified as pan troglodytes.

Professor Carl Telluride, sponsor of the dig, believes that the skull may represent the missing link between ancient primates and Turin Man.

 Diggers also uncovered what is thought to be either a primitive eating tool or hand-weapon.

Professor Telluride is focusing his research on this artifact:

"I believe this proves that primitive man did not have the sophistication to develop separate tools for eating, instead relying on this crude device for individual or tribal feeding."





Coming Friday: Flain Douglas' Breakthrough Investigative Report:


"O Bogo, Where Art Thou"


Monday, March 31, 2014

Pre-Intelligencer Launches Major Exposé

By Flain Douglas, Pre-Intelligencer Investigative Reporter

Bogo the Wonder Chimp:  Employee number 2 at the Sioux City Pre-Intelligencer; Proofreeder at the journal since the first day of publication; colleague; companion; friend.

Speculation has swirled around the events of his mysterious disappearance in February of this year.  Sioux City Police list his case as "open."

To the newer members of the P-I family, Bogo is but a legend; his only legacy: a spiral-bound notebook now called "The Bogo Archives."

Long-time staff members at the P-I have done their best to move on from this tragedy.  Sadly, neither the memorial service nor the new monument to Bogo have filled the vacuum left behind.

This Friday, the Sioux City Pre-Intelligencer will present the results of my fortnight-long investigation into the fate of Bogo, entitled:

"O Bogo, Where Art Thou?"

  

 

Previous Articles on Bogo:

Bogo the Wonder Chimp Missing: Feared Missing (Sunday, February 23, 2014)

Memorial Service Held for Staff Member Bogo (Tuesday, February 25, 2014)

Bogo Memorial Dedication Today (Saturday, March 30, 2014)

 

Sunday, March 30, 2014

Pre-Intelligencer Week in Review for March 23, 2014


It has been a busy week at the P-I!  Many thanks to our sponsor during Ag Week, Harris Lo-Yield Hybrids!

Before this week's review, a look at goings-on at the P-I.

We welcome a new staff member, Harry Callipygian.  As our new Circulation Manager, Harry will be responsible for growing the subscriber base for the P-I, taking our audience from "micro" to "mini".  You can find Harry's bio here.

Molly Dibnum is on vacation this week. Molly and Diane are attending the Annual Cherry Blossom Festival in Sherman Township.  We'll be rerunning one of Molly's classic columns on Thursday.

Speaking of Molly and Diane, we're proud to be running their engagement notice in our Classifieds!  Mazel Tov, ladies! 

Thanks to a grant from the Iowa Institute for Indigestion Research, we've been able to buy email boxes for all the staff!  If you want to communicate with us, you'll find our addresses on the staff page.

Also, Sarah Anchorage is expected back on the job Thursday.

This past week in the P-I:

Harris Lo-Yield Hybrids Launches Revolutionary New Product   (Monday, March 24, 2014)
King's English (Tuesday, March 25, 2014)

Harris Wōntgrō Promises Financial Breakthroughs for Growers (Wednesday, March 26, 2014)
Little Known Facts! Farming! (Thursday, March 27, 2014)
Interview With Craig Harris, CEO of Harris Lo-Yield Hybrids (Friday, March 28, 2014)

Bogo Memorial Dedication Today (Saturday, March 29, 2014)



Comments, suggestions, praise, please email Flain Douglas

 

 

 

Saturday, March 29, 2014

Bogo Memorial Dedication Today

By Flain Douglas--Cub Reporter/Unpaid Intern

 A memorial to Bogo, the Wonder Chimp, will be dedicated today at 12:00 noon., Saturday, March 29, 2014,  in front of the Sioux City Pre-Intelligencer offices at the Old Factory Business Park.

Bogo was a valued member of the P-I staff.  In his position as Proofreeder, he worked tirelessly to insure the quality of our journal.

Bogo disappeared under mysterious circumstances on February 23.  Sioux City police report his case is still "open."

The ceremony will be brief.  Attendees will have ample time to make it home before the start of the Central Missouri/West Liberty game.


Friday, March 28, 2014

Interview With Craig Harris, CEO of Harris Lo-Yield Hybrids

By Nate Frikandellen, P-I Roving Reporter

Craig Harris works out of the Agronomy office at one of Blencoe's largest grain co-operatives.  Following the announcement of his company's Wōntgrō product, he has become one of the most sought-after interviews in southwestern Monona County.

Craig commutes to Blencoe from his estate in Onawa, Iowa, where he lives with his wife Ceres and two youngest sons, Monsanto and DuPont.

The business day of agriculture starts early, so I made a point to be at his office at 7:00 a.m.  While I was waiting for him to arrive, I had ample time to explore Craig's office.

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Little Known Facts! Farming!

by Molly Dibnum-Sioux City Pre-Intelligencer Columnist

  • This week is National Ag Week! It is second in public recognition only to National Dairy Goat Awareness Week, proclaimed by President Reagan in 1988! 
  • Ancient Roman soldiers enslaved the children of conquered enemy armies and forced them to walk through fields of crops cutting out weeds!  This barbaric practice continued until 1994! 
  •  97% of sheep veterinarians believe that global worming is a serious crisis!
  • St. Isidore is the patron saint of farmers!  People reported seeing angels plowing his fields, which makes him also the patron saint of seasonal labor!
  • St. Isidore is often depicted in a triptych with St. Drogo, the patron saint of coffee shops and with St. Anthony of Padua, patron saint of long-winded conversation!



 

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Harris Wōntgrō Promises Financial Breakthroughs for Growers

Input costs, market prices, and operational expenses combine to make the financial picture challenging for today's farmer.

Harris Lo-Yield Hybrids is committed to the economic health of the modern grower, and through its new Wōntgrō product, cuts the costs of farming dramatically.

Harris understands that farm income won't be improved simply by cutting a few pennies from the cost of seed.  Today's farming operation needs to slash costs across the board.*

Wōntgrō eliminates the expense for:
  • herbicide and pesticide treatment
  • NH3 and other nitrogen applications
  • diesel fuel and gasoline
  • harvest manpower
  • on-farm and elevator drying and storage
  • farm-to-market transportation
  • crop insurance. 

*Wōntgrō can also dramatically lower both state and federal income tax obligations!

Wōntgrō takes the work out of fall harvest and tillage, and it also makes springtime easy-time. Gone is the need for expensive planters ... Wōntgrō can be broadcast by hand or with an economical walk-behind spreader.

Harris Lo-Yield Hybrids offers a financial comparison worksheet for growers (available after purchase of the seed.)


Wōntgrō is exclusively available through authorized Harris Lo-Yield Hybrid dealers.

 Wōntgrō brochure

Coming on Friday:  An exclusive interview with the founder and CEO of Harris Lo-Yield Hybrids.



 

 

Monday, March 24, 2014

Harris Lo-Yield Hybrids Launches Revolutionary New Product


Harris Lo-Yield Hybrids today announced its new Wōntgrō seed, designed to radically lower the costs of farm production.


Wōntgrō provides consistent yields:
  • in all soil types
  • in drought or flood conditions
  • in long or short growing seasons
  • in all planting populations
  • without the need for wasteful refuge acres.
Designed to meet the needs of today's agriculture, Wōntgrō:
  • is immune to common pests*
  • is completely glyphosate receptive
  • encourages the growth of opportunistic native plant species**
  • is fully compliant with Federal CRP guidelines
  • helps realize significant cost savings to the farmer.
Wōntgrō is exclusively available through authorized Harris Lo-Yield Hybrid dealers.

 Wōntgrō brochure.

We'll have coverage of Harris Lo-Yield Hybrids and Wōntgrō throughout the week.

Wednesday:  Drastically lowering grower expenses with Wōntgrō.
Friday:  An exclusive interview with the founder and CEO of Harris Lo-Yield Hybrids.

 


*except mammals
**i.e. weeds









Sunday, March 23, 2014

Pre-Intelligencer Week In Review For March 16, 2014



Thanks to Nate Frikandellen for taking over the reins of power and serving as guest editor this past week.  This gave me time to clean up some administrative issues around the journal. Look for more changes as the week progresses!

Flain

This week in the P-I:

Irish Allowed To March In Siouxland Gay Pride Parade (Monday, March 17, 2014)

Once again, the P-I leads the way in breaking news.  A semi-legitimate news source ran the following story on Friday, March, 21st, a perfect follow-up to our story Monday:

Homophobe Won't March In Gay Pride Parade Because He's Welcome To (gawker.com)
 King's English (Tuesday, March 18, 2014)


Used DVD Best-sellers At Long Haul Jack's (Wednesday, March 19, 2014)

Little Known Facts! Marriage! (Thursday, March 20, 2014)
 
Onawa Theatre Group to Present "Angels In America" (Friday, March 20, 2014)

Letter to the Editor (Saturday, March 21, 2014)

We are proud to announce another addition to the P-I Staff!  Julia Klonopin joins us as our in-house therapist!  

Welcome Julia!  Don't you be reading our minds! :)  :(   :)  :(

Newsroom Staff



Comments, suggestions, praise, please email Flain Douglas



Saturday, March 22, 2014

Letter to the Editor

A letter poured in to the Sioux City Pre-Intelligencer offices this week!

To the Editor:

I just watched a newscast about a body being found near Blencoe, Iowa. (link - ed.)
I was surprised that the Pre-Intelligencer didn't cover the story.  What gives?

Kendall,Orange City, Iowa




There are two reasons the P-I passed over this story:

1. We set our editorial calendar two weeks in advance.  Events that happen in the interim usually cannot be covered since our resources are already committed.  In other words, we need at least two weeks' notice before a fatal accident to reserve column space.
If you continue to follow the P-I, you'll find that most important stories are covered eventually.  For example, two weeks from today we'll have a breaking story about a Malaysian airliner that mysteriously disappears.

2. This story has already been covered extensively in other media outlets. The following sources have already exhausted the news value of this event:

The Sioux City Journal
(headline) "Siouxland Population Continues to Decline"

The Omaha World Herald
(headline) "Body Discovered on Iowa Side of Missouri River"

World Net Daily
(headline) "Another Obamacare Disaster: Man Drowns Trying to Use Healthcare Website"

Des Moines Register
(headline) "Branstad's Ties to Blencoe Body Probed"

Sioux Falls Argus Leader
(headline) "Corps of Engineers Plan Early Release of Bodies from Gavins Point Dam"

Upworthy.com
(headline) "You'll Be Amazed at What the Missouri River Does to a Corpse"

Onawa, Iowa Democrat
(headline) "Wet Dead Guy Found Neer Blencoe"

Flain Douglas
Cub Reporter/Unpaid Intern
Second Assistant Editor In Chief (Acting)

p.s.  Always glad to hear from Orange City, the hometown of our Roving Reporter, Nate Frikandellen!  He's been a loyal fan of the Red Raiders since the days when they were known as the "Commie Pillagers!"



Friday, March 21, 2014

Onawa Theatre Group to Present "Angels In America"

By Nate Frikandellen, P-I Roving Reporter

The Onawa, Iowa Community Players have announced their spring production, the Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Tony Kushner, Angels In America.

The play has been updated and tailored to the region by Tommy "Kennebec" Williams, dramaturge of the Onawa company.

We spoke with Kennebec Williams to get a preview of the production:

"As I have re-envisioned it, Angels In America is the rollicking tale of two best friends as they face the challenges of healthcare during the Obama administration. During the story, they encounter unusual people, situations, and undergarments that can only be called Disneyesque.

"There's a funny-crazy assortment of characters: a ghost, a penguin, people from Salt Lake City, and a grouchy old Democratic politician who learns the error of his ways.

"At heart, Angels is the story of a mother's unconditional love for her son, and the exciting experiences she has when she meets the head angel!
"I think one of the funniest scenes is when the mother first drives into Onawa with Utah plates and immediately gets a speeding ticket!"

The Onawa Community Players' production of Angels In America is planned for spring of this year.  The play is in two parts; the first, "Mononium Approaches" is scheduled for May.  If ticket sales warrant, the second part "Pastafaioli" will be presented in June.

Parental alert:  Angels In America features a black character with strong opinions.


Thursday, March 20, 2014

Little Known Facts! Marriage!

By Molly Dibnum-P-I Columnist

Thanks to my special friend Diane for helping with Little Known Facts! this week!

  • Turns out, a person's affectional, sexual, or gender orientation is not a "lifestyle choice!"  Examples of lifestyle choices are: getting a tattoo, driving a Prius, or living in a houseboat!
  • Gay marriage threatens traditional marriage only when husband and wife disagree on the topic of gay marriage!
    •  In a recent survey, all but one Siouxland bakery said they would bake a cake for a lesbian wedding!
    • Hammond's Department Store in Sioux City has held an annual "Buy One, Get One" sale on wedding dresses since 2009!
    •  
    •  
    •  
    • I'm engaged!!!
















    Wednesday, March 19, 2014

    Used DVD Best-sellers At Long Haul Jack's


    By Nate Frikandellen, P-I Roving Reporter

    This week's top-ten best selling used DVDs, straight from the rotating rack at Long Haul Jack's Truck Stop in Smithland, Iowa:

    2. Milk
    3. Bruno
    10. Spartacus


    Monday, March 17, 2014

    Irish Allowed To March In Siouxland Gay Pride Parade

    By Nate Frikandellen, P-I Roving Reporter

    Breaking a decades-long prohibition, Irish people will be allowed to march in this year's annual Siouxland Gay Pride Parade.

    Everett Hillendale, organizer of the 2014 Parade, officially welcomed Hibernians to full equality in the march, and encouraged participation of those who trace their heritage to the land of peat bogs and leprechauns.

    Hillendale issued a formal invitation during a press conference Saturday night at McSorley's Irish Gentleman's Club in Salix.

    "Our prejudice against the Irish has been based on ignorance and  bigotry.  The Irish have been persecuted through hurtful slurs and falsehoods.

    "Through a renewed sense of tolerance and acceptance, we can all feel the pain of our Irish brothers and sisters:

    "Of the heartbreak of the loss of a beloved Irish partner, made even worse when their family will not allow them to drink at the wake,

    "Of those who must conceal their Irishness from members of their church, fearful that they will be rejected by that congregation,

    "Of young Irish boys and girls who are taunted and bullied in school locker rooms for their red hair and pale skin.

    "We celebrate the courage of the men and women that face that difficult  conversation with their parents: 


    "Mom, Dad ... I'm Irish."
    Hillendale expressed hope that inclusion in the Gay Pride Parade would be an important step in the acceptance of the Irish.

    "We look forward to the day when the Irish have all the rights of any American, including the right to get married ...

    "Not to each other, and not anytime soon ... but eventually."

    Sign from Last Year's Gay Pride Parade




    Sunday, March 16, 2014

    Pre-Intelligencer Week in Review for March, 9, 2014



    It has been a busy week at the Sioux City Pre-Intelligencer!  Sarah Anchorage is still on leave, so we've taken the opportunity to make some design changes to the site...hope you like the new look!

    I'll be focusing on other administrative issues this week, so I'm turning over editorial duties to Nate Frikandellen, our Roving Reporter.

    See you next week!

    Flain

    This week in the P-I:

    NSA Found NOT Monitoring Pre-Intelligencer: Company Demands Answers (Monday, 3/10/14)

    King's English: "numismatis" and "philatelist" (Tuesday, 3/11/14)

     NSA Agrees to Begin Monitoring of Pre-Intelligencer (Wednesday, 3/12/14)

    Little Known Facts! Religion! (Thursday, 3/13/14)

    NSA Appoints Analyst to Monitor Pre-Intelligencer (Friday, 3/14/14)

    Siouxland Marketing Association Awards: Shpilkes Near Sweep! (Saturday, 3/15/14)

    As always: our newsroom staff!


    Comments, suggestions, praise, please email Flain Douglas


    Saturday, March 15, 2014

    Siouxland Marketing Association Awards: Shpilkes Near Sweep!

    The Siouxland Marketing Association held its annual awards banquet Friday evening at the Anhydrous Convention Center in downtown Sioux City.

    Each year, the SMA presents the "Sooie" awards for outstanding work in Marketing, Advertising, Public Relations, and Spin Control.

    Girnt Shpilkes of Shpilkes Discount Marketing won a near sweep of this year's awards, losing in only one category.

    Notably, Shpilkes was awarded the Association's Lifetime Achievement Award for the second year in a row.

    The complete list of this year's awards follows:

    Award: Best Branding
    To: Girnt Shpilkes, Shpilkes Discount Marketing
    For: Brand Name Development for Impact Airlines

    Award: Best Slogan
    To: Girnt Shpilkes, Shpilkes Discount Marketing
    For: Belligerent  Software--"We Put a Little Quality into Everything We Make"

    Award: Best Product Line Management
    To: Girnt Shpilkes, Shpilkes Discount Marketing
    For: Willbury Medical Supplies - next generation product line
                         "Clear!" - smartphone pacemaker app
                         "Say Cheese!" - smartphone colonoscopy app
                         "Spit!" - TeleDentistry services

    Award: Best Non-compensated Public Service Campaign
    To: Farabelli, Palmer, and Associates
    For: Siouxland Tourism Bureau - "Sioux City: Just a Heartbeat Away from Heaven"

    Award: Best Public Relations Campaign
    To: Girnt Shpilkes, Shpilkes Discount Marketing
    For: The Republican National Committee - Women, LGBT, and Minorities Outreach Program
                (Nominated by the Democratic National Committee)

    Award: Lifetime Achievement Award
    To: Girnt Shpilkes, Shpilkes Discount Marketing  (Second year running)


    Thursday, March 13, 2014

    NSA Appoints Analyst to Monitor Pre-Intelligencer

    The National Security Agency (NSA) today announced that it had assigned an analyst to monitor the communications of the Sioux City Pre-Intelligencer and its staff.

    When it was found that the journal had been ignored in its otherwise global surveillance efforts, the NSA bowed after facing legal action in Woodbury County Small Claims Court.

    Now that the NSA has agreed to include the Pre-Intelligencer in its monitoring program, Bob Buttwinder, Senior Counsel to the journal, has withdrawn his writ of noli disturbare.

    John Smith, NSA Senior Officer in Charge for Northwest Iowa, Southeast South Dakota, and Northeast Nebraska, announced the assignment of personnel this morning at a press conference.
    "I'm happy to announce the selection of Susan Dunham to carry forth the vital monitoring of all communications at the Pre-Intelligencer.  In addition to this task, Sue is responsible for many other efforts at the local branch of the NSA, and will only be able to focus on the Pre-Intelligencer on a part-time basis."
    Smith noted that Sue would be available to the Pre-Intelligencer every third Thursday of the month from 9:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.

    Flain Douglas, P-I Cub Reporter, was the only attendee at the press conference. Afterwards, he expressed a heart-felt welcome to Ms. Dunham, and promised that she would be treated as part of the staff.  Sue will be sharing a desk with Nate Frikendellen, the P-I's Roving Reporter.

    About Susan Dunham:

    Sue is a native of  Sioux City and a 1995 Graduate of  Morningside College.  Prior to her work with the NSA, she was a barista at Starbucks.  Sue currently resides in  Sloan with her two cats  Pinky and  Minky.

     Related Stories:

    NSA Found NOT Monitoring Pre-Intelligencer: Company Demands Answers (Monday, 3/10/14)

    NSA Agrees to Begin Monitoring of Pre-Intelligencer (Wednesday, 3/12/14)

    LIttle Known Facts! Religion!

    by Molly Dibnum-Sioux City Pre-Intelligencer Columnist

    Thanks this week to Perry Fard, Religion Editor of the Pre-Intelligencer!

    • There is no day of the week called "Latter Day"!

    • Hindus do not use the "exclamation point" in their writing!  Lutherans are permitted to use it, but rarely feel the need!

    • Seventh Day Adventists practice their faith every day of the week!

    • Unitarian Universalists celebrate the holidays of all faiths!  Because of excessive absence from school, UU children often take twice as long to graduate!

    Wednesday, March 12, 2014

    NSA Agrees to Begin Monitoring of Pre-Intelligencer

    Facing legal action, the National Security Agency has agreed to begin monitoring the communications of the Sioux City Pre-Intelligencer offices and staff.

    It was revealed Monday that the NSA has overlooked the journal in its otherwise comprehensive surveillance of American businesses and citizens.

    Reaction from senior management of the Pre-Intelligencer was swift.  Bob Buttwinder, Senior Counsel, released a stinging and well-worded challenge to the NSA, claiming that the journal was just as much a security threat as any American.  Buttwinder also threatened a legal challenge in Woodbury County Small Claims Court.

    Buttwinder's attack eventually brought a response from the NSA.

    John Smith, Senior Officer in Charge for Northwest Iowa, Southeast South Dakota, and Northeast Nebraska issued a statement.

    "In response to local media pressure, the NSA will begin to monitor all communications of the Sioux City Pre-Intelligencer and staff. We are currently reviewing our personnel levels and hope to announce staffing of this effort in the near future. We can not promise full-time monitoring due to recent budget cutbacks, but, be assured, we will raise our surveillance levels of the journal to near-parity.
     
    " In the meantime, we encourage all staff of the Pre-Intelligencer to speak slowly and clearly when making phone calls and to make sure they spell-check all emails and text messages."


    Related Stories:
    NSA Found NOT Monitoring Pre-Intelligencer: Company Demands Answers (Monday, 3/10/14)



    Monday, March 10, 2014

    NSA Found NOT Monitoring Pre-Intelligencer: Company Demands Answers

    Investigative reports have confirmed that that National Security Agency (NSA) has not been monitoring the offices or staff of the Sioux City Pre-Intelligencer.

    The NSA manages a surveillance program that captures and analyzes the phone calls, emails, texts, Tweets, and video game activities of virtually every United States citizen.  For reasons unknown, the Pre-Intelligencer has been ignored by the NSA.

    Reaction to this news by the senior management of the journal was swift and heated.

    Bob Buttwinder, Senior Counsel to the Pre-Intelligencer issued a statement this afternoon.

    "Speaking for the Sioux City Pre-Intelligencer, we find it inexcusable that we should have been passed over in this intelligence campaign.  The ownership and staff of the journal should be considered just as suspicious as any other citizen of this great country.

    "Since the NSA is spying on every other news source in the U.S., how embarrassing it would be to miss a "red flag" originating in Siouxland.   There is always the possibility that the Pre-Intelligencer may run a story of nation interest, or be chosen as a conduit by a highly-placed administration leaker.

    "We demand that the NSA take immediate steps to include the Sioux City Pre-Intelligencer in its monitoring program."
     In an interview exclusive to the Pre-Intelligencer, Buttwinder said he intends to seek a legal remedy to this situation.

    "Tomorrow, I will be filing a complaint with the Woodbury County Small Claims Court.  As we speak, my staff are researching legaldocs.com to determine the best approach for our suit."

    Saturday, March 8, 2014

    Little Known Facts! Buying a Gravestone!

    by Molly Dibnum-Sioux City Pre-Intelligencer Columnist

    Buying a gravestone doesn't have to be expensive or time-consuming!  The following tips can make it a pleasure!

    • When shopping, don't forget to check out Amazon "Used and New" listings!  You can find some real bargains, but they might not be eligible for Amazon Prime Two-Day Free Shipping!
    • The cost of a gravestone rises the more you have engraved on it!  Keep the text to a minimum! Remember, you can always spray-paint more later!
    •  If the cost of buying breaks your budget, consider leasing!
    •  You can buy an inexpensive gravestone made from Corian ® countertop material!  Most stores will throw in a free cutting board!
    • Finally, many stores will try to sell you a maintenance contract!  Avoid the expense...just make sure the gravestone you buy has a lifetime guarantee!

    Thursday, March 6, 2014

    Wine and Cheese Party Planned for Kickoff

    The Siouxland Tourism Bureau has announced a Wine and Cheese Tasting Party during the "Grand Kickoff" of the new promotional campaign.

    Soon after the accidental discharge of cheese sludge into the Floyd River, it was discovered that 500 gallons of Chateau Derriere had been released into the Floyd from the Loose Hills Winery on old Highway 75. 

    Both spills are expected to reach the mouth of the Floyd in time for the celebration, to be held Sunday, March 9th at 3:30 p.m. at Stockyards Park at the Floyd River Entrance.






    Thanks for our Blencoe corespondents for the tip!

    Siouxland Tourism Bureau Launches New Promotion


    The Siouxland Tourism Bureau has announced the winner of the contest for a new slogan and advertising campaign. The Bureau plans a "Grand Kickoff" to promote Sioux City as a first-class vacation and convention destination.

    The winning entry was developed by the advertising firm of Farabelli, Palmer, and Associates for the slogan:

    Sioux City: Just a Heartbeat Away from Heaven!

    Second place was awarded to Shpilkes Discount Marketing for:

    Come to Sioux City!  Bring Your Own Water!

     
    As part of the promotion, the city will be reprinting the 1923 publication Sioux City: Three Quarters of a Century of Progress.

    "This book is just as relevant today as it was in 1923," declared Mayor Flannel during a break from pressing city business.

    The "Grand Kickoff" will be held Sunday, March 9th at 3:30 p.m. at Stockyards Park at the Floyd River Entrance.  Featured activities and exhibits will include:
    • face painting for children
    • traffic camera photographs of family groups
    • the world's largest Republican
    • pothole fishing.
    In honor of Siouxland's Native American heritage, representatives of the Winnebago Tribe will be offering free shuttle bus service to the Sloan Casino.  Members of the Omaha Tribe will be conducting a rain dance, weather permitting.