Proud Iowan currently located in Mississippi.

Fort Dodge Senior High Class of 1976.

Iowa is a lot more progressive than most people realize. Here's the view off the back of my dad's porch:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/timtimes/3410268780/

More on Iowa.

No helmet law. Every summer around the 4th (Freedom Rally) the bikers get together and have a big bash in the middle of Iowa. As it turns out, the place they have their big bash is also right down the road from my dad's house:

It is land they purchased and maintain just for their own use where nobody will bother them.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/timtimes/3410276786/

The best place in the world to visit is Clear Lake Iowa on the 4th of July. During the last election cycle, I was there on the 4th (2006) and saw Bill and Hillary as well as the introduction of the famed Mittmobile.

The place is as seriously Norman Rockwell as you will ever see in your lifetime.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/timtimes/3410308730/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/timtimes/3409499355
http://www.flickr.com/photos/timtimes/3409498805
http://www.flickr.com/photos/timtimes/3410308358

You can also visit the Surf Ballroom, site of the last performance of Buddy Holly et.al. :

http://www.flickr.com/photos/timtimes/3409529667
http://www.flickr.com/photos/timtimes/3409529769

Enjoy.