Larry Long
Proofreader

Where you were born and grew up
I was in born Montezuma, Iowa, on a hot August afternoon. I was delivered by Doc Williams in his office, which is also his home, across the street from the Poweshiek County Courthouse. I was raised in nearby Grinnell, one of the best places in the world to grow up.

The last movie you saw
"The Brave One," with Jody Foster. Not all that great. However, I really enjoyed Ken Burns’ recent televised series "The War," which chronicled WWII through period photos, film footage and interviews with veterans and their families.

Your ancestry
My ancestors are from the British Isles. I've traced my great-great grandfather, born in 1778, to Londonderry, Ireland. He, along with his wife, my great-grandfather, and his two sisters, immigrated to the U.S. during the Irish potato famine in the 1850s. They farmed in Scott and Poweshiek Counties for many years. I also have ancestors from Scotland and Penzance, Cornwall, UK.

The most daring thing you've ever done
I was lucky enough to be a member of the U.S. Navy Bobsled Team, which raced at the bob run in Lake Placid, NY. I crashed the first time down the run. Luckily, no one was injured. I had a bad wreck the last race of the season and injured my leg so I couldn't race anymore. I was sent to Vietnam instead.

The most interesting place you've visited
Over Labor Day weekend, I visited some friends in the Black Hills. Beautiful place. After visiting Mt. Rushmore and the Crazy Horse monument, I spent an afternoon at The Badlands, and found the place to be eerily desolate, with jagged ridges, spires and steep, colorful canyons. I can't wait to visit the area again.