“Your recent story on the Quikcoin holder brought a smile to my face (Coin pouches, Aug. 8, 2023). I can remember my dad always having one of these with his pocket change in it. He still has one and will be celebrating his 84th birthday in October. A few years ago while on vacation with my husband, I found one and purchased it to give to my dad to replace his that was showing its age.” - Lu Anne

Did you put some coins in it, too? - Shane

“I recently received an article about how AI was used to examine 30,000 cases of hard-to-treat and rare cancers (AI, Aug. 9, 2023). The AI results gave twice as accurate results compared to any known prior analysis by humans and machines.” - George 

That is great news, unless, of course, the story was produced by the Artificial Intelligence Institute. - Shane

“Imagine what could happen if we could recycle all those old tires into roads (Flying cars, Aug. 11, 2023).” - Bill

Now we are getting somewhere! - Shane

“Shane, if you exempt semi-trucks from your hovercraft proposal, you have accomplished nothing toward saving money on road repair (Flying cars, Aug. 11, 2023). According to the GAO, as truck axle weights increase, pavement damage increases at an even faster rate. For example, while a truck axle carrying 18,000 pounds is only nine times heavier than a 2,000-pound automobile axle, it does 5,000 times more damage.” - Dave

This is why the Millennium Falcon didn’t operate like a landspeeder. I apologize for the geekiness. Na-Nu, Na-Nu. - Shane

“I do not want in on any electric vehicle vs. gas vehicle discussions (Flying cars, Aug. 11, 2023), but I heard this on the radio (an AM station!) and just glad I could find it in print: EVs burn through tires 30% faster than combustible engine cars thanks to hefty weights and speedy acceleration, according to Bridgestone, which this week unveiled a new tire developed specifically for electric vehicles. Dubbed the Turanza EV, it starts at $289, depending on tire size.” - Diane
 
Just when I thought I had it all figured out. - Shane

Have a fantastic Friday, and thanks for reading.

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

View Shane Goodman's archived columns from past issues here.

Your Clear Mortgage forecast

Here comes the return of the heat in your forecast. And the next rain chance doesn't appear to come our way until at least next weekend.

For help with preapprovals or refinancing, get in touch with Carrie at carrie.mortgage.

Nearly 42% of U.S. adults are obese, according to the latest government statistics up from 31% in 1999. So are 20% of American children. The light at this tunnel's end is that the new generation of obesity drugs seem to be working much better than any before them. They program the brain to feel satiated earlier. High fructose corn syrup does the opposite.

Sinduda launches Aug. 23 with the first of a series of popup dinners by Diego Rodriguez the former chef at Proof. Follow them on Facebook for details.

Brats go for $1.69 on Saturday and Sunday at Kwik Stars.

— Jim Duncan, jd91446@aol.com

FROM KCCI: Authorities suspect arson after Clive playground burns down

CLIVE, Iowa — A fire that caused over $150,000 in damage at a Clive playground is being investigated as arson. Police officers and firefighters responded to calls early Thursday morning of a fire at Stonegate Park on Boston Parkway in Clive and found the playground equipment "fully engulfed in flames," according to a release from the city of Clive. The fire was extinguished, but not before the playground equipment was a total loss. ... READ MORE FROM KCCI

FROM WHO-TV: Southeast Polk’s new football stadium sets standard for metro high school sports

PLEASANT HILL, Iowa — Thursday is the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Southeast Polk Community School District’s new football stadium. The project cost $22.5 million to complete and construction started back in 2021. ... READ MORE FROM WHO-TV

FROM WOI-DT Local 5: Five generations of family celebrating 100-year family reunion at Iowa State Fair

With at least 80 people and five generations on the fairgrounds, the Sloan family isn't slowing down anytime soon. ...READ MORE FROM WOI-DT Local 5