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Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023
Good morning to you!

Do you think you are unique, different than others, or one of a kind? Have you ever taken a personality profile test? If you answered yes to the second question, then I am guessing you already know that you are not unique, different than others, or one of a kind.

My daughter Samantha and I were talking about personality profile tests the other day, as she just took one and was amazed how accurate it was and how we, as humans, are quite predictable. I have taken several of these tests through the years as well, all based on only one page of multiple choice questions that seemingly do not have a right or wrong answer. The results are shockingly accurate, even if I don't necessary like to admit it. Here are some of the brutal assessments in mine from more than two decades ago:

“Shane is deadline conscious and becomes irritated if deadlines are delayed or missed. … He is the team member who will try to keep the others on task. … He has high ego strengths and may be viewed by some as egotistical. … Many people see him as a self-starter dedicated to achieving results. … Shane is forward-looking, aggressive and competitive. … He is extremely results-oriented, with a sense of urgency to complete projects quickly.”

Egotistical? Wait. There’s more.

“Shane should realize that at times he needs to think a project through, beginning to end, before starting the project. … Shane will work long hours until a tough problem is solved. After it is solved, Shane may become bored with any routine work that follows.”

Guilty as charged.

“Shane likes to make decisions quickly. … Sometimes he may be so opinionated about a particular problem that he has difficulty letting others participate in the process. … Shane may lack the patience to listen and communicate with slower acting people. … He likes people who present their case effectively.”

I lack patience? Seriously? Get to the point.

“Shane challenges people who volunteer their opinions. He should exhibit more patience and ask questions to make sure others have understood what he has said. … If pressured, Shane's true feelings may emerge. … He tends to be intolerant of people who seem ambiguous or think too slowly.”

OK, I get it. And you likely do, too. If you have never taken one of these tests, I encourage you to do so. You are not likely going to change, but the results are insightful and can be helpful for others who want to understand you better, too. Now hurry up and get it done. Or if you want to debate this, I am up for the challenge.

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

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

 
 
CITYVIEW's Best Of Des Moines®
 

CITYVIEW announced its 2023 Best Of Des Moines® readers' choices Jan. 31. You can find all the results from the poll in the February issue of CITYVIEW magazine!

Best local artist

1. James Navarro

2. Kelly Kunzler

3. Rick Gray

SEE BEST OF DES MOINES® EVENT PHOTOS HERE...

 
Read More
 
 

Your Clear Mortgage forecast

Today and Friday look dry for most, then rain chances increase Saturday and, especially, Saturday night. We get a break on Sunday before more rain moves into Monday's outlook.

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

 
 
Featured home for sale
 
Attention Realtors, post your listings here for $50. Contact jolene@iowalivingmagazines.com for details.
 
$459,900
392 S. 91st St.,
West Des Moines, IA 50266
 
This Oakstone resale has many upgrades throughout the house! Step into the heart of this home, a stunning open floor plan that seamlessly combines the kitchen, living and dining areas, all with custom window treatments. The kitchen boasts a 5-burner stove and luxury appliances, an elegant kitchen island, and a convenient pantry for all your culinary needs.
 
 
See More Homes For Sale
 

This week began with a sharp divergence between crude oil prices, which were rising sharply, and those of Canadian and European rapeseed (canola), US soybean and Malaysian palm oil futures. Those are the three major markets for edible oils, and they are almost always linked to crude oil prices, largely because they are often used as fuel rather than food. Analysts were perplexed, but many governments are subsidizing foods because inflation makes the world hungry. And hunger overthrows governments.

Pumpkins are expected to be more expensive this year because drought in pumpkin-growing areas was extreme, and climate change has many former pumpkin growers switching to sunflowers. Iowa growers say it was not as bad of a year here as elsewhere, particularly California.

Des Moines' most decorated chef, George Formaro of Centro, Django, Malo, Zombie Burger, Gateway Cafe and South Union Bread, has been stricken with the pie bug. He is personally baking several pies a day for Gateway Cafe. They are sold by the piece. He says he learned from author and film maker Beth Howard ("Ms American Pie" herself) that pie making is therapeutic.

Through Sunday Sept. 24, Irina's (650 S. Prairie View Dr., West Des Moines) is offering a four course prix fixe, with choices in all courses, with a glass of wine for $69.

— Jim Duncan, jd91446@aol.com

 
 
Headlines

FROM KCCI: 'Kevin will be loved forever': Algona, Iowa mourns slain police officer Kevin Cram

ALGONA, Iowa — Slain Algona police officer Kevin Cram was remembered Wednesday as a hero during his funeral — a public servant who made a difference and will be loved forever.... READ MORE FROM KCCI

FROM WHO-TV: Grand View University holding forum for Des Moines mayoral candidates

DES MOINES, Iowa — Grand View University is holding a mayoral forum for the three candidates running to be mayor of Des Moines... READ MORE FROM WHO-TV

FROM WOI-DT Local 5: Grant Gillon of Altoona is newest 'MasterChef'

His friends, family and even former competitors attended a watch party at Spectators Sports Bar and Grill in Altoona on Wednesday. ...READ MORE FROM WOI-DT Local 5

 
Home improvement
 
Craftsman remodel

"While-we-are-at-it list" grows

By Chantel Boyd

Dave and Cheryl Saunders’ primary goal for their Adel home renovation was to add functionality suitable to their lifestyle. The added class was just a bonus.

Dave and Cheryl worked with RCI Builders to do the upgrades. The functional renovations included adding first-floor living space — a bedroom with sitting area and bathroom — as well as reducing the need for routine maintenance by generally upgrading appliances and utilities. Personal touches made the home feel like it was theirs.

The wish list, “must-have” list and the vision for the renovations morphed throughout the process. Over time, their list came to include a number of “while-we-are-at-it” items, as Cheryl puts it. 

 
Read the rest of the story in the September issue of Adel Living magazine.
 
 
Weekly Fuel Report

The price of regular unleaded gasoline fell 10 cents, averaging $3.82 across Iowa according to AAA. Prices fell 10 cents from last week’s price and are up 27 cents from a year ago. The national average on Wednesday was $3.88, up 3 cents from last week’s price.

Retail diesel prices in Iowa rose 6 cents this week with a statewide average of $4.33. One year ago, diesel prices averaged $4.79 in Iowa. The current Iowa diesel price is 26 cents less than the national average of $4.59.

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

Propane prices fell 27 cents with a statewide average of $1.50 per gallon.

Home heating oil prices rose 37 cents, with a statewide average of $3.86 per gallon.

Natural gas prices fell 1 cent at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $2.75/MMbtu

Tips for saving energy on the road or at home are available at energy.gov and fueleconomy.gov.

 
Birthdays and notables!
 

Happy Birthday Rich Paulsen!

These celebrities were born on this date: Bill Murray, Stephen King, Faith Hill, Nicole Richie, Luke Wilson, Cheryl Hines, Alfonso Ribeiro, Joseph Mazzello, Billy Porter, Jason Derulo, Autumn Reeser

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

 
Morning chuckle

The answer to yesterday's riddle:
What do you call a wizard who’s good with ceramics? HARRY POTTERY! - Karen Bump, Lori Bluml, Judy Anderson, Gail Tomlinson, Rex Post. Or, Rumplestilts-KILN! - J. Ann Selzer. Or, A magic spell thrower. - William Snyder.

Today's riddle

Why did the power outlet get into a fight with a power cord?

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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