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Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023
Good morning to you!

Welcome to an extra edition of the mailbag where you will find some of the comments, questions and ideas sent recently by subscribers of this newsletter or our publications. They are edited for space and clarity.

“Shane, I was so irritated when I got home after buying my last phone and I couldn't charge it without the brick (No charger?, Nov. 21, 2023). I wasn't aware, and they didn't disclose that I needed to purchase one. Before long, we will have to assemble everything after we purchase it.” - Gail

Or maybe we could simply do without the phones. Maybe not. - Shane

“Shane, according to Merriam-Webster, a definition of gravy is: Something additional or unexpected that is pleasing or valuable (Gravy, Nov. 22, 2023). My mother’s cast-iron skillet fried chicken was always accompanied with white milk gravy served over mashed potatoes or biscuits. We considered it a beverage.” - Paul

I am suddenly getting hungry. Pass the straw. - Shane

“I never liked gravy (Gravy, Nov. 22, 2023). I prefer butter on my potatoes. By now you probably already know that I am out of the ordinary on a lot of things.” - George

Why not both? - Shane

“I was addicted to Looney Tunes from childhood all the way to watching Duane and Floppy while at ISU (Gravy, Nov. 22, 2023). One of my all-time favorites was the gravy cartoon. I still use the quote from the end ‘and this time, we didn’t forget the gravy’ at family gatherings. Too fun. Thanks for reminding me.” - Bill

I learned a lot from Foghorn Leghorn, Wile E. Coyote, and Marvin the Martian. But I forgot to take the left turn at Albuquerque. - Shane

“I loved the cartoon clip you pulled about gravy. Yes, a treasured and seldom seen part of home meals (Gravy, Nov. 22, 2023). Years ago, my father-in-law (of German heritage) once even took some leftover gravy, heated it up, and poured it over his McDonald's fries when we brought a quick bite to eat home for him.” - John

That’s dangerously close to mixing your peanut butter with my chocolate. - Shane

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®
 
The polls have closed and a record number of readers have cast their votes in the latest CITYVIEW'S Best Of Des Moines readers' poll — the metro's original and largest poll of its kind.
 
Winners will be announced in the February 2024 issue of CITYVIEW!
 

Your Clear Mortgage forecast

Slightly milder temperatures are ahead. We have very slight rain/snow chances on Friday and Sunday.

For help with pre-approvals or refinancing, get in touch with Originating Branch Manager Carrie Hansen at carrie.mortgage.

 
 
Featured home for sale
 
Attention, Realtors, post your listings here for $50. Contact jolene@iowalivingmagazines.com for details.
$369,900
3014 36th St.
Des Moines, IA 50310
 
Key in to this completely remodeled ranch home with more than 1,800 square feet of finish in the heart of Beaverdale on a huge lot. This home is on 1/3 acre with tons of deer and wildlife in the backyard. First floor features a living room with vaulted ceilings, kitchen with new appliances and quartz countertops with a vaulted ceiling and a dining room with a fireplace.
 
 
See More Homes For Sale
 

Opening Dec. 1. Ankeny Community Theatre brings another world premiere to its stage as John Claes’ "A Gift for Rebecca" may prove to be a seasonal “instant classic.” Dec. 1-10.

Opening Dec. 1. The Des Moines Playhouse has started renovations on the building’s lower level, which includes the children’s theatre and dressing rooms. Because of this, the theatre has scheduled two, smaller cast shows this December instead of its usual big musical. "All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914" (Dec. 1-17) shares the heart-touching story about enemies setting war aside for one unforgettable day.

Opening Dec. 2. "A Charlie Brown Christmas" (Dec. 2-17) brings this cast of cartoon greats together, anchored by Charlie Brown.

 

As hunting season becomes special across the country, the 30-year-old debate about lead and copper bullets heats up. The Audubon Society and environmentalists are asking hunters to use copper ammunition instead of lead. California has the strictest anti lead laws. Lead bullets fragment and get eaten by birds of prey like owls, condors, hawks and eagles plus carrion eaters like buzzards. Copper bullets remain intact and are easier to remove. Buzzard Lives Matter.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced an investment of $27.9 million across 45 organizations that teach and train beginning farmers and ranchers, including programs for U.S. veterans who are entering into agricultural careers and starting new farming businesses. The average age of U.S. farmers has risen to its oldest ever.

Thursday brings goulash to The Dam Pub (2710 Beaver Ave., Des Moines) plus $2 beers.

— Jim Duncan, jd91446@aol.com

 
 
Headlines

FROM KCCI: Cedar Rapids teen identified as 1974 California murder victim

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) — A John Doe homicide victim who was discovered 49 years ago has been identified as a Cedar Rapids teen, KCRG reports.... In 1983, Randy Steven Kraft, later known as the “Scorecard Killer,” was arrested for murder after a highway patrol officer conducted a traffic stop on Kraft and located a deceased male in the front passenger seat. In the trunk of Kraft’s vehicle was a coded list believed to be upwards of 67 victims. John Doe was believed to be an early victim of his. ... READ MORE FROM KCCI

FROM WHO-TV: Metro school district considers a 4-day school week

POLK COUNTY, Iowa — One metro school district is considering a major change. The Saydel School District is discussing switching to a four-day school week and it’s looking for feedback about the plan. ..READ MORE FROM WHO-TV

FROM WOI-DT Local 5: Iowa State Fair announces first 2 artists in 2024 Grandstand concert series

If you're dreaming of warmer temperatures, you can look ahead to August: The Iowa State Fair just announced the first two artists who will perform at the 2024 fair. ...READ MORE FROM WOI-DT Local 5

 
Weekly fuel report
 

The price of regular unleaded gasoline fell 6 cents, averaging $2.91 across Iowa according to AAA. The price is down 33 cents from a year ago. The national average on Wednesday was $3.25, down 5 cents from last week’s price.

Retail diesel prices in Iowa fell 10 cents this week with a statewide average of $4.07. One year ago, diesel prices averaged $4.88 in Iowa.

The current Iowa diesel price is 16 cents lower than the national average of $4.23.

Wholesale ethanol held steady and is currently priced at $2.16.
Propane prices rose 1 cent with a statewide average of $1.55 per gallon.

Home heating oil prices rose 4 cents, with a statewide average of $3.51 per gallon.

Natural gas prices fell 7 cents at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $2.82/MMbtu.

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

 
Birthdays and notables!
 

Happy Birthday Emily Tomlinson, Chris J Williams and Maria Jordan!

These celebrities were born on this date: Kaley Cuoco, Billy Idol, Ridley Scott, Mandy Patinkin, Ben Stiller, Elisha Cuthbert, Chrissy Teigen, Shuggie Otis, Colin Mochrie, Jalil of Whodini, Clay Aiken, Tyla Harris

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

 
Morning chuckle

The answer to yesterday's riddle:

Which vacation is more expensive than swimming with dolphins? SWIMMING WITH THE SHARKS... IT COSTS AN ARM AND A LEG! - Judy Anderson

Today's riddle

Why do geese use Head and Shoulders shampoo?

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.

©Big Green Umbrella Media, Inc., all rights reserved.
www.biggreenumbrellamedia.com. Add webmaster@dmcityview.com to your address book to ensure delivery. Did someone forward you this newsletter? Click here to get it delivered to your inbox for FREE!

 

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