Welcome to the Friday 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.

“Hi, Shane. I don't know when I last used a pay phone, but I always liked the song ‘Operator’ by Jim Croce (Pay phones, March 14, 2023). There's a line at the end of the song when he thanks the operator for her time and tells her, ‘You can keep the dime.’ I wonder how many Gen Z's know what that means?” - Tim

One of my favorite songs. Thanks, Tim. – Shane

“Hi. Shane. FYI... at the Joppa Homeless Resource Center, 2326 Euclid Ave., Des Moines, (Pay phones, March 14, 2023), there is a wooden phone booth and pay phone inside for free use for homeless folks to set up doctor's appointments, job interviews, etc.” - Deb

That seems like a great service. Thanks for the note, Deb. - Shane

“Shane, I was in sales for 32 years. Starting out in 1987, I had to make a weekly call to my manager on Mondays at a particular time (Pay phones, March 14, 2023). Oh, the challenge of trying to find a pay phone to make that call every week in rural Ohio!” - Sarah

At least the calls were kept short that way, presumably. (Pay phones, March 14, 2023). - Shane

“Oh, how I miss that TV guide that came with the Sunday paper (TV guide, March 15, 2023)! Then I lost the daily TV guide that came as part of the daily paper. I’m sure I’ve missed many fine programs. It’s just tragic!” - Debbi 


This is why modern TV remotes wear out so quickly. - Shane

“Hmmm is right (TV guide, March 15, 2023)! Maybe CITYVIEW should publish a generic weekly TV guide so that we have some idea of what is on, where and when. I don’t like channel surfing every night in an effort to find the shows I want to watch. I often can’t remember what time or even day of the week they occur. Even a generic guide would be helpful in that regard.” - Chuck

It may not be weekly, and it may not be a guide with grids, but the wheels are turning, Chuck. - Shane

“My husband loves $2 bills (One bill, two bucks, March 20, 2023)! The girls at the bank know when he comes in that he is after as many as he can get to use for tips, to fluster cashiers, and to give to the grandkids and our kids in their Christmas stockings. It makes me laugh when a young cashier looks at it and asks him if it is counterfeit or they use the counterfeit pen on it before accepting it. Really, would anyone really go to the trouble to pass a counterfeit bill that low in value?” - Lu Anne

How true. I used to work with a guy who said, “If I am going to steal from you, it’s going to be for a lot more than $2!” - 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

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 BBQ

1. Smokey D’s BBQ

2. Jethro’s

3. Kue’d Smokehouse

SEE EVENT PHOTOS HERE...

Your Clear Mortgage forecast from Jason Parkin

Expect sunshine today, with highs in the 50s. A system moves our way tonight, bringing rain and snow to parts of central and southeastern Iowa. It appears any amounts in the metro will be light and will accumulate mainly on grassy areas. The next precipitation chance comes late Sunday into a breezy Monday and appears to again bring some rain and some snow.

For help with preapprovals or refinancing, get in touch with Jason at parkin.mortgage

Firefighting Family

While attending church as a child, Brian Hanson recalls a time when his dad’s and other volunteer firefighters’ pagers went off, indicating an emergency. The firefighters at church, clad in suits and ties, all jumped out of the pews and rushed to a house fire close to Brian's home.

That was just one memory of Brian’s childhood, as his dad was a volunteer firefighter for Inwood, a small Iowa town. Brian grew up at the fire station, watching his dad interact with the other firefighters. He thought someday he might want to volunteer as well.

... Read more in the March issue of North Polk  Living magazine.

Happy Birthday Lindy Vorrie today and Levi Goodman Saturday!

These celebrities were born on this date: Jessica Chastain, Jim Parsons, Alyson Hannigan, Peyton Manning, Lake Bell, Kelly LeBrock, Lara Flynn Boyle, Mary Berry, Megyn Price, Tommy Hilfiger, Finn Jones

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

The answer to yesterday's riddle:
Why do Peruvian owls always hunt in pairs? BECAUSE THEY ARE INCA HOOTS (IN CAHOOTS)! - Gail Tomlinson and Rex Post

Today's Riddle

What do you get when you cross a chicken with a cement mixer?

Have a guess? Email tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

Enjoy the Daily Umbrella? Perhaps you would enjoy receiving emails of our other publications!

• CITYVIEW • Living Weekly newsletters: Johnston, Polk City and Adel • Lake Panorama Times • Events • CITYVIEW Business Journal,  

See a full list of our offerings by clicking on SUBSCRIBE here.