I received a pair of blue jeans as a Christmas present from my wife. I was thankful to get them, because I needed a new pair. My current ones seem to be shrinking somehow. The dryer must be too hot. There are some problems with my new jeans, though. They are ripped and have holes in them. I thought this was a production flaw until I was quickly informed otherwise. Ripped jeans may be cool and trendy for my daughters and even my wife. Me? Not so much.
If my mother were still alive, she would be sewing patches on these jeans, much like she did for nearly all my pants as a child. Pushing Hot Wheels on the living room carpet on my knees put my pants to the test. Some of those knee patches seemed to go from my shins to my thighs. In the 1970s, the more patches you had on your jeans, the better — at least until those designer jeans with the fanciful stitching on the pockets like my friend Ian wore became popular. Think Donna Summer or Andy Gibb.
For most of my life, a pair of faded Levis were my jeans of choice, mostly without patches. “A pair of jeans that fit just right,” as Zac Brown wrote.
Well, the hippie generation faded, the disco crowd declined, and the decade of decadence prevailed. Patches were no longer cool.
So when did ripped jeans become popular? According to venuszine.com, they were originally meaningful in the late 1800s when cowboys and other working men wore them. The holes and tears in the fabric were practical ways to ventilate legs in hot weather. The website says the style became a fashion trend in the 1980s when it was associated with the grunge movement. This ended in the 1990s, only to be resurrected in the 2000s by fashionistas.
Well, I am hardly a fashionista. I am not sure I spelled it correctly. And to prove it, I bought myself a pair of denim bib overalls, much like the ones I wore as a child, which were much like the ones my grandpa wore most of his life. As a kid, I wanted to be just like him. The older I get, the resemblances are becoming clearer.
My wife is not so fond of my bib overalls. Neither are my daughters. But I like them. They are comfortable, durable and reliable.
And no rips, holes or patches — at least not yet. I need to break out my Hot Wheels to give them the true test.
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
See Shane Goodman's previous columns here. |
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| 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! |
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Your Clear Mortgage forecast
We'll see another chance of light snow late today, with little accumulation expected. Dry for the rest of the forecast through Tuesday.
For help with pre-approvals or refinancing, get in touch with Originating Branch Manager Carrie Hansen at carrie.mortgage. |
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Bring in the New Year with symphonic and acrobatic grandeur
The Des Moines Symphony again brings in the New Year with unmatched panache, welcoming 2024 with a spectacular concert. “Cirque de la Symphonie” delivers the unexpected when world-renowned Cirque performers take the stage with the Orchestra — from gravity-defying aerials and acrobatics to jaw-dropping contortion and quick-change — all choreographed to thrilling symphonic music. Ring in the new year with an electrifying evening of entertainment as these incredible artists swing from the rafters of the Civic Center. Dec. 31, 8 p.m.
Savor some artful solitude
The Polk County Heritage Gallery will present its Greater Des Moines Exhibited XXXVII through Wednesday, Jan. 3. This event is free and open to the public. Hours: 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Broadway manifests often in Des Moines, go see the source
For more than 30 years, the Des Moines Playhouse has offered Broadway Tours. Several alumni of the Playhouse have made it to Broadway. Join a group of like-minded adventurers as this tradition ramps up to offer exciting, memory-building experiences on the Great White Way.
— John Busbee, The Culture Buzz |
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| Featured home for sale | | | |
$329,900
210 S.E. Wildflower Court
Pleasant Hill, IA 50327
Better than new in Pleasant Hill. This one-owner home is bigger than it looks. 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, tall ceilings, big windows, and a fireplace. All appliances stay. The kitchen has black stainless steel LG gas range, convection oven, dishwasher, microwave and huge fridge. First floor laundry includes LG washer and dryer.
| | | See More Homes For Sale |
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The Food Dude's 2023 winners. He gives a nod to these people and things for making Des Moines better.
Big Moe Cason. Moe had a great year. His TV show was renewed with National Geographic. He opened a restaurant in Texas and published a BBQ book also with National Geographic. Expect great photos.
Des Moines Public Schools and Drake. This partnership came up with the best football/socccer stadium for viewers. The sightlines are perfect.
Des Moines Metro Opera. Earliest sell outs in a long time as the opera came out of COVID protocol with three shows that fans adore: "Carmen," "The Love for Three Oranges" and "Bluebeard's Castle."
— Jim Duncan, jd91446@aol.com |
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FROM KCCI: Year in review: Watch all of our uplifting 'This Is Iowa' stories from 2023
DES MOINES, Iowa — This was a very special year for Eric Hanson's "This Is Iowa." In November 2013, Hanson got to start the long-term project that allowed us at KCCI to define what it means to say, "This Is Iowa." In the 10 years since, we've shared more than 200 stories about the traditions, the communities and especially the people of Iowa — stories that have made us laugh, cry and appreciate our state. ... READ MORE FROM KCCI
FROM WHO-TV: Higgins, Castro sign NIL deal with Cheez-It for Citrus Bowl
Linebacker Jay Higgins and Defensive Back Sebastian Castro will take part in the Cheez-It ‘Flexin’ Section’ experience. Players will be able to get a fresh cut from barber Kenny Duncan, who’s clients include Michael B. Jordan and the Philadelphia 76ers, and a cheese-inspired spa right on the field at Camping World Stadium... READ MORE FROM WHO-TV
FROM WOI-DT Local 5: Transfer portal news: Greg Gaines III headed to Rhode Island; Joey Labas leaving Iowa
Spencer Petras is going to Utah State and another ex-Iowa QB in Joey Labas is also in the portal. Cartevious Norton is headed to Charlotte....READ MORE FROM WOI-DT Local 5 |
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| Weekly fuel report | | | The price of regular unleaded gasoline fell 5 cents, averaging $2.80 across Iowa according to AAA. Prices are down 6 cents from a year ago. The national average on Wednesday was $3.12, up 2 cents from last week’s price.
Retail diesel prices in Iowa fell 4 cents this week with a statewide average of $3.69. One year ago, diesel prices averaged $4.26 in Iowa. The current Iowa diesel price is 33 cents lower than the national average of $4.02.
Wholesale ethanol held steady and is currently priced at $2.16.
Propane prices rose were not reported this week due to the holiday.
Home heating oil prices were not reported this week due to the holiday.
Natural gas prices were unchanged at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $2.51/MMbtu
Tips for saving energy on the road or at home are available at energy.gov and fueleconomy.gov. |
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| Birthdays and notables | | | Happy Birthday Landon Welp!
These celebrities were born on this date: Nash Grier, John Legend, Denzel Washington, Maggie Smith, David Archuleta, Miles Brown, Emery Kelly, Seth Meyers, Joe Manganiello, Gayle King
SUBMIT: Send your birthday greetings and congratulatory notes to: tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com |
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The answer to yesterday's riddle:
Why didn't the bartender serve the snake? BECAUSE IT COULDN'T HOLD ITS BEER! - Gail Tomlinson
Today's riddle
Why did the kangaroo hop into the bar?
Have a guess? Email tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com |
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To advertise in this daily newsletter, contact Jolene Goodman at jolene@iowalivingmagazines.com, or call 515-953-4822 ext. 319.
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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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