Welcome to the Friday mailbag where you will find some of the comments, questions and ideas sent recently by readers of this newsletter or our publications. They are edited for space and clarity.
“Shane, I don’t really have an opinion on Iowans, but I have been leading people for the majority of my career. I’ve never focused on the number of hours they worked (Climbing the career ladder, Dec. 9, 2024). I have put more emphasis on their quality of work. As their leader, I provide the resources and try to eliminate any hurdles in order for them to be successful. To sum it up, I don’t focus on how many hours it took, but the results.” - Kevin
Solid point, Kevin. I assume you were a great hirer of good people and also fired the bad ones quickly, which is an equally important task. Unfortunately, with few applicants today, many managers simply have to go to war with the soldiers they have. - Shane
“How about ‘So this is Christmas’ by John Lennon? (Holiday songs, Dec. 11, 2024)” - Pete
Although I appreciate the message of peace, my guess is the man who asked us to “imagine there’s no heaven” had different views about the true meaning of Christmas than I have. Even so, it is a catchy song. - Shane
“Hi, Shane. I thought I'd pass along the BEST Christmas song I think I've ever heard (Holiday songs, Dec. 11, 2024). Found it on YouTube, and it's by Greg Lake (Emerson, Lake and Palmer) and Ian Andersen (Jethro Tull). Enjoy!” - James
I was not familiar with the song and did a search for it. ‘I Believe in Father Christmas’ was not what I was expecting, but it is a beautiful song apparently about the unfortunate commercialization of Christmas. Thank you for passing it along, James. - Shane
“Hi, Shane. How about Topol, the Israeli-born actor and singer who was probably best-known for playing Tevye in ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ (Mononyms, Dec. 16, 2024)?” - Carolyn
You got me on that one. - Shane
“Let’s start with the very first two: Adam and his partner, Eve (Mononyms, Dec. 16, 2024). And follow them with all of the named prophets in the Torah.” - Bill
They did seem to start the trend. - 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
See Shane Goodman's past columns here. |
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FROM KCCI: Webster City police chief made false claims about FBI investigations into city workers, according to city report. WEBSTER CITY, Iowa — Using an open records request, KCCI was able to obtain the findings of Webster City's investigation into former Police Chief Shiloh Mork. The report says the city was looking into allegations of falsified legal documents, fabricated FBI investigations and using false information to intimidate and isolate a co-worker. ...READ MORE
FROM WHO-TV: Woman arrested in Des Moines stabbing. DES MOINES, Iowa — Des Moines police have made an arrest in a stabbing that happened on the city’s southeast side Tuesday night. Alexis Jenkins, 30, is charged with willful injury-causing serious injury and domestic abuse assault display or use of a weapon. ...READ MORE
FROM WOI: How a government shutdown would impact Iowans. Congress has until midnight Friday night before millions of federal employees will stop receiving paychecks. Iowans will feel the impact if negotiations fail. ....READ MORE |
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Clear Mortgage meteorology
Colder temps move back in today. Maybe a flurry Saturday. Light rain is possible on Monday. A mild Christmas Day with a sprinkle possible.
For help with pre-approvals or refinancing, get in touch with Originating Branch Manager Carrie Hansen at carrie.mortgage. |
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| Read the latest CITYVIEW | | | CARS IN THE CITY
Acadia Elevation
By Jackie Wilson
GMC’s best-selling, mid-size SUV is the Acadia Elevation. The 2024 model is mid-priced as well — more than the Terrain but less than the Yukon.
The Acadia is named after Acadia National Park in Maine. It jives with other GMC names, such as the Denali, Sierra and Yukon. It’s interesting how car manufacturers come up with names. Why not adopt a name from Iowa? How about driving a thrilling Okoboji SUV or a rugged Ledges pickup truck? Iowa could be on the cutting edge of vehicle names.
This model rings in at $52,185. As I scrutinized the sticker price, the base price is $44,600. The aluminum wheels alone are $2,900 with matching black lug nuts for $350. What if I wanted chrome plated to save a few bucks? | | | READ MORE |
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Best Cheddar in the World. The World Cheese Awards named Tillamook County Creamery Association's Maker’s Reserve 2014 Extra Sharp White Cheddar the “Best Cheddar in the World." The 115-year-old farmer-owned co-op also nabbed a pair of bronze-level awards for its Farmers’ Collection Hickory Smoked Extra Sharp White Cheddar and Farmers’ Collection English-Style Sweet Cheddar.
Reckoning the year in food and hospitality
Last calls. Bob Conley passed on, leaving Des Moines with only one locally owned hotel. Little Brother gave up on Windsor Heights, leaving the city with only one Jewish deli. Lisa Lavalle retired, leaving the town's restaurant scene without its OG mama bear. Affordable THC was lost to the stupidity, or worse, of the Iowa Legislature. Orlando “Lanny” Lynn Sharp passed away, leaving the Jesse's Embers' grill without a smile master. Troy Trostel left us way too young, leaving the city's restaurant scene without a Trostel, nor nary a culinary gunslinger.
Weekend specials
• Olympic Flame (514 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines) hosts belly dancers Friday nights.
• Vietnam Cafe (Merle Hay Mall Food Court) now has a weekly, not monthly Friday buffet. 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. $18.95 with pho included
• Bawarchi (6630 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines) offers Friday through Sunday specials on paneer kebabs, chicken curry and goat curry.
• Mickey's in Yale (217 Main St., Yale) has hot beef sandwich lunches and all you can eat fish dinner specials today.
• Fresh Thyme (2900 University Ave., West Des Moines) is having a sale on most all scallops, crab (even King) and shrimp through Christmas Eve.
• Chicago Speakeasy (1520 Euclid Ave., Des Moines) offers BBQ beef and marinated roast beef sandwiches on special for Friday lunch.
• Bianchi’s Hilltop (2829 Hubbell Ave., Des Moines) has a lunch special on Italian roast beef sandwiches at $12.
• 801 Chophouse (801 Grand Ave., Des Moines) has Sunday supper specials that deliver deep discounts on filet, prime rib and red king salmon dinners.
• Lzaza (1409 23rd St., Des Moines) and Kathmandu (7229 Apple Valley, Windsor Heights) have weekend buffets of South Asian delights.
• Chuck's (3610 Sixth Ave., Des Moines) has live music from Jonas Woodstock from 6-9 p.m. Friday and with Charlson Trio Saturday, 6-9 p.m.
• Whatcha Smokin (Luther) specials are prime rib dinners $29-39 on Friday night and full-pound beef rib dinners $45 on Saturday.
• ShortE's BBQ (8505 Chambery Blvd., Johnston) offers pulled pork sandwiches with fries and a drink for $12 Fridays.
• Bevy’s Tavern (1300 50th St., West Des Moines) has a fish and chips Fridays special - $12.
— Jim Duncan, jd91446@aol.com |
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The 2024 results ...
CITYVIEW's Best Of Des Moines® | | | Best Local Place to Bowl
1. Spare Time Entertainment
2. Warrior Lanes
3. Air Lanes
The 2025 Best Of Des Moines Poll is now closed. Results will be published in the February 2025 issue of CITYVIEW. |
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| Featured home for sale | | |
$349,900 605 Cottage St. Adel, IA 50003
Fully restored Craftsman home in the heart of Adel! The history, charm, and quality of construction that was the standard in the early 1900s has been brought back to life in the renovation of this home. Original hardware, doors, trim and floors have been meticulously restored in this truly special property. ....
See the listing here.
| | | See More Homes For Sale |
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| SOLD: Featured commercial real estate transaction | | | 1344 22ND ST., DES MOINES
SALE DATE: 2024-08-29
SALE PRICE: $125,000
SELLER: MARTINEZ DE BODENSTEINER, FRANCISCA
BUYER: BODENSTEINER, DAVIDA
ACRES: 0.222
SQUARE FEET: 1,818 |
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Featured in the current
issue of Indianola Living magazine | | | Holiday recipes
Residents share the recipes that make the season bright.
By Becky Kolosik
Favorite dishes are often at the heart of holiday gatherings. Their aromas wafting through the house signal time to join family and friends in celebration, reminiscing and gratitude. Their tastes spark memories and conversation. For many, certain recipes are a holiday must. They are inextricably woven into the fabric of the season, and the festivities wouldn’t feel complete without them.
Stollen: A German tradition
Tom Charlton’s earliest memories of stollen — a sweet cake/bread made from a dough that is soft, buttery and filled with dried fruits and nuts — were smelling them baking at his grandmother's house in Queens, New York.
“It was a staple, along with sauerbraten, red cabbage and spaetzle,” he says. “I recall her saying the stollen recipe was a family tradition going back to her grandparents in Germany.” | | | READ MORE |
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FROM ESPN: Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes to start vs. Texans, despite ankle injury ... READ MORE
FROM SPORTS ILLUSTRATED: Cameron Dicker, Chargers Make NFL History with Successful Fair Catch Free Kick Attempt ... READ MORE
FROM Yahoo Sports: Cubs publicly reuniting with slugger Sammy Sosa at fan convention after he released apology statement ... READ MORE |
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1957: Elvis Presley is drafted. On December 20, 1957, while spending the Christmas holidays at Graceland, his newly purchased Tennessee mansion, rock-and-roll star Elvis Presley receives his draft notice for the United States Army. ...READ MORE
1989: The U.S. invades Panama. The United States invades Panama in an attempt to overthrow military dictator Manuel Noriega, who had been indicted in the United States on drug trafficking charges and was accused of suppressing democracy in Panama and endangering U.S. nationals. .... READ MORE
1963: Berlin Wall opened for first time. More than two years after the Berlin Wall was constructed by East Germany to prevent its citizens from fleeing its communist regime, nearly 4,000 West Berliners are allowed to cross into East Berlin to visit relatives. Under an agreement reached between East and West Berlin, more than 170,000 passes were eventually issued to West Berlin citizens, each pass allowing a one-day visit to communist East Berlin.... READ MORE
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| Birthdays and notables | | | These celebrities were born on this date: Jonah Hill, , Bob Morley, Bugzy Malone, Peter Criss, Dick Wolf, JoJo, David Cook, Nicole deBoer, Chris Robinson
SUBMIT: Send your birthday greetings and congratulatory notes to: tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com |
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The answer to the last riddle: What do you call a hangover from wine? A GRAPE DEPRESSION - Judy Anderson, Gail Tomlinson. Other answers from Rex Post.
Today's riddle:Why did the fellow pitch a tent and put a disco ball inside it last January?
Have a guess? Email tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com |
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To advertise in the Daily Umbrella or Johnston Living magazine or weekly, contact:
Andrea Hodapp
Account Executive
Office: 515-953-4822 ext. 322
Mobile: 515-883-0523
andrea@iowalivingmagazines.com
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