“Leave this world a little better than you found it.”
That quote — or some variation of it — can be attributed to many people. Leader of the Scout Movement Robert Baden-Powell. Novelist and poet Paul Aster. The Science Guy Bill Nye. Fantasy author Sarah J. Maas. Even mixed martial arts fighter Ronda Rousey.
To simply say those words is one thing, though. To do them is quite another.
When we leave a job, is the position or the company better than it was when we started? Or do we leave things in shambles for the next person?
When we sell or give something to someone else, do we clean it up and make it look good first? Or do we slough those chores off on the next owner?
When we leave a campsite, a restaurant or even a parking lot, do we put things back the way they were, or do we leave our messes for others to deal with?
I know I can certainly do better, but I try to leave this world a little better than I found it, and I encourage others to do the same. That ruffles the feathers of some folks, but I have decided that’s OK, as the end result seems worth it, at least to me.
The real question is, why are some people inclined to leave this world a little better than they found it, and others are not? Were we taught to do this by our parents? A feeling of guilt if we don’t do it? An obsessive-compulsive disorder? All of the above?
I have learned to stay clear of people who say, “It’s not my problem anymore.” That selfish point of view is what we need less of in our world, in our communities, in our workplaces and in our homes. Unfortunately, it is quite common.
As with most things in life, the little things add up to big things. Picking up trash on the sidewalk. Pushing a chair back in at the table. Putting a shopping cart back in the corral. The list goes on, and these small efforts most certainly lead to larger and more important ones, too.
What do you think? What other things — large or small — can we all do to leave this world a little better than we found it? Send me a note and let me know.
Have a terrific Tuesday, 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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Clear Mortgage meteorology
A chance of some rain today and Wednesday, but most of us will stay dry this week. The weekend looks steamy.
For help with pre-approvals or refinancing, get in touch with Originating Branch Manager Carrie Hansen at carrie.mortgage. |
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| From the July issue of CITYVIEW | | | CIVIC SKINNY
Median home sale price reaches record high. Des Moines parks score well. Iowa education is a concern. Another firearm found at DM airport. Prenuptual agreements.
By CITYVIEW staff
Des Moines’ Parks and Recreation system was ranked among the top 20 in the country, according to the Trust for Public Land’s (TPL) 2023 ParkScore, which compares 100 of the largest cities in the United States. Des Moines Parks and Recreation’s score improved by three points from 2023 to 2024, from 62.1 to 65.6.
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| CITYVIEW's Best Of Des Moines® | | | The results have been tallied and published in the February issue of CITYVIEW and online!
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| Explore Des Moines | | | CITYVIEW's seasonal guide for activities and things to do in Central Iowa
EXPLORE: Beaches, Bays, Lakes and More
By Cyote Williams
There are a number of exciting and many underrated spots for water-centered fun for the whole family in the area, whether it be a relaxing day on the lake or bombing down a waterslide. | | | READ MORE |
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Washington Post posted results for the most searched recipes in their food archives. The winner was “Carolina slaw hot dogs” which are chili dogs with honey sweetened coleslaw and ketchup. Clearly the Post has few readers in Des Moines or Chicago. One episode of Emmy winner "The Bear" dealt with the anathema, in Chicago, of ketchup on a hot dog.
Tuesday touts. Irina's Steak and Seafood (650 S. Prairie View Drive, Suite 100, West Des Moines) is having a Mexican dinner July 18 in grand fashion. Five courses, rack of lamb and lobster enchiladas included, plus live music from Mariachi Azteca. Gabriel Trujillo is one of the best chefs in Iowa. This will be him showing off. $80, reservations ... Panka Peruvian Restaurant (2708 Ingersoll Ave.) now serves brunch/lunch six days a week and has live jazz on Wednesdays... Wanderlust Magazine is great reading for travelers. Its "best art exhibitions of summer 2024" touts some shows that are not top of the lists of most art media but are for foodies. A New Orleans show about The Easy's flaunting of Prohibition and a Detroit show about the dining excesses of the Ottoman sultans are such. The London-based magazine has an entry level subscription service that is free digitally. The new edition includes a story about great breakfasts in Shanghai.
Deals today. Tuesday brings $4.95 gyros to Opa! (2800 University Ave., West Des Moines)... Kids meals are half price all day Tuesday at Machine Shed (11151 Hickman Road, Urbandale)... Tuesday means $12 hot beef sandwiches at Paula's (524 Elm St., Valley Junction)... All day happy hour prices, such as half-price oysters, are in effect Tuesdays at Django (1420 Locust St., Des Moines)... Kelly’s Little Nipper (1701 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines) offers really good tenderloins with a side and drink for $11.50 on Tuesdays... Taco Tuesday brings serious discounts to Mariscos El Pirata (6050 S.E. 14th St., Des Moines), La Familia (1610 Sixth Ave., Des Moines), all Taco John's, The Dam Pub (2710 Beaver Ave., Des Moines), all Abelardo's, all Fernando’s, Malo (900 Mulberry St., Des Moines), Beaver Tap (4050 Urbandale Ave., Des Moines), Club 2000 (422 Indianola Road, Des Moines) and Faustino’s (4944 Franklin Ave., Des Moines). The excellent Beaverdale Farmers Market is across the street from Faustino's on Tuesday.
— Jim Duncan, jd91446@aol.com |
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| Featured home for sale | | |
$1,300,000 1271 Old Portland Road, Van Meter, IA 50261
This meticulously cared for modern home sits on nearly 18 acres and includes a stocked pond, 2 patios, wildlife, and breathtaking views from every part of this home. The main level of the home features a beautiful kitchen with center island, walk-in hidden pantry, soft close cabinets, double fridge and wall oven.
See the listing here.
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| SOLD: Featured commercial real estate transaction | | | 885 S. 51ST ST., WEST DES MOINES
SALE DATE: 2024-04-17
SALE PRICE: $4,820,000
SELLER: INDIANOLA HOTEL LLC
BUYER: WEST DES MOINES HOSPITALITY LLC
ACRES: 1.900
SQUARE FEET: 35,463 |
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| From the July issue of Johnston Living magazine | | | Meet Jeremy Schwanebeck
Creating an authentic art studio experience for students
By T.K. West
After growing up in Knoxville, Jeremy Schwanebeck studied art and education at the University of Northern Iowa. His first four years as a teacher were in Davenport before returning to central Iowa to be closer to family. Schwanebeck says applied to teach at Johnston because he was impressed by the district’s commitment to excellence. He has been with the district since the fall of 1999 and has taught at Horizon Elementary School since 2001.
“I love the people that I work with,” he says. “My art colleagues are creative teachers and artists and their passion for the work we do challenges me to constantly improve my practice. My related arts team has become an extended family. We've been through so many personal and professional moments together that their support makes Horizon a truly special place to work.”
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FROM KCCI: Iowa DOT says traffic deaths involving teenage drivers are on a downward trend so far this year. Data from the Iowa DOT shows that as of July 8, there have been 11 deaths involving teenage drivers this year. There were 21 this time last year. ...READ MORE FROM KCCI
FROM WHO-TV: Over 200,000 eggs donated to Food Bank of Iowa. DES MOINES, Iowa — Over 200,000 eggs were donated to the Food Bank of Iowa on Monday. Rose Acre Farms partnered with the Iowa Egg Council and the HATCH for Hunger Program to make the donation. Rose Acre Farms donated 86,400 eggs and the HATCH for Hunger Program donated 151,d00 — making the total number of eggs donated 237,600. ... READ MORE FROM WHO
FROM WOI-DT Local 5: Trial of Kyle Ricke, man accused of killing Algona police officer, begins Monday. Kyle Ricke faces a first-degree murder charge and would spend the rest of his life in prison if convicted. ...READ MORE FROM WOI-DT Local 5 |
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ESPN: Keegan Bradley named U.S. captain for 2025 Ryder Cup ...READ MORE
SPORTS ILLUSTRATED: How a Drastic Change in Pitching Mechanics Shaped the 2024 All-Star Rosters ... READ MORE
CBS Sports: Steelers CB Cameron Sutton suspended for first eight games of 2024 season following domestic violence arrest. ...READ MORE |
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1850: President Zachary Taylor dies unexpectedly. On a scorching Fourth of July in Washington, D.C., Taylor attended festivities at the newly dedicated grounds upon which the Washington Monument would be erected. According to several sources, Taylor gulped down a large quantity of cherries and iced milk and then returned to the White House, where he quenched his thirst with several glasses of water. ... READ MORE
1993: Romanov remains identified using DNA. British forensic scientists announce that they have positively identified the remains of Russia’s last czar, Nicholas II; his wife, Czarina Alexandra; and three of their daughters. The scientists used mitochondria DNA fingerprinting to identify the bones, which had been excavated from a mass grave near Yekaterinburg in 1991. ... READ MORE
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| Birthdays and notables | | | These celebrities were born on this date: Tom Hanks, Courtney Love, Marcel Ruiz, Mitchel Musso, Georgie Henley, Robert Capron, Fred Savage, Jack White, Shanice Williams
SUBMIT: Send your birthday greetings and congratulatory notes to: tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com |
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The answer to yesterday's riddle:
What do you get if you eat beans with onions? BUNIONS! - Shane Goodman, Susan Walter. Or, TEAR GAS! - Gail Tomlinson, Rex Post. And more from Carolyn Rogers.
Today's riddle
Why do tennis players never change a lightbulb?
Have a guess? Email tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com |
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To advertise in the Daily Umbrella or the Indianola, Urbandale or Clive Living magazines, contact:
Gina Chandler
Account Executive
Office: 515-953-4822 ext. 323
Mobile: 641-750-6485
gina@iowalivingmagazines.com
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