May 2 Daily Umbrella: Bombers struggling; Chefs’ and Writers’ Pub Crawl; difference between Iron Man and Aluminum Man?

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Friday, May 2, 2025

Good morning to you!

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 enjoyed your Norwegian joke (Urbandale Living, April 2025). Following is my favorite joke I like to share with my Norwegian relatives in Minnesota around St. Patrick's Day: The reason the Irish celebrate St. Patrick's Day is because this is when St. Patrick drove the Norwegians out of Ireland. Some centuries ago, many Norwegians came to Ireland to escape the bitterness of the Norwegian winter. Ireland was having a famine at the time, and food was scarce. The Norwegians were eating almost all the fish caught in the area, leaving the Irish with nothing to eat but potatoes. St. Patrick, taking matters into his own hands, as most Irishmen do, decided the Norwegians had to go. Secretly, he organized the Irish IRATRION (Irish Republican Army to Rid Ireland of Norwegians). Irish members of IRATRION passed a law in Ireland that prohibited merchants from selling ice boxes or ice to the Norwegians, in hopes that their fish would spoil. This would force the Norwegians to flee to a colder climate where their fish would keep. Well, the fish spoiled, all right, but the Norwegians, as everyone knows today, thrive on spoiled fish. So, faced with failure, the desperate Irishmen sneaked into the Norwegian fish storage caves in the dead of night and sprinkled the rotten fish with lye, hoping to poison the Norwegian invaders. But the Norwegians thought this only added to the flavor of the fish, and they liked it so much they decided to call it ‘lutefisk,’ which is Norwegian for ‘luscious fish.’ Matters became even worse for the Irishmen when the Norwegians started taking over the Irish potato crop and making something called ‘lefse.’ Poor St. Patrick was at his wit's end, and finally on March 17, he blew his top and told all the Norwegians to 'GO TO HELL.' So they all got in their boats and emigrated to Minnesota — the only other place on Earth where smelly fish, old potatoes and plenty of cold weather can be found in abundance.” - Norman

That was worth the extended read. I laughed out loud, and most good-natured Minnesotans I know would, too. Thanks, Norman. - Shane

“Your attempt to be humorous in your April 2025 ‘Welcome’ column was in poor taste (Clive Living, April 2025). I am guessing you meant ‘Polack’ jokes not ‘Pollock.’ The latter is the name of a fish or famous artist. Polack jokes are offensive and have deep roots in Nazi Germany. What next: a column on repackaged N-word jokes? Do better.” - Matthew

I appreciate your correction, and I regret offending you. That certainly was not the intent, which I apparently didn’t make clear enough. Keep smiling. - Shane

“Thanks for your column about travel (Nativism or noveltism, April 28, 2025). I do not fit either of the two categories. I had a very stable childhood and I love control, but I really enjoy traveling and seeing new sights and new things. I have driven to 48 states and spent at least two weeks every year for 35 years traveling on vacation. We usually put 3,000 to 5,000 miles on the car in those two weeks. I grew up on a farm that had cows that needed to be milked twice a day, so it was not easy to get a neighbor who knew which cows needed milked each day. When I was growing up, the weddings and funerals of relatives 200 miles away were almost our only trips for a day or two each year. Maybe I was trying to make up in adulthood all those vacations that I missed as a child.” - George

Many who are reading this can relate. Thanks, George. - Shane

“Good morning, Shane. I'd like to give you and your readers a flying tip (Nativism or noveltism, April 28, 2025). Just as the plane begins to descend toward your destination, even if the seat belt light just went on, head for the restroom. Back in the early 1970s, demonstrators in Chicago noted many travelers made a bee line for the rest rooms upon disembarking from their arriving flights. The demonstrators ‘occupied the facilities’ so there was limited or no relief. On another trip, I followed my tip, and, upon arrival, my fellow passengers had to stand in long lines at port-o-potties as the Port Authority, administrators of EWR (Newark), decided to close all restrooms for renovations. I'm betting the parking and rental car lots had many puddles. Thanks for a thoughtful morning.” - John

So, that’s what I stepped in. - 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 more of Shane Goodman's columns here.

FROM KCCI: Future University of Iowa student among those killed in crash at Illinois after-school program. A car’s crash into an after-school program building in central Illinois – a wreck that killed four people ages 7 to 18 and injured six other children – does not appear to have been a targeted attack, Illinois State Police said Tuesday. ... READ MORE

FROM WHO-TV: Bombers golf facility struggling to secure funding granted another extension by city. A new entertainment venue consisting of indoor golf, bowling, and even a hotel was supposed to be opening this summer, but a difficulty in securing funds has delayed the project and the City of Johnston has granted another extension to developers. ... READ MORE

FROM WOI: Iowa educators rally for better public education at May Day protests. Hundreds of thousands of people across the U.S. and around the world gathered on Thursday to participate in May Day protests.
These demonstrations united many people who are frustrated with President Donald Trump’s policies, which include tariffs that are fueling concerns about global economic instability and strict immigration crackdowns. ... READ MORE

Clear Mortgage meteorology

Slight rain chances linger through the afternoon hours then dissipate. The weekend looks gorgeous! Warming into next week.

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

Pollen tracker

Tree pollen: High

Grass pollen: Low

Ragweed pollen: None

The 2025 results: CITYVIEW's Best of Des Moines®

Best Local Car Dealership (Domestic)

1. Stivers Ford Lincoln

2. Willis Automotive

3. Bob Brown Automotive

See all of the results

Cool stuff we like
Jethro's Altoona is now open seven days a week till 10 p.m.

The Chefs’ and Writers’ Pub Crawl of Des Moines dive bars is back. Created by DM Register columnists Bryce Miller and Lee Rood plus George Formaro and myself, this organization began in 2016 as a celebration of dive bars and the good food they serve. It was discontinued when the virus from Wu Han discontinued everything. In honor of Bryce, it will recommence on June 1. Details will be published in the Daily Umbrella. Itinerary plans include The Fitz, Maggie’s Rumble Room and LD’s Corner Bar. All food professionals and media are welcome.

New Farmers Market. Oak Park owner Kathy Fehrman and her team announced plans to bring vendors back to the parking lot of the restaurant on May 12, June 9, Sept. 8 and Oct. 13 from 4-7 p.m.

Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival is celebrating its 17th anniversary this Saturday, May 3, with a "yacht rock bacon extravaganza" inside the Agricultural Building at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. The event will feature unlimited bacon samples for attendees, food vendors selling bacon delicacies, live music, a silent disco, piano lounge, shuffleboard, a free arcade, a decadent bacon eating contest and other surprises. One attendee will win a seven-day Caribbean cruise for two including airfare from Des Moines and $500 spending money compliments of Community Choice Credit Union. Tickets $29-49.

Graduation deal. Any graduation order over $300 receives a $50 gift card from Jethro's.

Weekend deals
• Jethro's has "Feel Good Fridays" all May. Public service workers, police, fire fighters, military, teachers and nurses bring an ID and get a $10 gift card good for the next visit.

• Fresh Thyme (2900 University, West Des Moines) has a sale on King Crab legs at 10 a.m. at $26.99/pound.

• Aldi is selling Appleton Farms spiral sliced hams for $1.49/pound and sparkling Brut Rose for $10.99 through Tuesday.

• Fish Fry Friday night specials can be found at Machine Shed (11151 Hickman Road, Urbandale), Red Lobster (3838 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines), Cracker Barrel (11701 University, Clive), Bevy’s Tavern (1300 50th St., West Des Moines). Pelican Post (265 50th St., West Des Moines) adds fried shrimp to their all-day fish fry buffet.

• Table 128 (220 S.W. Ninth St., Des Moines) has a chef's spring tasting menu of radish and butter, seared scallops with arancini, asparagus and saffron aioli plus a key lime parfait $58. Saturday only.

• Brenda Trang now offers her fabulous Friday buffets every Friday at Vietnam Cafe - Merle Hay Mall Food Court, 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. $18.95.

• Bawarchi (6630 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines) has Friday - 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.

• Chicago Speakeasy (1520 Euclid Ave., Des Moines) offers BBQ beef and marinated roast beef sandwiches on special for Friday lunch.

• 801 Chophouse (801 Grand Ave., Des Moines) offers Sunday supper specials that deliver deep discounts on filet, prime rib and red king salmon dinners.

• Tito’s Lounge (3916 N.W. Urbandale Drive, Urbandale) now has brunch on Fridays.

• Court Avenue Brewing Company (309 Court Ave., Des Moines) hosts Saturday and Sunday breakfast buffets for $23.99.

• Friday night is paella time at Purveyor (505 E. Grand, officially, but really on E. Fifth Street), real Valenciana paella.

• Maxie's Supper Club's (1311 Grand Ave., West Des Moines) Friday special is chicken and noodles over mashed potatoes - $16.95 all day. They also have prime rib dinners on Friday and Saturday for dinner only, $30-38.

• Westown Tap (3530 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines) offers $12 flatbreads on Fridays.

• Willie James Shay plays Sonny's Pizza Bistro (6494 N.W. Sixth Ave., Des Moines) Friday from 5:30 p.m…. Whiskey Biscuit plays Kelly’s Little Nipper Friday at 7 p.m…. The Juan and Only plays El Toreado (3751 Mills Parkway, West Des Moines) Friday night at 6 p.m.

• Paula's (524 Elm St., Valley Junction) runs a Friday special meat loaf with mashed potatoes, gravy and drink for $13.50 this week.

• Fresh Thyme (2900 University Ave., West Des Moines) begins a week-long sale today on Haas avocados at $2.99 for six, limes at 50 cents, and jumbo 16-20 shrimp at $4.99/pound.

• Fareway has a sale on spinach at 99 cents a bag, 80/20 hamburger at $3.99/pound for 10-pound tubes and Bartlett pears for 99 cents/pound.

• Price Chopper has a sale on avocados $2.99/2-pound bag, frozen catfish nuggets at $2.29/pound and mandarins at $2.99/3-pound bag, through Monday.

— Jim Duncan, jd91446@aol.com

Featured in the current issue of CITYVIEW

FEATURE STORY
Soccer — The future is here, and now

By Jim Duncan

It’s called “the beautiful game.” Soccer has been known as joga bonito since 1970 when Brazil’s national selection won the World Cup with “total football” teamwork that has been emulated ever since.

No other sport is loved world-wide like the beautiful game. With its 90 minutes of constant movement, no other sport is as creative, nor accessible. Football and basketball favor those with extraordinary size. Baseball demands rare hand-eye coordination. Track distinguishes sprinters from distance runners; no one can be both. People marvel when a 100-meter champion can also compete at 400 meters. Running further than that is a dream too far. ...

Featured home for sale

Post listings here for $50. Contact jolene@iowalivingmagazines.com for details.

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de Soto, IA 50069

Discover the perfect blend of comfort, sustainability, and space with this exceptional 2,255 square foot berm-home nestled on 9.25 acres of serene countryside just minutes from De Soto. Designed for energy efficiency and low-maintenance living, this unique ranch-style home offers a rare opportunity to enjoy expansive rural living without sacrificing modern conveniences. ...

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See more homes for sale

SOLD: Featured commercial real estate transaction

2129 S.E. HULSIZER ROAD, ANKENY
SALE DATE: 2024-12-26
SALE PRICE: $100
SELLER: DOHRN PROPERTIES OF IOWA LLC
BUYER: DOHRN, MARCIA J
ACRES: 5.623
SQUARE FEET: 21,180

More transactions

Featured in the current
issue of Grimes / Dallas Center Living magazine

Adding to the family
Whittens share the joys of hosting foreign exchange students.

By Darren Tromblay

In 2022, Scott and Heather Whitten were looking to add to their family.

The family of three, which included their daughter, Mollie Saterdalen, considered foster care and adoption, but wasn’t sure that it was the best fit for them.

But things changed one day that summer when Heather randomly came across a Facebook advertisement from a company named World Link, which mentioned that it was looking for host families in Grimes for foreign exchange students. ...

FROM SPORTS ILLUSTRATED: Jalen Brunson's late 3-pointer dooms Pistons; Knicks advance. Over the course of five games -- and even over the course of a hectic Game 6, in which they made a pair of double-digit comebacks to give themselves a chance -- the Detroit Pistons repeatedly made believers out of their fans inside of sold-out Little Caesars Arena. ... READ MORE

FROM ESPN.COM: Juan Soto hits first 2 homers at Citi Field since joining Mets. Carlos Mendoza wasn't worried about Juan Soto after the New York Mets' star slugger didn't homer in his first 15 home games at Citi Field. More importantly, neither was Soto. ... READ MORE

FROM YAHOO SPORTS: Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers and all the reasons why we're excited about the WNBA season. The league’s brightest stars are going home again to begin the 2025 WNBA preseason in a unique crossover that’s building steam in the league and connecting it to the long-sought fandom of the college game. In another step up for the WNBA, it’s the first time all preseason games will be available to watch, with four games being nationally televised. ... READ MORE

1933: Loch Ness “Monster” sighted for the first time, igniting the modern legend. The modern legend of the Loch Ness Monster is born when a sighting makes local news on May 2, 1933. The newspaper Inverness Courier relates an account of a local couple who claim to have seen “an enormous animal rolling and plunging on the surface.” The story of the “monster” (a moniker chosen by the Courier editor) becomes a media phenomenon, with London newspapers sending correspondents to Scotland and a circus offering a 20,000 pound sterling reward for capture of the beast. ... READ MORE

2011: Osama bin Laden killed by U.S. forces. Osama bin Laden, the mastermind behind the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States, is killed by U.S. forces during a raid on his compound hideout in Pakistan. The notorious, 54-year-old leader of Al Qaeda, the terrorist network of Islamic extremists, had been the target of a nearly decade-long international manhunt. ... READ MORE

1963: More than 1,000 schoolchildren protest segregation in the Children’s Crusade. On May 2, 1963, in Birmingham, Alabama, more than 1,000 Black school children march through the city in a demonstration against segregation. The goal of the non-violent demonstration, which became known as the "Children’s Crusade" and "Children’s March," was to provoke the city’s civic and business leaders to agree to desegregate. ... READ MORE

www.history.com

Birthdays and notables

These celebrities were born on this date: Donatella Versace, Bianca Jagger, Christine Baranski, David Suchet, David Beckham, Princess Charlotte of Wales, Dwayne Johnson, Paul George, Pat McAfee

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

The answer to the last riddle: Why doesn't it hurt if someone throws a can of Coke at your head? BECAUSE IT'S A SOFT DRINK! - Gail Tomlinson. Other answers: William Snyder.

Today's riddle: What's the difference between Iron Man and Aluminum Man?

Have a guess? Email tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

To advertise in the Guthrie Center Times, Panora Times, Lake Panorama Times and Guthrie County Times Vedette, contact:

KERRY JACOBSEN
Account Executive
Office: 641-332-2707
Mobile: 515-619-2788
kerry@iowalivingmagazines.com

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