Daily Umbrella Jan. 13: Pedestrian critically injured in DM crash; horsehair crab; how do polar bears make their beds each morni

Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026

Good morning to you!

“I've got a name.” Jim Croce penned that beautiful song in 1973, and it continues to deliver a powerful message today. We have all got a name, and not just a first name like prior to the 11th century when folks were simply known by that along with the town they were from. (You may have heard of Jesus of Nazareth.) Those single identifiers were sufficient in small communities where people knew each other. And, first names continue to work today in smaller settings like in “Cheers,” where everybody knows your name.

But, in the larger world, change was needed to distinguish between people with the same first name. Our last names — or surnames — began to emerge in Europe during the Middle Ages when populations grew and a need to distinguish individuals with the same first names did, too.

With all of us having last names today, do you ever wonder what the first one was? There is some debate, but the earliest recorded surname is believed to be “O Cleirigh” in Ireland, documented in 916 AD. Meanwhile, some Chinese cultures have used family names dating back to as early as 2852 BC, according to historyfacts.com. Interestingly, these names were initially matrilineal (mom’s side) and later became patrilineal (dad’s side).

In English cultures, many surnames were derived from the father’s name where suffixes like “-son” were used (Johnson, Peterson, Stevenson). Other times, surnames were created to reflect a person’s occupation (Smith) or geographical origin (Hill).

When writing about names, one can’t leave out the impact of Native Americans with such unique names as Red Cloud, Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse that are derived from nature and often represented by an animal symbolizing desirable characteristics or a certain trait. A Native American name gives us an insight into the personality of the one who possesses it. And although those names have been used again in passing generations, it is not common.

Meanwhile, also according to historyfacts.com., there are 6.3 million different surnames in the U.S. with millions more worldwide. More than 106 million people have the last name Wang (a Mandarin term for “prince” or “king”), making it the most common in the world. In the U.S., the five most common surnames are Smith, Johnson, Williams, Brown and Jones.

I’ve got a name, too. It is Old English, combining “gōd,” meaning “good,” and “mann,” meaning “man.” Goodman was originally used as a polite term of address and referred to a virtuous or respectable man. I am good with that. “And I carry it with me like my daddy did.”

Have a terrific Tuesday, and thank you for reading.

Shane Goodman
Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305
www.thedailyumbrella.com

Read more of Shane Goodman's columns here.

News headlines

FROM KCCI: Pedestrian critically injured in Des Moines crash Monday evening. A pedestrian was critically injured Monday evening after being struck by a vehicle in Des Moines’ Sheridan Gardens neighborhood. Des Moines police and fire crews were called around 7:30 p.m. to the intersection of Hubbell Avenue and East Douglas Avenue following reports of a pedestrian crash. When first responders arrived, they found an adult woman suffering from critical injuries. ... READ MORE

FROM WHO-TV: After more than a century, Graziano’s looks to grow in its longtime location. The Graziano Brothers Italian grocery store has been a Des Moines staple for more than a century, and new city documents suggest it is planning to remain in its longtime Little Italy location off South Union Street for years to come. ... READ MORE

FROM WOI: Indianola hardware store to close its doors after 140 years of business. An Indianola hardware store has announced it will shutter its doors at the end of the month, marking the end of an over 140-year-old business. "We are grateful to the community of Indianola and Warren County for the support you have shown us and our family in over our 140 years in business," McCoy True Value and Just Ask Rental posted on Facebook last week. "We are heartbroken that we can no longer continue to serve your hardware and community needs." ... READ MORE

FROM AROUND THE WORLD: People inside Iran describe heavy security and scattered damage in first calls to outside world. Iranians made phone calls abroad for the first time in days Tuesday after authorities severed communications during a crackdown on nationwide protests that activists say killed at least 646 people, giving a glimpse of life after being cut off from the outside world. ... READ MORE

FROM AROUND THE NATION: Tensions flare in Minnesota as protesters and federal agents repeatedly square off. Days of demonstrations against immigration agents left Minnesota tense on Tuesday, a day after federal authorities used tear gas to break up crowds of whistle-blowing activists and state and local leaders sued to fight the enforcement surge that led to the fatal shooting of a Minneapolis woman. ... READ MORE

FROM AROUND THE STATE: Iowa state lawmaker announces legislation following Minneapolis shooting. An Iowa state representative is trying to get ready for what he believes will be increased immigration enforcement in the Quad Cities. State Representative Ken Croken announced that he’s introduced two bills in the upcoming Iowa legislative session to help ensure the safety of people in the Quad Cities during a press conference on Friday. One would ban law enforcement from wearing masks, and another would ban the apprehension and detention of people in court houses, schools and churches. ... READ MORE

Clear Mortgage meteorology

Mild 50s today. Breezy today and Wednesday with falling temperatures Wednesday. Light snow possible late Thursday into Saturday. Colder temps next weekend.

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

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

Best Local Chamber of Commerce

1. Urbandale Chamber of Commerce

2. West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce

3. Ankeny Area Chamber of Commerce

See all of the results

Tuesday Touts

Kegani, horsehair crab in English, is in season in Japan where it is cherished for its sweetness. The one pictured at right, without its meaty claws, is being made into salad and nigiri at Masao now. They travel from the Sea of Okhotsk's cold waters off Hokkaido to Des Moines now.

Wonder Bargain of the Week. Of all foods, dried beans and lentils provide by far the most protein for the dollar. That makes us wonder why it is so difficult to find home made split pea soups these days. The last batch from our kitchen, made with smoked ham hocks, chicken broth, onion, celery, carrots, tomatoes, jalapenos, ginger, garlic and rice, cost less than $1 a serving.

Deals today
• Creamed chicken and a biscuit is today's special at Crouse Cafe (115 E. Salem, Indianola).

• It's steak night at Grand Junction (1970 Grand Ave., West Des Moines). Steak, salad and potato $13.99.

• Guesthouse Tavern and Oyster (9500 University, West Des Moines) offers fried chicken dinner special on Tuesdays, $17-23, plus-half priced whiskey pours.

• Curbin' Cuisine (1325 S.W. Oralabor Road, Suite 200 Ankeny) offers a cheeseburger and fries for $7.99 today.

• Mullet’s Norwalk offers a free kids meal per adult meal on Tuesdays, 4 p.m. to close.

• Mickey's Irish Pub (50 S.E. Laurel St., Waukee) has a special $7 half-pound burger with a side all day Tuesday.

• Kelly's Little Nipper (1701 E. Grand Ave.) offers a "Tendy's Tuesday" pork tenderloin basket with a drink for $11.50.

• Eastside Eddie's (3517 E. 26th St., Des Moines) has a Tuesday special cheeseburger with fries, tots or salad and a drink for $10.

• Beaver Tap (4050 Urbandale Ave.) offers $7 breakfasts and $8 burgers Tuesdays.

• Pelican Post (265 50th St., West Des Moines) offers a special smashburger with cheese, fries and a draft beer for $10 on Tuesdays.

• Johnny's Italian Steakhouses have a beef stroganoff special on Tuesdays, $14 including beverage.

• Smoking Goat Pub (3015 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines) hosts 222 BBQ today from 5-9 p.m.

• Baklava is half priced Tuesdays at Istanbul Cafe and Bakery (3281 100th, Urbandale).

• Red Robin stores are featuring a $10 cheeseburger with an "endless side" on Tuesdays.

• Jethro's Tuesday special is 2 pounds of bone-in smoked wings for the price of one.

• Paula's (524 Elm St., Valley Junction) runs a Tuesday special hot beef sandwich for $13.50.

• Kids meals are half price till 2 p.m. today at Machine Shed (11151 Hickman Road, Urbandale).

• Taco Tuesday brings serious discounts to La Familia (1610 Sixth Ave., Des Moines), all Taco John's, 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), The Continental (407 East Fifth St., Des Moines), Gilroy's (1238 Eighth St., West Des Moines), Jack's Place Grill & Bar, (6112 S.W. Ninth St., Des Moines) and both Faustino's.

• Hy-Vees offer $5 tenderloins on Tuesdays.

• Today is beef and noodles day at Maxie's Supper Club (1311 Grand Ave., West Des Moines).

— Jim Duncan, jd91446@aol.com

Featured in the current issue of CITYVIEW

BELLY UP TO...
The Tribute Eatery and Bar

By Jackie Wilson

The District at Prairie Trail in Ankeny continues to evolve into a bustling mini city center. The ever-expanding area offers an abundance of shops and services, along with restaurant and drinking establishments.

One spot recently turned over. It is from the same owner, so it was a friendly exchange. The Tribute Eatery and Bar took over the former 30Hop location, while 30Hop moved across the street. The co-owners and operating partners are part of Craft Concepts, which was established in the Iowa City area. With about 25 different bars, breweries and restaurants, they also have presence in other local joints, such as Big Grove Brewery and Lua Brewing. ...

Featured home for sale

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West Des Moines, IA 50266

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See more homes for sale

SOLD: Featured commercial real estate transaction

2120 INGERSOLL AVE., DES MOINES
SALE DATE: 2025-08-13
SALE PRICE: $2,300,000
SELLER: COMMUNITY 1ST CREDIT UNION
BUYER: GRAND CAPITAL LC
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Sports headlines

FROM ESPN: Texans dominate Steelers, Aaron Rodgers in wild-card matchup. The Houston Texans won their first road playoff game in franchise history, dominating the Pittsburgh Steelers 30-6 in the wild-card round of the playoffs. The Texans' defense held the Steelers to 175 yards, scored two touchdowns and harassed future Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers. ... READ MORE

FROM SPORTS ILLUSTRATED: Dylan Raiola Commits to Oregon as Ducks Find Dante Moore Replacement. Oregon has found its next quarterback. Former Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola has committed to Dan Lanning and the Ducks, according to a Monday morning report by Pete Nakos and Hayes Fawcett of On3sports. ... READ MORE

FROM YAHOO SPORTS: James Harden passes Shaquille O'Neal, moves into ninth place on NBA's all-time scoring list. James Harden has moved ahead of an NBA icon. With a 3-pointer early in the second half Monday against the Charlotte Hornets, Harden scored his 28,598th career point. The bucket moved him into ninth on the NBA's all-time scoring list, ahead of Shaquille O'Neal. ... READ MORE

1966: Lyndon Johnson appoints first African American cabinet member. On Jan. 13, 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson appoints the first African American cabinet member, making Robert C. Weaver head of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the agency that develops and implements national housing policy and enforces fair housing laws. In keeping with his vision for a Great Society, Johnson sought to improve race relations and eliminate urban blight. As many of the country’s African Americans lived in run-down inner-city areas, appointing Weaver was an attempt to show his African American constituency that he meant business on both counts.. … READ MORE

1990: Douglas Wilder of Virginia becomes the nation’s first elected Black governor. Douglas Wilder, the first African American to be elected governor of an American state, takes office as Governor of Virginia on Jan. 13, 1990. Wilder broke a number of color barriers in Virginia politics and remains an enduring and controversial figure in the state's political scene. … READ MORE

1995: All-famale team competes in America’s Cup sailing for first time. On Jan. 13, 1995, America3, an all-female sailing team, wins the first race of the America’s Cup defender trials, easily beating Team Dennis Conner by a little more than a minute. The team is the sport's first all-women team to compete in the 144-year history of the America’s Cup, the world’s oldest continually contested sporting trophy. The Cup represents the pinnacle of international sailing yacht competition. … READ MORE

www.history.com

Birthdays and notables

Happy birthday, Al Meyer!

These celebrities were born on this date: Patrick Dempsey, Natalia Dyer, Liam Hemsworth, Orlando Bloom, Connor McDavid, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Trace Adkins, Julian Morris

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

Morning chuckle

The answer to the last riddle: What do you call a snapshot from the North Pole? A POLAR-OID! - Judy Anderson, Gail Tomlinson. Other answers from Irving Stone, Rex Post, Sharon Hill Watkins, Anne Lentz-Gagen.

Today's riddle: How do polar bears make their beds each morning?

Have a guess? Email tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

To advertise in the Daily Umbrella or the Winterset Living magazines, contact:

Kristine McDonald
Account Executive
Office: 515-953-4822 ext. 321
Mobile: C: 515-975-3543
kristine@iowalivingmagazines.com

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