DU Aug. 31: Referee shortage; Women to Watch in Hospitality; water never laughs at jokes?

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Monday, Aug. 31, 2026

Good morning to you!

My friend Greg sent me a suggestion to write a column about the phrase “out of sorts” and to explain where it came from. I told him I would. Sort of.

After a bit of research, I realized that I am often out of sorts. Some days, I wake up and immediately know something is wrong. I’m not sick enough to call the doctor. I’m not tired enough to go back to bed. I’m not angry enough to throw anything. I’m simply… off.

When I feel like that, I am, as the wonderfully vague English language puts it, out of sorts. It is one of those expressions we seem to toss around without giving much thought to it. “I have been a little out of sorts lately.” “He seemed out of sorts this morning.” “She was out of sorts after the meeting.”

Nobody asks what “sorts” are. Are there different varieties of sorts? Can you run out of them? Is there a store that sells replacement sorts? And, if so, are they sold by the dozen?

I learned that the phrase dates to at least the 17th century, and its origins are more interesting than I expected. The word “sort” once meant a condition, state, kind or arrangement. So being “out of sorts” essentially meant being out of your proper condition or usual state. Somewhere along the way, it became a handy description for people who are irritable, melancholy, indisposed or simply not feeling like themselves. In other words, me. Yes, “out of sorts” is the linguistic equivalent of the check-engine light. Something is wrong. We are just not exactly sure what.

A printing connection makes the phrase even more fun, at least for me. Printers traditionally called individual pieces of type “sorts.” A printer who was “out of sorts” could literally be short of the type needed to set a page. That explanation is often given as the origin of the expression, although the phrase appears to have roots in the older meaning of “sort” as a condition or state. Still, I like the printing connection. It gives me a nice mental picture of an old printer staring at a tray of type and muttering, “Well, this is not going to be a good day.” Come to think of it, that’s probably how the phrase entered common use in the first place, because everybody seems to have days when the pieces don’t fit.

I like that the English language gives us a phrase for this particular condition. It doesn’t demand a diagnosis or require an explanation. It simply acknowledges that sometimes we are not operating at full linguistic, emotional or mechanical capacity. And, perhaps, that is the real beauty of being out of sorts. We don’t have to know exactly which sort we are missing; we just know something is off.

So, Greg, if you find yourself waking up tomorrow and feeling a little strange, a little cranky or a little less enthusiastic about the entire enterprise of being awake, don’t panic. You are probably not broken. You are just out of sorts. And, apparently, that has been perfectly acceptable for about 400 years.

Have a memorable Monday, and thanks for reading.

Shane Goodman

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

Read more of Shane Goodman's columns here.

FROM KCCI: Iowa high schools face referee shortage for 2026 season. High school athletic officials in Iowa are addressing a referee shortage that could affect football games during the 2026 season. The Iowa High School Athletic Association says there are just over 1,000 referees registered for the upcoming season, which is about 350 fewer than last year. While the IHSAA does not assign officials to games and cannot determine the exact impact of the decline, they are optimistic that all games will be covered, though adjustments may be required. ... READ MORE

FROM WHO-TV: Burst pipe floods Des Moines Public Schools’ central nutrition center. Des Moines Public Schools announced that a burst pipe caused flooding at its nutrition center over the weekend. In a message to Des Moines Public School families Sunday evening, the district announced that an eight-inch fire sprinkler pipe burst inside its Central Nutrition Center over the weekend, causing flooding in portions of the building. ... READ MORE

FROM WOI: Weather Impact Alert Days called for Sunday through Wednesday due to high heat. The Local 5 Weather Team has issued Weather Impact Alert Days for Sunday, Aug. 30, through Wednesday, Sept. 2, for high heat index values.
During the afternoons, temperatures will rise to the mid-90s and the heat index is expected to reach 97-103 degrees. There may also be isolated thunderstorms on Monday. ... READ MORE

FROM AROUND THE WORLD: US strikes Iranian rocket launchers on the Strait of Hormuz in first military action in weeks. U.S. forces struck Iranian rocket launchers on the Strait of Hormuz in their first military action in a month on Sunday, breaking a lull in fighting during an intermittent war that has lasted more than six months. Iran swiftly vowed to retaliate for what it called a deadly attack. ... READ MORE

FROM AROUND THE NATION: Lake Ontario now called Lake America on Google Maps for US users after Trump ordered name change. Google has updated its maps application to rename Lake Ontario as “Lake America” for users in the United States, reflecting a recent order by President Donald Trump that changed the name of the lake, the global technology giant says. The Google Maps update comes days after Trump’s order amid an escalating trade war with Canada that has led both countries to impose billions of dollars in added tariffs on each other’s goods. ... READ MORE

FROM AROUND THE STATE: Cedar Rapids man gets 5 years in federal prison for more than 700 fentanyl pills. A man caught with more than 700 fentanyl pills he planned to sell has been sentenced to five years in federal prison. Shewarence Dehassiu Gibbs, 46 of Cedar Rapids, received the prison term after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. He must also serve a four-year term of supervised release after his prison term. ... READ MORE

Monday, August 31

Partly cloudy
High: 91
Low: 75
Rain chance: 30%

Tuesday, September 1

Partly cloudy
High: 92
Low: 76
Rain chance: 30%

Wednesday, September 2

Partly cloudy
High: 93
Low: 75
Rain chance: 20%

Allergy alert

Today: 11. 4, high range

Top allergens:

Nettle

Chenopods

Ragweed

See more: https://www.pollen.com/forecast/current/pollen/50301

The 2026 results: CITYVIEW's Best of Des Moines®

Best Local Place to Gamble
1. Prairie Meadows Casino, Racetrack & Hotel
2. Meskwaki Bingo Casino & Hotel
3. Lakeside Hotel Casino

See all of the results

Back to the Biz
The Iowa Restaurant Association announced its 2026 class of 40 Women to Watch in Hospitality honors and half of them work in central Iowa: Katelyn Adams (Iowa Restaurant Association), Jordan Anderson (Aura Restaurant & Lounge), Crystal Baker (B-Bop's), Courtney Carr (Urban Cellar), Carla Christopherson (Lola's Fine Foods), Carly Dascoli (Oak Park), Katie Flinn (Milk & Honey Orchard & Apiary), Mallory Holt (Littleleaf Luncheonette), Tai Johnson-Spratt (Embassy Club West), Grace Kinnick (Big Grove Brewery), Eva Lavalle (The Purveyor), Scout Lohenry (Hotel Fort Des Moines), Kelsie Mapes (Mae's Bagels), Robie Palmer (Tru by Hilton), Gloria Olson (Glorious Desserts), Jessica Rice (The Station), Kelsey Salow (Iowa State University Extension & Outreach), Allison Schaffer (Dave & Buster's), Mindy Smith (Adel Family Fun Center) and Keri Weidmaier (Iowa-Des Moines Supply). The honorees will be recognized Oct. 19 during the Iowa Hospitality Showcase and Celebrating Excellence Awards at Prairie Meadows in Altoona.

Deals today
• Guesthouse Tavern + Oyster (9500 University, West Des Moines) offers all-day happy hour prices Mondays.

• High Life Lounge (200 S.W. Second St., downtown) has a Monday special tater casserole for $8.99.

• Fong's Pizza offers a free crab Rangoon with a pizza Mondays.

• Food Truck Mall Mondays, 4-7 p.m., held at 5299 East University Ave., Pleasant Hill.

• Fresh Thyme (2800 University Ave., West Des Moines) has $6 quarts of prepared soup on Mondays.

• The Empire's (223 Fourth St., Des Moines) Monday special is spaghetti Alfredo with grilled chicken for $10.

• Marianna's (1305 University Ave., Des Moines) offers carnitas tacos for $2 Mondays.

• Centro (1003 Locust St., Des Moines) offers half-price pizza and Peronis on Monday.

• Cowboy (1234 E Euclid Ave., Des Moines) has a Monday special fajitas lunch for $11.99.

• The False Nine Social Club (206 Fifth St., Valley Junction) has British pies on sale Mondays for $10.

• District 36 (1375 S.W. Vintage Parkway, Ankeny) has a Monday special $60 dinner for two. Two entrees starring sea bass and NY strip de Burgo with soup or salads, a bottle of wine and a dessert to share.

• The Key (360 Sixth St., Waukee) offers a half-pound sirloin dinner for $19 Mondays 5 p.m. till sold out.

• Cottontail Lounge ( 3700 Dennis Drive, Urbandale) offers first Monday sirloin, filet and prime rib dinner deals.

• Today is beef tips in gravy day at Sale Barn Cafe (Lamoni).

• It's catfish night at Waterfront stores. Dinners cooked any way you like it for $19.99.

• It's Meat Loaf Monday at Mickey's in Yale.

• Chuck's (3610 Sixth Ave.) Monday special is three for $25 on all appetizers.

•  Bubba (200 10th St., Des Moines) has a Monday night sirloin dinner special for $20.

• Kelly's Little Nipper (1701 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines) offers a "Monday grind" special grinder and fries basket for $9.50.

• Monday brings prime rib specials to both Chicago Speakeasy (1520 Euclid Ave., Des Moines) and Christopher's (2816 Beaver Ave., Des Moines).

• Trostel's Greenbriar (Merle Hay Road, Johnston) has a Monday burger with a side and beer deal for $14.

• Beaver Tap (4050 Urbandale Ave., Des Moines) has $8 omelets and $10 hot beef sandwiches or Mexican bowls on Mondays.

• Johnny's Italian Steakhouses have a chicken de Burgo special on Mondays before 4 p.m., $14 including beverage.

• Smoking Goat Pub (3015 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines) hosts Shelby Smokehouse Soul Food on Mondays, 5-9 p.m.

• G Mig's (126 Fifth St., Valley Junction) has $11 smashburgers today including a side.

• The Station on Ingersoll (3124 Ingersoll, Des Moines) has a Monday special Graziano grinder with a side for $12.

• The Continental (407 E. Fifth St., Des Moines) offers a Monday special double smash burger and shoestring fries, $12.

• Jethro's have a Monday chicken tenders and fries special $9.95 in Altoona and West Des Moines.

• Angry Goldfish (2301 S.W. Ninth St., Des Moines) has specials on chicken Parmesan and lasagna today, $15 with garlic bread and salad.

• Eastside Eddie’s (3517 E. 26th St., Des Moines) Monday special is a burger with domestic beer, soft drink or well drink for $10.

• Pelican Post (265 50th St., West Des Moines) has a special today on hot beef sandwiches, $10.95 all day.

• Tito’s Lounge (3916 Urbandale Drive, Urbandale) offers all-you-can-eat wings Mondays.

• Johnny's Hall of Fame (302 Court Ave., Des Moines) has $12 burger baskets on Mondays and Fridays.

• Urban Cellars (640 S. 50th St., West Des Moines) offers $60 wine dinners for two on Mondays including two entrees with soup or salad, a dessert and a bottle of wine.

• Club 2000 (422 Indianola Road, Des Moines) has a burger basket with fries deal Mondays for $9.

• Red Lobster's Monday special is lobster and shrimp scampi with a side for $20.

• Paula's (524 Elm St., Valley Junction) has a Monday special loaded chicken on a croissant sandwich for $14.

• Destination Grille (2491 E. First St., Grimes) has a Monday steak night special, sirloins and truffle fries for $18.

• Price Chopper delis offer two-piece, bone-in fried chicken dinners with two sides and a roll for $8 on Mondays.

• Fareways have specials through Saturday on pork baby back ribs at $3.99/pound, T-bone steak at $12.99/pound and chicken hindquarters for $.99/pound.

— Jim Duncan, jd91446@aol.com

Featured in the current issue of Altoona Living magazine.

CAPTURING THE MOMENT
Local photographers find beauty in everyday life and unexpected places.

By Sean Dengler

For some, photography is a way to preserve memories. Others find it a creative outlet or even an adventure into the unknown. For local photographers, it is all of that and more. From capturing everyday moments to embracing the beauty of nature and the cosmos, each has found a unique perspective through the lens.

A Generational Love
A family member inspired Heidi Lambert’s love of photography.

“My grandfather loved to take pictures,” Lambert said. “He carried his Brownie camera everywhere. He actually did amazingly well setting up his shots with such simple technology. It left an impression on me, and I have loved revisiting life through the product from his lens.”

Lambert enjoys “zeroing in” on special moments see sees. ...

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Spacious, stylish, and perfectly located, this stunning two-story home offers over 3,000 sq ft of finished living space designed for both everyday comfort and effortless entertaining. The open-concept main level features a welcoming living room with a cozy gas fireplace that flows seamlessly into the kitchen with a large center island, ideal for gathering and meal prep, while a formal dining room provides the perfect setting for hosting holidays and special occasions, and a convenient first-floor laundry room adds everyday functionality. ...

See the listing here.

See more homes for sale

SOLD: Featured commercial real estate transaction

5806 MEREDITH DRIVE, URBANDALE
DATE: 2026-03-24
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SELLER: DARBQUEENOF CARS LLC
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ACRES: 1.334
SQUARE FEET: 11,196

More transactions

FROM ESPN: Packers RB Josh Jacobs placed on commissioner exempt list. Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs was placed on the commissioner exempt list Sunday. The move comes three days after Jacobs was formally charged with two misdemeanors stemming from an alleged incident with a woman in May. It means Jacobs will not be on the Packers' 53-man roster and cannot practice or attend games. He will be paid and, with the team's permission, is allowed to be at the facility for meetings, individual workouts, medical treatments and other non-football activities. ... READ MORE

FROM SPORTS ILLUSTRATED: College football Week Zero winners and losers: Virginia demands to be taken seriously. How did you spend your summer vacation? Oregon quarterback Dante Moore watched "Breaking Bad" and "Ted Lasso." Texas wide receiver Cam Coleman chowed down on Cajun food. Ohio State wide receiver Chris Henry Jr. just rested. Players sued conferences and the NCAA. Indiana fans celebrated, LSU and Ole Miss fans traded recriminations and a dozen Group of 6 fan bases adjusted to new homes. ... READ MORE

FROM YAHOO SPORTS: J.J. McCarthy makes Vikings' final roster despite speculation he was on the bubble. A year ago, it was inconceivable that all eyes would be on J.J. McCarthy, and whether he'd stick with the Minnesota Vikings, during the NFL's roster cutdown weekend. For now, he'll avoid the ignominy of being one of the rare quarterbacks drafted in the top 10 to be cut after 10 or fewer starts. ... READ MORE

1935: FDR signs Neutrality Act. On Aug. 31, 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs the Neutrality Act, or Senate Joint Resolution No. 173, which he calls an “expression of the desire…to avoid any action which might involve [the U.S.] in war.” The signing came at a time when newly installed fascist governments in Europe were beginning to beat the drums of war. … READ MORE

1955: General Motors demonstrates first solar-powered car. On Aug. 31, 1955, William G. Cobb of the General Motors Corp. (GM) demonstrates his “Sunmobile,” the world’s first solar-powered automobile, at the General Motors Powerama auto show held in Chicago, Illinois. … READ MORE

1997: Princess Diana dies in a car crash. Shortly after midnight on Aug. 31, 1997, Diana, Princess of Wales — affectionately known as "the People’s Princess" — dies in a car crash in Paris. She was 36. Her boyfriend, the Egyptian-born socialite Dodi Fayed, and the driver of the car, Henri Paul, died as well. … READ MORE

www.history.com

Birthdays and notables

Happy birthday, Blair Overton, Monica Anderegg and Lu Ann White!

These celebrities were born on this date: Chris Tucker, Deborah Gibson, Edwin Moses, Itzhak Perlman, Jeff Russo, Padraig Harrington, Richard Gere, Rudolf Schenker, Sara Ramirez, Zack Ward

Historical birthdays

1874: Edward Lee Thorndike was an American psychologist who spent nearly his entire career at Teachers College, Columbia University. His work on comparative psychology and the learning process led to his "theory of connectionism" and helped lay the scientific foundation for educational psychology.

The answer to the last riddle: What keeps a dock floating above water? PIER PRESSURE! - Rex Post, Gail Tomlinson

Today's riddle: Why does water never laugh at jokes?

Have a guess? Email tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com BY NOON to be sure your answer gets included!

To advertise in the Daily Umbrella or the Johnston Living magazine, contact:

Andrea Hodapp
Account Executive
Office: 515-953-4822 ext. 322
Mobile: 515-883-0523
andrea@iowalivingmagazines.com

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