Eight men and eight women selected for social networking contest and charity event. “Mirror, mirror of Des Moines, who is the most likeable central Iowan of them all?” For the third straight year, this was the question CITYVIEW asked its readers as it set out to determine the most likeable man and woman in our area. Central Iowa boasts more than [...]
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Publisher’s note: Thirty-eight years ago, when Michael Gartner was editor of The Des Moines Register, he walked over to the desk of writer Bob Hullihan and said, “How about writing me a Christmas classic for the holidays?” Hullihan said, “Sure.” And he did. It ran in the Register and years later in the Ames Tribune. [...]
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Iowa law allows for it, but those attempting to get involved should be careful. While there’s the rare case of a do-gooder stopping a robbery or vandals, most cases of citizen’s arrest aren’t quite as glamorous. They’re security guards who stop drunk people from fighting or detain shoplifters until police can arrive. Iowa law allows for arrest by a private person if [...]
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Twelve drummers drumming… …for Gabriel Espinosa and the other 29 new citizens from 16 countries sworn in at a baseball game on July 3…and for Judge Robert Pratt, who swore them in… and the 40,000 or so (who knows?) undocumented immigrants who are changing the state for the better…and the 2,800 or so Dreamers living [...]
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Abortion questions elicit extraordinary responses. Back in 2002, Doug Gross smiled widely as he fielded the question. “Your reputation proceeds you,” the Republican candidate for governor said in my office. I’d asked Gross a question I regularly pose to pro-life candidates: If your position on abortion prevails and the procedure is again criminalized, what should [...]
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Cast is phenomenal, story is engaging, and Steve McQueen shows he can make a big studio picture in a way that few other directors even attempt. There’s really no telling how one might react after losing a loved one. The five stages of grief include denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. Some might lash out [...]
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The ambiance is collegiate chic. Gazali’s is a secret trove. They have been around since the 1980s when they began in Valley West Mall and have been in their current locale on 25th Street in Dogtown since 2003, yet I am amazed how few people know about them. I think they are often written off [...]
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Drake Neighborhood Community Garden offers a place to grow, learn and share at no charge. Those who know Eddie Robinson well say that he is multilingual — speaking English, Spanish and French — and a world-class pool player, mountain climber, master gardener and a breeder of unique types of hot peppers. But what does Eddie [...]
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Pastry is the world’s language. “I try to show flaws because flaws are human.” Tom Sachs, press release 2008, concerning the Miffy Fountain. Henriette Priester is helping me learn Dutch during my stay in the Netherlands. Not such a big deal, one would think. I figured that with the right motivation and a little time, [...]
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Delicious cultural consumption opportunities While America’s marketing machine ramps up into full force not days or weeks but months before the holiday gift-giving season, regional theatres will offer wonderful escapes for us to consider. Live performances are sprinkled on the calendar like candy confectionary on sugar cookies, giving us delicious cultural consumption opportunities. One big [...]
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Smart speakers are a cold — not cool — gift Christmas gifts can be tricky. For the most creative, romantic or codependent amongst us, the “thoughtful” gift is probably the gold standard — a trinket that symbolizes or commemorates an important event or experience that you share with someone. Second best is the expensive gift, which basically says, “I have [...]
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Neighborhood hangout in the heart of West Des Moines Tucked in a strip mall in a quiet West Des Moines neighborhood, Scotty’s Pub & Grub beckons suburbanites to travel or bike a few miles for tasty bar food and drinks. The pub is just off EP True Parkway and located on the opposite side of [...]
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Iowa is out of step with other states when it comes to the right to vote in our elections. We Iowans like to think of ourselves as the true occupants of middle America, the geographic and societal equivalent of Baby Bear’s porridge. We are not as conservative as some sections of our country, nor as [...]
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Enjoying a Vincent van Gogh at the Greenwood Lounge The word enthusiasm deserves more respect than it usually gets. Literally it means “god within thee.” Sydney Klise is a precocious enthusiast. Recently turned 30, she has owned her own business, Klise Dog, for eight years. She does no advertising, not even a Facebook page, yet [...]
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But remember, “Don’t trust the pig.” Lis and Jordan Frentress’ pet, Rosie, lacks manners. When marching across the kitchen floor, she’ll stomp her pointed hooves on people’s feet, knocking over objects along the way. A triple-locked childproof latch for the garbage bin protects her favorite fixation (garbage), but you can’t blame her for honoring her [...]
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Horns section allows diverse playlist A popular horn party rock band, called the Punching Pandas, wants to clear up a few things about their name. No pandas are harmed during their concerts. The Punching Pandas don’t advocate violence toward panda bears. “It’s just a name,” explains Joe Coons, lead vocalist and guitarist. The band’s name [...]
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Open house educates the public about new housing efforts. Hope is on the horizon for people without a home. And it is arriving just in time for the holiday season. At a recent open house, Joppa — an organization helping homeless people survive, find housing and rebuild their lives — showcased three new tiny homes [...]
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