Cityview | Central Iowa's Independent Weekly

High-tech injuries!

Consumers are feeling aches, pains and strains, but is there a remedy?

Only a generation ago, Americans gained new efficiencies by using computers at work and in their homes. But for some, advances in technology have been offset with repetitive stress injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis and bursitis. Others suffer from low-back pain, neck pain and headaches. Today’s generation is currently experiencing a new kind of pain — high-tech pain — thanks in large part to personal digital assistants (PDAs), Wii video games and cell phones... Read More>>

Who, what, when, where and why — and how

Who....
....were the only Iowans invited to the White House state dinner for the Indian prime minister last week? State Sen. Swati Dandekar of Marion and her husband, businessman Arvind Dandekar. It was “fabulous,” Swati Dandekar says. “The President asked me to say ‘Hello’ to all Iowans.” Dandekar is the first Indian-born American citizen ever to be elected to an American legislature. She said she and her husband met legislators, “Cabinet members, governors, celebrities, government officials and other invited guests.” Skinny forgot to ask if she met any uninvited guests. ...Read More>>

Focus for 2009 Crossroads: ‘Urban Revitalization through Entertainment’

This year’s Crossroads Entertainment & Art Experience to be held Thursday, Dec. 3 and Friday, Dec. 4 in various downtown Des Moines venues promises a new name (formerly Crossroads Entertainment Conference and Showcase), a new theme (“Urban Revitalization through Entertainment”) and a newly created Foundation Award, but the same concerted effort to educate and unite music, film, theater, art and food communities in Iowa and the Midwest, say its organizers.

“The entertainment industry has taken the lead in transforming blighted urban areas into vibrant districts that support the economy and put their cities on the national map,” said Kathryn Dickel, the event’s founder-organizer and owner of IowaTix, when asked about this year’s theme...Read More>>

Margarita’s feeds a dance craze

Even with an awful economy, three investor groups have been trying to make 2009 the year of Caribbean dance club in Des Moines. The former Mondo’s/Joseph’s venue is slated to become The Palm’s (those plans are stalled in mid-remodeling) and the venerable Ingersoll Dinner Theatre is shooting to open by New Year’s Eve as Copacabaña, a Cuban club and restaurant. Margarita’s Latin Sports & Dance Bar beat the others to dance floor in the former Raul’s building in Clive...Read More>>”