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Current Topics & Comments

Woody's Smoke Shack
This review was incongruous. It talks about championship BBQ, but a quick review of Woody's website indicates he hasn't won anything at all in over three years, most of the four contests where he won were four or five years ago, and most of the things he won were little contests where he was up against limited competition. A quick google search shows he's been losing by wide margins for the last three years! And now he admits he sold out his "championship recipes" to serve ribs that fall of the bone? That means they are overcooked! So he brags about his award winning BBQ and then won't serve it in his restaurant? Doesn't sound like he's a champ to me, sounds like he's just trying to make a quick buck with misleading advertising. Too many better places to eat to waste time with this place!

Out to Pasture
I"M VERY ANGRY: We have nine antenna TVs in a three bedroom house including one for the kitchen, bath and our moble home. All but two were black and white, purchased used. I'll use the coupons to purchase two boxes, then dump the other seven TVs. I don't care how nice the new digital is my quality of life will not be as good as it is now. Why can't we have both analog and digital and make our own choices. This is a scam to force us purchase more expensive TVs or get cable. There are millions of people in American who can't afford either. To say nothing of all those TVs in the landfill (I won't spend the gas money to haul them to a recycling location).

A loss in the Family
Why should the taxpaying citizens of Iowa be subjected to irresposible pet owners? I don't understand why people think it is their right to have their dog attack other people's animals without provocation. What if it was the neighbor's favorite pet chicken? Why should they have to let their animals die on several occasions instead of just one. Next time lock your dog up better, and take responsibility for your irresponsibility.

Iowa Chops
Oh my god, what the hell were they thinking? That is the stupidest name I have ever heard of. Why not call them the pissed off porkers, the Iowaham's, The Ham Hocks.

Bigamy
The bigamy charge is one that you do not often see and as you can imagine, someone that runs from one state to another and marries different woman must have something to hide. I can only assume this man is a con artist and has most likely turned his 2nd wifes life upside down. I feel sorry for her and wish her the best. I did see this story elsewhere and it is to my understanding that there is more then 2 wives.

Article about incarcerated children support group.
You quote Melissa Nelson extensively in the article, but do not mention under what auspices she is involved. It is a really good idea, but what is Nelson's role and interest in a group like this?

Wright's letter to editor, previous comment
Yep, if we just drill every possible acre we can drill in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and offshore, gas prices will go back to $2.50 a gallon and our energy problems will be solved. And I'm the Queen of Romania.

FISA VOTE
The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) initially was fought by most democrats because they didn't feel that American telecommunication companies should be shielded from lawsuits resulting from the Govt. warrantless eavesdropping. That was a hard one to understand their reasoning. But, Wait! Late June they were able to get the Bill approved because democrats such as our own Leonard Boswell was given a $10,000 contribution to his race, which apparently changed his mind. An average of $9,659 to each member of the House voting "YES" (105 Dems; 188 Reps); and $4810 to each member of the House voting "NO" (128 Dems; 1 Rep). 83 Dems receiving contributions ranging from $29,500 to $1000 changed their votes. Remember the adage, Follow the Money!

Wright's letter to editor
Someone needs to remind Raymond Wright that when the democrats took over Congress, gas was under $2.50 a gallon. It is now over $4 on average. It's the idiocy of the democrats in Congress that causes the increase in gas prices because they're influenced by enviros money and preventing drilling in off-shore areas, the ANWR, and in places in the USA that are known to have more oil than Saudi Arabia! Even the threat of drilling will start the downward slope in gas prices.

WinnersLoosers
I think we should all take a moment and remember that we as Americans live in a republic and not a democracy. It is the politicians and the people that print their money that want us to think we live in a democracy. I know independence had something to do with our becomming a republic.

Seriously
Where the hell did rant and rave go? I think Cityview is afraid of a little dialog?

Rant and rave
Where the hell did all the rant and raves from the past year go? Did that Goodman guy take them down?

John McCain AWOL on GI Bill
Republican presidential nominee, Senator John McCain, was AWOL from the U.S. Senate on June 26, 2008 for voting on a new GI Bill that would provide improved education benefits for veterans returning from Afghanistan and Iraq. Prior to the most recent vote on the GI Bill, McCain was absent for the initial vote on the bill on May 23, 2008. Democratic presidential nominee, Senator Barack Obama, left the campaign trail to cast his vote for the bill on both occasions. The bill passed with overwhelming bipartisan support. McCain refused to co-sponsor the GI Bill and opposed the bill when it was being debated earlier this year. The new GI Bill, which President Bush initially threatened to veto, would pay tuition at a four-year public university for anyone who has served at least three years active duty since the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. There are many issues that lend themselves to partisan bravado, but giving our military veterans the chance to go to college should not be one of them. Our nation's men and women in uniform deserve a GI Bill that rewards their service and invests in their future.

flood
Calling this year's flooding a "natural" disaster is dubious. There are many ways in which human activity contributed to the water heights, ranging from tilling and tiling most of the state of Iowa to the flood-increasing impacts of certain Army Corps Mississippi River structures, about which the Corps was warned by researchers just a few months ago. (The Corps just blew them off, of course, what do academics know?) From here on in, blaming Mother Nature for weather in general will be dubious. There are billions of us humans, and we are changing our climate and our weather. And not for the better.

KC BBQ
I recently tried out this restaurant hoping it to be great place to eat. My wife recently ate here for lunch and had their BBQ Beef Sandwich on a bun. Said it was terrific. I decided to try out their BBQ Chicken and got the same sandwich for my wife. Had it for take out. When I got home, the chicken tasted nasty and the BBQ sauce also tasted awful. My wife's sandwich was not on a bun as requested but on soaky bread. I will never come back to this place!

Des Moines sharpens its edge
As a previous letter here notes, I did call Frank Hansen the Country Western star of the local art scene. As to you rquestion "So, who is the rap star? The opera diva? And the pop star?," I submit Jean Marie Salem somewhere. That sculptress is now performing at Cafe Su - her repertoire is hard to classify though, lots of Bob Dylan stuff. Our rap star was the late Mo Dana, she free-versed a whole new identity for the art scene here. I'll have to think long and hard about the diva, Iowans aren't raised to be divas. Art Pimp

McCain offers little support for returning veterans
Not only did John McCain miss the vote on Webb's new GI bill (one of only two U.S. Senators not present for the vote on June 26, 2008), but he also actively opposed the bill as overly generous. Senators Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton voted for H.R. 2642 and were co-sponsors of the bill in the U.S. Senate. President George Bush and Senator John McCain were not supportive of the new GI bill: bipartisan legislation that would greatly expand educational benefits for members of the military returning home from the war in Afghanistan and Iraq. Other co-sponsors of the bill included Republican Senators John Warner of Virginia and Chuck Hagel of Nebraska, both veterans and past beneficiaries of the GI bill. We owe our veterans something for their honorable service in the time of war. The people who bore the most anguish and suffering are the people who could use these benefits.

Scantly clad women in your mag!!
You need to print more pics of area gals in your mag. Cuz the guys out there in Dm need to see WHATS OUT THERE IN THE WORLD OF WOMEN FOLK.

Guest Commentary - Kent Carlson
Absolutely superb analysis of recent pandering by many elected officials. Glad to see Stowe receive well deserved and well earned props! He is the real deal. I wish he were in southern Iowa city.

Best of 2008
How come no BEST Grooming Salon/Spa category? You used to have one in years past.

django
Thanks to your tip, I had a Sazerac at Django. I have waited decades to enjoy this legendary cocktail, never dreamed my wish would be granted in Des Moines. The restaurant is the kind of place I would take clients I wanted to impress, and it's also the kind of place I would gladly go eat alone at the bar without worrying about spending too much. It's simply a great restaurant, with a great bar.

What's Inside
To the last rant and raver (probably Shane Goodman's mother) Uhhhhh, he can write whatever he wants, that doesn't mean it isn't terrible. The fact that he rarely has any idea what he's talking about makes the whole paper look bad. If he does own the paper, he should take some pride in it and try to make it as good as it can be, which means he should have very little to do with it on any level. It always sounds like he writes it off the top of his head in five minutes. So, my advice to Shane continues to be: Stop it. You are not good.

What's Inside
To the idiot who wrote about Shane Goodman's column. Uhhhhh, it says he is the publisher and I think he owns the paper so I would assume that means he can write whatever he wants. You, on the other hand, really need to get a clue. Your motivation and your identity are too obvious. Get a job or at least try to work for a living instead of ripping on others who do.

Stop trading access for big money
You can't change Washington without eliminating the influence of the special interests. John McCain received over $650,000 from federal lobbyists and over $700,000 from executives in the oil and gas industry. The McCain campaign has received nearly $1,000,000 from political action committees (PACs). Senator Barack Obama's presidential campaign has refused to accept contributions from special interest lobbyists and PACs since the beginning of the campaign. Nearly 50 percent of John McCain's donors contributed $2,300 or more to his presidential campaign in comparison to less than 30 percent of Barack Obama's donors. Nearly 50 percent of Barack ObamaÕs donors contributed $200 or less in comparison to less than 25 percent of John McCainÕs. When it comes to the Washington power game, we need to stop trading access for big money. If you defend the system that defeats change, you can't be the person who will, in fact, bring change. (The information provided above was from candidate reports filed by John McCain and Barack Obama as of April 30, 2008 and made available by the Federal Election Commission to the public after May 20, 2008).

The Next "War President"
John McCain wants very much to be the next "War President." He is a man who was cultured in the art of war from his childhood up until now. A son and grandson of four-star Navy Admirals, a Navy veteran and POW of the Vietnam War, he is now a stalwart supporter of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. John McCain has a disturbing fever for war. McCain has made troubling comments on the campaign trail concerning the war in Iraq. According to him, we will fight the war in Iraq for 100 years. His ill witted comments about bombing Iran indicate his strong desire to engage in military conflict with that country. Older men like John McCain declare war, but it is the youth of America that must fight and die for the actions of old men. We must not forget the young soldiers who have suffered the scars of wars and the son and daughters of those honored veterans.

McCain's Political Gain?
I'm outraged that Senator John McCain would disregard the request of Governor Chet Culver to not visit Iowa amid a massive flood recovery effort in the state. It is unfortunate that John McCain couldn't resist the opportunity to exploit this tragedy for political gain. In 2007, John McCain opposed federal legislation that included funding for flood control in Des Moines. Iowa's congressional delegation supported the Water Resources Development Act of 2007. President George Bush later vetoed the bill. In 2006, McCain voted against appropriating supplemental emergency funding, including hurricane relief for New Orleans. I applaud Senator Barack Obama, who canceled his scheduled visit to eastern Iowa last week at the request of state officials. John McCain chose his own political gain over the welfare and safety of the citizens of Iowa.

des moines sharpens its edge
Nice to see Greg Wattier get due recognition. He has truly contributed as much as anyone toward making Des Moines a more exciting place. Nice to see architecture included on the art beat. But, is edginess what you really mean when you talk about Warhol-style events? Isn't that like SO 1960's? Even if it takes place in a retro building outfitted for the 00's? Or is this tongue in cheek waying of saying that Des Moines' edge is half a century late with the hone? I like the "rock star of local artists" thing with Lee Ann. I think that you previously called frank Hansen the "country western star" of that scene. So, who is the rap star? The opera diva? And the pop star?

Civic Skinny
"rumor: Steve King, the likable but wacky Congressman" NO, not likeable but yes to the wacky, please add not too bright.

John McCain should reject contributions from lobbyists
We can't change Washington without eliminating the influence of the special interests. Lobbyists are people who are paid specifically to turn money into access and to disproportionately influence our elected officials in Congress. Lobbyists manipulate our elected officials and, in some cases, write laws. Lobbyist money is equivalent to institutionalized corruption. John McCain should reject contributions from lobbyists and political action committees. We have lost what our forefathers fought so gallantly for. We no longer have government by the people and for the people.

John McCain Food Choices
John McCain no doubt eats a variety of foods. I've personally never dined with him, nor have I ever seen confirmed footage of him eating any foodstuffs. Never the less I am sure he eats a cookie from time to time. I am also certian that the man has eaten corn. Had it ever crossed your mind that perhaps John McCain would eat some tunafish? This election will be 24.75 oz.

Dallas County Supervisors taking away your rights
On June 24th at 9:30 am the Dallas County Board of Supervisors will meet at the Adel City Hall, 301 S. 10th Street Adel, IA 50003, to discuss an ordinance limiting bikers access to County Roads. It is imperative that we have as many people as possible to attend the meeting and speak to the Board. If this passes in Dallas it is on to the next County. This is not a Dallas vs Polk vs Warren County issue, this is an Iowa State Association of Counties (ISAC) vs Bicyclist issue! If this ordinance passes it is coming to your county next, with the intent that Cities will enact the next level of blocking your rights. The highlights of the ordinance: Based on discussion with county engineer, the number of riders participating could be as low as 10-20, that means any group ride of 10-20 cyclist would require a $1,000,000 insurance rider listing Dallas County as additional insured. One of the criteria is if the event is advertised, the language includes internet, that means if it is posted on Bike Iowa, that would be considered advertising, therefore about any ride in Dallas County would be included. The ordinance includes all County Roads, but on the trails you must cross County Roads, therefore even a trail ride would include this insurance requirement. Reasons this is wrong: What difference does it make how many riders there are, 1 rider can hit a pothole and become injured, why would 15, 20, or 5,000 make any difference? The policy does not solve the Counties perceived problem. The Crawford County issue was so much more than a simple bike accident that the insurance required would have provided no protection from the accident. The County had negligence, therefore the lawsuit was legally valid, and that is why they paid, not because of road design, but because of negligence by the County in its actions. It is unfortunate that this did not go to court and sort out the real issues at hand! Iowa state law protect the rights of riders to the level that we have the same rules and rights to the road. How can the county set aside State law? The County does not require the same insurance for other group events such as tractor rides or classic car rally's, thus preventing equal access. Roads not designed for bikes, this is too long of a subject to address in this email. I can argue this with two hands tied behind my back. This would require many small fundraising rides to not happen due to the cost of. Other problems: The Iowa Association of Counties is pushing all counties in Iowa to pass this ordinance. Yet with all of the problems with the ordinance they think this is a good move. If an ordinance is bad, it should not pass, after a ordinance is drafted that makes sences, then lets debate the merit of the item being considered, but to debate poor language and badly written law, that is a waste of the time of all of us. I will warn you, the Bob Ockerman denied me the right to speak in a public session at the last meeting, as the newest member of the Dallas County Board of Supervisors he is doing a fine job of keeping the people in the process. As a former elected official, while not required by law, I always allowed the public to speak. I was amazed that after seeing me sit in a meeting for two hours he would not allow any comments that would help the board make an educated decision. I hope he is more open minded on June 14th. From the Iowa Bicycle Coalition: This ordinance is unnecessary. There is no legal precedent since the Crawford County case was settled out of court. There has only been one bicycle lawsuit of this nature in 36 years. This is not a frequent legal problem for the counties. A wayward Illinois Supreme Court decision that produced a uniquely increased liability situation has produce no additional lawsuits or increases in insurance rates over the past 10 years. Counties have legal protection under Iowa law in common law. Bicyclists are required to keep a proper lookout to avoid hazards. With the bicycles lower speed and higher maneuverability bicycles can easily avoid hazards. Counties must foresee the issue that could cause damage and have time to act. Bicycle facilities are protected from negligence under 670.4(14) and (15). This ordinance could infringe on freedoms protected in the Iowa Constitution. Iowans have the right to freely travel. Iowans have the right to associate. Iowans have the right to assemble. As gas our price rises, as our climate warms, and as our children are suffering from obesity related diabetes and high blood pressure, we need to make sure exercise and physical activity are freely allowed in our communities. We need to make sure our transportation system has options for those who cannot afford to travel by car. We need to make sure people may ride their bicycles and not be excluded.

John McCain - When is enough, enough?
First was the pursuit of Osama bin Laden and Al Qaeda in Afghanistan. Next was the pursuit of the weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. And last but not least, the pursuit of the nuclear weapon facilities in Iran. What words do we believe? Do we believe the threats of bombing Iran or the threats of fighting a war in Iraq for over one hundred years? Do we entrust John McCain with our already overextended armed forces in the enduring wars in Afghanistan and Iraq? Recently, when McCain was asked if he knew when American troops could start to return home, he responded: "No, but that's not too important." The cost remains too high: over 4,100 American military men and women killed in combat in Iraq, over 30,000 soldiers wounded and over 40,000 veterans of the war in Iraq and Afghanistan diagnosed with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. When is enough enough? John McCain and George Bush need to stop gambling with the lives of our brave American fighting men and women.

It all began in Iowa 6 long months ago
Our grandchildren will read stories of how Iowa chose the first great leader of the free world in nearly 50 years. They will read stories about how this leader challenged citizens to accomplish great deeds. They will know the greatest deed of all for this new leader was the accomplishment of true world peace, a peace that elevated America to a new Renaissance of hope and opportunity. On Jan. 3, 2008, Iowans changed the course of America's political landscape and caucused for the next great leader of the free world, Barack Obama.

Flood, Wayne Ford
Here we go again, Wayne Ford jumping around in front of the camera talking about a scam and the lack of money for his voters. Wayne's problem is two fold. He looks and acts like a clown with no clue, second his public speaking skills are formed inbroken english. Wayne can complain all he wants about the city's so called improper response but I've yet to see his fat self out there on the sand bag line.

Civil Union's for non gays
As a single straight woman I'm reluctant to marry because marriage in the conventional sense turns me off. There are three reasons I'm turned off by marriage. 1) Wedding ceremonies frequently maintain symbolic diatribes suggestive of a time when girls were a father's property until he bequeathed his daughter to another man. It makes me sick!! 2) In most brethrens 'the wife' is very unpopular among men. Moreover, there are just too many 'roles' associated with the title 'wife' that lend to gendered household chores. 3) I have trouble with the idea of being contractually tied to someone for life. A lot of things can happen between 'I do' and death which is evident in divorce rates. Conversely, I'm very attracted to the idea of civil unions because in this contract I'd be considered a spouse rather than 'the wife'. Moreover, if civil unions offered renewable contracts I think more heteros would buy in. The long or short of my narrative is this; I wonder what would happen if straight folks roundly embraced civil unions in favor of marriage? Keeping in mind that 'marriage' is a construct of religion; while civil unions are a construct of civil law. Nonetheless, I say give the gays marriage and give the non-gays civil unions.

John McCain, Stop the revolving door culture in Washington
John McCain's presidential campaign is being run by Washington lobbyists and paid for with their money. It's hypocritical of John McCain to denounce the influence of lobbyists when his two closest aidesÑCharlie Black and Rick Davis were top tier lobbyists in Washington until just recently. Rick Davis, his campaign manager, is on leave from his lobbying firm (managing partner of the very partisan Davis, Manafort and Freedman, Inc., a lobbying firm based in Arlington, Virginia). The current head of John McCain's Senate office in Washington, Mark Buse, spent six years lobbying pharmaceutical firms, telecoms, oil and gas interests, and other corporate clients. Over the last month, several senior advisors and staff were fired or forced to resign from McCain's presidential campaign due to lobbying efforts on behalf of foreign countries such as Burmese (military junta), Saudi Arabia and Nigeria (run by General Sani Abacha, a ruthless and corrupt dictator). Many current and former McCain staffers or lobbyist have practiced Washington's "business as usual" even as their boss was condemning it. John McCain vows that, if he's elected, he'll change the revolving door culture in Washington. But if he can't do so in his own campaign or U.S. Senate office, how can he do so if elected president?

John McCain Ð Ethics 101
John McCain was one of five United States Senators known as the Keating Five who were accused of corruption in 1989, igniting a major political scandal as part of the Savings and Loan crisis of the late 1980's and early 1990's. McCain, along with the other Senators, was accused of improperly aiding Charles Keating Jr., chairman of the failed Lincoln Savings and Loan Association, which was the target of an investigation by the Federal Home Loan Bank Board. In 1987, McCain was one of five Senators whom Keating contacted in order to prevent the government's seizure of Lincoln Savings and Loan Association. By 1987, John McCain had received more than 110,000 dollars in campaign contributions from Charles Keating and associates of the Lincoln Savings and Loan Association, more than any other member of the U.S. Senate at that time. In October of 1989, The Arizona Republic reported that, in addition to campaign contributions, McCain's wife and her father had invested 360,000 in a Keating shopping center in 1986, a year before John McCain met with the federal regulators to discuss the government's investigation of Lincoln. The paper also reported that the McCains had made at least nine trips at Keating's expense on his private jet, a violation of congressional ethics rules. After a lengthy investigation, the U.S. Senate Ethics Committee testimony revealed that John McCain acted improperly. In addition, the Senate Ethics Committee reprimanded McCain and the other Senators for "questionable conduct." When it comes to the Washington power game, we need to stop trading access for big money. We can't change Washington without breaking the influence of the special interests.

High Gas Prices
Our Congress, on both sides of the aisle, is failing the Nation. They no longer represent us, they have only themselves in mind. Our own Jr. Senator refuses to help on the gas situation by allowing drilling in ANWR. Much of his financial support comes from the California tree-hugger enviros (aka Tinseltown) so money is not a problem to them. Much of Harkin's personal income has come from oil company investments plus the fact his wife has been a long time employee of oil companies. It's been a very long time since Tom Harkin had any interest in Iowans. He lives in a home in the Bahamas, shields his income off shore, and has lost complete contact with Iowa and its problems. Even the farm bill which he played a part in was long delayed because he had to get all his earmarks in and those of others in the Senate so they would give their vote in return. This is shameful behavior. Recently it has been documented and exposed on TV that some of the elected officials are putting earmarks in Bills that in turn get into the hands of their own families. It's time for taxpayers and voters to vote these bums out! We need to be able to drill for oil and not depend on the crooks in OPEC!

Swingtown
I have become aware of CBS's new series "Swingtown," and am writing to express my displeasure with your paper's decision to promote it. Its themes of sexual experimentation and casual drug use are not appropriate for audiences of any age. As a member of the Center for Moral Clarity, a national Christian grassroots organization, I am concerned with the values presented on network television. "Swingtown" seems to endorse values that are not worthy of glorifying, even in the context of a remembrance of the 1970s. I won't be watching "Swingtown," and I'll be urging my family and friends to avoid it as well. Please consider viewing alternate programming during this time period.

What's Inside
Is this guy serious? I read your paper every week and am amazed at how ridiculous he sounds in his column. Shouldn't someone who has some idea what they are talking about write such a prominent column instead of Shane "Stream of Conscious" Goodman? Cityview, please, I'm begging you, talk to him and convince him he has no talent as a writer and would be better served doing practically anything else. He's making your fine reporting look really, really stupid.

Abundance EcoVillage
Thank you, Cityview, for treating this topic seriously and not filing it under the tired old "comedy in the cornfield" headline. The rest of Iowa can learn much from Fairfield, not only about how to live more harmoniously with nature, but with the world. Fairfield is a microcosm for Iowans to emulate as they embrace diversity in their own communities and learn to respect, not tolerate, or merely put up with (as a wise woman in Fairfield once counseled me) differences in others.

Drew Miller
Drew said semi-publicly in 2006 when he was working on the Dem coordinated campaign in Ames he registered Republican to get the literature.

John McCain no fan of rural Iowa
John McCain put very little effort in the Iowa Caucuses in 2007. McCain refused to participate in the Iowa Republican Party Straw Poll in Ames last August and only put a half hearted effort in Iowa's first in the nation caucus on January 3rd, placing a weak 4th place behind Fred Thompson last January. During John McCain's recent visit to Iowa on May 6th he slammed the Farm Bill and said he'd veto the legislation at the time of his visit. The Farm Bill passed overwhelmingly through both chambers of Congress (81-15) on May 15, 2008 with bipartisan support (both Iowa Senators Tom Harkin and Chuck Grassley supported the Farm Bill). In addition, McCain has repeatedly stated over the last year that he opposes Ethanol subsidies. It's hard to believe that rural voters in Iowa would be supportive of his cadency. You can't trash ethanol and oppose the Farm Bill and expect to win in Iowa.

Letter to John McCain
We can't change Washington without eliminating the influence of the special interests. Lobbyists are people who are paid specifically to turn money into access and to disproportionately influence our elected officials in Congress. Elections are strongly influenced by funds from special interests. Lobbyists influence our elected officials and, in some cases, write laws. Lobbyist money is equivalent to institutionalized corruption. John McCain should reject contributions from lobbyists and political action committees. We have lost what our forefathers fought so gallantly for. We no longer have government by the people and for the people.

Civic Skinny on Drew Miller
I've known Drew Miller for years and although he may be registered as Republican, he's very much a Democrat at heart. In 2004, he caucused for Howard Dean! People change their registrations at different times for various, completely benign reasons. Any "concerns" about him working for the IDP are ill-founded. The man is as trustworthy as they come, and I don't know why we need him pulled into an invented controversy.

Vaudeville Mews Closing?
Wow, thats a surprise. I would think they would have enough money to buy the whole damn block, considering they pay their bands in belly lint and oyster crackers.

Fallon/Boswell "Slingin' Mud"
Interesting article. Tried to show both sides of opponants, but was a little disjointed. Would have liked to see more quotes from candidates. Really would like to see a debate. It should be a requirement that there be at least one debate amoung all cadidates for all offices. There is a certain dynamic about seeing and hearing folks in person.

Farm Bill
Thanks for the environmental reporting on the Farm Bill and on manure-spreading. It's appreciated. There's one aspect of the Farm Bill that has gotten little attention except from environmental groups, and it bodes very ill for our nation's remaining virgin prairies. The Environmental Defense Fund says it well, "Worse, the conference report includes a new 'permanent disaster' fund that will accelerate the conversion of grassland to intensive crop production by further decreasing production risks associated with farming drought-prone, environmentally sensitive lands, particularly in the Great Plains. The decision to include this provision while failing to include a strong "Sodsaver" provision could prove devastating to the nation's remaining native grasslands." Make that "will prove devastating." Not only will the prairie-plowing be horrible for water, soil, and biodiversity, but it will send a lot of new CO2 into the atmosphere, and we taxpayers will help to subsidize the destruction. No wonder Harkin and Grassley aren't talking about this one-two punch to prairies. And in Iowa, Culver will have to decide whether to enact Sodsaver in the (limited) prairie pothole region of the state. It will be interesting to see if he does.

Marriage and Divorce in Beaverdale, He is a fool
By the "grace of God go I." Nobody has any right to call you a fool, however, anyone who wants to rush into a marriage that quick would be suspect. But on the other hand, women and men who are "on the make" know how to con and manipulate, so don't stop kicking yourself so hard. I wish you the best in the future. I guess the moral of the story is that there are worse things than being alone or lonely!

Marriage and Divorce in Beaverdale - He is a fool
I met a woman in 11/2006, who was a friend prior to that for several years. We started dating that November and she asked me to marry her on 12/26/2006. She of course did not want me to tell anyone she was the one to ask. I accepted thinking it would be forever. She pushed for a date to marry and we were looking at March or May. A week into 01/2007, she requested we get married as soon as possible. Vegas here we went. Right before leaving for Vegas she needed money to pay a mortgage payment and I helped out under the understanding she would pay this back. Married in Vegas and back in town, the next month was another mortgage payment for her house. I helped her out with the payments only on the terms that she was to pay me back, because I had my own mortgage and she insisted on paying me back; because her pride would not allow her to accept money unless she had to pay me back. The next month was a thug from a supply place she owed 5000 to for supplies for her company and she asked if I could help on the same terms she could and would pay me back. The next month was a 15,000 credit card bill and another bill and another bill. All in all she has taken me for well over 50 grand in a 7 month period and asked me for a divorce once her bills were paid off or consolidated under my name and not hers. I already know I was an idiot and a sucker, but that is what foolish love can do to lonely people. She also, tells her associates that she made her mind up in April to divorce me, but waited until the end of 2007. She said she would sign paper work to pay me back all of the money that was used from my resources to cover here debt, but of course that never happened and now she is hoping Iowa law will allow her to stick me with her debt that was hers prior to marriage and for her to keep another 20 grand in items I purchased and paid for. The marriage was less than 7 months, but I am reminded weekly that I met a winner, because I have additional money each check taken out for a wife who is not and was never a wife, to have medical insurance and that will remain until the courts give me a divorce decree. And she has not offered to cover that expense either. So even know we are separated, she is still living off me. Is it right or fair for her to not need to assume her debt, because it is not in her name and it is in mine and I was a fool? IÕm not looking for an answer. I understand the moral of this story. I only hope others know it before experiencing it.

Great Iowa Treasure Hunt?
comments: I received a letter from the Iowa Treasurer's Office several months ago telling me about some "unclaimed property" in the name of my daughter who is a minor. It was a some kind of a refund from Mercy Medical Center. I filled out the claim form the State Treasurer sent me and about 4 weeks later I received a notice telling me they received the claim form and also letting me know it would be some weeks before I would receive the "unclaimed property." I sent in copies of my driver's license and social security cards for both myself and my daughter as requested. Today I received the claim form and my documentation back from the State Treasurer along with ANOTHER REQUEST for my daughter(if she's under 18) to sign the form and provide her driver's license. The correspondence said if "she's under the age of 18" I should send in a copy of her birth certificate. I just got done sending State Treasurer Mike Fitzgerald and some of his staff an e-mail telling them I plan to have that office investigated for their practices related to the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt. Does the State Treasurer make all potential claimants "jump through hoops" to the point that "unclaimed funds" are NEVER CLAIMED? Why else would they go through ALL THIS for a sum total of $71 in my case??? Manpower, postage etc. to release that paltry sum? My daughter is a minor and is unable to actually claim this herself and for some reason they don't believe I'm HER MOTHER?? I would like to know if others have experienced the same?

Treatment of disabled vets and Clergymen in the skywalk
For the disabled vet/clergeyman. I feel as though I should appoligize to you for your treatment by a member of my profession. Evidently this person was not a "Security Professional". As a security professional, I understand human dignity. Regardless of station in life, every individual is intitled to respect. I want to personally thank you for your service and great sacrifice to this great nation and all those living here. I grew up during the Viet Nam era and felt great shame as an American for the way our service men were treated when they returned home. The proud and the brave answer the call to arms while the weak and the cowards stay behind and condem. Continue to be proud. Not only for what you gave this great country, but for what you are still giving. Thank you again for my freedom and safety.

The Sun (previous Civic Skinny)
As a Story County resident who now gets The Sun, I am underwhelmed by the content. Your term "soft feature stories" is very generous, so far, the news is so soft it's squishy. I'll give it another week or two and then start tossing it directly into the recycling box. But it does make me appreciate the Ames TRIB.

Children's Eye Care Being Ignored?
Matt McCoy should get a job as a "nanny!" Wait a minute, isn't he one of the many self-appointed "nannies" at the Iowa Legislature? Hey Matt, how about you allow us to parent our children as we see fit instead of you sticking your nose into our lives? Just because you developed a problem with your eye as a young child does not mean we need more legislation to mandate vision screenings for all children in Iowa. I guess you're trying to get as much of your agenda passed before November when you get kicked to the curb huh?

Capitalism is good, remember?
Oil companies only made an 8% profit last year. That is about a third of what Milk companies make in profit. Yes, gas is expensive, but go bitch to the Libs who's bogus environmental concerns keep us from using the resources under our own soil.

Postville Raid and Arrest of 300
Let me see. The last raid in Iowa was on December 12, 2006. Now Postville on May 12. What Hispanic holiday did ICE desicrate this time?? If we have thousands of illegal aliens in Iowa how long will it take for us to rid Iowa of them at this rate? I suggest ICE have monthly raids. How about restaurants in Des Moines? I know of one on the west side that employees illegals on a regular basis. Over 70 percent of the staff is illegal.

wakonda
I am pleased to see Wakonda attempting to join the 21st century. Perhaps they would be better served to just farm the whole course out to suburban development. They obviously are looking at things progressively; just install some pretty pictures in the clubhouse with a virtual reality course. While they are at it I think Mr. Taylor should advocate Dutch Elm. Who needed Grand Ave. in its Grandeur?

Wakonda Club
Thanks for your entertainingly sarcastic report on the proposed old-oak massacre at the Wakonda Club. The golf industry keeps trying to repaint itself as "green," but this proposal is a good reminder of the very brown priorities at many golf courses. If the oaks do get cut, I hope there will be photos and more bad publicity.

From the Publisher
Your column is interesting and to the point. As a reader, my main question is: where will people get good local news in the future? I can get national and international news online, no problem, and I can get reviews of movies, restaurants, etc., from CITYVIEW. Sometimes I get good news articles in CITYVIEW also. But much of the time, recently, CITYVIEW has had "soft" stories about Elvis imitators and wrestlers and such like on the cover. Nothing wrong with that, but when I want to find out what's regularly going on in Des Moines in regard to local land use, politics, education, etc., I still usually need to turn to the REG. If the REG goes under, who will cover those stories? No one? Would people just have to depend on (shudder) local TV journalism? A model I find more cheery is THE DAILY TRIBUNE in Ames, which seems to be doing pretty well and serves as a functioning community forum and information center. I don't always agree with TRIB editorial positions, but that's fine, the paper provides a very useful community service not provided elsewhere. As an Ames area resident, I appreciate the TRIB and am happy to pay to help keep it going. Apparently many other Ames area residents feel the same way. Apparently many Des Moines area residents don't feel that way about the REG, and the REG had better figure out why. I just hope the TRIB won't catch REG disease.

Wakonda
Wakonda is "shoddy?" Hmm, seems your article is "shiddy" if you ask me. Let's see, two different types of grass for different greens? Terrible idea, you must not play golf. What high end country club would ever do that? None. You would be laughed at for considering that idea. There are numerous reasons why this project should happen. I don't see those in your biased article. This project will help increase membership (because the best club in the state finally has updated technology on the greens) and will make the true golfing members of the club happy that they have a great putting surface to play on. I don't see why the public cares about a private clubs issues. Oh, there have been over 250 trees planted over the last 8 years with more planting on the way. The trees have/will be planted in areas that will not affect the grass on the greens. So, in 40 years, this issue will not be revisited. One persons "logical" thinking is good for them. Let the realistic thinkers take care of the big issues. It seems to me that this article was written with ones head up their, umm, shaddy area.

EXXON OIL PROFITS
Exxon's first quarter profit was $10.9 BILLION, following their record 4th quarter PROFIT at the end of 2007 of $11.7 BILLION. This is a total of $22,600,000,000 in six months. If this profit level does not increase and stays the same for the next six months, it will become $45,200,000,000 for the year. There are approximately 300 million people in the US, or about 90 million families with approximately 3.3 people per family. This means Exxon profits for just one year would be about $151 for every man, woman and child in the entire USA, or about $500 for every family in the US. Remember, this is PROFIT for just ONE oil company for ONE year. While the price of cruide oil from middle east is extreme at $120 per barrel, our own oil companies are also gouging the US consumer and allowing us to place all the blame on the middle east countries. I'd be in favor of opening ANWR as well as all the fields that have been capped in the US from producing, but I'm not sure it would reduce our costs at all because EXXON has proved otherwise.

Tax Incentives and Metro Governance
Recently we have see a large number of layoffs in Iowa. Many of those companies have been prior recipients of millions of dollars in tax increment financing and other tax incentives. Allied is closing a facility in Urbandale with the possible loss of 75 jobs, has received huge sums in TIF. Wells Fargo who just saw fit to give the chairman a $6.2 million pay package is also a recipient of a minimum of $50 million to TIF. TIF was designed to help blighted areas. Does Wells Fargo have a blighted chairman, or just delighted? Does anyone know if these companies have refunded to the cities when they have received TIF but eliminated jobs? A letter to editor in The Register asks us to once again go for metro-governance, in order to gain more revenue sharing. That's short for increasing the avenues of tax incentives for wealthy developers, and taking government a step further from the people.

Gov. Dauber
In 2 years amidst economic turmoil Gov. Dauber found it suitable to increase the budget by 20 percent. The more than all of Vilsacks years combined. This guy is the worst Gov in America he does not deserve this cup cake piece from Cityview. Granted they tried to interview detractors. Just go anywhere in IA were it is not hard to find Dem's that are discusted with this guy. I suspect he will have to win a primary before November 2010.

State government
Our intrepid governor is out of the state for all or part of 34 of the first 95 days of the legislative session and is rewarded with a 9 percent pay raise. Go figure!

Cullver
Culver is the worst one term govenor in the U.S., almost as bad as Jerry the Hut (the Windsor Heights mayor) and the W.H. police force locally nicknamed Barney Fife, KKK and Pillsbury. May the farce be with you with these characters!

Bill elevates Culver's pay 9.7 percent
Wow, the governor is to receive a 9.7 percent raise and several of our elected officials are to get raises of up to 23 percent. That raise would place Governor Culver the 12th highest paid governor in the nation. Since Iowa is so average in everything else I think he needs a 6 thousand dollar pay cut. Gas prices are outrageous and food prices are on the rise daily. I thought we were enjoying a recession!

odor study
Quite an excellent example of our legislature, bought and paid for by special interests that puts CIETEC to shame. An audit of check-off funds would do well to create a national scandal to take our attention away from the crumbs of CIETEC and odor study! All of it stinks! Study done and now where is my millions?

The Radish
I was very surprised to read your review of the Radish. I wouldn't refer anyone there after my latest experience. My wife and I recently moved to the Grimes area and love dining out and trying new places. We had been referred to The Radish so we decided to give it a try. The first five times we went were during the week and we had good meals, decent service, etc. The last time we went was on a Friday night. We walked in at 5:50 pm where we were greeted at the door by the owner. We gave him our name and were told it would be 10 minutes until we would be seated. There was nobody else waiting at the time so this seemed to be ok. Shortly after a group of 4 people in their 70s walked in without reservations. After 15 minutes or so they were seated while we continued to wait patiently. Next a group of 5 people came in without reservations and were seated in approximately 20 minutes while we had now waited 45 minutes. On a couple of occasions the owner came over to us to tell us it would be 5 minutes. After waiting 50 minutes and seeing two groups come in after us and get seated before us without reservations I approached the owner to tell him someone else could have our table. I also told him I didn't agree with his handling of the seating list. He told me the other two groups had reservations. This was a blatant lie as we had talked to the groups while they waited with us. I would have been ok if he would have told us that he seats people based on age, size of party, etc. However he didn't tell us this and proceeded to lie to me as I approached him before leaving his place of business. I am very disappointed to mark The Radish off of my list of places to eat as Grimes could really use a good dining venue. Unfortunately, The Radish will never be a destination for us or the many others we enjoy going out with.

Civic Skinny
Hey, wait a minute! You folks finally provide an update on the fake rainforest, which I've been really hoping you would, but your update is unclear. Do you mean that Ted Townsend is thinking about trying to find a new outside-of-Iowa location for this looney project, after all the brouhaha over finally getting it sited in Pella? Or do you mean that he's still trolling for out-of-state donors, which he's been doing unsuccessfully for years? Thanks for the inside info, which is much appreciated, but please clarify. Enquiring minds want to know!

House tax hike
I applaud the Iowa House for the deceptively clever way in which they voted to increase sales taxes this week. In case you missed it, hidden between the much publicized smoking ban bill and the opening of the CIETC trial, the house voted to change the local option sales taxes in Iowa to a permanent state sales tax. I don't know about the other 98 counties, but in Polk County, the local option tax is set to expire in 2010, so in effect, this would be a tax increase. Perhaps they thought no one would care or that we've been paying the additional tax for so long that we wouldn't even notice. You'd have thought they would've seen the Project Destiny meltdown as a bellweather and realized this is the last thing Iowans want or that with the higher costs of living, this is the last thing Iowans need. Surely the fine governor, who throughout his campaign and several debates made it very clear the only tax he was going to raise was on cigarettes, will veto this bill when it reaches his desk. But you never know. Maybe he needs the money to fund his (also recently) proposed $25 million child welfare, er, healthcare plan. Maybe he'll decide he doesn't need to keep his campaign promises, after all, he already pissed off democrats and union workers by not signing the fair share bill, maybe he's decided that it's now time to piss off republicans and Iowans who expected their local option taxes to be used locally and only for a limited time.

Smokers arrogance
Iowa is so special and all-concerning as to ban cigarette smoking in public venues. Shame on you businesses. You are bringing us down. This is a great place to raise kids, and smokers perpetuate the decline of socioeconomic civility in our great state. But wait, Polk County is different. Why? We have the ultimate cash cow (currently named Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino) that is not to be concerned with the newly passed law of NON-SMOKING IN PUBLIC VENUES IN THE STATE OF IOWA. Dang, that's just convenient. If your name is Joe Smith with a bar and grill, if you own a retail/wholesale business with an open warehouse, if your construction workers are in the shop due to inclement weather, and you wanna grab a smoke, CONSIDER YOURSELVES ILLEGAL. Last I knew, discrination (even due to the use of a LEGAL substance) is unconstitutional. Let's get back to the basics of our country's foundation, and quit whining about nothingness. How about those foster kids aging out of the system? How about improved public transportation to the suburbs to off-set gosoline prices; how about changes in the social system so as to facilitate those IN the system more economically; how about talking about real issues in this great state?

comida mexicana
i was bummed to see the shotz and grill cordoba write up because i recently have been to "el chisme" taqueria and pizzaria, (twice) at merle hay and urbandale ave. and was hoping you'd plug it to bring them a little more business. i know you can't focus on one type of food but it's good, best i've found on the west side. haven't tried the pizza yet. now i've got to get over to shotz and grill to try them out. chile rellenos twang my buds. i guess it's a good problem to have

Outback Restaurant in Puyallup
A big rave to the Outback restaurant on Puyallups south hill for making a special persons birthday a surprise from us after a quick phone call. A big thank you!

Nation For Change Rally
A nationwide rally of Obama supporters The Nation For Change Rallies will be held in all 50 states on April 19th Participants will attend the rally to show their support for Senator Barack Obama in advance of the upcoming primaries (Pennsylvania on April 22nd and North Carolina & Indiana on May 6th) and the Iowa District Conventions scheduled for April 26th. The Nation for Change Rally is sponsored by grassroots supporters of Senator Barack Obama. Saturday, April 19th 2:30-3:30 PM, West Side of Iowa State Capitol Building, E. 10th & E. Grand Ave.

Consumer fraud
Great politics watch this week. Cityview is quickly becoming THE source of political news. The fact that the legislature took a pass on voting on this law that would protect consumers was completely ignored by other local media, which is a shame.

MLK
MLK was 38 when he was shot dead. It's been longer since that moment than he lived. And still, no one has connected the dots between James Earl Ray and his South African passport and Canadian travel agency itinerary that took this provincial red neck through the world capitols of racism. For all the conspiracy theories about JFK assasination, there are exponentially more reasons to be suspcious of the MLK assassination. Yet years go by and no one bothers. Why do you suppose?

THe following comes from the newsletter THIS is TRUE: 30 March 2008 Copyright http://www.thisistrue.com
It was sourced by the Tacoma News Tribune In what will probably become the iconic TV ad of the 2008 presidential campaign, a little girl is shown sleeping as the "phone rings at 3:00 a.m. in the White House." The spot, for Hillary Clinton,is meant to convey that she is "ready on day one" to handle crises and imply opponent Barack Obama isn't. The little girl featured in the ad is now 17; the footage had been sold to a stock house, and was used by the Clinton campaign without bothering to learn who it was. It was Casey Knowles of Bonney Lake, Wash. She turns 18 well before the election, and she has already been working for a presidential campaign: Barack Obama's. (Tacoma News Tribune) When called to comment on this crisis, Hillary refused to answer the phone.

Polk county GOP
If folks need to discover the demented state of the Polk County GOP you just have to wander over to "The Real Sporer" website. The authors rants and predictions remind me of the final days of the Third Reich when Hitler manuvered ghost armies around the map to halt the Allies Assault. This week he accused socialist government in Sweden of "liberals puking up hatred on demand." his concern centers around an Absolute Vodka ad campaign; he sings praise to the our state embarrasment Rep. Steve King; and he promotes "a comprehensive political website" which is a poorly done MYSPACE account with a donate button. here is the main blurb on the website then my comment. Sanger for State Rep's Blurbs About me: The name's Chris Sanger. I am running for the State Representative position in [Iowa] District 62 also known as the South Side [Des Moines]. I was raised outside of Dallas Center by a wonderful Mother and Father. Mom and Dad both used to work in Washington D.C. and for the State of Iowa. Mom works at Homecare Services, Inc.; Dad works at Wells Fargo and Co. I work at Wells Fargo and I am a business owner. I live on the South Side, of course. I believe that all people have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness and the people agree. I am running because I hear the people and I will stand strong for the people. Check out my blog and become politically active if you aren't already. Who I'd like to meet: You! DONATE button Yes, I want vote for a 23 year old with no life experience whose parents lived in DC, is not a native south sider and whose dad got his son a job at Wells Fargo. Anybody can be a business owner but let's have him use the term successful business owner like Brad Zaun used until his business went broke! The website is a My space account and not a campaign site for goodness sake. Notice these specific political points: "I believe that all people have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness and the people agree." "I am running because I hear the people and I will stand strong for the people." So all you South siders here is the GOP premier candidate who loves non specifics so that he never has to have a backbone. Sanger, come back and run when you can actually contribute to life liberty and pursuit of happiness. Maybe join the Army and see Iraq. You were one of those pro war young retpublicans! Here is your chance to show how you can lead! or is that too specific for your moral compass? Looks like General GOP Ted Sporer is throwing more cannon fodder at a lost cause. it is not that Sanger is evil, He is just too much of a rethuglican for me!

Ingersoll's drug culture
Multiple businesses operating along Ingersoll Avenue are little more than thinly veiled cocaine dens. This is nothing new. Nor is it all that shocking. (Anyone who has spent even a minimal amount of time in any Des Moines bar would know this.) If such knowledge is so common, that the names of multiple businesses have become synonymous with cocaine, how is it possible that these businesses stay open? Every city deserves to have a seedy underbelly, I'm just curious how law enforcement goes about ignoring the issue. Maybe it is just that they are that inept. All of which could be good. Seedy underbelly. Inept police. This could move Des Moines up at least a couple notches on some sort of bullshit "American Cities" list. We should get the word out. Start combating the whole hick farmer thing.

Steven King and the Border Patrol
Why did this only surface in the Cityview. Is this really true? How great that would be if he stepped down.

Cyber-Bullying
The good old Des Moines Register is proving the "Peter Principle" in regards to the "moderating" or should I say "no moderation" of their Online Discussion Forums? Our "friends" Mike Corey, Chris Snider and the rest of DMR's "motley crew" are ASLEEP AT THE SWITCH! They should be sued for Libel by the many individuals who are regularly tormented by anonymous cyber-bullies online, which appears to be sanctioned by the Des Moines Register Management. I'm fighting back in any way I possibly can, against this "organized stalking and harassment" in order to prove that the DMR has played an active role in it. The "discovery" process in a Libel Action can be so enlightening!

April Fool's money
Regarding Get Money out of Politics PAC' 5,000 dontation to Fallon, is that irony or what? A PAC organized to donate money to eliminate PACs. America is a great country!

Wilco
Playing catch up with my stack of magazines and papers, I came across your great cover page/article on Wilco. Being a huge Wilco fan, it was great to see them grace the cover of a Des Moines based paper. The fellow who wrote the article asked a few questions that I was glad to see brought to Jeff Tweedy, that I had not seen before or questions that I would have not asked had I been in the room. I was able to actually see the show at the Val Air, the week after the article was run in your paper, wish I would have seen it prior, but it does not take anything away from the great job done by Cityview by writing a great article by one of the best bands of our time. Thanks again for doing a great job of covering the music scene in Des Moines.

April Fool's
I LOVED this weeks issue. I always do. In fact I forwarded the Karaoke Ban on to our Entertainment Coordinator and he went crazy. He couldn't believe it and wanted to start calling our lobbyists. I still haven't told him.

Dream Lake
I hope that CITYVIEW is not so naive as to think that the would-be developers of Dream Lake are going to give up. They are moving ahead, and are still determined to destroy a beautiful river area in the name of "green development," a misuse of the term that makes real conservationists gag. With a planned $700 million profit just from lot sales, these guys don't plan to let a few burial mounds stop them. How about reporting on what they're up to? The REGISTER left out some of the best parts, like their belief that they are being guided by God. Please, take a break from the fun stuff (wrestling, Elvis) and cover a story that really needs to be covered.

Puppy Mills
Because of this blog about Channel 13, the "cover" of a woman that has spent her life resucuing dogs from horrible puppy mills, has been blown. She will now be faced with harrassment from puppy mill owners who have lost business due to her bravery and loyalty to animals. Her name should NEVER have been published.

chris vance
chris vance rocks. the energy at his opening was amazing. i think des moines really does have an art scene. something is happening here and you don't know what it is, do you, mr. jones?

Wilco
Wilco on the cover of Cityview! How cool was that? Also enjoyed the online concert review and photos. Thanks for caring enough about good music to give it the kind of coverage it deserves.

Treatment of disabled Vets and Clergymen in the skywalk.
In a society that claims to be patriotic and religious, I have met some ungrateful people in this community. I am a disabled Vet and an ordained minister. My associate and I walk the skywalk all the time helping people who may need it in any form. We go to Churches Homeless shelter and talk with people there also. We walk past the Nationwide building almost everyday and never been approached. Until yesterday (March 13). When I was verbally assaulted by the security guards employed by this company. Tell my associate and I that people like us are not welcome in the skywalks at all, that we are intimadating and that we are frightening the employees who walk the sky walk and that we are not allowed in the sky walk. Now if disabled Vets and ordained ministers are not allowed to walk the sky walks would that not be a form of discremination? Just walking around enjoying life and talking to people and smiling and saying "Hi" to total stangers is not a crime in this country the last time I checked. But if it is, then no one should be talking in public to each other. But then my Marine Corps buddies who did not make it back died for no reason and we are not the nation I thought I lived in. This is the USA! We are allowed to be kind to each other and help and laugh together! But Nationwide seems to have an issue with Vetrans and religion. I don't know about you, but this highly aggrevates me!

a certain type of green Mayor Cownie is fighting for
The Des Moines Register again reminds us of Mayor CownieÕs dedication to the environment ("City Will Purchase 38 Replacement Vehicles," Feb. 16). ItÕs indeed commendable that the council has set a goal to make Des Moines a sustainable "green" community. Earlier in the week, he maintained this same stance by voting against the proposed new DahlÕs store on Ingersoll Avenue when plans failed green standards. Oddly, the Mayor ignored citizens in Beaverdale when asked to respect and preserve their neighborhoodÕs "natural capital." He supports the dense mixed use development of Rice Field despite knowledge that the recreational green space resides in an area of the city where parkland is severely lacking by national guidelines. The mayorÕs approval is inconsistent with smart urban planning and proper guardianship of the land. Responsible planning increases the intensity of nature before increasing the density of development in a community. Is our mayor really an environmental advocate? The inconvenient truth would suggest that his concern is most eminent only when it impacts his own neighborhood, promotes his own political ambitions and/or does not interfere with the lucrative endeavors of developers, political supporters and friends.

daddio's
Gas Station Food? Who'd a thunk it? I had no idea either Baker's Food and Fuel or the Phillips 66 on 141 had good food. I drive by both places all the time in my work. Now I stop and eat, especially at Baker's. Thanks for the tip, I can't imagine the Datebook Diner ever investigating gas station food, but she's missing something uniquely Iowan. You're right about pork tenderloins - they are a state icon and the legislature should make it the official state sandwich, when they aren't too busy safeguarding the power of hog confinement owners to inflict stink and disease on their neighbors.

Non-Smokers
Remember, when all the non-smokers wanted was a few seats in the front of the plane?

Larry Norman
I read in last week's Cityview ["Scene Scribe," March 6] the brief mention of the passing of the father of Christian rock music, Larry Norman. I just wanted to say thank you for putting this in your paper. I don't always appreciate the contents (or language) of your paper but I read through it each week. What a pleasant surprise to read the comments about Larry. I was privileged to spend an afternoon with Larry back in the mid-seventies when he performed in Marshalltown. My close friend, Lou Good (now deceased), sponsored Larry in a concert. Larry knew Lou and came to town early to spend the day. He wanted to shop for jeans. Good old fashioned country jeans that could stand up by themselves. I guess they didn't have those in Hollywood where Larry resided. Lou had me drive the long-haired rocker around Marshalltown looking for the jeans he wanted. While Larry was rather quiet and I was a bit intimidated or star-struck we did enjoy some nice conversation. But it was his concert that left a real impact in my life. He was so humble, wise and funny. I learned a lot from Larry and he has always held a special place in my heart. I was saddened to see he had passed away. Again, thanks for the mention of his death.

Wilco
I just wanted to note that I really liked this week's wilco article. Tweedy is one interesting dude. I liked the questions/topics you brought out. Fun read!

What's Inside
Is this guy 100 years old? I'm getting tired of week after week turning to what's supposed to be the hip, edgy alternative paper in town and instead finding his ramblings. He adds no value to the paper. In fact, he drags it down and completely ruins Cityview's credibility. Please, please, please make it stop.

Snafu
This is the best CD I've heard in a long time. Andy Anderson is AMAZING!

Butt Out
I hope I'm not overstepping by speaking out for the 82 percent of Iowans who are non-smokers. Restraunteers and bar owners are claiming that they will lose business if the smoking ban goes into effect. What am I missing here? Are smokers the only people who eat out or go to bars? What about the majority of us who would choose to go out more if we could do so in a smoke-free environment? My wife and I love going to Blues on Grand, and I appreciate everything that Jeff has done to make it non-smoker friendly, but getting headaches from the smoke and smelling like smoke after being there is a major deterrant why we don't go more often. California, Delaware, New York, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington currently ban smoking in bars and restaurants, and I have not heard that they are going out of business as a result. I don't favor creating laws that control peoples' lives and limit commerce, but I don't understand how such a small percentage of the population can have such a grip on the hospitality and entertainment industry.

Thank you to the staff at Liars Club
I turned 32 today. We went to Liars Club to start off the celebration. Not sure if you all know but the Thursday on the week of your Birthday Liars Club has a MADE A Wish Foundation night. To make a long story short you get to pick ANYTHING you want up to a certain amount of money and they will grant your wish if you win. They draw two names out the bucket and if your name is drawn you win whatever you put on your sheet. Most people put items from an IPod, TV, or even a down payment on a car. I myself don't see the point of only thinking about yourself so I put on my sheet that I wanted 300 dollars to go towards my charity which is the JDRF and a digital camera, which I have always wanted. It came time to draw the names and my name was not drawn. I was really upset but at the same time really happy for the two names drawn. About 10 minutes later I hear my name being called over the microphone to come up to the DJ booth. As I go up there I think to myself what the heck is going on or who did my friends piss off now. To my surprise they saw my request and wanted to grant it. They wrote a check out to the JDRF in the amount of 100 dollars. I was speechless!! It really made my whole Birthday! Sure I didn't win a digital camera but this donation meant more to me then anything. I ask you all to PLEASE support Liars Club and to please thank them when you go in there. This really made for a Birthday that I will NEVER forget!

Smoke On
I hate smoke, I love Freedom. I told the smokers that they stink. They told me tough shit. I have the right to breathe clean air. Go outside, light up and shut up. Stink all you want to just do it outside.

butt out
The Iowa Senate deserves applause for its version of the bill. The House version stinks of hypocrisy by exempting casinos, one of which is owned by a governmental body. What are the House Representatives afraid of, that by curbing one dangerous obsessive compulsive beahavior they might slow the growth of a second dangerous obsessive compulsive behavior? Of course the answer is "yes" because of smoking is believed to encourage irrational gambling habits and the legislature is addicted to the income it gets from gambling revenues. You can't expect them to take an action that might reduce cigarette tax revenues AND gambling juice too. It's time we sent all the reps who voted for the casino exemption to rehab for their gambling money addiction.

Butt Out!
I am a business man and a student of history. I certainly know a business opportunity when I see one. Do you think I could advertise a smoking speak easy on your site?? Thanks again Iowa for making business harder to do here!

Smoking Ban
I just moved to Des Moines from Minneapolis, and was appalled to find that smoking is still allowed in bars and restaurants here. We just banned it in Minneapolis a few years ago, and statewide not long ago. I thought secondhand smoke was a plight I was finally through with. For me coming here is like taking a step backward in time. I can only hope that a law barring smoking from bars, clubs and restaurants is passed and put into effect ASAP.

Best band. Final Mix, Jason Brown?
To the person who listed Final Mix and Jason Brown as best band and artist. I noticed that their fans didn't vote for them in the recent Best Of. But fans did pick a couple of real winners that are overlooked on the scene, One Nite Stand and Matt Woods. One Nite Stand does rhythm and blues better then Final Mix and tackles jazz that Final Mix is afraid to touch. And blues, Matt Woods is one of the finest this town has to offer. Jason Brown is a cutey, but Matt is cute AND young. Check it out for yourself.

iowa's most venerable presences
Thank you for the context, the covert "teddy boy" analogy ("keying" a car), the payment of due respect and particulalry for taking a stand. Too many so called art writers/critics cover all things equally these days. You once wrote about a major newspaper's front page story that lumped Vladimir Horowitz and Staff Sgt Barry Sadler into the same obituary. Such non-judgemental crap does no one justice and betrays the medium and particularly the critic's responsibility. Cornelis Ruhtenbrg towers over other Iowa painters and that does not insult me, it inspires me. She is an undervalued state asset. "They don't make em like her anymore" and it's clear they don't make public areans like the DM Civic Center anymore either. In the latter case, it's because the powers that be, those who choose architects for a public works - have stopped caring about the people who pass through the buildings, unless they lease suites and use valet service. The state wrestling meet has lost all its unique charm since being moved out of The Barn. That event in that venue was the opposite of "apartheid" design, it allowed an intimate, dynamic contact between competitors and audience. In Wells Fargo Arena, it's just another show on the arena floor. The move from the old building to the new one has diminished the event. I hope it's possible to consider moving back.

Kingpin
Angst, to say the least, is farthest from what you have caused your "family." The words destruction, devastation, and selfishness sure seem to come to mind when dredging up this matter once again. The audacity to bring this matter up, when your family has worked so hard to over come this stigma, for the past 23 years, is BEYOND words. Especially, when your family is obviously dealing with a much, much bigger issues even more recently. How dare you Mr. Kingpin! How dare you Cityview for supporting this man?

What the?
What the middle class people don't understand is we need to squeeze them just a bit tighter because there still breathing.

we are what we dare to eat
On Lincoln's birthday, it's time to give Napoleon his share of credit for ending slavery. Soon as the deeds, cited in the previous letter on this subject, led to economically feasible sugar from beets, manufacturers began advertising Slave Free Sugar. Napoleon's sugar beet incentives had more to do with the emancipation of slaves in Caribbean colonies of France, England and the Netherlands than all the work of all the abolitionists in Europe. Cane sugar exploited over 90 percent of all African slaves, when the industry lost its economic edge, it became less defensible. Only in the USA did we need to fight a war to achieve the sweet ending.

we are what we dare to eat
marvelous commentary, but you are not quite right about sugar beets. Andreas Marggraf discovered how to extract sugar from beets in 1747. It remained impractical until Napoleon offered incentives that you mention. In 1812, Benjamin Delessert built a factory that produced crystalized sugar. When Napoleon heard, he rushed there to taste the sugar and was so pleased with its quality he tore a gold medallion off his own neck and pinned it on Delessert. The following day Napoleon announced a major new discovery in French commerce.

The Kingpin
Amel Lueth is a man who takes no responsibility for his actions. You allowed him space to complained that his rights were taken away because the snitch who told on him was deemed unreliable. You allowed him to whine about the family farm being taken away when it was his drugs that got it taken away. Was this supposed to be a human interest story? Are we supposed to feel sorry for Amel Lueth? Did I miss something? I think it's really sad that you gave this man any publicity at all. Why would you want to run a story about a man who takes no responsibility for his actions other than to point out that he takes no responsibilty? Shame on you cityview for giving this guy anything but a spot in your Losers column. He put his own mother in harms way. It doesn't get much more loser worthy than that.

Irina's Restaurant and Bar
I really like theirs new beers, Russian and Uk, great atmosphere, a lot of fun always. I think this is one of the best spots to go but not that many peaple know about this place, check it out.

CCI
Thanks for the excellent coverage of the CCI rally day. CCI provides an excellent voice for those of us concerned about these issues. You are helping raise the awareness of others of the need for clean air and water, local control and clean elections.

Tax Rebate Checks
If a recent internet news article is correct from CNN and the 600 dollar rebate check is not a government gift, but a loan on next year's tax return, I would like to ask those in congress just how stupid do you think the American people are? Borrowing from next year's potential income may be the way of the government, but it is definitely not the way to help us. It is just going to create more problems for us next year.

The Kingpin
Another victim in the War on Drugs, Amel Lueth has a valuable story to tell. The government is was so eager to get a big name bust they didn't care that they trampled on the Bill of Rights. Another war we can't win, and its a war against our own people. Thank you, Cityview for making sure this story was told.

The Kingpin
Great story about a man whose rights have obviously been stolen from him. Whether you believe being involved in the drug trade is evil or not, I personally think it is, everyone is guaranteed rights in the Constitution. Like Mr. Lueth said, even murderers get a fair trial.

Raw Food
I have been to a few of Sheree's classes. I was skeptical at first too, but it really is good. It's the most guilt free meal you can have. Sheree is a great coach and makes her classes very fun and educational. I highly recommend her classes and going to her Meet Up group.

Food
My husband and I went to Mojos Thursday night and were saddened to learn Chef Robert Beasly and his crew have left. Needless to say the food is not the same and although it was good, it was missing the flare and the love we were expecting from Mojos. Please, we have to find out where chef Beasley is. We will follow him for more of his unique cuisine.

It's embarrassing to know this
I'm pretty sure that weird Channel 8 Sexual Predators promo being shown for Sweeps Month is a ripoff of an insurance commercial that used to air on Channel 23. I think I recognize that footage of children playing and the opening narration.

Liar's Club Rant
There are Liar's Clubs in Alpine, CA, Milwaukee, WI, and Newport, KY. There are probably a dozen more around the world. And that makes a difference how ???

Sunny Days
Cold weather is depressing, so West Des Moines is spreading the word that AMayZing days are ahead, and we want everyone to be apart of it. Amayzing Days will be a month long celebration all over West Des Moines with constant events. Specific schedules to come. For more info check out myspace.com or become our friend on facebook by searching in Des Moines for Amayzing Days.

food
glad food dude is back in the sneak preview, forgot how much i liked it. The points about diversified diets were really apt, the following statistics were just released by a California think tank I follow. 1. There are 1,462 recorded species of edible insects in the world. 2. An estimated 7,000 plant species have been commonly eaten by human societies throughout history. Today, a mere 20 species provide 90 percent of the world's food. 3. Of the 463 varieties of radishes known to exist in the 20th century, 436 are now extinct. Please keep reminding people to save seeds and to eat more different foods, it really is a matter of decline or fall for civilizations.

Local Bands
More needs to be done so these local bands can be seen, opening up the city parks for them to play in would be a great start.

Civic Skinny
"Private college presidents, students, and their parents are saddened and shocked that the Governor failed to recognize the importance of this grant to their students' debt load and their ability to pursue a college degree in the State of Iowa," John Reynders, president of Morningside and chairman of the Iowa Association of Independent Colleges and Universities. Every fucking Boomer with a PhD attached to his or her name thinks he should be a millionaire just because he or she spends 90 percent of his time sucking up to other Boomers with who have an MBA hanging out their ass. Never once do any of these overpaid, underworked college and university presidents ever look at their compensation and say, "Gee, maybe I'm making too fucking much money!" As for the Boomer MBAs, they should be picking up more of the tab for higher education, because universities and colleges in this country are nothing but trade shcools for industries of dubious worth to society! Apparel merchandising, business process management, computer information systems, entrepreneurship, informatics, hotel/motel management and on and on it goes. Crap for which students and their parents are forking out hard-earned dough that should be taught on the job! C'mon, Corportate America, if you want monkeys ready and trained to step right into such and such position you pay for 'em!

Liars club
Maybe these idiots should have mentioned that there already is a Liar's Club in Chicago that has been open since 1995 and still kicking. Bunch of plagiarist morons.

Growing Up Wired
The book LAST CHILD IN THE WOODS points out that children who play outdoors benefit in many ways that range from better social skills to better school performance and longer attention spans. Some research indicates that outdoor play also helps to lessen the symptoms of ADHD. It's not just that children are growing up wired, many kids are spending their time wired indoors instead of playing outdoors. That's not good for their development.

homeless?
What makes people think that the delusional guy in the "not about homeless" (Jan. 24) is actually homeless? He probably is living in an apartment or a house that is run by an agency that takes care of people with special needs or some place like the YMCA. You should spend some around the smoking area of the YMCA and you will see some unusual people who look like they are homeless. Many of them goes to the library on a regular basis. Think about it, what kind of delusional person could be out in negative 10 degree weather (before wind chill) and still survive. A delusional person wouldn't have a tent or even blankets. They would die in Des Moines. They are the kind of people who climb in dumpsters and get killed. Just because somebody looks homeless doesn't mean that's true.

Growing Up Wired
Interesting topic, would have liked to hear more about cyber-bullying and the like. But, I'm more curious about what sources were checked for the following quote, "Every year in the U.S. about 15,000 kids are diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. I'm no medical doctor, but "kids" have always been getting Type 1 diabetes since it is (usually) a juvenile onset type. I think, but am not sure, that what you meant was Type 2 diabetes, or insulin resistant (the type related to obesity), has been increasing in frequency among younger populations. Please be sure to thoroughly check your facts. Thanks!

bands and artists comment
I just read someone say Final Mix is the best band in town and Jason Brown the best artist. Final Mix is good and I have not heard Mr. Brown, but I must also say for anyone reading this who has NOT heard a young woman in town by the name of Bonne Finken you are missing out. I have heard her three times now and she truly is the gem of the Des Moines music scene and is sadly not out in public much while she records a cd. Trust me if you get a chance, hear her! She does sing for a cover band When in Groovia, also.

Uncle Wendell's Barbeque
Uncle Wendell's rocks. His beef brisket is fabulous with a crusty outer edge and sweet tender smoked meet inside. The pulled pork is awesome too (but the beef brisket is my favorite). The sandwiches are huge and while you know you shouldn't eat the whole thing, they are just too good not too. His baked beans are also great, and may be the best I have ever had. Tons of pork in with the beans make them a meal by themselves. It is a true family restaurant where Wendell, his wife Pam and sometimes even his mother can be found behind the counter, putting the family honor on the line with every great meal. He also has some of his subperb farmer's market baked goods there year round, including Dutch Letters and Almond Bread. If you haven't been there yet, make sure to go soon, you'll love it!

Civic Skinny
What's happening to Earthpark? I have faith that Civic Skinny will be one of the first to hear any interesting rumors. Please share them.

best bands or artist
the best group in the city of DES MOINES is Final Mix, they are fantastic, and the best artist is Jason Brown he is Iowas best in country, give them both a try and you will see I'm right.

Angling for Legislation
If Iowa catfish could talk, they'd be telling us to forget the "official state fish" designation and just clean up the water they have to live in. Which is the same water we drink, fish and recreate in, so its current foul condition doesn't say much for our collective smarts. One indication that we Iowans aren't too bright regarding water is that those clean water TV ads, the ones produced by the Iowa Farm Bureau, aren't getting laughed at. Reed canarygrass is an invasive species that natural resource agencies and conservationists are trying to get rid of, so boasting about farmers' stream conservation work and then showing streams lined with solid reed canarygrass is kind of like boasting about dental hygiene and then showing a mouth with no remaining teeth. And that pond in one ad has steep cut banks and mowed grass right to the edge, which is NOT recommended for good water quality. Pathetic.

6th Avenue
I'm writing to address the people verse car problem on 6th Ave. in Des Moines. This is right around University Ave. I recently had the terrible luck of being a part of this problem just a few weeks ago. A very intoxicated male stepped out in front of my car in rush hour traffic. I was lucky enough to stop in time to just bump him and not run him over. As the ambulance came for him I witnessed several other people running across the street weaving through cars. Did I mention this was not at all close to a crosswalk. Also there were atleast 8 people just loitering outside of the plasma building (everyday occurance), not 2 feet from all the traffic. I just heard this morning that someone in my family had a similar thing happen to them just last week. A pedestrian stepped in front of his vehicle and this time almost got hit. So is it illegal to jay walk in Des Moines? Is there a reason for crosswalks on 6th ave? With all the loitering going on in that area and all the traffic one would hope there would be a solution. Maybe enforce the use of crosswalks. Write a few tickets for loitering. Write a few tickets for all the drunks just hanging out stepping in front of cars. Is that considered public intoxication? Im sure if I was drunk stepping in front of cars in Urbandale I would be in the slammer in minutes. Ok or dead. The fact that this happened to two people in the same family in one month tells me that there may be others who encounter this. Maybe Im wrong and people should be allowed to just step in front of cars if they want. Heck if they don't have insurance why does it matter to them. They aren't paying my 500 dollar deductible.

Republican Caucus
I attended Johnston 3 caucus, which is the largest Republican precinct in the state of Iowa. 635 people showed up, so we didn't get started until 8:00 p.m., but it was worth it! Tricia nixon Cox and husband Ed Cox showed up to speak fpr John McCain, Mitt Romney's eldest son and family spoke for him. A senator from Arkansas spoke for Huckabee, a physician from Johnston who was an intern in NYC during Guliani's NYC tenure spoke for him, a pretty well spoken local spoke for Ron Paul and no one was there for Thompson and we were disappointed. HOWEVER, no one was disappointed when presidential candidate Alan Keyes stepped up to speak for himself. It was a once in a lifetime experience. He is such a passionate, well educated, dynamic person. He began with a question, "How many of you think the most important thing we need to do in this election is keep Hillary Clinton out of the White House?" All 635 loyal Republicans clapped yelled, and made it clear that they felt exactly that way. Then, Alan Keyes proceeded to eloquently detail how our precious America is slipping away from us. How we tolerate abortion, not seeing it as exactly the same kind of "terrorism" and killing of innocents, and the Islamo-Facists in our "War on Terror." He spoke of how run away liberal courts are debasing the duties of our legislatures by creating "law" using pinko liberal judgements. The "Republic" of Lincoln is in serious danger. He is the ONLY candidate who will actually abolish the tax mess we now have, there is no "fixing" it. He is the only candidate who could possibly lead us back to the foundation of our Constitution. Keyes has a PhD from Harvard. He helped Reagan bring down the Berlin Wall, and the Soviet Union. He has represented us in the United Nations. He has MORE foreign policy experience than all the other candidates of both parties put together. He stands for the moral, physical and economic sovereignty of all Americans. He is a diamond among a batch of rhinestone candidates. Oh, and at the end of his speech, he again asked the same question about what was really important to us in this election, if it was keeping Hillary out, this time, you could hear a pin drop. He turned and walked to the side of the stage and listened to the deafening applause of the gathered Republicans, by FAR, the best reception of the evening. I was undecided when I went to my caucus. I voted for Keyes. Only 13 other Johnston 3 folks did the same. What a shame. We'll be sorry if he's not on the ticket and by this time next year, it will be too late. You've been warned.

Caucus rant
FYI I have lived in Iowa my entire life. I've survived the winters and the caucuses, and if I live through this one, 13 presidential election cycles. Unlike Mother Nature's occasional outbursts, the caucuses are a man made disaster. I've attended caucuses and found them as intellectually valuable as a high school pep rally. Like real estate abstracts and butter cows, the caucus system is uniquely Iowan. The other 49 states are also comprised of "true Americans." They just haven't resorted to the truly archaic caucus system. It's about Iowa's 15 minutes, not how "American" Iowan's are. Kent Carlson

Barack Obama, the next president
Barack is not eye candy. He is not a celebrity. He is a true leader who is already bringing this country together. If you caucused last night, you saw Democrats, Republicans and Indepedents stand behind Obama and start talking about how to move this country forward, together. Regarding the nonsense from the person who hinted that Obama will introduce an era of bowing to the East and hailing Allah, calm down and educate yourself, please (and learn how spell the name of our next president).

Barrack Obama
What in the world are you people in Iowa thinking? You vote a man in who doesn't even have enough respect for the American flag to put his hand on his heart during the pledge of allegiance (see www.Snopes.com for pictures and verification). Read about him for yourself on www.Snopes.com. Do you honestly think he is for the American people? When you have to start bowing to the east and hail Allah then it will be too late to turn back. This is not a good thing. We have to take America back and having a non-Muslim as our president is not going to do it! Yes, he is "eye candy" but as the old saying goes, "wolves come in sheeps clothing." Please, think about it!!! Don't help sell America down the gutter!!

Charlie Wilson's War
If I wanted the true story with every detail, I'd watch a documentary on the subject. Hanks, Roberts and to a major extent Hoffman, present you with a wonderful piece of entertainment, held together with the type of dialogue only Aaron Sorkin could put together. Go see it and enjoy it, but don't take it too seriously.

Iowa Caucus
After reading Kent Carlson's slanted commentary about the Iowa Caucus, I would invite him here. But your narrow mind and your unforsight would never survie our cold weather, ice and snow. People like him sit in the warm weather drinking ice tea shooting down the true Americans, only small people would ever write what he did and insult everyone.

Hillary
As a nurse for 27 years, a mother and wife who has worked hard all my life to get ahead, I applaud you Hillary Clinton!! There is NOT one politician that is perfect in all of our history, but if there is anyone who WILL defend us middle class hard working people, it is Hillary Clinton! I've done my research for a very long time and obtained the facts and without a doubt, our great country is going to see history take place in November 2008! For the first time we are going to see a woman President! And its not just because she is a woman, it is because of what she represents to us all. Stop looking at the past, because the Clintons own personal lives where their own. Face it, everyone has a skeleton in their closet in some way, shape or form. The Clinton did their job well before and they will do an even better job in the future. Do your research on the facts before you make judgement.

Huckabee's Immigration Plan Is Deceiving
Mike Huckabee says his 9 point immigration plan will solve the problem of illegal immigration. The last part of that plan gives the millions of illegal aliens in this country the option to leave the country and come in the legal way. However, he's been quoted and recorded saying this process would only take a day or so. That's not doing it the legal way. This is amnesty, pure and simple. This plan is no different than the amnesty bill Senators Kennedy and Kyl tried to shove down our throats last summer. We cannot afford another George Bush type in the White House, and I strongly recommend to anyone considering voting for Mike Huckabee to check out his record on illegal immigration.

hillary's experience
Hillary said yesterday that she would cut off aid to Pakistan. Somehow that sounds more like the pronoucement of someone who never had security clearance in her 8 years in the White House than it sounds like the 35 year leader her minions keep telling us she is. Of course, she also said last week that OPEC would reduce the price of oil if she were elected, so maybe it doesn't matter if she her leadership credentials are earned. She's magic.

Beware of Huckabee
I think Mike Huckabee will be remembered as a flip flopper and a liar. An example is him lying in front of milllions of people about having a theology degree when he does not. I found this article and am sharing it. FREELAND The founder of a Hazleton based anti illegal immigration group left for Iowa on Wednesday to join other activists to discredit GOP presidential contender Mike Huckabee before the Iowa caucus. "We're going to expose to Iowa voters that Mike Huckabee, who is currently leading in the Iowa polls, is a fraud, and his record speaks volumes. He does not care about immigration reform, and basically, we need to go out there and get the word out," Dan Smeriglio, president and founder of Voice of the People USA, said Wednesday at a press conference at the Veterans of Foreign Wars post in Freeland. Smeriglio will join William Gheen, president of Americans for Legal Immigration Political Action Committee, and Peter Gadiel, of 9 11 Families for a Secure America, to "warn Republican voters" in Iowa about Huckabee's "touchback amnesty plan" in anticipation of the Jan. 3 Iowa caucus. Caucuses are meetings at which members of political parties gather to make policy decisions, elect leaders and select candidates. In a few states, they serve as an alternative to primary elections. Since 1972, the Iowa caucus has been the first major electoral event of the presidential nominating process and has served as an early indicator for which presidential candidate might win his or her party's nomination at the party's national convention. After setting up a command center Wednesday night, the leaders of the three anti illegal immigration groups plan over the next four days to conduct media interviews, initiate a phone campaign to as many as 42,000 registered Republican Iowan voters and go door to door to spread their message about Huckabee, Smeriglio said. Gheen, of ALIPAC, said the activists will warn voters that Huckabee and fellow GOP presidential contenders Rudy Giuliani and Sen. John McCain have "pro amnesty" stances. On his Web site mikehuckabee.com, Huckabee details a nine-point "strategy for immigration enforcement and border security" that includes rejecting policies that promote or tolerate amnesty. Under the amnesty provision, Huckabee proposes to provide all illegal immigrants 120 days to register with the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services and leave the country. Those who register and return to their home country will face no penalty if they later apply to immigrate or visit; those who do not return home will be, when caught, will be barred from future re entry for a period of 10 years, according to the Web site. But Gheen said Huckabee "is trying to deceive voters with a tough immigration stance on his Web site that excludes his comments to FOX News on Dec. 9 where he says illegal aliens can return within days."

Im writing this in response to your recent article on "people making a difference".
Namely the person who was mentioned first...a certain outreach worker. let me give u some inside information. In the two years i have been homeless in Des Moines, i have witnessed time and again, just how uncompassionate this man is...including throwing a man out of a homeless shelter for trying to get a hungry person some food. I have seen time and time again, how this man truley does not care about the people he deals with. the number of times i have seen this person near a homeless camp, i can count on one hand. his uncaring treatment of the homeless people of Des moines is not something that we should celebrate. It should be considered as just another reason why homeless people can not get off the streets. His malicious attacks on the homeless people of this city are borderline criminal including several times, while not only threating a homeless man, i have seen him rejoice in the fact he can throw a man out into the cold. this person should not be celebrated.he should be chastised for his actions, attitude and treatment of the poor of Des moines. In closing let me add this... say what u like about the poor of Des moines, but its a sad day, when a person who is to care for them, finds joy in threating and harrasing them. threatening to put a person out into the cold, for what u ask? asking for food? or how about asking for just a lil respect?

Sculpture at Ponderosa
In response to "what's the deal with the Ponderosa sculture commissions? I haven't read a thing, every media outlet in town has over reported every pappajohn and bucksbaum art donation but nothing about commissions for living local artists, rather than tax breaks for the filthy rich, might be interesting." Expect to see a sequence of press begining in February.

best of 2007
The Register did a Best of Dining, can't ever remember them picking the best new restaurant before. Their two critics picked two different restaurants than you picked. How the hell do you choose? Did one really stand out for you? Also, thanks for acknowledging George Formaro, he's a great talent and Des Moines is so lucky to have him. I think he doesn't usually get the due acclaim because he isn't an academy boy like most hot chefs these days.

Best of 2007
I recently checked out the Best of 2007 article because I had received another forwarded email from the annoying Melrose girls to vote for them Best of 2008. It is in my high hopes that the best of 2008 article comes out more innovative. I cannot decide if the Best of 2007 article shines light on bad shopping, or bad writers? To name Von Maur because of the "dressy" clothing, than go on to name Lucky brand jeans? Anyone that is aware of retailers would know that Lucky brand jeans are not a hot commodity. The writer should have gone on to discuss the exclusivity that Von Maur brings to Des Moines (Burberry, Kooba, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Juicy Couture, True Religion brand jeans, ect.) plus the wonderful customer service experienced at the store. It is also kind of contradictory to name Yonkers the best "casual" retailer and than list it as a runner up to the best "dressy" retailer. There are so many categories that Cityview included in this list that Des Moines simply does not have enough variety to vote on. "Best Shopping District?" There are only three in the area (all of which made the list as top or runner up). Why don't you include some innovative categories like "Best Boutique," "Best overall retailer," "Best department store," "Best bargain store." At least this way the "list" can see some competition. Just food for thought.

A new renaissance of hope
Our grandchildren will read stories of how Iowa chose the first great leader of the free world in nearly 50 years. Our grandchildren will read stories of how Iowa chose a leader with true vision and hope. They will read stories about how this leader challenged its citizens to accomplish great deeds. They will know the greatest deed of all for this new leader was the accomplishment of true world peace, A peace that elevated America to a new renaissance of hope and opportunity. On January 3rd, Iowa will have that opportunity to change the course of America and elect the next great leader of the free world, Barack Obama.

best & worst
what's the deal with the Ponderosa sculture commissions? I haven't read a thing, every media outlet in town has over reported every piece of art the pappajohns and bucksbaums give the river walk and gateway park to death, but commissions for living local artists, rather than tax breaks for the filthy rich, might be interesting. No?

letters to the editor/former rant
I see you edited my rant when you turned it into a letter to the editor. Unfortunately, you took out the part that made the last line make sense, the part that bothers me more than their calling, that these calls are making me so angry that I get nasty about them. Still, I've managed to curb some of that nastiness since that rant; I cut the last caller off and told them I was voting for Severus Snape, then hung up. Not completely polite, but better than telling them to shove off. And definitely more fun.

Granny Basketball
It is that time of year when grannies (women over age 50) are untying their aprons, lacing up their tennis shoes and heading to the gym to play Granny Basketball. Granny Basketball is a gentle sport for the mature women. It involves no running or jumping, but hurrying is encouraged. There are currently two established teams in the Des Moines area and three more getting started (WDM, Ankeny and Indianola). These grannies love to play basketball and are searching for groups who need new ideas for fundraisers. There is never a charge to the organization and everyone has a great time. For more information or to set up a game, visit grannybasketball.com.

Best & Worst 2007
Knowing 2 out of the 3 volunteer winners: Mary Muller & Don Dunagan made those choices personal for me. Their contributions and friendships with those they serve are as beautiful as the art these artists produce.

best & worst of 2007
I think I remember your Art Pimp calling for a Living Treasures program in Iowa. If not him, someone else writing in the local press did several years ago. The Japanese designate Living Treasures and Revered Presences to honor their unique cultural assets. Other countries, a couple states and several USA cities have done the same thing. (Santa Fe's Living Treasures include a former Des Moines lady, Mary Lou Cook.) Iowa should begin such and Bill Luchsinger & Karen Strohbeen should be charter members. They are Iowa art incarnate, and in reproduction.

"of a nice grandma..."
Wow, I just wanted to make sure this comment from a previous Rant & Raver didn't get lost in the length of his rant. "the reason the Register endorsed Hilary Clinton and John McCain, is to generate an onslaught of online traffic. Since the endorsement, 1025 comments (and counting) have been posted after the news story about that endorsement. That translates to more dollars for the Register's bottom line related to online advertising dollars."

Beechwood Lounge
Beechwood is a great bar! Although it is very nice estabilishment, very far from a dive bar like explained in the article. Overall great story and even better bar.

The Sins of my Church
The Catholic Church should be disbanded for having the audacity to: Pay for the defense of a priest convicted of molesting an innocent child and then coming to their congregation(s) for money to pay for said defense. Ask any of its members for money when the Vatican is sitting on untold millions and perhaps billions of dollars. Elect a Pope who was a NAZI. Come up with a Ten Commandments for driving (Don't believe me? It is true, just google it). Preach forgiveness, understanding, and tolerance while (in the same breath) judging and condemning those who remain true to who god made them. Not allow women to serve in a more prominent role when women play quite a healthy role in the bible, the book which we are told is 'The Truth.' Not apologize sooner to the victims of the Holocaust and their families and for failing to take action sooner. Allow people to buy their way into heaven many century's ago. And for still allowing people to do it today under the guise of tithing. I could go on but as a Recovering Catholicª, I have to let go sometime.

Of a nice grandma, the scribbling race and human pi–atas
The number of paid subscribers to the Des Moines Register is dwindling and for good reason. The day I cancelled my subscription was the day I opened my paper and read printed comments from "Bubba" underneath one of the news stories. "Bubba" is one of the cast of characters posting comments at the Register's Online Forums. His "claim to fame" is downloading another forum user's Juvenile Court Record from Iowa Courts Online and posting it in the forums as a means to humiliate and embarass a 20 year old college student. The ensuing "flame war" resulted in the Register banning me "permanently from posting comments.... ONLY me, not "Bubba." Ironically, I was one of the few people who was "invited" to try out the Register's Beta Site before they went "live" with it in November. At the time I received the invitation, I was banned from posting comments. On the new "site" the Register is unable to actually ban anyone from posting comments. Their software DOES allow them to completely pull the profile of a forum user without notifying them they're being yanked. Then that person sets up a new profile, which the Register eventually yanks and so on and so on...... Apparently the San Francisco Chronicle uses the same software because I read about some online forum users who are questioning the software. Here's how it works. The Register yanks the complete profile of the forum user which means ALL of the comments posted are removed, not just the offensive ones. Here's the "big secret"...if that forum user is "logged in" they will "see their comments" but nobody else will. So for a time, they won't know their profile's been yanked. If they log in, the comments are there, but if they happen to go to the Discussion Forums or the News Stories, without logging in, they will "discover" the "dirty secret." What's the point of this you might ask? The POINT is that the Register continues to generate online traffic from the user profile as opposed to just getting rid of the profile completely. This is outrageous! During the past several weeks, I have subjected to another forum user who has directed the following to me: "You look like Bob Barker in Drag" and followed it with a photo of Bob Barker, "You're a douchebag," "Yeah the woman is a real nut case who needs professional help, just keep using the report post button on her posts every time," "crackpot, crank, cuckoo, demoniac, ding-a-ling, flake, freak, fruitcake, goof, harebrain, kook, lamebrain, loon, loony, madman, maniac, neurotic, ninny, nut, nutcase, paranoid, psychopath, psychotic, scatterbrain, schizo, screwball, section 8, sicko, whacko, and yo-yo. You are not wanted or welcome around here. By ANYONE! Get a clue and leave us alone. What is your major malfuntion?!?!" and "One down 63 personalities to go. ;)" This same poster posted this a few days ago: "I like boobies :)" This forum user has NEVER been banned, or had his profile yanked, the Register has banned me for using the terms, "moron" & "slumlord." I have written about my Polycystic Kidney Disease and my suffering from ADHD at the Register's Discussion Forums on several occasions, yet the Register continues to publish vicious personal attacks that include name-calling related to my "bunk kidneys" and the above deragatory references my being mentally ill. I have sent the Register numerous e-mails containing the deragatory personal attacks, some of which they've removed. The forum user who has been the biggest offender has been warned time and again to stop but he posted the above 30 references to my supposed mental state yesterday, without penalty. I have no doubt that I'm being targetted by the Register for stands I've taken against Hilary Clinton, and others of what they consider "off limits." This is what the Register considers "free speech." One of the topics on the Discussion Forums this week was "Moustache Rides" where the users posting comments either promise a "ride" or ask for one. That is the kind of filth the Register is passing off as news. "Bubba" always appears to "add a log" to the latest "flame war." Yesterday, there was a thread devoted to the promotion of "Car Surfing" a practice where kids ride on the hood of a moving car. Kids have been killed doing this but some of the forum users were promoting it as an alternative to "kids shooting each other." Now, if a kid reads that, and decides that since supposed adults are sanctioning it, and he gets killed, is the Register responsible for allowing the promotion of it on their website? If the Register isn't legally liable, then at the very least, they have some moral obligation not to promote something via their Discussion Forums, that has been shown to cause the death of kids? The Register allows a "mob" of forum users to "gang up" on other forums users...a kind of "sacrificial lamb" so to speak, in order to generate more online traffic. That's the "beauty" of their new software that allows them to yank a user profile, but then the "offender" can go right back with a new profile and continue posting. When the user writes something the Register doesn't like or agree with, they can then yank that user profile. It's my opinion that the reason the Register endorsed Hilary Clinton and John McCain, is to generate an onslaught of online traffic. Since the endorsement, 1025 comments(and counting) have been posted after the news story about that endorsement. That translates to more dollars for the Register's bottom line related to online advertising dollars. I will NEVER purchase a subscription to the Des Moines Register... in fact if the Register offered to deliver the "paper" free of charge to my front door, I would refuse it. In order to defend myself, I have communicated with the United States Department of Justice, with a complaint that the Register is refusing to recognize me as being part of a Protected Class of Persons, related to my now 20+ year diagnosis of 2 legitimate disabilities, both of which are considered permanent. In spite of receiving a copy of a letter to the Justice Department, the Register is continuing to allow the ongoing personal attacks against me without allowing equal access to defend myself in that same venue. This is not Free Speech, it's propaganda, yellow journalism (not quite libel) discrimination and censorship. One thing is certain, this is definite not news reporting. The "Star Magazine" provides more hard news than the "rag" otherwise known as the Des Moines Register.

Des Moines Register endorse H.C. is a mistake
If you are concerned that you may be electing an unindicted criminal, then you should agree with the Des Moines Reg. decision. There are grand juries who have met to go forward with an investigation of Hillary's involvement with "clearing the playing field" in 1999. Here's a quote from Tom Flocco.com "the long-time Special Forces and Division 4 (FBI)... classified final report naming former presidents Bill Clinton and George H. W. Bush, Pres. Bush and Sen. Hillary Clinton among others as being involved in orchestrating the assassination of John F. Kennedy Jr... Div 4 has investigated other major crimes as shown on the Discovery channel in the 'The Hunt for the Serpent' - a serial killer as well as "a chase thru the Hudson Valley" capturing the Green Valley Killer." Del, team leader of this of this special investigative FBI arm felt that in good conscience he could not keep this secret any longer - and so granted an interview with Tom Flocco.com and later the 20 page report which Tom had posted on Stewwebb.com. Why did they do it? Because of leaked plans that HC would be beaten by jfk if he decided to run against her for NY Senator. Poppy Buch was afraid of jfk's possible bypassing of the senate race and going for prez - his son would have no chance - if that was what John K. decided to do. The plot involved airplane sabotage and a remote (or barometric) charge going off. Weather was good, plane was in good shape and in all likelihood there was a flight instructor on board who jk used on nite flites (later covered up) because it refutes "Pilot Error." Complicit in this outrage is the NTSB who help suspend the search for the aircraft for 15 hours - when they knew all along - from radar - where the aircraft impacted after falling some 188 feet!

iron wok
I had no idea there was an independent restaurant out there in Jordan Creek so thanks for the tip. Went there and was charmed by the owners, what an oasis in the franchise food desert.

grandma's
Well said sir. In its decisions about blog-to-paper fluidity, the Gannett Outlet Store on Locust has abdiacted its responsibility as a gatekeeper of standards, of ethics and of fairness. Ten years ago, I was complaining about the mistakes and bad grammar that slipped by the paper's "copy editors." On this slippery slope, that led to far more troubling things - 1.) Professional travel writing and now film reviewing have been done away with, in order to publish "show & tell time for grown-ups" in which the paper strokes egos by publishing "My Family Vacation" photos and anecdotes in exchange for cost free filler. 2.) Blogs being manipulated by rivals to undermine competitor restaurants with lies or inaccuracies, which can go uncorrected for weeks. 3.) Solicitation for free research - as in "Send us comments about your experience with ... for a story we are planning."

Who will you vote for??
Talk about funny calls, I got one Tuesday that asked me who I was going to vote for in the Republican primary. Being a two party house hold that stuff happens. Naturally, I politely told them no thank you. The call was from out of state, so I Googled the number... 603-232-9296. An escort company in New Hampshire?? Gimme a break!

Political Phone Calls
Received 4 calls over two days from the "Robo-Voice" pushing Ron Paul from a blocked out of area phone number on the caller ID. Contacted the national Ron Paul organization and asked them to stop the insanity and told them I wanted the name of the company making the calls. They took my name and number but refused to identify the company hired to pester Iowan's with that kind of crap. So much for Ron Paul's advocating open government and public's right to know.

The Art of Giving Back
A great article that truly shows the benefit of Project Based Learning and how it relates to real world learning experiences.

Candidates' phone calls
4 calls a night is nothing. Heck, I receive 3 calls within 5 minutes of each other from Clinton alone. And not on just one night. This continues. I, too, am tired of them. One can not watch a TV show in the evening without getting at least a couple of calls per show. The only vote I am going to make off a phone call is a NO. And you can bet Clinton is at the top of my NO list!

phone calls from candidates' offices/polls
I have just received my 4th call today regarding the upcoming caucuses - plus one last night (a Sunday) at 8p while watching holiday films with my kids. I have a