The Des Moines Register headlined a Dec. 13 editorial, "Rain Forest Hinges on Donor Support." And the Register's right: "rain forest gate" can't swing without hinges. But, like any effective barnyard gate, it requires more than the one good hinge of donor support. And therein lies a lesson of profound significance, not only for Iowa, but for every state and community throughout the country. It involves the juncture of five common, but dangerous, themes ... >> more

By Jim Duncan
CVFDude@aol.com

In the "my town is better than yours" game, points are scored with commercial acquisitions. For the last half century, having a McDonald's could separate a "town with a future" from a "dying town." And these days, suburbs tally up their franchise outlet stores, while cities tout the ethnic diversity of their businesses. The ultimate winning hand in this game is a business so nearly unique that even much bigger cities don't have one. In that context, Beyond the Grain deals a royal flush to metro Des Moines, with a completely gluten-free cafè. >> more

By Michael Swanger
michael@dmcityview.com

Before Rob Gordon, the compulsive list-making record store owner portrayed by John Cusack in the movie "High Fidelity" brought them into the mainstream, mix tapes had been a part of the underground music world for years - so long they're still called "tapes" though they are recorded on CDs. From music junkies and wannabe hipsters, to amateur DJs and underground bands, mix tapes have long been an outlet for those who believe it necessary to share their personal musical tastes with loved ones and friends. >>more