Posted December 17, 2014in Sound Circuit
Dave Zollo has lived. Musically, there are few people in the state who can claim his pedigree. Between founding Trailer Records and performing in iconic acts like High and Lonesome and his own Body Electric, there is no doubt that Zollo’s image would belong up on the Mount Rushmore of
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Posted December 17, 2014in The Sound
Mannheim Streamroller is, perhaps more than any other pop sensation, the brainchild of one man. The whole concept started back in 1974 when Chip Davis — who was also busy at that time penning songs for novelty country act C.W. McCall — decided to create an outlet to showcase his
Read More →What makes America so great? Without hesitation, you should have answered, “the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.” The Declaration states that each and every American is afforded the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The Constitution institutes the right to bear arms, protection from illegal search
Read More →Nicki Minaj “The Pinkprint” Republic Nicki Minaj is like a vaguely easier to palate Lil’ Kim with better marketing and a less dirty past. As pop music goes, it is OK, and there is an obvious reason why she is popular if you are into that kind of thing.
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Posted December 17, 2014in Cover Story
There are two primary aspects to any non-profit organization or social program: the money, and the work. Most of the former comes in through donations from private donors, businesses and charitable trusts. It’s the side of things that gets all the press. Organizations will mention how much money they raised
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Posted December 17, 2014in Rap Sheet
Two of a Kind Last year, Radric Davis (a.k.a. Gucci Mane, then 33) was arrested for possession of marijuana and for threatening police officers. A friend of Davis’ called the police to warn them of his erratic behavior, and once officials arrived, Davis began cursing at them and threatening them.
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Posted December 17, 2014in Joe's Neighborhood
Entering into the public meeting on this early winter day in Iowa was reminiscent of visiting a new church eager for converts. Smiling faces greeted everyone at the door. Materials were placed into calloused hands as the staff kept everyone moving forward. Coffee and donuts were displayed on long tables
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Posted December 17, 2014in Locker Room
’Tis the season to try and fit a little more in — a little more food on the table, a couple of more presents under the tree and a little more basketball into your day. Check out one of the marquee basketball events in the Midwest — the Hy-Vee Big
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Posted December 17, 2014in Book Review
Wendell Berry, who turned 80 this year, has written more than 50 books of fiction, poetry and non-fiction. Berry is an award-winning author, the recipient of numerous esteemed prizes from a Guggenheim Foundation Fellowship in 1962 to the recently-earned National Humanities Medal. His writing has had great influence on contemporary poetry
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Posted December 17, 2014in Art News
The close of 2014 happened with a flurry of architectural promise. Demolition began on a several Ingersoll area buildings to make way for Des Moines’ first Fresh Market, a Whole Foods-like chain from Carolina. Kemin announced a handsome new headquarters in east Des Moines. The venerable buildings that housed The
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