Posted June 03, 2026in Film Review
When the “Mortal Kombat” big-screen reboot bludgeoned its way into the mainstream back in 2021, it carried the weight of a pandemic-weary audience looking for pure, unadulterated escapism. While it offered flashy choreography and a highly anticipated dose of R-rated gore, it ultimately stumbled over its own self-serious tone, an
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Posted June 03, 2026in Food Dude
Knowing that George Formaro’s love of horror stories inspired Zombie Burger + Drink Lab, I used to assume that Gateway Market and Café was named after a bloody piece of American cultural history. The LaBianca family, murdered by Charles Manson’s followers, owned an identically named chain of stores. After all,
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Posted June 03, 2026in Des Moines Forgotten
Exactly two years ago, I was eagerly waiting for the premiere of “The Last American Gay Bar” at the Varsity Cinema here in Des Moines. My closest friends joined me in making this series that told the history of the gay community of this city, along with the untold story
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Posted June 03, 2026in Joe's Neighborhood
Listen, it’s going to look like I’m talking about Artificial Intelligence (AI), but don’t run for the hills, don’t wring your hands, don’t fret. Father’s Day is coming up. So I’m really going to talk about my dad. Trust me. Let’s start with my dad. “Mankind has seen only a
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Posted June 03, 2026in Center Stage
Iowa Stage Theatre Company has a penchant for bringing unique programming through its play selections, and this thoughtfully developed niche of theirs gives Iowa audiences a deep dive into wonderful theatre. Samantha Hurley’s undeniably dark, comedic, brilliant script, “I’m Gonna Marry You Tobey Maguire,” is their next journey into great
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Posted June 03, 2026in Belly Up To...
If you are looking for an expertly handcrafted cocktail in West Des Moines, don’t search for the word “bar” on the outdoor signage. Instead, look for a beauty salon and spa. Hidden inside Serenity Couture Salon & Spa in the former Wells Fargo building is West Des Moines’ newest speakeasy,
Read More →Des Moines’ own Scot Sutherland received the Blues Music Award in the Instrumentalist-Bass category in Memphis in May. The Blues Awards is a national honor, often dubbed the “Grammys of the Blues.” Sutherland has played bass with other musicians who have won Blues Awards in the past, including Tommy Castro,
Read More →“Backrooms” R | 1 hour, 50 minutes Director: Kane Parsons Writers: Will Soodik, Kane Parsons Stars: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Renate Reinsve, Mark Duplass The Backrooms exist outside of space and time, functioning as a kind of modern purgatory that anyone can accidentally fall into by “no-clipping” through the unstable, glitchy corners
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Posted June 03, 2026in People & Pets
As Caty Elgin rides her horse, Smokescreen, during a jumping competition, she leans in, guiding the horse over a fence. As the horse clears it and other obstacles in record time, Elgin wins another riding competition. In addition to competing, Elgin teaches riding lessons and trains riders for competitions. She
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