July 12, 2023 by Brent Antisdel
in Guest View
Fourteen veterans who are buried Clarinda State Hospital cemetery will finally be given a formal military funeral. Like many Iowans, I watched the parades, speeches, fireworks and pageantry of the Fourth of July celebrations and felt a sense of pride in those who helped make America a special country. I
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July 06, 2023 by Brent Antisdel
in Morain
An insidious word has been worming its way into America’s political lexicon. It’s the loaded word “unelected.” It’s a useful word. When appointed public officials take steps with which someone disagrees, it’s increasingly common to hear them tarred with being “unelected.” Well, duh. Exactly how should the millions of government
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July 05, 2023 by Brent Antisdel
in Feature 1
Modernization has impacted industries, businesses, transportation, home life, entertainment — you name it. Automation, AI, smartphones and self-checkout are examples of the changing times many encounter on a regular basis. Even our long-held traditions and practices have changed with modern sensibilities and technology. From gender reveal parties to end-of-life practices,
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July 05, 2023 by Brent Antisdel
in Feature 2
The idea for the CHOICE awards originated eight years ago and was inspired by Japan’s Living National Treasures. That program honors “preservers of important intangible cultural properties.” In the years after World War II, anxiety arose in Japan that their unique cultural traditions — noh, kabuki, origami, kumi, sumo, teapot
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July 05, 2023 by Brent Antisdel
in Business Feature
The bitterly cold winters and sultry summers of Iowa create work balance challenges for some business operators who do seasonal work. Other business owners see the natural connection in putting two businesses together. And some entrepreneurs simply aren’t satisfied with one type of business. For all these folks, combining two
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July 05, 2023 by Brent Antisdel
in Civic Skinny
What is the future of the Court Avenue District? On May 8, The Responsible Hospitality Institute (RHI) presented a study completed on behalf of the Polk County Board of Supervisors detailing the social, economic and growth opportunities of the Court Avenue District. RHI offered suggestions for improvement and provided an
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July 05, 2023 by Brent Antisdel
in Political Mercury
Twenty one years ago, Chuck Offenburger and I had ringside seats for a rare and fascinating journalistic forum: the now late George “Lefty” Mills, the legendary Des Moines Register reporter, the late Bob Beck, the former publisher of Centerville’s Daily Iowegian, a towering figure in journalism and Republican politics for decades, and my
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July 05, 2023 by Brent Antisdel
in Film Review
“Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” swings into theaters with an ultimate cinematic experience that is nothing short of spectacular. This animated superhero extravaganza, directed by the brilliant minds of Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers and Justin K. Thompson, not only lives up to the high standards set by its predecessor but
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July 05, 2023 by Brent Antisdel
in Food Dude
Summer is sandwich time in Iowa. We consume more hot dogs, more burgers, more carryout and more sandwiches in the warm season, probably because we are looking for something to eat while also doing something else. Des Moines’ metro has some new options for meals on the go. Graziano’s set
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July 05, 2023 by Brent Antisdel
in Des Moines Forgotten
Gentrification is a mixed bag. In one sense, you have people we assume come with good intentions and invest in parts of our city that have been long ignored. The lack of interest would have come from back in the day when suburban life became the hot trend. People would
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