July 05, 2023 by Brent Antisdel
in Belly Up To...
The Des Moines metro area has its share of sports bars with televisions, where sportscasters holler play-by-play action. Or there’s the raucous watering hole, playing booming music on its speakers in a stuffy standing-room only venue. This summer, try something different. It’s time to get away from the typical bar
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July 05, 2023 by Brent Antisdel
in People & Pets
Kaitie and Greg Lagan left suburban West Des Moines to raise their family in rural Norwalk. The acreage included room for a pasture, and Kaitie thought a few goats would be ideal. Then she heard of an alpaca that was ill-kept and rescued the animal. After a pig had fallen
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July 05, 2023 by Brent Antisdel
in Cars in the City
Sensible. Reliable. Affordable. Fuel efficient. These are some of the traits of Honda vehicles. I’ve driven a Honda for 30 years, and I’ve wanted to write about a spiffy new Honda for this Cars in the City column to see what I’m missing — or, maybe, to do some car
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July 05, 2023 by Brent Antisdel
in Lunch With...
Joe Giunta is maestro of the Des Moines Symphony Orchestra (DMSO). He has had opportunities to conduct top orchestras all over Europe, South America and the U.S., and he has remained loyal to Des Moines Symphony since 1989. We asked him to lunch recently, and he chose Fresko. “They serve
Read More →‘Camp Damascus’ Dr. Chuck Tingle is beloved for many reasons, not the least of which is his unapologetic, boundless support for all types of people — especially those who go against the grain. While his self-published stories have become viral memes dozens of times over the years, now Dr. Tingle
Read More →How long are safety deposit boxes held on to, and what’s usually found inside? State Treasurer Roby Smith announced there would be an auction of abandoned safety deposit boxes on May 30. It may sound upsetting that some worthwhile belongings are being auctioned off, but Smith ensures that the treasury
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July 05, 2023 by Brent Antisdel
in Art News
Robert Moore is an enthralling artist, a great story, and a humbling writer. His hand-touched archival prints recount his personal struggles within the context of the historic ordeals of black manchildren desperately trying to grow up in America. His story is how art can become therapy for drug addiction and
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July 05, 2023 by Brent Antisdel
in Collections & Hobbies
Before we could entertain ourselves and our families with the likes of party style-video games such as Mario Party or Jackbox, we needed other ways to pass the time when hosting company or simply enjoying a family game night. Many childhood years have been spent playing the classics of Chutes
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July 03, 2023 by Brent Antisdel
in Stray Thoughts
My late friend Paul was a fine Des Moines teacher. I wish the Evans girls had him for history and government. Judging from his ability to entertain me with descriptions of his interactions with students, parents and administrators, I am confident he could make the Peloponnesian War come alive
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June 29, 2023 by Brent Antisdel
in Morain
Nearly everyone knows that Jefferson is named for Thomas Jefferson, 18th Century intellectual, author of the Declaration of Independence, and third President of the United States. And many people know that Greene County’s namesake is Nathanael Greene, Revolutionary War general. But that’s about the extent of it. Greene deserves more.
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