‘The Book of Kin: On Absence, Love, and Being There’ This is such a book of the moment, for me. It is healing and kind and full of the parts of humanity we rarely see these days, the power of what can be accomplished together. It is a radiant blend
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December 03, 2025 by Brent Antisdel
in Belly Up To...
As one business shutters, another often snaps up the location and revamps it, reopening within a few years. Yet, for the Highland Underground, it took more than 40 years to be transformed from a department store into a cocktail bar. The Highland Underground opened in early October and is in
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December 03, 2025 by Brent Antisdel
in Collections & Hobbies
Whether from inside a box in your basement, in your child’s collection of toys, or perhaps sitting on your shelf, you likely have held a Hot Wheel in your hands before. After all, the first Hot Wheels were introduced in 1968 by Mattel, and the total number produced is in
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December 03, 2025 by Brent Antisdel
in Iowa Artist
When initially viewing Megan Hammer’s framed art, it appears like a delicately painted fabric canvas. Yet, upon further inspection, the artwork is actually made of layers of felted wool fiber. There’s no paint. Rather, it is the wool’s pop of color weaved in it. Hammer is a fiber artist located
Read More →When are businesses required to become handicap accessible? According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, passed in 1990, specifically relating to title III: “The ADA is meant to ensure that people with disabilities can fully participate in all aspects of life. Almost all types of businesses that serve the public,
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December 03, 2025 by Brent Antisdel
in Lunch With...
Paul Rottenberg is the president and founder of Orchestrate Hospitality. He has been named both “restaurateur” and “hotelier” of the year in Iowa. His 25-year-old Des Moines company is managing partner of Centro, Django, Gateway Market & Café, Bubba, Zombie Burger, Liberty Street Kitchen/Pella, Main Street Markt/Pella, Hilton Garden Inn
Read More →We all hear about the people who work behind the scenes, but we rarely see them. That’s the idea. Some folks like to be front and center — and they should be. Others appreciate being in the support role, making sure the final presentations are precise. We see this with
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December 03, 2025 by Brent Antisdel
in Art News
The year 2025 was a very good one for Des Moines’ art scene. The news poured sweet and clear. Oyoram, the French-Israeli genius who now headquarters in Sherman Hill, installed “TimePiece” on the north façe of the Fitch Building. Transforming itself 24 times a day, his 3D led clock dazzles
Read More →December is a month of merry-making. From holidays to ringing in the New Year, Des Moines offers numerous music options. Celebrate 1980s rock on Dec. 13 for A Very Motley KISSmas show. It features tribute bands, Red Hott (Motley Crue) and KISSinTime (KISS). Concert is at Sherwood Forest Events Center
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