Head to Jasper Winery, 2400 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines, on Aug. 27 for a concert featuring Phoenix Mendoza, Josh Leo and Kitty Steadman. The free concert benefits Mary’s Meals, which helps feed children in the poorest countries. In addition to the concert, the family-friendly event offers kids activities and
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August 05, 2026 by Brent Antisdel
in Cars in the City
This Cars in the City column typically spotlights the latest luxury SUVs and sporty sedans and highlights their many features. This month, I’m behind the wheel of something different. This vehicle doesn’t offer zero-60 mph acceleration in 5 seconds, cooling seats or adaptive cruise control. But, it costs significantly less
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August 05, 2026 by Brent Antisdel
in Collections & Hobbies
Charlie Borowicz grew up in a big family, being one of eight kids. That large family was constantly on the move because of his father being in the army. Living in and experiencing so many different areas helped shape his perspective and probably helped fuel his creative expression. “I was
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August 05, 2026 by Brent Antisdel
in Iowa Artist
The whir of chainsaw causes wood pieces and sawdust to scatter in all directions. After the dust settles, a tree stump is turned into a long-lasting piece of art. For Gary Keenan, chainsaw carver, the noise, heat, wood and dust, along with precise cuts, create a sculpture of beauty and
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August 05, 2026 by Brent Antisdel
in Your Neighbors
A visit to the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden comes with the expected sights of colorful fauna from inside and out. Flowers are blooming, providing excellent visuals and alluring scents. It takes time and dedication from those who work there to make sure these plants can provide viewing pleasure. The
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August 04, 2026 by Brent Antisdel
in The Culture Buzz
From Iowa’s cultural epicenter, Mainframe Studios at 900 Keosauqua Way in Des Moines, Iowa comes your Listener-supported Community Voice, the Award-Winning indie radio station, KFMG-LP 98.9 FM (streaming simultaneously at www.kfmg.org), bringing you music, literature & cultural content. Quote of the Week – “Talent without effort is wasted talent. And
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July 28, 2026 by Brent Antisdel
in The Culture Buzz
From Iowa’s cultural epicenter, Mainframe Studios at 900 Keosauqua Way in Des Moines, Iowa comes your Listener-supported Community Voice, the Award-Winning indie radio station, KFMG-LP 98.9 FM (streaming simultaneously at www.kfmg.org), bringing you music, literature & cultural content. Quote of the Week – “Once I was a scuba diver in
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July 27, 2026 by Brent Antisdel
in Stray Thoughts
Novelist Charles Dickens poked his quill pen at government bureaucracy 175 years ago with his accounts about a fictionalized department he called the “Circumlocution Office.” “Circumlocution” often is used with disdain to describe writing or speaking that is intentionally vague, evasive or overly wordy. Sadly, the personnel departments in state and
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July 22, 2026 by Brent Antisdel
in The Culture Buzz
From Iowa’s cultural epicenter, Mainframe Studios at 900 Keosauqua Way in Des Moines, Iowa comes your Listener-supported Community Voice, the Award-Winning indie radio station, KFMG-LP 98.9 FM (streaming simultaneously at www.kfmg.org), bringing you music, literature & cultural content. Quote of the Week – “If you can cultivate the right attitude,
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July 20, 2026 by Brent Antisdel
in Stray Thoughts
When District Judge Adria Kester studied at the Drake University Law School, she must have opted out of the “Law of Holes” coursework. I have written before about the first Law of Holes, in connection with Davenport city officials and their penchant for hiding facts from taxpayers. The Law of
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