July 31, 2024 by Brent Antisdel
in Civic Skinny
The salaries of state employees are public information, and, to the surprise of some and the unsurprise of others, coaches from Iowa’s three state universities continue to be some of the highest-paid state employees. The UNI men’s basketball Head Coach Ben Jacobsen has won more than 300 games with the
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July 31, 2024 by Brent Antisdel
in Political Mercury
The conservative master blueprint Project 2025 will start the next civil war. Just not in the ways you think. In a crammed catalog of things I just don’t want to think about — in a kind of running and screaming and kicking way — the storyline I’d most like to avoid considering,
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July 31, 2024 by Brent Antisdel
in Film Review
“Fly Me to the Moon” is a clever, high-concept screwball comedy set against the backdrop of one of the most significant moments in American history — the Apollo 11 mission. Directed by Greg Berlanti, the film presents a refreshing and comedic take on the events leading up to the moon
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July 31, 2024 by Brent Antisdel
in Food Dude
Lucca just turned 20 years old. It has nurtured some of the city’s very best chefs and restaurateurs. Owner Steve Logsdon brought David Baruthio (Baru66 and four other places) here from France when he opened. Derek Eidson (Django and Guesthouse Supper Club) followed him. Logsdon is a James Beard Best
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July 31, 2024 by Brent Antisdel
in Des Moines Forgotten
I recently participated in an architecture walking tour of downtown Des Moines. I went with my mother and a handful of her friends for the southern tour of downtown that goes from the Civic Center to the World Food Prize and then makes its way around Court Avenue until it
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July 31, 2024 by Brent Antisdel
in Joe's Neighborhood
“I’m not gonna do that,” the Des Moines police officer says from the middle of the classroom. I fix him with a cold smile. “Listen, that’s the law for a police stop of a car.” I say this more defensively than I’d like because, of course, in this room full
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July 31, 2024 by Brent Antisdel
in Center Stage
This annual fete is as resilient as its namesake, Cloris Leachman. The Cloris Leachman Excellence in Theatre Arts Awards, fondly called The Clorises, is Greater Des Moines’ annual homage to our metro’s stage artistry. Our answer to the Tony Awards, it has survived outgrowing its original venue (Des Moines Social
Read More →‘A Sorceress Comes to Call’ Fairy tales are supposed to teach us things. Sometimes trite truisms like not telling lies, other times the tales are meant more as a warning, a call to trust your instincts, to know that not everyone is who they say they are. Cordelia knows she
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July 31, 2024 by Brent Antisdel
in Sound Circuit
A classic rock and roll/Southern rock band, The Ozark Mountain Daredevils, formed in 1971 and continue to entertain concert goers — at least until the end of 2025. The Ozark Mountain Daredevils announced their “When it Shines” farewell tour and make a stop in Des Moines at Hoyt Sherman Place
Read More →Live music is as much a part of the Iowa State Fair as the big boar, the butter cow and food on a stick. And rightfully so. Iowans love their music, and all kinds. The concert organizers at the Iowa State Fair realize this and continue to bring a
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