March 04, 2015 by justin
in Food Dude
Cultural criticism is elitist by necessity. If critics praised that which was popular, they would be redundant. Academy Awards do not go to popular movies so much as to esoteric films. Only a brave critic would praise fast food before it becomes obsolete. Consider the original fast food genre —
Read More →It did not take the Iowa Legislature long to pass and implement a 10-cent-a-gallon gasoline tax increase: Jan. 12 to March 1. But it took them 10 years to eliminate the income tax I pay on my Social Security benefits. Why? Gary Thelen –West Des Moines Denny Arthur’s is
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March 04, 2015 by justin
in Center Stage
Midway through our conversation, Kyle Brantzel started speaking in tongues. First he used a birdlike falsetto, then a gravelly basso, switching off without a hitch. “That’s how you’ve got to do it,” he explained, dropping back into his natural voice (with a hint of a Chicago accent). “After all, you’re
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March 04, 2015 by justin
in Locker Room
The question is simple: Is it a sport or isn’t it? This month’s Mixology Night at the Science Center of Iowa will play host to 21st Century Gaming on Friday, March 6. “Mixology events are the first Friday of the month and are focused on engaging ‘lifelong learnings’ and bringing
Read More →I love post-apocalyptic fiction. A shattered land, the sputtering hope and the triumph of heroes in the most desperate circumstances draws me in like a moth to the flame. In “The Country of Ice Cream Star,” award-winning author Sandra Newman delivers a stunning piece of post-apocalyptic literature, epic in scale
Read More →For the past few years, people have known Eli Clark as the frontman of Viva Montesa, the rock two-piece with the three-piece sound. But starting this winter, Clark’s new project, The Other Brothers, is poising itself to be your new favorite band. “I kind of felt like I’d hit, not
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March 04, 2015 by justin
in News of the Weird
The Utah Court of Appeals ruled in February that Barbara Bagley has a legal right to sue herself for her own negligent driving that caused the death of her husband. Typically, in U.S. courts, a party cannot profit from its own negligence, but Bagley is the official “representative” administering her
Read More →Next week’s photo: This week’s winner: “Well finally… a digital bicycle!” -Lynne Chandlee Runners-up: “Why, yes, the seat is adjustable.” -Jeni N. “The one prop not used in ‘50 Shades of Grey.’ ” -Jim McCool Think you’re
Read More →“Dig” Thursday, March 5 (USA) At least the USA Network is trying new ideas. But, for every creative win (like comedies “Sirens” and “Playing House,” or dramas “Graceland” and “Satisfaction”), there’s a pandering pantload (like reality steamers “Chrisley Knows Best” and “Summer Camp”), and a handful of lingering legacies that
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