April 16, 2014 by justin
in Joe's Neighborhood
When a building dies, do we mourn the loss? With all the real troubles in the world — the real suffering, the real terror, the real death — it seems absurd to mourn a building. I mean, come on, let’s be serious. A thing, built of mortar and brick and
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April 16, 2014 by justin
in Civic Skinny
First of all, the disclaimer. Just because a doctor gets oodles of money from Medicare doesn’t mean he takes it all to the bank. Doctors have to buy medicines, pay staffs, buy equipment and pay the rent, among other things. Doctors would really, really want Cityview to tell you that
Read More →It’s time once again for the start of “80/35 band announcement season.” The Des Moines Music Coalition gets things kicked off this year by announcing one of the two headliners: Connor Oberst. Joining Oberst in the first round of announcements are Ziggy Marley, Dr. Dog, Best Coast, Dawes, The Envy
Read More →Thank you for writing the excellent story on Iowa’s puppy mills (“Puppy Wars,” April 10). I am a follower of Iowa Voters for Companion Animals and Iowa Friends for Companion Animals. We appreciate the support of the press in bringing this story to the forefront. Karen Fieg –Grimes Unfortunately,
Read More →Amps For Christ “Canyons Cars and Crows” 5 Rue Experimental folk/noise project Amps For Christ is back with its first full-length album since 2006’s “Every Eleven Seconds.” If you’re familiar with Henry Barnes’ Man is the Bastard work, you have a good idea what to expect from Amps For Christ,
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April 16, 2014 by justin
in Locker Room
It begins with a slow murmur and gradually builds to a calm shake. Then to a noteworthy grumble. Eventually it feels like Iowa may be on a fault line, as the ground quakes beneath spectators’ feet. It’s racing season at Prairie Meadows. It’s time to see speed, feel it and
Read More →‘BIOSHOCK INFINITE: BURIAL AT SEA – EPISODE 2’ (M) ***** 2K Games PlayStation 3 The first episode of “Burial at Sea” felt like a piece of fan fiction — a farfetched “what if?” scenario created solely to justify placing the characters of “BioShock Infinite” in the dystopic setting of the
Read More →Outlet center coming to prime Altoona location New England Development announced its plans last week to develop a 325,000-square-foot outlet center in Altoona at the intersection of I-80 and U.S. Highway 65. Des Moines Outlets promises to house about 75 of some of the best brand names in retail to
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A skeptical take on the sacred 67 of March Madness
Like any major cultural event, “March Madness” spans decades and lets us dip into many crosscurrents for added perspectives or to prove a point. For example, there were 67 games in the NCAA mens basketball tournament — including the four first-round or play-in games — and there are 66 books
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