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Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023
Good morning to you!

Welcome to an extra edition of the mailbag where you will find some of the comments, questions and ideas sent recently by subscribers of this newsletter or our publications. They are edited for space and clarity.

“Loved today's column (Superstitions, Oct. 4, 2023). It got me thinking a bit about the many superstitions and other folk beliefs that pervade my and others' lives. Growing up in a three-generation farmstead, my grandmother always told me that eating the crust end of her homemade bread made my hair curly. I've got the locks to prove it.” - John

What about Larry and Moe? - Shane

 

Good luck! (Superstitions, Oct. 4, 2023)” – Brent

I am envisioning that horseshoe falling on my head — Fred-Flintstone-style. - Shane

“Knock on wood is my go-to saying (Superstitions, Oct. 4, 2023). If no wood is available, and my husband is with me, I tap his head and say the words. I've been doing this going on 58 years, and if I forget, he'll tap his head and say the words.” - Diane

Well, we are all a bit over-married from time to time. - Shane

“My father would gift clients knife sets. He always asked for a coin from some tradition or superstition of never wanting to sever a friendship (Superstitions, Oct. 4, 2023). Never pick up a penny off the ground when it’s tails side up. Gentlemen walk on the outside edge when walking with a lady on a sidewalk next to a street. Never three on a match in lighting a cigarette or a cigar (from Vietnam and WW 2, as a sniper can draw a bead with the time it takes to light three). If a hotel has a 13th floor, don't stay on it. Spilled salt gets tossed over your right shoulder only. No shoes on any table in the house, as it brings bad luck. If you spot a white horse, that's good luck. No talking while fishing, brings bad luck and no catches. After cooking the bird, break the wishbone of chicken or a turkey for good luck.” - Rex

All these rules. How do you sleep at night? - Shane

“Three superstitions came to mind when I read your column (Superstitions, Oct. 4, 2023). I heard them all as a child from my grandpa who, with a fourth-grade education, was still one of the wisest men I've known. Others may have been told but these three seem to hold true, for me anyway! The first — death comes in threes. Whenever someone I've known dies, you can bet that two more deaths will follow in a short amount of time. Second — people tend to die in the month before or after their birthday. I'm a genealogist and found this to be true more often than not in my family. Third — pay attention to the path of the first spring storm. Chances are that most of the storms will follow that same path.” - LuAnn

Well, now I have some more things to pay attention to. Thanks, Luann. - Shane

Have a thoughtful Thursday, and thanks for reading.

Shane Goodman
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305
www.thedailyumbrella.com

View Shane Goodman's archived columns from past issues here.

 
 
CITYVIEW's Best Of Des Moines®
 
Join the more than 8,000 who have already cast their votes in the latest CITYVIEW'S Best Of Des Moines readers' poll — the metro's original and largest poll of its kind.
 
Winners are announced in the February issue of CITYVIEW!
 
Vote Now
 

Your Clear Mortgage forecast

Rain chances continue today and Friday into Friday night as well. The rain will be heavy at times. It'll be quite breezy through Saturday.

For help with preapprovals or refinancing, get in touch with Carrie at carrie.mortgage.

 
 
Featured home for sale
 
Attention Realtors, post your listings here for $50. Contact jolene@iowalivingmagazines.com for details.
 
$285,000
900 12th St.
West Des Moines, IA 50265
 
Don't miss this well-cared-for brick ranch sitting on a beautiful .4 acre lot in a prime WDM location with many large items updated. You're welcomed by a spacious floor plan with beautiful hardwood floors, neutral paint and charming details. The living room features a large picture window providing tons of natural light, coved ceiling, a stone peninsula fireplace and built-in shelving.
 
 
See More Homes For Sale
 
 

“Gardening Can Be Murder,” Oct. 12, two presentations
Marta McDowell makes her inaugural tour to Central Iowa Oct. 12 with stops at the Clive Public Library (Oct 12, 2 p.m.), and Reiman Gardens (in Ames Oct. 12, 6 p.m., as part of the ISU Lecture Series). All events are free and open to the public. Listen as Marta provides insights into her newly released book, “Gardening Can Be Murder: How Poisonous Poppies, Sinister Shovels, and Grim Gardens Have Inspired Mystery Writers.” In her newest book, Marta McDowell takes us on a delightfully diabolical romp through the role of horticulture in crime fiction. From deadly seeds, to menacing pruning shears, to suspicious groundskeepers, the garden has always provided both the motive and means to commit the perfect crime. ‘Gardening Can Be Murder’ belongs on the shelf of every Agatha Christie fan — and every gardener who enjoys a little mischief and mayhem.” ― Amy Stewart, author of “Wicked Plants”

“High School Musical Jr,” Oct. 13-15
A special kind of performance arts magic returns to the Des Moines Community Playhouse as it presents a limited run of Disney’s “High School Musical Jr,” part of The Penguin Project.


ABBA and Des Moines Symphony
Direct from Sweden: The Music of ABBA,” Oct. 14, 7:30 p.m. Complete with a full rock band, The Des Moines Symphony performs an evening of ABBA's beloved hits. You'll be having the time of your life with favorites like “Mamma Mia!,” “Dancing Queen,” “Take a Chance on Me” and more. 

 
Headlines

FROM KCCI: Boone County Sheriff's new K-9 helps rescue man

BOONE, Iowa — The family of a man who went missing in a cornfield is grateful for the new Boone County Sheriff's Office K-9 that helped rescue him. Djanga, a Belgian Malinois, is only 10 months old. ... READ MORE FROM KCCI

FROM WHO-TV: More Iowa school districts exploring 4-day weeks

DES MOINES, Iowa — Over the last five years, roughly, more school districts in Iowa have been increasingly considering a four-day school week. The Waco Community School District was the first district in Iowa to adopt a four-day schedule year-round, back in the Fall 2013. According to the district, it started as a teacher-driven concept that rose out of financial concern. ... READ MORE FROM WHO-TV

FROM WOI-DT Local 5: Jolly Holiday Lights to debut at new location | Here's what you need to know

ALTOONA, Iowa — It's the most wonderful time of the year: Jolly Holiday Lights returns to the metro on Friday, Nov. 17.  The beloved central Iowa light show began in 1996 as a fundraiser for Make-A-Wish Iowa. But for longtime attendees, the 2023 event might look a little different. ...READ MORE FROM WOI-DT Local 5

 
Sports Notes
 
Yesterday's MLB action from ESPN.com:
Braves 2 Phillies 10: PHI leads series 2-1
Astros 3 Twins 2: HOU Wins series 3-1
Dodgers 2 Diamondbacks 4: ARI Wins series 3-0
 
WNBA: Liberty 76 Aces 104: Aces dominate Liberty to take 2-0 lead in WNBA Finals
 
 

Newsroom Tokyo reported that, after investments wizard Warren Buffet made a spring trip to Japan, the Japanese stock market has risen by over 20%. That is yet another Japanese win for low interest prime rates. Tourism, agricultural exporting, business expansions, start-ups and unemployment rates are all shining in the light of the rising sun. Maybe Jay Powell is not the smartest man in the world.

Fox Business reported that Walmart brass have acknowledged that Ozempic, and other new generation weight loss drugs, are cutting into grocery sales, particularly high profit junk foods. The company stock is struggling.

Richard Garells of Garrels Elk Farm in Mount Pleasant told us that the Iowa elk business was decimated by the invention of Viagra and its imitators. Previously, the elk farmer could make his nut on antler sales because Chinese buyers believed them to be a cure for erectile dysfunction. Viagra was much cheaper.

Elk meat is harder to find in Iowa, too. Trostel's Greenbriar (5810 Merele Hay Rd., Johnston) used to feature it at lunch and dinner, but, after Troy Trostel left, the restaurant elk followed. Troy is chef at the Hotel Pattee now but there is no elk on their menu. Butch's River Rock Cafe is now closed. Exotic Meat Market and Broken Arrow are two good mail order sources.

Jim Duncan, jd91446@aol.com

 

Cozy campfire on a chilly night - Debbi Cooper. Send your Halloween decoration photos to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

 
Birthdays and notables!
 

These celebrities were born on this date:Hugh Jackman, Iris Apatow, Kirk Cameron, Tyler Blackburn, Josh Hutcherson, Chris Botti, Claude McKnight, Adam Rich, Martie Maguire, Jordan Pundik

SUBMIT: Send your birthday greetings and congratulatory notes to: tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

 
Weekly Fuel Report
 

The price of regular unleaded gasoline fell 15 cents in the last week, averaging $3.37 across Iowa according to AAA. The price is down 34 cents from a year ago. The national average on Wednesday was $3.66, down 13 cents from last week’s price.

Retail diesel prices in Iowa fell 4 cents this week with a statewide average of $4.26. One year ago, diesel prices averaged $5.04 in Iowa. The current Iowa diesel price is 24 cents less than the national average of $4.50.

Wholesale ethanol held steady and is currently priced at $2.16.

Propane prices were down 1 cent with a statewide average of $1.52 per gallon.

Home heating oil prices fell 24 cents, with a statewide average of $3.64 per gallon.

Natural gas prices rose 24 cents at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $3.26/MMbtu

Tips for saving energy on the road or at home are available at energy.gov and fueleconomy.gov.

 
Morning chuckle

The answer to yesterday's riddle:
Which kind of monster has the best hearing? THE EER(EAR)-IEST! - Gail Tomlinson. Also sending answers were Rex Post

Today's riddle

How did the psychic communicate with the ghost of the window washer?

Have a guess? Email tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

 

To advertise in this daily newsletter, contact Jolene Goodman at jolene@iowalivingmagazines.com, or call 515-953-4822 ext. 319.

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