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Thursday, Nov. 16, 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.

“The unpleasant result (at least in my opinion) is the lack of a friendly representative interacting with me that puts a face to an otherwise large faceless entity (Self-checkout kiosks, Oct. 23, 2023). When shopping now, I notice that not one store employee (if there is one) bothers to make eye-contact with me, offers assistance, or just greets me with a friendly smile. They are too busy stocking shelves, trying to look busy or talking with other employees to notice customers. How isolated and dystopian we have become when a store employee cannot even make eye contact with a customer to make us feel WELCOME and thank us for shopping there or, God forbid, help us find a product. I have lots of choices for how I want to spend my hard-earned dollars. More and more, I find if we are going to a lack of interaction and basic customer service that my dollars will be spent online. At least the Fed Ex or UPS driver is friendly and will knock on my door.” - Lori

Unfortunately, those online purchases impact the revenues and profits of the brick and mortar stores, and that results in lower pay for their employees, which trickles down to the quality of service we receive. It’s a vicious cycle that is only fixed if we support our local merchants. - Shane

“Just something I notice repeatedly. The employees at QuikTrip convenience stores seem the fastest for knowing and counting back my change (Generational change, Nov. 8, 2023). Some places, if I get a bill for $3.27 and I hand them $5.02, I get a look of total confusion.” - Mike

It is definitely a lost art, and I can’t help but wonder when the day will come again when cash will be king. - Shane

A home phone (Generational change, Nov. 8, 2023). I also believe brick and mortar stores will be going by the wayside. About one more generation, and I think they will be gone.” - Lori

Home phones are mostly gone now. I sure hope the brick and mortar stores don’t disappear, or we are all going to paying a lot more for residential property taxes. - Shane

“My grandson will be telling his children that his grandpa used to listen to music that was recorded on a black, heavy disc and put on a little machine that had a plate that went around in a circle and had an arm that had a needle on the end of it that set down on the black disc and somehow ‘sucked up’ the music and sent it through wires to some big boxes where the music came out (Generational change, Nov. 8, 2023). How else would you explain an album, a turntable and speakers?” - James

How do you explain music streaming through the air? - 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®
 
The polls have closed and a record number of readers have 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 will be announced in the February 2024 issue of CITYVIEW!
 

Your Clear Mortgage forecast

Warm and windy weather today. We cool down after that. Monday brings a rain chance.

For help with pre-approvals or refinancing, get in touch with Originating Branch Manager Carrie Hansen at carrie.mortgage.

 
 
Featured home for sale
 
Attention, Realtors, post your listings here for $50. Contact jolene@iowalivingmagazines.com for details.
 
$497,500
502 NE Brookridge Circle
Waukee, IA 50263
 
This custom-built stand-alone townhome with a beautiful pond view, three-car garage, in a highly sought-after Waukee location (with direct access to Fox Creek Park) is a must see. Beautiful sunroom, deck and patio overlook the pond just a few steps away. Perfect for entertaining, watching sunsets and relaxing.
 
 
See More Homes For Sale
 

Auditions - Class Act Productions (CAP Theatre). "The Music Man Jr.," Nov. 18, 5 p.m.

Simpson College, Blank Performing Arts Center, Pope Theatre. "Into the Woods," Nov. 17-19 in conjunction with the 26th annual High School Theatre Festival.

Final performance weekend for "Yippie Ki Yay" (Temple Theatre), "The Wizard of Oz Jr" (CAP Theatre), and "Wicked Queen" (Tallgrass Theatre).

Historic Fort Des Moines - Athene Speaker Series. Saturday, Nov. 18, 11 a.m. Podcast host Erick Nganyange will present on historic civil rights leaders who have left a lasting impact.

— John Busbee, The Culture Buzz

 
Headlines

FROM KCCI: Judge sentences Iowa teen who admitted to killing high school Spanish teacher

FAIRFIELD, Iowa — One of the two Fairfield teens who admitted to killing a high school teacher was sentenced Wednesday to life in prison. Jeremy Goodale, who pleaded guilty in April to killing Fairfield High School Spanish teacher Nohema Graber back in November 2021, must spend at least 25 years in prison before the possibility of parole. ... READ MORE FROM KCCI

FROM WHO-TV: Small earthquake recorded near the Quad Cities on Wednesday

GRANVILLE, ILLINOIS — Around 4:41 am Wednesday morning a 3.6-magnitude earthquake was recorded around Granville, Illinois. Granville, IL is located just outside of Bureau Co. There have been a few reports of people feeling the quake this morning. ..READ MORE FROM WHO-TV

FROM WOI-DT Local 5: 'Heart of hospitality': Friday night event to showcase Japanese culture

The Japan America Society of Iowa (JASI) is hosting its "Discover Sake Pairing" event Friday evening at Allora Cafe. ...READ MORE FROM WOI-DT Local 5

 

The National Desk reported that nearly perfect spring and summer weather in Wenatchee and Yakima valleys has already produced an apple harvest that is 29% bigger than all of last year's. Apple prices, the highest ever this year, should drop next year.

Wisconsin's DNR said that hunter blinds have become high tech and very popular. Reasons included the aging population of deer hunters, average age over 60 now. If man needed another advantage in his war with Bambi, this should help.

Irina's Thanksgiving package includes prime rib, ham, turkey, lamb, four sides, two desserts and rolls. It feeds 4-5 for $160. Order by Monday for Wednesday pickup.

- Jim Duncan, jd91446@aol.com

 
Weekly fuel report
 

The price of regular unleaded gasoline fell 8 cents, averaging $3.03 across Iowa according to AAA. The national average on Wednesday was $3.35, down 6 cents from last week’s price.

Retail diesel prices in Iowa fell 13 cents this week with a statewide average of $4.24. One year ago, diesel prices averaged $5.06 in Iowa. The current Iowa diesel price is 10 cents lower than the national average of $4.34.

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

Propane prices held steady with a statewide average of $1.54 per gallon.

Home heating oil prices fell 9 cents, with a statewide average of $3.49 per gallon.

Natural gas prices rose 10 cents at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $3.19/MMbtu.

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

 
Birthdays and notables!
 

Happy Birthday Martha Kester!

These celebrities were born on this date: Actor and comedian Pete Davidson, Actor Maggie Gyllenhaal, Singer Diana Krall, Actor Lisa Bonet, Actor Martha Plimpton, Singer Bryan Abrams, Guitarist Dave Kushner, Drummer Mani

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

 
Morning chuckle

The answer to yesterday's riddle:

Which writing genre pays the most? RANSOM NOTES! Or, CHECK WRITING - Carolyn Rogers, Rex Post. Or, IT'S A MYSTERY! - Gail Tomlinson

Today's riddle

What do you get if you throw a lot of books into the ocean?

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.

©Big Green Umbrella Media, Inc., all rights reserved.
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