Just a short note today, as I hope that you will spend a few minutes viewing a suggested video, too.

I received a note from reader Stephen Vickery in response to my column from Monday of this week, which touched on presidential results being predictable based on who you would rather sit down and have a beer with. Stephen shared a link to a video from Heineken beer. It has been viewed nearly 2 million times since it was posted in 2017, so some of you may have seen this already. Even if you have, it’s worth another look, as it is a reminder of how even those of us who seem miles apart politically can be on the same page if we try to set our differences aside and work together on common goals. Take 4 minutes and check it out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etIqln7vT4w

I enjoyed this video and its message because I strongly believe that we could be so much further ahead in so many ways if we could simply focus more on how we are alike instead of how we are different. In finding that common ground, we will learn to better accept and appreciate our differences, too. That’s a great message from our past that is truly relevant today and will be well into our future.

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

Thursday, Nov. 4: Take in a Movie!

Take the afternoon off and take the kids to the 2 p.m. matinee of "Ron's Gone Wrong" playing at FlixBrewhouse. No way you can take off? Then go see "Dune" or "The Eternals" tonight! And don't forget the popcorn and chocolate covered raisins!

Nearly 14,000 votes were cast in the 2021 CITYVIEW Best Of Des Moines readers' poll.

Best Local Bank
1. Bankers Trust
2. West Bank
3. Wells Fargo

[...]

Meet Jo Mort: Educating with her heart, not just her mind

By Becky Kolosik

Each year, Wilder Elementary teacher Jo Mort reads the book, “Marshmallow” to her students. The book has special meaning and is the reason why she decided to make her career in the classroom.

“When I was 4 years old, my aunt took me with her to the kindergarten class she taught in Des Moines,” she says, smiling. “That day, she was reading ‘Marshmallow’ to her class, and, after the visit, I knew I wanted to teach.”

Mort grew up in Indianola and attended Emerson Elementary, the old middle school, junior high and graduated from Indianola High School. Following graduation, she earned a degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Northwest Missouri State University. Later on, she attended Iowa State for her master’s degree in administration.

[...]

Happy Birthday to these celebrities: Matthew McConaughey, Markie Post, Sean Combs, Ralph Macchio, Kathy Griffin, Bethenny Frankel, Dez Bryant, Loretta Swit

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