Welcome to the Friday mailbag, where you will find comments, questions and ideas sent recently by subscribers of this newsletter.

“Not only do all the presidents need to be facing you (Obsessions, April 13, 2022), but that snotty old Hamilton must always be looking in the other direction. Most annoying, perhaps, and always mentioned by my kids, after 20+ years managing a retail store, I am constantly facing up the shelves and re-ordering the hang rods by style and color in places I don’t work — except for free.” - Bruce

I knew there was something about Hamilton that bothered me. - Shane

“Those of us who served in the military learned how keep our clothes lockers straight with military precision. (Obsessions, April 13, 2022). To this day, all of the shirts and hangers in my closet must face the same direction. For me, that is to the left. Also, all of the hangers must be the same color, black.” - Bill

There is a place for everything, and everything has its place. Ben Franklin was right, and so are you, Bill. - Shane

“Enjoyed your article about camping (Camping, April 19, 2022)! Were you ever a Boy Scout? My camping experiences generally involved five other boys in a small canvas tent, rain snow or shine. Needless to say, a ham and bean supper was not recommended prior to bedtime! So many memories from those camping experiences. Thanks.” – Chuck

You made me smile. Thanks for the note, Chuck. – Shane

“Hi, Shane. Nice column today, as usual. You're right about luggage (Quality, April 20, 2022). Two trips of any distance, and it'll almost certainly be damaged. Buy cheap. I buy comfortable shoes. Period. And try to keep the cost under $100. BTW, I know I'm old when I check your birthday list and realize I don't recognize a single name. Today's is an example. Usually I find one or two at least. Today? Who the heck are these people? Ha. Take care and all the best.” - John

The older I get, the less I care about “celebrities,” and, like you, the more I care about comfortable shoes. – Shane

Have a fantastic Friday, and thanks for reading.

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

CITYVIEW announced its 2022 Best Of Des Moines readers' choices Feb.1. You can find all the results from the poll in the February issue of CITYVIEW magazine!

Best Local Customer Service (Overall)
1. Merkle Retirement Planning
2. Prysm Body Piercing & Jewelry Gallery
3. Adamantine Spine Moving

On the Road

Iowa Living magazines feature people who drive for a living.

Veteran bus driver Larry Shoop has been safely transporting students since November 2003. “It’s a great reason to get up in the morning,” he says, smiling. “Each day is a new opportunity to make a difference in a child’s life.”

Shoop says it’s important for a bus driver to be calm and steady under all circumstances. “We employ the same safe-driving practices as everyone should,” he says. “However, extra caution is required due to the size of the vehicle, turning radius, stopping distance and the special cargo we are transporting. We have outstanding support from the director and principals, and when incident reports are submitted, they are acted upon promptly.”

Brenda Wilson is one of 14 female bus drivers in the district. She says the interaction with the kids is the best part of her job. Her goal is to start each child’s morning off on a good foot and end their day on a positive note when dropping them off at home.

From the April issue of Indianola Living magazine.

Happy Birthday today to Paula Williams and, on Sunday, to Abigail Goodman and Luke LeWarne

Happy Birthday to these celebrities: Machine Gun Kelly, Amber Heard, Jack Nicholson, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Cassidy Freeman, Marshawn Lynch, Sherri Shepherd, John Waters, Peter Frampton, Michelle Ryan

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