My now-predictable comment when I see people older than me on their smart phones is to say to them, “Damn kids and their phones.” It usually prompts a chuckle. Usually.

The truth is that older generations are spending more time on their phones than ever before. Web surfing. Checking email. Texting. And using social media, among other activities.

Most of them resisted early on, chastising the “kids” who were seemingly glued to their phones 24/7. But this addiction has spread beyond any specific age group. That’s what addictions do. Drinking. Smoking. Drug use. Gambling. None of those are specific to a single generation.

Older generations have been gradually introduced to the addictions of smart phones. Younger generations have not known a life without them and even had their parents taking their photos with smart phones from day one.

That may sound concerning to some of you, at least until you realize that many of us spent more time in front of a television than in front of our parents. I have not known a life without a TV, and I spent way too much time as a child with Oscar the Grouch, Scooby Doo, Gilligan, Barney Rubble, Bruiser Brody and Marcia Brady.

If there is any solace in this truth, it is that I watch very little TV today. Many of you can relate. Unfortunately, the addiction just changed to another screen.

I have often quoted legendary wrestling coach Al DeLeon, who said, “A little bit of everything is OK. Too much of one thing is bad.” He said that in an age before smart phones and was referencing diet choices, but that may be some of the best advice that could ever be given. Period.

Have a wonderful Wednesday, 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 New Local Bar
1. Secret Admirer
2. Coa Cantina
3. Good News, Darling

Young couple settles in town

Church and community activities a big draw

By Lindsey Giardino

Joanna Esser and her husband, Gabe, met in college — she attended Coe College in Cedar Rapids, and he went to Cornell in Mount Vernon — and recently planted their roots in Winterset.

Esser explains their schools were big rivals and they were both involved in college ministry. In October 2017, she and Gabe attended the same retreat, where they first connected.

“Gabe was on the cross-country team, and, on the final morning of the retreat, he had gone on a 12-mile run,” Esser says. “I was sitting with some girls from my group when Gabe set down his things only to immediately pick them back up. My friend said, ‘You can sit with us,’ and so the college rival banter began.”

From the April issue of Winterset Living magazine.

Happy Birthday Ann Appleseth!

Happy Birthday to these celebrities: Jenna Coleman, William Moseley, Ace Frehley, Sheena Easton, Jason Whitlock, Patrick Stump, Herm Edwards, K CAMP

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