Have you seen the remote control? That’s a common question in our house, with the next one being, “Which remote?”

We have the TV remote control. The sound bar remote control. The Firestick remote control. And that little, slick metal remote for the Apple TV that we seem to lose the most. When we first misplaced it, I became so frustrated that I bought another one. Then I found the old one. Now we have two Apple TV remotes to lose. And we do. Frequently. 

We have learned that the most common spot to look is in the couch, as the remotes often slip through the cushions. Since I am the designated person to do the search, I find many other hidden treasures — a dozen or so hair scrunchies, some pocket change, more bobby pins than I can count, and a few kernels of popcorn that the dog usually beats me to. 

I remember when we had TVs without remote controls. Being the youngest child, I was the one who was told to change the channel. When that plastic knob would break (as it often did), I would have to use a pair of pliers to turn to another station.

I remember buying my first VCR, which came with a “corded” remote. It was about 6 feet long and had more tangles that a string of Christmas lights. It didn’t last long. 

The first TV I bought was a console set on a swivel base that had a great picture and an incredible booming sound from its wooden enclosure. I bought it in 1990 in Des Moines at Stogdill’s (“That place on Franklin…”). TVs didn’t need sound bars back then, but those who bought them did need ibuprofen after moving the 200-pounders (which I did, up and down stairs more times than I want to count). Most importantly, this TV came with a remote control and without pliers. 

It’s too bad life doesn’t have a remote control so we could turn down the volume, press mute, change the channel to a different scene, or simply press off — all at the click of a button. That sounds nice, but it’s probably best that a life remote doesn’t exist. It would likely fall between the cushions, too. 

Have a terrific Tuesday, and thanks for reading.

Shane Goodman
Editor and Publisher
Times Vedette digital newsletter
shane@dmcityview.com
641-755-2115

Many of you remember having days off from school around Easter time. Through the years, most public schools changed the name to “Spring Break” to avoid any religious connections. With snow make-up days being used for some of this time off, family vacations are becoming a bit trickier to plan. For some of you, that causes a problem. For others, it’s no big deal. 

When I was a young man working at The Des Moines Register, I was planning a vacation and told Denny, a customer of mine, that I would be off work and explained how I planned to cover the bases. He looked at me with a stern face and said, “Vacation? You don’t work Sundays, do you? That’s 52 days of vacation a year.” He continued, “Wait, you don’t work Saturdays either, do you? That’s another 52 days. That’s 104 days of vacation per year. How much vacation do you need?”

I was without words. Denny was having fun with me, but there was also some truth to what he was saying. Some people I know seem to be continually talking about their next vacation, even though they just got back from one. That time off is supposed to make them happy, recharge them, and have them ready to take on the tasks of life again — but it doesn’t seem to do that. They just want more vacation time.

As a teenager, I worked at a local gas station/convenience store that was open 24/7. Even in the 1980s, staffing was a challenge, especially on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. But when the opportunity came to earn time-and-a-half for holiday pay, I was the first to sign up. I enjoyed working those days, as the store traffic was lighter, the customers who stopped in were quite cheery, and I liked the paycheck.

When I worked at the Register, we were told in no uncertain terms that we would not be allowed to take vacation between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Those were the newspaper’s busiest times with advertising, and we were to be there to make sure of it.  We are not as strict today in our company, but a holiday does mean that we have to complete five days of work in four days. The presses keep running. 

Author, entrepreneur, public speaker and Navy veteran Rob Hill, Sr. said, “My goal is to build a life I don’t need a vacation from.” Now that makes sense to me. But like most things in life, I have learned that there truly are different strokes for different folks. Some people love to travel and spend time on a beach; I get sunburned and have two days of diarrhea. Others want to take a week off and ride a bicycle 468 miles across the state in 90-degree weather while sleeping on the ground each night; that’s not my idea of a vacation. And a select few enjoy time at home working on a list of projects and relaxing with friends and family; that’s more my style. But, again, to each his (or her) own. 

Regardless of how you plan to spend any vacation time, I hope you enjoy it and will return with enthusiasm, vigor and gusto. The world needs you.   

Have a fantastic Friday, and thanks for reading.

Shane Goodman
Editor and Publisher
Times Vedette digital newsletter
shane@dmcityview.com
641-755-2115

When was the last time you unfolded the trusty Rand McNally map and used it to determine how to get from Point A to Point B while in your vehicle? I am guessing it has been a while. Most of us now rely on the GPS maps installed on our phones or in our vehicles. They are quicker, easier and we don’t have to figure out how to fold the darn things back together. 

Meanwhile, aside from driving, maps can still be handy. Like when you are at an event or conference and need something that shows everywhere you need to be. Or when you are shopping in an area with multiple locations and want to plan your route. And especially when you are on a ski slope and need to make sure you don’t end up on a black diamond when you were expecting a green.

 Not too many years ago, my friend Greg suggested we print “one of those spiral-bound book of maps.” In the midst of his 7-minute explanation of what it could be, I finally interrupted him and said, “You mean an atlas?” His response was like one of those Gilda Radner “never mind” looks. 

Meanwhile, Steve Peglow, an incredible local artist we work with, found a niche with his unique form of community and development maps. And I have also learned firsthand how residents at Lake Panorama appreciate their wall maps to get a better grasp of the local geography. 

Just a few years ago, we were contacted by a chamber of commerce to create a printed community shopping map. We published it, and within weeks they were all gone. The chamber wanted more — and quickly. This printed map was so popular that we decided to do some in other areas, too, and this became a growing segment of our business. We hope to soon publish maps here in Guthrie County, too. 

Maybe my friend Greg was onto something, or maybe he was just on something. Either way, I am going to hang on to the trusty Rand McNally in my glove box — just in case. 

Enjoy mapping out your week, and, as always, thanks for reading. 

Thanks for reading.

Shane Goodman
Editor and Publisher
Times Vedette digital newsletter
shane@dmcityview.com
641-755-2115

What color are the clothes you are wearing right now? Take a good look. Your answer might say more about you than you think. As a person with a degree of color blindness, I found this information entertaining. I hope you do, too.

According to yourtango.com, the color you wear the most has great power over your mood, your attitude and how you are perceived by others. Yikes.

If your wardrobe consists of a lot of the color black, you may be seen as “powerful.” But beware, the article says, as too much black can be overpowering. When I am trying to pick out socks, my wife reminds me that black matches everything. Black seemed to work for Johnny Cash, so I am sticking with it.

White clothing can help you “look clean and innocent” and imply that you’re an “organized and detail-oriented person” — unless you are eating spaghetti and meatballs, of course. 

People either love or hate purple, according to the article. If you want “to appear regal” or “show uniqueness and artistic creativity,” then purple is a great choice for you. It may not be working for the Minnesota Vikings, but you get the idea. 

Orange is “a playful color.” If you wear too much orange, though, you may not be taken seriously. Orange you glad I warned you? Sorry. I couldn’t resist. 

Blue is a common clothing color and represents “honesty and trustworthiness.” The article says this is why hospital employees, bank logos and law enforcement uniforms are typically blue. This all makes sense to me, except for the Blue Man Group. Those guys are creepy. 

If you want to appear all-natural, green is said to be the way to go. The article states that the shades of green make a big difference, though. Deep green can “signify envy and greed,” and Army green can “make you appear rigid.” I like green. All green. Big green, preferably. 

Pink is a color of passion but shows “that you’re vulnerable, and, of course, girly.” I assume my “salmon-colored” shirts may fall in this category. Yes, they are salmon. 

Keep in mind that these are the opinions of the brand manager for Neverland Store (less my comments) but check out the full article here and have some fun with this one today. And, remember, when in doubt, choose plaid. Rodney made it work. 

Thanks for reading.

Shane Goodman
Editor and Publisher
Times Vedette digital newsletter
shane@dmcityview.com
641-755-2115

Some of you are viewing this digital newsletter on your phones. Some are on your computer. And some of you are using a tablet. Most all of you, currently, are receiving the newsletter via email. In weeks ahead, we will be using social media more to promote this, too. If you are one of the 1,083 folks who follow us on Facebook, you will find the content from this newsletter accessible there, too. And we are currently exploring an option to text a link out to those who prefer to be contacted in that way rather than email. We have some regulatory hoops to jump through first, but more details are to come soon. 

I received a couple comments on a concern in having to open an email client and a web browser at the same time and to have to jump back and forth to view the full stories. Most folks who are used to juggling between multiple apps at the same time have no problem with this, but I realize some of you would prefer to not have to jump back and forth. Here’s a simple solution. At the top of this email and each one we send, there is a link that says, “View as Web Page.” Click that and your web browser will open and you can stay in that to read all the content. 

Best of Guthrie County

We kicked off our Best of Guthrie County poll on Feb. 2, and nearly 200 votes have already rolled in for best ice cream, coach, bank, church and many others. Be sure to make your votes count. We make it easy. Just follow this link. 

Timely obituaries

One of the many benefits to this email newsletter is that obituaries are much timelier. In a weekly printed newspaper, the funeral service is often over by the time the paper is delivered. We also realize the benefit of the printed obituary for scrapbook memories, so we publish each paid obituary in one of our monthly print publications as well. 

Need a Valentine’s Day gift?

If you just figured out that Valentine’s Day is Wednesday and you don’t have anything for your sweetie yet, we have a solution for you. Join us at our annual Chocolate Walk at West Glen Town Center in West Des Moines for an evening of chocolate delight. For a ticket price of $25 ($35 at the door), attendees will receive 10 drink tickets that can be redeemed for sample cocktails at eight different participating venues. Attendees will also be provided chocolate dessert samples.  A shuttle bus will even be providing transportation to each location, although most are only a short walk away. Buy your tickets now here. 

Pass this along

If you enjoy our noon-time news, we ask that you forward this to your friends and family and show them how to receive a free copy delivered to their email in-box each Tuesday and Friday at noon for FREE! Sign up here.

Thanks for reading.

Shane Goodman
Editor and Publisher
Times Vedette digital newsletter
shane@dmcityview.com
641-755-2115

With the BRR Bicycle Ride last Saturday, many people are thinking about cycling again — and not just the hardcore riders. A bit of warm weather gets most all of us thinking it is springtime, at least until a February blizzard brings us back to reality. 

Even so, it does feel like it is bicycle-riding weather, at least that is what my wife, Jolene, tells me. She has been an avid cyclist in years past and wants to get those tires rolling again — and she wants me to join her. 

We have the bicycles. We own the gear. We know the paths. But we have differing views of what bicycling is. 

I spent most of my childhood on the seat of my bicycles. I rode them to the swimming pool, to the little league games and to my friends’ homes. My bikes were nothing special, but they were my sources of transportation — and freedom — and riding was so easy. Jump on and start pedaling. I still have that mindset.

Jolene, on the other hand, sees bicycling as a form of exercise with many steps to the process. First, she has to dress in the full uniform with spandex shorts, bicycling shirts, gloves and pedal-locking shoes. Then there are the water bottles (yes, plural) that must be filled with just the right amount of ice and water and placed securely in the metal bottle holders (yes, plural). And then she must air up the tires (every time she rides) to the exact pressure. She then adjusts the seat, cleans the biking sunglasses, straps on one of the assortment of helmets (yes, plural), and she is almost ready to go.

And me? I am sitting on my bike patiently waiting for the right time to ask if she is ready. And, of course, there is no right time to ever ask if she is ready. She will tell me when she is ready. After nearly 30 years of marriage, I am still learning.

It may be a few more months, but on the trails we will go. We hope to see you there. If you need water, just ask Jolene. She will have a spare bottle. 

Thanks for reading.

Shane Goodman
Editor and Publisher
Times Vedette digital newsletter
shane@dmcityview.com
641-755-2115