We got hacked, had to upgrade everything to the site, total bummer. Then we got so busy that the boredom of coding and finding what had been hit took a backseat to everything else that was going on. Turns out that we were as popular as ever when we were gone. Google is a good friend of ours, they send us LOTS of traffic. Even while we were gone the worst month we had was only 5,500 hits. Well, none of that matters now. We’re back, and promise to be better than ever. There are a few changes that will be taking place here, to encourage more conversation and to make sure we don’t ever take a break like that again! This week we’ll be showcasing the new Barnstormers, the upcoming events heading to downtown, as well as some in depth looks at how some of the properties downtown have sold. We want to take a look beyond the exact number sold, get into the nitty-gritty if you will. Oh, and did I mention you may see a little bit about us in the traditional media?

Are you wanting to know more about the events, lifestyle, or where you can live downtown? Your wish is our command…..

The same goes for the start of each new year.  We are filled with hope for a better tomorrow, hope for a bright future, and hope for the amazing things to happen in the upcoming year.

Take these few days and enjoy them.  Be filled with love, surrounded by family and friends.  If you’re not with her, call your mom, tell her you love her.  Enjoy the hope you have, and spend some time planning out what a wonderful year 2008 is going to be for you.

I wish you all the best, and I am so thankful for the experiences of 2007–I can’t wait to see where 2008 takes all of us!  So from my house to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Obama is over in the East Village and Huckabee is in the Des Moines Building–if you weren’t already aware.  These are a pretty cool look inside the HQ of each campaign, kind of surprising how the offices look just throw together…..

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZcoNnAaF6Q&feature=user[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jq1pd78i3vU&feature=user[/youtube]

Here’s some pictures (that are very late) from last week’s big storm.  Enjoy!

These tickets have been hard to come by nationwide, so for all of you that are dying to see this show you just might want to take advantage of this offer!

The December Farmer’s Market at Capital Square was shoulder to shoulder people in spite all of the snow falling.

Christmas Spirit was high with everyone doing some Christmas shopping, and looking for that special gift. There were people everywhere including families with four generations enjoying a family outing. Some of the venders were outside in the snow, but still doing a pretty good business too.

Many items out there had a soft layer of snow, but the vendors kept a smile on their faces. The one little baby doll was smiling even with a dusting of snow. At each glance you saw more items for Christmas. Holiday decorations, fudge, wines, and lots and lots of honey and jams and jellies. There were even a few carolers.

We now have to wait for spring to meet the crowd in Downtown Des Moines for the Farmer’s Market.

Part 1

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QJJOtT32C0[/youtube]

Part 2

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTCWgljr8tY&NR=1[/youtube]

To start, you have an over-enthusiastic host (which tv personalities must be) and the two people being interviewed really couldn’t look more uncomfortable. That’s okay, it’s not a big deal to be a little nervous when you’re being filmed, but it is funny. When the host is answering questions for you…….even funnier.

The answers are great too.

Host: “This place is really moving like hotcakes now right?”

Realtor: “Yeah, we actually have people living here now!”

You can’t make this stuff up! That’s a hilarious answer when you really think about it.

Host: “How many units are here?”

Realtor: “18 of which 5 are sold.” (hotcakes anyone?)

My favorite quote of all was at the end though. The host, barely able to contain her enthusiasm blurts out the reason for the units “selling like hotcakes,” as–”It’s gotta be the rooftop gardens!!”

I don’t blame the Realtors for agreeing on that one, because you can’t say, “No, it’s the $100,000 discount that’s reeling them in!”

This video is funny on so many levels. They do have excellent pictures of the property, and a great description is given. 90% of the video is great, well made and does a great job of showcasing this property to the millions of people that watch this show. That tiny 10% though……pure comedy gold.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIJaSBWVSIc[/youtube]

And speaking of comedy gold, check this out. The Brownstones on Grand range from $324,900 all the way up to $424,400. What does $100,000 buy? Four square feet!! If you’re needing that extra space for a pair of shoes, or perhaps a standing mirror it’s an option I wouldn’t pass!

The media has been all over this as Oprah is one of the most influential people in the world, she’s also a billionaire and one of the most beloved women in America.� I’m not going to rehash what you’ve already heard, but here’s what I’ve been hearing from the event.

“Oprah is the best speaker I have ever heard.� She knew exactly when to make a joke, as well as how to build the audience anticipation through the roof.”

Many people praised Obama’s speaking skills as well, which frankly is all I really know about the guy.

“Couldn’t believe it, most of the people stayed around to here Obama speak.”

And

“Obama + Oprah = The Audacity of Hype” (this is hilarious for those that get it)

Even though the weather was bad this ticket turned out to be a winner.� Many people have openly said it was the biggest event and draw that the caucuses have ever had here.� That’s huge if you ask me!

Here’s a few links to display what the media has had to say about this.

MSNBC - The ‘One’�

Des Moines Register - Oprah packs em in

LA Times - Oprah hits the road�

New York Times Blog - Oprah in Des Moines�