We tried to eat at KC BBQ on Friday July 18, but when we arrived there was a sign posted on the door that they would be closed until  July 21 due to a small fire.

Here is a great video about how to improve our dam signs downtown.

I can’t help but wonder, what kind of idiot takes a walmart style blow up raft down the river. The only thing missing in this video is the rafters standing in water waist deep holding an umbrella to give the interview.

We’re officially back. You may see a few small issues with our site, we’re going to have them fixed this week. So where have we been?

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…..

This time of year is always great no matter what kind of year you’ve had.  Christmas is not about ipods, cars, clothes or toys–it’s about love and hope.  Always has been.  Hope for the future, hope for peace, hope for love.  The very essence of Christmas is hope.

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!

This weeks video features a look inside the campaign headquarters to both Mike Huckabee and Barack Obama.  I could have included Mitt Romney as well, but who wants to see an Urbandale office building?

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…..

Ice storms make for some of the best photos, and create the most beautiful winter wonderlands.  Of course, when ice melts, especially the ice on buildings downtown, it can make a dangerous situation.

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!

by Jo Hill

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.

This weeks Mid-Week Video feature is two-parts. In case you missed it and wanted to see what Oprah’s appearance in Des Moines was all about, here is her speech made just for you.

Part 1

Part 2

If you haven’t seen the episode of Welcome Home that featured the Brownstones on Grand you’ve missed some comedy gold my friends. And it’s not comedy in a mean way, it’s just plain funny.

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.

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!