This week it's Yonder Mountain String Band live at Nita's Hideaway in Tempe, Arizona.

This band will play the Iowa State Fair on August 14.

Perhaps I missed something in my haste to beat the heat this morning, but the Des Moines Arts Festival appeared to be as much about corporate philanthropy and vending as it was about art.

The Fest's breadth of activities for children was nice; start 'em young. But for those who already appreciate art, the show seemd a bit thin...

Perhap's I'll feel differently when I revisit the event for tomorrow afternoon's Nadas show.

There *was* some great art there today.

I was especially impressed with Banister Pope's sharp pastels and a few of Michael Bruckdorfer's tooled and painted copper works. And it was cool to see Des Moines' own Megan Page – a high school classmate – displaying her printmaking.

But I couldn't afford to buy any of it... Shame.

In case you missed it...

Dogs will run free in a park -- just like they've been doing for years.

Protecting people from themselves is *still* a good idea to some.

And it's time for some candor and mass distribution of Rage Against the Machine CDs. I don't want to hear any more about the economic impacts of September 11; today's economic turmoil has little to do with terrorists, unless we're talking about the accomplishments of the self-interested and the apathy of indulged masses...

I need to sleep.

I'm giving you early notice...

On Wednesday, July 3, you should spend your evening at the House of Bricks.

The bar will celebrate it's second year as a *very* kind home to live music, and the party is going to start early (free food at 6:30p.m., free beer during South Park at 9 p.m.) and the band will likely play late into the evening...

In fact, I can almost guarantee an after-hours party, since *nobody* has to work the next day.

Did I mention it's Jon's birthday on July 3?

Like you needed another reason to be at the show...

See you Wednesday.

Let's get straight on the name. I'm a happy person – an optimist to a fault – who finds living in Des Moines, Iowa to be a good thing. The name deadmoines.com is *ironic*, dig?

I should describe what's going on here...

The Internet allows us to publish pretty much whatever we want to say to the world.

And that's what I've done here – created a place to share experience, adversity, celebration, inebriation... All of it.

So, please remember: I like Des Moines, Iowa.

This Web site is about life in Des Moines through my eyes. And if you want to contribute your perspective via content (videos, pictures, songs, etc.) or blog entries, send me email without delay. There's room for you here.

"Whoever expects to remain ignorant and free expects what never was and never will be.""
-- Thomas Jefferson