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From the Mayor’s Desk: I’m bored!

Acouple months ago, one of the stories on Channel 13 News caught my attention. In front of the Des Moines City Council was a group of parents who had something to say. What they told the City Council that there was “nothing to do in Des Moines for kids.” I’m not joking, DES MOINES! The City Council said they would “look into it.” I do hear this same sentiment from time to time from residents about Marshalltown. I don’t agree, let me explain. Growing up on a farm, one thing you never said to mom or dad is that you were bored. Like ever. I learned this the hard way, ...

Bible Truth nor Tradition: The doctrine of the sovereignty of God?

Many popular Reformed Theologians like John MacArthur and RC Sproul relied on the work of John Calvin in defining the manmade doctrine of “The Sovereignty of God” and concluded that God is in absolute control of everything that happens. In my opinion, traditional Christianity has failed to provide satisfactory answers to questions regarding human suffering and death. Much of what is presented as Christianity today is really “religion,” that is the doctrines and commandments of men. I used Copilot AI to find out more about where this teaching comes from: The idea you’re ...

Perfectionism and mental health

Perfectionism is a trait that makes life an endless report card on accomplishments or looks. When healthy, it can be self-motivating and help you overcome adversity and achieve success. When unhealthy, it can be a fast and enduring track to unhappiness. What makes extreme perfectionism so toxic is that while those in its grip desire success, they are most focused on avoiding failure; this leaves a negative orientation. They don’t believe in unconditional love, expecting others’ affection and approval to be dependent on a flawless performance. What causes perfectionism? ...

AI for tech challenged seniors

The ad in the newspaper was tantalizing: “AI for seniors. 3 hours in two sessions offered by the County Extension Office through Iowa State University. Must be 60 or over. No fee. Research your health info.” Voila! I was wondering how to use AI. I didn’t want to be left in the dark as technology moved forward, like an old tractor parked behind the machine shed. I know I could use AI in my writing for research, not that I would use AI to write an Empty Nest column. The whole reason I write the column is for the pleasure of creating. Writing is an art, and the satisfaction I glean ...

Price gouging is whose problem?

Horrors. The profiteers running this year’s World Cup are forcing fans to shell out thousands for a single ticket. But they’re not. FIFA, which oversees the once-every-four-years soccer tournament, is slapping astounding prices on the tickets. No one has to buy them. This should be very obvious. That said, some products are priced in ways that understandably bring out villagers with pitchforks. Bread in 18th-century Europe, for example. Rapidly rising prices for the “staff of life” helped foment the French Revolution. The peasants demanded what they deemed a “just ...

Keep Politicians out of college sports

Nearly everyone who is a college sports fan, myself included, knows the state of affairs in the NCAA is one fine mess. Especially regarding football and men’s basketball, the two major money-making sports, things have changed massively in the last few years — and mostly not in a good way. ...