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Opinion

14414

THE ELBERT FILES: Painting her way out of retirement

Janet Roewe Piller, 60, has been preparing her whole life for the unusual business she opened last year, TLC Vintage Collections.

Her Urbandale store mixes high-end paint sales, furniture refinishing and adult education with a …

14397

THE ELBERT FILES: History of our history for $250

The State Historical Society of Iowa is poised to begin a new chapter as it enters its 156th year in January.

Tonight, Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds are hosting a gala celebration …

14382

THE ELBERT FILES: Fisher: Bad math hurts states

The aftermath of the 2012 election is a good vantage point for viewing Peter Fisher’s new study “Selling Snake Oil to the States.”

On election night, Republican guru Karl Rove was incredulous at President Obama’s …

14374

THE ELBERT FILES: Our worst economic enemy

I’m tired of hearing about the fiscal cliff from politicians and commentators, most of whom have no more foresight than Chicken Little.

Few have any idea how to clean up the economic mess we are …

14358

The Elbert Files: What Dave is thankful for

A lot happened in 2012 that I’d just as soon forget, starting with the Iowa caucuses, which were followed by an incredibly divisive election and one of the worst droughts we’ve seen in years.

Nonetheless, …

14354

THE ELBERT FILES: Use the surplus for tax reform

Gov. Terry Branstad and the Iowa Legislature have a once-in-a-generation opportunity next year to make meaningful changes to Iowa tax laws.

Economic circumstances and fiscal policies have combined to provide state government with its largest-ever …

14339

Four tips for workforce wellness

We know the Des Moines metro area and Iowa as a whole are appealing places in which to live, do business and raise a family. One major component to that success is the way Iowa …

14340

The Elbert Files: ‘Girls’ is funny, sad play

A new play with strong Iowa ties about women and venture capital completed a successful three-week run at the Tides Theater in San Francisco last weekend. The play, “And That’s What Little Girls Are Made …

14327

THE ELBERT FILES: A novel idea … again

Des Moines lawyer Lee Shearer has written his second – and possibly his last – novel, a fast-moving story that covers 195 pages and ends with a satisfying twist.

It’s called “Hiding in Des Moines,” …

14310

THE ELBERT FILES: Iowans you should have known

This week’s Business Record takes a look at “Iowans You Should Know,” profiling people who work behind the scenes to get things done.

In that same vein, I thought you might enjoy meeting three Iowans …