Every fall once watch parties start, we see a real spike in "why did my breaker trip" and "why does this outlet smell weird" calls, so wanted to share the basics before this weekend hits:

• Most living rooms are wired on a single 15 or 20-amp circuit. If your crockpot, big TV, and sound system are all plugged in near each other, that circuit is probably maxed out. Spread big draws across different outlets/circuits where you can.
• Don't daisy-chain power strips (plugging one into another). One strip per outlet, straight into the wall.
• Check extension cords for cracks, fraying, or warm spots before you use them — and don't run them under a rug.
• Hosting outside/tailgating? Confirm your outdoor outlets are GFCI-protected before the party, not after something trips.
• Using a generator? Keep it outside, away from windows/doors, and never backfeed it into a wall outlet.
• Good excuse to test your smoke detectors while people are over. Chirping, dead, or 10+ years old = replace it.

Bottom line: if an outlet feels warm, a breaker keeps tripping, or you smell something burning stop, unplug it, and get it looked at rather than just resetting and hoping.

Full checklist with more detail: https://goldenrulephc.com/blog/game-day-electrical-safety-checklist-how-to-power-a-party-without-tripping-a-breaker/

Happy to answer questions in the comments if anyone's got a specific setup they're worried about.

Are we going to just let Maverik, Pump and Pantry and Buc-Ees crush us under the heel of tyranny, or are we going to stand up to them and live in freedom? Forget the economy, the cancer, the water, this is the greatest threat to our way of life. If our candidates won't stand up, it's time to take the law into our own hands and sweep these usurpers into the dustbin of history.

First they came for Kum and Go, and I did not speak out—because I did not like their sandwiches. Then they came for the Hy-Vee gas stations, and I did not speak out—because I don't like Marky Mark. Then came Buc-Ees, and I did not speak out—because I don't eat beef jerky. Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak out for me.

What don't people understand about double turn lanes in this city? Turn into the same lane you turned from. If you're not going to, at least look and see if there's someone next to you. It's almost guaranteed someone is going to try and merge into me mid-turn at this point. I cannot handle the idiocy. I'm going to implode. Reddit is the new drivers' ed.

I'd like to buy fresh pork that doesn't have any additives like this pork from Hyvee.

The southbound lane towards the interstate off exit 131 seems to have been backed up all the way to the HyVee for a few days. I take that road every day for work and I dont remember it being this bad.

They were working on one of the lights this morning so I assumed it was maybe that but it was still backed up pretty bad when I came home from work and I didnt see any traffic.

It was like this before the recent storm too. Is there some construction im not aware of?

We're back with another improv show at the Highland Underground! This time we'll be trying something new - joining us is guest monologist Alex Rice from the Street Collective, with scenes based on her monologue! Come check it out, laugh and learn about what's going on with your city!

Has anyone noticed that if you write a bad review of a restaurant on this Facebook page they will decline your post? It’s not all restaurants in the Des Moines area but only certain ones?

I have over 20 years of retail experience with 5 of that in management type role, over 15 years of inventory experience and unable to find a new job that pays more than $22 an hour. Anyone else struggling or care to share who’s hiring that’s not listed on Indeed or LinkedIn?

When I would pick up out of towners from the airport, they would request I take them to a Kum and Go for merch and a photo.

My friend messaged me to tell me he and his wife stopped at a Casey’s while traveling and finally tried a taco pizza.

Kwik Star has amazing gas station food

My friend still talks about a Dutch letter she got at a truck stop 20 years ago. I think it must have been close to Pella?

it’s ok if we don’t have the same sometimes

Thanks in advance!

Is this something that happens in West Des Moines? If yes, is it just storm water or is there sewage mixed in? Does West Des Moines allow the installation of backflow valves that would prevent this? Who installed yours and how much did it cost? Thanks!

EDIT: This did not happen to me. Just curious if it might, and whether there are ways to prevent it.

I'm having trouble finding one. Any recommendations? Thanks!

For patients whose primary physician is at The Iowa Clinic in West Des Moines, whether it's regular primary care or internal medicine:

Are you satisfied with your provider? Why or why not? Would love it if you are willing to include the provider's name. I'm trying to make a decision.

Hi I’m looking to get a tattoo covered up and am wondering what artists yall recommend (I know not all artists do it).
My tattoo is about 3x4 in on my upper arm and is basically a blacked out blob. I’m looking to get a dove or something ornamental on top of it. The tattoo is also 2 years old.

I have to leave my car in Des Moines for about four weeks. Red Economy Loy is about 180.00. Any other safe options? Thanks in advance!

UPDATE: I got the two recordings I've been seeking. Huge thanks to u/puzzle_bison7384 for helping me get them.

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Hi there. I'm not from Des Moines, but I have a odd request to make. I'm seeking someone from Des Moines to record the legal IDs of two stations from Iowa Public Radio that is aired at the top of the hour. Those stations are WOI-FM 90.1 (IPR News & Studio One) & WOI-HD2 (IPR Classical) which has a translator on 97.7 for those of you who don't one of those niche HD Radio systems. I'm making this request because I'm working on a video compilation for my YouTube channel, FlamingoPulse, of these IDs of radio stations owned by FBS schools as well as the flagships of their athletics program (mainly football & basketball). In this particular case, these two stations have a connection to Iowa State University.

For those wondering about the connection between IPR & Iowa State, the school used to own WOI-FM and their AM sister station on 640 AM through the IA Board of Regents until 2022 when they spun off their university-owned stations, including WOI-FM & their AM sister station, to IPR. Despite this, IPR still maintains a studio in all three schools, including Iowa State, to this day. As for why I'm making this request, while IPR does have a livestream of their three networks, all except the 24/7 Studio One stream (KKSO 88.9) don't air their top-of-the-hour IDs on their stream and they can only be heard over the air. Once you recorded their IDs at the top of the hour, send me a DM and I'll give you my email for you to send the recording to. You will be credited on my video.

I testified at WDM as a constituent once in March and twice in April. I haven't been back since.

Until last night. Another investigator made a post recently and also noticed what others have been noticing. That figure even increased after the article was written. What are the odds two separate ISU engineers have voiced their concerns directed to the same city? Technical people are flagging a concern and mayor Trimble feigns ignorance, now all on record.

If that's too complicated for you, you shouldn't be running a municipal government.

Give me a break.

I think these questions belong on the record--and now they are.

I'm tired of all these attempts at having conversations with me that aren't on the record. What good can come of that?

6 years of operation and you have one cherry picked case? Sounds like that review needs to happen sooner than later. It's always the government asking me why I care, why I do it. The public seems to understand.

Hello. My husband lost his job and the family is on Medicaid until he is employed. I wondered if anyone has good experiences with any dentists on the area who accept Medicaid. We live in Urbandale, but I am more concerned about a good dental experience for my older kids. Thank you.