Des Moines Wealth of Information

QUESTION:
Does anyone know of any hotels that would be a good location for a child's b-day party?
I'm looking to have a birthday party for my 7 y/o daughter with a few of her girlfriends and my home is much too small to accommodate a slumber party. Looking for a motel/hotel that perhaps people have tried such a thing and worked out well for them. I'm in the Des Moines area. ANY suggestions would be great! Thank you sooo much.

• ANSWER:
  Is it really responsible to take a bunch of 7 year old girls to a hotel room? Sounds kinda creepy to me Michael Jackson.

QUESTION:
i am looking for a hotel that would let outside cater food for a wedding in des moines iowa.. (nice hotel)?
Wedding in Iowa.
looking for a hotel who would let outside caterer for ethnic wedding.
urbandale, west desmoines, downtown johnston clive area??

and where are the nice places in des moines to have a reception/ceremony.
its Des moines Iowa
Down Desmoines
Urbandale
Johnston
clive
West Des Moines

any of these area would be good..
its Des moines Iowa
Downtown Desmoines
Urbandale
Johnston
clive
West Des Moines

any of these area would be good..

• ANSWER:
  Hi and congratulations!

  I do not know Iowa at all (I'm in Michigan). However, I can tell you from experience that it will be hard to find a hotel that will allow outside catering. The reasons are two-fold. (1) is because that is how they make their money! Usually, you do not need to pay to "rent" a hotel banquet room....what you pay for is the food, which is usually figured as $___ /per plate. The price will vary depending on what you order and if you are having a buffet or sit down meal.

  And, (2) is because the hotel wants to make sure of the safety of the food and how it is cooked. If someone were to get food poisoning from undercooked food, then they would be liable.

  The only places that I know of that let you bring in your own catering would be a hall such as a VFW Hall, Elks Club, etc. Any "service" type of groups/clubs.

  Why not search online (or use your phone book) and call some places and inquire?

  Good luck with your search.

QUESTION:
Immigrant-rights groups critical of upcoming radio event is FAIR a hate group ?
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Immigrant-rights groups are criticizing the organizers of an upcoming radio event that will promote a crackdown on illegal immigration.

The groups accuse the Federation for American Immigration Reform of endorsing bigotry and racism. FAIR is sponsoring a broadcast marathon for Thursday and Friday in a downtown Des Moines hotel. The event is expected to attract 22 radio talk show hosts from across the country to discuss immigration.

``We don't agree with their views that are demonizing immigrants, and we don't appreciate their coming to Iowa telling us what we should think about immigrants,'' said Alicia Claypool, chairwoman of the Iowa Civil Rights Commission.

Dan Stein, president of FAIR, said his group is being demonized. ``They're trying to discredit an entire side of the debate,'' Stein said.

FAIR held a similar radio event last spring in Washington that it claims influenced the U.S. Senate's defeat of a bill that would have created a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants.
http://www.globegazette.com/articles/2007/12/26/latest_news/doc47732239064ae154379423.txtThey note that the Southern Poverty Law Center, a civil rights organization, recently added FAIR to its list of hate groups operating in the United States.
Wow, the ultimate "hate" group has a "hate" group list. I guess that list must be pretty nice guys then, double negative and all.

• ANSWER:
  I hope the radio event is a hit! I just heard on a New York radio station that all these types of attention are making the illegals so "upset and nervous" that they are "self-deporting" in other words, they are going home on their own because they are tired of looking over their shoulder. Keep up the heat! its working!!!!

QUESTION:
Immigrant-rights Groups Critical Of Upcoming Radio Event Is Fair A Hate Group?
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Immigrant-rights groups are criticizing the organizers of an upcoming radio event that will promote a crackdown on illegal immigration.
The groups accuse the Federation for American Immigration Reform of endorsing bigotry and racism. FAIR is sponsoring a broadcast marathon for Thursday and Friday in a downtown Des Moines hotel. The event is expected to attract 22 radio talk show hosts from across the country to discuss immigration.
“We don’t agree with their views that are demonizing immigrants, and we don’t appreciate their coming to Iowa telling us what we should think about immigrants,” said Alicia Claypool, chairwoman of the Iowa Civil Rights Commission.
Dan Stein, president of FAIR, said his group is being demonized. “They’re trying to discredit an entire side of the debate,” Stein said.
FAIR held a similar radio event last spring in Washington that it claims influenced the U.S. Senate’s defeat of a bill that would have created a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants.http://www.globegazette.com/articles/200… note that the Southern Poverty Law Center, a civil rights organization, recently added FAIR to its list of hate groups operating in the United States.
Wow, the ultimate “hate” group has a “hate” group list. I guess that list must be pretty nice guys then, double negative and all.
http://desmoines10.cityspur.com/2009/09/30/immigrant-rights-groups-critical-of-upcoming-radio-event-is-fair-a-hate-group/

• ANSWER:
  The race card is a sign they don't have any rational arguments.

QUESTION:
Would you recommend this hotel?
So I'm taking a trip to Des Moines, IA next week and I need to know if this hotel is nice? I'm a Marriott employee so I won't stay at any other hotel cause I get a discount....

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-information/travel/dsmia-des-moines-marriott-downtown/

• ANSWER:
  dont know sorry, try putting in the internet - reviews of...name of the hotels - usually get a gud response.

QUESTION:
How much do wedding receptions typically cost at hotels?
I'm looking for a place for my wedding reception in Downtown Des Moines

• ANSWER:
  Anywhere from 00 to 00

QUESTION:
i am looking for a hotel that would let outside cater food for a wedding in des moines iowa.. (nice hotel)?
Wedding in Iowa.
looking for a hotel who would let outside caterer for ethnic wedding.
urbandale, west desmoines, downtown johnston clive area??

and where are the nice places in des moines to have a reception/ceremony.
its Des moines Iowa
Down Desmoines
Urbandale
Johnston
clive
West Des Moines

any of these area would be good..
its Des moines Iowa
Downtown Desmoines
Urbandale
Johnston
clive
West Des Moines

any of these area would be good..

• ANSWER:
  Hi and congratulations!

  I do not know Iowa at all (I'm in Michigan). However, I can tell you from experience that it will be hard to find a hotel that will allow outside catering. The reasons are two-fold. (1) is because that is how they make their money! Usually, you do not need to pay to "rent" a hotel banquet room....what you pay for is the food, which is usually figured as $___ /per plate. The price will vary depending on what you order and if you are having a buffet or sit down meal.

  And, (2) is because the hotel wants to make sure of the safety of the food and how it is cooked. If someone were to get food poisoning from undercooked food, then they would be liable.

  The only places that I know of that let you bring in your own catering would be a hall such as a VFW Hall, Elks Club, etc. Any "service" type of groups/clubs.

  Why not search online (or use your phone book) and call some places and inquire?

  Good luck with your search.

QUESTION:
Immigrant-rights groups critical of upcoming radio event is FAIR a hate group ?
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Immigrant-rights groups are criticizing the organizers of an upcoming radio event that will promote a crackdown on illegal immigration.

The groups accuse the Federation for American Immigration Reform of endorsing bigotry and racism. FAIR is sponsoring a broadcast marathon for Thursday and Friday in a downtown Des Moines hotel. The event is expected to attract 22 radio talk show hosts from across the country to discuss immigration.

``We don't agree with their views that are demonizing immigrants, and we don't appreciate their coming to Iowa telling us what we should think about immigrants,'' said Alicia Claypool, chairwoman of the Iowa Civil Rights Commission.

Dan Stein, president of FAIR, said his group is being demonized. ``They're trying to discredit an entire side of the debate,'' Stein said.

FAIR held a similar radio event last spring in Washington that it claims influenced the U.S. Senate's defeat of a bill that would have created a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants.
http://www.globegazette.com/articles/2007/12/26/latest_news/doc47732239064ae154379423.txtThey note that the Southern Poverty Law Center, a civil rights organization, recently added FAIR to its list of hate groups operating in the United States.
Wow, the ultimate "hate" group has a "hate" group list. I guess that list must be pretty nice guys then, double negative and all.

• ANSWER:
  I hope the radio event is a hit! I just heard on a New York radio station that all these types of attention are making the illegals so "upset and nervous" that they are "self-deporting" in other words, they are going home on their own because they are tired of looking over their shoulder. Keep up the heat! its working!!!!

QUESTION:
Immigrant-rights Groups Critical Of Upcoming Radio Event Is Fair A Hate Group?
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Immigrant-rights groups are criticizing the organizers of an upcoming radio event that will promote a crackdown on illegal immigration.
The groups accuse the Federation for American Immigration Reform of endorsing bigotry and racism. FAIR is sponsoring a broadcast marathon for Thursday and Friday in a downtown Des Moines hotel. The event is expected to attract 22 radio talk show hosts from across the country to discuss immigration.
“We don’t agree with their views that are demonizing immigrants, and we don’t appreciate their coming to Iowa telling us what we should think about immigrants,” said Alicia Claypool, chairwoman of the Iowa Civil Rights Commission.
Dan Stein, president of FAIR, said his group is being demonized. “They’re trying to discredit an entire side of the debate,” Stein said.
FAIR held a similar radio event last spring in Washington that it claims influenced the U.S. Senate’s defeat of a bill that would have created a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants.http://www.globegazette.com/articles/200… note that the Southern Poverty Law Center, a civil rights organization, recently added FAIR to its list of hate groups operating in the United States.
Wow, the ultimate “hate” group has a “hate” group list. I guess that list must be pretty nice guys then, double negative and all.
http://desmoines10.cityspur.com/2009/09/30/immigrant-rights-groups-critical-of-upcoming-radio-event-is-fair-a-hate-group/

• ANSWER:
  The race card is a sign they don't have any rational arguments.

QUESTION:
Would you recommend this hotel?
So I'm taking a trip to Des Moines, IA next week and I need to know if this hotel is nice? I'm a Marriott employee so I won't stay at any other hotel cause I get a discount....

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-information/travel/dsmia-des-moines-marriott-downtown/

• ANSWER:
  dont know sorry, try putting in the internet - reviews of...name of the hotels - usually get a gud response.

QUESTION:
How much do wedding receptions typically cost at hotels?
I'm looking for a place for my wedding reception in Downtown Des Moines

• ANSWER:
  Anywhere from 00 to 00

QUESTION:
What did you think of the McCain Des Moines Register interview?
http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/10/01/1476422.aspx

• ANSWER:
  That he is psycho....he wants to be a dictator.....and he is a very angry and hostile old man.

QUESTION:
EVERYBODY lies,so why did john mcain try and claim that he is "100% Truthful"?
"John McCain has told some whoppers during the course of this campaign. And, yesterday, he sat down with the Editorial Board of the Des Moines Register and continued to lie: Today, Politico took him up on his challenge to prove that he was less than 100% accurate and truthful. Guess what? John McCain is a liar: John McCain told the Des Moines Register this week that he always tells "100 percent absolute truth," even in campaign ads. There's one big problem with that bold statement: it's just not true. McCain has made a number of statements &mdash... in paid ads and on the campaign trail — that simply cannot be described as 100 percent accurate. Some aren't even close. DannyCommunications Director"

http://www.feedzilla.com/opinions-archive/politics/2008-10-02-us-democrats.html

• ANSWER:
  that's what republicans do best

  lie

  believe each others lies

QUESTION:
Cheapest & best all inclusive trip to St. Petersburg, Florida!?
I am looking to plan my first vacation for this coming summer. I am looking to go to St. Petersburg, Florida. I want to go in late July or early August.

What I need help with is deciding what hotel is ALL INCLUSIVE and a cheap price and is on the beach. My ideal vacation is going for 5 nights in an all inclusive hotel for two people...

I will be departing from the Des Moines airport in Iowa, United States. Does anyone have any specific all inclusive hotels that are cheaper but still pretty nice in mind?

Also it has to be all inclusive hotel on the beach or atleast in walking distance.. but very very close, you know? The hotel HAS to be all inclusive.

Anyone have any bright ideas on hotels or destinations? Any help at all will be greatly appreciated.

• ANSWER:
  There are a lot of hotels and motels near St. Pete on the beach in Reddington Beach, Madeira Beach and Treasure Island. You can look up ratings at www.tripadvisor.com You can save yourself a lot of money and rent directly from someone who owns a time share there instead of staying at a hotel. You can search at www.tug2.com, redweek.com and http://www.timeshareownerscommunity.com/ Timeshareowners will allow you to put an ad for free to let people know you are looking for a time share in that area. The owners will rent it to you for a lot less than a service. We did this when we went to Hawaii.

QUESTION:
Cheapest & best all inclusive trip to Cancun!?
Hi my name is Paul and I am looking to plan my first vacation for this coming summer. I am looking to go somewhere like Cancun or something like that. I want to go in late July or early August.

What I need help with is deciding where to go for the cheapest price. My ideal vacation is going to Cancun for 5 nights in an all inclusive hotel for under 1800 dollars for two people...So far I haven't found an option this cheap.

I will be departing from the Des Moines airport in Iowa, United States. Does anyone have any specific all inclusive hotels that are cheaper but still pretty nice in mind?

Also, it doesn't necessarily have to be Cancun, I just want an all inclusive hotel with white sands right next to it, you know? The hotel HAS to be all inclusive.

Anyone have any bright ideas on hotels or destinations? Any help at all will be greatly appreciated.

• ANSWER:
  HMMM... let's see here... First, have you tried to go to a "real" travel agency around your area? That is usually the best way to find some good deals. Travel agents are always getting updates and special offers and can usually find you something. If not I will give you a link to a travel site that usually has some good deals and you can search on there for something.
  I just did a search for you (to get an idea) and came up with a few hotels. I don't know if this is the date you want but it's July 29-Aug.3... Again, I was just trying to get an estimate.
  You can search around on the site and choose your own dates and maybe find something else, but I just wanted to give you an idea.
  If you go to the second link and if you scroll down the page you will see that Hyatt Cancún is only 0/person. That is really cheap for that hotel and you will have white sand beaches and all-inclusive.
  Cancún would be the cheapest for you to go to though if you want the white sand beaches. Good luck in finding your ideal vacation!!!

QUESTION:
Is this an unconstitutional infringement of economic liberty, the right for individuals to earn a living?
I own a small taxicab business in West Des Moines, Iowa. The actual city of Des Moines will not permit me to pick up my customers there. ( two seperate cities) Des Moines itself only has one cab company ( disguised as 2 as to give the false perception of competition.) Unfortunatly Des Moines is where all the big hotels are located as well as the Airport & Greyhound. The city has a rediculous amount of rules and regulations pertaining to taxicabs. (over 35 pages) Starting with: I need to own at least 10 cabs, each cab has to be insured for 1.5 million each. (by the way New York; taxicab capitol of the world only requires ,000 insurance policy per cab) I have to operate a 24/7 staffed facility. The local TV Media did a story on my situation. When they asked a few of the city council members why?, they actually said on film "Why shouldn't we protect our cab company from any competition?" Gary Fox, the traffic control member said on film " We have designed this to keep fly by night cab companies out of Des Moines." Well, I'm not a fly by night cab company!! Over 90% of my business comes from the telephone, 24 hours a day/ seven days a week. My cabs are new and my drivers and myself are english speaking/ hard working Americans. Is there any hope? I have done the research, many have stood infront of city council. None have tried fighting the city council in a court room. Des Moines has not had another taxicab company since the 1940's!!!!!!!!!!! PLEASE HELP! This is an unconstitutional infringement of economic liberty, the right for individuals to earn an honest living without arbitrary government interference! Thanks, Aaron Dowell
I failed to mention: 8 0f the 10 cabs must be manned at all times.

• ANSWER:
  Contact the ACLU. This sounds like their meat and potatoes.

  Good Luck!

  Doc

QUESTION:
Could I win in court? City has a monopoly!?
I own a small taxicab business in West Des Moines, Iowa. The actual city of Des Moines will not permit me to pick up my customers there. ( two separate cities) Des Moines itself only has one cab company ( disguised as 2 as to give the false perception of competition.) Unfortunately Des Moines is where all the big hotels are located as well as the Airport & Greyhound. The city has a ridiculous amount of rules and regulations pertaining to taxicabs. (over 35 pages) Starting with: I need to own at least 10 cabs with 8 out on the road at all time. Each cab has to be insured for 1.5 million each. (by the way, New York; taxicab capital of the world only requires ,000 insurance policy per cab) I have to operate a 24/7 staffed facility. The local TV Media did a story on my situation. When they asked a few of the city council members why?, they actually said on film "Why shouldn't we protect our cab company from any competition?" The traffic control member said on film " We have designed this to keep fly by night cab companies out of Des Moines." Well, I'm not a fly by night Cab Company!! Over 90% of my business comes from the telephone, 24 hours a day/ seven days a week. My cabs are new and my drivers and I are English speaking/ hard working Americans. Is there any hope? I have done the research; many have stood in front of city council. None have tried fighting the city council in a court room. Des Moines has not had another taxicab company since the 1940's!!!!!!!!!!! PLEASE HELP! This is an unconstitutional infringement of economic liberty, the right for individuals to earn an honest living without arbitrary government interference! Thanks!

• ANSWER:
  Fight it. It's the mega corporations that are keeping the little guy from making it big. Greedy bast*rds want all the money for themselves.

  Fight him, them. Maybe you'll win and maybe you won't, but I do believe you have a constitutional right infringement case going on here. Look for a big name lawyer and sue for monetary damages if you have to. Most lawyers in such a case will work on a win/percentage basis if they think your case is strong enough. Take it to the surpreme court if you have to.

  Good luck.

QUESTION:
Could I win my case in court? City has a monopoly!!!?
I own a small taxicab business in West Des Moines, Iowa. The actual city of Des Moines will not permit me to pick up my customers there. ( two separate cities) Des Moines itself only has one cab company ( disguised as 2 as to give the false perception of competition.) Unfortunately Des Moines is where all the big hotels are located as well as the Airport & Greyhound. The city has a ridiculous amount of rules and regulations pertaining to taxicabs. (over 35 pages) Starting with: I need to own at least 10 cabs with 8 out on the road at all time. Each cab has to be insured for 1.5 million each. (by the way, New York; taxicab capital of the world only requires ,000 insurance policy per cab) I have to operate a 24/7 staffed facility. The local TV Media did a story on my situation. When they asked a few of the city council members why?, they actually said on film "Why shouldn't we protect our cab company from any competition?" The traffic control member said on film " We have designed this to keep fly by night cab companies out of Des Moines." Well, I'm not a fly by night Cab Company!! Over 90% of my business comes from the telephone, 24 hours a day/ seven days a week. My cabs are new and my drivers and I are English speaking/ hard working Americans. Is there any hope? I have done the research; many have stood in front of city council. None have tried fighting the city council in a court room. Des Moines has not had another taxicab company since the 1940's!!!!!!!!!!! PLEASE HELP! This is an unconstitutional infringement of economic liberty, the right for individuals to earn an honest living without arbitrary government interference! Thanks!

• ANSWER:
  Maybe. But it is possible for a city to have a legal monopoly.

  You should talk to a lawyer. This would be a 14th amendment due process claim, although I'm not sure that economic liberty is a protected interest.

QUESTION:
How can I influence my parents to...?
Take me to Miami, Florida for my birthday. Miami is my most favorite place in the entire world and everyday I wish I could live and be there. It's a perfect place for me. I would pay for everything, plane, hotel, lodging, rental car... But I really want to go. My birthday is in the middle of June. We live about seven hours from Chicago and hour from Des Moines, Iowa. Thanks for your help.

• ANSWER:
  Make this argument to them.
  |t sounds well thought out.
  GOOD LUCK.