Sympathetic Vibrations | KC’s Musical Cup Runneth Over
Sympathetic Vibrations will be on a short hiatus through the end of the year while Flatland and The Bridge collaborate on a written series called “Making the Band,” wherein rock sorceress Michelle Bacon and I will take a closer look at the lesser known cogs in the music industry machine here in KC. Look for…
Hammerhand Coffee Finds Its Place in Downtown Liberty
Alex Merrell, co-owner of Hammerhand Coffee, didn’t originally plan on opening on a corner spot (22 N. Main Street) in downtown Liberty’s historic square. Merrell and three investors had selected a space at 1 N. Water Street, based one block east and south around the corner of the Clay County Courthouse. But earlier this year, the…
The Weekend Starts Today
November 20 is National Absurdity Day. To mark it, we should celebrate all that is unreasonable, illogical or inappropriate. Which, given recent events, seems like a wholly reasonable, logical and appropriate thing to do. One good way to do that is to take a brief respite from politics and enjoy some of what the city…
On Tap | Crane Brewing Company’s Taproom Is Ready To Serve Flights
Grandma’s fridge is gone, and the mismatched tables will go back to bingo halls or Rotary clubs or wherever mismatched tables retire. Crane Brewing Company is gearing up to open its permanent taproom on Friday, November 25. “We always wanted a spot where people who enjoy our beer can come to the source and meet…
Take 5 For Your Health
Water Task Force Leaning Toward Sales Tax Proposal A group appointed to study funding sources for Gov. Sam Brownback’s 50-year water plan is leaning toward proposing a dedicated sales tax. Earl Lewis, assistant director of the Kansas Water Office, presented the preliminary results of the Blue Ribbon Task Force on Monday at the annual Kansas…
Five Reasons to See ‘Surveyor’ at Epsten Gallery
You Like Craft Before any artwork can be perceived conceptually, it has to be taken in on a simple, aesthetic level. The work of Israeli artist Yuval Yairi, on display at Epsten Gallery from now until Jan. 22, is worthy of your aesthetic appreciation. These works are, quite simply, elegantly done. Some are big and…
An Election Outcome You Might’ve Missed
It might be easy for social services supporters in Jackson County to be asking “What if?” in the wake of Tuesday’s election, when residents resoundingly approved creation of a Children’s Services Fund through a new eighth-cent sales tax. After all, the projected proceeds could have been nearly three times larger, if not for bureaucratic snafus…
These Colorado Veterans Are Finding Peace On The Farm
Ben and Leticia Ward’s farm in Fountain, Colorado, just outside Colorado Springs, doesn’t look like an army base. But it’s not hard to uncover whiffs of military influence at Little Roman Farm. A stack of sturdy fiberglass bins next to a greenhouse seem benign, ready to be put to use as brooding bins for chickens…
Can’t Hurry Love: Rare Snail Finds Romance After Global Search
A genetic fluke stood in the way of love for a lonely and unique snail named Jeremy. But thanks to a public appeal, the snail has hopefully found a mate — or maybe even two.
How Gus Saved My Job
It was early in my career at The Kansas City Star, really early, and I was in dire straits. I needed help. Lots of it. I was a newly-minted labor reporter at the newspaper, and my stern and demanding editors had sent me on one of my first out-of-town reporting trips — to Kentucky and…