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A journey down to the Benton County Courthouse for some business in Warsaw found this one-of-a-kind piece lingering about the inside the historic building.  Produced by Warsaw South students to show their respect for the US flag and all those that stand to protect the same.  The assemblage of a multitude of red, white, and blue plastic bottle caps is interesting, though does not indicate any sort of production date.

  Prior to the Chiefs game, we headed down to Knuckleheads for a little birthday celebration, enjoying good company and good music. The Divisional Playoff game against the Houston Texans took precedence for most of the regular attendees of this Saturday jam session, so attendance was extremely sparse.  It was a good time though.  We enjoyed some great music in space before the game, and could have even stayed for the game, if we had decided to.  There were several screens showing the pre-game.

  Taking a break from the usual daylight activities created space to investigate a recent exhibit at the Nelson showcasing a unique multi-cultural and multi-faith dialog.   The works presented are but a cross-section of shared astronomical knowledge, preserved and advanced by Muslim scientists during the European dark ages.  Re-emerging during the Renaissance, thanks to the invention of the printing press, they communicate discoveries though beautifully crafted books, instruments, and images. Mapping the Heavens  is part of the World Religions Initiative at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. This exhibition is co-organized with the Linda Hall Library and is available for viewing through January 11, 2025.

Jackson Dean is one of our more favorite rising stars just now and this was a rare opportunity to catch him outside of the glitz and glam of an arena show.  Indeed, we had been trying to catch up with him, in just this type of format, for more than a year.  Each attempt was thwarted for one reason or another and we had kind of given up hope.  Then comes Q104 (KBEQ-FM) with their annual Christmas show featuring none other than this elusive musician. Hosted by PBR Big Sky at the Power & Light District, with proceeds going to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, this proved the perfect opportunity to catch his act, up close and personal, and unplugged.  This is the true test of the talent of any musician, to get up on stage with nothing more than their voice, instrument and stage lighting. Jackson Dean did not disappoint either. A country musician who is not entirely country, he is rhythm and blues, and a little...

An evening with the  Kansas City Repertory  interpretation of the Charles Dickens tale, "A Christmas Carol," turned out an excellent performance in this 43rd rendition the classic.  A diverse representation of performers stood for nary a slip in their execution.  The narrator stumbled a couple of times but recovered so quick, it was hard to accept that it had really occurred. When you have that many lines, it is hard not to miss one here and there though. Early in the opening acts of the show, a phone voiced its annoying melody.  However, nobody on stage missed a beat, or even blinked, as the device quickly silenced.  Technology is hard for some, I suppose.   It was not for the production though! A revolving set appeared well manicured and suitable for every angle of the production, and actors flowed seamlessly across and between scenes.   Extending into the audience as well, extras sometime enhanced the lighting and sound, prior to thei...