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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.

contrasting garden glow

by jusTodd November 29, 2024

This date after Thanksgiving our crew remained a bit more local, visiting the Festival of Lights at Powell Gardens . The experience is quite a contrast with the effort last year in St Louis. Many of the displays stand out nicely, as do a few very intentional arrangements in random locations. They are well-placed for interaction and photographs. However, sidewalks lined with lighting stretch in random directions without any sort of guidance, seemingly without intent or construct. The paths occasionally intersect, sometimes through tunnels of light, which is the highest level of interactivity. Treats are available for purchase at multiple locations, but only one contains enough warmth to encourage folks to linger any length of time. Other fires pale in comparison, making the only other temperature refuge beyond the main building, Santa's workshop. He was very busy there, enjoying the company and a photo shoot among the y...

q104 country christmas

by jusTodd December 12, 2024

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...

weston wassailing

by jusTodd November 29, 2024

A random encounter with wassailers in Weston found them shuffling along peddling their vocal wares on the opening day of festivities at Historic Weston Orchard & Vineyard . They had chosen the perfect day, with a bright shining sun and temperatures lurking about 0ºC, though seemed a bit confused about their role. This gang of carolers were attempting to apply house wassailing to the setting. As this was an orchard, wassailing etiquette dictates they wander about reciting their incantations and singing to the trees of the fields in an effort to promote a good harvest for the coming year. Shoppers appeared undeterred, mostly ignoring the misguided cretins. They were entirely too obsessed with the small row of merchant tents where freezing sellers made every effort to hoard what little warmth they could. In the big house, aka barn, others huddled around the cider tanks, with offered a variety of food, libations, and a more infused sort o...

a kc rep carol

by jusTodd November 30, 2024

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...

miss hawaiian tropic international model search 2003 kc finals

by jusTodd August 24, 2003

The final night was finally here, and all the winners from the previous weekends, alongside their runner-up made one last appearance in their finest, then their own swim wear, and finally in swimwear provided by Hawaiian Tropic. Only one would go on to the regional contest. Shotgun Jackson provided his usual distractions on the microphone, with drinks and dancing, courtesy of beats from DJs Steve Thorell and Bill Pile, all around for those that stayed to the very end. view more photos from this event ... and if you want to see what led up to this date, the preliminaries ... Week 5 Week 4 Week 3 Week 2 Week 1

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