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While roaming the hills of Arkansas, we stopped in on the 29th Annual Springfest in Heber Springs. It had been a few years since visiting this event, and thought might spend a couple of hours wandering the park seeing what there was to see. It could not have been a more perfect day for the event too. Clear skies, a light wind and temperatures in the mid-20s C brought everyone out. Folks everywhere were strutting with their Corn Dog, kettle corn, or waiting in line for Buffalo Bill's Ole Fashion Soda Pop.  Kids enjoyed the Butterfly Pavilion, Pony rides, and the skateboard park converted into an inflatable city. Meanwhile, adults enjoyed arts and crafts from the area, or a few music and performance acts at the old stone 1933 Women's Club Band Shell Pavilion. Other associated events were going on in different parts of town too. The airport was hosting Class Car Show, Air Fly-In & Color Fun Run. Heber Springs Elementary put on a show at the...

We went roaming about for Record Store Day to a couple of places that were hosting live music. I glanced at the calendar enough to see that mostly locals were playing early, which fit our plans perfectly. After finishing a few things at the homestead, we headed down to the Crossroads for a little food and to see what was playing around. Revolution Records is just around the corner from Grinder's, so we dropped in there for a little food and drink first. They have an awesome Philly, or as the name implies, really good Grinders too. We were still a bit early though. Nobody started playing until 6 pm, and it was only 5 pm, so we decided to trip down to Mills Record Company first. They were working the same schedule. The bands at Mills Record Company were playing their "alternate" location just around corner. The venue was interesting, excepting the fact that it was all concrete. I think the floor might have been wood, but the walls and ceiling were not,...

“Reflecting Class in the Age of Rembrandt and Vermeer” features paintings, decorative arts and other artifacts from the Golden Age of Dutch Art.  It is a rare opportunity to view these 71 specially selected works reflecting various social strata scenes and portraiture of a then new 17th century Dutch Republic; also known as the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands. The Republic formed after the Peace of Westphalia, as part of the Peace of Münster, ending the 80 Years’ War between Spain and the Dutch, and ushered in a new era of Dutch independence, and relative democracy.  Merchants within the new Dutch republic benefited immensely from the availability of cheap shipping and cessation of the hostilities.  They soon dominated markets English traders previously ruled, and quickly became the most prosperous nation in Europe leading in not only trade, but also science and art. In spite of independence and democratic leanings, class distinctions remained...

While not widely acknowledged, Kansas City hosts a rapidly expanding population originating from India.  These folks represent a considerable cross-section of the highly technical work force in the City, and are among the most prized contributors to advancing technology in the area. Standing in stark contrast, they bring with them a social grace steeped in thousands of years of culture and tradition. A new world and a new life make increasing demands on time normally devoted to long-standing customs though, and many cultures lose their personal identify along the way, with each successive generation.  The Melting Pot that is the United States tends to do more than just erase national boundaries.  It tends to dissolve culture and identity too.  This is especially true for those helping to advance the insatiable technological appetite of a nation that has lost touch with many of its own traditions and values. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art appears t...