fireworks from the happy rock

by
Blue Fringed Starburst by gT Comer on 500px.com

A night of fireworks in the northland yielded some fantastic photographs this year.  There always seems as though the view is perfect from this locale.  The crowds are not usually intense, and it is relatively easy to get above their heads; it usually in these circumstances though.



Location: Oak Grove Park, Gladstone, MO 64118, USA

Comments

Post a Comment

popular now

32nd world championship cardboard boat races

by
Image
While visiting the great state of Arkansas, we had the opportunity to check out this event, which had been elusive for several years.  The endurance of some of these hand manufactured boats was quite surprising, and amusing at times. Apparently, the theme of the year was Star Wars, and there were quite a variety of flotation constructions about the landscape of Sandy Beach. All of the contraptions endured the warm waters quite well, and really did not take on any water.  It was quite surprising, considering the construction materials permitted. A few, while water tight, contained a few minor design flaws that caused disintegration under pressure. One almost fell apart at the starting line, and eventually did, prior to the finish line. It was quite a lot of fun though, and a full house on the beach in spite of threatening rain.  We look forward to getting back to it again. view more photos from this event or add your own to the mix
read more »

chalk and walk after hours

by
Image
  We dropped by for a look at progress on various forms of art littering the sidewalks of the City Market this evening.  Chores and other obligations had made it impossible to make it down for the festivities during normal hours, and the same reasons made visiting the next day improbable. The early evening viewing proved perfect for unhindered access to the art in progress. Everyone had  mostly left for the day.  A few lingered, finishing up their goals.  Judging by the number in progress, there did not appear to be quite as many participants as in years before.  What was on display looked good, although not quite on par with some of the displays witnessed in the past.
read more »

oak grove pulling trucks and tractors

by
Image
On the borderlands of the city, the oddly comforting smell of freshly tilled dirt pushed the more acrid stench of the encroaching urban area into the distant recesses of short-term memory for the evening. Diesel and dust would eventually become the dominant fragrance in the vicinity, occasionally interrupted by distinct aroma of burning alcohol.  A spot midfield, behind the cattle fencing and in front of the announcer booth, offered good fortunate right next to an individual intimately familiar with most of the vehicles and their drivers.  The cheerful character filled us in on expectations and unique rules for the events of the evening, happily answering questions and offering unique insight, mixing it up with a good dose of amicable conversation. High performance internal combustion engines cycling to explosive levels soon relegated all attempts at conversation to the space between each run occurring over the next several hours.  The machinery in play co
read more »

life gets real for arena artists

by
Image
image borrowed under Creative Commons from  The Concept of “Resource” Traveling down the road this morning, tuned in to "Morning Edition" on the local National Public Radio station KCUR, a brief story unfolded about failing concert ticket sales across the nation.  It seems that just in the last few days The Black Keys and Jennifer Lopez have cancelled tours citing other reasons, in spite of data indicating pre-sales for their concerts were not living up to expectations. It is an interesting little tale that identifies the cause at a high level.  The cost of tickets to some of our favorite shows has become completely unrealistic.  Fans are backing away from the extreme expense of enjoying their favorite artists.  In 2023,  an article in People magazine  marked the average price of concert ticket at $252.  Add to that parking, dinner, drinks, memorabilia, and all t
read more »

suck my deck

by
Image
by Betty Kang, PlexiPR ~ The Bugged Out DJ series Suck My Deck returns with the boss of the increasingly prolific Crosstown Rebels imprint and purveyor of the critically acclaimed Rebel Futurism compilations, Damian Lazarus. Damian’s Suck My Deck selection is a top-notch mix by this all round hedonist, “dance floor DJ extraordinaire and keeper of the funk.” There are some album exclusives (Freaks “Tweekers” and Border Community wonder boy James Holden’s track “Lump”). There are some forthcoming treats from Crosstown Rebels (Pier Bucci / Matt Tollfrey & Craig Sylvester). There are some huge dance floor moments with Trentemoller, Issakidis, and the massive Superpitcher remix of M83. And there are some real surprises including Ricardo Villalobos’ criminally overlooked mix of Thomas Dolby and even the The Stranglers. While Damian brings his party aesthetic across the globe this summer, this soundtrack will be one of the summer’s essential electronic must-haves. Damian Lazarus is
read more »

platte county fair demolition

by
Image
Taking our seats on the side of the grandstand of the Platte County Fairgrounds late in the afternoon, we were anxious to kick things off.  The flag would not drop for another two hours though, and the sun would persist in heating things as much it could.  By the time the water truck entered the field, most in our vicinity looked on longingly as it hosed down the dirt, wishing it were them. Power Wheels started the demolition derby, racing around crashing into each other until the bitter end: that is, until their battery died.  50+ Bone Stock series followed immediately after, with an older group of young'uns smashing into one another with much greater enthusiasm. All in this class were beat by a girl, in minivan with a flat tire.  The fiery red head behind the wheel was "Bella," based on the chanting.  She survived all others in this heated contest of grease and steel.  A few more rounds followed this one, though we wandered off on other adventures. The first stop
read more »