Things KC

The Chiefs Suck.....Let's EAT!

2008-10-08T19:36:00.001-05:00

We may not be able to count on the Chiefs, even for comedic value. But one thing we CAN count on, is BBQ!

Why is Barbequing So Popular?

Barbequing is an American tradition. Each year, statistics show that at least 90% of families attend at least one barbeque party or celebration. About 40% of families delight in throwing parties that center around the idea of barbequing. With statistics like that, one must wonder why barbequing is such a popular event and tradition.

First, barbequing or grilling allows you to create a meal that is unmatched by any other type of cooking. The grilled smell and taste will perk up even the pickiest meat eater.

A variety of meats and side dishes are used when barbequing. Traditionally, families cook pork, beef, and fish on their grills. When visiting your local grocery store, look for meats that are specifically cut and packaged for barbequing. If you do not find pre packaged meats, then chances are spices, marinates, and kits for grilling are somewhere near by.

Traditional side dishes include potato salad, beans, and coleslaw. These sides work well with the variety of meats available and are easy to prepare and store until it is time to eat.

Your traditional condiment bar should include pickles, relish, and onions.

Different types of grills will present different types of flavors. Charcoal and smoker grills present a natural “smoked” flavor which is one of the most known tastes of barbequing. Smokers even allow you to control slight changes in the favor of the meat by using different types of woods. Alternatively, propane grills allow grillers to cook their meals faster, but still have a grilled flavor.

Some grills have the ability to come with many different types of cooking surfaces. These different cooking surfaces include a BBQ surface, a flat grill, and a ribbed grill. Some grills even offer these types of surfaces as none stick, which allow you to cook a whole array of foods that you would not be able to cook on a grill otherwise. You will be able to cook your whole meal, including side dishes if you plan correctly. Some gas grills even contain a Wok type surface for cooking pasta and rise dishes, or a full rotisserie set that allows you to cook rotisserie chicken.

Another reason barbequing is so popular is the fact that it gives you a reason to hold a party or celebration.

Outdoor parties not only allow your guests to be present during the cooking of the meal, but also give them the opportunity to be with friends.

Themed parties are always fun for your family and guests. Festive decorations can be found at any local party or general store. You may also consider purchasing decorations that can be stored and reused at a different time, such as reusable tablecloths and Tiki torches. Give your clambake a beach theme by adding tropical music and you may even consider adding some sand.

Finally, barbequing is popular because it can be considered a hobby as well. Barbequing, like anything else in life, takes time and practice. It can be fun to play and experiment with different techniques and recipes. Once you have developed a like for barbequing, then you can focus on creating your own variations on traditional recipes and ideas.

Barbequing is typically thought of as a summer event, but some diehard fans of barbeque will not think twice about breaking out their barbeque grills right in the middle of winter.

Kansas City Skyline

2008-06-17T12:20:00.001-05:00

I happen to think Kansas City has a beautiful skyline.

I also think we have some of the coolest buildings in the country.

I'll be adding to a series about these buildings over the weeks and months to come.

Stay tuned!

BG

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2008-06-06T13:46:00.000-05:00

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2008-06-06T11:35:00.000-05:00

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Liberty Heritage Festival 5/17/2008

2008-05-16T08:39:00.000-05:00

It's once again time for the city of Liberty to celebrate it's annual Heritage Festival!

Events will include:
Re-enactment of the first daylight bank robbery by the James Gang at 10am, noon, and 2pm.

Mr. Stinky Feet will perform for the children at 11am, 1pm, and 2:30pm.

Several dance schools and companies will provide entertainment starting at 10:30am.

Pablo, a story teller from mexico, Missouri, will be spinning his tales near the Jesse James Bank at 10:40am and 12:45pm.

A gathering of local authors will be held near the city hall entrance to sell and autograph books.

The Liberty Farmer's Market will move for this Saturday, from it's regular location to Kansas Street.

Other free entertainment will include pony rides for children, 125 craft booths, food vendors, and more!

For more information, visit:
The historic downtown Liberty website at http://www.historicdowntownliberty.org/activities/whats-new.html.
The Kansas City Star's article on the festival at:
http://www.kansascity.com/317/story/618027.html

The Lowline Lifestyle

2008-04-06T20:27:00.001-05:00

What is it?
It's a lot of things, grassfed beef, country living, urban ranching, and more.
Find out about it at:
http://lowlinelifestyle.com

Home Show This Weekend - 3/27 thru 3/29/2008

2008-03-27T12:13:00.001-05:00

WHEN: Thursday through Sunday, March 27-30, 2008
WHERE: Kansas City Convention Center - Bartle Hall
TIMES: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday
11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday
10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday

ADMISSION:General Admission $10
Seniors/Students $9
Children 12 and under free when accompanied by an adult.

Sands Casino to hold jobfare in KCK....

2008-03-18T13:56:00.001-05:00

Well, it may be a gamble, but it appears The Sands casino is willing to take it!

According to an article on KansasCity.com, the Las Vegas based company wants to "get into the community in a big way."

The article further states:

The proposed casino "...would dwarf any other proposed or existing casino property anywhere in the Midwest........Current plans for the $777 million complex include a 300-room hotel and spa, convention and meeting facilities, indoor and outdoor event venues, 5,000 slot machines, 200 table games, and 275,000 square-feet of retail and restaurant space."

The event takes place today, opening at 4:30PM for vendors and 5:30PM for prospective employees. The event will be hosted at the Reardon Civic Center, located at 500 Minnesota Avenue in KCK.

Any bets?

KC GEM SHOW 2008

2008-03-07T15:51:00.001-06:00

This one is a lot of fun!

Don't miss it at the MCC-BTC Exhibit Hall.
Friday, March 7th 9am-8pm
Saturday, March 8th10am-7pm
Sunday, March 9th 10am-5pm

For more info, visit:
http://kcgemshow.org

Kansas City Brigade Opens 2008 Season March 1

2008-02-28T16:36:00.000-06:00

The KC Brigade arena football team will open their season on March 1.
Their oponents will be the Tampa Bay Storm.

For more info on the team, visit their website at:
http://kcbrigade.com

Photography Exhibits at Nelson and Kemper Museums

2008-02-27T08:00:00.001-06:00

In the month of March, enjoy the warmer weather as you make your way through the neighborhood to visit the Nelson-Atkins and the nearby Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art.

On three consecutive Fridays in March, enjoy special programs in conjunction with exhibitions of American photography at both Museums, American Horizons: The Photographs of Art Sinsabaugh at the Nelson-Atkins and Biographical Landscape: The Photography of Stephen Shore, 1969-1979 at the Kemper Museum.

On March 14 docents will be on hand to provide exhibition tours of each exhibition.

The following week, meet the curators on March 21 as Christopher Cook from the Kemper and Keith F. Davis from the Nelson-Atkins will discuss the artwork of each artist in their respective galleries.

The final program on March 28 features Kansas City-based artists Michael Sinclair and Larry Schwarm who will lead informal gallery talks in each exhibition.

Exhibition tickets are required for American Horizons.

Nelson-Atkins Museum Says "Recharge Your Creativity with Studio Classes"

2008-02-26T12:43:00.001-06:00

It's been a long winter so now is the time to get your creativity flowing with studio art classes at the Nelson-Atkins.

Adults may choose to paint their own American landscape, take an illustrated road trip or master the skill of perspective.

Art history courses and one-time workshops will enable you to gain a deeper knowledge of specific works of art in the Museum's collection.

Our studio classes for kids offer a variety of choices from learning the basics to constructing three dimensional objects. Children will work with a range of media including paint, clay, ink, photography and mixed media.

Interaction with the Museum's collection is the basis of all studio classes.If you're interested in finding out more about art classes at the Nelson-Atkins be sure to visit on Sunday, March 9 for an open house in the Ford Learning Center.

KC Weekend - 10/12 thru 10/14/2007

2007-10-11T11:26:00.000-05:00

The cool autumn weather is upon us in Kansas City now. The mornings are mostly bathed in golden sunshine, with dew twinkling upon the grasses like diamonds. It's a great time to be out and about in Kansas City!

Mary Anne McNeish-Sharp has compiled a GREAT list of events for this weekend in KC. From the Weston Irish Festival to pumpkins, ghouls, and goblins, you'll want to read all about it HERE!

Enjyou the wonderful fall weather in KC!

The Malay Cafe

2007-10-10T16:06:00.000-05:00

I had lunch yesterday at the Malay Cafe, up on Barry Road. I have to say this is one of my absolute favorite places to eat. It's clean, it's good, the people are SO friendly, the prices are reasonable..... what more could you ask for?

I'm told this was KC's first Malaysian restaurant, and it's still one of the best kept secret great place to eat in town. Located in a strip mall, at 6003 NW Barry Road, the small L-shaped dining room is often packed on weekends. I was there at 12:30 for lunch. The place was busy, but there was still room for me. :)

The cuisine is a blend of the three Malaysian cultures: Muslim, Hindu Indian and Chinese. I go in every time saying I'm going to order something different, but I always wind up with the Black Pepper Beef. I just can't seem to get enough of it, even though the servings are quite large, and I NEVER leave hungry!

Be sure to tell them ThingsKC sent you!

The Malay Cafe
6003 NW Barry Road
816*741*3616

Make Me Smile Monday - The Beatles

2007-08-20T12:54:00.000-05:00

Here's another great video of the Beatles doing Kansas City, and Something, two of my favorites!

Make Me Smile Monday - Interview With Cupid

2007-02-12T07:59:00.000-06:00

Well, it's Monday morning, and I can't seem to get Blogger to accept a video from YouTube.

But you really should give this one a watch Click on the picture to see "An Interview With Cupid"

BGRoberts wants to share a video with you

Video Description
Interview with Cupid

KC Weekend - January 19-21

2007-01-19T12:42:00.000-06:00

Why not just lego this weekend?

THIS sounds like some geeky fun! Checkout the FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Robotics Tournament! Park University if bringing it to Kansas City for the first time ever! According to their website:

For the first time in Kansas City, Park University is bringing the FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Robotics Tournament to the metro area on Saturday, Jan. 20 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the MCC-Business & Technology Campus in Kansas City, Mo. The event is funded by a grant from the Kauffman Foundation.

FIRST LEGO League is an international robotics program for students nine to 14, and serves to ignite their enthusiasm for discovery and engagement in science and technology. This annual event presents new, adventurous challenges each year based on the current issues of the day. Each team consists of a team coach, mentors and the students who work to:

1. Research and solve a real-world issue based on the year’s challenge theme
2. Present the research and solutions
3. Build an autonomous robot using engineering concepts to perform missions

The Kansas City FLL Challenge theme for this year is Nano Quest, and there are 29 teams with up to 10 members on each team registered for the tournament on Jan. 20.

Make Me Smile Monday - 1/15/2007

2007-01-15T12:37:00.000-06:00

Oh, baby, it's COLD outside!

So what makes me smile? The fact that the winter storm is about over, it wasn't as bad as the pundits predicted, and right now, there's even some sunshine coming through the window!

"Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happyyyyyyyyy."

OK, sorry about that.

Anyway, we're wel into the new year, and life is looking good! I hope it's the same for you!

SMILE! It's Monday!

Make Me Smile Monday - 1/8/2007

2007-01-08T07:43:00.000-06:00

Here we are, one week into the new year!

The Chiefs did it again! They played like a junior high team for most of the game Saturday. Well, that's not fair. The DEFENCE did well for almost 3 quarters. Anyway, now we can smile about it. It's over. Watch the rest of the playoff games with no emotional investment. Enjoy!

Thanks Chiefs!

KC Weekend 1/5/2007 - 1/8 2007

2007-01-05T07:59:00.000-06:00

Hey, it's the the first weekend of the new year!

And it's First Friday in the Crossroads!

There's a lot more things going on, but my list isn't quite ready yet. I'll get it up later today. Meantime, check out these great listings of events in ol' KC:

Kansas City Weekend Events

2 Night in Kansas City

VisitKC.com's Calendar of Events

Kansas City Homes and Gardens

KC Story ezine

Make Me Smile Monday - 1/1/2007

2007-01-01T22:45:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year!

Can you believe it? The Chiefs are in the playoffs!

After TOTALLY writing them off two weeks ago, I'm now smiling at the absurdity of it all! We'll have to see what happens, won't we?

Today, the Chiefs are making me smile!

Make Me Smile Monday - 12/18/2006

2006-12-18T09:57:00.000-06:00

It's a beautiful, sunny Monday. It's one week until Christmas, and that always makes me smile. My cards have been sent, my gifts purchased and waiting for wrapping, and I should be in a jolly old mood. But I'm just a bit melancholy on this Monday.

Lamar Hunt passed away last week. Mr. Hunt was a man who did tremendous things for Kansas City. Not only with his support of my favorite team, the Chiefs, but also with his many business and civic involvements. The many words being written and spoken about Mr. Hunt portray a kind, gentle, decent man. I never knew him personally, but I'd like to add my own thanks for all he's done. Mr. Hunt's works have given ME countless hours of enjoyment. Thank you, Mr. Hunt.

Of course, I guess we can smile about the Chiefs. I mean, they got themselves out of playoff contention BEFORE Christmas, so the heartbreak won't come on during the holiday festivities. Something to smile about? :)

I hope you're enjoying the holiday season. This is the final countdown!

2006-12-10T16:37:00.000-06:00

GREAT Kansas City View

Here's a great view of KC from the top of the Liberty Memorial tower. Thanks to neotieland for posting this on YouTube!

KC Weekend - 12/8 thru 12/10/2006

2006-12-08T18:07:00.000-06:00

It's getting CLOOOOSERRRRRRRrrrrrr!
Christmas is coming on like a southbound train!
Check out all the great things to see and do with these great links!

Want more info on events around town? Check out these links:
Kansas City Weekend Events

2 Night in Kansas City

VisitKC.com's Calendar of Events

Kansas City Homes and Gardens

KC Story ezine

Happy Holidays and have a GREAT weekend!

KC Weekend 12/1 - 12/7/2006

2006-12-01T09:44:00.000-06:00

"City sidewalks, pretty sidewalks, dressed in holiday style......"
Yes, it's snowing and blowing and there IS a feeling of Christmas in the air! Lots of things going on in Kansas City this weekend!

Bill Gaither Fri December 1
7:00 pm Now at Kemper... Gaither joins a cavalcade of singers, musicians and comedians, whose collective talents have been honored with countless awards, including Grammy's, Doves, ASCAP's first-ever Songwriter of the Century Award and most recently, The NARAS President’s Merit Award and multiple 2005 Dove Award nominations. Joining Gaither are the Gaither Vocal Band; Ernie Haase & Signature Sound; Jessy Dixon; Jeff & Sheri Easter; Lynda Randle; Ivan Parker; Russ Taff; The Isaacs; Mike Allen & Ben Speer (all artists subject to change). For showtimes and information, please see our website.
http://www.kemperarenakc.com/

Friday, 12/1 KC Magazine and Big Brothers Big Sisters KC Single's Auction
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Tickets to attend the auction are $18 and include 2 drinks.
KC Magazine will hold the KC Singles Auction on Friday, December 1 at Harrah’s VooDoo Lounge. The event proceeds will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters. Kansas City celebrities and executives will auction themselves off to the highest bidder. Outings will include a trip to NYC to meet Donald Trump and many more. Singles will include a lawyer, firefighter, chef, restaurateur, TV personality,one of KC's most celebrated entertainers and two contestants from The Apprentice.

Quilting at The Bohemian
Friday, 12/1, from 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm $2.00 Donation
Join in the celebration with some of the nations finest quilting artists. Come see their talents in the Bohemian Gallery Contact Nick Herrera at 816-221-1214 or nick@thebohemiangallery.org for more info.

2006 Holiday Art Show
Friday, 12/1 from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Free Admission.
Art Space in a New Place: the Leavenworth County Artists Association's Gala Reception at the Heritage Center 109 Delaware Street Leavenworth, Kansas 66048. Contact: Jodie Brickson at 1(913)297-0361.

Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band
Saturday, 12/2 at 8:00 pm
Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band on their first tour in 10 years.
For more information, call (816) 931-3330

A Country School Christmas
Saturday, 12/2, from 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
For a more in-depth glimpse of rural Christmas, visitors to the Lanesfield School Historic Site are encouraged to attend this special event. It's an afternoon-long celebration complete with a visit from Santa and Christmas carols performed by local school children. In the event of bad weather, a snow date for this event will be on Saturday, December 9, 2006. This event is free to the public.

Holiday Lighted Parade
Saturday, 12/2, at 5:30 pm
FREE admission
Downtown Leavenworth, 7th & Cherokee Street. Lighted floats, costumed characters, and the world famous "Marching Cobras" in this Victorian Homecoming themed parade. The parade will proceed north on 7th, east on Delaware Street to the Riverfront Landing Park where the Mayor's Tree Lighting ceremony will take place. There will be dancing, caroling, and a grand fireworks display over the river. For participation or information please call (913)682-3924 or berkayantiques@yahoo.com

Winter History Seminar
Saturday, 12/2, from 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Jesse James Bank Museum in Liberty, Missouri
free
Jack Wymore, local historian, member of the Friends of the James Farm and long-time Liberty resident, is the next featured speaker in the Winter History Seminar series. Wymore will give the history of how he came to purchase the Jesse James Bank building, restore it, and turn it into a museum.
For more info, call 816-628-6065.

Twisting Carol Dinner Playhouse Sat December 2
Saturday, 12/2, from 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Hickman Mills Community Christian Church drama ministry will present Twisting Carol by Jonathan Dorf followed by a traditional Christmas dinner. Proceeds to benefit the General Fund.
Contact the office at 816-761-5441 for more information.

Belly Dancing Demo
Saturday, 12/2, from 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Free to the public
Free Belly Dancing Demo! Belly dancing is a fun way to get into shape! It is sure to not only get your workout in, but gain better posture, grace, and flexibility. Our instructor, Kimberly, is a fusion dancer and blends the traditional styles of Middle East and tribal dance, with the flair of modern dance from various cultures. The music used is upbeat traditional music and club mixes.

Laura Ingalls Wilder Remembers Christmases Past
Saturdays, December 2, 9, & 16, 2006 at 10 a.m.
Laura Ingalls Wilder and her family loved the Christmas holidays. A highlight of her books were the interesting ways she and her family celebrated. In these special performances, actress and director Nancy Eppert portrays Laura as she looks back over her many interesting holiday adventures. $7 adults; $5 youths(includes museum admission). National Frontier Trails Museum, Independence, Mo. Advance reservations are required by calling Richard at 816.325.7576
**December 2nd's performance will also allow you to experience "Laura Ingalls Wilder Holiday Celebration" from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come to the NFTM for a festive day of music, wagon rides, food and entertainment as we welcome the season and appreciate our guests. A special feature of the day will be youth interpreters dressed in period clothing recounting stories of 19th century Christmas customs. Father Christmas will also be visiting throughout the day.

Christmas Party and Open Houses
Sunday, 12/3 from 1pm to 4pm
The Harris Kearney House (4000 Baltimore, Kansas City, Mo.) and Nathan Scarritt House (located 1 block away) will be available for tours during this lively event. Refreshments will be provided. FREE and open to the public. For more information, please call 816-561-1821. Sponsored by the The Westport Historical Society and James B. Nutter and Company.

FRONTIER HOLIDAYS TWILIGHT TOUR
Sunday,12/9, from 4pm to 7 p.m.
FRONTIER HOLIDAYS TWILIGHT TOUR of the 1859 Marshal’s Home and Jail Museum (217 N Main Street, Independence, Mo.) “Frontier Holidays” relates Christmas from a simpler time in the Marshal’s Home decorated with homemade wreaths, ribbons and ornaments reminiscent from the 1850s. If desired, proceed to the Bingham Waggoner Estate and Vaile Mansion, all of which are on their best behavior and grand display for the holiday season. For more information call Steve at 816.461.1897 X305.

Santa's Stroll and Rudolph's Run
Sunday, 12/3, starting at 9:00 AM
Registration starts at 9 and the event starts at 10 at the Zona Rosa Shopping Center. Cost is $25 Run $10 Family Stroll.
All proceeds benefit the Southern Platte County Athletic Association which provides youth sports programming for over 6,000 children a year and maintains the Tiffany Springs Park and the Tiffany Hills Sports Complex. Make this a holiday tradition for your entire family! For more info, please call Terri Goddard at 816.587.0880

The Nutcracker Tea Party
Sunday, 12/3, from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Featuring The Legacy School of Arts and the Overland Park Orchestra.
We hope you will join us for this wonderful holiday tradition for families and friends. Kid-friendly tea party with finger sandwiches, dessert and beverages. A mini version of "The Nutcracker Ballet". Professional photo opportunities with costumed dancers. Keepsake boutique.
If you are interested, please call 913.895.6390 for more information.

Kansas City Children's Chorus and Canta Filia
Sunday, 12/3, from 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Tickets are $5, $2.50 for students and seniors at the door.
A holiday concert from the UMKC Academy of Music and Dance. Performed at Central United Methodist Church.

Conservatory Choirs, Charles Robinson and Ryan Board, conductors
Sunday, 12/3, from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm
FREE (donations to Harvesters will be accepted).
Seasons of Giving - a choral concert to benefit the Harvesters Community Food Network. Visitation Church, 51st and Main Streets.

Twisting Carol Dinner Playhouse Sat December 2
Sunday, 12/3, from 12:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Hickman Mills Community Christian Church drama ministry will present Twisting Carol by Jonathan Dorf followed by a traditional Christmas dinner. Proceeds to benefit the General Fund.
Contact the office at 816-761-5441 for more information.

Christmas Craft Fair Sun December 3
Sunday, 12/3, from 7:30 am - 3:00 pm
Baked Goods, crafts, candy & more. Breakfast & Lunch Served 7:30 am - 2:00 pm. Community of Christ, 515 S First, Odessa MO. For more information please call 816.633.4224.

Thursday, December 7, 2006
7 p.m.
Benedict Arnold: Traitor or Hero?
Presented by Col. Jack Brooks, local historian, member of the Civil War Roundtable, and retired US Army (WW II, Korean and Vietnam Wars), graduate of the Command Staff College - Leavenworth and Army War College in Pennsylvania. Trailside Center, 9901 Holmes, Kansas City, Mo. FREE and open to the public. Sponsored by Historical Society of New Santa Fe.

Want more info on events around town? Check out these links:
Kansas City Weekend Events

2 Night in Kansas City

VisitKC.com's Calendar of Events

Kansas City Homes and Gardens

KC Story ezine

Happy Holidays and have a GREAT weekend!