Negotiating for Big 12 tickets with Kent Babb

Hearts open for young victims of Oklahoma tornado

Despite the violent upheaval that Moore, Okla., endured Monday afternoon when a monstrous tornado slashed through the city, many of the people who lost much insist that their worries pale in comparison with the sadness they feel for the innocents whose young lives have come to define the town’s tragedy.

Royals still need to improve their pitch selection

The Royals came out of Tuesday's eighth inning with a lead and won the game against the Astros 7-3, but this one could have gone the other way because of poor pitch selection. Too many times on this road trip, Royals fans have seen hitters take when they should be swinging and swing when they should be taking.

Royals rally for 7-3 win over Astros, get back to .500

The Royals rallied Tuesday for a 7-3 victory at Minute Maid Park by scoring all seven runs against the Astros’ bullpen and with the aid of some atrocious defense. So what? The Royals ended their four-game losing streak, pulled back to .500 at 21-21 and avoided the possibility of getting swept by the Astros.

Six new books capture the best grilling recipes and techniques

Cooking with fire may be in our DNA, but as our palates evolve, so does grilling. Whether your style is fast and furious grilling or low and slow barbecue, 2013’s top crop of guide books includes clever tips and mouthwatering recipes from serious competitive cookers, gourmet-driven and trend-setting staffs of food magazines, and professional chefs with a bent for fine dining.

Kansas City Star beat writer Kent Babb tried to negotiate the best price on floor seats with Big Ed, a ticket broker on the corner of 13th and McGee outside the Big 12 Tournament in Kansas City Wednesday.