Kansas City Star: FYI / Living

2008 Summer Camp Guide

Tue, 27 May 2008 15:58 CDT

Excited or apprehensive, kids all across the metro will head to summer camps this year. With hundreds to choose from, camps, classes and programs provide a wide range of enrichment and entertainment.

Summer Fun 2008

Thu, 22 May 2008 02:31 CDT

If getting in the car and driving around used to be one of the options, gas prices may have put an end to that. And if wandering around downtown on a hot Saturday never used to be a choice, this year it is, thanks to the Power & Light District.

Read the comments: March 24

Thu, 01 May 2008 18:15 CDT

The main attraction of Union Station’s “Bodies Revealed” exhibit that opened Friday is, of course, the real bodies.

A haven for animals VIDEO

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 09:01 CDT

The Animal Haven shelter in Merriam is part of a growing trend: a "no-kill" policy, in which animals are not euthanized unless very sick or aggressive. Most are reunited with their owners or find good homes.

Grandview's Blue and Gold Brigade takes national stage

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 09:34 CDT

No matter how stunning, fireworks will not be the biggest drama for one group of Grandview students on the Fourth of July.

Think drink in solid form

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 05:15 CDT

To the list of world-famous inventors like Mary Anderson (windshield wipers), Archimedes (the Archimedes screw) and Karl Benz (petrol-powered automobile), add Fast Eddie Crane, bartender and co-owner of Westport’s Blanc Burger + Bottles and the Drop in Martini Corner. After years of deliberation, followed by experimentation, Crane has concocted a new way to enjoy what most people refer to simply as a cocktail.

Hours of experimenting turn mom into mogul

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:35 CDT

Two years ago April Lacher was a stay-at-home mom and wife. That alone was hard work — taking care of her son, paying bills, cleaning house, running the day-to-day errands. Still, she wanted more.

Store makes good-faith gesture

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 08:35 CDT

I bought a rocker-recliner from Gaines Furniture in February. Two months later it broke down. It has a five-year mechanism warranty and a one-year fabric warranty. The stitching on the fabric is coming loose and tearing.

‘Always … Patsy Cline' a fun time, as always

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:16 CDT

I’ll be the first to admit that criticizing “Always … Patsy Cline” for not being a real play seems petty when you consider how much pleasure it has brought to a mass audience.

The wieners of our hot dog contest are...

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 15:43 CDT

Here are the results of our contest where mustard alone wasn't enough to dress your hot dog. We hope you relish them as much as we did.

Lynda Callon is more than up to the task of running the Westside Community Action Network

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 06:59 CDT

Lynda Callon makes a quick first impression. Maybe it’s her dubious eyes when she talks about politicians or con artists working the streets. Or her direct language and sharp wit, often laced with unprintable adjectives and adverbs.

Why does sex play such a large role for fringe religious sects?

Sat, 28 Jun 2008 09:19 CDT

What is it with sects and sex? The Texas probe into allegations of child abuse at a polygamous compound started with an anonymous phone call about underage girls having sex with adult men. Reports circulated of rumpled bed linens inside the sect’s glistening temple.

Bill Graham: Let your life be an example to friend

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 11:18 CDT

DEAR BILLY GRAHAM: A good friend of mine has never wanted anything to do with religion or Jesus, and every time we talk about it he throws up all sorts of questions I can’t answer. Is it hopeless to try to witness to someone like this? I wish I knew how to get through to him. — L.R.

Phthalates in curtains? Phthththt!

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:11 CDT

F resh on the heels of the toxic tomatoes, we’re faced with the killer shower curtains. A new study has linked vinyl shower curtains sold by five major retail chains to serious liver damage and an array of other diseases.

Atlanta chosen as site of national health museum

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:11 CDT

Atlanta has been selected as the site of a $250 million National Health Museum designed to teach visitors about healthier living and serve as a stage for international events.

STARGAZING| Fierstein will miss his ‘Catered Affair' and Hill Harper hypes his book

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:11 CDT

Harvey Fierstein says thousands of people loved his recent musical “A Catered Affair,” but “a lot maybe thought it was too challenging or didn’t get it at all. It took some people multiple viewings to get it.”

TODAY'S BIRTHDAYS 07/05/08

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:16 CDT

•Actress Katherine Helmond, 79 •Actress Shirley Knight, 72 •Musician Robbie Robertson, 65

Dear Abby: Step lightly when it comes to removing shoes

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:16 CDT

DEAR ABBY: I have been wondering about the custom of shoe removal when someone is a guest at the home of the person who practices this custom before entering the house.

WEIRD NEWS

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:51 CDT

“Just give me a Pepsi, please, all I want is a Pepsi.” Police quickly made an arrest in Hughes, Ark. (population 1,800), in May after a Pepsi machine was stolen from a liquor store. The distinct dolly tracks led from the store to the man’s home, and, besides, he had left the machine in his front yard.

Sun plays many roles — some good, some bad — in our lives

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:56 CDT

Here’s a heated debate: Is the summer sun more good or more bad? For the sun-sensitive, the sun is one big, flaming irritant — too hot, too bright, too much. But for sun worshippers, old Sol represents fun, freedom, happiness.

SHOWTIME | The column that floats around in a Petri dish

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:46 CDT

Among pop music writer Timothy Finn’s favorite shows so far this year: T he Raconteurs at the Uptown; Kid Rock at the Sprint Center; Paw, Alejandro Escovedo, Flaming Lips and the Gourds at Wakarusa.

Stargazing | Landham hopes to outrun his film past and Selma Blair defends ‘Kath & Kim'

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 08:21 CDT

David Hyde Pierce told the New York Daily News he doesn’t want to be Niles Crane again. “I don’t think a (‘Frasier’) reunion show is a good idea,” Pierce said. “People understandably have a desire for more of these characters, but the reality won’t meet the dream.”

10 fireworks safety tips

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 08:29 CDT

With the Fourth of July upon us, let’s spend a few minutes reviewing fireworks safety. If you want to see a fireworks show, you have a choice. You can go to a big professional fireworks display, or you can buy your own fireworks and set them off yourself. Obviously it is safer to go to the professional show.

Dear Abby: Suspicious mom needs to loosen up

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 19:12 CDT

DEAR ABBY: I’m a high school student in the top 2 percent of my class. I’m heavily involved in extracurricular activities. I don’t give my mom much to worry about, but she is always “concerned.”

TODAY'S BIRTHDAYS 07/04/08

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 19:12 CDT

•Actress Gloria Stuart, 98 •Conductor Mitch Miller, 97 •Actress Eva Marie Saint, 84

Billy Graham: Use your God-given abilities

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 08:28 CDT

DEAR BILLY GRAHAM: I’ll be heading into my last year of college at the end of the summer, and I’m already terrified because I don’t know what I’ll be doing after I get out. I know you’ll tell me to pray about this, and I do, but I’m still afraid I’ll make a wrong decision. Am I doing something wrong? — A.McM.

Tomato Festival is still in bloom

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 10:08 CDT

With all the bad news surrounding tomatoes these days, a tomato love fest might not be high on your list of weekend fun.

Fireworks-loving photographer offers tips

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 05:38 CDT

Photographer Bruce Bandle loves fireworks. He went to his first Pyrotechnics Guild International convention ( www.pgi.org) eight years ago in West Fargo, N.D., and he was hooked.

Billy Graham: Confession and forgiveness overcome sin

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 11:41 CDT

DEAR BILLY GRAHAM: I’ve heard preachers say that when a Christian sins our fellowship with God is broken. Is this true? And does this mean God cuts us off and won’t have anything more to do with us until we repent and get things right? — T.D.

Dear Abby: Hospice can help families facing grief

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 11:41 CDT

DEAR ABBY: “Sad Dad in Arizona” wrote that he was concerned because his teenage son didn’t want to attend his mother’s funeral and preferred to remember her “the way she was.”

TODAY'S BIRTHDAYS 07/03/08

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 11:41 CDT

•Movie director Ken Russell, 81 •Actor Michael Cole (“The Mod Squad”), 63

Sports concession stands go gourmet

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 10:11 CDT

Across the country, the Wizards, Royals and other professional teams are kicking off more ethnic and upscale concessions to satisfy fans who may watch the Food Network as much as they do ESPN.

Roasted Vegetable Wraps

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 10:51 CDT

Not all flour tortillas are created equal. Surprisingly, these thin, light rounds of bread can contain plenty of unwanted fat and calories. Depending on ingredients and size, a flour tortilla can have as little as 100 calories and 1 gram of fat or as many as 400 calories and 12 grams of fat.

Light up the grill, but trim the pollutants

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 12:14 CDT

Father’s Day and the Fourth of July are green lights to a season of smoke and sizzle as grills across the country are fired up.

Think Green: Video games

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 09:39 CDT

That marathon game of “Grand Theft Auto” could be stealing more than just your weekend. If you’re gaming on a Sony PlayStation 3, you’re being robbed of energy, too.

Casinos going green to save energy, money

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 08:27 CDT

Step inside the newly rebuilt Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel and you'll find the typical blackjack tables, slot machines and loosen-your-belt buffet. But your eyes - and nose - may detect unusual features.

Delta adds fuel surcharge to frequent-flier tickets

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:30 CDT

In the latest fee to hit the airline industry, Delta Air Lines plans to begin charging a fuel surcharge of up to $50 for booking frequent-flier tickets under its awards program.

The Rewild West: Wide-open prairie attracts wildlife and sightseers

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 10:13 CDT

Over the last decade as human populations on the Great Plains have thinned, many conservationists have seen an opportunity unparalleled since the frontier days of the 19th century brought towns to the region.

Wall art: Just do it yourself

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 11:28 CDT

So you're sitting there looking at that big, empty wall. It's blighting your indoor landscape. Stealing your decorating mojo. And, until you win the Powerball, your art-buying budget is looking mighty slender.

Magazine Ideas: Don't let mosquitoes be a buzz-kill

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 16:12 CDT

Pesky mosquitoes can take all the fun out of sitting on the porch. With only two hands, it’s tough to sip a summer beverage, turn the pages of a mystery thriller and swat bugs all at once.

Why and how should religion be concerned about the environment?

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 11:18 CDT

The Rev. Duke Tufty, pastor, Unity Temple on the Plaza: There is a great similarity between human beings, creatures of the Earth, flowers, a tree or any other living thing. We are all an expression of life and have come forth from the Earth. We didn’t come from some far-off planet or magically appear here one day.

Faith Calendar July 5

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 11:13 CDT

SECOND FRIDAY FILM SERIES: Regular monthly film series for the community titled “Heights of the Human Spirit.” 7 p.m. July 11, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 6401 Wornall. Free. www.standrewkc.org (816-523-1602)

‘Clank,' ‘Hot Shots,' keep PSP humming

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 11:46 CDT

The PlayStation Portable has been around for three years, but the machine you might buy today is far different from the one you’d have gotten in 2005. Sony is continually tinkering with the thing in ways big (introducing a lighter, slimmer model in 2007) and small (any number of regularly issued firmware updates).

Stargazing | Mayer wants his props, and what's that about Madonna's divorce?

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 05:36 CDT

Madonna’s publicist says there is nothing wrong with the Madonna-Guy Ritchie marriage, and they have no plans to divorce.

Get Out | Wine festival, Booms & Blooms

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 09:00 CDT

The fun doesn’t have to stop after the last sparkle falls from the sky Friday. If you haven’t figured out what to do the rest of your holiday weekend, here are some ideas.

‘Kit Kittredge: An American Girl' | 3 stars

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 08:08 CDT

For the first few minutes, “Kit Kittredge: An American Girl” feels like a twee version of “Iron Man” or “The Incredible Hulk.”

KC this weekend

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 11:51 CDT

It’s all about the Independence this weekend, but for fans of the non-explosive nature, there are a few things to go and do.

Leave it or heave it? You tell us

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:20 CDT

The new square plastic milk jugs at some Costco and Sam's Club stores are giving customers fits: Some are getting in-store lessons on how to pour the milk out without making a mess. Send us your thoughts on this.

Stargazing | Ledger gets theater, Anderson's house is saved for now

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 07:21 CDT

Perth, Australia, the hometown of the late actor Heath Ledger, named a theater in his honor Tuesday.

Train your dog to be calm in time for the Fourth of July

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 07:21 CDT

Shawn O’Dierno’s rescued Doberman was a certified therapy dog who could help soothe patients and tolerated the sounds of dropped hospital equipment, loud arguments or crying visitors.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAYS 07/03/08

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 12:35 CDT

•Actress Polly Holliday (“Alice”), 71 •Actor Ron Silver, 62 •Writer-director Larry David, 61

Calendar for July 2

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 12:20 CDT

RAPHAEL HOTEL: LOUNGE: Dave McCubbin, 6-10 p.m.; 325 Ward Parkway. (816-756-3800) JAZZ — A LOUISIANA KITCHEN-LEGENDS: Andy Masters, 6-9 p.m.; 1859 Village West Parkway, Suite 102, Kansas City, Kan. (913-328-0003)

Dear Abby: Woman's choice should be obvious

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 12:35 CDT

DEAR ABBY: I have been in a relationship with “Wade” for six years. The situation is this: He has gotten into trouble and can’t be around children because he’s a registered sex offender. I have an 11-month-old daughter by him. I want to be with Wade and work our relationship out, but if I do, I’ll have to give custody of my daughter to my parents and live in my own place with him.

‘Hancock' | 2 ½ stars

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 13:23 CDT

What does “Hancock” want to be when it grows up? Superhero comedy? Social satire? Tragic love story?

Milk jugs change with the times

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:00 CDT

A simple change to the design of the gallon milk jug, adopted by Wal-Mart and Costco, seems made for the times. The jugs are cheaper to ship and better for the environment, the milk is fresher when it arrives in stores, and it costs consumers less.

Stargazing | Leary reveals ‘Rescue Me' plotline, Brinkley, Madonna, Kattan and Studdard have marriage issues

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 09:44 CDT

Another new “Rescue Me” minisode airs tonight (and hopefully it will be less, well, gross than the first one), but Denis Lear y told the St. Petersburg Times about several plot points for the real season that will start next year.

Dropout rates reflect challenges

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:35 CDT

Their acceptance into San Jose State University turned Joel Bridgeman and Anwar Estelle into instant neighborhood heroes.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAYS 07/01/08

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:30 CDT

•Actress Olivia de Havilland, 92 •Actor Jamie Farr, 74 •Bluesman James Cotton, 73

DEAR ABBY: Tell hubby to tell truth

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:30 CDT

DEAR ABBY: My husband of three years, “Mike,” is never home. He goes to work and then hangs out with his buddies, leaving me at home with our baby and my two other children until late at night. On weekends Mike jumps out of bed, showers and leaves, sometimes not returning until the wee hours of the morning. He says he’s “with friends.”

Billy Graham: In God's eyes, all sin is wrong

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:30 CDT

DEAR BILLY GRAHAM: I know God is displeased when we deliberately sin, but what if we do something wrong and we don’t realize it’s a sin? Is God still displeased? I’m sure I’ve done lots of things that were wrong without even realizing it. — Mrs. K.K.

Calendar for July 1

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:35 CDT

CODETALKERS: Widespread Panic after-party. 10 p.m.; Crosstown Station, 1522 McGee. www.crosstownstation.com (816-471-1522)

Area fireworks displays

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 17:25 CDT

Here are some of the larger Independence Day fireworks displays and related Fourth of July events in the Kansas City area this weekend. The shows are on Friday unless otherwise noted.

Science is providing proof of where Mom and Dad go wrong.

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 05:16 CDT

Does your 3-year-old throw a five-alarm tantrum every time you drop him off at day care? Do the clothes remain glued to your teenager’s bedroom floor no matter how much you nag or cajole?

Stargazing | LaBelle, Handler have reasons to celebrate life

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 05:17 CDT

Boz Scaggs told Billboard.com his September album, “Speak Low,” will be a set of standards but still “a sort of progressive, experimental effort along the lines of some of the ideas that Gil Evans explored.”

Last days for giveaways

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 18:32 CDT

Today is the last day to register for our June giveaway: a $100 Visa gift card. Hurry! You have until noon today to enter.

How much does the tooth fairy bring in your house?

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 18:32 CDT

Here’s what we’re asking our mom2mom panel this week. How much does the tooth fairy bring in your house?

Kids and planes: A survival guide

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 18:32 CDT

I’ll be getting on a plane soon. With four kids — two of them in diapers. I apologize to everyone on my flight in advance.

Billy Graham: Political talk stirs up strife

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 20:22 CDT

DEAR BILLY GRAHAM: It seems like every time our family gets together for a reunion we end up arguing about politics, sometimes viciously. We’ll be having a family picnic on the Fourth of July. How can we get out of this rut? — S.D.

Calendars for June 30

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 18:32 CDT

MONEYVILLE CHILDREN’S EXHIBIT: Interactive educational exhibit features dollars and cents in fun urban environment. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Crown Center Shops, 2450 Grand. Free. www.crowncenter.com (816-274-8444)

Did you make a birth video?

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 18:32 CDT

Did you make a birth video? 13 percen t: Yes. 81 percent: No. 6 percent: No, but I would consider it.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAYS 06/30/08

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 20:22 CDT

•Singer Lena Horne, 91 •Actress Nancy Dussault, 72 •Singer Glenn Shorrock (Little River Band), 64

HEALTH BRIEFS

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:11 CDT

•The FDA has approved the first rapid blood test for MRSA (a drug-resistant staph bacteria) after it was almost 100 percent accurate in clinical trials. The BD GeneOhm test, made by BD Diagnostics, can identify MRSA from a culture in two hours rather than the typical two days.

At California's gay weddings, traditions remain strong

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:51 CDT

Who may now kiss the bride when there are two grooms? Since the state of California began issuing marriage certificates to same-sex couples last month, questions about wedding rituals and etiquette — not just politics — have grown faster than a wedding reception guest list. With no long-established gay wedding traditions, partners-to-be and the wedding industry are making it up as they go along.

New Orleans is being rebuilt by faith

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 11:03 CDT

NEW ORLEANS | This battered, noisy, exotic, wonderful, important city is thanking God for people of faith.

Illuminate your spirit with enlightening books while vacationing

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 11:03 CDT

S ummer often brings vacation days, trips to flee the routine and extra “me” time.