A random sampling of what's happened this week in pop culture, including a movie by Jaleel White, aka Steve Urkel, and the end of an era on "Days of Our Lives."
Jazzy sounds of the seasonYou’ve heard all the Christmas carols a zillion times before, but have you ever heard the jazzy versions? The Holiday Jazz Express, which starts at 5 p.m. Nov. 23 at the Missouri Theater, will present classic Christmas carols, but with a full-jazz flavor.
That game we play: I was supposed to be married by nowOn Wednesday, I celebrated my 26th birthday. I’m officially more than halfway through my 20s. It’s all just a downhill slide to 30 now.
I don’t know about you, but my birthdays, much like New Year’s Eve, are a chance for me to look back at the past year, reflect on what’s happened in my life, think about how I’ve grown, yada yada yada.
This year, there is one thing that keeps popping into my mind. And that is how, when I was a senior in high school, my sister got married. She was 28.
What's in that?: The Rusty Bucket shot at the Bucket Shop
Tickets going fast for teen romance ‘Twilight’
If you haven’t heard that “Twilight,” the movie based on the best-selling young adult vampire romance, comes out today, chances are you haven’t recently been in the vicinity of a teenage girl.
Light it up
It’s still a week until Thanksgiving, but the Christmas tree lightings are already beginning. Starting this weekend, there are plenty of opportunities to ‘ooh’ and ‘ahh’ over the lights.
This Friday, the St. Joseph Downtown Association will once again host the City Lights Festival, a benefit for the Noyes Home. Money raised from the event will go toward Christmas gifts and activities for the Noyes Homes children.
People magazine named its Sexiest Man Alive for this year. Who do you think got the top honor?
Preparing for the pastCindy Dvorak’s 118-year-old home has a lot of history. Not only is it more than a century old, it’s also the “Aunt Jemima house” — home of R.T. Davis, who perfected the recipe that would become Aunt Jemima pancake mix.
Who is the best Bond?"Quantume of Solace' comes out this weekend, and as always it bears the question: Which movie was the best James Bond movie?
Dating advice from 'Mad Men’ (It isn’t really that great)Something that fascinates me as a dating columnist — and as a woman in general — is reading the advice men give other men on dating. I know what 'Cosmo’ and 'Marie Claire’ are telling women to do to attract men, so it’s always interesting to see what magazines like 'Maxim’ or 'FHM’ are telling guys to do. I like to compare and contrast and see how on-the-mark the male dating advice is.
Windshield Wiper Fluid shot at Muny InnThe Windshield Wiper Fluid shot is one of the specialty shots at the Muny Inn. Bartender T.J. Morris wouldn’t say exactly what is in the secret recipe, only that it includes vodka, triple sec and “11 original herbs and spices.” The shot looks very fruity but is more sour than sweet, and its taste will make your mouth pucker.
A different view of Kansas City
You’ve probably seen downtown Kansas City and Country Club Plaza dozens of times. But chances are you’ve never seen them like this: balancing on two wheels, riding on a Segway at 8 miles per hour.
How well do you know Harry?Harry Potter fans, how well do you know your favorite boy wizard? Do you only know the basics, like what house Harry’s in at Hogwarts, or do you have every detail — from the form of his patronus to his broom model — memorized?
Making a listIt’s only seven weeks until Christmas, have you started your shopping yet? If not, you can begin next weekend at the annual Sugarplum Festival.
That game we play: Dating in a down economyThe economic slump has affected almost every aspect of life, even trickling down to people’s love lives. Across the country, there are reports that singles are struggling when dating.
The hardest hit are single guys, who typically end up paying for the dates — at least in the beginning. Some guys are getting more creative with their dates, or looking for cheaper options to the traditional dinner and a movie. Others are just avoiding dating altogether. One guy I know recently told me he was taking a break from dating not only because he just needed a break from women, but so he could save up some money, too.
What's in that?: The Guido Tuxedo at Pappy’s Grill and Pub
The fight for our freedom
Next Tuesday is Veterans Day, a day dedicated to honoring those who have served our country. Not only is this a good time to remember our vets, it’s also a chance to look back at the role they’ve served in times of war. For a look at our military history, visit one of these area museums.
You can vote however you likeHere's a special Election Day video, in case you needed more inspiration to go out and vote.
What you missed this weekendJohn McCain had the second-highest ratings for 'Saturday Night Live' this weekend, and Leonardo DiCaprio released another star-studded PSA telling you to get out and vote.
Missouri's wild WestThe Jesse James Home Museum is one of the most popular attractions in St. Joseph, but this isn’t the only town that can lay claim to the outlaw.
Across Northwest Missouri, there are several other historical landmarks that are part of James’ history.
Tonight is Halloween, and being scared is part of the deal. Ghosts, witches, skeletons, devils... all very scary. You know what else can be scary? Dating.
What's in that?: Liquid cocaine at The Brown BearWhat's in that?: Liquid cocaine at The Brown Bear
Watch if you dareTomorrow is Halloween, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be out. Maybe you’re not in the mood to go trick-or-treating or to get all dressed up and go to a costume party. There’s nothing wrong with that. But if you’re going to stay home on Halloween, you should at least get in the spirit of things with a scary movie marathon.
Several local movie (and horror) buffs gave us their lists of the must-see scary movies. So lock the doors, turn out the lights and prepared to be scared.
The perfect costume
Amy Stanton is standing among the racks in the Magic Factory, trying to find a costume for Halloween. She’s already turned down a saloon girl, a pirate costume that showed too much skin and a French maid outfit that didn’t show enough. But Magic Factory owner Christy Payne isn’t deterred. She suggests a fairy and begins pulling out sequined outfits.
“OK, now we’re talking,” Mrs. Stanton says when she sees the red spaghetti-strapped costume with sequins on the bodice and a gauzy, flirty skirt.
After classes let out at Robidoux Middle School on a warm October afternoon, the sound of basketballs bouncing off the hardwood floor echoes through the gym during basketball tryouts. But down the hall, surrounded by books in the school’s library, a few students are hitting a different kind of board.
Thanks to Brad Elder, music instructor at Lindbergh Elementary School, schools like Robidoux have now started their own chess clubs to help students learn a classic game at an early age. Mr. Elder started the first club at Lindbergh in March of 2007 for students in grades three through six to meet before school, followed by an after-school club at Robidoux for seventh and eighth graders.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and many people are doing things to raise money for a cure. The St. Joseph Community Chorus is singing for a cure.
That game we play: Moving onThis Wednesday marked a milestone of sorts for me. It was the two-year anniversary of the day I broke up with Jay, The Ex. Calling it an anniversary seems kind of weird, like I celebrated it, which I didn’t. I did acknowledge it, though, because Jay is the only significant relationship I’ve had.
What's in that?: Felix Fuzz Shooter at Felix Street PubWhat's in that?: Felix Fuzz Shooter at Felix Street Pub
Get your motor runnin'
When you pull into the parking lot of the Harley-Davidson Vehicle and Powertrain Operations plant just off Interstate 29 past Kansas City International Airport, one of the first things you notice is the line of bikes parked in front of the building.
It looks like a bit of product placement from the company, but in reality those bikes belong to employees, their transportation to work each morning.
Among the 20 or so bikes, there’s a good chance a few were made at this very factory. Roughly 40 percent of all Harleys come out of this plant, according to communication manager John Mink. Harley enthusiasts, and those who are merely curious, have a chance to see how the bikes are made during the daily tours the plant offers.
The pumpkins sit, fat and orange, in the community room of the Pony Express Museum. They line up along the floors and pile up beneath folding tables, waiting to be carved.
Two days before the annual lighting of the Great Pumpkin Mountain at Pumpkinfest, volunteers and workers are busily preparing. Before the Friday evening lighting, they will have to carve the 70 to 80 pumpkins that bear the logos and names of area businesses, an average of 25 per day.
Tina Fey won't have to impersonate VP candidate Sarah Palin on Saturday Night Live this weekend: the real Palin will be there herself.
What's in that? Pumpkin-tini at BigginsWhat's in that? Pumpkin-tini at Biggins
Nice day for a dark wedding
Tabitha Milbourn and Andy Powell’s wedding will have lots of the traditional touches. There will be an altar and flowers, a wedding party and guests.
But the altar will be in a graveyard and the flowers are black roses. The wedding party and guests will be in costume.
Swing your partner
Inside Savannah Middle School, couples are standing in formation, making squares with their bodies. They’re being told to bow to their partners, circle left and star through. They’re learning the basics of square dancing.
Sitting at a card table by the door, collecting money and making small talk, is Jeannie Woodbury. She’s dressed in a traditional square dancing outfit, white and pink with a full, puffed out skirt. On the left side of her chest hang rows of badges. There’s the club badge, designating her an official member of the club. There are badges for two square-dancing callers: her late husband, Bill, and Larry Fitzpatrick, who took over calling when Mr. Woodbury died.
One of Savannah, Mo.’s own is one of the country’s most eligible bachelors, at least according to Cosmopolitan magazine.
Kyle Hummer, a 21-year-old student at Rockhurst University in Kansas City, is one of the 52 contestants for the magazine’s annual “Bachelor of the Year.”
The winner will be announced Tuesday, when the November issue of the magazine hits newsstands. Readers can vote online for their favorite bachelor at www.cosmopolitan.com/bachelors. Voting closes at midnight on Sunday.
Everyone wants to help out a good cause. It’s even better when helping out involves playing a round of putt-putt. The Miller Lite Open four-person putt-putt pubcrawl will tee off this Saturday, with all proceeds benefitting United Cerebral Palsy of St. Joseph.
That game we play? Dating in KC — as bad as it seems?Forbes recently came out with its list of best and worst cities for singles, ranking the top 40 major metropolitan areas based on seven categories — the number of singles. coolness, nightlife, culture, job growth, cost of living alone and ease of online dating.
Not being a major metropolitan area, St. Joe obviously didn’t make the list. But our neighbor down south, Kansas City, did. Out of the top 40 major metropolitan areas, Kansas City ranked 36th, beating out only Indianapolis, Cleveland, Salt Lake City and Jacksonville.
What's in that? Cool Breeze at Wiley’s
Big Sit more than just bird counting
Sunday is the start of National Wildlife Refuge Week, and local residents can take part.
The Big Sit, one of the week’s events, will take place from 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. Sunday at Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge near Mound City.
Cocktails and culture
If you’re looking for a good cocktail hour, you could always try your favorite drinking establishment. But what if you wanted something more sophisticated? What if you wanted to get a little culture with your cocktails? If that’s the case, you have a few options.
It can be hard for teens to find the right costume for Halloween. They don’t want something childish, and they don’t have the money for anything too elaborate. The solution? Monster makeup.
Have you seen this PSA yet?A new, star-studded PSA video on YouTube is encouraging young people NOT to vote... unless you care about issues like the economy, the war and civil rights.
Hello, my name is Lacey... and I'm single (again)You may remember that a few weeks ago I wrote about some of the things that were good about being single. Maybe I was subconsciously foreshadowing my own life, because after two months of dating someone I am now single. Again.
What's in that? El Perfecto at 54th Street GrillWhat's in that? El Perfecto at 54th Street Grill
Halloween haunts
It’s officially Halloween time, so where are you going to go to get spooked and scared? If it’s thrills and chills you want, just visit some of these Halloween haunts.
All eyes on Palin’s politics ... and shoesShe was virtually unknown when she came onto the political scene, but now vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin is getting international attention. And one thing that’s caught people’s eye: her sense of style.
According to the Wall Street Journal, sales of the red, peep-toe pumps Ms. Palin has worn on the campaign trail shot up 50 percent on one shoe Web site, selling out in four sizes. The Kazuo Kawasaki rimless glasses she wears are on back order, and production of the frames has gone to a 24-hour cycle to keep up with demand.
The St. Joseph Host Lions Club is issuing a personal challenge to you and your friends. They want to see if you’re as smart as you think you are — or at least smarter than everyone else.
That game we play: Fighting the green-eyed monsterEven for the most even-keeled, non-reactive person, at some time or another it’s likely that the green-eyed monster has reared its ugly head. If you’ve had a relationship, chances are you’ve been jealous.
What's in that?: Martini trio flight at Houlihan’sWhat's in that?: Martini trio flight at Houlihan’s
Can you still find Waldo after all these years?I'm a few days late in wishing our pal Waldo a happy 21st birthday (he turned 21 on Sept. 21), but not to worry. According to his Web site, www.findwaldo.com, the celebration will last for quite a while.