Every year, just like cars, manufacturers come out with a new model of sponge mops. I can’t say there seems to be much difference between last year’s and this year’s model except when it comes to finding replacement sponges and the old model can’t be found. Most of the sponges are so thin that they need replacing at least once a year, if not more often.

Don’t say there’s nothing to do in St. Joseph. Fred Moore, professionally known as DJ Heat, has taken care of that problem — at least for this weekend.

It’s hard to beat a weekend barbecue — relaxing with family and friends outdoors with mouth-watering aromas scenting the air. But instead of the usual burgers, steaks or ribs, why not try the other barbecue meat: economical and healthful chicken?
Granted, that may not sound too appetizing if your former grilled chicken experiences were tasteless and dry, so we talked with grilling expert Rodney Dyche, with the All American Barbecue team, to learn how he does it.
Mr. Dyche and his wife, Cecilia, of Easton, Mo. won the chicken category at the Apple Blossom barbecue contest in St. Joseph this spring and were the grand champions at the Harrah’s barbecue tournament in June. The first weekend in October, they will be competing in the prestigious American Royal Invitational in Kansas City. And they also are certified barbecue judges.

Farmers' markets for Aug. 27, 2008

Buying a vacuum cleaner today is a lot like buying a car. With all the different brands, styles and options, it’s hard to know what to choose. Will it be an up­right or canister, bagless or bagged? Do you want a lightweight or heavyweight? And what brand?

A bike rack in downtown St. Jo­seph is not a com­mon sight. Even more unusual, though, is what’s in the rack outside the Pony Espresso cof­fee shop on a recent Thursday morning. It looks like your everyday bicycle, painted green and white with a standard V frame. It probably would go unnoticed if not for the shiny, gray engine strapped to it.

With only two minutes to spare, Mary Kay Lyle raced across the street with her lemon meringue pie in hand to the Home Economics Building at the 2008 Missouri State Fair in Sedalia. The pie had to be there at 9:30 a.m. to be qualified to enter Melanie Blunt’s First Lady Pie Contest.

Farmers' markets for Aug. 13

They say it’s a no-no to discuss politics at the dinner table or anywhere there is polite company. But during this election year, it’s only natural to want to express your views. So the question is, how can you do this discreetly?
Bonus Gum may have the answer with its “gum that gives you more.”

Walt Marek Catering and Deli is well known among local foodies, but easily missed if you are new to town. The family-owned business is hidden away among rows of small homes in on the South Side of St. Joseph off of U.S. Highway 59 (Lake Avenue). You’ll find it on Virginia Street in what was originally a neighborhood grocery store. The building dates back to 1919 when it was owned by John and Frances Marek, the grandparents of the current owners, Walt and his sister, Elizabeth. Their parents, Walter and Mary Alice, started the deli in 1982.