november 2004 issue

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weston wassailing

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  A random encounter with wassailers in Weston found them shuffling along peddling their vocal wares on the opening day of festivities at Historic Weston Orchard & Vineyard .  They had chosen the perfect day, with a bright shining sun and temperatures lurking about 0ºC, though seemed a bit confused about their role. This gang of carolers were attempting to apply house wassailing to the setting.  As this was an orchard, wassailing etiquette dictates they wander about reciting their incantations and singing to the trees of the fields in an effort to promote a good harvest for the coming year.   Shoppers appeared undeterred, mostly ignoring the misguided cretins.  They were entirely too obsessed with the small row of merchant tents where freezing sellers made every effort to hoard what little warmth they could.  In the big house, aka barn, others huddled around the cider tanks, with offered a variety of food, libations, and a more infused sort o...
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contrasting garden glow

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This date after Thanksgiving our crew remained a bit more local, visiting the  Festival of Lights at Powell Gardens .  The experience is quite a contrast with the effort last year in St Louis.   Many of the displays stand out nicely, as do a few very intentional arrangements in random locations.  They are well-placed for interaction and photographs. However, sidewalks lined with lighting stretch in random directions without any sort of guidance, seemingly without intent or construct.   The paths occasionally intersect, sometimes through tunnels of light, which is the highest level of interactivity.  Treats are available for purchase at multiple locations, but only one contains enough warmth to encourage folks to linger any length of time. Other fires pale in comparison, making the only other temperature refuge beyond the main building, Santa's workshop.  He was very busy there, enjoying the company and a photo shoot among the y...
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colorado koshare kiva

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A visit to a local Native American museum in Colorado revealed some interesting facts and inspiring artwork, in spite of their lacking ability to display artifacts. Having read about the collection online, we were very much looking forward to visiting the Koshare Indian Museum in La Junta, Colorado.  Excitement turned to disappointment when we were greeted by a plain white sign indicating the government was up to their usual antics.  The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act  does serve a greater purpose.  However, there should probably allowances for special situations, if nothing else, in the interest of continuing to educate and inform, while in process. In spite of the mandate, the space is not lacking in form or artistic presence. One of the most notable features is the largest self-supported log roof in the world.  Spanning an 18-meter room, six hundred and twenty logs support their own weight of 36...
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a kc rep carol

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An evening with the  Kansas City Repertory  interpretation of the Charles Dickens tale, "A Christmas Carol," turned out an excellent performance in this 43rd rendition the classic.  A diverse representation of performers stood for nary a slip in their execution.  The narrator stumbled a couple of times but recovered so quick, it was hard to accept that it had really occurred. When you have that many lines, it is hard not to miss one here and there though. Early in the opening acts of the show, a phone voiced its annoying melody.  However, nobody on stage missed a beat, or even blinked, as the device quickly silenced.  Technology is hard for some, I suppose.   It was not for the production though! A revolving set appeared well manicured and suitable for every angle of the production, and actors flowed seamlessly across and between scenes.   Extending into the audience as well, extras sometime enhanced the lighting and sound, prior to thei...
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hot import nights 2005

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Hot Import Nights - At the Heart of the Car Culture LifeStyle ~ by Cristina Wilson & Brendan Flynn  ~ photos courtesty of hotimportnights.com There's are those who follow the trends and then there are those who inspire trends. Since 1998, Hot Import Nights has been the place where the pioneers of today’s car culture have gathered to inspire, create, innovate, explore and push the envelope on custom car design. For nearly a decade HIN has brought you inside, underneath and around the car culture lifestyle. Never before have we witnessed the scene as alive and thriving as it is today. So, for 2005 we’ve upped the ante. Now, with XM Satellite Radio as our title sponsor, we are breaking all records. Our twenty-two stop global tour kicked off in Los Angeles in March breaking all previous records for attendance, number of cars displayed, variety of live musical acts, number of exhibitors and sponsors as well as number of model and celebrity appearances. With only five shows ...
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celebration of the dead in 2024

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A forecast of little more than continuing rain did not deter our trek over to Central Avenue in Kansas City, KS for the annual Dia de Muertos celebration.  The memories of last year commanded a follow-up on this cultural festivity in the hometown. The afternoon had been relatively rain-free with the sun peeking through from time to time. Arriving around 4:30 pm, we almost immediately wished that we had come sooner.  Within an hour of arrival, heavy rain sent folks scurrying for cover. We were fortunate enough to have stopped about that time to enjoy a little delicious local flavor, under a canopy, and from the very same folks as in the year before.   In spite of uncooperative weather, a general air of warmth and amiability filled the streets of Central Avenue, overcome only by opportunities to enjoy music, dancing in the streets, and some of the most delicious food and treats to be found anywhere. The lineup proved every bit as enjoyable as the y...
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