tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73790966071697207132024-03-04T22:13:41.530-08:00Arts Ad LibThe world -- what a happening place!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379096607169720713.post-70949890811905059812015-12-08T18:20:00.001-08:002015-12-08T18:20:52.994-08:00FOUND [ to my surprise ]FOUND<br />
<br />
I had forgotten about this blog I started some time ago. 2012 was an unusual and upsetting time in my life. That must be how this blog got lost in the shuffle. Now I'm planning to take a new look at my interests, spend a little less time at Pinterest, and see if I do or do not have anything to say.<br />
<br />
For now I'm just "hmmmmm."Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379096607169720713.post-19830776030261840362012-01-23T06:40:00.000-08:002012-01-23T06:40:49.612-08:00Lack of Playlist Variety & Sound Volume Disappoint at Record Bar's Early Show<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Reader Maid and hubby went to what was billed at the 7 p.m. (early) show at the Record Bar on Saturday Night (Jan. 21, 2012), which is usually acts trying to break into the prime time K. C. bar circuit or acts aimed at older crowds. Here's their take on the show:<br />
<br />
Katlyn Conroy did a solo opening set for the main early-show act, Kirsten Paluden and the Key Party. Katlyn's voice suited her playlist, which consisted of haunting melodies and twenty-something confessional lyrics that were pretty much all alike. Although pleasant, Katlyn clearly needs to change it up a bit if she plans to be the main act. However, Katlyn's set proved to be the better experience as, sadly, like most live performers in small spaces, Kirsten Paluden let the band overpower her vocals so that her voice and lyrics were pretty much drowned out by the instruments. This phenomena pervades the live music scene; so much so that my husband and I have concluded that it must be because so many vocal artists have damaged their hearing and so are not really able to judge the proper sound levels for their instruments and vocals. It's too bad as, had we been able to hear Kirsten over the music, we think we might have enjoyed her performance. As it is, we left about 20 minutes into the first set rather than damage our hearing.<br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379096607169720713.post-63270455167774034852011-04-08T13:13:00.000-07:002011-04-08T13:15:42.852-07:00What's a "dendroid" ? It's an arborescent form.Or, in Roxy Paine's case, it's Ferment, a 46-foot tall stainless-steel tree-shaped sculpture being installed in the Kansas City sculpture park.<br />
<br />
WHERE: The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, 4525 Oak St., Kansas City, MO 64111<br />
<br />
WHEN: <br />
<br />
Noon till dark Saturday, April 9 - Three lanes of Cleaver Blvd. will be closed for crane set-up and trucks delivering pieces of the sculpture. The main trunk assembly will be the first item off-loaded.<br />
<br />
7 a.m. till dark Sunday, April 10 - Roxy Paine and his crew begin installation of the main trunk assembly. All trucks will be completely off-loaded by the end of the day.<br />
<br />
Monday April 11, through Saturday April 16<br />
<br />
Installation of Ferment continues throughout the week, with Roxy Paine and his crew welding the sculpture together.<br />
<br />
WHY: Ferment was commissioned by The Hall Family Foundation in honor of Martin Friedman, who retired after 20 years as the art consultant to the Foundation and the Museum.<br />
<br />
SEE:<br />
<br />
"Ferment" Coming to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in April <br />
http://artsadlib.blogspot.com/2011/02/ferment-coming-to-nelson-atkins-museum.html <br />
<br />
Read more about "Ferment" at<br />
http://www.infozine.com/news/stories/op/storiesView/sid/45857/<br />
<br />
Roxy Paine talks about his art at<br />
http://www.jamescohan.com/artists/roxy-paine/video/Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379096607169720713.post-25573511416531079512011-04-07T07:28:00.000-07:002011-04-07T07:29:55.246-07:00Ray K. Metzker, PhotographerThursday, April 7 - Hear a lecture by photographer Ray K. Metzker and Photography Curator Keith F. Davis at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Time: 6 to 7 p.m. Where: Atkins Auditorium<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtzbJV8g_WjqhpY6HnfldoIHk3QR2eCE-rqPU1pAlr73d2uKVJrllP6gz0o7iCe5ii6TBn0HyxjghaJaoX00DiwQkaNs9g5giz5gOS2KmjGfvtfwpqsHZJXk2bC3yO3XlxP1vo3pYCb_s/s1600/Metzker-CoupletAtlanticCity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtzbJV8g_WjqhpY6HnfldoIHk3QR2eCE-rqPU1pAlr73d2uKVJrllP6gz0o7iCe5ii6TBn0HyxjghaJaoX00DiwQkaNs9g5giz5gOS2KmjGfvtfwpqsHZJXk2bC3yO3XlxP1vo3pYCb_s/s400/Metzker-CoupletAtlanticCity.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Ray K. Metzker from his Atlantic City Series</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
This is a rare opportunity to meet and hear one of the most important and influential figures of modern photography, Ray K. Metzker. He and Curator Keith Davis will discuss Metzker’s career and its evolution, where his ideas come from and the appeal and challenge of particular subjects.<br />
<br />
Works by Ray K. Metzker, one of the most original and influential photographers of the last half century, will be on view until June 5, 2011, at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. They reveal Metzker’s ability to turn ordinary subjects, including the urban experience and nature, into the visual poetry of the finely crafted black-and-white print.<br />
<br />
Metzker, a septuagenarian, is greatly admired for his passionate engagement with both photography and the world. He has explored the use of high contrast and selective focus, the potentials of multiple and composite images, and the infinite gradations of daylight, from dazzling white to inky shadow.<br />
<br />
“This is great and lasting work – the very best of a classic form of American modernism,” said Keith F. Davis, senior curator of photography at the Nelson-Atkins. “Metzker has led a life of deep devotion to understanding the potential, challenge and pleasure of photographic seeing.<br />
<br />
“In so doing, he has transcended any simple notion of technical experimentation or formalism to illuminate a vastly larger human realm—one of uncertainty, isolation and vulnerability, as well as of unexpected beauty, grace and transcendence.”<br />
<br />
Thanks to a major gift from the Hall Family Foundation, the Nelson-Atkins now has the largest holding of Metzker’s work (92 prints) in the United States.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379096607169720713.post-51054996010990245392011-04-06T20:42:00.000-07:002011-04-06T20:42:53.879-07:00A Tale of Two EmailsConcerned about Public Broadcasting losing funding, I wrote email messages to the two Senators from Kansas, the state in which I live. Besides a little demographic information about myself, I sent a plea for continued funding for public broadcasting. <br />
<br />
Besides my email address, my messages which were not the same but were similar, included my home address and my full name.<br />
<br />
One message went to SENATOR JERRY MORAN. Here's the message I got back, with my email attached. <br />
<br />
<blockquote>You are receiving this email in response to a message delivered to Senator Jerry Moran using your email address. Due to the frequency of email addresses being used by lobbying organizations without the knowledge of Kansans, Senator Moran only accepts emails that are sent through his Web site. This helps to verify that you intended for this message to be sent. If you would like Senator Moran to hear your thoughts, please use this link to copy and paste your message into the email webform to ensure its authenticity.<br />
<br />
http://www.moran.senate.gov<br />
<br />
If you did not send Senator Jerry Moran this email, please ignore this message. It is because Senator Moran values the opinions of Kansans that he would like to make certain that it is their thoughts he is taking into consideration, not Washington D.C. lobbyists.</blockquote><br />
I didn't read this message promptly, but when I did, I copied my message and pasted it into the form.<br />
<br />
And what came back? The very same message as before. Apparently that webform isn't safe from lobbyists either. What's a tax payer to do? It's pretty clear Senator Jerry Moran has no interest in what I have to say.<br />
<br />
My other message went to SENATOR PAT ROBERTS. <br />
<br />
Here's the message that came back to me:<br />
<br />
<blockquote>Dear (My Name):<br />
<br />
Thank you for writing regarding federal funding for public broadcasting. I appreciate your taking the time to get in touch.<br />
<br />
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) is a non-profit agency created by Congress to promote educational and cultural programming through the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and National Public Radio (NPR). Although CPB receives virtually all of its funding from the federal government, only about 15 percent of PBS and 2 percent of NPR funding comes from the federal disbursements administered by CPB. The vast majority of funding for public broadcasting comes from private individuals, businesses, foundations, and local organizations. <br />
<br />
CPB is funded two years in advance, so appropriations for 2011 and 2012 have already been approved. For 2011 CPB will receive $430 million, and for 2012 it will receive $445 million. Please be assured, I will keep your thoughts in mind as I take a hard look at funding for CPB as the appropriations process moves forward.<br />
<br />
Again thank you for taking the time to contact me. If you would like more information on issues before the Senate, please visit my website at http://roberts.senate.gov. You may also sign up on my home page for a monthly electronic newsletter that will provide additional updates on my work for Kansas.<br />
<br />
With every best wish,<br />
<br />
Sincerely,<br />
gif signature<br />
Pat Roberts<br />
<br />
PR:sf</blockquote><br />
I say: Thanks, Senator Roberts. <br />
<br />
<b>If you support PBS and NPR, send a note to your senators and see what they have to say.</b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379096607169720713.post-68106611351234897402011-04-06T18:00:00.000-07:002011-04-06T18:00:43.007-07:00Sizzlin’ Summer Used Book SaleThe Johnson County Kansas Library will hold the 2011 Annual Sizzlin’ Summer Used Book Sale in cooperation with Friends of the Library from June 8-11, 2011 at Metcalf South Shopping Center, 9635 Metcalf, Overland Park, KS.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVu4KLObe4ex8LY8blJ762Qcw3bdQ_HD4-MlrIaJEunykce2rJPeStzN-0AVhjWgUhaI2JVL2RySQkBliqPKxN4n4dvHR2Xo47snb3YUhEn7E8HqmVFuSHb0e2mnf8WeEwpzDXrXWbz6I/s1600/UsedBookSale-640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVu4KLObe4ex8LY8blJ762Qcw3bdQ_HD4-MlrIaJEunykce2rJPeStzN-0AVhjWgUhaI2JVL2RySQkBliqPKxN4n4dvHR2Xo47snb3YUhEn7E8HqmVFuSHb0e2mnf8WeEwpzDXrXWbz6I/s320/UsedBookSale-640.jpg" /></a></div><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br />
<br />
In addition to materials retired from the library’s collection, donated items from the public will also be offered for sale. The Friends of the Library are accepting the following donated items in good condition for the sale.<br />
<br />
· Hardback and paperback books for adults and children<br />
· Fiction and nonfiction books<br />
· Coffee table type books on any subject<br />
· Movies and Video on VHS and DVD’s and instructional videos<br />
· Music CDs, audiobooks<br />
· Textbooks, business and computer books<br />
· Cookbooks, craft books, repair manuals<br />
<br />
The following items are not accepted:<br />
• Books that are damaged, moldy, discolored, smelly or have missing pages<br />
• Magazines and newspapers<br />
• LP records and music cassettes<br />
• Encyclopedias over 10 years old<br />
<br />
For larger donations (more than one bag or box) please bring to the Antioch Library, 8700 Shawnee Mission Pkwy, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please bring items in a box and ring bell near the staff entrance on the west side for assistance.<br />
<br />
Individual items or a single sack/box of items may also be donated at the following library locations during regular hours:<br />
Antioch Neighborhood Library, 8700 Shawnee Mission Pkwy., Merriam<br />
Blue Valley Neighborhood Library, 9000 W. 151st St., Overland Park<br />
Cedar Roe Neighborhood Library, 5120 Cedar, Roeland Park<br />
Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th St., Overland Park<br />
Corinth Library, 8100 Mission Road, Prairie Village<br />
Gardner Neighborhood Library, 137 E. Shawnee St., Gardner<br />
Lackman Neighborhood Library, 15345 W. 87th St. Pkwy, Lenexa<br />
Oak Park Neighborhood Library, 9500 Bluejacket, Overland Park<br />
Shawnee Neighborhood Library, 13811 Johnson Drive, Shawnee<br />
<br />
In addition to book sales, the Johnson County Library and Friends of the Library operate two used book stores which are open year round, one at the Antioch Library and one at the Blue Valley Library. Proceeds from the sale of used books and other materials help to the support the Library.<br />
<br />
Founded in 1956, the Friends of the Johnson County Library has provided more than 50 years of support to the Johnson County Library. For more information on booksales, donations or to join the Friends, visit www.jocolibrary.org/friends, call (913) 826-4337 or pick up membership information at any Johnson County Library locationUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379096607169720713.post-88395402982541794592011-04-04T00:00:00.000-07:002011-04-06T18:03:09.345-07:00The Stonecutter<strong>Book Review by Reader Maid</strong> <br />
<br />
My friend Reader Maid likes to read international crime fiction, and I like to read her reviews.<br />
<br />
Reader Maid feels international crime authors provide insights and perspectives into their countries yielding societal, cultural, and artistic information that you don't find in a travelogue. <br />
<br />
The Stonecutter - Camilla Lackberg<br />
<br />
"The Stonecutter" begins when a fisherman pulls young red-haired Sara's lifeless body out of the water along the coast of Fjallbacka, Sweden. At first, it appears the headstrong daughter of Charlotte and Niclas, who have just recently moved to Fjallbacka, has accidentally drowned. But the autopsy reveals that the water in Sara's lungs is not seawater, but bath water. <br />
<br />
Now Detective Patrik Hedstrom must conduct a murder investigation among warring neighbors and less-than-happy couples, as well as navigate the political backwaters of the Tanemshede Police Department, a substation of Goteberg, where his incompetent boss, Chief Mellberg, longs to return. In addition, Patrik is the new father of a baby girl and his wife is close friends with the victim's mother, Charlotte. It's all a bit overwhelming for the exhausted detective who finds the investigation has become far more personal than his previous cases.<br />
<br />
This third title, an English translation from Swedish author Camilla Lackberg's Fjallbacka mystery series, presents a far more dense narrative landscape than the previous two novels, "The Ice Princess" and "The Preacher." The structure consists of alternating time periods that shift between a story in the past and the present-day account of the murder investigation, but the tie between the two narratives is not revealed until the end. <br />
<br />
There are also multiple side stories dealing with the lives and relationships of the various characters. Collectively, it all makes for a somewhat cluttered plot. But Lackberg knits it all together in the end. Although the killer's motivation may seem a bit preposterous, "The Stonecutter" is still a good whodunit police procedural with interesting characters, both new and familiar, in a cozy setting with more than enough mystery to go around.<br />
<br />
This review is based on the HarperCollins digital edition.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379096607169720713.post-67352487120593325752011-03-25T14:23:00.000-07:002011-03-25T14:23:56.527-07:00The King's Speech - PG-13 Version - Social OutreachIt's not standard procedure for a company to modify a popular, award-winning film to make it appropriate for family audiences, but that's what The Weinstein Company has done with The King's Speech. <br />
<br />
After April 1st, the PG-13 version will be the only version of the Academy Award-winning historical drama about King George VI in theatres<br />
<br />
The aim is to offer families nationwide access to a positive story about stammering and overcoming obstacles and social stigma.<br />
<br />
If you prefer to see the original version, be advised.<br />
<br />
Read more and see a clip <a href="http://www.infozine.com/news/stories/op/storiesView/sid/46874/" title="Kansas City infoZine article">The King's Speech PG 13 Version</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379096607169720713.post-86362425991936642572011-03-25T13:04:00.000-07:002011-03-25T14:25:51.385-07:00Be In Solidarity with the People of JapanSaturday, March 26<br />
1 p.m.<br />
Isamu Noguchi Sculpture Court<br />
<br />
To recognize the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan and express support and sympathy, The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art will hold an event in which participants can <i>Be In Solidarity with the People of Japan</i>.<br />
<br />
Mats will be scattered around the court for meditation or thought, haiku poetry will be available to read aloud or silently, and in the Ancient Shinto tradition, long strips of paper will be provided to tie onto trees in the Kansas City Sculpture Park.<br />
<br />
Cushions provided in part by Kansas City Upholstery.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.infozine.com/news/stories/op/storiesView/sid/46881/" title="Kansas City infoZine article">The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art Hosts Expression of Solidarity with Japan</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379096607169720713.post-63611293376292063862011-03-21T00:00:00.000-07:002011-04-06T18:03:09.351-07:00The Strange Case of the Composer and His Judge: A Novel<strong>Book Review by Reader Maid</strong><br />
<br />
My friend Reader Maid based this review on a copy provided by the publisher through an early review program.<br />
<br />
The Strange Case of the Composer and His Judge - by Patricia Duncker<br />
<br />
The philosophical discourse at the heart of "The Strange Case of the Composer and his Judge" by Patricia Duncker is wrapped in just enough mystery to keep the reader pursuing the answers to the puzzling mass suicides committed by followers of an ecumenical religious order known as the Faith.<br />
<br />
The story opens with the discovery of 16 bodies, adults and children, found by hunters in a field in France, the adults arranged in a semi-circle facing the east with the children at their feet. All but one has died by poisoning; the remaining one, Marie-Cécile Laval, has been shot, but no gun is found at the scene. <br />
<br />
This second mass "departure," as it is known in the Faith, is much smaller than the one that occurred in Switzerland six years earlier in which sixty-nine teenagers and adults "had either killed themselves, or been assisted on their passage into eternity..." In that departure Marie-Cécile Laval's brother had been the one found shot and, likewise, no gun was found. <br />
<br />
Because many of the dead at the Swiss site were French, André Schweigen of the French police was consulted. He in turn consulted with a specialized investigator, Judge Dominique Carpentier, known as "the sect hunter," whose mission is to ferret out pseudo-religious sects and determine what charges, if any, can be brought against them. But the Swiss were not anxious to pursue the case and so the French team made no progress. Now, six years later with a new crime on French soil, the Judge can pursue her investigation against the Faith with renewed vigor. <br />
<br />
Together with Schweigen and her assistant, Gaëlle, they discover a coded guidebook to the Faith, as well as its most prominent member, the world-renown German Composer, Friedrich Grosz, who is the godfather of Marie-Thérèse, the daughter of Marie-Cécile Laval, a friend from the Judge's youth. The Judge is determined to discover how all of these people and clues fit together, but there is another complication, one the Judge is not as prepared to handle: both Schweigen and the Composer are hopelessly and unashamedly in love with the Judge. <br />
<br />
And so, what begins as a murder investigation enlarges to include an examination of religious sects and the limits of religious freedom, the emotional appeal of opera and--because the Faith is based on the movement of certain stars--the central role of astronomy in many religions. Much like a musical composition, the story starts slowly then builds to a tension-filled crescendo with a fitting and just finale.<br />
<br />
Ultimately,"The Strange Case of the Composer and his Judge" is primarily a literary work with the mystery serving more as a transparent framework for the philosophical dialogue that infuses the story. Mystery readers who read widely in other genres will find this an interesting read, as well as readers who enjoyed works like "The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox" and "Olive Kitteridge."Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379096607169720713.post-60334110462052261672011-03-18T03:18:00.000-07:002011-03-18T07:43:35.497-07:00See Lord of the Dance 3DI highly recommend <i>Lord of the Dance 3D</i>, but it's only going to be in theaters a week -- and the week started on March 17, 2011. <br />
<br />
No time to shilly shally, if you want to see fantastic dancing on the big screen in 3D.<br />
<br />
<i>Lord of the Dance 3D</i> is a documentary about the 2010 reincarnation of the dance spectacular Michael Flatley created in 1996. The original premiered in Dublin and the movie emphasizes the show’s return to Dublin. There’s supplementary footage from live performances in London and Berlin, too.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbgj7RnoCa4ZedjEcx3MswdtqOVV-OwXlYTzvqoepEFkg_flfI0mM_HC8eB_jeyMpnfMrEnvDmumoR5vyjggIK6or0IjaJszzKerDaaMdmcN1E2_omNYNpa8iqZe_aBrVhNPiLfq6D8kg/s1600/400px-Lord_of_the_Dance_-_Cry_Of_The_Celts_-_panorama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="90" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbgj7RnoCa4ZedjEcx3MswdtqOVV-OwXlYTzvqoepEFkg_flfI0mM_HC8eB_jeyMpnfMrEnvDmumoR5vyjggIK6or0IjaJszzKerDaaMdmcN1E2_omNYNpa8iqZe_aBrVhNPiLfq6D8kg/s320/400px-Lord_of_the_Dance_-_Cry_Of_The_Celts_-_panorama.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lord of the Dance - Oscar Night - 1997</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Flatley not only created <i>Lord of the Dance</i>, he's choreographer, stage director, producer, and dance star. No wonder he's been the focus of attention for years. The first time around he was largely bare chested, but at 52, he's wearing shirts and jackets now. <br />
<br />
A lot has been written about Flatley's ego, his cockiness, his grandstanding. But let's be fair; he's had quite a bit to be proud of. <br />
<br />
When we think of Irish step dancing, most of us think of <i>Riverdance</i>, a production Flatley was involved in from the very beginning. But his dance history begins much earlier. <br />
<br />
Born July 16, 1958 in Chicago to Irish immigrant parents, Flatley began dancing at 12 and, at about 17, became the first American, to win the All-Ireland World Championship for Irish dance. If you've seen this competition in action, you know that winning is no mean feat.<br />
<br />
While still in high school he produced his own dance show and, after graduation, opened a dance school. Besides dancing, he's a trained amateur boxer and a proficient flute player, having twice won the All-Ireland Competition. (Flatley briefly displays his fluting prowess in <i>Lord of the Dance 3D</i>.)<br />
<br />
At 20, he toured with Green Fields of America. In the 1980s he toured with The Chieftains.<br />
<br />
In May 1989 (age 30), Flatley set a Guinness Book world record for tapping speed at 28 taps per second. He broke his own record for tapping speed in February 1998 (age 39), by achieving 35 taps per second.<br />
<br />
Flatley was named one of National Geographic Society's Living Treasures in 1990, for mastery of a traditional art form by a living person. At the time he was the youngest person ever to have won this distinction.<br />
<br />
Flatley choreographed the original <i>Riverdance</i> and led the show to acclaim as the seven-minute intermission act in the Eurovision Song Contest on April 30, 1994. He was 35 by then. When <i>Riverdance</i> developed into a full-length show Flatley starred. It was one of those seminal "overnight" successes.<br />
<br />
After leaving <i>Riverdance</i>, Flatley produced, directed, and choreographed <i>Lord of the Dance</i>. Both <i>Riverdance</i> and <i>Lord of the Dance</i> were popular but Flatley and his dancing burst upon the pubic at large in March, 1997 when Lord of the Dance was performed and televised at the Oscars. <br />
<br />
Later that year several troupes of dancers were formed to tour <i>Lord of the Dance</i> and in the summers of 1999 and 2000, Flatley contracted with Disney for <i>Lord of the Dance</i> to perform at Epcot in Walt Disney World.<br />
<br />
Other successful shows and an autobiography have followed. During the course of Flatley's career, his awards and accolades have been too many to enumerate here. And his career isn’t over yet. It's fair to say that Michael Flatley has earned a certain right to act cocky. Those who find it annoying should just try to ignore it.<br />
<br />
Lord of the Dance runs 135 minutes and is rated G.<br />
<br />
For a trailer and a review see <a href="http://www.infozine.com/news/stories/op/storiesView/sid/46781/" title="Kansas City infoZine article">Michael Flatley - Still Flashy and Fast on His Feet in <i>Lord of the Dance 3D</i>"</a><br />
<br />
You can also download a <a href="http://www.lordofthedance3d.com/pdf/uscities.pdf">PDF</a> listing venues - or check your local listings.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379096607169720713.post-42123452816268026552011-03-14T00:00:00.000-07:002011-04-06T18:03:09.358-07:00Think of a Number: A Novel<strong>Book Review by Reader Maid</strong><br />
<br />
This book review by Reader Maid proves that the U.S. is part of the world. Well, I think it proves that, since she favors International Crime Fiction.<br />
<br />
Think of a Number: A Novel - by John Verdon<br />
<br />
John Verdon's debut novel, "Think of a Number," is a rare treat that contains a fascinating plot and honest characters. I found myself drawn into the puzzle just like with an Agatha Christie novel, and I wasn't disappointed.<br />
<br />
At the heart of the plot is the first taunting letter received by recovering alcoholic and new-age guru Mark Mellery that tells him, "Think of any number up to a thousand--the first number that comes to your mind. Picture it. Now see how well I know your secrets. Open the little envelope." When Mark opens the smaller envelope enclosed in the letter he sees the number 658, the very number he had conjured up in his mind. Then he receives another note in the same handwriting, but this one is in rhyming verse. <br />
<br />
Mark is terrified. He knows there are periods in his past that he can't remember, people he might have hurt. So he looks up his old college classmate and former detective, David Gurney, now retired from the New York State Police after an illustrious career and living with his wife, Madeleine, in upstate New York. But even before they can meet, Mark receives another note, also in rhyming verse. <br />
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Gurney agrees to look into the matter but, before Gurney can discover the sender, Mark Mellery is murdered and the detective in Gurney needs to know why.<br />
<br />
Although the murder mystery is the meat of this story, I found the characters of David and Madeleine Gurney to be people I can believe really live and struggle to love in their farmhouse outside of Walnut Crossing, New York. Dave Gurney's view of his marriage and family ring true, and Madeleine's personality and tensions with her husband come across as real. <br />
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I truly hope to meet this couple in another narrative, hopefully in a mystery as engaging as "Think of a Number."Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379096607169720713.post-33715732179027938562011-03-07T00:00:00.000-08:002011-04-06T18:03:09.364-07:00Olive Kitteridge<strong>Book Review by Reader Maid</strong><br />
<br />
Reader Maid reviewed the audio version of this "novel in stories." <br />
<br />
Olive Kitteridge - by Elizabeth Strout<br />
<br />
The audio version of Elizabeth Strout's Pulitzer Prize-winning book Olive Kitteridge describes it as "a novel in stories," which is a very accurate description of this haunting collection of sketches that capture the most private reflections of the many wounded souls of Crosby, Maine. <br />
<br />
Many of the stories feature Olive as a central character but in others she makes only a cameo appearance. <br />
<br />
While listening to the narrator reveal the scars and painful longings of those who never managed to "belong," I found myself frequently reminded of the Beatle's song, "All the Lonely People, where do they all come from?" From Olive, a retired math teacher whose father committed suicide, to the aging alcoholic piano player in the local bar abandoned by her married lover, to the young anorexic who starves herself to death, the unifying theme is alienation and loneliness and its impact on those around us. <br />
<br />
Strout paints a brutally honest portrait of the ravages and redemptions of love. I have never experienced a novel that got it so right; whether we want to acknowledge its truth or not is another matter.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379096607169720713.post-39124198070567659102011-02-28T00:00:00.000-08:002011-04-06T18:03:09.370-07:00What Is Mine<strong>Book Review by Reader Maid</strong><br />
<br />
Here's another review from my friend Reader Maid who relishes a good mystery with strong characters.<br />
<br />
What Is Mine - by Anne Holt<br />
<br />
"Now you've got what you deserved," states the note attached to Kim Oksøy's body when it is mysteriously returned to his home. Five-year-old Kim had been taken from his bedroom during the night just six days after eight-year-old Emilie Selbu disappeared while walking home from school. Even more puzzling, Kim's autopsy failed to find a cause of death while Emilie's fate remains unknown.<br />
<br />
Detective Chief Inspector Adam Stubo of the Norwegian National Criminal Investigation Service (NCIS) very much wants lawyer/psychologist Johanne Vik to serve as profiler on the case. After all, Vik had taken an FBI profiling course in the U.S. several years ago and came highly recommended by her F.B.I. Instructor. She had also authored a research paper on sexually motivated crimes. <br />
<br />
But Vik wants nothing to do with these disappearances. As the single mother of a four-year-old, she doesn't want to think about crimes against children. Yet she is currently working on a project to prove the innocence of Aksel Seier, a man convicted of the brutal murder of an eight-year-old girl more than thirty years ago who was released from prison without explanation after serving just a few years of his sentence. A former attorney who worked on Seier's parole application has been haunted by his case and would like to confirm his innocence before she dies. Vik has agreed to find Seier and investigate his case.<br />
<br />
With "What Is Mine," Anne Holt has crafted a riveting mystery told from multiple perspectives in which much of the information about the crimes and characters is scattered among several narrative threads. Holt proves an expert storyteller, dangling details in just the right tantalizing amounts to create a great page-turner whose two central characters have lives that extend beyond the plot to form narratives of their own. Readers should not miss this complex and satisfying mystery.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379096607169720713.post-3451032645033666762011-02-21T00:04:00.000-08:002011-04-06T18:03:09.374-07:00The Edge of the Gulf<strong>Book Review by Reader Maid</strong><br />
<br />
Here's another review from my friend Reader Maid who favors the very best in international crime fiction.<br />
<br />
I'd like to read this one and see if I like Hury's character's movie reviews.<br />
<br />
The Edge of the Gulf - by Hadley Hury<br />
<br />
Hadley Hury's debut novel, "The Edge of the Gulf" first published in 2003, shows a great deal of promise--likeable characters, great setting, and an engaging if somewhat unrealistic plot. Unfortunately, other elements prevent this otherwise engrossing work from achieving its full potential.<br />
<br />
The book opens on Florida's Emerald Coast where Charlie Brompton, a wealthy, childless man has amassed a small fortune in real estate assets, including two very popular restaurants and a significant holding of undeveloped beach property. He plans to put the beach property, worth at least one hundred million, in a trust to ensure its environmental preservation but has not yet changed his will that bequeaths his estate to his cousin, Peter Cullen, now deceased. <br />
<br />
His only remaining blood relative is Peter's son, Charles (Chaz), recently married, who appears to have finally overcome his misspent youth and is operating a successful art business in Atlanta. Also recently Charlie's old friend, Hudson DeForest, struggling to move on from the loss of his wife two years earlier, has finally returned for the summer to his nearby cabin to work on a collection of film critiques for his soon-to-be-published book and to rejoin the circle of caring neighbors after a self-imposed absence. <br />
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Into this close-knit group come Chaz and his bride, a pair so beautiful and so perfect they turn heads wherever they go. The tension of the narrative derives from the newlyweds' plot to get their hands on Charlie's beach property before he can change his will.<br />
<br />
While Hury displays considerable talent in manipulating the storyline for maximum suspense and the narrative itself provides solid entertainment, I found the constant interruption by film reviews both contrived and pretentious. If I had wanted to read a collection of movie critiques I would have bought a book of movie critiques and not a mystery/thriller. Perhaps Hury was trying to expand an otherwise short novel but I would rather he had worked just a bit harder on the plot and left the reviews on the cutting room floor.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379096607169720713.post-10528447122051349752011-02-18T10:13:00.000-08:002011-02-18T10:29:55.721-08:00Downtown Olathe Art Festival - Call For Artists<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZOOoI8HuNJv7gSF9Eyyk8ThVQ4LGSP9lQcG8TkHOhNUhTvgWMa8u5kOhZ3tB5-MtutPEUnlqnbHe_1VBH1YMgUAfjuUWqE8xtOw8Rvus5LwRGxXLA4qTD2BWz1WfW7aTHxbTdkxlm9Ss/s1600/DOAFlogo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZOOoI8HuNJv7gSF9Eyyk8ThVQ4LGSP9lQcG8TkHOhNUhTvgWMa8u5kOhZ3tB5-MtutPEUnlqnbHe_1VBH1YMgUAfjuUWqE8xtOw8Rvus5LwRGxXLA4qTD2BWz1WfW7aTHxbTdkxlm9Ss/s200/DOAFlogo.png" width="200" /></a></div>You are invited to apply for participation in the 1st Annual Downtown Olathe Art Festival, a juried art festival that takes pride in quality fine art.<br />
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Our goal is to take advantage of our historic small town atmosphere as we provide a gracious and rewarding festival for both exhibitors and attendees alike. Come be a part of our ongoing story!<br />
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Wide-ranging advertising will be provided. In addition, flyers will be available for each artist to send to their own mailing list. There is no admission fee for spectators.<br />
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Booth placement and assignments will be determined by the festival committee. We are anticipating that we will have room for up to 80 artist booths. Set up time is between 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on Friday, June 10, 2011.<br />
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For more information: http://www.downtownolatheartsfestival.org/ArtistApplication.htmlUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379096607169720713.post-53298011845727406592011-02-18T08:53:00.000-08:002011-02-18T10:31:08.416-08:00Scavenger Saturdays - Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art<b>Scavenger Saturdays for Families </b><br />
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Saturday, February 19, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. <br />
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Hone your art detective skills and discover something new about contemporary art!<br />
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Children and adults may pick up a self-guided activity at the Visitor Services Desk and follow clues on an "ART-astic" adventure.<br />
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When finished, children may pick up a take-home, art-making activity kit.<br />
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No reservations are required.<br />
<br />
Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art<br />
4420 Warwick Blvd. Kansas City, Missouri 64111<br />
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For more information: http://www.kemperart.org/Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379096607169720713.post-4604513705839741192011-02-18T08:48:00.000-08:002011-02-18T10:31:53.601-08:00College Night: Pattern ID - Kemper Museum of Contemporary ArtTonight - Friday, February 18, 7:00-9:00 p.m.<br />
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Take a break from the books and slip into the galleries!<br />
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College students are invited to explore Pattern ID with students from the University of Kansas. The night also includes music, activities, and refreshments.<br />
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Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art<br />
Free admission - Free parking<br />
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4420 Warwick Blvd. Kansas City, Missouri 64111<br />
Tel 816-753-5784 <br />
For more information: http://www.kemperart.org/Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379096607169720713.post-80115616523598687552011-02-18T00:52:00.000-08:002011-02-18T10:33:13.655-08:00Tips for Effectively Critiquing ManuscriptsDone right, manuscript critiques are an important part of any successful writing group and can lead to publication for many of the group's members. But there are definitely "tricks of the trade" when it comes to critiquing manucripts within a group setting.<br />
<br />
Suzanne Lieurance is the author of 23 published books, a freelance writer, Internet radio talk show host, and the Working Writer's Coach. As an instructor for the Institute of Children's Literature from 2000 to 2008, she critiqued hundreds, if not thousands, of manuscripts. Throughout her career as a writer and writing coach, she has created and led many writers' critique groups. <br />
<br />
Join Suzanne Lieurance on April 6 at Johnson County Central Resource Library, 9875 West 87th Street, Overland Park, KS for this informal session when Lieurance will share many "tricks of the trade" for effectively critiquing manuscripts. The session will be in the Carmack Community Room from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379096607169720713.post-53532308721419623462011-02-18T00:49:00.000-08:002011-02-18T10:34:06.588-08:00Watch the Oscars at The Armour in NKCWatch the Academy Awards on Sunday, February 27th, in live HD on the big screen at The Armour!<br />
It's free and there will be food and drink specials all night.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOUe8Gl5f_NhketYYZAbSBFN5HadqoatwweYlRnOrn-j3Fe-YLYUqxKKzIRMXPdeOaPUfOEn6ADRkCO6kOFgXpvsrhAyjc4rqbwAq5t2AubEYfbN3J-aTmIbSWS3ApREzkpTgyLgIvyrs/s1600/oscars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOUe8Gl5f_NhketYYZAbSBFN5HadqoatwweYlRnOrn-j3Fe-YLYUqxKKzIRMXPdeOaPUfOEn6ADRkCO6kOFgXpvsrhAyjc4rqbwAq5t2AubEYfbN3J-aTmIbSWS3ApREzkpTgyLgIvyrs/s320/oscars.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The fun starts at 6:00. Screenland Armour, 408 Armour Rd., North Kansas City, MO - 816.421.9700.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379096607169720713.post-73606102997252369552011-02-18T00:40:00.000-08:002011-02-18T10:36:21.701-08:00KanMoWriCollectives and Other KC Area Writing CollectivesKanMoWriCollectives and Other KC Area Writing Collectives<br />
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PoetT announces nine "write-ins" in the Kansas City metro area, at 4 different locations. Most of these groups were created to create a community for writers and aspiring writers who were involved in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) and/or Script Frenzy (Screnzy). Look them up online for more information.<br />
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That doesn't mean you have to participate in NaNoWriMo or Screnzy to participate in the write ins. If you might like writing your own thing in the presence of others who are writing their own thing, give it a try. <br />
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Maybe one of these opportunities to write along with some of your fellow KanMoWriCollectivites will suit you.<br />
~<>~<br />
1st & 3rd Sundays<br />
Feb. 20<br />
6pm - 10pm<br />
Roasterie Café, 6223 Brookside Blvd., Kansas City, MO<br />
Google maps: http://tinyurl.com/4rhq4nj<br />
host: poetT (though I don't always wear my black hat outside November, I try to set up a write-in tabletop paper-tent)<br />
~<>~<br />
Mondays<br />
Feb. 21, 28<br />
6:30pm - 10:00pm<br />
Olathe Borders, 15350 West 119th Street, Olathe, KS<br />
Google maps: http://tinyurl.com/4b8qsrg<br />
host: DanyelleFerguson (see her photo on the her NaNo user page)<br />
~<>~<br />
2nd & 4th Wednesdays<br />
Feb. 23<br />
Time: 6:30-10 pm (Come for all or part of the time)<br />
Roasterie Café, 4511 W. 119th St, Leawood, KS (One Nineteen Center/strip mall)<br />
Google maps: http://tinyurl.com/4d4pgsu<br />
host: muccino in the red scarf<br />
~<>~<br />
1st & 3rd Wednesdays<br />
7:00-8:30 p.m.<br />
From the Winter Activities booklet: Johnson County Library Writing Group; ... <br />
Join other writers in exercises, discussion and sharing. Bring samples of your writing to share, or start something new.<br />
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On April 6, they'll have a presentation (everybody welcome) on critique in writing groups: http://tinyurl.com/4q3u2bs<br />
~<>~<br />
4th Thursday<br />
Feb. 24<br />
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm<br />
Mid-Continent Public Library, 1000 N.E. Colbern Rd., Lee's Summit, MO<br />
http://tinyurl.com/4ekzpqd<br />
host: Mackenziethegreat <br />
<br />
Thanks to Teri/PoetT who sent this information.<br />
http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/node/164Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379096607169720713.post-44425422078656535282011-02-18T00:34:00.000-08:002011-02-18T00:41:37.541-08:00Rocky Horror Picture Show - Screenland Crossroads"The Rocky Horror Picture Show" Returns to Screenland Crossroads on Saturday, February 19th at 10:00.<br />
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Tickets are $8 and prop bags are available for $3 at the door. Includes a live floor show that features adult content that is not rated. Not recommended for ages under 18.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKlke0Yn0T-Y-fuUlj_-F5RLzRV3ZV1Q7SydwO4hNQEM1eyJN-yY5OWaynM1o1RUV5trhTyZWDVm7OvXH3ZGeKFgzHU4fbEBFeQjBPf2_LRrYl5EMw4nnHUUii-RPAimeAojHRC2tr7zM/s1600/rocky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKlke0Yn0T-Y-fuUlj_-F5RLzRV3ZV1Q7SydwO4hNQEM1eyJN-yY5OWaynM1o1RUV5trhTyZWDVm7OvXH3ZGeKFgzHU4fbEBFeQjBPf2_LRrYl5EMw4nnHUUii-RPAimeAojHRC2tr7zM/s320/rocky.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>To reserve tickets in advance: http://www.screenland. Screenland Theatre at the Crossroads, 1656 Washington, Kansas City, MO 816.421.9700Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379096607169720713.post-34567326344924755092011-02-18T00:32:00.000-08:002011-02-18T00:32:08.826-08:00Henry Bloch and Tom Bloch in Conversation at NAMAThe Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (NAMA) invites the public to attend a conversation between Business Council founder Henry Bloch and his son Tom, author of the new book, <i>Many Happy Returns-The Story of Henry Bloch, America's Tax Man</i>. Henry's rise from a tiny office to become the founder of a national industry is an inspiring personal story.<br />
<br />
The conversation will be Friday, March 25 at 6 p.m. in the Atkins Auditorium with happy hour and book signing at 7 p.m. in the Atkins Foyer. General admission tickets are $5. You may pre-purchase the book and one ticket for $25.<br />
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The Nelson-Atkins is located at 4525 Oak Street, Kansas City, Missouri. For more information: http://nelson-atkins.org/.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379096607169720713.post-51050930303385867692011-02-17T14:30:00.000-08:002011-02-17T14:37:28.513-08:00Shuttlecarts coming to Nelson-Atkins Museum (NAMA)<b>Nelson-Atkins to Take Visitors on Quite a Ride | Shuttlecarts Launch with Monet Exhibition</b><br />
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In an ongoing effort to make The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City more accessible for all, the Museum will pilot a program in which transportation carts take museum-goers on two different routes inside the Museum. The two electric carts, called Shuttlecarts, will debut at the opening of the Monet’s Water Lilies exhibition April 9.<br />
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“The amazing growth of the Nelson-Atkins has sparked so much excitement that we want everyone to experience this entire Museum,” said Julián Zugazagoitia, Menefee D. and Mary Louise Blackwell Director & CEO. “I had a conversation with Crosby Kemper in which he echoed a concern we have heard from many others, that some visitors have difficulty navigating the distances. After discussions with Museum staff, the carts seemed to be the best solution, and Crosby wholeheartedly embraced the idea and was instrumental in securing the donation that made this possible.”<br />
<br />
R. Crosby Kemper, Jr., Chairman Emeritus, UMB Bank, championed the use of electric carts, and funding for the pilot program was approved by The Carter Community Trust on Kemper’s recommendation.<br />
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The Nelson-Atkins covers 23 acres, with 400,000 square feet of space in the Museum. The Bloch Building expansion increased the Museum square footage by 71 percent, providing new galleries and Museum support. The Shuttlecarts will operate on a rotation of two separate routes, one down the gallery walk in the Bloch Building and the other to Kirkwood Hall and Rozzelle Court Restaurant in the original building, making it easy for any visitor to go from one part of the Museum to another in a short time.<br />
<br />
“To our knowledge, no other art museum offers this service,” said Mark Zimmerman, Director of Administration. “These carts are all electric, so there will be no noise and no pollution. They were thoroughly tested for vibration, and meet rigorous environmental and conservation requirements.”<br />
<br />
The carts will be operated by trained drivers who will offer passengers information about current and upcoming exhibitions, yet another free service to visitors. People of all ages are invited to ride on the carts.<br />
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“It’s important to note that this is not a tour or a taxi service,” said Michael Cross, Facilities/Security & Visitor Services Manager. “The carts have an established route and timing. It takes a cart about one minute to safely go the length of the gallery walk in the Bloch Building, which is about 400 feet. We have heard from many visitors that this is a long walk, so we’re providing this free service to make the entire Museum more accessible.”<br />
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<i>I'm really excited about this! Now if the shuttlecarts could only resemble shuttlecocks. </i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379096607169720713.post-3988159236205618192011-02-16T23:44:00.000-08:002011-02-18T10:28:03.569-08:00NAMA-Bloch Building- Cited for Beauty<b>NAMA's Bloch Building - Cited for Beauty</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEionxkyu0SSrr3Pv3LR_Q6vU0TarSzVVl4SYe13zyT_Izy3FFqVhTHKnrC46HkTCb44yfh-rL2oPGE3q8RlDkZsD65b3tjur79ck7qJBXpTsnauqd1dNtcT0BhKQJCWh0WMxDNujZaSyIA/s1600/BlochBldg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEionxkyu0SSrr3Pv3LR_Q6vU0TarSzVVl4SYe13zyT_Izy3FFqVhTHKnrC46HkTCb44yfh-rL2oPGE3q8RlDkZsD65b3tjur79ck7qJBXpTsnauqd1dNtcT0BhKQJCWh0WMxDNujZaSyIA/s200/BlochBldg.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Among the <i>World's Most Beautiful Buildings</i> listed by Travel + Leisure - February 2011, you will find The Bloch Building expansion to The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, designed by Steven Holl. <br />
<br />
What are the other most beautiful buildings? <br />
Here's a list:<br />
<ul><li>Sagrada Família, Barcelona </li>
<li>Burj Al Arab, Dubai, UAE</li>
<li>Institute for Sound and Vision, Hilversum, The Netherlands</li>
<li>Design by Neutelings Riedijk Architecten/Photo by Scagliola Brakkee</li>
<li>Institute for Sound and Vision, Hilversum, The Netherlands</li>
<li>The Golden Temple, Amritsar, India </li>
<li>National Congress Hall, Brasilia, Brazil</li>
<li>The Guggenheim, Bilbao, Spain</li>
<li>The Chrysler Building, New York City</li>
<li>Mont St. Michel, Normandy, France</li>
<li>ICMC at Brandenburg Technical University, Cottbus, Germany</li>
<li>Wat Rong Khun, Chiang Rai, Thailand</li>
<li>Akron Boys and Girls Club II, Akron, AL</li>
</ul>Better yet, see a slide show with a picture of each beautiful building.<br />
<a href="http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/worlds-most-beautiful-buildings/1">http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/worlds-most-beautiful-buildings/1</a><br />
<br />
Karrie Jacobs, who wrote Travel + Leisure says, "So are we consistent? Nope. But however capricious our choices may seem, we don’t take beauty lightly. After all, the ongoing search for beauty is what travel is all about. It’s certainly the best reason we know to leave the house." I can't argue with that. <br />
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For more about Kansas City's, and NAMA's Bloch Building expansion, go to <a href="http://www.infozine.com/news/stories/op/storiesView/sid/46388/" title="Kansas City infoZine article">Travel + Leisure Names Nelson-Atkins' Bloch Building One of World’s Most Beautiful</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0