Kansas City Star: FYI / Living

Send us your funny pics of kids on Santa's lap

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 09:35 CST

We know a good idea when we see it, even if Mr. Ho-Ho-Ho may take us off his list this year. Nothing screams Christmas quite like a picture of a really unhappy tyke on Santa's lap. You have a picture like that? Send it to us.

Predict the box office

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:12 CST

Which new movie will make the most money this weekend?

Challenge: �Green' wedding

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 09:21 CST

Are you planning a “green” KC area wedding? If so, tell us what efforts you're making to spare your surroundings and infuse natural elements into your special day.

Winners announced in the 31-Second Scary Film Contest

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 08:08 CDT

Mad dogs, red-eyed aliens and high-schoolers wielding deadly pencils were among the horrific villains in our 31-Second Scary Film Contest. But in the end, the readers went with the guy hiding in the closet.

Olathe teachers feel the vampire buzz

Sat, 22 Nov 2008 11:43 CST

For months it's all any fan of Stephenie Meyer has been talking about — the vampire love story leaves the pages of her books and hits the big screen.

The winners of Star Mag's Chiefs caption contest

Sat, 15 Nov 2008 06:07 CST

Welcome to the results show of the Star Magazine Chiefs caption contest. In October we printed six pictures from Chiefs seasons past and asked readers to come up with fake, funny captions for them. (The real captions appear with each picture today.)

Will this be a Blu-ray Christmas?

Sat, 15 Nov 2008 22:13 CST

Feb. 19, 2008, was supposed to be a watershed day in the history of home entertainment. That was the day consumers could finally march into stores and buy the next generation of DVD player with confidence that they hadn't just blown $400 on the digital equivalent of the Betamax machine.

Golden hair and golden throats are feminizing the country music scene

Sun, 09 Nov 2008 09:58 CST

The country music sales charts have a different look these days. So do the playlists at country radio stations. They include a rising prevalence of young blonde women: Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, Jessica Simpson, Jennifer Nettles, Kellie Pickler, Kristy Lee Cook, Whitney Duncan. On Wednesday night's Country Music Association Awards, and you won’t have to wait long to see one of these princesses of country.

‘Twilight' debut sucks up $70.5 million

Sun, 23 Nov 2008 12:22 CST

LOS ANGELES | The vampire romance “Twilight” has drained the box office in its opening weekend with ticket sales totaling $70.5 million.

‘Twilight' success means ‘New Moon' will rise

Sun, 23 Nov 2008 12:01 CST

As “Twilight” glows with its $35 million-plus opening day, Summit Entertainment announced Saturday that it is officially moving forward with “New Moon.” But while the announcement answers some questions, it raises so many more.

'TWILIGHT REVIEW': Vampires suck (No, they RULE) | 2 stars (No, 3 stars)

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:30 CST

Editor’s note: We allowed our resident “Twilight” fangirl, Sharon Hoffmann, to add her comments in italics to critic Robert W. Butler’s review.

‘Bolt' | 3 ½ stars

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:47 CST

Disney’s “Bolt” is the studio’s best non-Pixar animated movie in ages. It’s smart enough to keep adults on their toes and exciting enough to keep a kid with a short attention span glued to his seat.

‘Synecdoche, New York' | 3 stars

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:32 CST

Rated R | Run time: 2:03 “Synecdoche, New York” is a self-indulgent mope. It’s also a work of genius.

‘The Boy in the Striped Pajamas' | 3 stars

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:32 CST

Rated: PG-13 | Time 1:33 Holocaust movies are like colonoscopies: Knowing they’re good for you still doesn’t make us eager to experience one.

‘Quantum of Solace' | 2 stars

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 16:27 CST

Could we have our old Bond back? “Quantum of Solace” and its immediate predecessor, “Casino Royale,” jettisoned Q and his gimmicky toys. No travelogue-pretty footage of foreign locales. No mindless king-and-country patriotism. Miss Moneypenny is once again AWOL.

‘Fling' | 3 stars

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 13:05 CST

Not rated | Time: 1:38 “Fling” (at the Screenland Crossroads) begins with Mason and Samantha (Steve Sandvoss, Courtney Ford) tumbling out of bed in their Columbus Park home in KC.

‘Sixty Six' | 2 stars

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 13:05 CST

Rated PG-13 | 1:33 A bar mitzvah is a great and important event in a Jewish boy’s life. And none is more important than the one in the saccharine “Sixty Six,” a film that tries too hard and wastes a cast of skilled veterans and talented newcomers. (It opens today at the Tivoli.)

‘Rachel Getting Married' | 4 stars

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 14:34 CST

A thumbnail description of “Rachel Getting Married” makes it sound like a wallow in rip-roaring melodrama.

‘Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa' | 2 ½ stars

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 14:36 CST

Common wisdom holds that sequels are inferior to the movies that spawned them. “Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa” is an exception.

‘Role Models' | 2 1/2 stars

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 14:35 CST

Rated R | Time: 1:39 “Role Models” is a guilty pleasure, a toss-off that somehow finagles its way into our good graces. It’s pretty rough. Also pretty hilarious.

Men the gift focus VIDEO

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 23:31 CST

Manstravaganza '08, which continues Saturday at the Overland Park Convention Center, features holiday gift ideas for men including tools, motorcycles, cars, music, clothing, cigars and more.

Clear sailing for �Boeing Boeing' at the New Theatre

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 20:34 CST

The New Theatre Restaurant's new production of Mark Camoletti's old farce “Boeing Boeing” somehow pulls a lot more laughs than it oughta.

FYI Book Club critiques 'Three Cups of Tea' by Greg Mortenson

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 20:41 CST

The metaphors are big, obvious — and powerful. Mountain climber Greg Mortenson attempts to summit K2 but ends up in a remote Pakistani village, where he sets an even higher goal: to build the village’s first school.

‘Twilight' vampire fascination helps HBO's ‘True Blood' become a well-timed hit

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:44 CST

Catching the wave of a public fascination with vampires, HBO’s “True Blood” has steadily increased in stature to become the cable network’s most popular series since “The Sopranos” and “Sex and the City.”

News of the Weird

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 20:37 CST

Jose Diaz Jr., 35, was arrested and charged with shoplifting from a Wal-Mart in Madison Township, Ohio, in October after attempting to run from the store with a digital camera. He first crashed into the glass front door, which looked open but was closed, cutting himself badly. Then he exited into the parking lot, where he ran into a concrete post, allowing security personnel to catch up with him.

Dear Abby: Wife can't let go of dead husband's family

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 21:01 CST

DEAR ABBY: My wife, “Kiki,” and I married three years ago. I had been divorced 11 years, and she had been widowed for eight.

Billy Graham: God's plan for us is often subtle

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:49 CST

DEAR BILLY GRAHAM: When I was young, people told me that God put us here for a purpose. I asked God to show me what it was, but I’m in my 80s now, and I can’t say I’ve ever done anything special. I tried to do what was right, to be a good husband and father and to help our church, but did I miss something? — P.L.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAYS 11/22/08

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:05 CST

•Comedian-director Terry Gilliam (Monty Python) is 68. •Actor Tom Conti is 67. •Guitarist-actor Little Steven Van Zandt (The E Street Band, “The Sopranos”) is 58.

Stargazing | Barbara Walters jabs back at O'Donnell, Cherry Jones takes the presidency and Julianne Hough is done with �Dancing'

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:04 CST

Robert D. Kline made the documentary “The Kennedys: America's Emerald Kings,” which is available on DVD by itself or as part of “JFK: Ultimate Collector's Edition” (Warner, 1991, $39.98). The three-disc DVD set has numerous other extras, but the anchors are Oliver Stone's conspiracy-laced feature film and Kline's work.

Fairness Doctrine's return not likely, regardless what Rush says

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 20:35 CST

The Fairness Doctrine is coming back! Rush said so! Well, Rush Limbaugh is not an idiot, contrary to what Al Franken wrote. He’s dead wrong, but he’s not an idiot, because he knows when there’s an issue that he can use to turn the spotlight once more on El Rushbo.

Hearne Christopher Jr.: Is satellite radio in Urich's future?

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 09:19 CST

Going, going — he’s not quite gone … Shockingly, one of the town’s top radio dudes, Mix 93.3 FM jock Kelly Urich, is leaving the station early next month.

All eyes are on Michelle Obama

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:55 CST

Last week, at a town hall meeting in Florida with about 150 Jewish senior citizens, first lady historian Robert Watson outlined the challenges facing Michelle Obama.

Gas drops to 2004 price � what was happening back then?

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:56 CST

Gasoline prices dipped to a jaw-dropping $1.41 a gallon in Kansas City Thursday. (Can someone tell us why all the cheap gas is in Independence?) The last time gas was that low around here was on Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2004. It was $1.45 a gallon. Do you remember what the world looked like way back then?

Stargazing | National Book Awards, ‘Lipstick Jungle' finds support, Hilton-Madden break up, Cheetah Girl plot backfires

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 04:12 CST

“Lipstick Jungle” may live after all. After seeing its strong DVR ratings, NBC co-chairman Ben Silverman told the New York Times the network will now consider ordering more episodes.

'Good for the Jews' is good for comedy

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 22:17 CST

New York Jewish hipsters Rob Tannenbaum and David Fagin will bring their acclaimed comedy and music show “Good for the Jews” to the Kansas City area Saturday for the first time.

Who's who in the ‘Twilight' universe

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 04:30 CST

Who? Our 17-year-old human heroine Played by: Kristen Stewart Where you’ve seen her: “Panic Room,” “Zathura,” “The Messengers,” “Into the Wild,” “Jumper,” “What Just Happened”

Excerpts of the winning entries in our Twilight contest

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 13:02 CST

By Anna Bernard “All I wanted to do was ask if you wanted to watch a movie, and I find you and Jacob all alone …,” Bella shuddered, “necking.”

TODAY'S BIRTHDAYS 11/21/08

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:57 CST

•Actor Joseph Campanella is 81. •Actor Laurence Luckinbill is 74. •Actress Marlo Thomas is 71.

Dear Abby: Boy is tired of friend acting like ‘dummy'

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:22 CST

DEAR ABBY: I don’t want to make my friend “Ryan” mad, but he does something that makes me feel weird. When we go to the mall to hang out, he always wants to go to the big stores. You know those dummies on display wearing clothes? Well, Ryan likes to feel them up! He thinks it’s cool to go up to a female dummy and feel her breasts.

More about the movies

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:33 CST

Our critic’s picks: •Child actors don’t get much better than Asa Butterfield in “The Boy in the Striped Pajamas.” Big-eyed and innocent, he sucks us into this Holocaust tragedy.

Carolyn Hax: Sister's choices are her own

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 21:25 CST

DEAR CAROLYN: I recently found out that my sister and her husband have decided not to have more kids. My dad shared this with me on a recent visit. I don’t know what to do with this information. The last time I talked to my sister, she very much wanted another kid.

BILLY GRAHAM: We will behold God in heaven

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:22 CST

DEAR BILLY GRAHAM: What does God look like? I know he’s supposed to be a spirit and all that, but doesn’t the Bible also say that we will see him when we get to heaven? — M.F.

Christmas sounds, New Orleans style

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 18:22 CST

The sound of Christmas will have a N’awlins spin Dec. 18 when the Harriman-Jewell Series presents a holiday show featuring trumpeter Irvin Mayfield and his 16-piece band from the Crescent City.

Q&A: Lisa Pinsker teaches living in the moment

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 04:06 CST

While it sounds like something a parent might wish for from a child, mindfulness is much more. Just ask Lisa Pinsker, an expert in the specialized skill.

Stargazing | Little Joy heads to Lawrence, ‘Star Wars Holiday Special' still amuses

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 18:21 CST

On Nov. 4 Fabrizio Moretti, drummer for the Strokes, released a CD he recorded with his girlfriend, singer-guitarist Binki Shapiro, and singer-guitarist-keyboardist Rodrigo Amarante of Los Hermanos. It’s called “Little Joy,” which also happens to be the name of the band. The band’s first tour stops Monday at the Jackpot Music Hall in Lawrence.

Brining the main attraction

Sun, 23 Nov 2008 07:11 CST

Brining the turkey has become all the rage with home cooks. Fans insist submerging the bird under salted water for 12 to 18 hours locks in moisture.

Punch up your Thanksgiving table

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 19:37 CST

The economy is as good a reason as any to re-establish an old American tradition: Serve a house punch instead of wine or beer for Thanksgiving dinner.

How to have an Earth-friendly wedding

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 01:31 CDT

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something green? It went something like that when Whitney Davidson of Fairway got married.

Here's something everyone can do � plant the greenest tree

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 11:51 CDT

Pursuing a greener lifestyle can sometimes feel punitive. Like the Ten Commandments, the “don'ts” seem to outnumber the “do's.” No fun, right?

Unfair fares: Secrets for avoiding travel bait-and-switch

Sat, 22 Nov 2008 18:28 CST

Bait-and-switch offers are one of the oldest tricks in the travel trade’s book. There are a few ways of making sure you don’t become a victim of these deceptive pricing practices.

Your personal Vegas concierge is a click away

Sat, 22 Nov 2008 18:27 CST

Whether planning a trip, scouting deals or scoping out the Vegas scene, www.yourvegasbeat.com provides a one-stop source for everything Las Vegas. Visitors can receive personal answers to questions via the Vegas Concierge. Sign up on Twitter or join the VegasBeat group on Facebook.

Setting the table: It's not the same old things this year

Sun, 23 Nov 2008 07:17 CST

Instead of blowing the budget on all new chargers, beaded table runners and sparkly napkin rings, make this year’s table a mismatched celebration that draws from the cupboards of everyone on the guest list. Ask each guest to bring a favorite old plate, and ask whoever has sterling or silver plate flatware and serving spoons if they can be pressed into service.

Thanksgiving Portrait: Martin Fries of Olathe

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 20:22 CST

Two 8-foot-long folding tables are hauled from the basement into the great room each Thanksgiving in Martin Fries’ Olathe home. But last year a laptop computer took Fries’ place at the head of the table. His face was on the screen.

Congregations are going on faith as pledges scale back for construction

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 21:08 CST

The fundraising campaign for Holy Family Catholic Church’s new building got off to a strong start, and the pastor was feeling great.

On not giving thanks for holiday prayers

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:05 CST

There are so many things I love about the winter holidays, but one thing I always dread are prayers at holiday dinners.

It's all gravy: Fun facts about that special extra something

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 04:15 CST

You may be an undigested bit of beef, a blot of mustard, a crumb of cheese, a fragment of an underdone potato. There’s more of gravy than of grave about you…” — Scrooge to Marley’s ghost in Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol

Get Out: ‘Clothesline Project' fights violence against women

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 18:22 CST

At least one out of every three women around the world has been beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused in her lifetime — with the abuser usually someone known to her, according to a United Nations report.

DEAR ABBY: Standing during pledge a sign of respect

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 19:02 CST

DEAR ABBY: “Silent Supporter, Benson, N.C.” cannot say the Pledge of Allegiance because of religious reasons. I support his or her right not to participate. However, I disagree with “Silent’s” interpretation that standing is participating.

Owen/Cox Christmas pageant moves to City Stage

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 18:22 CST

In three recent Christmas seasons composer and arranger Brad Cox has co-produced one of the city’s most unusual holiday pageants, an archly contemporary, big-band adaptation of a medieval mystery play.

The Wine Cellar presents astrology and top shelf wines

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 18:22 CST

You don’t typically get to sip “the good stuff” at wine tastings. You know, the stuff that costs $40 or more a bottle.

BILLY GRAHAM: Our souls have longing for God

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 19:02 CST

DEAR BILLY GRAHAM: If God is real, why are there so many religions in the world? They can’t all be right, can they? — R.B.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAYS 11/20/08

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 19:02 CST

•Actress-comedian Kaye Ballard is 83. •Actress Estelle Parsons is 81. •TV personality Richard Dawson is 76.

Vote for a non-toy toy for the Hall of Fame

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:10 CST

Even though you could poke your eye out with it, the humble stick has made it into the National Toy Hall of Fame.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAYS 11//19/08

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 22:01 CST

•Actor Alan Young (“Mr. Ed”) is 89. •Talk show host Larry King is 75.

Dear Abby: Roommate needs wake-up call

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 22:01 CST

DEAR ABBY: I moved to a small town a few years ago to take a job in a very public position. I try hard to maintain a good reputation.

Pets of the week: Kiwi and Sunkist

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 22:01 CST

5-month-old female terrier mix Kiwi is an adorable pup who should stay under 40 pounds when fully grown. Kiwi gets along well with other dogs, but she will do best in a home without small children. She has been spayed, vaccinated and microchipped and is available for a $120 adoption fee.

Stargazing | Felicia Day has her day online, Joan Baez still in training

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 09:18 CST

Felicia Day, who has starred in “Bring It On Again” and “Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog,” can also be seen in the Web series “The Guild,” about “World of Warcraft” addicts (which is now available on DVD). She told the Onion's A.V. Club recently that she was a real addict.

David Cook has a debut that's airwave-ready

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 21:35 CST

For David Cook, the easy part is over. He won “American Idol,” he survived the grueling “Idol” tour and he made his inaugural record, “David Cook.” Now comes the difficult part: living up to more hype than any of the preceding “Idol” winners.

Mickey Mouse, the cartoon icon of an entertainment empire, turns 80 today

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 04:13 CST

The story goes that the Disney icon was inspired by a real mouse named Mortimer. But is that just a myth?

Cyclists push for right of passage on Paseo Bridge

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 17:26 CST

Circle the correct answer: The new Paseo Bridge WILL/WILL NOT have a bicycle and walking lane when the $245 million Missouri River crossing opens in 2011.

‘IFC Media Project' looks a little familiar and a bit too earnest

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 21:34 CST

One of my favorite all-time TV shows was “TV Nation,” an unsuccessful effort by Michael Moore in the mid-1990s to bring edgy, topical news-themed stunts to network TV — and make Crackers, the Corporate Crime Fighting Chicken, into a household name.

Stargazing | Alan Jackson stays humble, Bisset stays wary, Noth stays comfortable

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 04:24 CST

Even with 50 hit singles, Alan Jackson was never one to go star-tripping and doesn't plan to start now.

Use autumn leaves to nurture your garden

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 17:36 CST

Before you drag another bulging sack of leaves to the curb, stop and think about what you are doing. You can save time and money, and have a more beautiful yard and garden, if you turn those leaves into mulch or compost.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAYS 11/18/08

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 17:56 CST

•Actor Brad Sullivan (“Nothing Sacred”) is 77. •Actress Brenda Vaccaro is 69.

Dear Abby: Bride cleans up with fake groom

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 17:56 CST

DEAR ABBY: My wife and I received an invitation from a family member to attend their daughter “Heidi’s” wedding. We canceled our existing plans to attend and gave “Heidi and Dave” an appropriate gift. As the ceremony progressed, the minister asked, “Do you, Steve, take Heidi” ... at which point the guests began whispering to themselves, “STEVE?”

Start dentist visits in toddler years

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 17:36 CST

Here’s holiday advice from a dentist, if not a dietitian: Let your kids eat their sugary booty in one sitting.

Mickey Milestones

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:02 CST

•Nov. 18, 1928: Mickey Mouse debuts in “Steamboat Willie” at the Colony Theater in New York. Directed by Walt Disney, the film is the first cartoon to have synchronized sound. The soundtrack was recorded with a 15-piece band, and Disney provided Mickey's voice.

Billy Graham: Alcohol and drugs solve no problems

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 17:56 CST

DEAR BILLY GRAHAM: Our son got hooked on alcohol after his marriage ended, but when we tell him he needs to stop drinking and get his life back on track, he shuts us off. It breaks our hearts, but what can we do? — N.R.

Part 1: First one trauma, and now another

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 15:20 CDT

Child sex crimes are the toughest to prosecute, but it is even tougher on the kids who testify. In the first of a four-part series, The Star follows the trial of The State of Missouri v. David A. Brake in order to examine the process and problems of prosecuting child sexual crime. First of four parts.

How �The System' works in Missouri and Kansas

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 07:25 CDT

Who reports? Anyone can make a report of suspected child abuse. Laws mandate that individuals in certain professions report suspected child abuse. “Mandated reporters” include medical personnel, social workers, therapists, teachers, police and firefighters.

Part 2: Sexual abuse casts a long shadow over jury selection process

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 15:20 CDT

Jury selection. Vital and never easy, this one — for a case in which a 12-year-old girl will testify that her mother's boyfriend raped her when she was 9 — turned more dramatic and emotional than any Lori Fluegel had ever seen. Second of four parts.

Part 3: At last, Jessica's time to testify

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 15:21 CDT

Alone on the witness stand, 12-year-old Jessica tells how her mother's boyfriend raped her when she was 9 — but her story has changed. Third of four parts.

Part 4: Incriminating evidence comes forth, and a witness is surprised on the stand

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 15:21 CDT

The conclusion of The Star's four-part series, which followed the State of Missouri v. David A. Brake in order to examine the process and problems of prosecuting child sexual crimes. Last of four parts.

Black Jack the mini-horse has a big talent for connecting to people

Sun, 23 Nov 2008 05:56 CST

Black Jack has been to nursing homes, libraries, women’s shelters. He’s been to the American Royal, and he recently visited kindergartners at Wellsville Elementary School in Kansas during the week they studied the letter “H.” Wherever he goes, people hug him, stroke him, whisper sweet nothings in his ear.

Putting the punch in 'Boeing Boeing': timing is everything

Sun, 23 Nov 2008 06:44 CST

Ever wonder how actors get the hair-trigger timing right in a comedy? Pull up a front row seat.

Give thanks for Stephen Colbert

Sat, 22 Nov 2008 18:41 CST

The holiday TV season officially begins tonight with a new hourlong special from cable satirist Stephen Colbert, whose “Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All!” sets the bar very high. We’re talking Charlie Brown high. We’re talking Peter Billingsley high. We’re talking Willie Nelson high.

Forty years ago the Beatles released a double album that changed our world

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 17:44 CST

Call me daft, but every now and then I like to pick up one of those British pop music magazines. It’s not that I need updates on the latest drug scuffles of Babyshambles or Amy Winehouse. But I’m a sucker for some of the “free” CDs they often glue onto their covers.

Blessings should be counted, big and small

Sun, 23 Nov 2008 09:31 CST

By late July, when we started planning today’s special Food and H+H Thanksgiving sections, this year’s theme was sadly apparent: It’s the economy, silly.

Holiday movie guide | Why so early?

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 16:59 CST

Yeah, you’re right. It is too early to talk about holiday movies. Don’t blame us. Blame Hollywood.

Today's Birthdays 11/23/08

Sat, 22 Nov 2008 18:26 CST

•Actor Steve Landesberg is 63. •Singer Bruce Hornsby is 54. •Actor Maxwell Caulfield is 49.

Thanksgiving Portrait: Helen Koch of Independence

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 20:22 CST

W hen Helen Koch of Independence was a child, her family played “Pit” as soon as the Thanksgiving meal was cleared off the table.

Create an easy, natural centerpiece for Thanksgiving

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:12 CST

Fresh flowers and gourds from the supermarket, an old piece of barn wood from a flea market and white votive candles are all you need to create a warm, rustic atmosphere for your feast.