Stories for November 2014

Volunteers craft works of art with gingerbread

Next weekend, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Douglas County will host its 20th annual Gingerbread Festival and Auction. More than 100 gingerbread houses, created by both adult and children volunteers, will be on display from Dec. 4 to Dec. 7.

Kansas City Connection: Art, shopping and shows

Now that it’s almost December, the holiday events are in full swing, though there’s still plenty of non-Christmas-related events to check out in Kansas City as well.

KU art students complete Federal Reserve Bank sculpture

A two-year collaboration between 50 Kansas University visual arts students, faculty and staff has resulted in a work of art that will now be on permanent display at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. The sculpture, entitled “An Abounding Asset: The Diligent Reserve,” debuted in an unveiling ceremony last weekend, coinciding with the Reserve’s 100th anniversary.

Today in Lawrence: No shortage of holiday events, including ice skating

Today in Lawrence: No shortage of holiday events, including ice skating and Santa's rescue, and shopping opportunities galore!

Holiday Music Wrapup: Baker, KU, Lawrence Civic Choir to perform annual concerts

Caroling, sleigh bells and family singalongs are a part of the holiday tradition. The Lawrence area offers a variety of live performances to help you celebrate the season. Concerts from the Lawrence Civic Choir, Kansas University and Baker University are just a few of this year's highlights.

Post-Thanksgiving weekend boasts plenty of fun, family-friendly events in Lawrence

After a full day of family and food, it's easy to experience a bit of a letdown once the big Thanksgiving feast has ended. Consider venturing outside — there is a lot to do and see in Lawrence this weekend. We've included a few options here to get you started. For more ideas, check out our online event calendar.

Lawrence Arts Center to exhibit work of late KU professor Nick Vaccaro

The Lawrence Arts Center, 940 New Hampshire St., will open an exhibit of mixed-media work by Nick Vaccaro with a reception on Monday from 7 to p.m.

Garden Variety: Curious about cranberries

Cranberries, or something that vaguely resembles the shiny red fruits, will grace many holiday tables this season, but few people know how the fruit earned its place of honor at the harvest table.

Cooking From Scratch: Candied orange peels an easy, sweet holiday treat

Amidst the flurry of sugar cookies and peanut butter balls that get made over the holiday season, I always find a few moments to sneak in a batch of what is perhaps my favorite Christmas candy of all: candied orange peels.

Annual Organ Vespers Concert to deliver music from the 'heart'

Music, much like the holiday season, can conjure up a lot of emotions for many people. It has the power to make us happy, make us reflect and make us dance. Tandy Reussner hopes to create a similar effect Dec. 14 at the 18th annual Organ Vespers Christmas Concert at First United Methodist Church. This year's theme is "Stirring the Heart at Christmas," and features a program of modern and traditional Christmas tunes.

Style Scout: Elaine Booth

Tell us a secret: When people see me at first glance, they do not realize that I’m really athletic. So, I think people are kinda shocked that you can be artistic and athletic.

Style Scout: Andrew Damgaard

Describe your style: It’s kind of retro and spiffy. I like argyle, rolled-up jeans, Chuck Taylors and stuff like that.

Megan on the Move: Over the holidays, know when to walk away

Once I was asked to speak to a women's group about how a busy working mom survives the holidays. I laughed. Why were they asking me? I don't survive them. What I do is more like ignore them.

Fix-It Chick: Controlling packrats

Neotoma Floridana or eastern woodrats, commonly referred to as packrats, are one of the more challenging pests for homeowners and mechanics alike.

Today in Lawrence: Winds are back; see a movie or jam with friends

Today in Lawrence: Winds are back; see a movie at Liberty Hall or jam with friends at Gaslight Gardens.

Bite Sighs: Pumpkin cranberry bread to take on the road

Not overly moist or crumbly as most pumpkin bread, this one is firm and slightly dense; studded with dried cranberries and white chocolate chips, it’s the perfect in-car take-along snack that won’t leave crumbs in the upholstery as you head over the river and through the woods.

Today in Lawrence: Sun today, rain possible tonight; trash reminder; LAC Tuesday concert

Today in Lawrence: Windy day forecast; comic book legend at Wonder Fair; classical concerts

Kansas City Connection: New barbecue joints worth making a pit stop

The “Kansas City as barbecue capital” narrative is nothing new, and you’ve seen it propagated in this column more than once. I’d put it to rest except that fantastic barbecue joints keep popping up in Kansas City, each with its own take on smoked meats, sauces and flavor combinations, as well as unique identities and dining environments.

Contest seeks sculpture designs for KU engineering building

Kansas University School of Engineering and A. Zahner Company will give one lucky student the chance to see their design as the inspiration for a new sculpture on the KU campus.

KU Jazz Ensemble to perform at Kauffman Center

Kansas University's Jazz Ensemble I and vocalist Deborah Brown will host an evening of big-band jazz Dec. 1 at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City, Mo.

Former Dole Institute director pens extensive Rockefeller biography

In the prologue of “On His Own Terms: A Life of Nelson Rockefeller,” the subject's longtime personal assistant Joe Canzeri compares him to a 16-slice pizza pie, with no one but his second wife, Happy, having access to more than three of four slices.

Today in Lawrence: Rain, dancing and loads of laughs

Today in Lawrence: Rain, dancing and loads of laughs in store for this weekend in Lawrence.

Today in Lawrence: Continued warming; marriage equality brown bag; Laugh it up at KU Hilarity for Charity

9 drink wonders of Lawrence

A list of the city's most iconic beverages

Earlier this year, the Journal-World assembled a list of the top 10 wonders of the Lawrence food world. Why not do it again with beverages?

Off the Beaten Plate: The Spud at Limestone Pizza

Just when we thought pizza couldn't get any more carb-heavy, along comes The Spud at Limestone Pizza.

2014 Lawrence Holiday Gift Guide

With the holiday season fast approaching, it's time to start strategizing for the hectic shopping season ahead. This year, avoid the big-box stores and shop local with our holiday gift guide featuring products from Lawrence shops.

Family Adventures: Run a 5K on Turkey Day

Thanksgiving morning is the perfect time to tug yourself out of bed before the Macy’s parade starts and find a local 5K to run.

On the Cheap: Bargains on bed sets

My recent search for new bedding made me feel like I might need a small business loan to accomplish the task. It is hard to find bedding “on the cheap,” even for an experienced bargain shopper like myself. Here are some tips I learned to help you revamp a bed set for less than $100.

Fashion Column Twins: It's sweater season

With below-freezing temperatures upon us, now’s the perfect time to shop for warm, cozy sweaters

Garden Variety: Colorful corn

Fall decorations have a little more sparkle thanks to Glass Gem corn, a variety that has been making waves the last two years.

Style Scout: KaLyn Berry

Whom do people say you look like? I was told that I look like the Wendy’s girl. The girl with the red hair.

Style Scout: Roberto Carlos Sada

Fashion trends you hate: Cargo shorts are the worst things ever.

Critter Buzz: Protect your pet from winter

While you sit snuggled up and warm in your living room this winter, take some time to consider the effects that the extreme temperatures outside may be having on your four-legged friends.

Fix-It Chick: Install insulated chimney pipe

Heating with wood can be very rewarding. When a properly lined chimney is not an option, a wood-burning stove can be installed with Class A insulated stainless steel stove pipe. These few simple steps will help you understand the limits and possibilities of insulated stove pipe installation.

Lawrence Craft Collective to host holiday show this weekend

The Lawrence Craft Collective will host its second annual Holiday Indie Craft Show this weekend at Liberty Hall, 644 Massachusetts St.

Today in Lawrence: Getting warmer; solar energy forum; learn to dance

Today in Lawrence: Getting warmer this week; bring your questions to the solar energy forum; learn to dance the night away

Today in Lawrence: 'Warmer' weather; women's independence; Euphoria String Band plays

Today in Lawrence: Weather will warm up just a bit; discussion looks at women's independence; Euphoria String Band plays at LAC

Today in Lawrence: Frigid temps; artist insight at LAC; movie at the library

Kansas City Connection: How to spend the holidays in KC

The holiday season is upon us, and as is always the case, there’s lots to do in Kansas City between now and New Year’s. Here’s a rundown of some of the highlights.

Installation of Sol LeWitt wall drawing underway at Spencer Museum

Over the next week at Kansas University’s Spencer Museum of Art, a team of artists will transform a blank gallery wall into a large-scale, vibrantly hued work of art by Minimalism and Conceptualism pioneer Sol LeWitt.

2014 Holiday Arts Guide

Highlights of arts and entertainment events from now through New Year’s

Looking for something do this holiday season? Whether you're in the mood for holiday festivities or less seasonally specific events, this list of local activities is sure to keep you busy through New Year's.

Today in Lawrence: Snow! Also, Ploughman's Lunch and Treasure Sale, hip-hop dance and author for kids

Off the Beaten Plate: The Blissful Swiss at Eats

Looking to dabble in a little food espionage? The Blissful Swiss at Eats is essentially a Reuben sandwich masquerading as a hot dog, and a tasty one at that. It's missing the rye bread (who eats a hot dog on rye?) and of course, the corned beef, but still calls to mind the classic sandwich.

Today in Lawrence: Cold sticks around; how to deal with child illness; author reads from holiday novel

Dance company brings signature take on hip-hop to Lied Center

The Philadelphia-based Rennie Harris Puremovement hip-hop dance company, which has traveled the world teaching, performing and sharing the joys of hip-hop, will be performing Friday night at the Lied Center.

Beyond turkey: Ideas for an alternative Thanksgiving menu

While most folks still enjoy a classic Thanksgiving meal, many others will want to try something new this holiday season.

Prison choral group East Hill Singers to perform this weekend

The East Hill Singers, a choral group comprising inmates from the minimum-security unit of the Lansing Correctional Facility as well as volunteer singers from the surrounding community, will perform at Lawrence's Plymouth Congregational Church this weekend.

Style Scout: Kristina Eronat

Describe your style: I used to be ... L.A. goth punk [and] a professional model in L.A. for like 10 years — and now I’m probably just a little witchy bohemian-ness.

Style Scout: Timothy Harper Dingus

Tell us a secret: Fitting through a tennis racket is a lot easier than you think it is.

Fashion Column Twins: The adaptable, essential leather jacket

Leather is one of our favorite pieces to pull out this time of year, and a leather jacket is a fall must-have.

Cooking from Scratch: Time for citrus tea

As scarlet leaves fall to the frosty, gray branches of November, my favorite comforts become knitting and tea. They’re simple treats, but, with winter beginning to hint at its coming, their importance to my morale is hard to overstate.

Fix-It Chick: Properly vent a natural gas water heater

Chances of carbon monoxide poisoning rise during the winter months when a home is sealed tight. Checking and correcting a natural gas water heater vent is a simple step toward preventing the back draft of fumes into your home.

Garden Variety: Burn local firewood before spring

Fall’s cooler weather means area residents are picking up bundles of firewood for their stoves, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, chimineas and even a little late season camping. There are a couple of things to look for to ensure that the firewood you are purchasing is pest-free.

Megan on the Move: The price of relationship trust

Call me old fashioned, but I think one main secret to a long and stable marriage is sharing a bank account.

KU Theatre tackles family, love and loss in 'The Big Meal'

It’s been said that food brings people together. And while that’s certainly the case in Kansas University Theatre’s newest production, “The Big Meal,” gathering to eat also provides the catalyst for tearing loved ones apart.

Today in Lawrence: Cold, cold, cold; Ebola panel to discuss virus; Horizon 2020 to meet

Delicious/Nutritious: The magical, misunderstood spaghetti squash

Spaghetti squash is a magical vegetable, able to go from a hard-fleshed beast to a light pile of noodles in just under an hour. Plus 100 grams of spaghetti squash has just 31 calories. So, if you like warm pasta dishes as the weather gets cooler, try subbing in this squash and spending your pasta calories elsewhere.

Today in Lawrence: Cold weather is here; Veterans Day closings, events; herb study

Today in Lawrence: Last warm day for a while; an author reading and music recitals

Renowned hip-hop dancer to teach public classes at KU this week

Renowned hip-hop dancer Rodney Hill will teach a series of master dance classes at Kansas University this week as part of a partnership between the Lied Center of Kansas and KU's department of dance.

Library to celebrate late modernist artist, KU professor

The Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vermont St., will celebrate famed modernist artist and Kansas University professor Albert Bloch on Thursday evening at 7 p.m.

Behind the Lens: Bad weather can make for good photos

I’ve been scanning old negatives and slides lately, and I’ve noticed how weather, specifically inclement weather, is an important element in many images.

Kansas City Connection: Make an escape plan to see some art

Kansas City this week provides an escape for any Kansans tired of being chided for the cultural philistinism of their democratically elected leaders.

Group of female musicians aims to teach girls how to rock

Sally Sanko loved to sing as a girl — just not when anyone else was around. Sanko, now 25, would lock herself in the bathroom, light some candles, draw a bath and turn up the Mariah Carey tunes. There in the solitary comfort of the tub, Sanko let her inner diva out with a few Mariah-esque vocal riffs.

Arts Center to host closing event for Tea Project installation

The Lawrence Arts Center on Saturday will host the closing of the Tea Project, a month-long installation by artists-in-residence Amber Ginsberg and Aaron Hughes, before the traveling exhibit moves to its next venue.

Today in Lawrence: Mild temperatures and hot performances

Today in Lawrence: Mild temperatures and hot performances, from Lucinda Williams at Liberty Hall to AIM Dance and Edward Gant at LAC.

Today in Lawrence: Caregiver Education Fair; grant writing workshop; author reading

Today in Lawrence: Find out what services are available at the Caregiver Education Fair; artists, learn to write grants at the LAC workshop; attend an author reading with J. Robert Lennon.

Lucinda Williams digs deep into Southern roots, family history in new album

Lucinda Williams is a “gypsy at heart.” That’s how the country singer-songwriter describes herself during a chilly, overcast afternoon in Oklahoma City — more than 1,000 miles from her home base of Los Angeles — earlier this week. Williams, who kicked off a month-long tour Sunday in Denver, had just stopped in the Sooner State to let her bus driver get some sleep before continuing on to Austin.

Fix-It Chick: 11 steps to get your home ready for winter

Some things are worth repeating. Here is a checklist of things to do each year to prepare your home for the winter.

Lawrence Libations: Bourbon Hot Cocoa at Milton's Café

Now that fall has officially hit its stride, the winter months aren’t far off. It may be time, then — for those of you who like to break out the twinkle lights and holiday jams before Thanksgiving — to once again enjoy that favorite wintertime drink, hot chocolate. It’s a treat that’s often tied to childhood memories, but the folks at Milton’s Café are shaking things up a bit with an adults-only version spiked with bourbon.

On the Cheap: Deals on denim

Most women I know love to wear jeans, but hate to shop for them. And looking at the price tag of name brand jeans only adds insult to injury. Some pairs cost more than $100. I recently went jeans shopping and have some tips to make the experience more affordable.