stjoelive.com | Stories for November 2007

Even Microsoft confused over its marketing

Weeks after Windows Vista launched in the U.S. there were reports of people buying new computers with a "Windows Vista Compatible" sticker stuck to the box, only to get home and find out that this was not completely true.

Sounds like Christmas spirit

Saint Joseph Symphony presents Yuletide Pops concert this weekend

Sleigh bells ring. Are you listening? In the Missouri Theater this weekend, you will get the chance to hear sleigh bells, along with woodwinds, brass and strings as the Saint Joseph Symphony performs its annual Yuletide Pops concert Dec. 1. This Yuletide Pops concert will be the third holiday pops show produced by the symphony. But things weren't always so poppy for the symphony's performance around the holidays.

Ready, aim, enjoy

'A Christmas Story' opens at Robidoux Landing Playhouse

Ralphie Parker is a determined 9-year-old wannabe gunslinger. All he wants for Christmas is an official Red Ryder carbine action, 200-shot range model air rifle. "No, you'll shoot your eye out," his mother tells him. Despite that dire warning, Ralphie finally gets his wish in the classic motion picture "A Christmas Story." And somehow you just know he'll get that coveted BB gun when "A Christmas Story" comes to life on stage at the Robidoux Landing Playhouse tonight, Dec. 2 and 7 through 9 and Dec. 14 through 16.

All in the family

World-renowned classical pianist siblings The 5 Browns perform at Northwest

A person's fingers aren't usually that fascinating. But when they're 50 fingers that are attached to the hands of five young Julliard-trained classical pianists - all from the same gene pool - that's something special. The 5 Browns, a quintet of piano-playing siblings consisting of sisters Desirae (28), Deondra (27) and Melody (23) along with brothers Gregory (24) and Ryan (21), will perform at Northwest Missouri State University next week. They were encouraged to pursue music by their parents Keith and Lisa Brown growing up in Utah. They each showed talent and interest in playing piano at age 3, and while they experimented with other instruments, piano became The 5 Browns' passion.

On the scene: Holiday events and not-so-holiday rock

Between catching Pompous Pilot at The Rendezvous last Saturday (which sadly very few people saw), Dane Cook at the Sprint Center Sunday and Alice at Magoon's on Wednesday, I have blogged enough make my fingers look like the monster's in "Nosferatu." Read about it all at "Sound, Scene, Delivered" at www.stjoenews.net.

Artist of the week: The Bypass

What's up for the week of Nov. 30

Home Place Restaurant

When cyclists with Bike Across Kansas traveled along U.S. Highway 36 last June, they made their luncheon pit stop at Home Place restaurant in Troy. The restaurant is located on the town square and is owned by Jeannie Ricklefs and her sister, Mary Jackson.

Alice plugs in at Magoon's on a hump day

I have seen them at least once before. I know they are one of St. Joseph's most popular bands. But there is just something about the local female-fronted rock trio Alice that I can't put my finger on.

Royals hope to attract international players

KANSAS CITY - The acquisition of Japanese relief pitcher Yasuhiko Yabuta could be just the start of an effort by the Kansas City Royals to attract more international talent, team officials said Thursday. The Royals signed the reliever to a $6 million, two-year contract on Wednesday, and expect the 34-year-old right-hander to compete for a spot as the team's primary setup man.

Croyle doubtful against Chargers

KANSAS CITY - A sore back kept quarterback Brodie Croyle out of practice a second straight day Thursday, and Kansas City might have to go with Damon Huard for Sunday's game against San Diego.

Missouri kicker flawless in Big 12

COLUMBIA, Mo. - In the biggest game ever played by either school, Missouri led Kansas by six points before Lorenzo Williams' clinching sack in the end zone for a safety with 12 seconds to go. Jeff Wolfert's extremely accurate right leg supplied the cushion. He connected on a pair of 43-yard field goals in the 36-28 victory that vaulted the Tigers to No. 1 for the first time since 1960, to continue a perfect two-year run in Big 12 Conference play.

Rucker among Tigers' All-Big 12 selections

DALLAS - In a year full of surprises, here's one predictable result: The Missouri Tigers dominated The Associated Press All-Big 12 team. Top-ranked Mizzou placed eight players on the first team, including a pair of unanimous picks in quarterback Chase Daniel and do-it-all freshman Jeremy Maclin in the all-purpose spot.

Western coaches bonded by more than football

This week's weather in St. Joseph can't compare to the balmy mid-70s of Los Angeles, but for a couple of California guys, Northwest Missouri's climate is a veritable paradise after the winter they braved last year. Tyler Fenwick and Mike McFarland grew up, went to school and coached in Southern California. Fenwick accepted Minnesota-Moorhead's offensive coordinator position last season and convinced McFarland to join him just two hours south of the Canadian border as the duo made the jump from Division III to D-II football.

Pompous Pilot fly under the radar at The Vous

Friday night. The night after Thanksgiving. Many were back to work, many were taking it easy and a limited number made it out to what was a pretty good show for local alt-rock group Pompous Pilot.

Kansas rolls Florida Atlantic

LAWRENCE, Kan. - Brandon Rush scored 17 points and No. 4 Kansas routed Florida Atlantic 87-49 Wednesday night, a rude welcome back to Allen Fieldhouse for Rex Walters.

Daniel unanimous pick as AP's Big 12 Player of Year

COLUMBIA, Mo. - Chase Daniel, who elbowed his way into the Heisman Trophy forefront while leading Missouri to its first No. 1 ranking since 1960, was a unanimous pick on Wednesday as the AP Big 12 offensive player of the year.

Royals sign Japanese reliever

KANSAS CITY - Reliever Yasuhiko Yabuta has agreed to a $6 million, two-year contract with the Kansas City Royals and will compete for a spot as the team's primary setup man.

Mizzou falls to Arkansas

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Charles Thomas scored 21 points and defended two last-second 3-pointers by Missouri, helping Arkansas hold off the Tigers 94-91 Wednesday night.

Western women look to reload

Lynn Plett's greatest accomplishment as Missouri Western's new women's basketball coach might have nothing to do with Xs and Os or wins and losses this season.

Northwest prepares for Chadron State

MARYVILLE, Mo. - Everyone knows about Danny Woodhead. Chadron State's record-setting running back even garnered a feature in Sports Illustrated this fall and is the clear frontrunner for the Harlan Hill Trophy. Fans are abuzz over whether Northwest Missouri State's defense can repeat its performance from last season, when it limited Woodhead to just 16 yards on the ground on 16 carries. But stopping Woodhead may not be Northwest's biggest challenge, according to defensive coordinator Scott Bostwick.

Javois leads Griffons past Park

Yanique Javois had these sorts of open lanes to the basket countless times before. Unfortunately for her shooting percentage, they usually presented themselves in practice. As for actual competition, Missouri Western's senior guard hadn't found this many open runs to the rim in quite some time - until Tuesday night. Javois paced the Western women's fast-break offense as the Griffons ran way from Park 97-71 at MWSU Fieldhouse.

Western men fall to UN-O

Western men collapse in 78-72 loss to Nebraska-Omaha.

Lafayette boys slip past Central

Taylor Deayon hit 3 of 6 field goals and gave Lafayette a lead for good during the Fighting Irish's 68-65 victory Tuesday at Central High School.

Benton boys slam Chillicothe

Benton experienced few worries during its season opener Tuesday night against Chillicothe.

A Bunch of accolades

Just four games into the 2006-07 season, Western forward Reggie Bunch already earned a spot on an all-tournament team and MIAA Player of the Week honors (he should've made two all-tourney teams, but Washburn didn't name one last weekend). The 6-foot-5 forward is averaging a double-double (22 points, 10.3 rebounds), and he is just a sophomore. When asked Monday to compare Bunch to other players, Western coach Tom Smith had a tough time coming up with a former Griffon who fit the bill.

Dane Cook cracks up the Sprint Center

Would you like to know what it feels like to own a room with 10,000 people in it? Try asking comic Dane Cook, who brought his "Rough Around the Edges" Tour to the Sprint Center in Kansas City Sunday night and had a loyal crowd in stitches

A nerd's shopping list

I've come to find out that I'm surprisingly hard to shop for. Either people just don't know what to get me or they don't want to buy something that is the wrong thing. First I have to figure what I have, then I need to figure out what I need. This is not always an easy task as my family clammers around town, trying to find the perfect gift for the nerd in the family.

Chiefs bumble, Raiders snap

KANSAS CITY - Pick a streak. Any streak. If it's bad, the Oakland Raiders may have just snapped it. Getting 139 yards rushing from Justin Fargas and a big defensive stop on fourth down, the Raiders handed the reeling Kansas City Chiefs a 20-17 defeat Sunday that ended three different kinds of football failure. Until those final seconds ticked away, the Raiders had lost 17 straight AFC West games. They'd dropped nine in a row to Kansas City. And they'd also lost six straight overall.

Recruiting round-up

Everybody knows about Joseph Kassanavoid's Division I talents - especially after propelling Lawson to a Class 2 state title Friday. With his verbal commitment to Kansas State, the 6-foot-6 quarterback led the Cardinals to a 14-0 season and is one of a handful of Big 12-bound area recruits that could be household names in a few years. South Harrison's Brad Madison and Andrew Jones of Smithville are both headed to Missouri, while Trenton's De'Andre Vandevender likely will ink with a Division I or I-AA program in the coming weeks.

Northwest men down Southern Indiana

EVANSVILLE, Ind. - The No. 4 Northwest men erased an 11-point halftime deficit with an 18-0 run in the second half to remain unbeaten this season thanks to a 74-66 win over No. 10 Southern Indiana.

Western men roll Missouri Baptist

TOPEKA, Kan. - The Missouri Western men cruised to an 80-70 victory over Missouri Baptist on Saturday to remain undefeated during this young season. The Griffons led by as many as 26 in the second half, and the final margin was as close as the Spartans got from the 13-minute mark of the first half on.

Flags fly in Northwest's win against West Texas

MARYVILLE, Mo. - Despite a 56-28 playoff victory, Northwest Missouri State coach Mel Tjeerdsma was unhappy about one aspect of the Bearcats triumph over West Texas A&M on Saturday: Unnecessary penalties. Northwest drew 13 flags for 144 yards, including several personal fouls that got under Tjeerdsma's skin.

All-everything West Platte receiver Erick Roe reflects on his prolific football career

KCI coaches breathed a collective sigh of relief Nov. 12. After four long years, they no longer had to lose sleep about how to cover Erick Roe, West Platte's record-breaking wide receiver. Just this year, Roe set the state's career mark for receiving yards and tied Cameron's Eric Anderson atop the receiving touchdowns list with 49. His senior season also included a pair of top 10 all-time performances. He racked up 259 yards against University Charter Academy before burning Plattsburg for 268 in an overtime loss to the Tigers. His career numbers were even more prestigious. The 6-foot-4 senior finished in sole possession of first place in receiving yardage and tied for receiving touchdowns. Roe won't have time to sulk over West Platte's quarterfinal loss to Princeton, however, as the all-state guard currently is preparing for basketball season. He'll take to the hardwood this winter with plans to help an experienced Blue Jays squad claim their sixth consecutive district title. We caught up with the busy Blue Jay and quizzed him about everything from his two-sport transition to his Division I collegiate options.

Recovery on track for Qaoud

MARYVILLE, Mo. - Abe Qaoud found a little seam behind the West Texas A&M defense and turned a short crossing route into a 27-yard gain, transforming a third-and-long into a crucial first down.

Second Billing

Chiefs-Raiders 2nd biggest game at Arrowhead

KANSAS CITY - Back in the days of Len Dawson and Ben Davidson, Ken Stabler and Willie Lanier, hardly anything was bigger than a Raiders-Chiefs game. My, how times change. Now it's Brodie Croyle and Kolby Smith, and Daunte Culpepper and Justin Fargas. The Chiefs (4-6) are on a three-game losing skid, while Oakland (2-8) has lost six in a row overall and nine straight to Kansas City. A once-great NFL rivalry has been reduced to second billing to a college game, for this week at least. Dominating water cooler conversation and sports radio all week in Kansas City has been Saturday's Big 12 showdown in Arrowhead Stadium on between No. 2 Kansas and No. 3 Missouri, who are 22-2 between them and vying for a shot in the national championship game.

Northwest rocks West Texas A&M

MARYVILLE, Mo. - Northwest Missouri State found out Saturday that its best defense against West Texas A&M included displaying a good offense. Junior quarterback Joel Osborn threw for a career-high 299 yards, and running back Xavier Omon scored a school-record four playoff-game touchdowns in a 56-28 victory against the Buffaloes.

Missouri downs Kansas for border supremecy

KANSAS CITY - Unthinkable in September, Missouri is one victory away from playing for its first national championship. Chase Daniel threw for 361 yards and three touchdowns and the third-ranked Tigers ruined No. 2 Kansas' unbeaten season Saturday night with a 36-28 victory in the biggest game either school ever played.

New advance creates 'high-tech primitive weapon'

Some muzzleloader hunters will have to add something new to their possible bag this season. It's not the newest powder, sabots, or primers, but without this one vital piece of gear, they may not see a cloud of smoke when they pull the trigger. It's a battery and it replaces the standard percussion cap on one of the most technologically advanced primitive weapons ever.

Deer harvest down from 2006

As the last deer was telechecked into the system, another November Firearms season in Missouri was closed. The final count showed hunters had checked in 214,494 whitetails, a 9 percent decrease from the 2006 season, although still above average.

Northwest-Texas A&M scouting report

No. 4 W. Texas A&M (12-0) at No. 2 Northwest (9-1) Noon, Bearcat Stadium

Northwest men rebound against Bellarmine

EVANSVILLE, Ind. - The Northwest Missouri State men overcame a slow first half to get by Bellarmine 67-60 Friday night in Evansville. Northwest scored just 19 points in the first period and trailed by two at intermission.

Western men down Kansas Wesleyan

TOPEKA, Kan. - Missouri Western overpowered Kansas Wesleyan 84-52 during the first round of the AM 580/Premier Mortgage Holiday Classic at Lee Arena on Friday night.

Lawson wins Class 2 state title

ST. LOUIS - Lawson quarterback Joe Kassanavoid gave a tap on Todd Dunn's shoulder and thanked his coach for giving him the chance to air it out. Known for a balanced running attack featuring three capable running backs, Dunn elected to put the ball in the hands of his 6-foot-6 senior and best player on nearly every play. A 38-17 victory in the Class 2 Show-Me Bowl resulted, giving Lawson a perfect 14-0 season and its first football state championship in school history.

Falling for Pinkel took time for this Mizzou alum

The unwavering derision of Gary Pinkel used to be a hobby of mine.

Missouri gets lift from offensive line

COLUMBIA, Mo. - Chase Daniel has been mentioned as a Heisman Trophy candidate, but if you asked Missouri's junior quarterback, he would pencil in five names alongside his.

Reesing cool under pressure

LAWRENCE, Kan. - All you need to know about Todd Reesing you can see in 10.6 seconds. That's how long Kansas' sophomore quarterback spent eluding Oklahoma State defenders two weeks ago in Stillwater with the Jayhawks trailing 14-10 in the second quarter.

Take time to appreciate Tjeerdsma's work

Mel Tjeerdsma deserved to celebrate a little on Sept. 16, 1995. After 13 straight setbacks, Tjeerdsma earned his first win as a Bearcat. That 45-13 ambush of Southwest Baptist provided the first milestone, one marker along a path that continues today: two national championships, two more appearances in the title game, a record 19 playoff wins, nine MIAA championships.

Greisen says Omon must stay focused

Chris Greisen offers advice for Xavier Omon.

Playoffs give Northwest players chance to shine

MARYVILLE, Mo. - When Northwest Missouri State takes on West Texas A&M at noon today, the immediate prize is a berth in the NCAA Division II football quarterfinals. But make no mistake, several players will also be playing for their NFL futures.

The essential Teddy Pendergrass (Legacy)

Teddy Pendergrass is a man's soul singer in the same vein as the late Otis Redding. No lilting falsetto or sugary pleadings here. Teddy just grabs a song and takes control. There's no innuendo or sly suggestions either.

Facebook: 2/3 woman

A blogger by the name of Paul Francis has released a study that has revealed that facebook is nearly 2/3 woman. By using an advertising tool he was able to pull user numbers for the top facebook countries by male & female.

Blue Oyster Culture Club and Dolewite pack the American Legion

Pre-turkey day nostalgia with St. Joe's two favorite cover bands

Holy crap! There's a lot of people here. That was my first thought when I walked in the door of the American Legion on Wednesday, where Blue Oyster Culture Club and Dolewite played to a crowd size usually seen in Kansas City club shows.

True North countrifies Cafe Acoustic

So, I went down to Nashville Saturday night. Ok, I was actually down at the Cafe Acoustic, but it felt very much like a Tennessee evening at a honkey tonk thanks to Kansas-country sextet True North.

The holiday gambler

Country legend Kenny Rogers performs classics and seasonal favorites next week

Kenny Rogers and the First Edition sang the hit "Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town" back in 1969. Nearly 40 years later, Kenny Rogers will bring this hit, along with many others and a few holiday classics, to town when he performs at 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 29, at the St. Joseph Civic Arena. Rogers will celebrate his 50th year of performing next year, and his half-century long career is filled with country hits, awards and accolades. Whether with his band The First Edition in the late 1960s or in his solo career, Rogers sang a number of classic songs, including "Lucille," "Lady" and his most well-known song "The Gambler."

In their own words

'War Bonds' uses letters from veterans to tell the story of WWII

Sometimes, you have to hear a story straight from the source to get its full effect. In "War Bonds: The Songs and Letters of World War II," the history of WWII comes to life through veterans' own words. Northwest Missouri State University will present "War Bonds" as its first show in the 2007-08 Encore performing arts series. The show will be at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 29, at the Performing Arts Center on campus. Tickets are $12 to $20 and can be purchased at www.nwmissouri.edu/tickets.

Deck the halls

Celebrate the holidays at Krug and Hyde parks

Nothing welcomes in the holiday season like thousands of bright lights. So put out your welcome mat this year by visiting St. Joseph's North and South poles. The St. Joseph Parks and Recreation Department and the East Hills Optimists have created light displays at both Krug and Hyde Parks. What started with a small display has blossomed into an event that draws about 100,000 people each year. "You don't see many cities that have a display like this," says Bill McKinney, director of parks and recreation. "I would put our display up against any anywhere."

On the scene: Getting out after the holiday gorge

After a day off, a giant meal with all the trimmings and some wonderful (or dreadful, depending on how you look at it) time with the family, what ever will you do? If you have eaten yourself into a daze and can't quite get that belt fastened to the point where you would feel comfortable leaving the house, hobble over to your computer, go to www.stjoenews.net and check out "Sound, Scene, Delivered" to hear about a rather eventful week where I managed to catch performances by country group True North and the Dolewite/Blue Oyster Culture Club show.

Artist of the week: Anna Calluori Holcombe

Anna Calluori Holcombe, a former head of the art department at Kansas State University, chose the medium of ceramics for the unique challenges it provides. It seems she has gotten the hang of it, considering her national and international exhibits in Italy, China and Australia. She is displaying some of her work and is a guest juror for the regional juried show "Drawing With/In/On: Clay" at the Olive Deluce Gallery at Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville.

What's up for the week of Nov. 23

You know you're a nerd if...

There are those of us in this world who, well, march to a different drummer. We sit in front of computer monitors all day (and enjoy it), get gitty about processing speeds and can hardly control our enthusiasm when the latest gadget hits the shelves. If you're one of these people, then this is your home.

Priest Holmes retires

KANSAS CITY - Priest Holmes retired Wednesday, ending a short comeback hailed as one of the most improbable in NFL history. The 34-year-old three-time Pro Bowl running back said he experienced "symptoms" during last Sunday's game in Indianapolis similar to those he felt more than two years ago when head and neck injuries put him out of the game for 22 months.

Northwest corners draw tall task

MARYVILLE, Mo. - Cornerbacks Brandon Clayton and Chris LeFlore can look forward to their day of rest on Sunday. If they chase around West Texas A&M's receivers as much as they anticipate on Saturday afternoon, they'll need it.

Dill paces Bearcat women Saturday

MARYVILLE, Mo. For a new kid on the block, Andrea Dill is making an impact early. The senior transfer from North Florida scored a game-high 20 points Saturday as Northwest Missouri State upended Avila 110-67 in the final day of the Winstead-Reeves Classic at Bearcat Arena.

Henry led Northwest's rout of St. Mary

MARYVILLE, Mo. - Hunter Henry scored 24 points as No. 4 Northwest Missouri State ended the Ryland Milner Classic Saturday with a 93-32 win at Bearcat Arena. "I think we have a pretty mature team that's not down in the locker room saying we're great," Northwest coach Steve Tappmeyer said, "because we beat St. Mary's by 40 or more points. They know it's more about execution."

Missouri Western men narrowly claim victory over Lincoln

Gus Moss saved his only pump fake for the final two seconds Saturday night. The Missouri Western guard hoisted his eight previous shots without hesitation, but with Lincoln's Ralph Mata bearing down on Moss, the junior pump faked and then absorbed the contact.

Kansas hammers Iowa State

LAWRENCE, Kan. - Missouri and Kansas began their football rivalry in the 19th century. They spent the 20th century building it up. Now in the 21st century they're about to play the biggest, grandest game ever staged in a series so fierce and so bitter the two sides can't even agree on the overall record.</

Missouri gets by K-State

MANHATTAN, Kan. - Trotting off the field after a resounding, historic victory, Missouri players were serenaded by a group of shirtless, chest-painted Kansas State fans: "Beat KU! Beat KU! Beat KU!" After weeks of listening to the build up and trying not to look ahead, it was a sweet sound for the Tigers, who can finally shift their attention to next week's showdown with rival Kansas.

Worth County soars to 8-man title against Hardin-Central

Kyler Hiatt strutted the field, his right index finger held aloft. No doubt about it. After two years of runner-up finishes, Worth County was finally No. 1.

Stark has record night; Princeton still falls against Orrick

Princeton's Ethan stark has record receiving night, but Tigers fall to Orrick.

Johnson says he'll play again this season

KANSAS CITY - Larry Johnson stepped from the white luxury car with shiny rims and strode across the parking lot, making his way past a pair of whispering, giggling girls at the entrance of the restaurant. The Kansas City running back slapped hands with a few fans, then made his way down some steps to a seat next to Chiefs general manager Carl Peterson, lowering a set of headphones over his ears as he sat down. The significance of Johnson's little jaunt? He wasn't limping.

Chiefs, Colts look to stop losses

INDIANAPOLIS - Kansas City coach Herman Edwards looks at the Indianapolis Colts and still sees Super Bowl champion players. He just doesn't see as many of them. There's Peyton Manning calling plays, and Joseph Addai finding holes. Pro Bowl receiver Reggie Wayne is shredding secondaries, and the Colts' vastly improved run defense is still playing well

Kansas' tries to keep focus on upset-minded Iowa State

LAWRENCE, Kan. - Growing longer week after week, the list of accomplishments Kansas notes in its official football release is up to 33, it now includes such things as back-to-back 50-point games for the first time in history and a 10-0 record for the first time since 1899. It probably could have reached 34: Most difficult upcoming game in school history to get people to focus on without looking forward to the following week. Players and coaches of the fourth-ranked, unbeaten Jayhawks practically have had to beg everyone to stop talking about Heisman Trophy and national championship scenarios. They know their fairy-tale season will be ruined if they do not beat Iowa State today.

Worth County plays for 8-man state title

Worth County coach Chuck Borey paced the field moments after his team's semifinal victory against Mound City, looking pleasantly relieved.As he swapped handshakes with all in his path, it almost appeared as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders.

Missouri has everything to lose

MANHATTAN, Kan. - If Kansas State rises out of the ashes of its worst beating in more than 35 years and beats No. 6 Missouri today, the Wildcats will have more than the usual satisfaction that comes with winning. They'll know the Big 12 North championship was, in all likelihood, decided this season on their very own field. A victory over No. 6 Missouri (9-1, 5-1 Big 12) coupled with a victory a few hours later by No. 4 Kansas over Iowa State would hand the title to the Jayhawks. Kansas managed to win at Kansas State, which at the time was nationally ranked and coming off an upset of Texas, its biggest win of the year. But with a loss today, Missouri would have failed in Manhattan and failed to get its first Big 12 North title.

Despite loss of check-in station chat, newer system does its job

The Missouri Department of Conservation's (MDC) telecheck system was busy last weekend processing the 100,489 deer taken opening weekend. The system, which was fully implemented in the fall of 2005, brought technology and efficiency into the world of checking in deer and turkeys but also brought an end to the era of traditional check stations. Hunters were first required to bring their deer to a check station in 1951 when antlerless deer were first allowed to be taken. This process continued until the late '50s. From 1959 thru 1968, MDC only required a person to check in deer during random years. In 1968, the requirement of checking in all deer taken became an annual tradition other than a brief stint in the 1980s when deer could be checked in by mail.

Northwest women slip past Evangel

MARYVILLE, Mo. - Evangel nearly gave Northwest Missouri State an early season upset to end the first day of the Winstead-Reeves Classic at Bearcat Arena. Kate Prentice's jumper rolled off the front of the rim as the Bearcats escaped with s 57-55 win over the NAIA-affiliated school. Northwest Missouri shot 36 percent and turned the ball over 18 times in a game where referees called a total of 50 fouls.

Bearcats too much for Baker

MARYVILLE, Mo. - The offseason focus for No. 4 Northwest Missouri State was to improve rebounding. In its season opener Friday night against NAIA-affiliated Baker (Kan.), the Bearcats got contributions from returning players Hunter Henry, Matt Withers, Kelvin Cayruth and newcomer Andrais Thornton. Together, they accounted for 28 of Northwest Missouri's 47 rebounds as the Bearcats ended the first day of the Ryland Milner Classic with a 76-44 win.

Western women start season with victory

EMPORIA, Kan. - The Missouri Western women opened their season with an 86-82 victory over Texas Woman's University in the Candlewood Suites Classic on Friday night.

Western men open season with win

They are good enough to pass, but no awards will be handed out. That's the grade head coach Tom Smith gave his Missouri Western basketball team (a C- actually) after Friday night's 76-69 victory over Upper Iowa in their opening game of the Hillyard Tip-Off Classic. The Griffons (1-0) passed the test but with little margin for error. Like many C students, they earned the grade not because of a lack of talent but due to a lack of focus. Missouri Western committed 16 turnovers and left the Peacocks with wide-open shots from behind the arc throughout the contest.

Love, Luther

To say that the late Luther Vandross is the most beloved R & B male vocalist of this generation is a gross understatement. For many, the silky smooth balladeer is the quintessence of love-making soul music.

An intro to Street Beats

We listened to everything from Sam Cooke to Al Green to Jimmy Smith to the Beatles while growing up.

Inspiring miracles

Robidoux Resident Theatre once again presents 'The Miracle Worker' this weekend

Mark Twain dubbed Anne Sullivan a "miracle worker" due to her devotion to the education of the deaf and blind Helen Keller in the late 1880s. The Robidoux Resident Theatre hopes this story brought to the stage will provide some education and inspiration of its own as it presents "The Miracle Worker" this weekend at the Missouri Theater.

How suite

Moscow ballet presenting 'The Nutcracker' at Missouri Theater

You don't have to be a dance aficionado to enjoy the Moscow Ballet's "Great Russian Nutcracker" Tuesday, Nov. 20, at the Missouri Theater. The "Nutcracker" is a holiday classic that has been a hit with audiences since it was first performed in 1892 at the Mariinsky Theatre of Russia.

In rare form

They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. At the latest exhibit at the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art, people can also be in the eye of the artist, and "Jim Cantrell: A Painter's Odyssey" and "Richard Brown Lethem: The Compass of Desire" will both show the human from various artistic perspectives.

On the scene:Weekend and pre-turkey day jams

Error 404: Usual opening paragraph with playful pop culture references not found. Too many happenings this weekend and the day before Thanksgiving to process. Click OK to continue. In addition to Off Hours' featured items (and in case you missed it, they are on pages D2, D8, D9 and D16), there's a ton of music going on that you can see.

The big, bad 'Wulf'

Despite action and visuals, 'Beowulf' feels too familiar

This decade might as well be called the decade of the ancient/fantasy action epic in Hollywood. With the success of "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy and "300," it's hard to imagine where else filmmakers could take the genre. Well, ladies and gentlemen, prepare for battle courtesy of a poem you read and dreaded in high school. Academy Award-winning director Robert Zemeckis adapts the legendary Anglo-Saxon tale "Beowulf," but he only partially succeeds at expanding the genre.

Artist of the week: Natalie Odett

D & G Restaurant

D & G is one of St. Joseph's landmarks, established in 1945. It's been known as a family restaurant for years, with a comfortable, traditional decor.

What's up for the week of Nov. 16

Situational Harmonies

The Garrett Nordstrom Situation brings harmonious rock and R&B to Magoon's

If you are a backup singer, you are usually...well, in the background. Unless, that is, you are one of the two female vocalists in Americana rock/R&B band The Garrett Nordstrom Situation, who will be pushed right to the front to display three-part harmonies over music that delves into various genres. The group performs from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Nov. 21 at Magoon's with a $5 cover.

Still time to go fishing

Warm weather leaves times for those who would rather fish than hunt.

Girl proves she can hunt with boys

Girl harvests buck during youth hunt

8-man playoffs first round capsules

A look at the first round 8-man matchups

Christian begins playoffs for 4th straight year

St. Joseph Christian looks to defend 2006 state championship.

Northwest, Southern scouting

A look at Northwest Missouri State's final regular season game

Western, Truman State scouting

A look at Western's final regular season game

Western strives to fill stands

Western stands remain unfilled despite teams recent success.

Behind the scenes

A look at a few days in the life of the Missouri Theater

The Missouri Theater may appear dormant when the marquee lights are off. But like a beehive, there are very few days that something isn't going on in within the theater's walls. • The theater has served as the artistic and cultural North Star of St. Joseph for 80 years. It has played host to endless local and national events, productions, performances and ceremonies. • But for every performance that the public gets to see, there is a side to the Missouri Theater that most don't. And a few people are behind the constant preparation, maintenance and work that goes on away from the public eye. • Here is a sample of a few days in a week in the life of the Missouri Theater.

Sweet shopping

Sugarplum Festival features unique buying experience

In 2007, the Sugarplum Festival is going "007" with this year's theme. Most of the activities at the festival, which began yesterday evening and will run through Saturday, Nov. 10, at the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art, will not involve any espionage but rather a few days of shopping and possibly a couple of martinis along the way.

On the front lines

James Nelson, Ival Lawhon team up for 'We Were There' exhibit at Muchnic Gallery

Although they served together in the same battalion in Vietnam, James Dean Nelson and Ival Lawhon Jr. didn't know each other. But you would never know it from the exhibit of paintings and photographs the two veterans combined to create. "We Were There" is on display through Dec. 30 at the Muchnic Gallery in Atchison, Kan.

On the scene: Walk the shops, wander the pubs or see The Garth

With Thanksgiving less than two weeks away, some of you might be training for a day's worth of gorging by building up an immunity to tryptophan so you don't doze off during the football games. Most of you, however, are probably looking for things to do in St. Joe or elsewhere.

Artist of the week: Josh Moutray and Eve Engleos

Josh Moutray and Eve Englezos, both 1999 graduates of Central High School, have made their artistic home in Kansas City. The two specialize in implied narrative fiction/comics and practically inhabit the same brain, at least figuratively. They self-publish their own zine Icecreamlandia out of the HQ in KC, and it can be seen at www.icecreamlandia.com.

Muellers Lockeroom

Muellers Lockeroom is a sports bar and local hangout for Benedictine college students named after one of the school's football legends, Jamie Mueller.

What's up for the week of Nov. 9

Swelling down in LJ's right foot

LJ's injured foot shows signs of improvement.

Western men rocked in exhibition at Mizzou Arena

Western men open season with exhibition loss to Mizzou.

Johnson gets warm welcome against Iowa

Western's Jill Johnson returns to play in home state.

Flamenco Vivo and Anchondo Saturday night

Two very different reasons to dance

I should start this little blog entry off by saying that I know exactly nothing about what makes a particular dance performance good or bad. I just know that the portion of Carlota Santana's "Flamenco Vivo" that I caught had a very positive effect on me.</

Missouri regional playoff capsules

A look at first round of Missouri football's postseason

Roe breaks into state record book

West Platte's Erick Roe continues record-setting prep career.

Tjeerdsma close to 200th win

A win Saturday would mark the 200th of Mel Tjeerdsma coaching career

Northwest's friends become foes

BEARCAT NOTEBOOK

Last week Northwest Missouri State battled against a former graduate assistant when it captured the MIAA championship with a 24-7 victory against Emporia State and its defensive coordinator, Ken Gordon. This week, the Bearcats will try to put an exclamation point on the MIAA season against former offensive coordinator Bart Tatum when they host Missouri Southern.

Newhart squares off against record book rival

Missouri Western and Central Missouri quarterbacks have history of battling for records. This time they'll battle head to head.

Voodoo Music Experience, Final Day

TRL favorites start, relaxing indie finish

Day three, unforunately, was another half-full day of music. After waking up later than expected and waiting for brunch, I missed the first four bands on the mainstream rock side of the festival, which included Cute is What We Aim For, Plain White T's and Gym Class Heroes. I have to admit, this TRL-friendly rock is not my particular favorite, so I wasn't all that discouraged. I did manage to catch the last half of pop punk poster boys, Fall Out Boy, on the main stage later that afternoon.

Voodoo Music Experience, Day 2

Pumpkins, pop punk and a few surprises

Day two at Voodoo. Finally, with an early rise and anticipating public transport, I managed to catch a full day. Thanks to daylight, I was able to see the mud bogs and get a taste of the best band of the weekend, pop punk, stoner soul and the "mighty SP" Smashing Pumpkins.

Voodoo Music Experience, Day 1

A musical roux in the Big Easy

For a music festival to be successful today, it's all about diversity. There has to be something for everybody. So, it seems fitting that there be a music festival in New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz, home to Louis Armstrong, crawfish etoufette and the Voodoo Music Experience, which this excited journalist happened to attend.

CD Review of Puddle of Mudd's "Famous."

KC post-grunge quartet stuck on generic riff rock

What's in a name? For a band like Kansas City's own Puddle of Mudd, their name is quite telling.

Cold and sunny cinema

Family fun and gritty drama highlight this winter's movie season

Two movies are being released this weekend that most of America will venture out to see. One is a gritty 1970s crime drama, "American Gangster," starring Academy Award winners Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe. The other is a Dreamworks animated feature from the mind of comedian Jerry Seinfeld entitled "Bee Movie," with star-studded voiceovers and a story about... bees. But the striking contrast between these films, the dark and dramatic versus the comedy/family film with broad appeal, can be used to sum up the entire winter movie season, a time of year packed with Oscar contenders and imaginative family fare that hopefully will get audiences out in the cold to grab a seat at the local cinema.

Fiesta Flamenca

Latin dancers to perform at Missouri Theater

Don't expect to sit calmly in your seat when Flamenco Vivo comes to the Missouri Theater this Saturday. The art of flamenco, with its passionate guitar strumming, clapping, drumming, singing and dancing, will bring you to your feet. And you'll know what to do with them if you attend one of the community outreach classes the dance company is offering today and tomorrow afternoon before the show. It's part of their mission to bridge cultures using the power of the dance.

What they do best

Alt-rock/ska/reggae band performs at the Rendezvous

In the mid- to late-90s, bands like 311 and Sublime made their names with a new genre of music, a blending of tunes that became known as the alt-rock/ska/reggae genre. The genre quickly became popular, and then just as quickly died out. With the exceptions of 311 and Sublime, most bands haven't played that type of music since. Anchondo, however, is not one of those bands. The band - made up of lead singer and guitarist Hector Anchondo, bassist Adam Brooks, drummer Alex Mosher and George "Big G" Keele on rhythm guitar and backing vocals - will be playing at 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3, at the Rendezvous. Cover is $3.

On the scene: Local events with a side of jam-balaya

As much as I was told to watch my wallet on my recent trip to New Orleans to catch the Voodoo Music Experience, the only thievery that took place was the fleecing I sustained from vendors within the festival grounds and a $13 plate of jambalaya in the French Quarter. Luckily, I caught some great bands, stayed in the same hotel as Vito from "The Sopranos," got my picture taken with rapper, actor and Voodoo performer Common, and shook hands with Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy. I would have to say it was a good weekend.

Artist of the Week: Ival Lawhon

Through the lens of a camera, local photojournalist and artist Ival Lawhon has been capturing everything from wildlife to memorable news photos for the last 30 years. He also managed to capture photographs of war-torn Vietnam when he was stationed there in the late 1960s. His Vietnam-era photos, along with paintings by James Davis Nelson, will be on display at the Muchnic Gallery in Atchison, Kan., from today through Dec. 30.

What's up for the week of Nov. 2

Lydia's International Coffee House and World Gifts

Lydia's International Coffee House and World Gifts 5103 St. Joseph Avenue 279-8517

Stories for November 2007

Friday, November 30

Saint Joseph Symphony presents Yuletide Pops concert this weekend

'A Christmas Story' opens at Robidoux Landing Playhouse

World-renowned classical pianist siblings The 5 Browns perform at Northwest

Thursday, November 29

Wednesday, November 28

Tuesday, November 27

Monday, November 26

Sunday, November 25

Saturday, November 24

Chiefs-Raiders 2nd biggest game at Arrowhead

Friday, November 23

Pre-turkey day nostalgia with St. Joe's two favorite cover bands

Country legend Kenny Rogers performs classics and seasonal favorites next week

'War Bonds' uses letters from veterans to tell the story of WWII

Celebrate the holidays at Krug and Hyde parks

Thursday, November 22

Wednesday, November 21

Saturday, November 17

Friday, November 16

Robidoux Resident Theatre once again presents 'The Miracle Worker' this weekend

Moscow ballet presenting 'The Nutcracker' at Missouri Theater

Despite action and visuals, 'Beowulf' feels too familiar

Thursday, November 15

The Garrett Nordstrom Situation brings harmonious rock and R&B to Magoon's

Friday, November 9

A look at a few days in the life of the Missouri Theater

Sugarplum Festival features unique buying experience

James Nelson, Ival Lawhon team up for 'We Were There' exhibit at Muchnic Gallery

Thursday, November 8

Two very different reasons to dance

Tuesday, November 6

BEARCAT NOTEBOOK

Friday, November 2