Flu bug hits KC Rep Theater

Friday, my fiance Nate and I saw the KC Rep Production "Into the Woods" and we both thought it was just terrific. The sets and lighting and costumes were all top notch and the acting and singing was all superb. So I was pretty surprised when I found out that many of the actors have been battling bugs, and Sunday the Rep had to cancel one of its shows because an actor was too sick to go on.

CLICK HERE to see the story I did about the Flu hitting the Rep

I did a lot of theater when I was younger and through my college years. I remember one Christmas show I was one of the lead characters, and I caught a horrible flu. I was secluding myself backstage and putting on makeup at home to avoid contaminating other people. But there was one performance that I literally walked off stage and threw up immediately. Finally, I had to call it quits, and the director had to call a stand in for me. I was so upset, but everyone knew I was giving it my all, and just had no more to give. So I know what these actors are going through and how hard it is on them. I wish them all good health since they have time off today to recover. Whoops... I mean BREAK A LEG!!

Keeping one man's passion alive

Stories like this remind me of one of the reasons I love my job: telling the stories that make you feel connected to the human condition, honoring the humanity of every individual. Friday I did a story about a family who started a foundation to help provide musical instruments to low income kids. They did it in memory of a man who loved music more than anything, and died too young from a brain tumor. It's called Music 4 Jeremy's Cherubs; here is a link to the foundation's website:
CLICK HERE

CLICK HERE TO SEE MY STORY about the foundation's recent donation to a local school.

My brother died in a car accident, and my family felt it was important to start a scholarship fund for kids going to college to study film, to keep Jason's memory alive through his biggest passion: movies. So I understand how helpful and rewarding it is for families to do these kinds of things in honor of their loved ones.

Soldiers Dream Come True

A metro soldiers dream is coming true because Fox 4 viewers are helping make it happen. You might remember the story I did earlier this month about a soldier who wanted to bring Olathe's Patriots Run to Afghanistan, but needed help to get it done. Thanks to the story we did on Fox 4.... that help came pouring in. THIS is why I love my job... helping people do amazing things in their community:

CLICK HERE to see the story.

Woman from Afghanistan gets US business lessons

Afghanistan is changing... things are improving in many ways. But the Afghan women are still struggling for equality. That became apparent to me when I was setting up this story, about an Afghan business woman who is working with a Lee's Summit woman who owns her own business, getting tips and lessons about things like setting up business plans. The Afghan woman didn't feel safe showing her face on tv though, because she said it's likely she could be beaten or killed if she went back to the states and someone recognized her. It's amazing to me that she's standing up to all the forces in her world that are telling her "no... you can't do this because you're a woman." But she's doing it anyway. It's a good reminder of all the things we take for granted as women in America.

CLICK HERE to see the story.

Ink Interview

I mentioned a couple weeks ago that Ink interviewed me for a story about "behind the blogs"

Here's the article (CLICK HERE) if you want to check it out!! Click on the links to check out other bloggers interviews too!!

And if you're a new reader, welcome!

Fighting for their Urban Farm

I did this story yesterday about a farm called BadSeed Farm -- the property is in Kansas City off Bannister and State Line Road, and it's zoned for some agriculture use, even though it is in a residential area. The farmers have 125 different kinds of vegetables and herbs, and say they want to use the land to provide nutritious, organic food for themselves and others. There is actually an "urban farming" movement that is growing in popularity, and the farmers have a lot of support for what they're doing.

But some neighbors are upset saying it's gotten "out of hand." The garden is very large, but well maintained. The farmers call it natural and beautiful. But neighbors say it's not a personal garden, it's a commercial farm, because they sell the food from a storefront in the Crossroads.

But it's not the garden that has some people riled up. The neighbors are upset because there are three goats on the property, which they say isn't legal. Thursday morning, the farmers are going in front of an appeal board with the city, hoping to keep their goats.

CLICK HERE to see the story

THURSDAY UPDATE:
The city ruled against the farmers... saying they don't have the proper space needed for livestock. The goats will have to go within the next 7 days. For now, their garden is legally within the zoning requirement, but I've heard rumblings that the city may be looking further into that too. The farmer's fight may not be over yet.

Military Innovations in Leavenworth

Fort Leavenworth will have an important role in developing the latest technology for soldiers in the field. The new Edge Innovation Center opened Tuesday in Leavenworth. It's the fourth Edge location in the country, and the group is already developing technology that helps soldiers do their jobs, and can even save lives. The next great innovative idea could come from soldiers in Leavenworth.

CLICK HERE to see the story.