Village Idiot

Presented with 45 minutes of downtime in Mission early this morning, I thought I'd get some reading in over breakfast. Well, there's always McDonalds. Or what about Village Inn? I hadn't been in one for years. Now I remember why. My tab was $10! It's almost impossible to mess up pancakes, eggs and sausage, so my food was fine. I asked my waitress to get this shot of me as I headed to my car to rummage for change.

New Stadium Smell

I went to a professional soccer game at Livestrong Sporting Park last night. Here are my impressions:

• Most American soccer fans are nerds or geeks. (Yeah, I fit right in.)
• Telling stat- the line for Dippin' Dots was never less than ten deep for most of the match.
• Livestrong should make for a nice concert venue.
• Sporting KC gets all the little things right.
• Omar Bravo is a more obvious talent than Billy Butler or Matt Cassel. This town should embrace him.

Down On the Farm

Maybe I've consumed too much processed food. The beets I ate during my first visit to The Farmhouse didn't taste any different than the vegetables I purchase at the grocery store. Everything about my lunch was good but I'd hoped to be overwhelmed with greatness during my meal at the "farm-to-table, tip-to-tail" establishment. A decidedly masculine restaurant, The Farmhouse has the potential to be one of my favorite places in town. I need to give it another go. Who's buying?

When Goslings Attack

Small ponds are an attractive amenity at many area office parks. I was thwarted from enjoying one of these green spaces yesterday. A flock of geese- necks lowered and mouths hissing- set upon me. Their aggressive pecking didn't cease until I retreated to a car. Next time I'll be forced to pop the trunk.

Snake on a Stick

Before I briefly tormented this beautiful animal earlier today, I accidentally stepped on it at a park near my home. I don't have a fear of snakes, but being startled by the unexpected hiss and coiling action of a disturbed serpent is always unnerving.

Too Shai

The cluelessness of the staff at one of my favorite watering holes makes me wonder if any of them have even been inside another bar. They're nice people, but they just don't know how to solicit, prepare, deliver or accept payment on drinks. I was reminded of that music-oriented establishment on my first visit to Chai Shai. Everything's just a little "off." Everything, that is, save the food. It's excellent. And it's so spicy that you'll need quick access to plenty of water. Oh, right- good luck with that.

So Fresh, So Clean

I fall in love too easily. As I adapt to changing circumstances, I'm quick to see the advantages of each new situation. Recent weeks have found me in the southwestern suburbs of Johnson County. It's not a fashionable thing to admit, but I'm jealous of the people living their lives way out west. The green space, lack of blight and plentiful elbow room are very appealing.