The Walt Bodine Show

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Movie Critics: Depictions Of Slavery In Film

The controversial new film 12 Years a Slave has been ...

The controversial new film 12 Years a Slave has been touted as the front runner for this year's Best Picture Oscar. It depicts the memoir of a free black man who was kidnapped into slavery. While some are heralding it as an honest portrait of slavery, others complain that it's an exaggerated work of fiction. What movies have dealt with depictions of slavery best and which ones have failed? And how has our narrative of slavery changed through cinematic history? Russ Simmons, and fellow movie critics, John Tibbetts and Eric Melin discuss the topic of slavery in film, as well as review the movies currently right out now. Reviews (out of 5 Stars) Carrie - 2 Stars The Fifth Estate - 2.5 Stars The Counselor - 2 stars 12 Years A Slave - 5 Stars Ender's Game - 3 Stars Last Vegas - 3 Stars Wadjda - 3 Stars About Time - 2.5 Stars Muscle Shoals - 3 Stars All is Lost - 3 Stars Thor: The Dark World - 3 Stars Diana - 2 Stars How I Live Now - 2.5 Stars The Prime Minister: The Pioneers - 3.5 Stars Announcements: Gangland Wire (showing at the Screenland Crown Center, November 15-21, 1:45 & 6:30pm daily) Locally produced documentary about the Kansas City Mafia and how mistakes within the organization were an integral part of bringing down some of the biggest mob bosses in the country. Produced by Gary Jenkins retired veteran of the Intelligence Unit using actual wiretaps. All proceeds from the screenings go to benefit CinemaKC. We The People (showing at Union Station, November 8-20, daily) This feature IMAX documentary from Overland-Park Based Inland Sea Productions that tells the story of the founding of the United States. Narrated by Morgan Freeman and Kenny Rogers, the film includes images of some of America’s most iconic structures, paintings, photographs and documents. The film is being accompanied by a display of original historical documents, including one of the original 13 copies of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Paine’s Common Sense and Susan B. Anthony’s trial proceedings. Save The Tivoli: Go Digital or Go Dark ($130,000 by Dec. 12) Kansas City's oldest independent movie theatre must convert its projection systems by the end of the year to stay in business. Guest: Kevin Willmott, Director and Associate Professor at KU Film Department

Food Critics: Best Soups in Kansas City

A rich, flavorful broth with hardy vegetables can go a ...

A rich, flavorful broth with hardy vegetables can go a long way to raising your spirits. And a hearty soup like a stew or a bowl of Vietnamese pho can actually serve as a meal. In the Depression, home cooks discovered starting a meal with soup took the edge off of hunger so they could serve a more modest entrée. But no matter how you serve soup, it ranks as one of the best dishes ever for surviving cold weather, providing comfortable relief for the common cold, and eating your vegetables. On Friday's Central Standard, host Charles Ferruzza talked with Gloria Gale, Chris Becicka, Emily Farris and listeners about their favorite soups and where to find them. Here's where the conversation went: The Best Soups in The City: Chayote Poco’s Mexican Restaurant, 3063 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, Mo. 64108 Chicken Curry Le Monde Bakery, 308 Armour Rd, Kansas City, Mo. 64116 Tasty Thai, 7104 NW Prairie View Rd, Kansas City, Mo. 64151 Chicken Noodle Stroud’s Restaurant, 5410 NE Oakridge Rd, Kansas City, Mo. 64119 (multiple locations) D’Bronx, 3904 Bell St, Kansas City, Mo. 64111 (multiple locations) Costco, 241 E Linwood Blvd, Kansas City, Mo. 64111 (multiple locations) Marv’s Delicatessen, 11554 Ash St, Leawood, Kan. 66211 (with matzo balls) Eat Me, 4112 Pennsylvania Ave, Kansas City, Mo. 64111 Chicken Tortilla Anthony’s Restaurant & Lounge, 701 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, Mo. 64106 Ixtapa Mexican Cuisine, 7103 NW Barry Rd, Kansas City, Mo. 64153 Iguana Azul, 113 W Cherry St, Nevada, Mo. 64772 Egg Drop Red Snapper, 8430 Ward Parkway Plz, Kansas City, Mo. 64114 Fish Maw Pine & Bamboo Garden, 10915 Shawnee Mission Pkwy, Shawnee, Kan. 66203 French Onion Café Provence, 3936 W 69th Terrace, Prairie Village, Kan. 66208 Le Fou Frog, 400 E 5th St, Kansas City, Mo. 64106 Houlihan’s, 8660 N Boardwalk Ave, Kansas City, Mo. 64154 (multiple locations) Capital Grille, 4740 Jefferson St, Kansas City, Mo. 64112 Italian Wedding Jasper’s, 1201 W 103 St, Kansas City, Mo. 64114 Cinzzetti’s, 7201 W 91st St, Overland Park, Kan. 66212 Lentil Soup Bread For All, 536 Westport Rd, Kansas City, Mo. 64111 Aladdin Café, 3903 Wyoming St, Kansas City, Mo. 64111 Lobster Bisque McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant, 448 W 47th St, Kansas City, Mo. 64112 Bristol Seafood Grill, 51 E 14th St, Kansas City, Mo. 64106 Mexican Luna Azteca, 10004 N Ambassador Dr, Kansas City, Mo. 64153 Pho Vietnam Café, 522 Campbell St, Kansas City, Mo. 64106 Pho Hoa, 1447 E Independence Ave, Kansas City, Mo. 64106 Pork The Rieger Hotel Grill, 1924 Main St, Kansas City, Mo. 64108 Red Pepper Foo’s Fabulous Frozen Custard, 9421 Mission Road, Leawood, Kan. 66206 Sizzling Rice Bo Lings, 4701 Jefferson St, Kansas City, Mo. 64112 (multiple locations) New Peking Chinese Restaurant, 540 Westport Rd, Kansas City, Mo. 64111 Sukiyaki Jun’s Restaurant, 7660 State Line Rd, Prairie Village, Kan. 66208 Sushi Gin, 9559 Nall Ave, Overland Park, Kan. 66207 Kabuki Japanese Restaurant, 2450 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, Mo. 64108 Sweet Potato Soup Uncommon Stock/Happy Gillis, 549 Gillis St, Kansas City, Mo. 64106 Tomato Basil Bella Cucina, 129 S Main St, Ottawa, Kan. 66067 Houlihan’s, 8660 N Boardwalk Ave, Kansas City, Mo. 64154 (multiple locations) Café Nordstrom, 11143 W 95th St, Overland Park, Kan. 66214 Panera Bread, 2405 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, Mo. 64108 (multiple locations) Tomato Bisque O’Neill’s Restaurant & Bar, 9417 Mission Rd, Leawood, Kan. 66206 (with shrimp) Eden Alley, 707 W 47th St, Kansas City, Mo. 64112 Tomato and Pineapple Saigon 39, 1806 1/2 W 39th St, Kansas City, Mo. 64111 Vietnam Café, 522 Campbell St, Kansas City, Mo. 64106 Tom Yum Bangkok Pavilion Thai Restaurant, 7249 W 97th St, Overland Park, Kan. 66212 Red Snapper, 8430 Ward Parkway Plz, Kansas City, Mo. 64114 Vegetarian Blue Koi, 1803 W 39th St, Kansas City, Mo. 64111 New & Noteworthy: Eat Me, 4112 Pennsylvania Ave, Kansas City, Mo. 64111 Thai Place, 4130 Pennsylvania Ave, Kansas City, Mo. 64111 Pizza Bella, 1810 Baltimore Ave, Kansas City, Mo. 64108 J. Alexander's, 11471 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, Kan. 66210 Chuy’s, 209 W. 46th Terrace, Kansas City, Mo. 641112 Taco Republic, 500 County Line Rd, Kansas City, Kan. 66103 PotPie, 904 Westport Rd, Kansas City, Mo. 64111 Opera House Coffee & Food Emporium, 500 Walnut St, Kansas City, Mo. 64106 Parisi Cafe, 5245 W. 116th Pl, Leawood, Kan. 66211 Urban Table, 8232 Mission Rd, Prairie Village, Kan. 66208

The Celebrities Buried Kansas City Cemeteries

Do the ghosts of Jesse James, Cole Younger, and Annie ...

Do the ghosts of Jesse James, Cole Younger, and Annie Chambers still haunt us? What about the apparitions of Carrie Nation and Tom Pendergast? These folks all have one thing in common — they're all buried right here in Kansas City. So, for a brief moment, let's resurrect these long-slumbering souls and explore the fascinating lives of some of Kansas City's famous dead: Goodman Ace (1899-1982) and Jane Ace (1900-1974) From 1931 to 1945, Goodman Ace and his wife Jane performed as the "Easy Aces" on a radio serial program for CBS. Both Goodman Aiskowitz and Jane Epstein lived in Kansas City prior to their radio show; Goodman was a radio film critic for KMBC and legend has it that on one particular night when there was time to fill, Goodman chatted with his wife about their weekly bridge game. The audience enjoyed it so much, it became a recurring show eventually being picked up nationally. They are buried at Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Raytown, Mo. Ralph Barton (1891-1931) Born in Kansas City, Ralph was one of the most famous artists of the 1920s. His work was frequently published in Vanity Fair and Puck Magazine. He became notable for drawing celebrity caricatures in large group shots. Ralph is buried in Mt. Moriah Cemetery in Kansas City, Mo. Walter Cronkite (1916-2009) Born in St. Joseph, Mo., Cronkite will always be remembered as the face of CBS Evening News from 1962 to 1981. He reported on many life-changing moments like the assassination of John F. Kennedy, the violence during the 1968 Democratic National Convention and the Moon Landing. At one point, he was called "The Most Trusted Man in America." Walter is buried in Mt. Moriah Cemetery. "And that's the way it is." Harold Ensley (1912-2005) A lifelong resident of the Kansas City area, Harold had a television show called "The Sportsman's Friend" which began airing on KCMO-TV in 1953. It was one of the first syndicated television shows about hunting and fishing. The show lasted for twenty-one years. Harold is buried at Longview Memorial Gardens in Kansas City, Mo. Rufus R. Jones (1933-1993) Rufus "Freight Train" Jones was a professional wrestler who wrestled for the St. Louis Wrestling Club and the National Wrestling Alliance. He received the nickname "Freight Train" for his immovability and sheer power. After his wrestling career ended, he opened up a restaurant in Kansas City called Rufus' Ringside Restaurant and Bar. Rufus is buried in Forest Hill Cemetery in Kansas City, Mo. Betty Peterson (1918-2006) A songwriter born in Spurgeon, Mo., she wrote the lyrics for "My Happiness" which has been recorded by The Pied Pipers, Connie Francis, and Elvis Presley. Betty is buried at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Kansas City, Mo. There are many more celebrities buried in Kansas City's cemeteries including those that had a hand in building Kansas City — Jacob Loose, John Wornall, the Armour Family, William Rochill Nelson and J.C. Nichols. An excellent resource is available at FindAGrave. The content for this post originated from KCUR's talk show, Central Standard. You can listen to the broadcast at the top of this post. Guests: Bruce Matthews, Author of The Kansas City Spirit and director of the Elmwood Cemetery John Mark Lambertson, former director and board member of Union Cemetery

Food Critics: Diabetic Dining

Most of us are very lucky. When we go out ...

Most of us are very lucky. When we go out to eat, we usually don’t worry about dietary restrictions or fret over missing the delicious food we'd like to eat. When actor Tom Hanks recently revealed that he had been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, he turned a fresh spotlight on a health dilemma that impacts an estimated 25.8 million people. Restaurants are more accommodating to diabetic customers than ever before, but not every restaurant is a good fit for diners with diabetic restrictions. Where are the best places in Kansas City for diabetic diners to go and have a terrific meal? Charles Ferruzza, Emily Farris, Gloria Gale, and Mary Bloch share ideas on healthy places for tasty meals. If you have diabetes it’s very important to consult with your primary care provider about your unique dietary needs to control your diabetes and meet other health goals. A good resource to start are the ADA Eating out Recommendations. Even if you don’t have diabetes, moderating the amount of simple carbohydrates and other sugars in your diet is generally good for you; everything in moderation. The food critics and callers suggested the following dishes to consider when eating out: Green Salad such as that at Cafe Europa (be sure to ask about how the dressing is made, some dressings have sugar as a principle ingredient) Kale Salad such as at Unforked Ceviche at a Mexican Restaurant (or a tuna steak, or fish tacos) Restaurant to Consider on a Diabetic Diet: Julian: 6227 Brookside Plaza, Kansas City, MO 64113 The Mixx: 4855 Main Street Kansas City, MO and 1347 Main Street KCMO (again make careful selection of your dressing) Ingredient: 1111 Main St Kansas City, MO 64105 amd 11563 Ash Street, Leawood, KS 66211 Dean and Deluca: 4700 W 119th St, Leawood, KS 66209 Cafe Gratitude: 333 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108 FUD: 813 W. 17th St. Kansas City, MO 64108 Westside Local: 1663 Summit St, Kansas City, MO 64108 You Say Tomato: 2801 Holmes St, Kansas City, MO 64109 The Latin Bistro: 2102 Swift Ave, North Kansas City, MO 64116 Chipotle: (multiple locations) -Vegetable Burrito Bowl Poco’s: 3063 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108 (Vegetable Plate with Black Beans, Peppers) ​New & Noteworthy Restaurants: Chuy’s: 209 W. 46 Terrace Kansas City, MO 64112 Sake Fusion: 11953 Strang Line Rd, Olathe, Kansas 66062 Cafe Trio: 4558 Main St Kansas City, MO 64111 801 Fish House: 11616 Ash St, Leawood, KS 66211(Park Place Opening Soon) Grand Street Cafe: 4740 Grand Ave, Kansas City, MO 64112 (Under New Management) LuLus Noodle: 2030 Central Street, Kansas City, MO 64108 Novel: 815 W 17 St Kansas City, MO 64108 Cafe Europa: 323 East 55th Street, Kansas City, MO 64113 District. Pour House + Kitchen: 7122 Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO 64114 Port Fonda: 4141 Pennsylvania Ave Kansas City, MO 64111 The Jacobson: 2050 Central St Kansas City, MO 64108

Movie Critics: The Changing Fall Movie Season

The fall movie season is upon us, which means more ...

The fall movie season is upon us, which means more movies aimed at adult audiences and those held back for awards consideration. That's great news for movie buffs, but is it great news for the theater operators. Will these movies be good enough to draw audiences like the Summer blockbusters? Movie Critics Russ Simmons, Loey Lockerby, and Michael Smith take a look at the current crop of films and try to answer that question. They also talk with Susan Ruiz, the real-life daughter of Harold Finch, the man portrayed by Fred Thompson in the new movie UNLIMITED, which had its world premiere in Kansas City on Thursday night. Movie Reviews (Out of 5 stars) Prisoners - 4 Stars Thanks For Sharing - 3 Stars Short Term 12 - 4 Stars Rush - 4.5 Stars Baggage Claim - 2 Stars Don Jon - 3 Stars Enough Said - 4 Stars Gravity - 4 Stars Captain Phillips - 4 Stars Machete Kills - 3 Stars Unlimited - 3 Stars Escape From Tomorrow - 3 Stars Inequality For All - 3.5 Stars Announcements Inequality For All Special Panel Discussion with UMKC law professor William Black, author of "The Best Way to Rob a Bank is to Own One" and Mary Lindsay of Kansas City Move to Amend follows the film. Screening at 7:30pm on Friday, October 11 at the Tivoli. Vermeer & Music: The Art & Love of Leisure The National Gallery, London, is offering a fresh look at one of the most startling and fascinating artists of all — Johannes Vermeer, painter of the famous Girl with a Pearl Earring. Tim Marlow goes beyond the exhibition to tell the entire story of Vermeer'ss life — and, in doing so, shows in fabulous HD detail many other of the artist's captivating works. Screening at various times between October 24 and November 3rd at the Tivoli. Small Small Thing & The K Effect, Stalin's Editor “Small Small Thing,” about a 9-year-old Liberian girl who suffered complications from a rape. For seeking help outside the tribe, she and her mother are shunned. Winner of the Kansas International Film Festival Jury Prize for Documentary. “The K Effect, Stalin's Editor” a fictional hybrid movie about a childhood friend of filmmaking pioneer Sergei Eisenstein, who became a spy in Hollywood. Winner of the Kansas International Film Festival Jury Prize for Narrative. Both of these films will receive a run at the Glenwood Arts Theatre very soon. True Grit Both the 1969 (John Wayne) and 2010 (Jeff Bridges) screen adaptations of the classic Western “True Grit” will receive multiple screenings at various KC Library locations. CinemaKC Presents “Withered World,” "Withered World" changed the landscape of local film collaboration; bringing together some of the best filmmakers in KC, each with the objective of writing and directing an episode that takes place on the last day of the Earth’s existence. The complete web series will air at 7:30 pm on October 17th at the Screenland Crown Center Guest: Susan Ruiz, daughter of Harold Finch, the main character in Unlimited

Food Critics: Best Restaurants in Lawrence

Lawrence, Kan. is probably best-known to most of us as ...

Lawrence, Kan. is probably best-known to most of us as the home of the University of Kansas, but the beloved college town has also become a dining destination for Kansas City diners. Just 45 minutes outside of the heart of Kansas City, Lawrence boasts one of the best bakeries in the Midwest and at least a half dozen truly excellent restaurants. Charles Ferruzza and fellow food critics Mary Bloch, Emily Farris, and Sara Shepherd give you a crash course in Lawrence dining. Notebooks ready? New and Notable Pigwich, 2618 Guinotte Ave, Kansas City, MO 64120 RJ’s Bob-Be-Que Shack , 5835 Lamar Ave, Mission, KS 66202 The Rieger Hotel Grill & Exchange, 1924 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64108 Brewer's Sports Bar & Grill, 1120 W. Main St., Blue Springs, MO 64015 Broadway Butcher Shop, 3828 Broadway St, Kansas City, MO 64111 Anton's Taproom, 1610 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64108 Best of Lawrence Merchants Pub and Plate, 746 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044 Basil Leaf Cafe , 616 W 9th St, Lawrence, KS 66049 Little Saigon Cafe , 1524 W 23rd St Lawrence, KS 66046 Wild Pho , 1006 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044 Mexquisito , 712 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044 Milton's Cafe, 901 New Hampshire St. Lawrence, KS 66044 The Roost, 920 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044 715 Restaurant, 715 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044 Terrebonne Cafe, 805 Vermont St, Lawrence, KS 66044 Dempsey’s Burger Pub, 623 Vermont St, Lawrence, KS 66044 The Burger Stand, 803 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044 Free State Brewing Company, 636 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044 Pachamama’s, 800 New Hampshire St, Lawrence, KS 66044

History of the Kansas City Fire Department

Fire can take your life, your home, your car, and ...

Fire can take your life, your home, your car, and your loved ones before you know it. For a century and a half, a certain kind of person has signed up to fight fire in Kansas City, and to try to keep catastrophe at bay. On Central Standard Friday, we’ll talk about fire – the kind of fire that has destroyed buildings and lives – as well as the firefighters whose job it has been to minimize the damage. From the bucket brigades of pre-Civil War days to the modern, sophisticated machinery of today, the Kansas City Fire Department has had to endure and adapt to battling brutal blazes and blistering budgets. On March 14th, 1868 at 4:56 PM, Kansas City's first Fire Chief, Francis Foster, became the owner of the John Campbell Steamer No. 1, and thus, a fire department was born. The first fire engines consisted of large tubes where steam erupted from. A separate truck had the hoses. Both trucks were pulled by a team of horses which then had to be safely removed from the scene of the fire once they arrived. From 1882 to 1902, the KCFD entered its most famous period under the direction of fire chief George C. Hale. They won the a firemen competition in both London and Paris and became world-renowned. According to Ray Elder, the fire department historian, the King of Scotland placed a reward for any fire department that could outperform the KCFD. The reward was never claimed. Fire Chief George C. Hale can also lay claim to over 50 different patents related to firefighting including a horse harness that allowed horses to be connected to the fire trucks in less than 15 seconds-- a world record! Chief George Hale was also around for Kansas City's first major fire at the Coates Opera House in 1901. The cause of the fire was never determined, but that's because there wasn't a trace of anything left. It left Kansas City without a first-rate playhouse, so the Willis Wood Theatre opened up next door in 1902. It too would burn down, fifteen years later, in 1917. Some of Kansas City's most notable fires also include one from 1959 when a Conoco filling station caught on fire, eventually killing five fire fighters. Kansas City's deadliest fire occurred on January 28th, 1978, at the Coates House Hotel in Quality Hill. 20 hotel patrons died in the blaze. In 1984, the hotel was rebuilt and restored to its former glory. There are far too many stories and incidents to cover here, but check out the Kansas City Retired Fire Fighters Association for a complete history or the Kansas City Fire Museum at Union Station. Guests: •Jimmy Walker, Vice President of the KC Fire Historical Society, Current Battalion Chief •Ray Elder, Fire Department Historian •Matthew Stigall, Political and Legislative Business Agent of IAFF Local 42

Food Critics: African Cuisine

Over a decade ago, the National Restaurant Association issued a ...

Over a decade ago, the National Restaurant Association issued a report stating that Italian, Mexican and Chinese cuisines had become so popular, they had moved beyond the ethnic food category and into the mainstream. But less familiar culinary traditions are making an increasingly greater impact on how we eat in America. In Kansas City, for example, there are more opportunities to sample the cuisine of the African continent than ever before, and that's just what Charles Ferruzza and fellow food critics Mary Bloch, Chris Becicka, and Emily Farris will do. One popular African restaurant in Kansas City is called Esther's African Cuisine. Esther Mulbah, the chef and owner of Esther's was born in Liberia, but moved to the United States in 1982, bringing her love of traditional West African dishes with her. The peanut stew is a peanut-butter based dish which can be served with or without meat. At Esther's, it comes with tilapia and the fufu root. For dessert, they've got a unique item called the purple pie which is made from purple sweet potatoes. However, when people typically think of African cuisine, their mind is drawn to East Africa and Ethiopian fare. Abraham Hadish recently opened Awaze which serves both African and Caribbean food. The restaurant's name comes from an Ethiopian spice called awaze. It's a berbere-based dish, mixed with honey wine, chili peppers, and other ingredients that will remain a Hadish family secret. For those unititiated into African food, Hadish suggests trying either the doro wat or the shiro wat. Both are spicy stews, but the doro contains chicken and the shiro contains chickpeas. Now, all that's left to do is to get out there and try some! African Restaurants: Awaze, 3415 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64111 Esther's African Cuisine, 12980 W 87th St Pkwy, Lenexa, KS 66215 Blue Nile Café, 20 E 5th St, Kansas City, MO 64106 Mesob Pikliz, 3405 Independence Ave, Kansas City, MO 64124 New and Noteworthy: Drunken Fish, 4331 W 119th St, Leawood, KS 66209 North, 4579 W 119th St, Leawood, KS 66209 Bo Lings, 4701 Jefferson Street, Kansas City, MO 64112 (other locations) District. Pour House + Kitchen, 7122 Wornall, Kansas City, MO 64114 Taco Republic, (food truck), Soon to open at 500 County Line Road, Kansas City, Kansas 66103 The Reserve, (inside the Ambassador Hotel) 1111 Grand Boulevard, Kansas City, MO 64106 Remedy Food + Drink, 500 W 75th St, Kansas City, MO 64114 Papu’s Café, 604 W 75th St, Kansas City, MO 64114 Hana’s Donuts & Bakery, 2131 S 34th St, Kansas City, KS 66106 Guests: Abraham Hadish, Chef at Awaze Esther Mulbah, Chef at Esther's African Cuisine