Life was at a comfortable cruising altitude, and we were happy to be along for the ride. But then it nosedived, and some unseen force shoved me and my mom into a small room and slammed the door behind us. We looked around and realized we were alone in the cockpit, expected to take control and make a thousand different decisions to safely land the plane. more

Because of premiums won at international shows, Louis Monsees and Sons of Limestone Valley Farm near Smithton were recognized throughout the world as breeders of quality mules, jacks, and jennets. According to the Sedalia Democrat, the farm’s annual sales drew buyers from several states and brought in high dollars, largely due to Monsees’ reputation not only for offering quality stock but also for his “truthfulness and honesty.” more

Independent counsel Robert Hur’s report on President Joe Biden’s mishandling of highly classified material has been submitted to the Justice Department. It’s both critical and exonerating. more

The Kansas City Chiefs’ triumphant Super Bowl parade on Wednesday turned to tragedy as a group of young men, involved in what authorities call “a dispute between several people,” exchanged gunfire in the packed crowd, killing one bystander and injuring at least 20 others. The wounded include many children. more

We were so excited about the Super Bowl! As hoped, Mahomes and Crew fought their way to a heart-stopping final three seconds in overtime, and then finished off the 49ers with a play called either “Tom and Jerry” or “Corn Dog,” or both – Mahomes threw an easy three-yard pass to Mecole Hardman who casually waited, caught the ball, and glided into the end zone. According to Mahomes, Hardman didn’t realize that the touchdown had won the game. Hardman confirmed that on Jimmy Kimmel’s show, saying he kind of “blacked out” and just caught the ball. He finally figured out that he had the game-winning catch! more

I recently listened to a podcast on the art of doing nothing. Sharon Salzberg, the co-founder of The Insight Meditation Society in Massachusetts, spoke of a motto that was created for their retreat center: “It’s better to do nothing than to waste your time.” more

Applying for a job halfway across the country usually means having to answer the question of “Why here?” from an employer. more

When I showed up for my first job as sub-editor (copy editor) for my hometown English daily newspaper, The Deccan Chronicle, the news editor gave me a handful of articles from regional correspondents. He told me to edit and refine them, write a headline for each article, and hand them back to him for that day’s paper. more

Between 1989 and 1902, the world suffered many wars. Because so many of the nations at that time had colonies throughout the world, when two nations went to war, their colonies also became involved. The nations that produced goods needed by the military also became involved. more

Dear readers, I’m taking some time off this week to help my mom during her cancer treatment. But while I’m away, I’m sharing a column published nearly 14 years ago about a topic that has boomeranged back into pop culture in a big way. In a few weeks when the Academy Awards are handed out in Hollywood, the movie “Barbie” will be one of the films in the running to take home the Oscar. I watched the movie with my 17-year-old daughter, and we both laughed and loved it. more

Play-by-play announcer Jim Nance had a pretty good Vegas-themed line with his “Jackpot!” on the game-winning call of overtime Sunday night. more

I picked up one of those “How to Become Successful” books the other day, and after reading a little of it, I realized the only person it could possibly make rich was the guy selling the book. more

I realized yesterday that this coming Monday is what I now call my “Homecoming.” Feb. 12, 2013, I landed in Kansas City, having left Kabul some 36 hours before, flying through Dubai, and then to Atlanta. The trip from Atlanta to KC dragged by, but eventually, I was on the ground. Max was waiting, and he took me to a Starbucks to get a vanilla latte before we headed back to home sweet home. more

Wow, what a month to celebrate. Sunday, we have the Super Bowl, and a few days later, Valentine's Day. Both are perfect days for entertaining groups or intimate dining with unique dishes and excellent wines. more

Valentine's Day is next Wednesday. Men, this is your reminder. Women, you need no reminder. It is just one day, and that one day cannot make up for not loving the other 364 days of the year. more

There’s a possibility that another Arctic blast could be heading south this month. If so, let’s hope it’s not as bad as the one we endured in early January. more

On Tuesday, April 22, 1890, J. West Goodwin, editor of the Sedalia Bazoo, printed items about activities in Sedalia in his usual biting way. He spoke of the glories of springtime, improvements being made to Sedalia, and, of course, crimes being committed against innocent Sedalians. more

When a thought or a random fact circles around and around in your head, looking for a place to land, sometimes it’s trying to tell you something. Lately, it’s elephants who keep tromping around in my brain. more

Missouri’s Senate is heading into uncharted territory that could disrupt the legislative process for the remaining months of this year’s session. more

I’m sure you’ve heard all about it. Taylor Swift is an operative for the Democratic party. more