There is an entire industry built around the attempt to understand dreams, an industry that would be bigger and more mainstream if such a thing were actually possible. The truth is you can keep any number of interpretive books on your nightstand and notepads and pens handy to write thoughts down with and still never get to the heart of what the nether regions of your mind are trying to tell you. Lucid dreams–ones in which the dreamer is aware he or she is dreaming, and can sometimes even manipulate the dream–are the closest we get to presenting the subconscious mind in a way the conscious one can grasp. Inception, the latest film from director and screenwriter Christopher Nolan (The Dark Knight, Memento), lives in the lucid dream, and while his sprawling story of mental espionage and a widowed father’s only chance at redemption is both commendable and compelling–it may be the best movie of the year so far–it chooses to ignore one important truth: The human subconscious is a dark, messed up place to tell a story.

In the world of this movie, the United States military develops technology with which it can induce sleep in a group of people and, with the help of a portable device that fits in a suitcase, all of them can end up in the lucid dreamscape of one of the sleepers to try and extract information from that person. Basically, it’s the most passive form of interrogation ever conceived. (Already the plot is reaching quite a bit, though it must be said that if the U.S. military can turn Flipper into a killing machine then anything is possible, really.) Leonardo DiCaprio (The Departed, Gangs of New York… okay, he was in Titanic) plays Dom Cobb, the best in the world at “extraction,” the process of going into someone’s dreams to get that one piece of information a person would never, ever tell you. Who else could want such technology? Mega-high-budget corporations spying on one another; these are Cobb’s contract employers. When one such high-dollar, high-risk heist goes wrong his mark (played by a very hard-to-understand Ken Watanabe) becomes his new boss, offering Cobb a cleared criminal record and a way back into the States to be with his kids if he just does this one little thing that’s supposedly impossible: Plant a thought in the mind of an heir to a corporate empire, getting him to dissolve his father’s business–and make him believe it was his idea all along.

Sploosh, sploosh.

What follows is a mixture of Ocean’s 11, The Matrix and In Dreams, with Cobb and his team of helpers diving not one but three levels into the subconscious of young heir Robert Fischer, Jr., played by Cillian Murphy (Batman Begins, Red Eye), to try and execute their plan–in other words, they induce a dream… within a dream… within another dream. Here’s where Nolan’s brilliant high-wire act of storytelling begins, as by the time you follow the crew to the top of a snowy mountain you’re following four stories simultaneously. Lots of directors have tried the story-within-a-story approach and failed spectacularly at it, and that was just with two stories usually. Nolan, his set designer and visual effects crew put together four radically different environments that don’t ignore one another or their respective story arcs; in fact, what happens at one level of subconscious has magnified effects in each lower level. Falling from a height in one level will feel like zero gravity in the level below it and falling into a bathtub will send an aquatic avalanche into the room you’re standing in one dream-level down. All of this makes for epic visuals, particularly as Ariadne, played by Ellen Page (Juno), learns how to manipulate dreamscapes during her training as the “architect” of the dream the crew will enter in Fischer’s mind. Physics, space and time slip away as you watch Paris literally fold on top of itself like a city turned calzone. It’s mind-bending, literally and figuratively.

The idea of the dream “architect” is a little outlandish, but acceptable in context–Cobb can no longer build believable dreamscapes because the figure of his dead wife haunts his, so he has someone else create the lucid not-realities–but problem comes in what the architect designs. See, in spite of all the folding, bursting and flooding, these lucid dreamscapes seem so, well, normal. There is none of the horrifying randomness that comes in actual dreaming; instead, what we see in the real world is mirrored exactly. For example, in lucid dreams the dreamer can look for telltale signs they are dreaming, such as text that reads differently or blurry on second glance. Where is that in this movie? Or maybe an out-of-place face, person or happening? Are dream “architects” too good for that stuff? Does being a maze-building genius mean such a person isn’t subject to the whims of the subconscious mind? It’s a stretch to believe this once you think about it, but it’s a necessary sacrifice, if you will, in order to keep a Hollywood movie acceptable to a Hollywood movie’s audience. Don’t get crazy, scary or otherwise lose the plot thread.

There’s one other Hollywood intrusion that tries to muck up Inception: The stereotypical Love Interest, in this case Cobb’s dead wife, played by Marion Cotillard (Public Enemies, Big Fish) who continues to haunt Cobb’s dream worlds and sabotage his work. She is his greatest obstacle in the movie, but the truth is her character comes off as one-dimensional and uninteresting. In a movie where characters can float through air and manipulate their physical realm, all she seems able to do is huff and occasionally stab someone you don’t want her to. She’s a plot device and little more. What reels her back into relevance, really, is DeCaprio, who gives an insane-sounding movie (go ahead and read the second paragraph of this review again and see) with a hackneyed lost-love subplot the titanium-strong link it needs to hold everything together. The fear and desperation one sees in Cobb is the realest thing in any of the alternate realities he drifts in and out of, as well as an interesting counterpoint to the cool hand and quick wit he must show during his heists. That these opposites serve to undermine each other should come as no surprise.

While it (necessarily) has some tuned-down elements required of any big-budget Hollywood flick, what Nolan has crafted is a movie with lasting visuals and a plot that is both riveting and thought-provoking. It’s not how dreams really go, but that’s what David Lynch movies are for. This, instead, is an internal epic, a movie as claustophobic as it is sweeping, one that goes everywhere while never leaving the darkness you see when you close your eyes.

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There’s no party like a birthday party. Inevitably, every one of them is either awesome or obnoxious. Chalk this one up under awesome: The Mystery Hour, the comedic take on a talk show hosted by Jeff Houghton at the Skinnky Improv Theatre just after the Mainstage Show, is turning four. Well, it’s completing its fourth season, anyway, and the show is throwing a big party at Gillioz Theatre Saturday, August 7 at 7:30 p.m. Five acts, all favorite past musical guests on The Mystery Hour, will all be playing a special concert on the Gillioz stage, one the staff unashamedly describes as “The Best Concert Ever in Springfield:” Jeremy Larson, the Fountains of Wayne tribute group Survival Car, J.J. Alberhasky, Stills & Grant and Focus! Focus! In between sets you’ll see videotaped highlights on a big screen of some of the best guests, interviews, skits and more from the past four seasons. All of this amazingness comes to just $8 for you to experience. If you’re lucky, there may be cake, too.

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Song of Singapore runs until August 15 at the Vandivort.

Reet

– “good, proper, excellent,” 1934, jazz slang, (adj.).

Keen

– “great, wonderful, marvelous,” 1930-35, slang, (adj.).

Swell

– “styllish, elegant, fashionably dressed, or socially prominent,” informal, (adj.)

Zoot

– Sally’s personal favorite, but no official definition found. In further research I found the obvious “zoot suit” is the style of suit men commonly wore to these jazz clubs, but also attractive women could be a “zoot girl” of a “zoot woman”, and in some circles, people would smoke “zoots” or marijuana cigarettes in the 1940s. So, you can draw those together to form your own definition.

Enjoy tonight’s show, but don’t smoke your zoot in public.

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Sally Trtan in Song of Singapore

Sally Trtan grew up in the arts, surrounded by singers, actors and musicians. The ubiquity of music paved her a certain path.

“My father was an actor and my mom is a cellist. All of my brothers and sisters have sang or been involved in some type of musical,” Trtan, exempting her oldest brother said. “This is what I’ve always known.”

That didn’t necessarily prepare her for crazy.

When Song of Singapore opens tonight at the Vandivort Center Theatre, Trtan will be center stage of the 1940s jazz club, playing a fun, if unfamiliar, role – club chanteuse, Rose.

“I’ve never played the really goofy character. I normally play the sidekick,” Trtan laughed, because Rose definitely qualifies as goofy. “She suffers from amnesia and doesn’t really know what’s going on.”

Though Rose changes after a band member (played by Ned Wilkinson) hypnotizes her, Trtan said she recalls “blond moments (she) would normally have” to prepare for the role – one which required study deeper than hair color.

Springfield Contemporary Theatre’s set, and, in a way, the cast, of Song of Singapore is designed to include the audience. To emulate a true club and put the audience directly in the atmosphere, two rows of tables are set directly against the stage.

“We go into the crowd and interact,” Trtan said. It creates a dialogue with the crowd. “I had to do a little more research to know what some of the lingo was and be able to improvise naturally.”

Trtan is also in rehearsal for Springfield Little Theatre’s Cats which opens in mid-September.

Song of Singapore, directed by Gretchen Teague opens tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Vandivort. First weekend tickets are just $16 for every seat in the house. You can meet the cast, too, in the lobby after the show for drinks and snacks. It runs through August 15.

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Today is a date circled in red on many family calendars, but music fans have been anticipating it, too. The Ozark Empire Fair begins today, and on the Grandstand Stage tonight is a trio of country-rock heavyweights that will have ’70s radio-rock fans salivating: The Marshall Tucker Band, Molly Hatchet and The Atlanta Rhythm Section. The Fair goes on all day, but doors to the concert open at 6 p.m. and music begins at 7. Tickets range from $15 to $30, depending on where you sit (not including Fair admission), and you can buy them in advance by clicking here. Not your cup of tea? Wait for another show night on the Grandstand Stage and you’ll see something totally different. Peep the full schedule here (Finger Eleven was added in the 8/5 spot after the linked post was written, btw).

The busy Friday night looks like this across the rest of SGF:

* The Seed, Echo Movement and Cindy Woolf at The Outland Ballroom. Reggae and country make strange bedfellows, but Woolf’s presence adds a lot of intrigue to this show. Not only will she be opening–with her full band, we’re told–but she’ll come onstage for a guest appearance during The Seed’s set, too. You won’t want to miss it.

* TAG Patio Party at Houlihan’s with host Jimi James and guest Melissa Harper. The voice and pen behind The New Monsters Collective joins us in our Friday kiss-off to the work week. If powerful vocals and compelling writing are your thing, this is your show. If you like come-hither drink specials ($4 Long Island pitchers, half-price beers, $3 wells, $6 apps), this is your party.

* The Paperclips, The Nautical West and Slapdash Science at The High Life Live Martini Lounge. The popular Kansas City-based rockers are back for their latest visit to SGF, joined by two distinct local takes on indie-rock style.

* Red Snapper at Patton Alley Pub. Supergroup time?! Bring it! Shawn Eckels (Speakeasy, Jah Roots Band) is joined by Brian Adams (Barefoot Revolution, Great American Taxi, Los Bastardos) on bass, Dave Harp (Shinebriter, pretty much every local bluegrass act you’ve ever heard of) on drums and Caleb Carter (Lunchbox All-Stars) on keys to improvise epic rock jams into the wee hours.

* Super String Theory, Fractured Dimension and Adam Showalter at Nathan P. Murphy’s

* Black Box Revue at The Outland

* Howie & The Hillcats at Harlow’s

* Agent 15, St. Dallas & The Sinners and Ryan Colvard at Lindberg’s

* Hamburger Cows at The Tipsy Turtle Pub

* Canto 17 at Trolley’s

* Sovereign and Enduval at The Ugly Mug Live Music Tavern

* Rustic Heart at Cartoon’s

* Classic Reunion at Archie’s Lounge

* Open Fire at Brighton Creek Bar & Grill

* Organic Soul at Springfield Brewing Company

* Pearl at Fusion Bar & Grill

* The Expectations at Mille’s Turn of the Century Cafe

* The Fabulous Unexpected at Three 20′s Club

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Brett Wallace

Editor note: What was formerly known as The Thought Notebook has now been changed to The High Road. Please make note of the name change for Allen’s weekly column)

Here is the No. 1 reason why Major League Baseball teams rarely trade within the division. It’s not always because the centerpieces of trades will haunt you.

It’s the prospects.

So, um, St. Louis Cardinals fans, you remember Brett Wallace, right? You know, the guy who the Cardinals drafted in hopes he could be a third baseman, but in the back of their minds, knew he wasn’t, so they intended to trade him the entire time?

Yeah, he’s back to make your lives a nightmare, for at least 30-some times a year.

After the initial Roy Oswalt trade was finalized, the Houston Astros sent their ace to Philadelphia for lefthanded pitcher J.A. Happ, 20-year old outfielder Anthony Gose and 20-year old Dominican shortstop Jonathan Villar. Immediately, the Astros shrewdly flipped Gose, who projects to be a speedy guy with little power — think Michael Bourn — to Toronto for  Wallace. Speed for power. Bourn for Berkman. A Bowie knife for a bazooka.

Yes, that means Wallace has now been traded for three super-duper-stars in the last 370 days. And in some weird karmic rocket, Wallace is now back in the National League Central to terrorize the team that drafted him only to trade him.

Here’s the timeline:

• July 24, 2009: Along with RHP Clayton Mortensen and OF Shane Peterson, 1B Wallace is traded from St. Louis to Oakland for OF Matt Holliday.
• Dec. 14, 2009: Wallace is traded from Oakland to Toronto for OF Michael Taylor. Taylor was acquired by Toronto in the Seattle-Philadelphia-Toronto Cliff Lee-Roy Halladay three-team deal.
• July 29, 2010: Philadelphia acquires RHP Roy Oswalt for LHP J.A. Happ, OF Anthony Gose and SS Jonathan Villar. Philadelphia then trades Gose to Toronto for Wallace.

That’s right, Wallace has been included in deals for Matt Holliday, Roy Halladay and Roy Oswalt. And he’s come full-circle to likely be the next Lance Berkman. (Update: Many rumors are flying that Houston is trying to now move Berkman.)

Honestly, there is nothing the Cardinals could have done. They couldn’t provide the Astros with the type of package they desired to secure Oswalt, plus the ‘Stros likely had no intention of trading their ace within the division, even if it did mean they could get Shelby Miller, who many — including Baseball America’s Jim Callis — feel will be a stud big-league pitcher one day. Instead, they pulled a current big-league starter with upside, a future 10-plus year masher and a projectable shortstop. That’s better than Shelby Miller and Brendan Ryan, don’t you think? It’s embarrassing, actually.

The most frightening part of this is the obvious: Everyone knows Wallace can mash. He’s always been able to hit, it’s just his defense that has been the problem. His sparkling numbers carried over to Triple-A Las Vegas this season — even with a jammed wrist:

Triple-A stats: 385 at-bats, .301/.359/.509, 18 HR, 61 RBIs, all while playing first base.

Is Brett Wallace the same as Beatrix Kiddo?

And it gets worse. Wallace is a professional hitter. Power isn’t his No. 1 priority. I can imagine him flipping outside fastballs into the Little League fence-distanced Crawford Boxes in left field of Houston’s Minute Maid Park. All he needed was someone to believe in him and clear the way for some playing time. While he’s been traded three times, you have to think Wallace holds the Cardinals responsible for his North American baseball tour, and if he channels this, he could be the next Cardinals killer.

Karma works in mysterious ways. But this is a perfect example of why you don’t trade within a division. Not because of the centerpiece of deals. I’m not overly concerned about J.A. Happ. It’s the re-emergence of Wallace. The Cardinals thought they’d banished him to the American League, hoping he’d be a first baseman/designated hitter. Now he’s back to haunt them forever.

The last thing I’ll leave you with on this topic, how ironic would it be if Wallace killed the Cardinals for years as a first baseman and Albert Pujols doesn’t re-sign. Forget a kick to the groin, it would be more like how Beatrix Kiddo used the Five Point Palm Exploding Heart Technique to kill Bill in Kill Bill Vol. II. Devastating.

Let’s marvel at the Royals’ Double-A starting pitching now, before it’s gone

This part of the column isn’t a full-fledged dorking out over a bunch of minor leaguers, who might get a shot at the Major Leagues one day. This is about historical perspective on future big-league pitchers, because as of right now, the Northwest Arkansas Naturals‘ starting pitching rotation is as good as any in history.

Think I’m embellishing? As of right now, five of Kansas City’s top nine prospects — according to Baseball America — are on the NWA roster, which comes to Hammons Field for five games starting today. They are Mike Montgomery (No. 1), Aaron Crow (2), John Lamb (7), Danny Duffy (8) and Chris Dwyer (9).

Before we get too overboard, Montgomery is still on the disabled list and Duffy is one the reserve list, but you have to expect all five to be working in concert at some point. Stats don’t tell the entire story, although their numbers are pretty good. Let’s break them down individually, so them we can talk about them as a whole.

• Mike Montgomery, LHP, 6-foot-5, 180 pounds, 21 years old: (2010 NWA) 3-1, 2.79 ERA, 29 IP, 25 K, .219 BA against.
  BA says: Montgomery is the best of KC’s deep crop of young pitchers, among whom rests the franchise’s hope to return to contention. He lived up to all of the Royals’ expectations in his first full pro season … He could be ready for the big lealgues by mid-2011 and won’t be satisfied just to get there.
• Aaron Crow, RHP, 6-3, 195, 23 YO: (2010 NWA) 7-7, 5.66 ERA, 22 starts, 119 1/3 IP, 90 Ks, 59 BB, .279 BAA
  BA says: If he refines his changeup, he could be a worthy No. 2 starter behind Zack Greinke. His fallback position would be as a closer with two plus pitches.
• John Lamb, LHP, 6-3, 195, 20 YO: (2010 High-A) 6-3, 1.45 ERA, 74 2/3 IP, 90 K, 15 BB, .219 BAA
  BA says: With his makeup and stuff, he projects as a No. 3 starter.
• Danny Duffy, LHP, 6-2, 185, 21 YO: (2010 High-A) 0-0, 3 starts, 14 IP, 2.57 ERA, 18 K, 7 BB, .170 BAA
  BA says: Duffy isn’t that far away from the majors. One of the last remaining tests for the potential No. 3 starter is finding out how he handles adversity — because he hasn’t encountered any.
• Chris Dwyer, LHP, 6-3, 210, 22 YO: (2010 NWA) 2-1, 4 starts, 3.06 ERA, 17 2/3 IP, 20 K, 10 BB, .175 BAA
  BA says: (A draft-elgible freshman out of Clemson, a 4th round pick in 2009) Dwyer is less polished than the typical college pitcher, but still could move quickly.

That’s five guys who should be big-league pitchers one day. How crazy is that? Think about how many Springfield Cardinal pitchers have made it to the big leagues, period. Sure, Jamie Garcia is in the big-league rotation, but Mitchell Boggs transitioned to a reliever. Otherwise, it’s been full0time relievers like Kyle McClellan, Jason Motte, Chris Perez, Josh Kinney, etc. But never has every member of the SGF Cardinals rotation had this type of hype. Honestly, how many of the current SGF Cardinals rotation will even make the big leagues, let alone as a starter? One, maybe?

Mike Montgomery

NWA hasn’t released a full schedule of this weekend’s pitchers, but still have RHP Alex Caldera (3-1, 3.77 ERA) starting tonight and LHP Everett Teaford (6-2, 2.95) on Monday. But that leaves Saturday’s game, as well as Game 2 of Sunday’s doubleheader for two of these guys. It’s unclear when this amalgamation of talent will unite to start every game for the NWA Naturals, but it’s ridiculous.

Let’s look two years down the road. If Montgomery can make it, as can Crow and one of the other three, you could have a starting rotation of Greinke and three blue chippers. Maybe you have such a stockpile of starting pitching talent that you can trade one of them. Just know that we’ve never seen anything like this before in our short Texas League tenure.

So, let the debate begin. Can three of these guys become the next Zito-Hudson-Mulder that Oakland had a few years ago? That’s what the Royals are setting up.

Note: Here’s a good story on the state of the Royals minor league system.

Yes, it’s almost time for school to start

Football isn't that far away

I hope you’ve enjoyed your summer, because things are about to get really busy.

Last weekend, I finished writing high school football previews for the Pigskin Preview. I went to a HS football camp earlier this week. Missouri State football media day is next week. NFL Training Camps are under way. MLB baseball is heating up. It looks like the Springfield Cardinals will make the playoffs, barring a major collapse.

I hope you’re ready. We are going to ramp it up for our HS football coverage, as well as our MSU coverage, and we’ll obviously be talking about Mizzou, the Chiefs, the Rams and the rest of the college and pro football landscapes.

I’m not sure where they summer has gone, but it’s almost gone. And I couldn’t be happier.

Also, our radio show — The High Road with Allen Vaughan — which is on weekdays from 2-3 p.m. on Jock 98.7 FM and Jock987.com is going strong. Two weeks down and I feel like we are finding ourselves. If you haven’t listened in, I’m pleased to say the early reviews are good. We are getting a lot of feedback, and there are plenty of ways for you to get involved.

You can get show updates by becoming a fan of the show on Facebook and by following on Twitter. You can listen to all of the shows in our archive by clicking on that day’s show. We are having a great time and drumming up some great discussion. Today’s show is on from 2-4 p.m., as we’ve been given another hour. If you haven’t listened, make today your first day.

And don’t forget to soak up the rest of your summer. It’s almost gone.

Allen Vaughan is a national award-winning reporter and writer who lives in Springfield. After leaving the Springfield News-Leader in September of 2009, he has taken his affinity for sports in the Ozarks and tried to raise the bar in terms of innovative journalism. He is also the host of The High Road with Allen Vaughan, Jock 98.7 FM’s newest sports talk show. Want to get in touch with Allen? E-mail him at Allen@TAGsgf.com. You can follow him on Twitter here or on Facebook here.

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Steve Carell in Dinner for Schmucks

I heard a few times recently that we’re getting too much Steve Carell. Sure we’re seeing an awful lot of him these days, but until something he puts out is “bad” I don’t think we will be oversaturated. Also, Despicable Me shouldn’t count because it’s animated. Yes, the producers of Dinner for Schmucks could have packed the movie’s best punchlines into the trailers – thus ruining my until something’s bad argument. But, with the cast (including Paul Rudd, Zach Galifianakis, and Jemaine Clement), it feels more like there’s probably jokes to spare.

This week’s other openers don’t get a mention. But you still must see Inception , which continues to dominate the box office leaderboard week after week.

This Week’s Trailers

Last Week’s Leaders

(7/23/10-7/29/10)
1. Inception – $42.7M
2. Salt – $36.0M
3. Despicable Me — $23.6M
4. The Sorcerer’s Apprentice – $9.6M
5. Toy Story 3 — $8.9M

Times

Dickinson Springfield 8

Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore (PG):
11:50 a.m., 2:00, 4:30, 7:05, 9:05
Charlie St. Cloud (PG-13):
11:15 a.m., 1:40, 4:10, 7:30, 10:00
Dinner for Schmucks (PG-13):
11:45 a.m., 2:15, 4:45, 7:15, 9:55
Ramona and Beezus (G):
11:05 a.m., 1:30, 4:25, 7:25
Salt (PG-13):
11:30 a.m., 1:45, 4:00, 7:35, 9:50
Inception (PG-13):
11:20 a.m., 2:25, 7:00, 10:05
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (PG):
1:50, 7:20
Despicable Me (PG):
11:25 a.m., 4:20, 9:40
3D: 11:00 a.m., 1:10, 4:05, 7:10, 9:20
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (PG-13):
9:45

Hollywood Theaters College Station

Cats & Dogs: Revenge of Kitty Galore (PG):
11:40 a.m., 1:55, 4:05, 6:55, 9:30
3D
11:10 a.m., 1:25, 3:35, 6:25, 9:00
Charlie St. Cloud (PG-13):
11:15 a.m., 1:35, 4:40, 7:15, 9:40
Dinner for Schmucks (PG-13):
11:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:50, 2:20, 4:25, 4:55, 7:10, 7:40, 9:55, 10:25
Ramona and Beezus (G):
1:30, 4:10, 6:45, 9:20
Salt (PG-13):
11:05 a.m., 11:35 a.m., 1:45, 2:15, 4:15, 4:45, 7:25, 7:55, 9:50, 10:20
Inception (PG-13):
12:00, 12:30, 3:00, 3:15, 3:45, 6:30, 7:00, 9:45, 10:15
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (PG):
11:20 a.m., 2:05, 4:35, 7:20, 10:05
Despicable Me (PG):
3D: 11:45 a.m., 2:00, 4:30, 6:50, 9:35
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (PG):
1:20, 4:20, 7:05, 10:10
Toy Story 3(PG):
3D: 11:25 a.m., 2:10, 4:50, 7:30, 10:00

Moxie Cinema

Cyrus (R):
7:00, 9:00
I am Love (R):
8:30
Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work (R):
6:30
Times at Moxie fluctuate during the week. Double check here.

Palace Theater

Killers (PG-13):
2:05, 4:30, 6:45, 9:05, 11:20
Marmaduke (PG):
12:10, 2:25, 4:40, 6:50, 9:00, 11:10
Shrek Forever After (PG):
12:00, 2:10, 4:20, 6:30, 8:40, 10:40
Letters to Juliet (PG):
12:25, 2:40, 4:50, 7:10, 9:35
Robin Hood (PG-13):
2:00, 5:00, 8:00, 10:50
Iron Man 2 (PG-13):
12:45, 4:00, 6:50, 9:30
Date Night (PG-13):
12:15, 2:15, 4:15, 7:00, 9:10, 11:15
How to Train Your Dragon (PG):
12:05, 2:20, 4:35, 6:40, 8:50, 11:00

Wehrenberg Campbell 16

Cats & Dogs: Revenge of Kitty Galore (PG):
11:00 a.m., 1:30, 1:35, 4:00, 6:25
3D: 11:50 a.m., 2:25, 4:55, 7:25, 9:55
Charlie St. Cloud (PG-13):
11:10 a.m., 1:35, 4:05, 6:40, 9:20
Dinner for Schmucks (PG-13):
11:00 a.m., 1:45, 4:30, 7:15, 10:00
Digital Projection: 9:00, 11:00
Ramona and Beezus (G):
11:20 a.m., 1:50, 4:20, 6:50
Salt (PG-13):
11:05 a.m., 12:00, 1:30, 2:30, 4:00, 5:00, 6:35, 7:30, 9:05, 10:05, 11:35
Inception (PG-13):
12:00, 3:25, 6:45, 10:00
Digital Projection:1:00, 4:25, 7:45, 8:45, 11:00
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (PG):
11:05 a.m., 1:40, 4:20, 7:05, 9:40
Despicable Me (PG):
12:15, 2:35, 4:55, 7:10, 9:40
3D
11:15 a.m., 1:30
The Kids Are All Right (R):
11:30 a.m., 2:00, 4:30, 7:00, 9:30
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (PG):
12:30, 3:30, 6:30, 9:30
Grown Ups (PG-13):
11:35 a.m., 2:05, 4:35, 7:05, 9:45
Knight and Day (PG-13):
9:20
Toy Story 3 (G):
12:25 a.m., 3:10, 6:05, 8:40
Winter’s Bone
3:45, 6:15

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Help SGF map out a wastewater improvements plan.

From the city: The City of Springfield is seeking volunteers to serve on a Wastewater Improvements Task Force that will help guide potentially significant improvements to Springfield’s wastewater services and treatment system.

The City and its Public Works Department are undertaking this process because state and federal regulations regarding the Clean Water Act are becoming more extensive and more expensive to meet. The City is facing some significant challenges related to high flow rates in its sanitary sewer system during wet weather periods that sometimes result in overflows from the system.  System improvements are required to comply with state and federal regulations, and protect public health and the environment.

In order to make the process of determining a fair and equitable plan for paying for the cost of these improvements as transparent as possible, the City plans to create a 20-member stakeholder task force. The Wastewater Improvements Task Force will include eight citizen representatives, two from each Council zone. It will also include stakeholders from the commercial and industrial sectors, as well as the development community, environmental organizations, and engineering or technical experts.

The group will receive input related to affordability, cost distribution and decision-making criteria; help develop programs to reduce basement backups and extra water that enters the system from private property connections to the sewer system; and address issues regarding satellite communities (Willard, Strafford, Battlefield and Republic) which discharge wastewater to the City’s system for treatment.

The task force will follow a structured schedule, and will be assisted by a facilitator. It will hold approximately eight meetings in nine months, and will take public comment throughout the process. The group will make its final recommendations to City Council by the middle of 2011.

All of the task force members will be approved by City Council. Citizens interested in serving on the task force are only required to be ratepayers of the City’s wastewater utility. Those interested in serving should contact the City Clerk’s Office at (417) 864-1654 or fill out an application online at www.springfieldmo.gov/boards. Click on ‘Apply To Serve’ and choose Wastewater Improvements Task Force when asked which group you are interested in joining. The deadline to apply for the Wastewater Improvements Task Force is Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2010.

Further explanation of the issues facing Springfield’s wastewater system can be found at www.springfieldmo.gov/cityconnect.

For more information, contact: Steve Meyer, Co-Interim Director of Public Works, (417) 864-2047; or Brenda Cirtin, City Clerk, (417) 864-1650.

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Can you guess what Roy Oswalt's press conference is going to sound like? Take your best shot.

Most of the time, press conferences are brutally boring. No one says anything interesting, and although some of the sappy ones cry, generally they are full of cliches, regurgitated phrases and nonspeak.

So when TAGsgf.com reader and excellent Tweeter, Brian K., known on Twitter as @PunkonDeck, started generating fake quotes that Roy Oswalt would use once the trade from Houston to Philadelphia was official, we started paying attention.

It was a brilliant idea and it caught fire faster than a burning meth lab. Here is the genesis of the experiment, plus an entire list. Incredible stuff, really.

• @PunkOnDeck: I appreciate the tradition of Philadelphia and know they have a passionate fanbase.
• @DrewGROF: It’ll be weird facing the Astros in Aug. I have a lot of good friends over there. But it felt right FOR MY FAMILY.
• @PunkOnDeck: I sat down with my family and prayed on it and we came to the conclusion that this move would be the best.
• @PunkOnDeck: No, I haven’t had a cheese steak, yet. I hear they’re good.
• @dlbrows: Yea, the Philly fans can be harsh, but they’re also loyal.
• @PunkOnDeck: I’m not looking that far ahead. I’m just concentrating on my next start.
• @PunkOnDeck: This move was about winning championships and I think I can do that here.
• @PunkOnDeck: I’m not worried about the dimensions of the ballpark. I’ll just need to keep the ball down.
• @PunkOnDeck: I don’t think there are higher expectations here because I already have high expectations of myself.

If you want to contribute, post them below or use the hashtag #oswaltinphilly on Twitter. Thanks, Brian.

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Brodie Wingert

If you see Kickapoo senior forward Brodie Wingert hobbling around in an air cast, it’s true — he broke his right foot.

“I broke it two weeks ago, but it’s fine, I guess,” Wingert said.

Wingert, who is being recruited by a mix of Division I and Division II basketball schools said he broke it at an AAU Tournament two weeks ago while playing for KC Pump ‘n Run, where he plays with future Kickapoo teammate and Division I recruit Christian Kirk.

The 6-foot-4 forward said he should be able to resume physical activity in five weeks, and actually said he doesn’t think the injury will curtail his college recruitment much at all. Earlier in the summer, we reported he was drawing interest from D-I schools like Missouri State, UMKC and Yale, as well as D-II Drury. His lone offer remains from Evangel. But he said recently he was getting some interest from D-II Maryville and hoping-to-be D-I Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Ari. GCU recently hired former Arizona coach Russ Pennell.
Stay tuned for more.

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If you’re listening to The High Road with Allen Vaughan, you’re catching what everyone is talking about. If not, you can relive the history here through our podcast. Either way, you can catch TAGsgf.com’s sports editor do his thing from 2-3 p.m. Monday-Friday on Jock 98.7 FM and Jock987.com.

Small programming note: Friday’s show is two hours, from 2-4 p.m.!

If you’re looking for information on previous shows, click here.

Nate Latsch

Episode: Friday 7/30/2010

What Did the Five Fingers Say to the Face Friday

• Guests: FoxSportsMidwest.com St. Louis Rams writer Nate Latsch and FoxSportsMidwest.com St. Louis Cardinals writer B.J. Rains
  
• The fake quote machine
• Question of the Day
  
• And more special guests!
  

Listen to The High Road on Jock 98.7 FM Monday–Friday from 2-3 pm.

Stream Live:
» Stream online at Jock987.com

Socialize:
» “Like” The High Road with Allen Vaughan on Facebook
» Follow Allen Vaughan on Twitter

Join the Conversation:
» Call (417)868.6100 between 2-3 M–F
» E-mail TheHighRoadShow@gmail.com

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There will be a new king by the end of tonight. No, SGF hasn’t become a monarchy, though there are moments where one wonders. We’re talking about King of the Roots, a battle of the bands to send the winner to the Main Stage at the Roots ‘n’ Blues ‘n’ BBQ festival in Columbia October 1 and 2. The festival is one of the largest of its kind in the Midwest, attracting some of the biggest names in roots and blues music every year, and a panel of judges will send one of these acts to play alongside them: Full Moon Blues Band; The Mud Sharks; Nigel & The Ghost; Not Black, Not White, Just Blues; The Terry Quiett Band and The Underground Blues Division. A modest $3 gets you in the door.

Also tonight:

* Grant Maledy Trio and Dan Weinhaus & John Paul Chapman at Lindberg’s. An interesting twist to tonight’s show: Thanks to a guest appearance on bass for the Trio by Brandon Henson, tonight will be the first time all four Greene Coast members will play the same stage in more than a year. Reunion set, anyone?

* Tripwire at Brighton Creek Bar & Grill

* The Detectives at The Outland

* The ABS Band at W.F. Cody’s South

* Allen Ross at The Tipsy Turtle Pub

* Gas Pump Talent at Ebbets Field

* The LemonDrop DJs with guest DJs Mahf, Steddy P and Far Out at The High Life Live Martini Lounge. The While You Were Sleeping Tour stops by to breathe a different air into the popular weekly DJ show.

* All-Girl Boys Choir at The Outland Ballroom

* Two For the Road at Cartoons

* Mug Unplugged Open Mic Night at The Ugly Mug Live Music Tavern

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As I walked on the Plaster Sports Complex track last night, all the same feelings rushed back. There were the coaches. There were my fellow media members. There were the die-hard fans in the crowd (about 200 of them). It was fun to think that high school football is less than a month away — yes, the regular season starts on August 27.

And while we will have much more on high school football as the season approaches, I wanted to share a few observations from Missouri State’s high school football camp last night.

• We have to start with Hillcrest junior Dorial Green-Beckham, right? He wasn’t tough to spot as he was the tallest player on the field at 6-foot-6. The camp started with individual drills by position and Green-Beckham, who already has “close to 25″ scholarship offers and likely counting, and was the most fluid, whether it was running routes or picking up and putting down his feet through the various obstacles, he made an impression without catching a ball. He was obviously the focal point during 7-on-7 drills, but he’s going to have to get used to it. Of course, the main question with Hillcrest is how are they going to get Green-Beckham the ball. We will see, but coach John Beckham said the quarterback job is between Stuart Andress (Jr., 5-11, 170) and Matt Futrell (Jr., 6-1, 170).
• Oh, and just so you know, I’m 6-foot-3, and Green-Beckham’s “little” brother Darnell is every inch of 6-3 — as a true freshman. He he has one-fourth the skill of his older brother, Ozark Conference secondaries will have zero chance of sleeping at night.
• Glendale looks like they have convinced that outstandingly athletic sophomore class — you know, the “Baby Birds” that debuted last year in basketball — to play football. The most imposing was sophomore Cameron Johnson, who was listed at 6-2 last season. Not only did he look taller than that, he looked like he’s bulked up. It may have just been the pads, but if he’s going to line up at wide receiver — which is expected as Glendale is going back to the spread offense this season — Glendale will now have a weapon. As for his football skills, I know nothing about that, but if his basketball athleticism translates to football, the Falcons will be in any game.
• Sound byte: When I asked Glendale offensive line coach Joe Shantz about Johnson, this is what came out:

Me: Joe, who is that? Is that Cameron Johnson?

Shantz: (Ignores question)

Me: Joe, is that Cameron Johnson? He looks huge.

Shantz: Oh yeah, he looks good in pads.

Me: No wonder you’re going back to the spread.

Shantz: Bwahahahahahahah! (and runs off, getting back to work)

• Looks like that secret won’t keep.
• The most “Who is that guy” buzz came from new Glendale lineman Kinjo Omar, who the News-Leader’s Matt Schoch reported is recently in town from Seattle and playing football for the first time. Why is this important? He’s 6-4 and 300 pounds. Apparently he picked up the game just three years after moving with his family from Saipan, a tropical island in the western Pacific Ocean near Guam. He even had the cool Troy Polamalu look with the hair flowing outside of the helmet. If he can help generate some type of pass rush or pass protection, he’ll be an instant fan favorite.
• I’m sure there was much more going on at the camp worth noting, but at a camp like this, where smashmouth football isn’t really included, etc. — this was more passing drills, including 7-on-7 drills with no offensive linemen – teams like Parkview and Central didn’t get the same “wow factor. But take nothing away from Parkview, which returns running backs Darin Francis and Blake Williams, as well as quarterback Cory Faz. If Parkview can find a way to not turn the ball over and stop people on defense, the Vikings could possibly win more game than they lose, which would be a monster step for coach Wes Beachler’s program.
• The teams involved were Central, Glendale, Hillcrest, Kickapoo and Parkview, Republic and Strafford.
• For more coverage of the event, the News-Leader’s Matt Schoch wrote this and this and newly promoted KSPR Sports Director Mike Scott, put together this piece.

Here are some clips of last night’s 7-on-7 passing drills. Enjoy.

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(Let’s face it, we could all be better. Whether it’s in our diet, how we shop, or recycle, there are ways we can improve ourselves in every day life. This weekly series will highlight simple tips to improve our lives. Be mindful of it for a week, and maybe it will stick. Small habits lead to lifestyle change. If you have any unique ideas (of any kind), email Brett@TAGsgf.com.)

STOP BUYING BOTTLED WATER

Bottled water makes up one-third (!) of America's waste.

It’s convenient to grab a 32 oz. bottle of Dasani or Aquafina when you grab a couple gallons of gas, but why do you do it? Because it tastes better? It’s “purified”? Both Dasani and Aquafina actually come from municipal water systems (mostly from Detroit) – 25% of all bottled water comes from tap sources. That means when you buy it, you pay for it twice – in taxes and again at the register. You’re getting duped. If you want filtered water, pick up a filter and throw it on your own tap.

Pick up a metal bottle or Nalgene-style bottle cheap at just about anywhere and fill it yourself. Not only will you save the cash, you’ll keep new plastic bottles from hitting the landfills. Only 23% of plastic (PET) bottles get recycled, leaving the rest to pile up to one-third of America’s waste – and American’s produce a s***-ton of waste. Perhaps one of the easiest ways to save money and contribute less to landfills is by purchasing a refillable water bottle.

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TAGsgf.com beer expert Ben Stange

By Ben Stange of St. Ange Brewing

My brother was brewing a batch of beer some time ago, and became a little too curious about his hops.  He caught the fresh, grassy, citrusy aroma from the hops as he opened the bag, and thought, “They smell so good.  I wonder what it would taste like if I just popped one in my mouth.”

Big mistake.

Want to know what a hop flower tastes like?  Hops are bitter – very  bitter.  So bitter, in fact, that if you ate one whole, you would probably taste bitterness and nothing else for about two weeks.  The end result of my brother’s experiment is that he developed a month-long aversion to all things hoppy and that he learned a valuable lesson about putting things in his mouth.

As amusing as it was to hear my brother relate this story about him, it illustrates just how diluted most hops are in beer.  Every beer fan worth his salt knows that hops contribute bitterness and flavor, but unless they brew, they probably underestimate just how diluted the hops are.

Bell's Two Hearted Ale grabbed five out of five pints.

Hops in the final product of beer are usually measured in International Bittering Units, or IBU’s.  For an American Lager, such as Budweiser or Miller Genuine Draft, you’d probably see between 8-15 IBU’s.  That means that in 5 gallons of beer, you would have about 1 oz of hops. (This is dependent greatly on the hops, but I’ve assumed a 5% alpha acid hop, all you hop fans out there who know what that means).  For an American Wheat beer, you could see anything from 15 to 30 IBU’s, and for an American Pale Ale, you’d see anywhere from 30 to 45.  IPA’s are the big boys, weighing in at 40-70 IBU’s, and sometimes more than that.  I have seen a couple of “Hop Monsters” reach upwards of 100 IBU’s, but once you get that high, it really doesn’t matter any more.

These IBU’s are usually contributed and calculated based on the alpha acids in the hops, which are held in the lupulin glands on the plant.  If you were to look at a hop flower, you would see what looks like a yellowish powder on the bottom of the hop.  These are the lupulin glands, which contain all the essential oils and tasties which we put in our beer.

Every beer drinker has a limit to how bitter they like their beer.  This is called their Lupulin Threshold. (Named for the lupulin glands.  Get it?)  If a beer fan develops a taste for more and more bitter beers, they experience what is called a Lupulin Threshold Shift.  So, where do you stand?  Where is your Lupulin Threshold, and can you remember a beer which triggered a Lupulin Threshold Shift in your tastes?

Here is a brief list of some beers which have the right kind of hop flavors and balance to contribute to your first or next Lupulin Threshold Shift.

Sierra Nevada Pale Ale – Sierra Nevada Brewing (Chico, California) – American Pale Ale – 5.6% ABV – This beer is a benchmark for American Pale Ales.  Weighing in at 37 IBU’s, this beer falls right into the heart of the APA range and has the flavor to back it up.  Some beer fans have been tempted to attribute this beer’s high ratings as sentimentality (Sierra Nevada was among the pioneers of the craft brewing movement, acting fully 20 years before most people even realized that there as such a thing as Craft Brewing), but the fact is that this beer is good.  Very good.  It pours a sparkling amber with a white head, has an aroma of lemon, grapefruit, and a little pine, and has a flavor seamlessly balanced between sweetness and bitterness with just a little spiciness.  5 out of 5 pints.

Schlafly APA – Schlafly Brewing Co. (Saint Louis) – American Pale Ale – 5.9% ABV – I just had a bottle of this the other day, and it is always a surprise to me.  Anyway, it pours amber in color with a quickly dissipating head, but it has a lot of carbonation, which gives the aroma a bit more punch.  While this beer has all the bitterness and hops flavor you would expect in an American Pale Ale, it is extraordinarily well balanced.  The fruity hop aromas and flavors are mixed with just the right amount of bitterness, caramel sweetness, and bready goodness to make a complex, delicious beer.  Pour this one in a glass and really sip and taste it.  You’ll find a lot of flavors in there.  You might detect some orange, pine, grapefruit, or herbal notes.  I think everyone who drinks it finds different flavors.  Try it and find out what you can find in there.  4.5 out of 5 pints.

Single-wide IPA – Boulevard Brewing Company (Kansas City) – India Pale Ale (IPA) – 5.7% ABV – What I love most about Single-Wide IPA is that it is readily available here in Springfield.  It has six varieties of hops in it, and weighs in at a commanding 59 IBU’s.  It pours a hazy orange with a rocky head, and has plenty of carbonation to carry the grapefruit and pine aroma.  The flavor starts out with a little bit of sweetness, but that is followed by a punch of hops.  If you’re looking to shift your threshold into the IPA range, you could do worse than to grab one of these.  4 out of 5 pints.

Bell’s Two-Hearted – Bells Brewery (Kalamazoo, Michigan) – IPA – 7% ABV – Where Single-wide has 6 flavors of hops, Bell’s has one.  It doesn’t lose any complexity or quality, though.  Two-Hearted is known as one of the absolute best IPA’s in the American market, and with good reason.  The all-Centennial hop schedule gives this beer a huge citrus and pine aroma.  Two-Hearted is a monster, but a delicious one.  Every drop of this beer is a grapefruit and citrus thrill, and finishes with a dry bitterness that leaves your mouth begging for more.  If you hadn’t noticed, this is one of my favorite beers.  5 out of 5 pints.

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Sometimes you want to sit at home. While it’s not encouraged, it’s understood. It sucks to rent a bad movie so the Lost Reel Review is here to help guide you on your path to good movie rentals.

Triplets of Belleville (2003) is almost creepy. With earth-toned shades of dreary brown dominating the animation. Triplets takes viewers on a mostly silent journey as a elderly woman tries to track down her grandson who was kidnapped while competing in the Tour de France. The grandmother teams up with her aging canine and sisters to create one of the greatest getaway scenes I’ve ever watched. It’s clearly geared to adults – greatly to blame for losing to Finding Nemo for Best Animated Feature – and features a rhythmic, timely, strange but masterful soundtrack. The story is well constructed and dialogue perfect (when used). Comedy comes in doses as grandmother flaunts uncanny frog-gigging ability.

If you like this, also check out:

Waking Life (2001) – A digitally enhanced live action masterpiece directed by Richard Linklater which dances through a young man’s thoughts while in a constant state of lucid dream (I think). Discussions of reality, existentialism and even the age old meaning of life question prevail. Fascinating animation make it visually exciting.

I Heart Huckabees (2004) – Jason Schwartzman is the frontman for an environmental group which is trying to keep a box store – Huckabees (Wal-Mart/Target) – from opening. Dustin Hoffman and Lily Tomlin play existential detectives and Jude Law is the Huckabee’s CEO. Hilarity ensues. If that’s not enough, Naomi Watts is involved and she hasn’t to date harmed interest.

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Matt Eden

Tough news to swallow for the local rock community: Matt Eden, lead singer for Lebanon-based band and frequent SGF performer 7 Dollar Stereo, was rushed to the emergency room this morning with numbness in the left side of his face. Matt’s wife, Kayla, posted this to their shared Facebook profile:

“please keep Matt in your prayers…….. He went to the ER this afternoon b/c the left side of his face was numb and found out he has Bell ‘s Palsy. There is nothing that causes this and no medicine to treat it. It could take any where from 2 weeks to 6 months to go away….. Thank you…..”

Bell’s Palsy, known by people with medical degrees as idiopathic facial paralysis, believed to be caused by swelling of a nerve in the person’s face, results in the person suffering from it to be unable to control the muscles on one side of his or her face. Though it’s terrifying and, in some extreme cases, potentially fatal, the prognosis for recovery is remarkably good, if a little lengthy. More than two-thirds of all patients recover completely within a year.

We’re hoping for a similar prognosis for Matt in the weeks and months ahead, though only time will tell. Hit the band up on its Facebook page with thoughts and support for Matt and hope for the best.

7 Dollar Stereo’s Facebook page

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The Culprit. Photo by Nicky Haines.

The Outland complex on South Avenue welcomes two very different shows tonight, one upstairs at The Outland Ballroom and the other at ground level in The Outland. Upstairs The Culprit brings British style hard rock (same as American style except less angry, in case you’re wondering) with a strong pair of local openers in Assembly Line Gods and Motherstar. Meanwhile, downstairs at The Outland you’ll find acoustic duo Archeology–yeah, I know; they spelled it wrong–headlining a night of inspiring singer-songwriter tunes with help from New Monsters Collective and Carter Hulsey. See two completely different shows in one building!

Also tonight:

* Doug & The SOULar Panels at Patton Alley Pub. The band once known as Greasy Chair cranks the soul-rock to 11 for the latest weekly sendup at the Pub. Best of all, Doug Dicharry–the band’s trombone player and the reason for the band name–is back this week.

* We Are, with DJs Johan and Damian Nunez, at The New Key Largo. The latest indie-rock dance party descends on the South Side at The Largo.

* Trash Angels at Harlow’s. There aren’t many chances to see this blues-rock powerhouse live without paying anything. This is one of those chances, as Harlow’s shows are always FREE.

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Eastland opened in May as SGF's only permanent market.

As SGFers begin to realize how important it is to shop locally and eat in season, the number of markets have grown. Those markets have been open through just a few months of the year, but this summer shoppers gained a year-round “permanent” place to connect with local producers at the Eastland Farmers Market. You will find fresh fruits, vegetables, eggs, meats, cheeses, flowers, baked goods, etc. The market is open each Wednesday from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. at 1831 E St. Louis.

Become a fan on Facebook.

Weekly Farmers’ Market Calendar:

Tuesday

Greater Springfield Farmers’ Market – Battlefield and Glenstone (Battlefield Mall parking lot, NW corner), 8:30 a.m.

Wednesday

Eastland Farmers Market – 1831 E St. Louis, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Thursday

Greater Springfield Farmers’ Market – Battlefield and Glenstone (Battlefield Mall parking lot, NW corner), 8:30 a.m.

Friday

Friday Night Farmers Market – Park Central East, 4:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Saturday

C-Street Market – Historic Commercial Street, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Greater Springfield Farmers’ Market – Battlefield and Glenstone (Battlefield Mall parking lot, NW corner), 8:30 a.m.

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We have another BBQ restaurant in town – Billy Sims Barbecue (BSBBQ).  They opened up in mid July on South Glenstone near the Supercenter complex where the Boston Market restaurant used to live.  I love BBQ and there are only a couple of places here in town that are my go-to places for this simple, yummy, yet seemingly “hard to make well” food genre.  Of course I had to check it out.  I’ve been for lunch twice now and am ready to report in on what I thought.

Both visits were during a busy lunch hour but we didn’t have any trouble finding a table as they seem to turn around pretty quickly.  The process at BSBBQ is fast-food single-queue style.  You line up to examine the overhead menu board while making your way to the first stop at the meat cutting station.  This is where you tell the staff your BBQ selections.  On both visits I selected combo plates and have been able to sample, the pulled pork, sliced brisket, ribs, turkey and bologna (yes they smoke bologna here).

After you order, the meat-cutter then slices and portions your meats using a scale (except for the ribs which are counted out).  I noticed that for the pulled pork they add a bit of seasoning from a large shaker and mix that all up before putting it on your plate.  Next stop is the sides station.

The sides selection (sideliners) is pretty typical but has no fried items.  One interesting selection is listed as ‘mini-huskers’ – which is smoked corn on the cob.  I stuck with my usual cole slaw and BBQ beans on both visits.  Combo plates come with a piece of Texas toast.

The last stop is the register where you trade your money for food.

Bob’s Whine and Dine

Bottom line – I really liked the meats.  They all had a great smoky flavor with that nice dark outer smoky layer.  The meats were all tender as well.  The ribs weren’t fall-off-the-bone but were still tender and easy to eat.  The brisket & pork were just a bit on the dry side, but adding sauce fixed that right up.  Speaking of sauce, choices include regular and spicy.  Both were good but I fixated on the spicy one.  The bologna was an interesting meat to try.  It was well smoked like the rest of the meats and because of that, the taste was more smoke than bologna.  I’m glad I tried it but truthfully I don’t know why, for the same price, one would pick bologna over pork or beef.

(Sorry for no food pictures, for some reason my camera weirded out and they didn’t come out.  I’ll post food pics next time I visit.)

While the meat was good, the sides were ho-hum; nothing really special there.  The beans were a little weird.  There is pulled pork mixed into them – but the pork is so finely pulled that it makes the beans look stringy.  They would at least look better if the meat were little chunks instead of pork threads.

Drinks, plasticware– well everything really – is pretty much self serve.  During our visits at lunch time there were a couple of people making their way around the dining room asking if you needed anything.  Food is served on those plastic plate/basket things with a paper liner.

The dining room is pretty much left over from Boston Market and is pretty spartan but kept clean.  The ordering queue however is not easy to get to if you enter from the north side of the building.  It is a tight fit to get to the start of the line between the ropes that mark the queue and the first row of tables.  I would recommend entering on the south side of the building to avoid threading your way to the ordering line.

BSBBQ also has a drive-thru which I plan to make use of when I want my BBQ to go.

I’ll be back to Billy Sims Barbecue – it being close to where I live makes it likely I’ll be back often.

3757 South Glenstone Ave – (417) 883-7467

Link to Web Site

Link to Facebook

Link to Health Inspections

Bob’s Whine and Dine

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If you’re listening to The High Road with Allen Vaughan, you’re catching what everyone is talking about. If not, you can relive the history here through our podcast. Either way, you can catch TAGsgf.com’s sports editor do his thing from 2-3 p.m. Monday-Friday on Jock 98.7 FM and Jock987.com.

If you’re looking for information on previous shows, click here.

Anthony Tolliver

Episode: Wednesday 7/28/2010

Original Gangster Wednesday

• Guest: NBA free agent Anthony Tolliver
  
• Two-minute tightrope
• Boss of the Week
  

Listen to The High Road on Jock 98.7 FM Monday–Friday from 2-3 pm.

Stream Live:
» Stream online at Jock987.com

Socialize:
» “Like” The High Road with Allen Vaughan on Facebook
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Join the Conversation:
» Call (417)868.6100 between 2-3 M–F
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CD Releases

It’s a boon week on the album shelf. Rock group Avenged Sevenfold is arguably the headline, but hip hop fans will find a lot to look into with new CDs from Fat Joe, Wu-Tang Clan affiliate Killah Priest and Krayzie Bone of Bone Thugs-n-Harmony. There’s even a new album from Dru Hill–that’s right, the group Sisqo belonged to before his solo career and a song about a thong put them on hold indefinitely. Just the latest case of thongs messing with the music biz. –Chris DeRosier

Collisions & Castaways, by 36 Crazyfists
Nightmare, by Avenged Sevenfold
Crazy For You, by Best Coast
Cookin’ In Mobile, by Robert Cray
13 Most Beautiful: Songs for Andy Warhol’s Screen, by Dean & Britta
Indrupendence Day, by Dru Hill
Evans Blue, by Evans Blue
The Darkside, by Fat Joe
Round Trip, by Tony Harnell & The Mercury Train
That’s How We Burn, by Jaill
Praise & Blame, by Tom Jones
Seu Jorge and Almaz, by Seu Jorge
Dio, by Jorn
The 3 Day Theory, by Killah Priest
Fixtape Vol. 3: Lyrical Paraphernalia, by Krayzie Bone
Mines, by Menomena
Fortress, by Miniature Tigers
Many Colored Kite, by Mark Olson
Five Questions – The New Journey, by Alexander O’Neal
Anybody Out There, by Rufio
An Airplane Carried Me to Bed, by Sky Sailing
Villa Manifesto, by Slum Village
Gates Mixed Plate, by Tech N9ne

DVD Releases

Quiet week for video releases. Clash of the Titans was a relative box office bust. After production costs were around $125 million, Clash pulled in just $163 million. The edgy Batman animation Under the Red Hood is another potential winner. Meanwhile, fans of Johnny Depp can get their fix of him as a young buck on the hip-cop ’80s series 21 Jump Street. –Brett Johnston

21 Jump Street: The Complete Series
Batman: Under the Red Hood
Clash of the Titans
Repo Men
The Uninvited

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Anthony Tolliver

According to The Anthony Tolliver Fan Club page on Facebook, the former Kickapoo and Creighton forward is expected to make a decision on his NBA future within the next 48 hours.

Around 10 p.m. CST Monday, Tolliver’s Fan Club provided this status updated:

THINGS ARE FALLING INTO PLACE! STAY TUNED…IF THINGS GO THE WAY I THINK THEY WILL THEN I WILL BE MAKING A DECISION WITHIN THE NEXT 48 HOURS! …TGBTG

The Fan Club also posted a link to the latest Minnesota Timberwolves trade Monday, sending point guard Ramon Sessions and center Ryan Hollins and a second-round pick to the Cleveland Cavaliers for guards Delonte West and Sebastian Telfair.

The link, which came from Fanhouse.com, says the following, which implicates Tolliver:

With Hollins out of the picture, sources said the Timberwolves will take a hard look at possibly signing free-agent forward Anthony Tolliver, who averaged 12.3 points and 7.3 rebounds last season for Golden State. The other primary suitors for Tolliver are the Warriors and Dallas.

OK, so it’s not Miami or Los Angeles, but I’ll live.

A call to Tolliver was not returned, but don’t worry, we will have AT on The High Road with Allen Vaughan, as soon as he makes the decision.

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If you’re looking for information on previous shows, click here.

Jim Callis

Episode: Tuesday 7/27/2010

That’s Just Like Your Opinion Man Tuesday

• Guest: Baseball America writer Jim Callis
  
• Two-minute tighrope
• Texas League update/SGF Cardinals
  

Listen to The High Road on Jock 98.7 FM Monday–Friday from 2-3 pm.

Stream Live:
» Stream online at Jock987.com

Socialize:
» “Like” The High Road with Allen Vaughan on Facebook
» Follow Allen Vaughan on Twitter

Join the Conversation:
» Call (417)868.6100 between 2-3 M–F
» E-mail TheHighRoadShow@gmail.com

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Jeremy Green

According to the Hartford (Conn.) Courant, former ESPN NFL analyst Jeremy Green — the son of former Minnesota Vikings and Arizona coach Dennis Green — was not only arrested for child pornography last week, he was shook down thanks to help from Taney County police.

During a two-hour online chat last month, Jeremy Green shared sexually explicit photos and videos of a toddler with a woman named “lendingmom12″ …

[He] said he couldn’t wait for her to bring her three children to Connecticut, according to an arrest affidavit released Friday morning.

Unbeknownst to Green, who hid behind the screen name “jjack0721,” the woman he’d been chatting with was a detective working undercover with the Taney County Missouri Sheriff’s Department in Forsyth, Mo. [Hartford Courant]

Uh-oh.

There are few things worst than child pornography, so thanks to Taney County’s finest. Apparently Green was found in a New Britain, Conn. hotel with his girlfriend, cocaine and a hard drive with more than 100 photos of girls ages 2-10. Also, Green was appointed a lawyer, so it look like his father, Dennis Green — who is who we thought he was —  is refusing to help. Good.

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