Artist’s works inspired by Japanese prints, mechanics

The emotion in Mike Lyon’s artwork is inspired by old Japanese prints. The shapes are determined by the contours of the faces of his closest friends, friendly strangers, and the outcome hinges on the mechanics of his latest digital tools. “Figuring it out: Prints and drawings by Mike Lyon” is on display until July 18 at the Beach Museum of Art.

‘Family baker’ leaves impression on dining centers

Having grown up in a family of bakers, an early-morning lifestyle does not phase JuRee Burgett. She has lived with it since childhood. “I remember as a little girl having to work in the bakery in the summertime — my dad would get me up at 4 o’clock in the morning,” Burgett said. 1 comment

Vatican investigates Kansan’s link to miracles

Jackie Klenda grew up hearing stories about Father Emil Kapaun and his acts of bravery and kindness serving in the Korean War. Now the Vatican is taking notice of Kapaun’s life, too, and looking into canonizing him a Roman Catholic saint. Kapaun was born in 1916 in Pilsen, Kan. 1 comment

‘Blown Away’ event highlights tornado exhibits at museum

People from all over Kansas came to visit the Beach Museum of Art Saturday for an open house titled “Blown Away.” The event featured two exhibits, “Destruction Framed: Photographs of the Chapman/Manhattan Tornado, June 11, 2008” and “Larry Schwarm: Greensburg after the Storm.

Local resident compiles elaborate antiques collection

Manhattan resident Blaine Thomas owns what some consider to be the most impressive antiques collection in the city. Thomas’ collection spans a warehouse-sized building divided into three rooms filled with almost any kind of machine you can imagine, all beautiful and in working condition.

Slipknot’s latest sets bar high for metal

Love them or hate them, Slipknot’s latest album “All Hope is Gone” sets the bar high for metal bands. Released in August 2008, “All Hope is Gone” is the band’s fourth studio album. The lyrics, instrumental experiments, spinning and vocals give this band a different sound.

Kicking the disclaimer

Spread of relentless anti-smoking flames should be extinguished

President Obama signed a bill giving the Food and Drug Administration control over Big Tobacco on June 22. The legislation is known as the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. This will lead to tobacco products having larger warning labels, including images of the effects of smoking and will prevent the use of terms like “light” or “mild” to describe types of tobacco. 1 comment

Following Iran protests online best way to help

Twitter users in Tehran risk their lives reporting the cries of revolution using 140 characters or less. The information they have is so valuable that our own government is monitoring the sites to document the live updates. 2 comments

Have you ever wanted to turn off your mind?

Have you ever wanted to turn your mind off? You don’t want to stop breathing or living — no, you just want to stop thinking. It’s not so much ideas or regrets. The former, I haven’t the slightest, and the latter, well — I find it difficult to regret life’s seemingly poorest decisions and occurrences when they’ve led you where you are and you’re happy where you are.

Use the 4th of July to tackle problems

From the time most Americans are young, the Fourth of July is marked as a particularly fun, special holiday. Carnivals, grilling, apple pie, visits to the lake and, of course, fireworks — it’s more than enough to make even the youngest U.S.