Queenkv’s Brainpickings

Today – I’m trying to figure out how to say ‘Hello’, ‘Thank You’ and ‘Good-bye’ in Russian. Next month – I will step up to the lecture podium and teach a journalism class in St. Petersburg. One of my co-workers said she didn’t understand why I would need a passport and visa to teach in [...]

It’s so big. And it’s in Kansas. My entry for Photo Friday’s challenge: Heavy. Four years ago, Cawker City’s ball of twine weighed 17,866 pounds. I suspect it’s bigger now since the city defends its title of “World’s Biggest Ball of Twine” with an annual festival that has folks adding twine to the ball.

I’m quite happy with my Kodak Zi8. She’s small, light and oh so expandable with some sexy SD cards. Plus – she shoots in HD. I shot this video of my puppy with the Zi8. Daisy doesn’t need any help looking good, but with this camera, she’s gorgeous. Playing Outside from Kris Vera-Phillips on Vimeo. [...]

For Halloween, I brought in some Halloween Oreo Cookies for my co-workers. Only 130 calories per package. I also brought in all my Cal gear for my Tailgate Fashion Show. I asked everyone to bring in their college school gear for our set. Somehow, Andre snuck into my bag. Again. You remember this bear right? [...]

Imagine cooling off with these jello shots and whipped cream. Relaxing, yes? Everything’s better with jello shots! Apparently, my co-workers have some vivid memories of my alcoholic desserts. I worked with some amazing and talented people in Kansas. I produced some rockin’ news shows with them. My reporters knew how tor run with breaking news, [...]

Aspera ad astra: “To the stars through difficulties.” That’s the state motto for Kansas. It’s also the name a fantastic indie band from Lawrence. Those words resonated with me as I lived and worked in Kansas. Kansas surprised me. For 2 years, I sampled anything the state had to offer. At a Topeka pub, I [...]

What happens when you combine 2-pounds of bacon, chorizo sausage, spicy Italian sausage and a new grill? A Bacon Explosion! I found out about this amazing culinary invention from an anchor I worked with in Topeka. She’s now reporting at one of the best stations in Kansas City. I’m also amazed people were willing to [...]

Funny, in Kansas – I played Nintendo Wii when it came out. Fally had some rockin’ game nights at her house in Lawrence. Wario Bros ruled! Here in Cali, we kicked it old school with an Atari Game Night at the Davis Public Library. Bring on the 8-Bit Gaming Good Times! It was so cool [...]

I was tickled to see these green shoots in our front yard. I planted the sunflower seeds about 2 weeks ago. I’m happy I haven’t killed them. I hope to see a little Kansas in our yard soon.

End of the month. January went by fast. I could barely hang on to her coattails. I spent the month getting used to my new show and my new schedule. I also enjoyed my new weekends with my hubby and friends. This is a shot over Donner Lake, just off I-80. A few weekends ago, [...]