Time Well Spent

by Brent Beshore

February 8,2008

Previews and reviews of mid-Missouri events

THE LATEST IN EVENT TRENDS

Ice it: Despite the weather, ice is hot. As a general trend, the use of ice continues to get more elaborate. Now, ice can be not only sculpted into company logos or works of art but also converted into platters, ice buckets (literally), serving ware and cocktail glasses. Even further on the extreme, a company in Georgia can create "usable" ice that can be ridden, played on or even driven (perhaps for only a short period of time).

Portable Restrooms with a Twist: Very few things in life are more revolting than having to use the restroom at an outdoor event, especially in the summer. Between the razor-thin plastic walls, lack of ventilation and that blue stuff, it is enough to make anyone want to just "hold it." But someone has taken note and developed a completely new portable restroom complete with hands-free faucets, marble sinks, porcelain commodes, chandeliers and fresh air. While we probably won't see it in use here anytime soon, one can hope.

Solid Water: Hidrolight is a new decorative gel that can give your florals a kick. When added to water, the absorbent polymer expands to more than 100 times its original size and provides a great environment to keep fresh flowers looking brand new. With a life of about a year (with proper maintenance) and lots of colors to choose from, you can use it for just about any occasion.

REVIEWS

American Culinary Federation Tasting Dinner
Where: MU Reynolds Alumni Center
When: Jan. 27
Why: Cooking showcase to benefit the American Culinary Federation
Cost: $50/ticket
Details: Upon arrival guests were treated to wine and tasting appetizers ranging from foie gras and smoked salmon to pear with blue cheese and prosciutto. The proper dinner was six courses of decadence. Each course was paired with a different wine, with tastes of pheasant, pork belly, black truffles and chocolate "lava."
Rating: 8/10—Innovative food and a differentformat made this a great experience.
Columbia Notables: Chris and Elizabeth Harrison, Christina and Alex George, John and Donna LaRocca, Mark Sultrup

Stephens College 175th Anniversary Kick-Off
Where: Kimball Ballroom, Stephens College
When: Jan. 31
Why: To kick off a year of celebration
Cost: Free
Details: A diverse group of students, faculty and guests gathered to mark the beginning of the school's 175th year. The eclectic and entertaining program included appearances from queens, court jesters, Peter Pan and Capt. Hook, all delivering interesting tidbits of information. Stephens President Wendy Libby gave a very interesting and well-delivered speech that encompassed all that is Stephens.
Rating: 7/10—While not without its hiccups, the innovative and powerful program was definitely a hit.
PREVIEWS

Model Citizen Fashion Show
Where: Holiday Inn Executive Center
When: March 8; 6:30 p.m. Wine Reception, 8 p.m.
Fashion Show
Why: Fund-raiser for the MU Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Cost: $75/person for the Wine Reception or $25/person for the Fashion Show
Details: Jann Carl, weekend anchor for Entertainment Tonight, hosts Model Citizen, a fashion show featuring Missouri boutiques and the designers they carry, including Binghams Britches, Girl Boutique, Hemline, Molly Jayne's, Betsey Johnson, the Carlisle Collection, Dillard's and Madison Christianer.
More Info: E-mail Kellie Ann Christie at christieka@missouri.edu.
Anticipation Rating: 8/10—Looking forward to wine, fashion and a little Hollywood.

Assistance League Cookie Connection
Where: At your office
When: Feb. 12
Why: Freshly baked cookies for a great cause delivered to straight to your special someone.
Cost: $6-8/dozen
Details: Do the half-dozen roses no longer cut it on Valentine's Day? On Feb. 12, the wonderful women of the Assistance League of Mid-Missouri will drop off pre-ordered, freshly baked cookies to businesses across the city. All proceeds benefit a litany of women-oriented causes, including helping The Shelter, providing school supplies for kids in need, and funding a scholarship program.
More Info: www.almm.org
Anticipation Rating: 8/10—I've ordered mine. How about you?

True/False Film Festival
Where: Downtown
When: Feb. 28—March 2
Why: Columbia comes alive with films and fun
Cost: Passes range from $55 to $200, depending on what events you want to attend.
Details: "The festival highlights innovative work with a cinematic scope, creative takes on contemporary currents and, most of all, work that provokes dialogue about its subject and discussion of the documentary form itself."
More Info: www.truefalse.org
Anticipation Rating: 9/10—Get prepared for what has become a signature event for Columbia, the Midwest and filmmakers around the world.

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