Category Archives: Uncategorized

How do you help your children have a “smart” summer?

June 11, 20081:33 p.m.

‘I, JuanSchool’s out. The pool’s open. Bedtimes are a blur. Homework is but a distant memory.

If you have school-aged children, how do you make sure they’re keeping their skills and minds sharp during the lazy, hazy days of summer? Do you enroll them in a science camp? Practice math and fractions while devouring a large pepperoni pizza or assembling ice cream cookie sandwiches? Take them to the library once a week?

‘Thimble SummerWe’re collecting reader tips. And each reader who posts a comment has the chance to win a copy of “I, Juan de Pareja” by Elizabeth Borton de Trevino (Square Fish, $7, for ages 13 to 17) or “Thimble Summer” by Elizabeth Enright (Square Fish, $7, for ages 8 to 12). They are Newbery Medal winners from 1966 and 1939, respectively. Find a list of past winners, dating back to 1922, on the American Library Association’s Web site.

By Lori O'Toole Buselt | Filed under Relationships, Uncategorized | Comments (4)

Thirty? What 30 things should you know or have done?

June 4, 20081:18 p.m.

LoriAmong other pearls of wisdom, Thursday’s WichiTalk includes a story that lists 30 things every 30-year-old should know how to do or should have done.

Two that I’d add to my list that weren’t included in that story are:

  • Learn how to make something with your hands. In this society, where you can buy everything you need, it is a rare treat to look at a painting, a piece of furniture (or, in my case, a quilt) and say to yourself, “Wow. I did that.” (The quilt pictured is my most recent project.)
  • Work with a charity or non-profit that you believe in. It’s good for your soul. It helps you give back to your community. And, even if you’re not expecting it, the work teaches you more about yourself.

What would you add to your list of 30 things to know or do before you turn 30? Do you have a life to-do list? Maybe yours is 40 things to do before you turn 40 or nine experiences to embrace before ’09. Click on “comments” to share your goals.

By Lori O'Toole Buselt | Filed under Random thoughts, Uncategorized | Comments (0)

Listen to The Eagle’s Bonnie Bing on the radio

May 19, 20084:05 p.m.

Bonnie Bing mugTune in to B98-FM at 8:05 a.m. Tuesday to hear Bonnie Bing talk about The Wichita Eagle Sisterhood of the Divine Makeover contest. Three deserving local women will win free makeovers, which will be revealed at a luncheon on June 21 at the Wichita Marriott.

Click here to read details on how to enter. The deadline is May 27th.

By Lori O'Toole Buselt | Filed under Uncategorized | Comments (0)

Concerts and cell phones: Take our poll

May 19, 20082:07 p.m.

woman with cell phoneDo you think cell phones are ruining the concert experience?

Whether you think are they are an annoyance or a fun sign of the times, click here to take our poll on the topic.

And read a story that appears in today’s WichiTalk about how some musicians say cell phones are ruining the concert experience while others embrace mobile technology and even use it for free publicity.

By Lori O'Toole Buselt | Filed under Uncategorized | Comments (1)

Do you share your name with a celebrity?

May 15, 200810:18 a.m.

woman with nametageDid you know that Wichita has a George Lucas and a Pam Anderson? For her WichiTalk column today, The Eagle’s Denise Neil chatted with a Wichita Bridget Jones (she doesn’t keep a diary, it turns out).

That got Denise wondering: What is it like to live with a name made famous by someone else? How often do you get comments? How often do you get the same comments? And how many times have you considered changing your name?

We’d love to hear from other local residents who share a name with a famous person. Click on comments or send Denise an e-mail at dneil@wichitaeagle.com.

By Lori O'Toole Buselt | Filed under Uncategorized | Comments (1)

Cloth vs. disposable: What’s your diaper philosophy?

April 29, 20087:24 p.m.

diapered babyThe debate between cloth and disposable diapers is by no means a new one. But with increased awareness about green living, new developments in cloth diapers and rising prices of disposable diapers, some parents are revisiting the issue.

Which do you prefer? Or do you use both to cut down on waste while taking advantage of convenience?

By Lori O'Toole Buselt | Filed under Uncategorized | Comments (4)

What are your questions about wills?

March 10, 20084:30 p.m.

willToday’s news that late actor Heath Ledger’s will was outdated (filed in 2003) and did not include provisions for his former girlfriend and their 2-year-old daughter is a timely reminder.

Do you have a will? Have you updated it to include new children, spouses, property or investments? When WichiTalk ran a cover story last year about wills, we found that as many as 75 percent of adults don’t have wills, according to some estimates.

Do you have questions about wills? Post them here and WichiTalk will seek out the answer and publish them in an upcoming issue.

By Lori O'Toole Buselt | Filed under Relationships, Uncategorized | Comments (13)

What’s your favorite book?

Feb. 29, 20085:14 p.m.

love-in-the-time-of-cholera.jpgMonday is Read Across America Day. The event celebrates the birthday of Dr. Seuss, so many people will be reading “The Cat in the Hat.” But considering the motivation of the day is to promote reading, I want to know about your favorite book.

Here are a few of mine:

  • “Love in the Time of Cholera” by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
  • “Marley and Me” by John Grogan
  • “Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Bronte
  • “Atonement” by Ian McEwan
  • “Gossamer” and “The Giver” by Lois Lowry
  • “Through Painted Deserts” by Donald Miller
  • “Love, Greg & Lauren” by Greg Manning
By Lori O'Toole Buselt | Filed under Uncategorized | Comments (5)

Rockin’ Wichita concerts

Feb. 22, 20086:06 p.m.

concertI’ve heard people buzzing throughout the day about the upcoming Sheryl Crow concert on April 22 at Century II. While I can’t stop humming her “Soak up the Sun” song, I’ve decided that I’m not a big enough fan of hers to spring for $50 or $70 tickets to see her concert. (I am, however, considering seeing cute crooner Michael Buble when he comes to Kansas City next month. I’m still kicking myself for not seeing him when he performed in Wichita in July 2006. Doh!)

My musings bring me to this question: What has been the best local concert you’ve ever seen?

I loved the Creed concert several years ago at the Coliseum. But (and I can’t believe I’m typing this) I’d have to say the Garth Brook concert in the late ’90s is probably my favorite Wichita-area concert I’ve been to. If you were there, too, you know that Garth is an amazing performer. (That’s saying a lot considering I barely listen to country anymore.)

By Lori O'Toole Buselt | Filed under Uncategorized | Comments (1803)

Searching for Leap Day babies

Feb. 19, 20089:53 a.m.

two woman at a birthdayLeap Day graces our calendars this year, giving people who were born on Feb. 29 an opportunity to celebrate.

Were you born on Feb. 29, or does Leap Day hold another special meaning for you? Perhaps you were married on that date or maybe you host a hoppin’ Leap Day party every year you get the chance?

For an upcoming WichiTalk story, we’d like to hear why you love Leap Day and why Feb. 29 is special to you. Click on “comments” at left to tell us about your plans. (Please provide your e-mail address so we can contact you for our story!)

By Lori O'Toole Buselt | Filed under Uncategorized | Comments (2)