Life is sometimes difficult, but it's fair. That's motivation! It's just as hard for your neighbor as it is for you. And for the most part, we are exactly where we think we should be. It truly is a "bittersweet symphony" of sorts.   Not sure where I heard that, but man, it's true. You spend your life trying to make ends meet, you think you have a handle on things, and then, quick as a wink, it's time for a permanent dirt nap. Maybe it's time to take a different road. One that takes you to places outside the mold you have created for yourself.   Maybe it's time to let a new mel ..read more

According to Architectural Magazine, windows were originally just a way to light the home. Initially, there was no glass; it was simply a crude opening designed to let fresh air in, smoke from the family's fire out, and light the space. This lack of glass was the reason for the first shutters. After all, you didn't want a hole in your wall during a rainstorm or a brutally cold winter, not to mention all the bugs. In the end, glass intervened. First for the rich and noble and then gradually for the rest of us. By the mid-19th century, wood windows and window moldings were commonly available t ..read more

There is a lot of interest now in mining Asteroids in Space.  As a commercial venture, this may be profitable.  Rare asteroids such as 16 Psyche appear to be rich enough in Platinum-Group metals and other high-value materials that their value might exceed the enormous cost of space mining.  But the problems are obvious. NASA, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, notes that sending a pound of something into orbit costs $10,000 to many tens of thousands of dollars.  The operational difficulties of chasing a live asteroid through space, using robots to chip off ..read more

You ever think about doors? According to the ALL KNOWING Wikipedia, the earliest recorded doors appear in the paintings of Egyptian tombs, which show them as single or double doors, each of a single piece of wood. People may have believed these were doors to the afterlife, and some included designs of the afterlife. In Egypt, where the climate is intensely dry, doors were not framed against warping, but in Missouri, we require framed doors—The most ancient doors were made of timber, such as those referred to in the Biblical depiction of King Solomon's temple being in olive wood, which were ca ..read more

It is time again to fine-tune our gardens into mean, lean veggie-growing machines. How can we make this year's garden even better than the last? How can we work with nature? Kids naturally love nature, so include them in your gardening plans. Colleen Rabbit Smith is here to share a few "All The Buzz" ideas and personal observations about all things garden. By diversifying our gardens, we are encouraging a holistic life.  Try planting herbs and flowers to make gardens more diverse and nature-friendly. Plants like fennel and dill attract honey bees, butterflies, and ladybugs to our gardens ..read more

Eclectic comes from the Greek eklektikos (meaning "selective"), from the verb eklegein, "to select." Eclecticism was originally applied to ancient philosophers who were not committed to any single system of philosophy but selected whichever doctrines pleased them from every school of thought. Later, the word's use broadened. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, eclectic refers to someone who uses a method or approach composed of elements drawn from various sources. Recently, we met up with our friend Vicki Oberle to tell us about eclectic styles, specifically n ..read more

On Monday, April 8th, an awe-inspiring celestial event will grace the skies of the 573—a total solar eclipse. This breathtaking phenomenon occurs when the Sun, Moon, and Earth align perfectly, casting a shadow over the Earth's surface. As the moon passes between the Sun and the Earth, it will block out the Sun’s light, casting a shadow over the planet. This will create a surreal experience, with the sky darkening like night and the Sun’s outer atmosphere becoming visible. This particular total solar eclipse will traverse Mexico, the United States, and Canada, captivating spectators along its ..read more

Imagine the impact of instilling in just one child the belief that they can overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams. We've held the 573 Film Festival International for the last five years. This three-day "not-for-profit FREE to attend" event held in Perryville included 50 plus films from all over the world, networking, workshops, actors, directors, guest speakers, and more... We had directors and producers from L.A., K.C., Springfield, Nashville, St. Louis, and Cape. It has always been my favorite 573 Magazine event. The festival is put on by 573 Magazine and a few independent filmmakers ..read more

"They say we're young, and we don't know, and we won't find out until we grow. Well, I don't know if all that's true 'Cause you got me, and baby, I got you. They say our love won't pay the rent, before it's earned, our money's all been spent. I guess that's so we don't have a pot, but at least I'm sure of all the things we got. Babe. I got you, babe, I got you, babe..." From the famous Romeo and Juliet song by Sonny and Cher in the 1960s, the mega-hit song ‘I Got You, Babe’ was written for all the young people who are finding their first love.  Of course, all older and experienced people ..read more

I am the first to admit I have no idea what art is, but I know it when I see it. To me, art has to be free-spirited and non-political and make my heart hit the floor the first time I see it. If it doesn't make me feel funny and wish I could have created it first, it's not art to me.   Recently, we caught up with our art friend Kelly Downes, the director of the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri, at their studio gallery in Cape. They were holding a new show featuring Kids Art. Wow, we have talent in these hills. We picked out a few that made my little heart go boom. It's just a taste ..read more