Kansas City Here We Come!!

Today was a long day full of emotions. I just got home from JD's depate tournament. Absolutely amazing. He and Sam shut it down. I was coming home to blog about it when I received the email below from my sister. I did one read through and thought. "That's exactly what I want to say...and then some." Enjoy the video. You will see photos at the end of the blog. Happy reading.




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Guest Blogger: Orianna Griffin

Jordan did it again!!!!!!! On Saturday, March 13 Jordan qualified for the National debate competition in Kansas City, Missouri!!!!!!!! The qualifying tournament was held at San Marino High School in San Marino (town next to Pasadena).

The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in each category earned a trip to Nationals.

Jordan earned 1st place in the Humorous Interpretive category!!!!!! Jordan's debate teammate Sam earned 2nd place in the Dramatic Interpretive category. . .And, Jordan and Sam earned 2nd place in the Duo category. That means they qualified in three categories...H.I., D.I., and Duo. Unfortunately, Nationals does not let you compete in two categories so Jordan gave up his spot in H.I and Sam gave up his spot in D.I, and they will be competing in the Duo category in Kansas City.

The National Forensics League's National Competition will be held Sunday, June 13 - Friday, June 18 http://debatekc2010.org Thomas, Tasha, and I plan to take a redeye out of L.A. on Wednesday, so we can spend all day Thursday and Friday at the competition, then sightsee on Saturday and Sunday. It will be fun. . . wanna come?

Did you know Kansas City was home to more outdoor water fountains than any other city in the U.S.? It began its tradition of fountains for practical reasons: Water was a major factor in the growth of Kansas City. Kansas City was founded in 1821 when Missouri became a state, and from the very beginning, water fountains were a defining feature of the city. The first water fountain was part of a larger plan for the design of Kansas City. It was the stated aspiration of the early city leaders to create a beautiful city whose boulevards would rival Paris and whose outdoor water fountains would rival Rome. http://www.garden-fountains.com/articles/city-of-fountains.html

Also, it's been said that jazz was born in New Orleans, and it grew up in Kansas City. A trip to Kansas City would not be complete without a trip to the American Jazz Museum http://www.americanjazzmuseum.com/

Now, the piece de resistance . . . Kansas City Barbecue!!!!! Kansas City barbecue is characterized by its use of different types of meat (including pulled pork, pork ribs, burnt ends, smoked sausage, beef brisket, beef ribs, smoked/grilled chicken, smoked turkey, and sometimes fish) along with its sweet and tangy sauces which are generally intended for liberal use. Ribs are mostly pork, but also come in beef varieties and can come in a number of different cuts. Burnt ends, the flavorful pieces of meat cut from the ends of a smoked beef or pork brisket, are a popular dish in many Kansas City area barbecue restaurants. Kansas City barbecue is also known for its many side dishes, including a unique style of baked beans, french fries, cole slaw, and other soul food staples. Yum!!! Yum!!! Will it be Gates Barbecue? or Arthur Bryant's? or both?!

http://www.gatesbbq.com/GeneralInformation/Location.aspx

http://www.experiencekc.com/barbeque.html


Okay everybody...let's make it happen!!! Kansas City here we come!


Love,
Ori
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