Outsiders may think nothing interesting ever happens in Kansas, but we know it’s been a newsy year in Wichita. Here’s a look back at the good and bad of 2009.
Intrust Bank Arena/Downtown development

The arena’s not even open yet, and it’s already causing a lot of consternation among Wichitans. First we complained about a lack of diversity in acts – most of the performers lined up so far fall into the country genre – and then, when tickets for said acts went on sale, we complained they sold out too quickly. …

I’m a foodie – a ridiculous food snob. I’m the guy who looks down his nose at people who love the newest mega-chain restaurant, The guy at the table who, when asked how his meal is, will describe in great detail everything that could be improved. I’m the guy that friends call before trying a restaurant because I’ve probably been there and have an opinion that they respect. I love perfectly prepared, perfectly fresh, perfectly marvelous food.
However, I have a dark secret and I feel …

Snow Plow | Photo by Eric Wittman

Every week, we’ll show you a few adorable, adoptable pets from the Kansas Humane Society and dare you to resist their cute lil’ faces. Want to bring one of these loveable cats or dogs home with you? Visit KHS from 11 am – 6:30 pm Monday through Saturday and 1 – 5 pm Sunday. Have a happy adoption story to tell? Email us at editors@verbict.com and we might feature you in an upcoming post.

Brownie and Tylee, 4-year-old Chihuahuas, have grown up together and would love to be adopted …

This is the first time in three years that I’m not spending Christmas alone. Look, there are lots of great things about having my entire family reside in California, but the insane cost of airfare during the holidays is not one of them. And while I love my family tremendously, I also enjoy visiting them during less crazy/stressful/expensive times of the year.
I doubt anyone is ever really jazzed to fly solo on Christmas, but it’s not ALL bad. You can avoid the inevitable “Why are you still single?” question (or …