Hometown: Tampa, Florida
Current neighborhood: Hospital Hill-ish
Who or what is your sidekick? I wanna say something awesome like “my wonder dog, Rufus, with whom I rescue babies from burning buildings,” but it’s probably just my car keys.
What career would you choose in an alternate reality? I think if Smokey the Bear needed a sidekick, I would do that.
What was the last local restaurant you patronized? I tried out Haus on 31st the other day. Really tasty brews on a hot afternoon.
Where do you drink? The Drop for Geeks Who Drink, the Cashew, the Rieger Hotel when I’m feeling fancy.
What’s your favorite charity? I really think that Minddrive on Holmes has a good thing going. They teach high school kids how to build electric race cars.
Favorite place to spend your paycheck: KC local restaurants. I mean, who even needs a kitchen?
What local phenomenon do you think is overrated? I don’t really understand the Plaza’s hype. Seems like a hassle.
Where do you like to take out-of-town guests? Bryant’s, mostly because it’s the only time I get to go there, too.
Finish this sentence: “Other than the Kauffman Center, Kansas City got it right when ... ” They maintained Clark’s Point in Case Park. Thanks for not overdeveloping that little slice of urban scenic heaven.
“Kansas City screwed up when it ... ” Let Tom Pendergast talk them into paving the bottom of Brush Creek. Pure genius.
“Kansas City needs ... ” More metal construction plates scattered all over the road. Those things are a pure delight.
“People might be surprised to know that I ... ” Have more movie quotes shoved into my brain than someone with a master’s degree should.
“On my day off, I like to ... ” Get out in the sunshine, do a little yardwork, catch up on podcasts while making some artwork.
“In five years, I’ll be ... ” Older.
What TV shows do you make sure you watch? Mad Men, Breaking Bad — you know, the uplifting stuff.
____ take up a lot of space in my iTunes: The Avett Brothers
What movie do you watch at least once a year? Shawshank Redemption. Who couldn’t use a little more Morgan Freeman voice-over action?
What local tradition do you take part in every year? I’ve only been here for a year, but the Mardi Gras parade down 18th was a good time.
Celebrity you’d like to ride the Mamba with at Worlds of Fun: The ride might be fun with Will Ferrell, but I think waiting in line with him would be even better.
Favorite person or thing to follow on Twitter: I think following birds can lead you off a cliff.
Person or thing you find really irritating at this moment: I think there is a family of mice living in this enormous houseplant that I have.
What subscription — print, digital, etc. — do you value most? Popular Mechanics, because learning how to make your own jet pack is worth $1 an issue.
Last book you read: You’re going to love this: Thin Blue Smoke by Doug Worgul. It’s like Kansas City is one of the characters.
Favorite day trip: Still looking for a place. And around here, looking itself is a nice day trip.
What is your most embarrassing dating moment? I was on a date with a woman I was pretty excited about. I excused myself, went into what I thought was a relatively soundproof room and enthusiastically belted out a few bars of “La Donna e Mobile.” Come to find out the room wasn’t nearly as soundproof as I thought.
Interesting brush with the law? I had a cop pull over behind me just after I ran out of gas on the highway one time. My first time in a cop car was on a trip to the gas station. How great is that? Actually there when you need them!
Describe a recent triumph: I got an e-mail from this guy at The Pitch, and he asked me to fill out this questionnaire. (Insert local fame here.)
Red Star Studios’ five-day Summer Art Camp for kids begins July 30. See redstarstudios.org or call the studio at 816-474-7316, Tuesday through Saturday.
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