Summer

It's an iconic summer activity, especially in KC: pulling your car into a big gravel lot and watching movies under the stars.

In a time where there are so many ways to consume media, we examine the appeal of the drive-in ... and look at the past, present and future of this particular type of movie theater.

Guests:

Whether you spent hours in the summer sun at a lifeguard post or delivered hot, greasy pizzas across town, it's hard to forget your very first job. Today, callers and KCUR staffers share their memories and the lasting impacts of that first job or paycheck. Then, we meet the Kansas City high schooler whose year-long research project into the "suffrajitsu" movement earned her top marks at the National History Day competition.

For kids, summer means running through the scorching heat to cannonball into a cool pool. For parents, it means maintaining a watchful eye to keep children safe. Today, we talk with pediatric experts about basic warm weather first-aid and handling scenarios like drowning, bug bites, scrapes and more.

In a big gravel lot under a canopy of trees by Turkey Creek in Kansas City, Kansas, children spill out of parked cars toward a playground as parents set up lawn chairs and grab beer from the cooler. 

It's a typical Sunday night at the Boulevard Drive-In, and a few hours till the main event. As for what's showing?

"Oh, I can't remember. I'd have to look it up," says owner Wes Neal.

It's an iconic summer activity, especially in KC: pulling your car into a big gravel lot and watching movies under the stars.

In a time where there are so many ways to consume media, we examine the appeal of the drive-in ... and look at the past, present and future of this particular type of movie theater.

Guests:

Gillham Park Pool at 41st St. and Gillham Road in Midtown Kansas City, was built in 1977 as a fountain-wading pool hybrid. Generations of Kansas Citians have swum at the free facility — but this generation could be the last to remember the quirky pool.

Julian Gabriel started coming to the pool 13 years ago as a recent high school graduate, right after moving to the neighborhood from Jefferson City, Missouri.

July is here and with it come picnics, fireworks, and trips to the local swimming hole. As the holiday weekend approaches, families throughout the Kansas City area are seeking relief from the heat at pools, lakes and rivers. But with a series of recent swimming-related accidents in the region, what should you know about summer safety?

On Tuesday's Up to Date we discuss staying safe in and out of the water - whether you're working on your tan or enjoying a dip.

When the thermometer soars past 90 degrees, the idea of a hot meal sounds a lot less alluring than a bowl of cool fruit salad. They say that spicy food can actually cool you down, and if you’re sweating before you even pick up a fork – perhaps you’re willing to try anything?

On today’s edition of Central Standard, we beat the summer heat by taking a culinary tour into Coolsville: icy salads, chilled soups, glacial goodies, Siberian sandwiches, and frozen desserts.