Blog Feed

Posted on

Best Bookstores in Kansas City

Hi everyone! It’s Michael Gortenburg here.

As a reader myself, I always appreciate browsing through bookstores to find my next read. Kansas City is full of wonderful options that any book lover will enjoy. Here are some of the best bookstores Kansas City has to offer: 

Prospero’s Books 

At Prospero’s Books, three floors are filled to the brim with books for your next read. With plenty of restaurants and bars close by, you can grab a quick bite to eat as you stroll through the aisles. Readings, book releases, and art openings are just a few of the fun events open to the public. 

Afterword Tavern & Shelves 

Afterword serves a side of beer and a bite to eat along with your book purchase. Grab food with a friend and talk about the book you’re looking for. Or better yet, break out your newly purchased book and jump in as you relax with a nice glass of wine. 

Wise Blood Booksellers 

This bookstore is nestled inside a record store and provides new and used books for customers to browse through. They have various genres and a great selection of music to choose from so you can listen to your new book with the perfect soundtrack. 

Flagship Books 

This small, neighborhood bookstore is a nice respite during a busy day. They supply books across all genres and even offer a “Big Open Book Club” where readers can come and discuss whatever it is they’ve been reading. Drop in to hear readings from local Kansas City writers and pick up a book of your own. 

Rainy Day Books 

What I loved about Rainy Day Books was the personalized recommendations from staff. If you’re looking for a new read but can’t nail down what it is you’re looking for, staff will figure out the perfect book for you. This is especially helpful when out shopping for gifts. Rainy Day Books hosts over 300 author events yearly so be sure to stop in for a reading. 

Bookstores give literature fans the perfect space to discuss and appreciate the books they love. Next time you’re in Kansas City, be sure to stop by one of these stores to find your next read. 

If you want to know what books to buy when you’re visiting, check out this list of some of my favorites. Or, check out this blog if you want to figure out how to read more often.  

Michael Gortenburg, Founding Principal of Eighteen Capital Group (18CG) in Kansas City, Missouri. 
Also follow Michael on Medium, Twitter, and Xing.

Posted on

Things I Never Travel Without

Hi everyone! It’s Michael Gortenburg here. 

No one wants to forget something important when they travel. Forgetting a small item can cause a slight annoyance or cause big problems. Either way, you want to fully enjoy your hard-earned trip without worrying about something small. Here are some of the things I make sure never to travel without. 

Cash

I know many of us have come to rely on using our credit cards, but it’s good to always have cash on hand when traveling. Bring an amount you’re comfortable having handy for any impromptu purchases that need it. You don’t want to miss out on fun opportunities while traveling because the vendor only took bills. Not to mention, if you’re traveling abroad, cash is useful for currency exchanges when you need it most. 

Comfortable Shoes 

I understand the urge to look stylish while traveling, but making room in your luggage for more than just dress shoes is essential. If you’re like me, you’ll be doing a lot of exploring during you travels. Your feet will thank you when they’re not covered in blisters after the first day.  

Phone Charger 

In a world where nearly everyone’s got similar phone models, it’s usually easy to find someone nearby with a charger you can borrow. However, your own phone charger is just as important. When you’re traveling, make sure you bring your charger with you. You’ll need your phone for reservations and directions. You don’t want to get lost in a new place with no way to contact the people you’re with, so make sure your charger is ready to go. I always try to bring a portable charger with me so I can power up without an outlet!

Hand Sanitizer 

Travel is exciting, but it’s also quite dirty. It’s a small thing you might not think about when packing for your travels, but I’ve found this tiny bottle to be one of my most frequently used items. People I travel with are always eager to borrow some. I recommend keeping a travel-size bottle on hand for any instance where clean hands are a must. 

A Copy of Important Items

While I always make sure to have my driver’s license, or passport when necessary, on hand when I’m traveling, it’s important to consider what you’ll do if you misplace it. I recommend a paper copy of whatever could keep you from getting to the destination and back home safely and easily in your bag. There’s a lot of value in having all your important documents on your phone, but if that gets misplaced, you’ll want a backup plan. 

These are just a few items you won’t know you need until you do. When packing for trips, it’s always better to be safe than sorry!

Make sure to take a look at some of my other traveling tips here. 

Michael Gortenburg, Founding Principal of Eighteen Capital Group (18CG) in Kansas City, Missouri. 
Also follow Michael on Medium, Twitter, and Xing.

Posted on

2023 Mystery and Thriller Novels I’m Looking Forward To Reading

Hi everyone! It’s Michael Gortenburg here. 

Anyone who knows me knows I love an excellent edge-of-your-seat read. Needing to know what happens next is a great motivator that gets me reading more. Here are some mystery and thriller books debuting in 2023 that I can’t wait to dive into. 

“Just the Nicest Couple” by Mary Kubica 

Tension abounds in this thriller as a wife searches for her missing husband and finds that the couple they were close to knows more than they’re letting on. Alternating perspectives between Nina, looking desperately for her husband, and Christian, the other husband trying to cover it up to protect his wife, will make for an exciting read. 

“The Shards” by Bret Easton Ellis 

From the same author that crafted “American Psycho,” this thriller follows a teenage Bret on his journey from adolescence to adulthood. Bret finds himself in the middle of a tight-knit group of friends and a budding obsession with a new student, Mallory, just as a serial killer in Los Angeles targets teenagers. This story is set to fuse fiction with Bret Easton Ellis’ reality, making for an intriguing ride. 

“The Angel Maker” by Alex North 

This suspenseful new thriller follows a sister fighting to bring her missing brother home from a serial killer who seems to know the future. Katie Shaw and Detective Laurence Page try to make sense of the brutal actions of a notorious killer whose actions have haunted the Shaws for years. 

“Exiles” by Jane Harper 

Federal investigator, Aaron Falk, finds himself in South Australian wine country navigating the tight-knit family of a woman who went missing a year before. Long-ago truths threaten to emerge as Falk questions some people closest to him. This is the third book in the “Aaron Falk” series and is sure to be a heart-pounding installment. 

“The Kind Worth Saving” by Peter Swanson 

Private investigator Henry Kimball must investigate the husband of a woman from his past, only to be confronted with memories of the worst day of his life. Scared a murderer he thought was buried in his past is now closer than ever, he must investigate further into an infidelity case now turned homicide. This thrilling ca-and-mouse chase is the long-awaited second installment following Henry Kimball and Lily Kintner. 

If mystery isn’t your genre, seek the books that will excite you to read. These are just a few great reads that will be released in 2023 and I’m looking forward to including them in my collection. If you want tips on reading more, check out my blog about it here. 

While you’re waiting for these books’ releases, look at some of my other favorite mysteries and thrillers. 

Michael Gortenburg, Founding Principal of Eighteen Capital Group (18CG) in Kansas City, Missouri. 
Also follow Michael on Medium, Twitter, and Xing.

Posted on

Best Places to Eat in Kansas City

Hi everyone! It’s Michael Gortenburg here. 

As a native of Kansas City, I’ve spent my life looking for great places to eat. It can be daunting figuring out where you want to eat. Nobody wants to spend a bunch of money only to end up hating the meal they’re eating. Whether you’re just visiting or a resident looking for new places to try, I’ve got a list of some of the best places to eat in Kansas City. 

Golden Ox 

Golden Ox is a steakhouse staple and is the birthplace of the Kansas City strip steak. Meat lovers have plenty of hearty, delicious menu items to choose from. Come ready to eat as they’ve got plenty of incredible appetizers and sides to fill you up. 

The Rockhill Grille

The Rockhill Grille offers an elegant dining experience with American cuisine and creative cocktails. Friendly staff and a great location make it a great spot for a date night away from the kids. You’ll be able to pick from a variety of delicious choices for brunch, lunch, and dinner. 

Mildred’s 

If you’re looking for a breakfast place to start off your day right, look no further than Mildred’s. Family-owned and operated for 25 years, Mildred’s has expanded far beyond its initial status as a small “Ma and Pa” and has since become a booming breakfast staple. Plenty of options are available for sweet or savory breakfast offerings and coffee for a nice caffeine fix. 

Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que

Any Kansas City native will tell that barbecue is an important part of the city’s culture. Joe’s Kansas City BBQ is a relaxed BBQ pit stop that gives diners an extensive selection of incredible barbecue to choose from. They’ve got three locations, but I recommend visiting the original gas station location if you have the chance. 

Garazzo’s Downtown

You won’t find a better source of quality Italian food than Garazzo’s. Italian eatery at its finest, they’ve been a staple of the community for the past 32 years.  Garazzo’s has a welcoming, familial atmosphere that makes their home-cooked recipes taste even more delicious. Be sure to try out the owner’s private wine label, Garozzo Cellars Chianti Classico, to pair with your meal when you’re visiting. 

Kansas City is filled with incredible restaurants that can satisfy any appetite. I hope that this guide will be helpful the next time you’re trying to figure out where to eat out in Kansas City. 

If you’re looking for other places to visit in Kansas City, check out my blog on some of my favorite places.

Michael Gortenburg, Founding Principal of Eighteen Capital Group (18CG) in Kansas City, Missouri. 

Also follow Michael on Medium, Twitter, and Xing. 

Posted on

How to Read More Often

Hi everyone! It’s Michael Gortenburg here. 

Reading as a hobby can be difficult. For many such as myself, the main problem you face is simply finding the time. When we have other commitments to attend to, it can be easy to let reading fall to the wayside. I wanted to share some ways for you to make the time to pick up a book!

Make a list of books you want to read

It’s easier to make time for reading when you feel excited to read. Look up books in your favorite genre and make a list of books you can look forward to. I’ve found websites like Goodreads especially helpful when trying to narrow down my next read. 

If you’re looking for mystery and thriller novels, consider checking out my blog where I discuss some of my favorites. 

Start by reading a few pages each day

If it’s been a while, don’t be afraid to set a lower number as your reading goal. Try reading just 15 or 20 pages a night before you go to bed. It’ll be a great way to reduce your screen time before bed and ease yourself back into the habit. If you keep it up, soon enough you’ll be able to get through pages at a quicker pace. 

Listen to audiobooks. 

Many of us are leading busy lives and don’t often have the time to physically sit down and read a book. What I’ve found helpful is listening to audiobooks as I’m cleaning, exercising, or driving in the car. Audiobooks are a great, hands-free alternative. Audiobooks tend to be pricier than their hardcopy counterparts, so I suggest using a library app like Libby to get access and support your local public library. 

Use the Library

It can be hard to fully commit to buying a book when you’re first starting to get back into reading. Libraries will help save you money and give you a time limit. If you’re someone who’s motivated by a deadline, a library due date could be the perfect solution to get you reading. 

Join a book club

What might be holding you back from making more time for reading is not having anyone to talk about your book with. A book club can make your reading experience more engaging as many will provide their members with questions to keep in mind as they read. Whether you love or hate a book, you’ll have a group of people to discuss your thoughts with. 

Reading is a great hobby to cultivate but can be difficult to make time for. Once you figure out which reading methods work best for you, you’ll be zipping through your pile of books in no time. 

Michael Gortenburg, Founding Principal of Eighteen Capital Group (18CG) in Kansas City, Missouri. 

Also follow Michael on Medium, Twitter, and Xing. 

Posted on

Best Places to See Live Music in Kansas City

Hi everyone! It’s Michael Gortenburg here. 

There’s nothing better than listening to music live and in person. Getting to listen along with a crowd creates an experience like no other. Here are some recommendations on where to listen to live music in Kansas City from a lifelong native. 

Green Lady Lounge

The Green Lady Lounge pays tribute to Kansas City’s jazz legacy with local musicians playing their own compositions. A retro atmosphere free of screens awaits patrons so they can focus entirely on the music and the people around them. The dimly lit bar has excellent cocktails for you to sip on while you enjoy the amazing music. 

Uptown Theater

This historic theater holds shows and events for a wide variety of musicians that all music lovers will enjoy. Following a $15 million renovation, Uptown Theater is one of the few atmospheric theaters still operating and is a must-see for any music fans. 

Knuckleheads

Knuckleheads has five stages that provide five different concert experiences for guests. For those seeking out big outdoor concerts, visit the Outdoor Stage and Courtyard Theater to see your favorite artists perform. For those seeking bigger venues with their own unique charm, visit the Knuckleheads Garage or the Saloon Stage. If you’re looking for a place to dance and drink, stop by the Fender Stage or check out the Gospel Lounge for a more intimate listening experience. 

CrossroadsKC at Grinders

The outdoor venue CrossroadsKC at Grinders has artists playing everything from rock to reggae and country to hip-hop. There’s something for everyone here though it’s always good to keep the weather in mind when planning on attending. With great food and an exciting environment, this is one of the Premier venues for live music in Kansas City. 

 T-Mobile Center

T-Mobile Center is an arena downtown that hosts popular artists for large-scale, crowd-packed concerts. As Kansas City’s premier home for live entertainment and sports events, it’s a popular destination for those looking to see a live performance so be sure to get your ticket early. 

Kansas City has a musical history that visitors and natives alike should take the time to appreciate. These venues are just some of the many options for music lovers to get their fix. 

If you want my recommendations on the best sights to see in Kansas City, check out my blog here. 

Michael Gortenburg, Founding Principal of Eighteen Capital Group (18CG) in Kansas City, Missouri. 

Also follow Michael on Medium, Twitter, and Xing.

Posted on

Tips on Being More Efficient in the New Year

Hi everyone! It’s Michael Gortenburg here. 

Many of us may have already dropped our New Year’s Resolutions by now, but I personally believe there’s no wrong time to make a positive change in your life. Here are some tips for those looking to be more efficient in 2023. 

Break Tasks Down Into Smaller Pieces 

The urge to procrastinate is hard to resist and I’ve learned that breaking down work into smaller chunks is very helpful when trying to concentrate. When looking at a big project or task, take a step back and zero in on what can be done first. One of the easiest ways to do this is to allocate a manageable amount of time you can dedicate each day to working on the project to make it feel more manageable.  

Figure Out What Needs to Be Done First 

Whether it’s for work or chores at home, look at what you need to do and think to yourself “What could cause a problem if I don’t get it done now?” For work, if a specific task is due that day, you’ll want to make finishing it a priority. At home, if you’re choosing between cleaning up a spill on the living room carpet or cleaning the oven, you’ll want to focus on cleaning up the spill before a stain can set. Prioritizing your tasks each day helps you become more productive on a day-to-day basis. 

Write Down a List of Your Tasks for Reference 

Many of us are leading busy lives with to-do lists we can’t keep straight from day to day. If you’ve got a busy day or week ahead of you, take a few minutes to write down a list of everything you need to get done. It can be easy to lose track of what you should be doing, so it’s handy having a list to refer back to. Plus, if you’re someone like me who loves having a to-do list to check off, you’ll feel even more accomplished when you finish! 

Learn to Say “No”

Sometimes in the name of being efficient, we say “yes” to everything thrown our way. But to be efficient, you can’t take on more than you can handle. Learn to know when your plate is full and be comfortable turning down others so you can prioritize yourself. 

Take Breaks

One of the most crucial parts of being more efficient is taking a break. If you’re operating at full speed 100% of the time, you’re bound to burn out. Your body and mind need time to recuperate if they’re going to be as efficient as you want them to be. If you want recommendations on books to read in your downtime, check out my blog here. 

When your life gets busy, it’s easy to succumb to the stress and get overwhelmed, but life doesn’t have to be that way. I hope these tips will help guide you so that your life throughout 2023 is more efficient than ever. 

Michael Gortenburg, Founding Principal of Eighteen Capital Group (18CG) in Kansas City, Missouri. 
Also follow Michael on Medium, Twitter, and Xing.

Posted on

5 Reasons to Invest In Real Estate

Hi everyone! It’s Michael Gortenburg here. 

As many face financial difficulty in the wake of the pandemic, you may look for ways to boost your income. Real estate provides great benefits for those looking to diversify their portfolio and avoid riskier investments. Here are five reasons why you should invest in real estate:  

Tax Benefits 

When tax season arrives, real estate investors are able to write off fees for managing their properties. The costs of owning and operating can provide some decent tax breaks. If you’re able to sell your property for more than what you bought it for, then it won’t be counted as taxed income. 

Chance to Build Capital 

If you invest in the right properties, you’ll be able to expand your capital by selling it once its value has risen. One of the main goals of investing in real estate is to build out capital, or cash. What’s important is making sure you’re investing in the right properties and knowing the right time to sell. 

Diversification 

In times of economic turmoil, such as the one we’re currently facing, diversification can be key to protecting you from riskier financial investments. If certain stocks are facing a downturn, your real estate could still be increasing in value, protecting you from greater financial harm. 

Stable Cash Flow 

Renting out property to tenants is a good source of additional monthly income. After mortgage payments and any supplemental operating costs, the additional profit leftover is yours to take. Just make sure you’re renting out to reliable tenants. You don’t want to constantly be short of a check by the end of the month and have to cut into your own funds. 

Inflation Protection 

As inflation increases prices, property values also increase. You’ll be able to make more for higher operating expenses in order to compensate where you’re paying more in other areas. 

Figure out what kind of real estate investment is right for you. Do you want to rent out a property to families or business owners? The most important thing when investing in real estate is choosing the property that aligns with you and your goals. You’ll want to choose a property that will ideally move up in value instead of depreciating. Either way, you’ll be able to expand your financial resume and receive several financial benefits. 

If you want to learn about ways to boost the resale value of property you already own, read my blog here about home renovations I recommend. 

Michael Gortenburg, Founding Principal of Eighteen Capital Group (18CG) in Kansas City, Missouri. 

Also follow Michael on Medium, Twitter, and Xing. 

Posted on

Travel Tips and Tricks for 2023

Hi everyone! It’s Michael Gortenburg here. 

Traveling can be stressful. As a seasoned traveler myself, I know how much effort goes into trip preparation. Today, I wanted to share some tips about aspects of your vacation you may put on the back burner. Here are some tips to keep in mind as you plan your next vacation. 

Never Underestimate Lines at the Airport

It may seem overkill to get to the airport hours ahead of takeoff but it’s essential to keep in mind. Some international travelers are waiting up to four hours to get through security. Don’t miss out on your dream vacation because the line for TSA is moving too slowly. Better to be early and bored than to miss your flight entirely. If you’re looking for a good read to pass the time waiting in the terminal, check out my blog about some of my favorite mystery novels. 

Budget Accordingly 

Traveling expenses can add up pretty quickly. Create a travel budget that will account for essentials like food and lodging but remember to take experiences into consideration. Give yourself room to make some pre-planned “impulsive” decisions on your trip. 

Invest in a Quality Suitcase. 

Many travelers fall victim to the overpacking impulse. This can be a pain when you’re trying to consolidate the number of bags you’re checking at the airport. Invest in a suitcase that can compensate for any last-minute additions to your clothes for the trip and anything you decide to purchase while you’re away. 

Study Up. 

It’s always important to know some of the ground rules for where you’re traveling. You should know. What’s a big no-no? Are there any cultural differences? Is there any special clothing you need to pack? Look at the weather forecast and be prepared for different climates depending on the time of year. You don’t have to know the ins and outs of everything but it’s good to have a general knowledge of the area you’re visiting so you can ensure you have the best trip possible. 

Don’t Be Afraid of the Tourist Label 

Tourists tend to get a bad rep. Many people get caught up trying to avoid judgment from locals but as long as you’re being respectful, embrace your status as a traveler. Don’t be afraid to ask for directions or visit the monument already clogged up with other visitors. They’re popular for a reason! 

Preparedness pays off but make sure you don’t get too caught up in the details when you’re traveling. It’s good to have a plan so you can make the most out of your time but don’t sweat it too much if things get knocked a bit off course. Wherever you’re going, enjoy your visit! 

Michael Gortenburg, Founding Principal of Eighteen Capital Group (18CG) in Kansas City, Missouri. 

Also follow Michael on Medium, Twitter, and Xing. 

Posted on

Top-Rated National Charities You Should Donate Toward

Hi everyone, Michael Gortenburg here. 

We all want to make the world a better place but when it comes down to donating, it can be difficult to nail down who you want to help and how. Today, I want to share with you some reputable charities you might want to consider: 

St. Jude’s Hospital 

St. Jude’s Research Hospital works to advance cures for deadly illnesses affecting children through research and treatment. Their mission is “no child should ever die in the dawn of their life.” They provide complete monetary support for families who can’t otherwise pay for their children’s medical bills. Donations to St. Jude are what keep families from ever receiving a bill. Unlike other hospitals, they rely solely on donations to support their mission. St. Jude’s is unique in that you get to see where your money is going. Donations directly support families seeking treatment for their children and provide them relief during an incredibly difficult time in their lives. 

National Federation of the Blind

The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) is the largest and oldest organization led by blind people in the country. They work to let the world know that blindness is not what defines someone and to continually raise expectations for what their community is capable of. Proceeds to the NFB go toward training and education for blind youth, advocacy for the community, and investing in accessible technology. 

Mental Health America

Mental Health America (MHA) works to educate the public on mental health and reduce barriers to diagnosis and treatment. They’re doing the work to reduce the stigma around mental health and provide solutions and resources to those who live with it. MHA has raised over one million dollars to support mental health programs, screened eight million people for mental health conditions, and reached 31 million people through public education programs. Those who suffer from a mental health condition may sometimes suffer in silence and organizations such as MHA are striving to start the conversation on mental illness. 

Helping others in an effort to make the world a better place, or Tikkun Olam is an important part of my Jewish heritage. These are just a few of the many great charities that put in the work to educate the public and aid vulnerable communities. At the end of the day, by contributing to a charity, you make a contribution in someone’s life. 

Michael Gortenburg, Founding Principal of Eighteen Capital Group (18CG) in Kansas City, Missouri. 

Also follow Michael on Medium, Twitter, and Xing.