MASSIVE TURNOUT FOR CHAMPIONSHIP SPORTING KANSAS CITY CELEBRATION @ UNION STATION TONIGHT!!!

Just a quick peek @ The Sporting Kansas City Union Station celebration tonight . . .

Above, the "auto-awesome function" that I have no idea works . . .



No way I was getting close to this event . . . This is the outsiders view . . .



Sprint Plaza @ Union Station was filled to capacity with JoCo denizens . . . Admittedly, this was a good tourism opportunity . . .



This pic looks much better on my phone . . .



This one two . . .

Sadly, the pix look better on The TKC FB . . .

The bittersweet news . . .

MLS Cup champion Jimmy Nielsen announces retirement after 19-year professional career

More in a bit . . .

MUST SEE!!! SPORTING KANSAS CITY TROPHY VISITS 12TH & OAK CITY HALL TOO!!!

Today Kansas City celebrates Sporting Kansas City MLS Championship victory.

Our friends @ The Kansas City Kansan offer a look at a victory lap on their side of the State Line.

And now . . .

CHECK THE SPORTING KANSAS CITY MLS CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY @ CITY HALL IN KCMO!!!

More in a bit . . .

Lucy Pinder And Kansas City Links Tonight!!!

Lucy Pinder helps us bust out these Kansas City mainstream media links . . .

- The Jackson County Cash List: Jackson County COMBAT awards anti-violence funding to area organizations

- MUST SEE deets that we'll explore later . . . Secret Service agent deals with memories, guilt for JFK’s death

- Paying For The Playoff Race: City and county officials reach long-term funding deal for maintaining Truman Sports Complex

- Show-Me Bud Talk: Your comments requested on legalizing pot in Missouri

- No Confirmation Of This Tragic Situation: Body found matching description of missing KU student

- Show-Me State Sanctioned Killing: Missouri prepares for another execution

- Posthumous Kansas city Baseball Losing: Dan Quisenberry not picked by Hall of Fame committee

- Left Turn Charity: Kansas Speedway will match $100,000 charity award

- Golden Ghetto Computer try: Johnson County DMV to try longer hours

- Help Santa Save The Planet: Kansas City Company Pushes Holiday Light Recycling

Another OPEN THREAD for all you off-topic sexies . . .

CHECK THE ROCK CHALK KANSAS CITY NEWSIE JACK HARRY KU FAN FACT CHECK: HE DID NOT USE THE TERM GAYHAWKS!!!

Our favorite Kansas City sports newsie makes a clarification and fact check in response to social media outrage . . .



A message from Jack Harry.

That should put this particular controversy to rest but won't stop Jayhawk b-ball fans from their constant crybaby routine . . . And mostly early exits from the tournament.

TKC BREAKING NEWS!!! SHOCK!!! DEFENSIVE HUBBY THREATENS LAWSUIT AGAINST TKC!!!

There's a seemingly endless supply of weirdos out there on the Internets . . .

Here's the latest communique from a defensive hubby who seems intent on wrecking the singing career of his wife . . .

"Hey buddy, I need to confirm your address. You'll be getting served with papers in a week or two."

Sadly, it's easier but more expensive to hire lawyers rather than recruit "union thug labor" to hand out beat downs which is what this guy threatened this blog community with last time around.

The TKC response was polite, always concerned about frivolous litigation and the toll that would take on our legal system especially when it comes to debate over Kansas City Jazz (oy) and, of course, always informative and entertaining.

Meanwhile . . .

SOME KANSAS CITY JAZZ SINGING LADY MUST BE REALLY GREAT IF SHE INSPIRES THIS MUCH CONTROVERSY!!!

So maybe there's hope for a Kansas City jazz renaissance after all. Or maybe not.

Developing . . .

Missouri Education Commish Nicastro Earns 'Full Vote Of Confidence' Despite Political Complaints Of Kansas City Public Schools

One again Show-Me politics taking center stage over education in UNACCREDITED Kansas City Public Schools: Peter Herschend, president of the Missouri state Board of Education, today gave Commissioner Chris Nicastro a full vote of confidence, despite mounting calls for her resignation.

Kansas City GSA Part Deux Downtown

I hope this means there won't be a toxic nuke facility downtown too in addition to about 900 or more new jobs . . . KC Biz journal: Sources expect Two Pershing Square to get GSA lease

Another perspective from The Pitch: Downtown Loop misses another opportunity to attract jobs

KMBC: GSA to move 900 employees to downtown Kansas City

TKC Reader: "If GSA cared about the Federal employees, they would have gotten space in JoCo - free parking and no earning tax."

TKC BREAKING AND EXCLUSIVE NEWS!!! EMERGENCY: KANSAS CITY CHANGING THE RULES TO PAY POLSINELLI PC FOR EVEN MORE TOY TRAIN STREETCAR WORK!!!

The Kansas City Toy Train Streetcar money grab is right on track and here's the latest tidbit that garnering a great deal of attention from local critics but remains almost completely unreported by mainstream media.

Check it:

CITY HALL WILL SOON CHANGE THE CITY'S CHARTER IN ORDER TO HIRE THE POLSINELLI PC LAW FIRM FOR MORE KANSAS CITY TOY TRAIN STREETCAR WORK!!!

It's not really pretty but the sitch remains a captivating look at how local government really works . ..



Here's the proof . . .

Ordinance #130944

"Waiving a requirement of Section 2-83(a), Code of Ordinances, and authorizing the City Attorney to execute a contract with Polsinelli PC, for the provision of legal services in connection with the creation of one or more Transportation Development Districts; and recognizing an emergency."

The new contracts should cover streetcar expansion, new lines and even more elections that smarter people than TKC have called corrupt.



Justification:

WHEREAS, Polsinelli PC, occasionally represents clients in litigation or negotiations with the City and is willing to represent the City in any TDD efforts only if the law firm is able to continue to represent those clients and other such clients in the future; and

WHEREAS, the Council does not believe that the City’s interests in any TDD efforts will be adversely affected by Polsinelli PC’s representation of other current or future clients in matters adverse to the City . . . 



TKC Talking Points . . .

- Tossing aside the City Charter to pay Polsinelli for more toy train streetcar work is yet another example of local democracy corrupted for the sake of shaky eco-devo schemes.

- The sweetest way for local lawyer sharks to get paid is to work both sides of any argument . . . A devil's threesome with City Hall and their multi-billion dollar budget might make an EPIC windfall for generations.

- So far the Kansas City Toy Train Streetcar has subsidized PR consultants, marketing groups and law firms but we still haven't learned the names of any new biz that it has attracted to Kansas City.

Developing . . .

SHOW-ME DEBATE NOT PROPAGANDA: MISSOURI SCHOOL PLAN BETTER THAN WAITING FOR KCPS TURNAROUND?!?!

Here's what has been lost in a recent citywide propaganda blast disguised as news . . .

IS STATEWIDE CONTROL FOR FAILING KANSAS CITY SCHOOLS BETTER THAN WAITING ON A NEVER-ENDING LITANY OF PROMISES REGARDING THE KCPS?!?!

Of course proponents, Administrators, teachers and sexually harassing employees of the district are going to sing praises of the KCPS and buy the line about "stabilization" but there really aren't many advocates with the best interests of students in mind.

Maybe "conspiring" against the KCPS isn't such a bad thing.

So, like it or not . . . This blog is the best place to get an accurate view of Kansas City opinion on the future of public education in Missouri. Natch.

The question:

SHOULD WE WAIT ANOTHER 25 YEARS FOR A KCPS TURNAROUND OR ALLOW MISSOURI REPUBLICANS TO TAKEOVER KANSAS CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS MIRED IN FAILURE?!?!

While this political debate rages . . . It's important to understand that the OVERWHELMING MAJORITY OF KANSAS CITY RESIDENTS have voted with their feet in the long term and have abandoned the district and surrounding neighborhoods to find better options for their children given enrollment stats over the past generation. Currently, there's hope that THE UNACCREDITED STATUS OF THE KCPS will allow more students to transfer out without having to leave the city.

Developing . . .

IS WESTPORT GOING UPSCALE TO AVOID KANSAS CITY YOUTH FLASH MOB MESS?!?!

Westport is Kansas City's longest standing party-district and their latest strategy seems to hope that searching for an "upscale" patrons will avoid youth violence problems that have plauged the County Club Plaza and seem to be spreading across the city.

Check the comment:

Lots of people in town know Laura Norris from her jobs as Exec. Director of non profits like Youth Friends, Planned Parenthood and others.

The December cover story in CampKC profiles is Laura's new Italian deli/bistro next door to Bistro 303. Formerly a cell phone store. If you notice, Westport is becoming more upscale these days and very few vacant store fronts like a couple of years ago.
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So . . .

WILL THE NEW 'UPSCALE' AND LGBTQIA FRIENDLY STRATEGY TO SAVE WESTPORT WORK?!?!?

The approach requires cooperation from some of the worst and most stubborn merchants in all of Kansas City who regularly undercut one another . . . So, we'll have to wait and see.

Show-Me Mary Sanchez Sharing Her Missouri Collective Bargaining Boeing Deal Insight

The World According To Mary Sanchez: Missouri's Boeing bid will play a part in union fight

Farewell To Heartland Men's Chorus Honcho

Onward and upward from a local institution: "Heartland Men’s Chorus congratulates Dr. Joe Nadeau on his appointment as Artistic Director of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles. He will begin his new post in August and will lead HMC’s artistic efforts through the December 2013 concert."

Kansas City 71 Highway Death Trap And More Cold Kansas City Weather Links!!!

As we start the week . . . It's important to realize that both MoDOT and City Hall have FAILED this town in the aftermath of a 1-inch snowfall.

Links:

Fox4: Accidents reported along 71 Highway during Monday morning rush

Marginally related . . . KCTV5 Reports Danger for anybody staying at home too: Five house fires in KC area blamed on fireplaces

Kansas City Zoo Penguin Plaza Clip

A whimsical look at the luxury accommodations for flightless birds via the Kansas City FOREVER tax . . .



From an upcoming documentary . . .

More in a bit . . .

Northeast Kansas City Mini-Mansion Pix

Hyperblogal reviews the some of the nicer homes in one of your favorite Kansas City hoods: Historic Northeast Mini-Mansions Volume 5

Kansas City Blogger: 'Tis The Season For Locally Grown And Undercooked Dairy

Eat It Kansas City guide the grossest of all undercooked beverages: White Chocolate Peppermint Eggnog with Safest Choice Eggs

MILEY CYRUS TWERKS SANTA AND LET'S GET BACK TO THE KANSAS CITY GRIND!!!

Miley Cyrus shakes her moneymaker and ruins Santa for everybody . . . Also, here are the Kansas City mainstream media links we're checking this morning . . .

- Tragically, Kansas City Can't Drive In The Snow: Pile-ups reported across the metro

- Sunflower State Politico Slapfight: Roberts, GOP foe squabbles over ethics

- Political Correctness In Belton Highlights NFL Corporate Hypocrisy: Sonic apologizes for 'scalp the Redskins' sign outside Belton drive-in

- Babies Are Dying Amid Austerity, African-American Children At Triple The Rate: Rural areas in Kansas see higher infant mortality rates

- Kansas City School Closings For One Inch Of Snow . . . NO KIDDING!!!



- New York Times: Quarterbacking at Missouri Requires Team-First Mentality

- Star Backs The Status Quo: Strong foundation built for anti-crime program in Kansas City

- Credit Where It's Due . . . Searching For Somebody Besides A White Broad: Police seek information on missing KU student

- Good News: ‘Shop With a Cop’ gives to needy kids

- Nipple-y Kansas City: Work week off to a bitterly cold start



AND WE'RE BACK!!!

As always, this is just another OPEN THREAD for off-topic insights and all kind of other stuff.

More in a bit . . .

TKC BREAKING NEWS!!! ATTENTION D-BAGS: THERE'S STILL TIME TO GET KANSAS CITY MAYOR SLY JAMES A BIRTHDAY PRESENT!!!

A glorious occasion for the acolytes of Kansas City's top politico is coming soon . . .

Check it:

TOMORROW KANSAS CITY MAYOR SLY JAMES CELEBRATES HIS 62ND B-DAY!!! SO THERE'S STILL A FEW MOMENTS TO GO AND BUY HIM A PRESENT!!!



The MOST AWESOME TKC TIPSTERS remind us that the Mayor's FB lists his b-day as December 9, 1951 . . .So I guess, he'll be 62 if he's not fudging the number like the numbers we've heard from the general fund. So that leaves just a little bit of time to pick up our town's most powerful politico something nice . . . I was thinking about one of these roses they sell at convenience stores or maybe a Starbuck's mug . . . Just something that'll prove that we love him more than all of those people complaining about the toy train.

Hopefully, more BREAKING/EXCLUSIVE NEWS, discussion, debate, discourse, probably more than our fair share of hateration and all kinds of good stuff . . . STAY TUNED!!!

SHOCK!!! KANSAS CITY SUNDAY SECOND CHANCE SNOW REMOVAL FAIL!!!

Like it or not, 2013 in Kansas City finishes with Mayor Sly and Council neglecting their responsibility when it comes to maintaining local infrastructure while streets remain deadly and dangerous in more ways than one.

Let's not overlook

THE MAIN STREET CVS ROBBED BY A DUDE WITH A MEAT CLEAVER!!!

Back to the snow fail:

NBC Action News: Snowy Roads wreak havoc around KC

KCTV5: Snow slickened roads cause 8-vehicle wreck near downtown KC

KSHB: Loop back open after semi hits man

Accordingly . . .

ROUND II OF SNOW IN KANSAS CITY FEATURES MORE STREET CLEANING FAILURE!!!

The scary thought for tonight is that so far we've basically only dealt with a light dusting and about an inch of snow today with worse winter weather on the way.

Developing . . .

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS SCALP REDSKINS 45-10

This bottom-dwelling NFL game between the Chiefs and Redskins featured two recent losers in a contest that was anything but competitive.

However . . .

THERE'S REALLY NOTHING TO BRAG ABOUT AMID THIS MEANINGLESS BLOWOUT AGAINST A TEAM IN DISARRAY AND IN DESPERATE NEED OF A NAME CHANGE!!!

In classic Chiefs fashion the team really just played spoiler to Coach Mike Shanahan who is soon to get the boot.

The battle betwixt two tragically named teams was maybe the worst thing the NFL had to offer today and demonstrates the overall caliber of opponents who have contributed to this season's so-called "turnaround" for the Chiefs.

What to watch . . . Sports newsies pretending that this victory translates into real football.

In fairness, the win might earn the Chiefs a playoff spot . . . But again, it doesn't really prove that the Chiefs belong among the NFL's best.

The Chiefs are still deserving of a great deal of skepticism and this game didn't do much to answer longstanding questions about the team.

Developing . . .

Kansas City Chiefs Halftime Report: 38-10 Blowout And Local Links!!!

Here's a look at local Sunday news while The Kansas City Chiefs stay winning over one of the most pathetic teams in a game that's more silly than sloppy . . .

- Dangerous Cowtown Streets: Driver killed, passenger injured in 2-car wreck in Kansas City

- JoCo Blaze: Fire forces 4 people out of Shawnee home

- National Real Estate Fail: Los Angeles deputies convicted in KC mortgage fraud case

- More Deets On Kansas City Pop Connection: A National Geographic Photo Inspired Pop Star Lorde to Write Her Hit “Royals”

- Show-Me Campaign For Mercy: Campaign seeks clemency for Mo. woman convicted of murder

- Local Theater: Unicorn's well-acted 'Clybourne Park' a comedy with serious message

- Snowy Kansas City Joe’s Weather Blog: Sunday Update To The Snow

Consider this another OPEN THREAD for off-topic conversation and trash talk . . .

THE TKC SUNDAY SPECIAL!!! KANSAS CITY BROADWAY JAZZ CLUB CONTROVERSY!!! DEFENSIVE HUBBY THREATENS AFTER INSULTS OVER SINGER WIFE DEBUT!!!

This morning we're featuring a bit of contentious online correspondence in the aftermath of a Kansas City Jazz Club debut.

To wit . . .

CHECK THESE THREATENING MESSAGES TO TKC FROM A DEFENSIVE HUBBY AFTER COMMENTERS INSULTED A KANSAS CITY LADY JAZZ SINGER!!!


The Threatening Message From A Defensive Kansas City Hubby Of A Local Jazz Singing Lady

There are some pretty f#cking vile messages about my wife who sang at the (Broadway Jazz Club) opening and will be singing at the Kauffman NYE party.

I seem to be blocked, as I can't respond, so I asked A FRIEND to post my email for me and tell them if any of these filthy mother f#ckers want to arrange to meet me in person and discuss their thoughts, by all f*cking means....please do. I'll put one or all in the f#cking ER, either singlehanded or with a f#cking congregation of union thug labor that owes me.

I'm NOT f*cking kidding; your boys stepped WAY over the line and I'm NOT DONE with this!
############

Fact check . . . This characterization of "union thug labor" probably reveals that the angry e-mailer won't be getting any help from proponents of collective bargaining despite a boastful claim.

Moreover . . .

THE ANGRY MESSAGE FILLED WITH EXPLETIVES WAS MET WITH MY COURTEOUS, INFORMATIVE, INSIGHTFUL AND POLITE RESPONSE!!!

Take a look . . .

The TKC Response To Defensive Hubby:

Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I had not seen any of those horrible comments until now.

Two things . . .

You are not "blocked" I don't run software or alter code to block anyone. If you're having problems accessing the site - Which is common in both Wordpress and Blogger - That is not the result of any "blocking" on my part.

Secondly . . .

You write: "Your boys" . . . This implies that I have a connection to the people who leave often horrible comments on my blog. That's simply incorrect and inaccurate. I don't take any responsibility or hold any affiliation with the overwhelming majority of the people leaving comments on my blog. I just thought it was important to clarify as much.

More important than all of this . . .

I'm sorry for the bad online comments about your wife and her performance.

This really bad situation seems reminiscent of Harry Truman's letter to critic Paul Hume . . . I think the lesson here is that sometimes it's better to step back, take a breath and realize that there will always be evil people in this world who have hurtful things to say. Admittedly, sometimes I have trouble following my own advice.

Again, thank you for sending this message about your situation and I can only hope my words have helped to ease any tension you have regarding negative online reviews.

Please let me know if you have any more questions or concerns.

Peace,

Tony Botello
www.tonyskansascity.com
##############

To which Defensive Hubby Replied . . . 

That may be satisfactory for you, not me.

I'll take it from here; you're both sponsoring, allowing and condoning it.

Thanks.

Defensive Hubby
###########

In the aftermath of this Kansas City Broadway Jazz Club CONTROVERSY frustration I feel like it's important to document everything and once again offer my sympathy to any local performer struggling to make it. The local music scene can be rough and the words of online critics always cut the deepest. That's why I try to be supportive and only highlight artists I think are worthy and prepared for distinction.

Also, I don't respond very well to threats that include mention of violence.

TKC is the last Kansas City bastion of local free speech on the topics of politics, culture and all kinds of AWESOME . . . This forum isn't for the faint of heart or overly sensitive jazz aficionados who can't take critiques that are common on the Internets.

In fairness, we have never heard this jazz singing lady and we're sure she's great . . . The merits of online discourse and comments eventually reveal their intrinsic value and while disagreement is part of any productive discussion . . . Threats of violence strike a sour note and don't sound like the appropriate response to music criticism or commonplace Internets hateration.

And so we wish the best to this Kansas City jazz singing lady and her DEFENSIVE HUBBY who might need a bit more practice in dealing with the public before taking center stage again.

Developing . . .

SHOCK!!! KANSAS WESTBORO BAPTIST HATERS CLAIM THEY'RE 'BOOKING FLIGHTS' TO PROTEST NELSON MANDELA FUNERAL!!!

Hater clan from Kansas attempting to take to the international stage in order to garner more attention for their hateful message:

Raw Story: Westboro Baptists ‘booking flights’ for Johannesburg to protest Mandela’s funeral

No way in Hell this is ever going to happen for a lot of reasons but mostly because American freedom of speech doesn't mean much in Africa and this crew wouldn't last a second without a 'homefield' advantage . . .

MUST SEE!!! KANSAS CITY FASHION FOR NELSON-ATKINS MUSEUM PARTY ARTY!!!

High art meet high art for this annual Kansas City celebration catering to the culture of the 1%.

Accordingly . . .

CHECK OUT THIS HIGH FASHION GUIDE TO THE UPCOMING NELSON-ATKINS MUSEUM OF ART PARTY ARTY EVENT!!!

Check it:



"Party Arty Mirage" - How To Dress (Nelson-Atkins Museum)

Director deets to the high-class Kansas City party . . .

"Kansas City fashion gurus from Paolini Garment Company, feng, and Standard Style give us a look into how to dress for Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art's event, Party Arty Mirage. Each designer showcases three different looks for the Mirage theme - ranging from subtle yet vibrant to extremely unique. Be sure to buy your tickets to this year's event on January 18, 2014."

Unfortunately, I don't see any baseball cap styling . . . So TKC will not be attending . . . We won't call it a boycott but more of a silent protest against the Butler building disguised Kansas City creative expression.

Show-Me The Demise Of Daisy Media Chain

Remember when this was a big deal???

Maryville case puts Missouri juvenile justice system under the microscope

Just weeks later . . . The cause has mostly evaporated once so many outraged Internets denizens witnessed Missouri Democratic operatives working to push themselves to the forefront of this controversy in order to garner more fundraising and consulting gigs to power the next election cycle . . .

KANSAS CITY DOGGIE BITES DO-GOODER!!!

KMBC confirms that anthropomorphism stays losing and offers a life lesson about how much animals "love" those who sacrifice to help them: A volunteer of the Kansas City Pet Project was bit on the cheek at a recent adoption event.

Newspaper Touts Unaccredited Kansas City Public School District 'Stabilization' And Academic Improvement In Order To Slam Missouri DESE Commish Nicastro

Newspaper spin touting a momentous achievement that still didn't qualify for accreditation: "They show Missouri Education Commissioner Chris Nicastro was eager to create a new school system, even as the long-beleaguered but stabilized district was preparing to celebrate its best academic improvement in years."

What the newspaper write-up didn't mention . . .

Significant number of parents who still DESPERATELY want out of the District. . .

Ongoing and mostly unreported level of VIOLENCE AMONG KCPS STUDENTS that is mostly kept secret . . .

Teacher's Union purging that has creative a growing DIVIDE among administrators and workers in the long suffering district . . .

Like it or not, noting "stabilization" for the KCPS isn't really backed up by the reality of the district that has only improved its skills in media management.

UNION STATION PREPS SPORTING KANSAS CITY MLS CHAMPIONSHIP CELEBRATION!!!

EPIC Sporting Kansas City victory is a great thing but frankly TKC doesn't really understand the game and it's really the chanting and Midwesterners pretending to be Euro-trash that make it entertaining to me . . .

However . . .

IT'S TIME FOR EVEN MORE CELEBRATION OF THE SPORTING KANSAS CITY MLS CHAMPIONSHIP VICTORY!!!

Like it or not, this is a sign of changing times as Kansas City earns success in an international sport but still struggles with old school American pastimes.

Again . . . The party AND A CHANCE AT FREE BOULEVARD BOOZE is more important than any of this . . . Here's the note about the shin-dig to start the week:

"A public celebration will be held from 6:30-8:30 p.m. CT on Monday in the Sprint Festival Plaza at Union Station (30 W Pershing Rd.) in Kansas City, MO. The special event is free and open to the public with parking available in the front lot or in the garage on the west side. Festivities will include a live DJ, complimentary Boulevard, player appearances and opportunities for fans to have their photo taken with the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy."

Commemorative links . . .

- KMBC: Sporting Kansas City defeats Real Salt Lake, wins MLS Cup

- Pitch: Sporting Kansas City takes the 2013 Major League Soccer title

- Fox4: Sporting KC Wins MLS Cup 2013

- Youtube . . . HIGHLIGHTS MLS CUP 2013: Sporting Kansas City vs. Real Salt Lake

The Game roundup presser:

MLS Cup champions Sporting KC prevail in 10-round penalty shootout after 1-1 draw

Aurelien Collin named MVP with goal in regulation and winner in shootout;
Peter Vermes is first to win MLS Cup as player (2000) and coach with same team;
Sporting KC earns automatic berth in 2014-15 CONCACAF Champions League

Sporting Kansas City were crowned champions of Major League Soccer on Saturday with a penalty kick shootout following a 1-1 draw after extra time in MLS Cup 2013 at Sporting Park. Aurelien Collin scored his third goal of this postseason in the 76th minute and scored the winning goal in the penalty shootout to secure the second league title in the team's 18-year history. Collin was named the Volkswagen MLS Cup 2013 MVP.

Read more »

Candice And The Kansas City Sunday Links

Candice Swanepoel and her Victoria's Secret inspiration starts this Sunday Kansas City mainstream media news link compilation.

Check it:

- Naming The Dead In Kansas City: Police identify gun shot victim found dead in doorway

- More Reporting On Fire Aftermath Across The State Line: KCK firefighters battle five blazes overnight, several residents displaced . . . At least 3 displaced by apartment fire in KCK

- Steve Rose Vs. Prez Obama's HHS Sec From Kansas: Kathleen Sebelius, you are not doing a heck of a job

- Sunflower State Prison Industrial Complex Battle: 'Hard 50' cases back before Kansas Supreme Court

- One More Local Institution Unaccredited: Report says Jackson County Children's Division won't be reaccredited until inadequacies are resolved



TRAGICALLY, IT SEEMS THAT SEN. CLAIRE BRINGS BAD LUCK TO MISSOURI!!!

- Tigers Declawed . . . New York Times: Auburn Runs Over Missouri, Finishing U-Turn to SEC Title

- Teach Moment Tribute: Local kids make holiday care packages for soldiers overseas

- Kansas City Cold Weather Consequences: Snow on Sunday with amounts ranging from a dusting to near 3"

- WaPo Picks The Chiefs: Redskins defense braces for Kansas City RB Jamaal Charles

- Local Public Radio Pick: Cypress Ave. Shares Kansas City Favorites For 2013

As always, this is the OPEN THREAD for all things off-topic and otherwise . . .

THE TKC SATURDAY NIGHT PLAYLIST!!! KANSAS CITY GROWS INCREASINGLY DIVIDED IN THE ABSENCE OF LEADERSHIP!!!

Like it or not, this week and the closing days of 2013 have been defined by an increasingly contentious level of infighting and clear divisions growing worse in Kansas City.

We have been assured and encouraged to play down any rivalries and discord that might or might not exist in Kansas City. Like it or not, those divisions may or may not rise to the surface no matter what this blogger writes.

More important than the Internets . . .

THIS WEEK KANSAS CITY HAS SEEN ABSOLUTELY NO LEADERSHIP IN CONFRONTING TENSION, HOSTILITY AND DIVISIONS THAT EXIST IN KANSAS CITY!!!

Again, the mere mention of local divisiveness does not constitute promoting it . . . As a matter of fact, there's nothing worse to the interest of the civic discourse than to attempt to talk down a problem without giving people their say or to simply ignore it.

Accordingly . . .

Given the tragic Kansas City homicide rate . . .

So much background chatter of potential municipal rivalries . . .

The growing divide between rich and poor . . .

And politicos jockeying for position as elections move closer . . .

THERE IS NO DENYING THAT THIS COWTOWN IS DEEPLY DIVIDED AND THERE IS LITTLE LEADERSHIP UNITING KANSAS CITY RIGHT NOW!!!

Our Mayor, while he's no Nelson Mandela, is a smart man who regularly talks both sides of every issue in order to serve his own interests and propagate the cult of personality that exists around him. The City Council cowers in fear of an already strong mayor. And the rest of the city either doesn't care about "unity" because of their own self-interest or they already live in JoCo.

Contradicting these observations would necessitate an example of civic unity . . . And even our sports events are mired in violence that demonstrates the contentious nature of the local holiday season and the ongoing demise of Kansas City.

Admittedly . . . We're saving space RIGHT HERE and hoping we can update with a Sporting Kansas City Win that might be something to cheer . . .

UPDATE: YES!!! SPORTING KANSAS CITY WON THE MLS CHAMPIONSHIP AND THAT IS KINDA COOL FOR KCK!!!

And all of this has inspired our playlist tonight . . .



As always, thank you for reading this week and have a safe and fun Saturday night.

SHOW-ME TIME MAG RANKING MISSOURI: BEST PLACE TO GET DRUNK!!!

Marking the repeal of prohibition . . . Time Magazine offers a perspective that might shine a light on the current drug war. I'm not sure if this factoid is completely correct but here's what they write: "There’s no place better in the country to get your drink on than the Show-Me State. Missouri has no restrictions against open containers, and the only places it’s illegal to be drunk in public are occupied schools, churches or courthouses."

Kansas City Lightning Earns Even More High Praise From The New York Times

More detail on an important bit of Kansas City Scholarship . . . New York Times: Bebop ‘Kansas City Lightning’ and ‘Bird’

Money line and why this book is so important . . .

"More than 30 years have elapsed since Crouch began the work that has now borne fruit with “Kansas City Lightning.” The early start allowed him to interview valuable sources who have been unavailable to other writers for some time: among them, Billy Eckstine, the singer and bandleader, who had hired Parker for the orchestra later known as the “cradle of bebop” band and who died in 1993; and Ralph Ellison, the novelist and onetime jazz trumpeter, who, before his death in 1994, provided Crouch with insight into how a single-note instrument can employ “discontinuity” to explore harmony in jazz improvisation."
#######

This EPIC work of research and storytelling is certainly worth checking out and tells the history of Kansas City in music.

KANSAS CITY FORGETS PEARL HARBOR!!!

Once again Kansas City d-bags are getting far too serious and losing perspective. Here's yet another TKC attempt to keep it real (dumb) ... Check it:

Like it or not Pearl Harbor Day has been mostly forgotten in Kansas City proving once again that no matter how big of a deal something is and even if an event defines the history of the world . . . Eventually, nobody cares or it's just another occasion for old white dudes to complain.

Folks who can't move forward past 9/11 might want to take note . . . Then again, the idea of a military attack on a military target seems quaint and probably will remain a remnant of world history in the aftermath of an old school Kansas City favorite politico from Independence, MO harnessing the atomic fission power of the sun to burn a city full of women and children alive . . . But I digress.

The main point here is:

KANSAS CITY DOESN'T CARE ABOUT PEAL HARBOR, THERE IS NO MAJOR MEMORIAL TO MARK THE EVENT AND IN THIS TOWN IT'S JUST ANOTHER BIT OF FORGOTTEN AMERICAN HISTORY!!!

Sorry, a few old timers wheeled out in Mission, Ks. doesn't count.

Nevertheless, this post is an attempt to mark the date despite the fact that TKC WILL NEVER FORGET THE HORRIFIC MOVIE GIGLI which historians will one day mark as the defining moment of Ben Affleck's career and much more important than any saccharine American History documentary he might have helped produce to try and copycat the career longevity of Tom Hanks & Brokaw.

More in a bit . . .

Lucy Pinder And Kansas City Saturday Links

Lucy Pinder inspires us to keep clicking and and checking out Kansas City mainstream media offerings . . .

- Kansas City Burns Overnight

- Show-Me People I Never Heard of . . . 4 people selected for Hall of Famous Missourians

- The 1940 Kansas City Project

- All Newsies Compete In A Winter Contest Of Sentimentality: Elf ‘steals’ town’s Christmas tree, gives it to cancer-stricken girl

- Show-Me Cold Streets: Mo. Highway Patrol trooper kills man

- Satire On The Cowtown Stage: Cynical About Christmas? You'll Love Sedaris' "the Santaland Diaries" at the Kansas City Repertory Theatre

- Top Stories Of The Week From Kansas City Public Radio

- We Only Have Erin Little To Keep Us Warm: Frigid air with temps near zero arrive, snow on the way

Again, this is the OPEN THREAD for all thinks Kansas City and off-topic . . .

TKC BREAKING AND EXCLUSIVE NEWS!!! KANSAS CITY INSIDERS CELEBRATE TALK OF A DEAD TREE MEDIA PAY CUT FOR YAEL!!!

Once again on this chilly-ass morning we're reminded that this town's media scene is cold-blooded.

Accordingly . . .

TALK OF A KANSAS CITY STAR PAY CUT FOR COLUMNIST YAEL ABOUHALKAH HAS INSPIRED HOPE AMONG LOCAL POLITICAL DENIZENS THAT THE DAYS OF THIS DEAD TREE MEDIA DUDE CASTING LIGHTNING BOLTS DOWN FROM HIGH UPON HIS IVORY TOWER MIGHT SOON COME TO A END!!!

The word on this media cutback corresponds with ongoing Kansas City Dead Tree Media FAIL and the continuing decline of Sunday newspaper circulation.

Notice that Yaal has abandoned most of his bloggy efforts and mainly dedicates his time toward pushing Mayor Sly's local control effort that nobody wants . . .

Moreover . . . A Kansas City Insider sums up things nicely . . .

"The Star might finally be seeing what everyone else does . . . That guy is out of touch and no longer has any roots or connection to the people in this city. His opinions aren't reflecting the voice of a community, he's just going off on a tangent of his own and the newspaper is seeing that in their numbers."

While we agree that Yael is out of touch and don't really lament this talk of salary slicing given that he's got a stab for TKC whenever this blog gets a mention . . . It's simply Dead Tree Media obsolescence that has determined the career fate of so many seemingly embittered print journalists who spend most of their time complaining on the Internets virtually indistinguishable from just like bloggers.

Developing . . .

TKC BREAKING NEWS!!! DEADLY WEEKEND GUNFIRE ON QUINCY!!! KANSAS CITY COUNTS HOMICIDE #102 IN 2013!!!

Despite the dangerously cold temperatures . . . The quotient of violence continues to increase in Kansas City during this violent 4th quarter.

Check the report:

Last night @ 11:01 PM KCPD officers were dispatched to 2539 Quincy on the sound of shots. On arrival they located a male subject inside the front door of the residence deceased from an apparent gunshot injury. At this time the age of the victim is unknown. No other parties were present at the residence at the time of the officers arrival. Anyone with information involving this crime is urged to call the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-8477.

Unofficially, this marks the 102 homicide for Kansas City in 2013 as opposed to 100 at this time last year.

IS KANSAS CITY SAFE @ ARROWHEAD?!?!

Assurances amid fan violence . . .

Security at Arrowhead Stadium is solid, police say

Reality . . .

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS FAN VIOLENCE HAS SEEMINGLY REACHED THE TIPPING POINT AND NOW THERE'S NO DENYING THAT THE STADIUM IS ANYTHING BUT FAMILY FRIENDLY!!!

Moreover . . .

TKC EXCLUSIVE: Jackson County Insiders are warning of repercussions @ the Courthouse over fan violence so let's not forget that The County might be on the hook for some of the legal consequences of this tragedy i.e. another big money lawsuit on the way.

Developing . . .

OLATHE LADY ROBBED @ BLADE POINT!!!

Another sign that Johnson County is plunging into winter violence along with the rest of the Greater Kansas City Area.

Check it:

NBC Action News: Woman assaulted in Olathe parking lot

Newspaper: Woman robbed at knife point in Olathe

Fox4KC: Police searching for clues after woman gets robbed at knifepoint

Like it or not, knife crime in JoCo reveals that the State Line doesn't split the metro as much as people would like to think.

Watch The Saturday Kansas City Clips!!!

A plethora of KICK-ASS KANSAS CITY ONLINE VIDEO to peruse this Saturday morning . . .

Let's start with one of our faves . . . Kemet Coleman talks about his upcoming hip-hop drop that will feature his rapping skill . . . Remember that he's Mayor Sly's favorite artist in the genre . . .



And then . . .

STELLAR Kansas City video artist William Peck offers a great perspective on "holiday spirit . . .



Are you possessed? - Christmas wishes from William Peck

Finally . . .

KCPD shares its approach to community policing in the stomping grounds of your favorite blogger . . .



Westside Proactive

All of these clips offer a great look at Kansas City people doing amazing things . . .

More in a bit . . .

MUST READ!!! KANSAS CITY HIP-HOP JAZZ ARTIST MILES BONNY LIVES OFF THE GRID!!!

One of the best musician to ever pass through Kansas City shares his story of survival . . .

KCUR: A Kansas City Musican's Year Building Family Home Off The Grid

"Musician Miles Bonny, his wife Jesse and their two young daughters sold much of what they owned packed the rest into a small trailer and made for the high desert of northern New Mexico to build their own off–the-grid home."

We're anxious to hear the tunes he developed in retreat and in reality the hideaway might have provided a bit more inspiration than the vast cutural wasteland that is the Kansas City hip-hop scene.

GOLDEN GHETTO CROOKS STEAL KITTENS!!!

Pussy in Johnson County is a hot commodity:

Hard News: Two kittens stolen from Johnson County adoption center

The fearless thieves absconding with felines should be forewarned that evidence of this crime will be hard to shed.

Developing . . .