TKC BREAKING AND EXCLUSIVE NEWS!!! KANSAS CITY MAYOR'S SON KYLE JAMES SPOTTED AMID ANOTHER ALLEGED WESTPORT DISTURBANCE LAST NIGHT!!!

It seems that the party never ends for aspiring Kansas City rapper Kyle James. THE MOST AWESOME TKC TIPSTERS recently spotted the son of Mayor Sly James out in Westport and there's even word of a ruckus in the immediate vicinity of this town's resident hip-hop bad-ass.

THAT'S RIGHT!!! WORD IS THERE WAS YET ANOTHER BRAWL VERY CLOSE TO KANSAS CITY MAYOR'S SON KYLE JAMES ACCORDING TO AWESOME TKC TIPSTERS!!!



In these images Kyle James seems composed and even casual but we all know that situations can change in a heartbeat in Westport.



TO WIT . . . OFF THE RECORD WE JUST RECEIVED WORD FROM A COUPLE OF KICK-ASS TKC TIPSTERS NOTING THE SON OF MAYOR SLY JAMES RAISING HIS VOICE LATE NIGHT IN WESTPORT AND SKULKING AROUND VERY, VERY, VERY CLOSE TO A LATE NIGHT SCUFFLE!!!



Seen here holding court outside Harry's Bar & Tables it's interesting to see that the son of Mayor Sly James has quite a diverse entourage . . . In fact, word is, his entourage was deeply involved in this latest hot mess.

We'll have more details as they come down. But for now let's start Saturday morning with these AWESOME photos from KICK-ASS TKC TIPSTERS who were neither star struck nor impressed with the late night antics of Mayor Sly's son.

DEVELOPING . . .

TKC EXCLUSIVE!!! CHECK OUT BEHIND THE SCENES DRAMA OVER KANSAS CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND A DISAPPOINTING MISSOURI GENERAL ASSEMBLY SESSION!!!

The Missouri General Assembly session ended without accomplishing much. The ruckus over an impending takeover of Kansas City Public Schools seemed to define frustration in the Show-Me State House and Senate.

TKC TIPSTERS TELL US . . . Behind the scenes it was the hot mess involving control of ACE Schools that seemed to influence the debate.

There were last minute deals, broken promises and most interestingly . . .

MISSOURI STATE SENATOR KIKI CURLS TORE INTO THE TEACHER'S UNION FOR FIGHTING AGAINST THE TENURE BILL AND TYING UP "DESE BILL" ACCORDING TO TKC TIPSTERS!!!



Really, the moves of ACE School loyalists seemed to add a wild card to the KCPS Takeover debate that NOBODY was willing to tackle. So nothing was accomplished.

What happens now???

A TKC TIPSTER tells us . . .

"It's my hope that we can all catch our breath and then get together to work something out that will benefits students and education in the classroom. Obviously, so much of this political intrigue surrounding the district has been a waste of resources and valuable time."

More . . .

"There's an expectation that the KCPS will improve MAP test scores and move closer to regaining accreditation. That's a goal that everyone affiliated with the district can agree upon and work toward if we stop the politics and focus on students . . . We''ll see."

LINKS . . .

Mo. Legislature Ends Session Without School Vote

Talboy: No jobs, House session was a disappointment

Bills that passed or failed in the Missouri Legislature

KC schools avoid takeover

Missouri education legislation falters

KC school bill dies as Missouri lawmakers adjourn

TKC BREAKING NEWS!!! KANSAS CITY HOMICIDE #43 @ TRUMAN AND MCGEE!!!

Check the details of a Kansas City early Saturday Morning homicide . . .

"On 5/19 at about 1:20 am, officers were in the area of Truman and McGee when they heard the sound of shots. The officers then moved to the location of the shots and located a victim in the street just south of Truman Road, on McGee. The victim was transported to an area hospital where he was later pronounced dead. The victim has not been positively identified, but is a man in his mid-20's. There is no suspect information at this time. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the TIPS Hotline."

Again . . . Unofficially, that's Kansas City's 43rd homicide so far this year.

Check KCPD Crime Stats and Daily Homicide Analysis for important data on local violence and murder in Kansas City.

BREAKING!!! KCPD UNCOVER THE IDENTITY OF BURNED FEMALE HOMICIDE VICTIM!!!

In a tragic case that sent shock waves throughout the City . . . KCPD recently uncovered an important fact.

"The victim in the homicide from earlier this week at 19th and Brooklyn has been identified as Andrea Shields, b/f, 8/7/73."

For folks with any additional info . . . Check out the TIPS Hotline.

MUST SEE!!! KANSAS CITY CHEAP EATS!!!

Kansas City Blogger Danny offers some insight about his latest MUST SEE project . . .

"I launched a local website, kccheapeats.com, that reviews local cheap food places. The food has to be under $5 for me to bother. I only have one review up so far, but am going to try to get a review up about once a week. I don't have a lot of dough, so it really depends on how much I get around town and how many cheap places I can find to eat. Oh, and I'm not going to bother with fast food joints. Nothing wrong with Taco Schmell but everyone already knows where they're at and what they sell. I'm trying to find local places that you can still get a bite for a decent buck."

This is an idea we DEFINITELY need in Kansas City. We're adding this one to the blogroll post haste, we suggest you do the same as the TKC Blog Community keeps growing and Kansas City Bloggers provide YET ANOTHER public service. Natch.

Show-Me Death Machine Moves

Just a couple items regarding Missouri making life and death decisions . . .

Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster has requested the Missouri Supreme Court set execution dates for nine men on death row.

The same drug that killed Michael Jackson: The state of Missouri is back in the execution business with (propofol) a drug that's never been used to put prisoners to death in the United States.

Sadly, State sponsored killing doesn't really make anybody feel safer.

KANSAS CITY SIGN OF THE TIMES!!!

An important observation from a TKC READER who sent this photo our way . . .

"How can the people of Kansas City really believe our city government can handle microphones and cameras on our streets, when they can't even spell Pennsylvania?"

On the bright side, this could be a sign that increased cash for Mayor Sly's office and his reading program might make a difference for more people than we realize in Kansas City.

Kansas City Media Elite Conversation

Thankfully, KCPT stepped up their Internet game this weekend and they have their two weekly political shows online.

The show was waaaaaaaaaay to KC Star based to be interesting and their union boilermaker story was boring. Sorry. But Nick Haines does a nice job of keeping things lively. Good stuff and definitely worth a look.

KCPT - Kansas City Week in Review: May 18, 2012



Surprisingly, Ruckus was a bit more interesting this week with conversation about The Missouri Plan kicking things off as well as discussion of the Kansas City LGBT Chamber of Commerce and Prez Obama's declaration regarding gay marriage. Check it:

KCPT - Ruckus: May 17, 2012

Sooooooo . . . This is a good look at what influential people thinking about this week while the rest of Kansas City residents on local streets were more concerned with this town's increasing level of violence, taxes and borrowing hand over fist.

DEVELOPING . . .

Accidental JoCo Blockbuster Drive-Thru

KSHB surprisingly reports that people are still using an old school video service in The Golden Ghetto: "A pickup truck drove into a Blockbuster store in Mission, Kan., on Friday evening."

Alonzo Washington Calls Out Media Disparity

Two important posts about media images from Kansas City's most prolific crime-fighter: Check his missive on Ch. 9.

Another important post regarding Channel 4 reporting is worth a look as well.

Jordan Carver And TKC Thinking About All Of The Kansas City Saturday News Links!!!

Lots of Kansas City stuff to cover this morning . . . Jordan Carver provides the inspiration and now here's a peek at morning links:

• Kansas City Royals Back To losing
  
  
• Pretend to care about Kansas City High Culture: Kemper Museum Announces Resignation Of Director
  
  
• Pretending to be a hobo is good for the soul: Teens Camp Out, Pray To Help Homeless
  
  
• Not quite the Greatest Generation: CDC to baby boomers: Get tested for hepatitis C
  
  
• Follow-up on a local tragedy: A grieving mother will lay her family to rest Saturday morning.
  
  
• Calling it quits in Kansas: Five of the seven justices of the Kansas Supreme Court have stepped aside from the attorney disciplinary case against former Attorney General Phill Kline.
  
  
• Learning a lesson from Kansas City's worst date: Expert: Women should trust own instincts
  
  
• No we can't get along across The State Line: Compromise tax plan still eludes Kansas lawmakers
  
  
• Local patriotic effort: Wounded Warrior Project, Royals Team Up to Help Vets
  
  
• Glowingly dangerous decision: Missouri Lawmakers vote to lower fees on radioactive shipments

THE TKC WEEKLY POWER RANKINGS!!!

Tara Reid and her drunken awesome inspire us to have a bit more fun with the power rankings tonight . . .

POLITICOS



1. Mayor Sly James And KCPS Board Director Airick L. West - They both lead embattled institutions but at the end of the week they're both still in charge and have more support than their critics would like to admit.

2. School Board Member Crispin Rea - Quietly and behind the scenes this young Kansas City power broker helped assure a victory for The Kansas City Public School Board at the State Level. Politicos in the know are already talking about his impressive lobbying work this week.

3. Jackson County Prosecutor "Mean" Jean Peters Baker - In her first adversarial press conference regarding the Kansas City No Violence Alliance we hear she held her own quite nicely.

4. Council Lady Jan Marcason - She's staying quiet while so many in the City Council and around her expend their political capital early in their term.

5. Jackson County Legislator Theresa Garza Ruiz - She's looking good and attracting a lot of attention from TKC Tipsters.

NEWSIES



1. Darla Jaye - The Queen of Talk Radio in Kansas City has what is likely the most loyal fan base in this cowtown.

2. Bottom Line Communications - The definitive Kansas City media resource.

3. Stephanie Ramos - Damn.

4. Kris Ketz - Our friend on Twitter and yours.

5. The whole gang @ Northeast News - Maybe KC's best community paper.

ALTERNATIVE KANSAS CITY PIZZA PLACES



We can fight about Kansas City Pizza all day . . . These are local places that don't get enough credit.

1. IMO'S Pizza In Westport - Sacrilege to serve STL style pizza in KC . . . And that might be what makes it so good.

2. Art of Pizza - The First Friday Hangout Of Choice.

3. Sarpino's in Westport - Seriously good stuff and probably quicker than any other delivery or pickup thanks to the appetites of so many nearby stoners.

4. Red Baron At Your Grocery Store - Sorry, this is better than most people realize and definitely a worthy alternative for basement dwellers all over this cowtown.

5. D'Bronx - This one is probably my fave and because of the gourmet pizza explosion they don't get as much play as they once did. Still, the over priced boxes and loud atmosphere make it one of KC's best for those with some extra cash.

As always, this list has been compiled according to scientific TKC polling and market research data and it's a weekly comprehensive guide to local powerful people.

HOTSPOTS, FOOT PATROLS & INCREASED KCPD PRESENCE ON KANSAS CITY STREETS

As we slowly slouch toward Summer in Kansas City, the KCPD is stepping up their game on local streets.

KCPD foot patrols return as part of an effort to not only fight crime but also increase connection to the community.

Also . . . KCPD Chief Forté emphasizes the varied role of these officers in his latest blog post:

"Hot spot policing is about more than just enforcing laws"

More than surveillance or collaboration with prosecutors . . . Connection with the local community is a often cited as a key component in obtaining information and hopefully curbing Kansas City's homicide rate.

Right now, there have been 42 murder in Kansas City so far this year which is almost a dozen more than last year.

DEVELOPING . . .

Harry Stone Murder Similarities

Fox4 Interviews Osborn Family regarding the similarities to their tragedy in the latest random South Kansas City Area deadly shooting.

KSHB: Funeral held for jogger killed in drive-by shooting

Global Tornado Disaster Help: United Arab Emirates Gives Joplin Hospital $5 Million

KSHB: "The rebuilding of the Joplin hospital destroyed by a tornado last year is getting a big boost from the United Arab Emirates -- a $5 million gift for a pediatric section and a neonatal intensive care unit."

BREAKING!!! MISSOURI POLITICOS WERE ALL TALK!!! SCHOOL BOARD SURVIVES FOR NOW!!! AIRICK L. WEST STAYS WINNING!!!

So . . . . Show-Me State legislators talked a good game but did NOTHING when it came to reforming Kansas City Public Schools.

Check it:

KCTV5: The Kansas City School Board has additional time to boost academic achievement after the Missouri General Assembly failed to take action on a state takeover bill.

Mayor Sly lost a lot of political capital on this deal . . .

Residents continue to lament unaccredited schools and mostly see the District as FAILED . . .

TKC beat The Star with a much better endorsement and support of a new School Board member during this period of turmoil.

Credit where it's due . . .



LIKE IT OR NOT KCPS DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE AIRICK WEST STAYS WINNING IN THIS MISSOURI SHOWDOWN OVER KANSAS CITY SCHOLARS!!!

And after all is said and done, as usual, nothing really changes in Kansas City.

Jessica-Jane Clement & Friday Night Links

Jessica-Jane Clement and tonight's mainstream media links . . .

• Nobody likes Katy: Sebelius Heckled During Graduation Speech
  
  
• The Summer Of Low Expectations: Kansas City ranks as No. 8 affordable place to fly this summer
  
  
• Witness the end of Snail mail: KCK post office closing over rent issue
  
  
• People love local Latinos more than I would think: Friends fight for undocumented KC man
  
  
• Kansas City plays hurt: Royals confirm Duffy, Wood will have Tommy John surgery
  
  
• Medical Industrial Complex Price Disparity: FOX 4 Medical Reporter Meryl Lin McKean says in the Kansas City area there’s a wide difference between the hospital with the lowest average cost and the one with the highest.
  
  
• Remembering a Kansas City Tragedy: 55 Years Later, Memories of Ruskin Heights Tornado Still Haunt Survivors
  
  
• Suburban consequences: Leawood woman sentenced in Westport DUI incident
  
  
• Kansas voting ruckus continues: Johnson County businessmen file redistricting lawsuit
  
  
• Golden Ghetto Baby's Day Out: Police: 5 Toddlers Walk Away From Day Care
  
  
• Local taste: Slide show: Kansas City’s top ice cream shops
  
  
• Another kind of JoCo deception: Shawnee police say an 89-year-old man was scammed out of $8,000 by a man pretending to be his nephew.

Show-Me Crack vs. Cocaine Equality!!!

KMBC: "A Missouri measure that would reduce the disparity in prison sentences between people convicted of crack and powder cocaine crimes gained final approval from lawmakers Friday and is now headed to the governor."

You're Gonna Have To Wait For Google Fiber

Star: Google's schedule for Kansas City Internet slips again

TKC BREAKING NEWS!!! KANSAS CITY VOTERS FACE FEAR AND SCARE TACTICS IN SUPPORT OF MAYOR SLY'S PLAN FOR EVEN MORE LOCAL TAXES AND DEBT!!!

Here's the same old Kansas City lie that's manufactured every time local politicos want to keep raising taxes . . .

AS USUAL POLITICOS PUSHING MAYOR SLY'S NEW PLAN ARGUE THAT THE CONSEQUENCES FOR REJECTING THE LATEST ROUND OF TAXES AND BORROWING WILL BE CATACLYSMIC!!!

The streets will fall apart . . . Good luck noticing the difference.

Water rates will skyrocket . . . Like they haven't already.

And even more local services will be cut . . . Meanwhile the list of lackeys in the Mayor's office keeps growing.

Remember that Kansas City Politicos promised this town an apocalypse worse than anything the Mayans predicted for 2012 if Kansas City didn't approve the E-Tax.

And now they're back for more . . . 

The tragic thing about these scare tactics is that they work time and time again on Kansas City voters.

To wit . . .

TKC CHALLENGES KANSAS CITY VOTERS TO PUSH BACK AGAINST THE SAME TIRED OLD SCARE TACTICS THAT KANSAS CITY POLITICOS USE WHEN PUSHING NEW TAXES AND INSTEAD ASK FOR DETAILS ABOUT HOW THE MONEY IS GOING TO BE SPENT!!!

The important part to remember about all of the money that taxpayers give local government is that a lot of it almost always gets diverted or poured into the general fund like a blank check.

More to the point . . .  

KANSAS CITY WILL SURVIVE WITHOUT MORE TAXES AND BORROWING!!!

This is an inconvenient fact that local politicos don't like to be confronted with but it's kind of obvious.

Meanwhile . . .

It's always unfortunate to see Kansas City's Mayor Sly James push tax increases and borrowing with far more vigor and enthusiasm than he would dare employ in order to confront the local murder count.

DEVELOPING . . .

Councilman Of Death: Russ Johnson

Take a look at the latest bit of satire from Kansas City Artist Jessica Logsdon . . .

She describes the political artwork this way: "'Councilman of Death' Mr. Russ Johnson, 2nd District, because amongst the midst of life there is death."

So I guess this actually a somewhat life affirming look at local government . . . At first I thought she was talking about his future in politics.

Help KCPD Find Theses Burglary Suspects

Click the image for a bigger view.

Detectives hope to identify these suspects in the burglary on May 7th and 7501 NW Tiffany Springs Parkway. Anyone with information should call the TIPS Hotline.

KCPD Looking For An Old School White Ford Thunderbird In The Case Of A Burned Kansas City Woman Found This Week

Check this Fox4 link for a look . . .Kansas City Police released a picture of a car they believe could be connected to the woman’s burned body found Monday evening in the area of 19th and Brooklyn.

Unattended KC Baby Scholar On The Street

KCTV5 offers a glimpse at why the schools suck beyond local politics and legislative moves: Toddler found wandering KC street

DEMOCRACY IS DEAD IN KANSAS CITY!!! NOBODY VOTING IN THE DOWNTOWN TOY TRAIN ELECTION!!!

KC Biz Journal reports that politicos have been effective in keeping pesky voters out of the decision to spend big money on a Downtown Toy Train:

With a few days left before the Tuesday deadline, just 5 percent of eligible voters have applied to participate in this summer’s mail-in election about the streetcar proposal for Downtown. According to the Jackson County Circuit Court Administrator’s Office, 360 people have applied for the ballots, and 50 of those people failed for not including proof of being registered to vote in Jackson County.

To wit . . .

THE FACT THAT LESS THAN A THOUSAND PEOPLE IN KANSAS CITY ARE GOING TO DECIDE WHETHER THIS TOWN UNDERTAKES A MASSIVE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT THAT WILL COST MILLIONS ISN'T DEMOCRACY . . . IT'S KANSAS CITY'S MOST DASTARDLY SUBVERSION OF THE DEMOCRATIC PROCESS!!!

Developing . . .

TKC TIPSTER ALERT!!! FORMER CHIEFS RUNNING BACK LJ SEEN WEARING MICKEY MOUSE SHIRT ON THE DANCE FLOOR!!!

Former Chiefs Running Back LJ had a reputation for smacking down broads in local dance clubs . . . But it seems like now he's playing nice with a former KC newsie if this tweet is correct.

@RhiannonAlly: Chiefs fans! Look who I ran into last weekend...(I know, the Mickey Mouse shirt threw me off too)...

Once again, former Kansas City celebs stay winning while the rest of us are stuck in this cowtown.

Congressman Cleaver Concerned About Possible Racial Profiling Amid Ethics Probes

Politico via Star: "Cleaver concerned about heavy focus of ethics probes on black lawmakers"

All About The Kansas City Weekend

Mary Anne provides us with a nice list of Kansas City weekend activities.

TKC EXCLUSIVE!!! MAYOR PRO TEM CINDY CIRCO HAIRDO CRITIQUE PART DEUX!!!

So, given that Kansas City local government is now about nothing more than tax increases, more debt and pet projects with little input from voters or the community . . . We can at least have a bit of fun at the expense of our elected leaders.

CHECK THIS RATHER CRITICAL MESSAGE FROM A TKC TIPSTER REGARDING CINDY CIRCO'S NEW HAIRDO!!!

"What is up with Cindy's Hair??? Seriously, The streaks of color look like they are coming from a single point of origin on her head. And the new cut, with the bangs, makes her look like Snoopy."

Interesting because I thought Cindy Circo made her bones in the beauty biz.

But now she's a powerful Kansas City political lady with more than a few critics in and out of City Hall.

Personally, TKC has no room to criticize anybody's style since I've been wearing the same jeans since X-mas. Nevertheless, it's important to know that while our Mayor Pro Tem is going back to school and attempting to rehab her image . . . There are more than a few folks who still don't like her style.


MEANWHILE KANSAS CITY'S TAX AND SPEND PHILOSOPHY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT SEEMS LIKE IT WILL NEVER GO OUT OF FASHION!!!

DEVELOPING . . .

TKC EXCLUSIVE!!! NOBODY LIKES THE NEW NIGHTLIFEKC.COM LOUNGE AND DRUNKEN KANSAS CITY ROYALS PROMO!!!

This season for The Kansas City Royals is pretty much wasted so now, apparently, it's time for the fans to drink away their sorrows.

To wit . . .

THANKS TO MORE THAN A FEW TKC TIPSTERS FOR TELLING US ABOUT THEIR DISTASTE FOR THE NEW DRUNKEN ROYALS PROMO!!!

On the surface it doesn't seem so bad . . .

"NightlifeKC.com Lounge on the Budweiser Patio - Looking for a place to socialize while taking in the Royals game? Come experience the atmosphere of the new NightLifeKC.com Lounge on the Budweiser Patio!"

The Basics:

Live DJ before and after the game
Exclusive bar with top shelf spirits
Plush furniture
Awning for shade
Custom photographs

The $30 Ticket Includes:

Access to the NightlifeKC.com Lounge(this is your seat for the game)
2 Drink Vouchers

CHECK THE TICKET WEB PAGE FOR THE NEW LOCAL HANGOUT TKC IS CALLING "DOUCHE CENTRAL"

Still, I should think that we would all want to celebrate a bit of promotional success from a website that's all about adverts and sponsored content in a way that's so obvious it really doesn't offend.

Then again . . . The Royals have really struck out when it comes to promos this year. When talking about reaction to the promo, the trend is clear.

One reaction from a KANSAS CITY MARKETING INSIDER . . . "Another attempt by the Royals to focus attention away from baseball. About the lounge: You don't get to keep the 'plush furniture' just the STDs"

Furthermore . . . Nightlife KC is mostly about party pics and that's cool but images of drunken Royals fans just seems depressing.

Still . . . The Royals claim that it's "Our Time" and I guess that means drunken partying instead of thinking about the team's on the field FAIL.

KANSAS CITY'S RUBBER STAMP CITY COUNCIL LOVES MAYOR SLY'S TAX INCREASE AND BORROWING SCHEME!!!

Once again, TKC TIPSTERS prove correct in calling out Kansas City's mostly weak City Council and pointing out that we're getting the first good look at the "strong Mayor" form of government in this cowtown.

APPARENTLY, MOST OF THE CITY COUNCIL LOVES MAYOR SLY'S LATEST SCHEME AND DON'T HAVE ANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT INCREASING THIS TOWN'S DEBT AND TAX BURDEN!!!

Council Endorses Mayor's Tax Plan

The language used to push the new taxes touts "infrastructure" improvements but TKC TIPSTERS still aren't convinced that there won't be a lot of room for TIF and cash for other pet projects.

LINKS . . .

KC may vote on new sales tax

KC May Take Out $500M Loan For Water Fixes

KC moves toward ballot issues in August

KANSAS CITY PRIEST WANTED TO HIRE A HIT MAN TO MURDER HIS SEX ABUSE ACCUSER!!!

Today's reason for the weak-minded to lose faith . . .

"A former Roman Catholic priest with ties to the Kansas City area was found guilty Thursday of plotting the death of a man who accused him of sexual abuse."

The former priest could face life in prison.

However, for me, what's most interesting is that more than a few critics of The Kansas City Catholic Hierarchy have compared the group to an organized crime organization and this recent murder plot conviction seems to strengthen that analogy.

DEVELOPING . . .

Paid Shills Pack Meetings For The Mostly Secret Downtown Kansas City Streetcar Vote

A link for The Downtown Neighborhood Association provides a bit more detail on THE TOTALLY TRAGIC AND MOSTLY SECRET VOTE FOR A DOWNTOWN KANSAS CITY STREETCAR . . .

It gets worse . . .

WE'RE HEARING REPORTS BACK FROM THE PUBLIC MEETINGS AND THEY'RE MOSTLY FULL OF PAID SHILLS COMPLIMENTING THEMSELVES ON A SCHEME THAT'S GOING TO COST KANSAS CITY BIG TIME!!!

It's kind of a Catch-22 . . . Mayor and City Council have done their best to keep the vast majority of voters out of this decision . . . In turn, Kansas City voters have basically disengaged from the process.

The long term ramifications: Mayor Sly and City Council keep running up the local tax burden and EVEN MORE PEOPLE decide that Kansas City's "amenities" are best enjoyed from the suburbs where taxes for all of the shiny new toys aren't applied directly.

Kansas City Foodie Guide For May

May 2012 Table Hopping from Tastebud Magazine

KANSAS CITY RAPPER MAC LETHAL IS A COMPLETE AND TOTAL SELLOUT!!!

Long ago TKC accurately cast Mac Lethal as The Pat Boone of Kansas City Hip-Hop.

I've always thought he appropriated "urban" music for his own silly agenda that was mostly about doing the best 1980's Beastie Boys impression possible.

A few years ago a great many music "journalists" (forgive my chuckling) grew excited about his career because he earned a blurb in Rolling Stone. Credit where it's due . . . There was a brief shining moment when Mac Lethal might have made a name for himself on the national rap music scene.

And now that moment has passed.

It's not his fault. Achieving success in pop music is a virtually impossible task.

HOWEVER . . . NOWADAYS MAC LETHAL IS SELLING OUT JUST ABOUT EVERY BIT OF HIS RAP MUSIC CRED IN ORDER TO BECOME A YOUTUBE PITCH MAN!!!

Like it or not, there was a time when Mac Lethal wanted a bit of rap music street cred and the content of his music was rough. His devoted army of beer drinking local fans was almost like a benign local gang. I know this because more than a few of them threatened to kick my ass.

And now former Kansas City roughneck rapper Mac Lethal is flipping pancakes and correcting grammar on the Internets.

I said it long ago and now it has come to pass . . . Mac Lethal is nothing but nerdcore.

And there's nothing wrong with that . . . When it's clearly defined.

The problem . . . Kansas City music fans remember the not-so-long ago days (about 30 months ago) when Mac wanted to be a tough guy until he discovered that cutesy Youtube antics were the path of least resistance to a few minor league endorsement deals.

So, while we should respect the sellout success of Mac Lethal . . . It's important to remind local music fans that there was a clear career "TRANSITION" for a local rapper that seems far more concerned with commercial success than the anything related to the music he is appropriating.

Lawsuit Against Turner School District Claims Asst. Principal Strip-Searched 15 Year-Old Girl

KSHB: "A local family is suing the Turner School District for allegedly strip-searching their 15-year-old daughter."

One KC For The MLB All-Star Game?!?!

The silly and unproven idea of regionalism is once again being recycled for the MLB All-Star Game: All-Star Game a chance for area solidarity

Jordan Carver And The TKC Morning Link Look

Jordan Carver and a bunch of Kansas City mainstream media links for the morning . . .

• "Mean" Jean offers insight on a horrific local case: Jackson County Prosecutor Speaks about Alleged Kidnapping, Torture
  
  
• Even more Golden Ghetto improvements: Johnson County's "tunnel to nowhere" will open soon and ahead of schedule, providing a new link to 75th Street from northbound Interstate 35.
  
  
• Local justice complaint: Drunk Driving Victim Says System Failed her
  
  
• Geek fest this weekend: Spectrum Fantastic Art Live! convention will draw 5,000 to Kansas City
  
  
• NPR reports on Joplin one year after the deadly tornado that killed more than 100 people
  
  
• Royals Stay Losing
  
  
• Putting all your meager accomplishments in perspective: Quadriplegic Kansas City woman earns a college degree
  
  
• Lee's Summit Aftermath: Teen Injured In Shooting Expects Full Recovery
  
  
• No Sunflower State Compromise: New deal on Kansas tax cuts appears to be unraveling
  
  
• Your Early Morning Marilyn Manson Review