Friday, July 03, 2009

TKC EXCLUSIVE!!! Gentrification on the Westside of Kansas City is Dangerous!!!



The corner of 17th and Summit is an intersection dividing different worlds. On one side there is the pricey Blue Bird cafe and a very expensive bakery catering to yuppies throughout downtown, on the other side there is Los Alamos -- One of the many bodegas in the Latino neighborhoods of Kansas City. The Southeast side contains a hip-hop recording studio and facing that across from that is an urban garden and a parking lot.

This last story of the day is just a bit of neighborhood news that has greater implications for all of Kansas City and maybe even the nation. This story is currently spreading all around The Westside like wildfire.

Recently, one of the many urban professionals -- a new arrival to the neighborhood -- along with one of his friends were brutally beaten and robbed in front of Los Alamos market by two men who were most likely illegal immigrants . . . Right or wrong, the term used around this part of town is "mojados" -- At the very least I want TKC readers to know just a little bit about the wonderfully descriptive language of The Westside.

From what I hear the robbery was rather intense. One of the victims is now in the hospital under intensive care.

Now, this story might not shine a flattering light on The Westside, my neighborhood, but it's important to acknowledge reality. The reality of the situation is that rampant real estate speculation in this part of town is creating real tension among everyone in this neighborhood. The Great Recession has killed the hopes of so many interlopers hoping to cash in on a relatively safe neighborhood meanwhile longtime neighbors are feeling infringed upon by obtrusive and towering new structures that scream arrogance and a desire to sculpt, transform and recreate a community that was doing fine long before slimy real estate speculators. In all this, crooks and thugs are always looking for opportunity.

I'm very familiar with this community and recently I've seen things that just don't belong . . . A few white people walking their dogs at night, women joggers in the early evening and drunken hipster party-goers relaxing . . . These are all nice things . . . But Downtown Kansas City, The Westside and so many parts of the urban core aren't exactly ready for the middle-class to create Disney land at the center of this violent city.

It's sad but it's a fact . . . Yuppies and Hipsters walking around with their head in the air in the urban core are putting themselves in danger.

What keeps people safe is situational awareness, an understanding of their surroundings and just a little bit of caution . . . These traits are not prized by the arrogant American middle-class and therein lies the problem.

So . . . Once again TKC is trying to help by bringing a bit of real talk. Illogically priced houses that have stayed for sale for years can't deliver the message loudly enough, some folks aren't taking their cues from the real estate collapse and lingering recession . . . And in the meantime yuppies keep making themselves easy targets in a neighborhood that is sometimes more dangerous than people think.

Change is always difficult, what's even harder is when things stay the same -- which is usually the case in Kansas City.

Raytown judge arrested in pan throwing flap

A link from NBC Action News: "The Raytown Post reports that Municipal Judge Traci Fann was arrested Wednesday evening at her home. Police officers were responding to a disturbance call. When police got there Fann told them a man was grabbing her and throwing pans. But he said she was intoxicated.

Officers arrested Fann and the next day she was charged with assault."

Slap on the wrist for KC booze joints

WDAF reports . . . Harry's Country Club and Brooksider Bar & Grill will be closed for two days for violations of multiple city ordinances, including employees selling alcoholic beverages to minors. The most important part of this "discipline" courtesy of KC: The suspensions will begin July 5 at 9 a.m. and end July 7 at 1:30 a.m. So, Friday & Saturday nights on the July 4th weekend will not be impacted.

My favorite part of Kansas City . . . When people stop pretending to care.

Friday Freedom Links



Some Friday Afternoon Links for the Cloudy and slightly rainy 4th:

  • KCPD takes Drunk Patrol to the next level: Crime Scene KC reports DUI crackdown.

  • JoCo Car peeping

  • Kansas City continues to clash: Late Night Violence Sends Two Men to Hospitals

  • A bit of 4th of July nostalgia from Bookpusher

  • Mail from a murderer: Abortion Doc Murder Suspect Advocates Via Mail

  • Palin resigning as Alaska governor . . . No word if Tina Fey will be sought as a replacement.

  • Afraid of the weekend blowup: The police bomb squad unit was called to a home Friday afternoon near 44th and Eaton streets after a man was found dead inside. NBC Action News: "Man Found Dead with Military Ordnance Nearby"
  • "Russian Dolls"

    Sometimes it's nice to find common ground with another blogger . . . Especially with KC With a Russian Accent.

    Background on Woodyard Barbecue

    KC Wired comes up with an interesting profile of Merriam KS that supplies wood to all of the other BBQ joints in town . . . And serves up some good stuff of their own.

    Midtown Miscreant Celebrates Independence!!!

    Another great blight Tour from one of my favorite bloggers.

    TKC EXCLUSIVE!!! NICE TURNAROUND FOR THE FRIENDS OF TERRY RILEY!!!



    Councilman Terry Riley is a gentleman and a scholar and he could be the next Mayor of Kansas City . . . And I'm only halfway kidding.

    C'mon . . . You guys know the Eastside vote as well as I do and there's no way the 3rd or 5th District stands behind Sly James without some serious reservations - Especially when Sly rarely makes his presence known on the wrong side of Waldo.

    ANYHOO . . . Politics is all about helping friends and hurting enemies . . . And in at least one instance KICKASS TKC TIPSTERS recognize that the Councilman has a lot of pull.

    Remember that TKC is the only local news(ish) source to report on the alleged hiring of Kimiko Gilmore by City Manager Wayne Cauthen.

    TKC Tipsters are saying this stinks to high heaven for a number of reasons but here are the most important:

  • Gilmore is a great gal but she just got her MPA. She's fresh out of grad school working an important position that is usually occupied by seasoned professionals with FAR MORE EXPERIENCE. The influence of Riley is seen as part of her meteoric rise despite the concerns of a great many.

  • Why would Councilman Riley care? Maybe because . . . GILMORE USED TO WORK FOR THE FORMER COUNCIL DUDE!!!

  • This Assistant to the City Manager gig is choice and the salary could come in at more than 100k. This could be a HUGE favor to hand out to somebody who doesn't have the usual qualifications for the gig.

    So . . . While this bit of power brokering by Riley seems unsavory and highly inappropriate to a great many City Hall watchers . . . It is also seen as a testament to Riley's influence inside The Hall. Make no mistake . . . Riley is a force to contend with and the people of Kansas City would do well to realize the power that he wields.
  • Pitch Punk Peter Rugg Fights Like A Bitch



    Ah . . . Kansas City Newsies never cease to amaze me . . . They talk all day and night about their "credibility" but when it comes down to it . . . The vast majority of them are timid, would rather type tough than debate face to face and when it comes down to it they act like petty old ladies.

    To wit . . . KC Confidential details a fantastic run in with a Pitch writer that turned nasty. Check it:
    Around midnight Thursday when Pitch staff writer Peter Rugg exited Lew’s Grill & Bar in Waldo, executed a finger point shout out to me, then hurled his drink striking me, a waitress and Lew’s co-owner Andy Lewellen.
    Seriously dude? What kind of grown man throws a drink?

    I don't know how things work in Waldo . . . But on the Westside I'm absolutely sure that kind of sissy move would get a grown man killed. Then again . . . This is a "Journalism" debate we're talking about . . . Wordsmiths like Nadia "For the Love of God stop calling me a chickenhead" Pflaum and even the Lesbionic overlord C.J. Janovy are great at stirring up discontent but duck their heads and start running when things get "real" up close and personal . . . It's one thing to tweet something nasty . . . It's quite another to stand behind it or participate in a discussion. Poor Peter Rugg . . . It looks like he was caught up in the web of bravado spun by beeatches typing on a keyboard. Sexist or no . . .

    A real man knows when to ignore the feigned outrage of silly women.

    And about this time I'm glad that bloggers are not part of the effete world of newsies fighting over so-called "credibility" . . . Because it all seems rather lame and while the blogosphere is place for debate, disagreement and discontent . . . I've yet to see or hear of something so stupid as a grown man acting like Audrey Hepburn and spilling a drink on a dude and then running away.

    Real talk: Pitch Staffers seem more and more frustrated as Likeme.net and the devious plans of Village Voice Media seemingly move toward replacing so many of them.

    If Hearne is spilling the facts (likely) this is a pussy move for Peter Rugg.

    More Real Talk . . . Nadia and C.J. what you're doing is dangerous and you're dealing with forces that you don't truly understand. People around you humor you and listen to your B.S. but the angst, hate and frustration that both of you emanate from unsatisfied fajitas (or whatever) shouldn't lead to real world physical altercations . . . Fighting among writers is silly and unsavory and the level of angst spewed for by you two is getting out of control . . . I know this because cooler heads talk behind your back and are amazed at your lack of humor, wit and style . . . Also because middle-class white women make everyone suffer if they haven't found a worthwhile cause. Natch. If you two can't play nice without provoking hate . . . A spanking might be in order . . . Or maybe it's just time for Village Voice to clean house a little bit more thoroughly at a paper that prints a surprisingly meager amount of copies and is in worse shape than most realize.

    Something like a wave of Ad Interest



    Met with a few potential advertisers this week . . . And since this isn't a HUGE news day I'm soliciting input from anybody who cares . . .

    First of all . . . TKC has discovered that sidebar ads don't work and I really just like the sidebar to show stuff that I'm interested in which is always more important to me than the sordid topic of coin.

    On the other hand, inline ads look kind of promising.

    What his means is there could be a few posts every day containing ad copy designed by TKC . . . Just a jpeg really at about 400 x 400px with a descriptive link . . . Following Google NoFollow Guidelines of course. TKC will not attempt to trade page rank.

    Now . . . I haven't done this yet . . . But I'm thinking of pursing it.

    Ads will be labeled Ads . . . If I do this, they will roll in content just like a magazine with no commentary from me. . . And they might be closed to comment. Most likely, they'll probably feature original work from the mind of TKC. This is an ad solution I can live with . . . And while I don't really care what most of you bags think . . . If anyone has any strong objections . . . Now is the time to speak up.

    Sadly . . . None of this is as sessy or exciting as recent photos of Denise Richards in a bikini.

    MO Money for Mike Talboy!!!



    Just a quick bit of follow-up . . . TKC EXCLUSIVELY covered one of the biggest Kansas City Democrat gatherings of the Summer so far.

    Here's the aftermath . . .

    On a Monday . . .

    In the Summer . . .

    Kansas City Democrat State Rep Mike Talboy raised about 8k among a crowd of more than 100!!!

    That's big money for somebody that Republicans aren't even going to run against as KC is FINALLY starting to make inroads at The State Level with more influence (and cash) hopefully on the way.

    Kansas City Ballet's Todd Bolender Center For Dance & Creativity Walkthrough



    A rare high art preview of the upcoming ballet building courtesy of one of Kansas City's classy institutions, an architectural firm . . . And Youtube.

    The JO Bucks Bus



    Randy Miller hosts a few slightly funny promotional videos for The Jo.

    Best part of the JoCo Bus trivia contest . . . Episode 1 . . . Miller mistakes The Jo for Light Rail.

    Gov. Jay puts Truman on blast

    The Star: Nixon requests statue of Truman in U.S. Capitol . . . Honoring a hometown hero who spent most of his life in mediocrity only to later unleash the power of the Sun on the Japanese . . . Believe in your dreams!!!

    30 KC Red Light Cameras by End of July!!!

    Keeping watch and collecting fines in Kansas City reaches the tipping point.

    Independence and Freedom

    Fireworks Legal In Indy After 20 Years . . . Some things just go better with Meth.

    Next Kansas City Mayor: Mike Burke



    Not so long ago . . . TKC put a former City Councilman in play in the next Mayoral Race that's already going down.

    Now, KC Tribune brings even more details . . . As the current Mayor is all but irrelevant.

    Pros: Northland Credentials.

    Democrat affiliation.

    City Hall Experience.

    Cons: Lawyer.

    Not as tall as current Mayor.

    All things considered: Stalin would make a better Mayor than Gloria Squitiro . . . Who is currently running Funkhouser and his staff (ew).

    KC Immigrant Song

    WDAF: "Independence Day has Special Meaning for Metro Iraqi Immigrants"

    A Kansas City Conversation

    Crime Scene KC: "A 42-year-old man said he was having a “normal conversation” with another man early today when the man pulled a gun and shot him in the chest."

    All Nite KC Movie Making!!!

    Knowledge, Power and Friday Links!!!



    Here are some of the most important stories I'm thinking about at the end of the week:

  • The Urban Death Toll that NOBODY like to mention: KCK vigil held for two brothers, victims of violence one month apart

  • Northland Attraction: Entertainment district to open at Zona Rosa

  • The Ritzy KC Sale to Remember: Historic Bloch Mansion Auctioned Off

  • More Tragic Metro Stories: Witness Talks About Human Trafficking Case

  • Long time Coming: Man Shot by Police Was Fugitive for 25 Years

  • Show Me the Great Recession: Missouri revenue drop is ‘worst in over a generation’

  • TKC linked it first and now it gets mainstream attention: Gaza Refugee Fundraiser Draws Criticism

  • Old school drinking place celebrates political connections: Westport Business Owners Applaud New Outside Drinking Law

  • All that Jazz, Comedy and high art: KCUR Debuts "12 O'Clock Jump" This Saturday Night

  • Rosario is really one of the most beautiful women on the planet.
  • KC Blogger Citadel Plaza Suggestion!!!

    Could Darla beat Dennis Moore?!?

    Stay Red Kansas reports that the Queen of Talk radio in Kansas City earned a great deal of support against entrenched Congressman Dennis Moore in a recent Olathe Straw Poll. Now I know she's doing quite well with her show and coming off a Kickass Week during drive time with Scott Parks . . . But Darla as a politico would be nice . . . Simply given the fact that she's one of the few Conservatives I know who actually means what she says.

    Give and Take From Gone Mild



    Praise and Serious Questions about TKC tactics from Gone Mild . . . Both deserve linking. There are two sides to EVERY story:

  • "Has Journalism Reached a Tipping Point?" - I think this is a bit of TKC Praise.

  • "How to Know You Have Lost Your Soul" - A bit of TKC scorn . . . Factoid: The photos were sent to me from a TKC TIPSTER who has my highest esteem and is devoted to capturing a nice slice of life from this cowtown.

  • Both are well deserved . . . TKC is not running for office . . . So I don't need fake flattery . . . Rather, Gone Mild has consistently shown a bit of insight into this thing we call blog and how it works in this contentious, little cowtown.

    The Jessica Simpson cleavage shot is just for good measure.

    Mo Rage Independence Day

    Top Ten Rants from a GREAT blogger with a lot of hardcore questions.

    "KC’s Drew Peterson goes to court"

    Without question RDM is one of the most insightful bloggers in all of Kansas City.

    TKC Fawns on Jeneé!!!



    I swear all I want is a date with my sweet, sweet Jeneé and she will see that my devotion is pure and awesome and rather endearing.

    Sadly, my sweet newsie columnist is too busy posing for photo shoots, partying and doing anything but research . . . So she doesn't notice my devotion.

    Therefore . . . I'm just going to have to waste my time with you bags longingly looking at AWESOME Sarah Levi photos of The Kansas City's Star's most beautiful columnist that would never give basement dwelling TKC the time of day.







    Again, Thanks to the TKC TIPSTER who sent these photos my way and clued us all into the furry proclivities of The Star's Gen X/Y writer who is nearly as interesting as she is embarrassing.

    Yes these photos are of Jeneé . . . Yes, they only pique my curiosity and . . . The Shawnee Mission Deer Hunt comments are hilarious. Natch.

    Thursday, July 02, 2009

    Listen to TKC talk to Darla tonight!!!



    It's been an interesting week and tonight's conversation with Darla Jaye on 980 Live should be equally eventful.

    There has been gossip.

    Political aftermath.

    And even Internet usurping of traditional media outlets.

    Good stuff, much more interesting than a photo gallery of Korean pop star Lee Hyori and lots to discuss. Listen in tonight at around 8 in the P.M.

    MM Memorial Follow-up

    A great showing from Midtown Miscreant captures the remnants of a local memorial that should make just about anybody a little bit sad.

    Today's KC reason not to trust women

    NBC Action News: "A Kansas City woman pleaded guilty today to her part in a staged attack she hoped would help her get money in a sexual harassment lawsuit."

    "Police called to fireworks complaints this weekend will confiscate fireworks, and our Bomb and Arson Unit will destroy them."

    KCPD Chief Corwin reminds us that fireworks for personal use aren't allowed in Kansas City Proper and ends with a rather cryptic money quote . . . Which is nice but I don't think I've ever seen happen in all of the obnoxious backyard, street level fireworks displays I've seen in this town. Also, so many neighborhoods in this town sound pretty much like a fireworks free for all so I'm not sure how widely the Chiefs blog is read.

    Hooray for Wild Westport!!!



    Gov. Jay signed festival legislation today.

    Aftermath: Does this mean that the beleaguered old school party district can now compete with P&L?

    It depends.

    Does Kansas City mind the occasional stabbing/shooting versus rampant racial disparity . . . (And a few stabbings and shootings outside) . . . Either way, it's nice to see that popular culture and cultural divisions in this town have been reduced to drinking destinations.

    TKC EXCLUSIVE CAPTION CONTEST!!! JENEÉ MY DEER . . . WTF?!?



    ONE OF THE GREATEST ALL TIME TKC TIPSTERS HAS GIVEN ME A WONDERFUL GIFT!!!

    This post contains a hot mess from The Star unlike any ever seen!!!

    CHECK OUT KANSAS CITY STAR COLUMNIST JENEÉ OSTERHELDT DRESSED UP LIKE A DEER, A FEMALE DEER IN A RECENT PHOTO SHOOT!!!



    She is my future baby's mama and I think the world of her . . . But it's simply insane that Jeneé has a job at The Star when so many other newsies have been fired.



    So, in the same spirit of generosity that these photos were bestowed upon me . . . I want to share them with TKC Readers and encourage everyone to write a caption.

    These photos and furry fandom from a Kansas City Star Columnist deserve the very best that TKC readers can come up with . . .

    Now it's your turn!!!

    TKC EXCLUSIVE!!! AT THE ZERO HOUR, THE ONLY TKC READER WITH A CONSCIENCE DELAYED A DEVASTATING STORY AIMED AT KANSAS CITY CO-MAYORS!!!



    No one can ever accuse me of not being a sporting chap.

    Late last night via e-mail TKC received one of the most impassioned pleas to kill a story that I've ever read.

    So for the moment I'm going to sit on a story that's already common knowledge in Kansas City political circles . . . Or at least I'm not going to spill the full details just yet. So, I'll tease it yet again (heh) so at least insiders will know what I'm referring to and maybe somebody else will have the guts to break it. Sometimes, my sense of decency gets in my way.

    An argument was made to me that the subject of a TKC EXCLUSIVE was innocent.

    I want to refute that right now.

    Tara Squitiro Funkhouser has been "legal" (18+) throughout the Administration of Mayor Mark Funkhouser and she even volunteered as an intern before the City Council wisely enacted the Volunteer Ordinance to dissuade City Hall nepotism.

    During that time . . .

  • Tara mislead one of my favorite neighborhood activists regarding long lingering trash in front of a Kansas City School.

  • Tara also worked with one of Mayor Funky's staffers and went to veteran City Hall workers and demanded a list of their contacts.

  • And this is a bit of an EXCLUSIVE . . . IF this Mayor Funky Discrimination case goes to court it will be discovered that . . .

  • THE ERECT WANG OF TARA'S BOYFRIEND (at the time) WAS USED AS A SCREEN SAVER AND LEFT ON OPEN DISPLAY IN THE MAYOR'S OFFICE!!!

    We're not dealing with someone "innocent" here . . . Simply more of the privilege and entitlement mentality championed by The Funkhouser/Squitiro Administration.

    Now for the teaser . . .

    The TKC story delayed by a person I respect and want to offer a voice on this blog includes the following details . . .

    The Mayor's Cabin.

    A very weird ritual.

    A tent.

    And shocked people in Kansas City political circles that couldn't believe the Mayor would defend the behavior when questioned.

    Again, this isn't even a recent event and the stories go back to before Mayor Funky's election.

    Here's why the Mayor won't have anything to say on the the subject . . . BECAUSE SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE ALREADY ASKED HIM ABOUT THE STORY!!!

    As the incomparable Leonard Cohen once exclaimed . . . Everybody knows.

    Who knows?

  • No less than two journalists in Kansas City know.

  • A Funkhouser appointee knows the story.

  • More than a couple former Funkhouser employees know what I'm saying.

  • And the Mayor knows exactly what I'm talking about . . .

  • So this post is my response to the only TKC reader with a conscience.

    My approach to the story was going to be simple . . . I was going to merely note a fact: This story is widely circulated in Kansas City political circles. I couldn't possibly confirm or deny the details . . . Because I wasn't inside the tent. But I can say that more than three people have confirmed the story is part of the darker side of Funkhouser folklore and has been a poignant topic of discussion.

    So where do we go from here?

    I could wait forever for the so-called MSM to break the story but I know they won't.

    One day soon there could be a book containing this kind of talk . . . But when it comes to dead trees, I'm not much of a reader.

    The tale might creep up in the comments but so does so many other unconfirmed and mostly incorrect details from anony sources.

    What I can confirm is simple:

    I've always thought that the Mayor's Iphone troubles along with his fine paid to the Missouri Ethics commission confirms that his administration is crooked.

    And now it's not just implied stories of bathroom sex at the office reported by The Star which convince me the guy and his wife are also deviants along with an unhealthy obsession the pair seem to have with Gloria's feet.



    So . . . The TKC solution:

    THE CO-MAYORS SHOULD PROBABLY RESIGN AND SETTLE THE MAMMYGATE CASE IF THEY DON'T WANT THE TWISTED PERSONAL DETAILS OF THEIR SCREWED UP HOUSEHOLD TO COME TO LIGHT!!!

    This actually works against my personal interest and would take away some of my funnier content but I think it might be best for Kansas City overall.

    The Co-Mayors have sunk this town to new depths (which is really quite an accomplishment) and now they're taking on an increasing amount of collateral damage.

    But because I have one reader with a conscience . . . I'm going to allow some other blog or media organization a small window of opportunity to break the nasty, disgusting and sordid story of twisted Funkhouser/Squitiro values.

    What no one can disprove is that this story is out there, circulating in Kansas City political circles, some say that Mayor has even answered the story in the affirmative and made an insanely weak defense of actions under his purview.

    In the final analysis, the whole point of this post is simply to offer a digital bookmark to the fact that stories of the depravity of the Co-Mayors abound and TKC isn't the only one who knows the score.

    Sexy Setback For Mayor Funky's Case



    Looks like Mayor Funky is still on the hook for the sexy, inappropriate and sometimes hilarious talk of his wife.
    Jackson County Judge Ann Mesle declined Wednesday to remove Mayor Mark Funkhouser from a workplace discrimination lawsuit that is expected to reach trial later this month.

    Mesle made three rulings after a hearing of nearly two hours with attorneys for the city, Funkhouser and Ruth Bates, a former Funkhouser aide who brought the lawsuit. The rulings, in effect, kept alive all of Bates’ allegations against both the city and Funkhouser.

    The trial is scheduled for 10 days, beginning July 27.
    Still, Mayor Funky claims that his opposition consists solely of people who are "fighting the change" that his administration has offered.

    So far . . .

    Local TIF still runs the same.

    Kansas City violence is worse under Mayor Funky.

    The streets are just as bad and have a huge number of steel plates.

    Only Jan Marcason has mentioned local sewers and there hasn't been much progress on that front lately . . .

    So maybe the change the Mayor is referring to is nasty, sexual and sometimes racist remarks from his wife . . . Entertaining but not exactly the "Orange Revolution" Kansas City was promised.

    Expensive Cowtown Repairs



    Kansas City's long gone legacy as a cowtown is getting tougher to maintain according to a recent Star article: "An exhibition hall at the American Royal complex has $1 million in structural damage that needs to be repaired now, city officials told a citizens advisory panel Wednesday."

    UPDATED: GLORIA SQUITIRO (NOT) TKC'S BIGGEST FAN!!!



    Not so long ago . . . Gloria Squitiro said she was writing a book.

    Well, it looks like she's starting her literary adventures by using TKC as subject matter.



    The post doesn't verify the context of her writing . . . It could be something as simple as a facebook update.

    Still, I'm a little encouraged because if she doesn't want local control over the KCPD, for whatever reason, then the Mayor Funky will probably (once again) do her bidding . . . Especially considering that after all of the controversy surrounding her, she's still working 50 hours a week for The Mayor according to the New York Times.

    Like it or not (I don't) Gloria Squitiro runs Kansas City and I'm kind of flattered she's thinking of TKC.

    UPDATE: OOPS Helling was quoting me. I really need to start reading their blog more closely. (No I don't)

    Apologies to Squitiro . . . Her writing doesn't include TKC . . . Yet.

    Leaving this post up to prove my greatness, Could have easily deleted it. Corrected in less than an hour after writing thanks to TKC Commenters.

    Remember, this blog is a conversation . . . Kinda.

    Patriots should make sober suckers drive during 4th of July Weekend boozefest



    I have no friends, I drink alone in my mom's basement while crying and I stopped caring about fireworks when I was 8 years-old so none of this concerns me . . . However, sharing information is one of the most American actives in existence . . . So before the good times start (Today at 3 p.m.) I think it's worth noting that, like it or not, the po-po will be out in force putting the streets on lockdown and looking to bust drunk drivers. So patriotic celebrants marking this nation's Independence by getting puke drunk would do well to make somebody else drive.

    KC Schools Still Don't Have A Prayer

    The Star: Churches to lead effort to give makeovers to five schools in KC district . . . This flirtation with breaking Church and State distinctions sounds sweet but it's actually a bit of politics at work and represents nothing more than The Black Political Elite keeping their stranglehold on a district in decline.

    Ten Great Ways to keep all your digits

    Top 10 fireworks displays in Kansas City metro area

    Another Great Kansas City Dead Mall Video



    Last year Youtuber Archmetal06 earned a great many views with his video documentary, "Metcalf South - A Sad But Beautiful Mall."

    Recently, he created a sequel showing the current state of abandonment of Metro North Mall entitled: "Metro North Mall aka Creepy Dead Mall, This Place Should Be Torn Down"

    Additionally . . . It should be noted that the decline of Metro North can't be attributed to baseless allegations of an increased minority presence. Why? Because this mall never had a influx of any other minorities than Asian people. And the wig store owned by very nice Asian ladies is the only place that seems to be consistently doing well. Go figure.

    Nope, Metro Mall died all on its own and suburban sprawl and Zona Rosa didn't help the situation. It's yet another example of a Kansas City Shopping Mall on the decline or maybe a testament to a vanishing American consumer culture in the wake of The Great Recession. Either way, the video is fantastic and the footage of the mall is eerie, abandoned and awesome all at the same time.

    Sykes needs cash for Civil Rights Justice

    I hate it when Mary Sanchez writes a good column. Her latest missive offers a perspective on Alvin Sykes who is fighting for justice on behalf of slain civil rights figures. Even better, he's using the Internets and the T-shirt economy in order to fund his cause.

    If there were any JoCo environmentalists or poverty advocates they would be outraged

    KC Light Rail analysis: The JO will increase — and simplify — it's fares on Monday.

    Kansas Gets Liquored Up



    I'm not a big fan of wine that costs more than 5 bucks but for some reason I found a story about Kansas liquor regs quite interesting.
    The state legislature approved Senate Bill 212 in April 2009 and the law goes into effect July 1, 2009.

    The law allows out-of-state and in-state wineries to ship up to 12 cases of wine per year per address to consumers in Kansas.
    I have no idea who could go through more than 12 cases of wine in more than a year but then again I don't really like "classy" drunks.

    Show Me A Call for Justice Answered!!!

    NBC Action News reports: "Missouri Attorney General collected $50,000 from a Florida telemarketer who violated the no-call law. The telemarketer called residents who had previously placed their names on the no-call list."

    I don't know if this was his move . . . But, it could be Chris Koster's greatest victory ever!!! Now, if only he'd investigate Funky Nepotism charges.

    Yet another white, dead tree biz in peril

    A tentative deal in Missouri would let AT&T stop automatic delivery of the White Pages phone book to homes and businesses on the Missouri side of the Kansas City and St. Louis areas.

    Serving Up Thursday Morning Links



    Here's just a few links I'm sending the way of morning TKC readers:

  • Sadly, the Latest Murder Vigil in Kansas City only reminds me that there will be more.

  • Local Environmental case still kind of scary: EPA: No Link Between Fertilizer and Brain Tumors

  • County comes up with cash for once: Jackson County Courts Avoids Layoffs

  • A conclusion to a tragic local case: Man sentenced to 28 years for 2005 murder of 12-year-old boy

  • Meet and Greet for New KC School Superintendent already sounds like the same old story

  • Cruel Cuts in Kansas on the table: Families of Disabled Kansans Worried About Budget Cuts

  • More Kansas budget consternation: Court Fees Rise As Kansas Struggles With Budget

  • Stephanie Pratt playing beach volleyball is the best part of my Summer.
  • Perspective on Kansas City pit bull laws

    Crazy Kansas City Pit bull laws are used as an example of legislation making life worse for law abiding residents by a blogger taking an objective look at the breed, legislation and its impact on the public.

    Sexy Tublr Blog Link

    Matt Payton comes up with great stuff at his Tublr blog regularly . . . Today he finds a money quote from a recent Dan Savage column that condones hot threeway action . . . Which is all well and good until somebody comes down with a rash.

    Local celebration and low expectations

    RDM takes apart a local story that heaps praise on a local lifeguard for simply doing her job.

    Corporate Social Media Life



    Shane Life is featured in an EXTENSIVE interview with Whitney Matthews from Spiral 16.

    For the record, it's worth remembering the KC With A Russian Accent performed some amazing journalism about the "work" of Spiral 16 in the local blogosphere. Given the data and facts that he uncovered I think it's rather obvious that the company is actively working to destroy Kansas City blogs that posses any authenticity or at the very least create a devious local serfdom where only bloggers who shill for Spiral 16 clients are offered meager freebies. Also, most people claiming to be a "social media experts" are nothing more than hacks selling pseudo science and marketing non-sense language to silly business people who deserve to be ripped off.

    Anyhoo . . . Understanding all of this . . . I rather liked Shane's interview with Whitney and it demonstrates how corporations can take every bit of fun and free speech and inspiration out of blogging.

    Unfortunately, all of this is not quite as interesting as photos of Lacey Schwimmer at her 21st Birthday Pool Party. Schwimmer could be the most beautiful up and coming corporate shill in the nation with her own line of tube socks that would be exceedingly useful for . . . Forget it.

    "More often than not, bloggers know as much as the reporter, editor or news anchorman. And in many of those cases, the blogger knows more."

    I simply had to quote the money line from KCK Newsie, Blogger and Sportwriter Nick Sloan . . . Someone who is and will continue to be an important part of the local news landscape.

    Behind the Scenes of a Busby Publicity Stunt

    Bottomline Communications actually makes a feel good media story rather interesting and shares the details of former weather newsie Pete Grigsby setting up the beloved Brian Busby to direct the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

    Placing blame in KC Cop Car "Controversy"

    A great post from Gone Mild offers a different perspective on the cop car dilemma facing the KCPD and the City Council.

    Consider . . . Gone Mild was able to generate nearly as much reaction as a front page story from The Star . . . Which says a lot about the efficacy of Print Media and the future for web publishers . . . Which is also far more interesting than a bit of blame game politics.

    Late, Late Night offering



    Getting ready to cook up some posts . . . Thankfully, the day promises to be rather busy . . . Some good stuff in store but early morning readers might appreciate a photo gallery of Lucy Clarkson in lingerie that strangely reminds me of local nightlife . . . Given that I was buying some paper towels and anti-bacterial handsoap (TKC necessities) just a few moments ago and wondered why in the hell so many people out drinking on a Wed. Night/Thursday Morning. Cowtown Hipsters never cease to amaze me.

    More posts on the way, hopefully.