The TKC Saturday Night Podcast: The search for Shauntay and the runaway slave theme

I'm no expert, but recently I've been reminded that there is a bit of a historical archetype when it comes to Black people on the run in this country.

From The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn to the current search for Shauntay Henderson that is set to air on America's Most Wanted any minute now . . . There seems to be a theme that has developed over centuries regarding Black people on the run. Of course, the details, their alleged innocence and/or guilt have always made for good stories, causes and political issues BUT the fact remains . . . Guilty or Innocent . . . Over the course of this country's history . . . The tales of Black people running from the authorities have captivated this country's imagination and they have also inspired tonight's podcast. These are the most popular songs that come to mind when I think about Shauntay on the run and hope that the search comes to an amicable resolution.



Of course a female fugitive evokes an even greater level of interest but from what I've read regarding Shauntay . . . She doesn't seem very lady like.



But, as I noted previously, cops and robbers movies have become ingrained in the culture and songs about folks on the run have always been popular.



At first I didn't want to include 100 Miles and Runnin' on tonight's podcast because it reminds me of what a stupid kid I was . . . But thinking back, what I didn't realize is that the music that mesmerized me was nothing more than a show . . . Once again I was fooled into thinking that hard lyrics and tough poses translated into power. Sadly, only years later did I realize that all of my rap heroes were simply performers and their tall tales should have simply been taken in stride and not emulated . . . Not that I ever got in much trouble but I sure did waste far too much money on entertainment and stupid clothing.



Anyway, the reality is that life on the run isn't one bit glamorous if prison memoirs and second hand accounts are in the least bit accurate. So often there's an attempt to glamorize any tense situation as long as it's far away . . . It seems that everything from war to criminal activity has become a spectator sport. In someways that's helpful, but I'm sure for the most part it's counter productive.

Still, tonight Shauntay Henderson's case goes national and I'm not ashamed to note that I've been more than a little interested in the outcome. Sooner or later I'm sure KC's bald, broad fugitive will realize that it's time to stop running, there are even people who have offered to help her surrender but certainly it's clear that the chase is about to come to an end.

Update: They caught Shauntay . . . Only minutes before the America's Most Wanted Episode featuring her was even aired but not before I posted this podcast.

You're welcome.

Will loosening the purse strings turn things around for KC's beloved local losers?

A recent(ish) AP story claims that Dayton Moore damn near got on his hands and knees (no homo?) and begged David Glass for more money in order to garner a better pitching staff coupled with a request to keep the owner's son of dugout affairs.

Kansas City at the epicenter of the worldwide "24 hour prayer movement"

I recently came across a bit of background on the folks at the International House of Prayer (IHOP) . . . I drive past it from time to time and a few weeks ago you can imagine my dismay when I walked through the doors of the place drunk, hungry and covered with stripper glitter and instead of pancakes I was forced to listen to a a tirade about turning my life around . . . ANYWAY, apparently the folks behind these storefronts have setups all over the world and even an African ministry called "Love Mercy". Other than that I don't know much about them other than their name is a bit misleading AND If I'm to believe Russell Simmons: The best way to help all the starving babies and exploited people in Africa is to buy more diamonds!!!

Oldest Marine to serve in Iraq (60) has retirement party in Kansas City

His service spanned 40 years and two wars . . . He eventually served in the same unit as his son . . . Fox 4 has the story and video.

Your taxes for the trucking industry

KMBZ reports: "Republican transportation leaders in the Legislature called Thursday for increasing taxes at least $4 billion to pay for interstate highway upgrades. Rep. Neal St. Onge proposed raising taxes to provide dedicated truck lanes on Interstate 70, upgraded ports . . . Sen. Bill Stouffer, R-Napton, already has proposed making dedicated truck lanes on Interstates 44 and 70, using a 1-cent sales tax from 2009-2018 that would raise $7.2 billion."

They're proposing more taxes on gas as well in what I'm assuming to be an attempt to help the British push gas to at least 5 bucks a gallon sometime in the next two years.

The Great White North

One of my first lessons about politics came when I was a kid . . . Emanuel Cleaver was the first African-American Mayor of Kansas City and upon his victory I was naively impressed with that fact . . . However, things didn't stay cordial long after he came to power. Only months after he took office, Northland residents were up in arms because one of his first acts was to try and place a (most likely toxic) dump for the City up North. Older KC residents might remember this . . . It was about 15 years ago (obviously, I can't find a link).

Anyway, folks up North were upset at what was obviously a political reprisal . . . They fought tooth and nail, they were fuming mad and I think in the end they even got the size of the waste site reduced but the lesson was clear . . . There is clearly a price to pay for any political support or lack thereof.

Additionally, there is also a HUGE BENEFIT for backing the right pony. And now the tables have turned to the advantage of the Northland.

Most people know this kind of stuff without being told and it's really only common sense to see that people who supported Mark Funkhouser for Mayor are going to want to cash in while those who opposed him (Hello Eastside!) are going to be left out in the cold. Arguing otherwise is not only extremely naive but it also subverts the very nature of Democracy (as do all disagreements with TKC).

Anyway, today The Star accurately (for once) notes that the Northland stands to make some significant gains for their overwhelming and some say (I do at least) "racially motivated and suspect" support of Mark Funkhouser.

Count Northland residents as potentially winning big after Tuesday’s elections in Kansas City.

Residents north of the river soon may have more luck tapping into City Hall for money to build new roads, expand park amenities and invest in repairs for older neighborhoods . . . Northland voters provided former city auditor Mark Funkhouser a crucial edge in his mayoral victory. He won more than 70 percent of the vote in the parts of Clay and Platte counties that are in Kansas City.

I believe the phrase is: "To the victor go the spoils" but it's hard to argue that suburban-living, supermarket-mecca-having, SUV-driving Northland residents aren't spoiled enough.

I'd argue that South KC needs far more attention but a Funkhouser press conference during the last week, and some handshaking placated the Southland well enough to soften the blow of the edge Alvin Brooks had in this area despite his own negligence of backing Chuck Eddy's scheme to turn the place into a truck stop. But that's all hindsight now . . .

What's important to understand is that everybody is now lining up to get a piece of Mark Funkhouser's administration . . . After a close race like this one, everybody claims it was their support that provided the edge.

Here's a quick list of who Funkhouser has to payback big time or face an even LOWER voter turnout and possible rebuke in his next bid (and there is no doubt this guy is all about using Kansas City as a stepping stone for a greater political career):

La Raza . . . I'm biased here but I also know there are plenty of Latinos who think they pushed Funkhouser over the top. With 67% support among Hispanics and an important and news-making endorsement (ugh) from La Raza Political Club . . . You could probably make a somewhat reasonable case that they made a difference. Still, I wonder if Funkhouser will hire any more Hispanics at City Hall other than the lackeys that he's already got in his camp? The local Latino community is usually pretty harsh about having tokens sent their way but I've had my own issues dealing with an entitlement culture that is often present in minority communities. Buena Suerte to the big man in trying to overcome this hurdle!

The ghey community . . . Nearly every the ghey political group came out for Funkhouser in a move that probably didn't embarrass their family in that instance at least. I don't even think Brooks tried to impress these folks or he would have risked his religious base. I don't know how Funkhouser is going pay back these folks for the support but they are EXPECTING some RECIPROCATION since they definitely had his back. Ewwwwwww.

The GREAT WHITE NORTH - Yeah, Funkhouser might as well move his headquarters to one of the empty shops in Metro North Mall . . . He owes everything to this part of town and if there isn't some major payback . . . Cops, streets, infrastructure and appearances then he won't last long . . . Thing is, Mayor Kay has sent a decent amount of (TIF) money "up there" already and despite the mostly well-behaved Meth addicts -- That part of town is pretty nice . . . What this means is that Funk will have to continue constant support of this hood and consequently CONTINUE TO IGNORE the problems of the Eastside. That's how he got elected and what will keep him in office but few can argue that it's in the best interest of the city.

So, the postscript to this election is simple: Suburbanites win BIG. Even the (JOCO) Star thinks so . . . Still, a messenger boy for the cookie cutter houses and suburbanites up North is hardly the "grassroots" revolution that Funkhouser camp sold to the rest of the City but if he fails to support his base (no homo) then he won't last long.

What's clear is that it'll be fun to see Funkhouser spreading himself thin(er) to please all of these camps . . . Also that image makes me realize that KC politics only gets uglier after watching it since I was a little kid.

A season to risk

No, I'm not referring to the post-punk/electronic collective hailing from Kansas City, MO; the "season to risk" I'd like to note to is Springtime and the all encompassing madness over whatever weather patterns might arise.

In fact, I'd like to draw attention to a great point that a local weather watcher recently made on KC Talk . . . Forgive me for being so naive BUT I didn't know that the obsessive weather coverage that makes watching television nearly unbearable during the Springtime is due to the fact that this stormy time of year also coincides with ratings season.

In reference to a storm earlier this week, a very wise post at KC's best forum notes: "It's not May yet, so until sweeps comes around, local TV could give a shit about us."

Still, it's not like I'm asking for Katie Horner to run around like a chicken with its head cut off more often but this info does make it easier to adjust my schedule. And I'm also glad to know that the fervor that local weather folks present is just an act . . . I really thought they were serious last year and that moisture falling from the sky was surly a sign that the world was coming to an end . . . Now, I'm going to have to completely rely on Al Gore to throw me into a panic regarding weather patterns.

Back to the lockup dog

The weather is getting warmer, that means that the greatest threat to you is not weapons of Mass Destruction, crime on the Eastside, Drunk Drivers or a jilted lover . . . According the the local news (especially KCTV5) you really have to live in fear of dogs (when not fretting over somebody jumping out of your computer screen and raping you) . . . To wit, a local dog Faces house arrest . . . And I already wonder if he'll get one of those neat ankle bracelets and have to make calls to his PO to inform "the man" regarding his whereabouts . . .

A dog faces house arrest after allegedly biting a fire inspector.

The dog was under an awning outside a coffee shop in Brookside this morning. He reportedly heard a clap of thunder and got scared. That was when the fire inspector, who was under the awning trying to avoid the rain, got bit . . .

The owner says the dog has all his shots, but will have to stay inside the house for about 10 days.

That's ruff (ugh) I know some people who nearly went crazy being forced to stay inside their house for more than a month, so I have no idea what that'll do to an animal who would rather be playing in the park and frolicking outdoors . . . Additionally, if the mutt is anything like the humans I've known who have underwent house arrest . . . The animal won't learn much other than the notion that getting caught and punished was the only thing that was really regrettable.

Still . . . A lot of folks believe that any kind of alternative to the normal lock up is a good idea. Who knows if they're right BUT maybe if animals don't automatically get caged up then humans might merit the same treatment. A lot of people think so given that in a recent survey half of Missourians claimed to support using drug courts rather than prison for first-time offenders.

Have you seen her?

Spotting a baldy hasn't been this profitable unless you're a broad out husband hunting and looking for a dude with low self esteem (and lots of money): 25k reward for Shauntay Henderson

Update: Here is Ayman's take on the subject as well.

Certainly not a fight for dignity or honor

2 Local Women Compete In ABC's 'The Bachelor'

Looking ahead

A Cleveland baseball blog I read recently has some pretty prophetic predictions. It's almost eerie . . . Like the guy was channeling Chief Wahoo himself . . . Especially when he summed up the Royals current situation.

Next, I predict that the Kansas City Royals most current rebuilding plan won’t work, either. I also predict that they’ll consider another managerial change although I also predict that most fans inside and outside of Kansas City couldn’t even name their current manager.

That sounds about right. The blog is entitled "Wait 'till next year again" And actually that's a bit hopeful sounding for a similar small media market like Cleveland . . . In KC I'm pretty sure the only reason to look forward to next season when it comes to the Royals is that maybe you might win the office pool with a bet on when exactly the team will lose 100 games.

Still plenty to see

Thankfully, there wasn't a mass shooting at the St. Paddy's Day Parade. However, there were some big guns out nonetheless . . . Check out a few more shots of the parade recently posted at a digital photography forum.

TKC Myspace of the moment: Five reasons why you ladies should have sex with "the D"

Every so often, while trolling the Internets I find a blog or a Myspace page that perfectly captures what (I think) the local blogosphere is all about . . . Today, the high honor of a nice post by me goes to The D.

His blog "The D rules" is more personal than political but it features great insights about everyday life in KC nonetheless. The D posts content about "life as a young, single, kick ass dude, in my home town of Kansas City. It shall include but not be limited too, humor, jokes, funny stories about me and whatever I want."

He has shown up with a couple of comments on this blog but I bet he doesn't know that I have even more man love (No Homo!!!) for him. So here is why this blogger (with a pretty decent myspace page as well) kicks ass and here are just a few reasons that women should sleep with him, banks should give him money with no questions asked and he should get a pass from police on all crimes up to and including aggravated assault.

1. The guy has lost a hell of a lot of weight and he's documented a lot of it online. I have to admit, those tangible results without one mention of how one of his parents beat him or whatever the Hell the opposite sex thinks is inspiring and made me want to go out and jog if I wasn't on the lower end of a diabetic coma due to the fried fish sandwich I had for lunch.

2. Look at that pic . . . Do you have the guts to put your best face forward like that? I don't, but damn I'm impressed.

3. His "Joke Thursday" posts are the shit.

4. He graduated from Bishop Ward so he's been through the unmitigated humiliation of being constantly beaten by my old high school (Miege) yet he still seems to hold his head high!!! (Yeah, I'm going back more than a decade for glory Al Bundy style. What of it? Harrumph!)

5. He has been spit upon but still stands tall!!! I don't think I've ever had any bodily fluids unwillingly cast upon me but if I did, rest assured I'd spend the rest of the day bathing in Purell . . . This guy seems to take it in stride and that's why he's a gully local blogger.

So, there you have it. Now go and make the D part of your daily read if you haven't already.

Crooks still haven't figured out the best way to rob a bank is to buy it

A bank robbery at the Community America Credit Union may be tied to others . . . Which is somehow related to the fact that ATM fees are moving closer to charging you nearly half of what you might withdraw.

Game (almost) on in WyCo!!!

Channel 9 reports that Wyandotte County could become hot spot for gamblers . . . Meaning people who like games of chance rather than just gambling with their safety and health while cruising for streetwalkers and illicit substances . . . Personally, I don't really care how people kill themselves but the way that I'll probably (hopefully) meet my demise is by a miniature train and all the greasy goodness at Fritz's . . . Which by far is the best thing about KCK despite all of the easily available vices in that hood.

Putting off the fall of The Empire

Man charged with 2006 nightclub shooting at The Empire Room . . . Strange how the vibe across the street at The Velvet Dog is so much better than almost every bar in town. I miss going there, you could usually find me in the corner . . . Sipping a frou-frou girly drink and doing my best to avoid conversation.

"sweatin the small stuff" once again

I'll label this one as "in praise of rough looking women." A classic take on a scary story and why lesbian prison movies are simply pure (wonderful) fantasy. Check it.

Is politics better when it's ugly?

I think so, but Dan over at Gone Mild is actually a nice guy who claims that an aggressive Brooks campaign still couldn't have worked. I actually think I agree with Kraske and the comments all over the net prove that NEITHER side was really interested in a clean campaign. However, what I like is that all the scum and sleaze was left to the Internets while the public faces were always pretty . . . I think that works in the favor of every blogger and says a lot of about our medium. Still, Dan's perspective is worth checking out and (as usual) he makes a ton of great points. No homo.

Blunt aide in the buff!!!

Matt Blunt's press secretary has nude pics floating around on the Internets . . . And the only thing I find appalling is how she's being treated with kid gloves by both parties and she received the help of The State Highway Patrol in order to put the kibosh on the whole thing. Take a quick peek (!!!). . . At her sob story . . . Yeah, I guess I couldn't post the photos not only because I haven't seen them (she doesn't seem like much to look at) but also because I'm sure it would earn me a one way ticket to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba or at least get me deported.

In late 2004, Jessica Robinson — now Gov. Matt Blunt's press secretary — learned that private photos of her nude body were traveling on the very public Internet.

She took steps, with the help of the State Highway Patrol, to remove the images. But like weeds, the pictures recently came back — circulating again on the Web and now around the state Capitol.

She says the pictures had been taken by her husband, Jay Robinson, in late 2003 and early 2004 to document the various stages of her pregnancy that resulted in the May 2004 birth of their son. The photos were put on the hard drive of the couple's computer . . .

By October 2004, the early-pregnancy pictures —which show a smiling, still-slim Jessica Robinson standing in front of a wall — somehow ended up on several pornographic websites. Authorities say the couple's computer had been hacked.

I'm not sure if I buy that story but it doesn't really matter. The main point here is the fact that nude photos are available of nearly every woman working as a professional in the media . . . Or at least that's been my experience. Also, I'm pretty sure that there are women across the State who have photos they may not want of themselves on the Internets and The State Highway Patrol doesn't get involved . . . That's time that they should be spending hassling every Latino who dares to drive a car and checking their citizenship!!!

Finally, I'm always impressed with these kind of stories and how they are usually intended to make everyone afraid of the Internet . . . I guess I also miss the days when people had more privacy . . . Just like I'm sure po'folk from across the Show-Me State miss their Medicare. But what are you gonna do? The only thing I can think of is to smile and try to suppress your cough while Baby Blunt blushes.

P.S. - I also have nude photos of myself on my computer but they are intended to be a warning to all those who would dare to mess with my computer. The photos picture me, naked, holding a sword while my a former lover throws pickles at me and I point at the camera. I was hacked once and somebody got hold of the photos. They subsequently left me an e-mail apology and deposited 20 dollars in my paypal account.

Hat tip: Jazo (who declined to see any of my nude photos)

Pump it up!!!

In what might possibly THE WORST ROAD TRIP EVER, and Overland Park man has recently brought some noteriety and PRIDE to the name of his community . . . OR, if you truly know the nature of the suburbs in and around Kansas City . . . You aren't really surprised to read about a poor, downtrodden Overland Park man WHO HAD MORE THAN $1,000 WORTH OF PENIS PUMPS STOLEN FROM HIS VEHICLE!!!

Council Bluffs Police reports stated officers were called to the Fairfield Inn, located at 520 30th Ave., for a report of a burglary to a vehicle at 9:40 p.m.

An Overland Park, Kan., man told officers someone broke the passenger side window on his vehicle and stole five penis pumps and parts, valued at $1,300, according to police reports. Damage to the window was placed at $200.

At the time of the report, the victim found no other items missing or no other damage to his vehicle. The case was marked inactive because there were no suspects or witness information available.

I'm pretty sure that has to be the most embarrassing police report you'd ever have to file or at least ranks right up there with the time I had to provide details regarding a gang of midgets who gave me a beatdown because I like to pretend I'm a giant monster when I'm depressed.

I don't even want to ask the obvious question: WHAT IN THE HELL WAS HE DOING WITH 1K WORTH OF PENIS PUMPS? Because I'm pretty sure that my brain would explode if given the answer. Personally, I always doubted that anybody really had a penis that small and and a complex to do something about it with the notable exception of Lou Dobbs and Kris Kobach -- And the answer they found was to take their aggression regarding the matter out on Mexicans instead of investing in unproven (how would I know that?) technology.

Anyway, the point is that we all need to take care when taking a road trip and secure our valuables, penis pumps and anything that might be potentially embarrassing. I know that I always dread telling people that my downtown dwelling is a basement and not a loft.

Hat tip: Across-the-board.com

KC Street Art blog: "This ordinance makes no sense what so ever."

The Street Performer advocate has taken up the (unpopular) cause of panhandlers as well. Take a moment to check out her impassioned post and an alternative perspective on the new legislation directed at those with the temerity to be poor.

Insert lame Korean Food surplus joke here

30 cats removed from Lee's Summit home.

TKC will not make Polish jokes

First of all . . . And I don't know if this is funny: Other than Great Britain the people of Poland were the biggest (and funniest) supporters of the U.S. War of Terror in Iraq and they shouldn't be taken for granted. Also, a gully new missile shield in Poland should make the world safe for more missiles and U.S. interests.

So, with little or no useful commentary (as usual) on the subject I will simply link a pretty interesting story I noticed at The Star's site earlier this morning regarding some small dust-up over KCK Polish festivities in what is now a neighborhood that's predominantly occupied by Mexicans.

A bitter conflict has erupted on Polish Hill in Kansas City, Kan., where Polish-American descendants filed a lawsuit Tuesday claiming the beloved Polski Day parade has been hijacked.

The official Polski Day committee received a jolt to the system in mid-March when a member applied for the May 5 parade permit and discovered it had already been issued to a non-Polish bar and restaurant owner.

Further fanning the flames? Instead of ending at St. Joseph-St. Benedict's church, the benefactor, the parade ends at the bar and grill — in the traditionally Croatian part of town. That's raising some Old World tensions.

Personally, I've always liked Polish people because I went to grade school with a lot of their kids and I was surprised they resented the Irish kids just as much as I did. White people are picky like that . . . Additionally, I just now learned that the word "Polack" is actually a derogatory slur. Strange because that's the term they always used to describe themselves . . . I guess self hate crosses cultures even if those light bulb jokes don't translate in other languages.

It's expensive to fight against cheap labor

It's costing Valley Park (outside STL) $80,000 in legal fees to crackdown on landlords who rent to undocumented immigrants. The mayor of the city vows to keep up his fight and bankrupt his small city in order to maybe get an appearance on Fox News. Solution: It would be much simpler and less expensive if anyone suspected of being an illegal immigrant (read: all Latinos) simply didn't have any rights at all and could be subjected to whatever crazy whim put forth by a politician!!!

The cure for your desire to donate to charity

Gateway to a Cure manager Carl Sengheiser has been indicted on fraud charges in connection with four raffles, including one in the Kansas City area, that raised $1.9 million.

A bridge too far . . .

Barnes delays vote on Red Bridge Road plan. I like these people. They have one of the best issues for the rights of neighborhoods in this city . . . And I'm certain they are going to lose despite some valiant efforts.

Game of skill

I'm impressed to see that local authorities are using the same strategy that seems to working in Iraq!!

The U.S. military used cards to capture Iraqi forces.

Now the KCPD is putting the victims of unsolved crimes on a deck of cards that will be distributed in local prisons.

Actually, I do like the new spin that the locals are putting on the card deck and acknowledging the victims of crime and making playing cards less enjoyable for inmates.

(No) Baby Love

Baby murder stories and other tales of trauma/drama involving kids are never a nice way to start the day . . . But here are a few that sadly caught my eye nonetheless:

Seems like you'd get more time for stealing a car: Man Will Spend Seven Years in Prison for Killing Baby

Man Sentenced to Six Years For Having Sex With Babysitter . . . The guy's baby's mama "encouraged them to be intimate because she was pregnant." Ugh. Talk about a recipe for postpartum depression. Note: Do women who aren't white get postpartum depression? When ever I see cases profiled in the news it's always a white broad who regrets having kids (???) I wonder if that's just ordinary media bias of if there is some kind of statistical evidence that reflects the phenomenon in much the same way that (the few remaining) Native Americans all have diabetes because of either genetic predisposition or the fact that fry bread is delicious.

Man Accused of Sex Crimes, Family Says It's a Lie

KCMO school district can't even teach kids the finer points of the concealed carry law: Tip Leads Police to Arrest of High School Student

Notice all of these stories come from KCTV5 so some new marketing data that reveals that scaring the crap out of you regarding what could be the fate of your children must somehow equal higher ratings. Seems plausible but sadly, I'm to busy hiding under my sheets in order do any research.

KCUR cleans up

KCUR recently won five regional Edward R. Murrow Awards for news coverage. (hat tip on the info to KCTalk) Nice to see our friends (hot chicks!!!) at KC Currents getting some recognition as well.

Reason #2,453 why light rail won't work: People hate trains

Amtrak has been stripped of nearly all its state funding by the House . . . The Senate could still save the day but it can't make more people want to ride the damn thing.

The Cauthen Countdown!!!

How long till Funkhouser fires the most powerful Black man in City Hall?

More money to be made turning in punks who shot an old man than by bank robbery

Dwight Mayhugh was working security at the UMB Bank near 79th Street and Wornall when gunman robbed the place and shot him in the process. He died of his wounds later. Now the FBI is upping the reward to 35k. I know there are a lot of "issues" related to turning somebody in but if you really want to piss off "the man" just provide Alonzo Washington with the tip.

Permanent St. Paddy's afterparty: Alleged Dunk broad cripples local dude for life

KSHB files an amazing reports regarding the perils of the amateur night we call St. Paddy's Day.

Here are the scary details: "Jimmy Bullard may never walk the same again. He was hit by a suspected drunk driver . . . The suspect is Megan Cook, 18. She allegedly was trying to dodge a DUI checkpoint. She remains in jail."

Damn, this story scares the crap out of me. It was a horrible accident and I only wonder if people will blame the (alleged) drunk driver, the fact that DUI checkpoints seem pretty dangerous in and of themselves and/or anyone daring to question that the St. Paddy's Day festivities weren't an unbridled success because there weren't mass shootings.

Public performers (non perv) okay, less talented poor people NO WAY!!!

City Council Passes Aggressive Panhandling Law . . . Politicians are now only people who can annoyingly pester everyone for public support.

Kansas City will now give all its cash to aging Crossroads Hipsters

So, thankfully a user-specific tax abatement program for artists in the Crossroads Arts District (might) mean that you don't have to pay taxes if you can hold a paintbrush, you're white and you have the right address.

Also, they're opening up a new bank in the ubercool district to take advantage of all the tax savings!!!

Nice.

I'm sure all these economic incentives are going to really help out this City or at least the people who cater to causal drug users who call themselves artists and/or folks who are in the business of selling hummus and moderate to expensive wine.

(Note: Does anybody know the name of that hosh-posh liquor store in the Crossroads? It actually seemed rather nice and if they carry Colt .45 then I'm in luck. There is nothing better than tax abated malt liquor. I wouldn't even mind giving my money to hipsters as long as my spare change is going to ensure white privilege and destroy my liver . . . Talk about Double bonus!!!)

Before they officially become losers

Kauffman Stadium Opens a Day Early: Fans are invited to watch Royals final workout Before the season begins.

Rich KC residents have problems too!!!

From KC Infozine: Keith A. Tucker paid $1.2 million to Kansas City under protest. Tucker then filed a petition seeking a refund of the payment, claiming he was not a resident of the City during the years he was assessed. Judge John M. Torrence of the Jackson County Circuit Court found that Tucker was a Kansas City resident, and rejected Tucker's claim that the earnings tax definition of "resident" was unconstitutionally vague.

The one time you're not in the mood

KC Blue Blog: Missouri AIDS Hotline Dials Phone Sex Line

A new King Maker in Kansas City

A nice video from local blogger Laz cites a new power in KC politics. Additionally, I didn't know Jeff Roe was fat. I like him even more now. A pro-Funk punchline but I have to say the vid was well executed even if it underplayed the importance of the McClatchy Media conglomerate and their poster boy in you corner:

A nice review of the old Governor

Boy I miss Bob Holden, almost as much as po'folk miss their Medicare. Thanks Baby Blunt! Anyway, John Combest comes up with this great update on what the former Missouri Gov. is up to nowadays and I'm always surprised how cordial Republicans are when there isn't a campaign on . . . Safe to say that (stereotypically) they're much nice than their liberal counterparts . . . Or at least that's my perception.

To do, during this Blue, rainy weekend:

This Weekend:

Rod Stewart at Kemper...
The Blue Man Group at Kemper...
KillSwitch Engage at The Beaumont...
Ronnie Baker Brooks At Knuckleheads...
Links to Blayney's, The Hurricane, Jerry's Bait Shop, O'Dowd's,
Barley's, 75th Street Brewery and lots more at the Event Driver's site

Blogger Backtalk: Keeping it all together

Some nice pics and a bit of insight into the Hall of Losers otherwise known as "The Royals Lockerroom"

The mere mention of Accurso's makes me hungry.

Better answers to the "book tag" then I could have given. Actually, I don't have any books and all my "reading material" is strangely stuck together. Ew.

An ode to Kansas City . . . And awesome post from a broad who's sadly moving away. Money line: "Instead of staying for the year it took my marriage to officially fall apart, I stayed for nine years."

Flossed . . . Fact: 2/3rds of you didn't vote and other news around the area

Another reason for me to worry . . . The Flogging of America (a product of the Flossing of America) is putting up some great stuff as of late.

A recent election analysis surprisingly revealed that all of Kansas City's problems didn't magically disappear the day after Mark Funkhouser was elected Mayor.

And I'm digging the daily roundups as well.

Check them out for yourself.

The Blogger's Paradox

Ah, yesterday's rant was way too long. I was afraid that nobody would read it, especially after Gregg cut really close to the bone with his insight and nearly nailed it.

Today, Cara has a pretty amazing post on the subject as well . . . And I'd like to thank her for her insight too. She's a much better blogger than I AND she gets to the point even quicker. Money line: "like a fat girl loves Twinkies."

Yeah!!!

I always get scared when some of you folks actually "get" it and worry that the joke is ruined. Still, I'm counting on the fact that there are way more people who would just rather call me a dweeb and keep on obsessively reading this site in order to do so.

Rock on.