New Jackson County Code

Jackson County ethics board supports a new code of ethics . . . I can only hope somewhere in there it contains a directive to the effect of: "No free chauffeur service from County employees!!!" But maybe that's too optimistic . . . Free Kathryn Shields!

Funkhouser's Failed Revolution: Appointing cronies, forgetting campaign promises

Today's Star article reveals that Funkhouser sought out Minuteman lady Semler and SHE DIDN'T EVEN APPLY to the Parks Board but instead Funkhouser asked Semler to serve in a phone call made just days before he announced his picks, BYPASSING the application process.

As far as the Semler thing goes, I'm tired of writing about it but the more important aspect of this story is that Funkhouser is betraying his own propaganda by foregoing his token gestures of inclusiveness and doing things in much the same way that Kay Barnes did before him i.e. behind closed doors and without the benefit of much public involvement. Put simply, his big show of accepting online applications was merely another goofy PR move. Quotes from The Star story put it much better than I could:

“What’s the point of the process?” Councilman John Sharp asked. “If you’re just going to appoint your buddies and friends, that’s going back to the spoils system Kansas City was infamous for.”

“What’s the saying? ‘He who has the gold makes the rules,’ ” applicant Zeke Amador said.

Applicant Lynda Callon, who works on the West Side and who supported Funkhouser in the mayor’s race, was more critical.

“He’s truly myopic and incredibly naive in a lot of his appointments,” Callon said. “I guess it’s business as usual at City Hall.”

As of now, only the Mayor's die hard supporters who stand to benefit personally can claim that he hasn't fumbled through his first weeks in office. No matter what your view is on immigration, infrastructure, TIF reform or how much you sit up at night and talk about TKC before having awkward and frustrated sex with your wife - It's clear that the promise of reform now seems like only a memory and the silly notion that Funkhouser was going to fix every one of Kansas City's problems with a flick of a pen or a click of a mouse has now (thankfully) faded away.

B-listers go bowling for KC area junkies

Steve Penn writes a nice (PR) article about a benefit for Renaissance West, a residential and outpatient addiction-recovery program, as he recounts the details of a night of (local) celebrity fun and games.

The best quote of the column, Meredith Hoenes reveals a relationship with the Kansas City area that reads like something out of an S&M book:

Hoenes started with KSHB-TV in 2004 as a traffic reporter.

“I never thought I’d stay in one place so long,” Hoenes said. “But Kansas City kind of roped me in and tied me down.”

Nice . . . And something tells me that if they could have displayed the local hotass newslady being tied down, they might have raised even more money to send middle income white people to rehab while the rest of the po'folk and brown people are sent up the river.

Even old ladies get greedy

I never really feel sorry for folks who fall for the old Spanish Prisoner con, not even old broads: 75-Year-Old Scammed Out Of $14,000

Local blogger Brad on the topic of "The Modern-Day American"

This is probably one of the best posts I've read from the longtime KC blogger and definitely worth a read.

Maybe the best Soccer info source in KC

If local soccer is your thing, you should probably read "Down the Byline" because it seems to have the beat pretty well covered - No homo!

Save us from Al-Qaeda and sparkler bombs

The X-man has a nice roundup of recent "Adventures in Stupidity!" around Liberty City Hall.

A second walk for Scooter & Company

Check Livewalking.com for more info on Scooter's second walk around Kansas City this Sunday.

KCP&L isn't planning on poisoning the people of Hyde Park anytime soon

Local blogger Toellner tells us that the power company is backpedaling, mostly because of a great post by Mark Forsythe and some follow-up coverage by Fox 4.

Blogging improves Black/Mexican/Branson relations

Visit Branson but before you do, visit the Branson blog because it's pretty damn informative and provides a great peek at the politics of the rural part of our State without requiring you to squeal like a pig.

Even better, I thought this photo of Melyssa Ford was a great (sessy) way to introduce a current series the guy is running on the topic of Branson race relations and the prospect of an apology for slavery that didn't happen.

Kansas City Mayor to the Latino Community: Funk you!!!

All right, I'm gonna make this short and sweet because I've covered this story as if it was the second coming.

Mayor Funkhouser stood his ground. As I sat in the balcony of the place I was just amazed at what a difference a few months and winning a narrow victory makes. Earlier in the year he came to the exact same spot and told Latinos in Kansas City he would listen to their issues . . . On this topic he simply said he wasn't going to change his mind and then looked bored as people from the Latino community expressed their concerns.

The best part of the story is covered by The Star: The Mayor's wife felt he needed police protection for the Westside Latino event and another previous engagement in "The Black part of town," apparently the only place the Mayor's people think he's safe is the Northland. This is just sad for two reasons 1.) Once again it highlights the talk of nepotism at City Hall because nobody elected that lady, her role is not clearly defined and she's making personal requests of top police officials - Her behavior is unprecedented as far as the spouses of past KC Mayor's go and her influence obviously runs deep. 2.) I've been on this blog typing that Mayor Funky doesn't know the first thing about minority communities in Kansas City since before the guy was elected - The fact that the Mayor's Administration thinks he needs bodyguards when he comes to our community and not in the Northland shows their elitist and hypocritical thinking. Clearly the guy was posing when he initially refused police protection. As far as the slight to the minority communities he has talked to, it's nothing I didn't suspect before but he really should have just taken the bodyguards in the first place instead of pretending he didn't need them . . . Once again this either demonstrates the horrible advice the guy is getting or his stubbornnesses.

It was nice to see the Latino Community united . . . This time around it wasn't just the leadership but people from the neighborhood who came to speak (plead) with the Mayor to reconsider his endorsement of a hate group. By the way, auto shop owner Charlie Lona is one of my new heroes. There wasn't any talk of immigration or amnesty or any of the buzz words that rile up the white people who listen to talk radio. Nope, it was just a number of pleas from Latinos to their mayor about the de facto endorsement of a hate group which were subsequently ignored.

Money line from The Mayor: "If this is your number one issue, you're entitled to it and if you want to talk about this for the next four years you're entitled to it." Obviously yet another sign that he doesn't know minorities in this town and especially the Latino Community. My Grandmother is still yelling at me for chair I broke in 1979. My 83 year-old barber still reminds me of the times I sang my kindergarten songs in his shop. Mexican-Americans have long, long memories. I'm assuming the guy is going to find more votes somewhere else because I know these people and they really can hold a grudge.

Small point here: There is no division in the Latino Community in KC Proper about this one . . . From what I witnessed and even from a couple of people I've talked to in Northeast . . . The only Latinos standing behind Funkhouser on this issue are those who stand to benefit personally. And that's cool, I know that I'd gladly cash in my credibility (If I had any) for a little bit of coin or a cushy position . . . Sadly, no one has offered. Still, it's hard to argue that anybody deserves a pat on the back just for looking out for their personal interests . . . Now the ability to juggle or play the harpsichord, THAT takes talent and deserves admiration.

The entire thing is going to be rebroadcast on Channel 2 if that kind of thing is your bag, baby.

A Kansas City Miracle! Another mediocre sports franchise could be coming to town!!!

The Star has a promotional piece described as a sports article claiming that The Nashville Predators are better than Wayne Gretzky and Kristi Yamaguchi put together . . . Ew.

Admittedly, I don't know dick about hockey but a lot of people who do say that trades and the prospect of NHL free agency have and will deplete the proven talent on the Predators roster.

Personally, I don't care because I don't like hockey and the folks in Canada are clamoring that the market for hockey in Kansas City stinks. Here's the most optimistic passage from a recent article on the subject:

To be fair, the new Sprint Center, where the Kansas City Cash Cows would lace up, is a state of the art arena, one which has blown away any NHL official who has toured it thus far. The rink is the jewel of a downtown redevelopment project and sales of private boxes have been brisk, suggesting the interest might be there.

Could it flourish there? Sure. But for how long?

"When we played there, they didn't promote us at all," Wilf Paiement (owner of the expansion Scouts who played in KC from 1974-76) said. "But with the way the league sells the game now, I think it could work in Kansas City."

There's the rub.

In Canadian markets like Hamilton or Winnipeg, you don't have to worry about selling the game.

Or tickets, for that matter.

Then again, putting teams in markets where fans passionately care about the sport might just be too novel a concept for hockey's movers and shakers to grasp.

And before you get too excited, let's take into account that local coverage is a bit slanted about the topic . . . There are still a lot of people who say that deal isn't going to happen like the owner of the team for instance:

Predators owner waves off report

And here is an honest question that I don't know that answer to: If hockey didn't work in Nashville, why should it work in Kansas City?

The novelty of the Brigade and their hotass cheerleaders is wearing off and they no longer play to sold out crowds . . . Let's not forget there are so many people competing for your entertainment dollar other than pro-sports . . . X-box, porn, Playstation, your girlfriend, your mistress, IPhone, casinos and paintball in a cave are all out there and they don't involve low scoring games and the a league that stupidly worked to end the awesomeness of the hockey fight . . . Which was the only reason to go to the games as far as I'm concerned.

Anyway, I'll believe it when I see it but I'm honestly curious as to what other people think on the subject.

Mixed signals from Stowers in KC because of Missouri's "persistent anti-science climate"

The current campus will be at maximum capacity by the end of 2008, still KC's Stowers Institute for Medical Research seems to realize that the fate of their expansion rests on the current crowd who don't seem to like their work in Jeff City.

The prominent medical research organization founded by mutual fund magnate Jim Stowers and his wife, Virginia, however, has purchased a 100-acre tract of land in Kansas City for eventual development. Officials declined to identify a specific location, but indicated it was near the current 11-acre campus just east of the Country Club Plaza . . .“Jim and Virginia’s support of early stem cell research in Massachusetts has already yielded important advances in the field, but we believe this work should thrive as part of our overall research mission in Kansas City,” Neaves said. “Unfortunately, the persistent negative political climate in Jefferson City is preventing us from recruiting the embryonic stem cell scientists we wish to attract.”

It's always a bummer to hear we can't get good people in Kansas City . . . Still, I'm sure once the P&L District is finished scientists and other qualified folks from across the nation will flock to "Electric Avenue" in Kansas City in order to eat at chain restaurants . . . That's the plan, right? Either that or the people of Kansas City might just want to invest building more megachurches so people can pray for their cures . . . Which isn't all together a bad idea and thankfully doesn't involve baby juice stem cell research.

KC MAST Debate revived in a few months

KC Council extends MAST contract 120 days

Santa might move to the suburbs, sorry little brown children.

Overland Park makes pitch to host Santa Claus convention

Kemper still costs KC

Council committee backs $700,000 subsidy (a major increase) for Kemper

Local IPhone insanity

I've always been thankful that people in Kansas City are cynical . . . After yesterday's FRONT PAGE NEWS on the Iphone from the KC Star . . . Leave it to the blogosphere to bring some common sense to the hype:

Why should you buy a $500.00 iPhone???? (Note: The answer involves boobies)

He's nice to the subject but I think I can sense him looking down on the guy: The First Person in line for an iPhone in Kansas City . . . Additionally, check out this new local page I've stumbled upon:

The Blog of an African Nerd

Here's more photos KC folks camping out for an Iphone at KCTalk.

Abort all hope of understanding Kansas politics

Yesterday afternoon Kansas AG Paul Morrison confused everyone . . . KMBZ reports: A high-profile abortion provider has been charged with 19 misdemeanors in a surprise move by a Democratic attorney general who supports abortion rights and unseated a prominent anti-abortion Republican.

Once again, Evolution-Nextstep does a good job in noting the confusion surrounding the story and refusing to participate in "Tillermania": "We’ll be seeing more fun stories like this in the media for months to come." I can't say I'll be looking forward to it and the argument over late term abortion is much less interesting (to me) than the catfight between Paul Morrison and Phill Kline.

A convenient place to catch criminals

Channel 9 reports what you already know . . . Convenience stores are scary for more reasons than their insane markup on food and drink: Police said a man wanted in connection with a fatal shooting at a gas station in Randolph was taken into custody after a police chase which ended after he crashed into a car at a gas station at East Truman Road and Ewing Avenue.

Gaelic in Greater KC

Send all your English Only comments to Irish KC. Personally, I think it's pretty cool.

Turning out for talk radio

LMC nicely sums up what the conservatives think about the "Fairness Doctrine."

Power to the people (???)

Forsythe does a fantastic job in explaining the current power problem in Hyde Park.

I understand that as the population begins to return to the urban core that power usage is growing . . . What I don't understand is KCP&L's short-sighted strategic planning in continuing to distribute power in the same way it's been done for a hundred years . . . Even more disturbing is the lack of leadership from City Hall in protecting one of our city's most historic and vibrant neighborhoods. Where are the gatekeepers? In any council district there should not be brick put upon brick without first approaching the city councilperson. It should be standard operating procedure that before the permits are applied for, before the letters of intent are drafted, the financing put into place, and the final plans drawn and stamped the community's leadership must be consulted.

All things considered, it's a pretty powerful issue about a topic that's probably going to be a hot button issue and a clear indication about who has the power in this town.

Listen to EJ and Ellen this morning

I've started to and they're pretty good. Also, I'm gonna be on KMBZ 980 this morning at around 8:35 if I can come up with anything to post about other than my involvement in the (utterly non-existent) Operation Reconquista!!!

Just say no to nepotism: Sweet Tart Tara is bothering people with better things to do

Because you are one of the many busy, important and attractive people who read this blog, you probably don't have time to read the tripe that the Funkhouser Administration is posting on their blog.

Well, you're only missing out on one important thing . . . The diary of Mayor Funky's Daughter.

Sadly, it's not as scintillating or EROTIC as I had hoped from a liberal broad going to college back East but her sense of entitlement is astounding.

And before I go any further . . . I have to stress that I had some reservations about writing a hit piece regarding the Mayor's daughter but those concerns were slowly put to rest by the fact that the Mayor himself has offered her up as "one of his representatives" and if she's old enough to hang out at Westport clubs showing lots of cleavage then she's old enough to be called on the B.S. her family has pulled on Kansas City.

Just like Mayor Funky's witchy wife, I don't remember anybody voting for Tara the Tart.

Her recent excursions all over City government (escorted by that sellout Crispin-what's-his-name who has been seen so close to her that he could probably get a whiff of her drawers by simply inhaling) have elicited quite a bit of grumbling and nasty e-mails to TKC about the appropriateness of her prancing around City Hall like she owns the place.

Even worse, Mayor Funky has sent her out to meet with community leaders who have also expressed a bit of discontent that their concerns are being met by somebody on summer break . . . Neighborhood leaders have worked years to build relationships with their community and City Hall, most of them are older folks and having a 20 something tart show up to "hear their concerns" is tantamount to an insult - Mayor Funky would know stuff like this if he hadn't been hiding under his desk for the past 30 years and wasn't just getting his feet wet when it comes to community relations.

Additionally, I think this is yet another example that Mayor Funky isn't at all loyal to his propaganda about "regular folks" given that he's running his office like a family business. For a moment, lets forget that rumors are swirling around that he has actually turned to his wife during public meetings and asked "What do you think?" And let's just focus on his hottie daughter (yeah!) . . . It's the perfect example of white privilege . . . There are undoubtedly young women who are being denied the opportunity to serve in City government because Tara's daddy wanted her to see how his office worked while other interns or more qualified people who could be doing the same thing that Sweet Tart Tara does are sent to the back of the line . . . I'm no feminist but I'm pretty sure that having a broad's Daddy put her in a prominent position related to City Affairs is probably one of the classic attributes of the patriarchy.

And to put it plain and simple: It's pissing people off. City employees, Neighborhood leaders and community activists have better things to do than babysit the Mayor's twenty something daughter. As I noted previously, City government isn't a family business and it's not a project suitable for a "How I spent my summer vacation" essay either. If the Mayor's office wasn't filled with inexperienced people, yes men and women who are VERY interested in Tarot Cards then they probably would have advised the Mayor more carefully on this topic and kept Sweet Tart Tara from interloping at City Hall.

Goodbye Greg Reeves

Crime Scene KC is the highest trafficked blog in Kansas City, James Hart who now runs the page contends that none of it would have been possible without Greg Reeves. I believe him. Hart has written a eulogy for Mr. Reeves and it's worth reading as a post which documents this thing we call local blogging.

Alonzo knows All!!!

Check it: Crime fighting activist knows who robbed the Bank of America yesterday & is reaching to them on the popular web sites Youtube.com & Myspace.com.

By now he could have already alerted authorities and the guy could be in jail. It's just amazing to note that Mr. Washington has this many resources and information on what's happening related to crime in KC and he should definitely get some (even more) recognition that regarding his pioneering efforts against crime on the local blogosphere.

Fighting back against Funky?

Tonight Mayor Funky is taking his dog and pony show to the Westside (Guadalupe Center at 5:30 p.m. to be exact) . . . I'm interested in what will happen but not really interested enough to attend the public meeting. My old boss, Joe Arce from KC Hispanic News is going to moderate and truth be told I think the thing is going to be a calm, rational, open exchange of ideas that really isn't that interesting to me whatsoever . . . Now if people were actually going to show up and yell at the Mayor for stabbing the Latino Community in the back, THAT is an event I'd be eager to attend.

Yet, despite what you hear on Talk Radio, the Latino Leadership in Kansas City aren't gun toting Mexican nationalists but rather reasonable folks and far too nice. My only hope is that a few people from the neighborhood show up who aren't professional Hispanics and let the Mayor know what they're thinking - Note to the newsies who are forced to cover this event - Just one crazy in the crowd might make for some good TV!!!

A little yelling would be nice but it's probably too much to hope for since so many so-called leaders (who represent no one) are surrendering to Mayor Funky's whim, while the overwhelming majority of Mexican-Americans in Kansas City are for Comprehensive Immigration Reform and against the Minutemen if the attendance of thousands of people a local rallies for these causes over the past two years are any indication.

The joke is on you in July

Whether you want an inclusive and realistic plan for light rail in Kansas City or maybe your heart is really set on gondolas, you'll probably be disappointed: The outcome of the July light-rail summit will determine whether Funkhouser has Chastain’s support when he takes the issue back before voters a second time.

Blunt Backs Indy Schools Bailing Out

KSHB reports: Parents in the Kansas City area who want their children in Independence schools got one step closer to their goal Wednesday, when Gov. Matt Blunt signed a law changing the process for moving school district boundaries.

A great article about public housing in KC

I hate to hand it to The Pitch on this one but there is a ton of amazing info on how the public housing authority operates on the ground level . . . Definitely worth a read, I'm only halfway through it right now.

"I hate the immigration debate for that very reason, it seems to bring out the ugliest side of all people."

I kind of have to agree with "Conservatism With Heart" on this one. I know that my Grandma gets pretty obnoxious about getting her amnesty and then making her way to the nearest welfare office right after she votes Democrat 4-5 times.

"It can always be worse."

A great bit of wisdom from the wonderfully titled local blog "Smells like Bullshit."

Tillermania!!!

Evolution-Nextstep explains the recent kerfuffle over the case against a Kansas abortion provider and the ensuing Morrison vs. Kline Catfight far better than anyone in the corporate media.

Go Tony, it's ya birthday!

Posting is gonna be light today people because I've got better things to do like eating Chinese food and working on my Unified Field Theory.

I'm 33 years old today (I think) and running one of the most powerful fully ARMED and OPERATIONAL battle stations blogs in Kansas City makes me feel pretty good about my accomplishments thus far. I can also play the violin, speak Spanish at a 3rd grade level, quote the film Pulp Fiction verbatim, explain the term cognitive dissonance, cut my own hair and tell you exactly why Top Gun is a ghey movie.

All things considered, I'm at the top of my game . . . And that's not just me who claims as much but the mother of a small toddler that I saved from oncoming traffic while bench pressing a Ford Truck outside of the gym told me so the other day.

So, while entertaining, informing and providing moral guidance to an entire city can sometimes be a thankless endeavor . . . I've enjoyed the time that I've spent with you d-bags and I know that I'll miss this blog when Nancy Pelosi eventually includes the Internet in the Fairness Doctrine and all media related to politics will be as boring as PBS.

Until then, this blog is still my favorite distraction and I'm always lucky and surprised that so many of you show up to read and tell me I'm wrong every day. Thank you!

Finally, two things occured to me today . . . I'm as old as Jesus was when he died AND while I feel great, I'm so thankful for my life and think I have a pretty good grasp of popular culture . . . I was surprised to learn that the kid on the cover of Nirvana's Nevermind is now 17 years old. Amazing . . . The world keeps turning.

Funkhouser forsakes Latino Leadership

When Mark Funkhouser was campaigning he went hat in hand the Latino Community telling them that he understood their issues, saying that he was going to make City Hall just as diverse as Kansas City and that he wasn't going to pursue anti-immigrant legislation that has cost other cities hundreds of thousands of dollars. Even better, Funkhouser promised that he was going to make an increased effort to promote communication between City Hall and the Latino Community . . . No matter how you feel about these issues, whether or not you think every Mexican in KC should be deported - These are the promises that Mayor Mark Funkhouser made to Latinos - Do your own research and check back issues of KC Hispanic News and Dos Mundos if you don't believe me.

Like most things that politicians say, it was nothing but B.S. and now that he's in office not only is he stubbornly standing by this Semler Minuteman lady but also (more importantly) . . .

Mayor Funky recently refused a meeting with the Latino leadership because they wanted to bring too many representatives to the discussion.

Instead, Mayor Funky is putting on some kind of silly town hall where he holds center stage and pretty much runs the press event.

Of course all of this bad news was delivered by the Mayor's favorite little sellout Crispy-whatever-his-token-ass-name-happens-to-be . . . Too bad such a bright kid is falling for the same lie that most Latinos in Kansas City stopped believing months ago. I guess people drop their ideals and loyalty pretty easily when a paycheck is involved:



Anyway, there are two different versions of an e-mail where the Mayor declines to meet with local Latino leaders, so if you know a Latino other than me (unlikely) you may want to check it out for yourself.

Personally, I'd never go to such nonsense (the Guadalupe Center meeting) because it's nothing more than a PR event where the Mayor gets to pat his favorite tokens/sellouts on the head. Also, it's not news anymore . . . Which is really how politics works, the headlines are gone but the real work of civic activism begins and I'd much rather go see Romeo and Juliet at the Heartland Shakespeare Festival.

Anyway, word around the campfire is that La Raza is going to withdraw their support of Funkhouser very early into his administration because he has done nothing but continually slap local Latinos in the face. (Note: please before you start with all the "La Raza = Racist = "The Race" = Mexican Nationalists" garbage . . . La Raza Political Club in Kansas City is run by 80 year-old Lali Garcia who really only wants the neighborhood kids to keep off of her lawn. Additionally, Mayor Funkhouser has rejected meeting with Lali as of late too . . . Which again seems odd because I thought he was moving in to her house as much has hung out there when he wanted in office.)

It's all kind of weird considering that they guy who only had a razor thing margin of 840 votes thinks that he doesn't need the support of Latinos in KC and mistakenly believes that Latino voters from all walks of life won't hold a grudge.

Additionally, I know so many people (talk radio show hosts) like (endorse) these kind of slights and public signs of complete disregard for Latino voters in KC proper recently undertaken by Mayor Funky . . . But it's important to remember that Funkhouser didn't bill himself as an anti-immigration candidate who would stand by hate groups geared toward kicking my Grandma out of the country. In fact, he worked to give the appearance that he would give consideration to Latino issues, he chatted up nearly every Latino in Kansas City (including yours truly) and won their support by a 67% margin . . . By all accounts it looks as if THEY FELL FOR IT.

Now as far as the rest of the City goes . . . The jury is still out as to whether or not Funkhouser will follow through on the promises he made regarding infrastructure, access and whatever . . . But for folks interested in Latino issues like immigration, equal employment (other than token) at City Hall and working with community leaders: LATINO VOTERS IN KANSAS CITY WOULD HAVE BEEN BETTER OFF VOTING FOR ALVIN BROOKS.

And the only people standing with Mayor Funkhouser now from the Latino Community are either sellouts or others who stand to benefit personally.

In this instance there is no use arguing with me not only because I'm always right but I doubt that white people on the Internet know the Latino Community better than me considering that I've covered the topic in one Community paper after the next for the better part of 10 years and also given the indisputable fact that TKC is the most important Latino in Kansas City.

UPDATED: About an hour after this post was published Mayor Funky's office was on the phone scrambling to every Latino in town about a new meeting with Latino leaders for sometime in July. You're welcome, so called "Latino Leaders" you can thank me some other time. As of yet, I haven't received my invitation but I expect one soon given that:

TKC is the most important Latino in Kansas City!

Bacon at The Record Bar

There is no denying that Greg Beck is the best blogger in Kansas City . . . This slice of life post about a popular KC club proves it . . . Additionally, It think a recent post entitled "I wanna be a supermodel" is probably one of the funniest things I've read from any blogger who calls Kansas City home.

Anthrax scare in KC, sadly I still can't find my old CDs of the same name

From Channel 9: Authorities are investigating a package containing white powder that was opened in a mail handling room at the Internal Revenue Service Wednesday morning.

Officials said two IRS employees were exposed to the package, which was labeled "anthrax." The return address on the package was a prison.

Kansas City sold for 30 bucks

A pretty interesting Pitch article profiling a stupid web app called Weblo and people bored, lonely, dumb and rich enough to buy "virtual real estate." Sadly, real estate is still a scam even in cyberspace.

Killing Latinos isn't really a crime in KC

Crime Scene KC posts all the pertinent details on this case you might remember involving a 300lb father and son team killing a 115 guy at a Waffle House on Front Street back in 2001 and claiming self-defense because the dead man allegedly threw a butter knife their way. Alleged misconduct by the prosecutor was cited as the reason the conviction was overturned for the son.

And the lamb broke the second seal . . . Royals win two in a row.

Even Forbes.com is amazed: The Royals, with the worst record in the league (32-46), have won the first two in a three-game set after Los Angeles matched a franchise record by winning nine consecutive series. The Angels hadn't dropped a series since last month, when defending AL champion Detroit took two of three from them.

Scary Suburban bank robbery

Fox 4 has some pretty interesting details about today's bank heist at the Bank of America at 108th & State Line in KCMO: The would-be robber jumped out of some bushes near the bank at about 8:00 a.m. and hit the bank manager in the head with a pistol.

Two tellers were in the bank at the time.

The suspect forced his way inside. He made all the employees get on the ground, and crawl toward the bank safe which he attempted to get the employees to open.

The safe didn't open. So, the robber took money from the teller drawers.

He left in a car owned by one of the tellers. The car was later recovered.

Liberty, thankfully not blowing up

Slow news day I guess . . . Normally, the ghost of Lincoln could show up to Liberty and no one would care. Still, pipe bombs mailed to Liberty City Hall is pretty scare. brought to Liberty City Hall by public works employees is pretty funny.

They hate TKC but LOVE their bicycles

ACCUSED.. OF HAVING SEX WITH HIS BIKE: Yeah, TKC doesn't think City resources should go to fund the (dangerous) hobby of a small clique but still this crazy cabal of biker short wearing and bicycle fornicating folks want this whole town to get behind them (ew). Link stolen from the Funkhouser cheering section a.k.a. the white people at the KC Rag Forum.

The Road to nowhere

Downtown ramp closure is delayed until Thursday . . . Hopefully, this ramp will be ready by the time they DON'T find an anchor tenant for the Sprint Center OR the unlikely event that the P&L District will be able to host a huge crowd for anything other than its opening weekend or heavily subsidized events.

It looks bad from any angle

Pictured above is the photo that The Star decided to go with in their coverage of Chief Corwin recommending that an officer is fired for using unnecessary force.

Personally, I think the image that KSHB used to document the case was more powerful.



In any event, Alonzo Washington describes the significance of the case clearly:

"This is why Black people don't trust the police!"

And I think that's probably the message that the second photo gets across more effectively given that the guy being slammed down on a car hood, choked and humiliated wasn't arrested and wasn't holding drugs.

People often decry the stupid "stop snitching movement" or the lack of cooperation with authorities in minority communities and then contrast those generalizations with the eagerness to work with police from some suburbanites when it comes to looking for missing white women . . . While all of the examples I've cited are drastic extremes regarding each community, I think this dramatic image and all of the unpleasantness that it implies provides ample evidence that the supposed differences in attitudes concerning the police aren't completely unjustified.

Putting off a pipe dream, delaying disaster

Power & Light debut delayed to spring ’08.

Ghey Chiefs Controversy (Question): Day III

I think Dallas Penn has finally settled the debate. Jay-Z is definitely NOT the ghey if only because you'd have to be insane to turn town world class tail like Beyonce.



Here's the money quote:

All that teh ghey talk has to be unfounded internets rumors because I see all kinds of pictures every three or four months of JAY-Z and his friend BeYONCE on vacation somewhere expensive. Plus I see the two of them at basketball games together and other places. If JAY-Z were really teh ghey with LARRY JOHNSON how come he doesn’t take LARRY on vacation with him? I never see JAY and LARRY at Nets’ games either. At least EDDIE MURPHY would occasionally take JOHNNY GILL out to dinner. Yeah, there’s no way that JAY-Z could be teh ghey with a chick like BeYONCE and her freak’um dress.

So I'm willing to believe that Jay-Z couldn't possibly be the ghey even if he owns and lives in another house with a dude.

However, after watching this crazy-ass Fantasia video featuring Larry Johnson walking around like a dumbass while pretending to hail a cab and then making out with what appears to be a tranny at the end of the clip. Well . . .



Clearly, LJ still has a lot of explaining to do.

How do you waste more than $300 million without building a pro-sports arena?

Kansas City school board set to meet tonight on a $355 million budget.

It's all fun and games until you're bankrupt

Gaming approved for Wyandotte County

Foreclosures hit KC hard

South and East KC rank in top 500 for areas with high foreclosure rates.

Roofless

Small time home contractors are cold blooded: Police said an 86-year-old widow is the victim of a roofing scam, but that's only the beginning of her ordeal.

JoCo abortion clinic has more fans than Phill Kline

Attorney General Paul Morrison said Tuesday he has found no evidence of criminal wrongdoing at a Planned Parenthood clinic in Johnson County.

JoCo Iraq War Memorial is pretty moving

Local newsie Laz has a great post about a local Iraq War Memorial put together by PrePress Graphics, check out the post and the tribute at 10921 Johnson Drive.

"Just about all real estate today is a risky proposal"

J-Dub is definitely an area blogger you should be reading. His latest post reminded me a lot of the quickly developing housing slump in Kansas City, make sure to check out his blog.

Oye Vey! Local Jewish wedding looks fun

As much as I despise weddings and marriage I can't help but admit that they look fun whenever people post photos online.

People make money writing? A local Mommy blogger makes headway with a column

Bridget Heos runs a blog called "Greetings from Waldo" she has recently started to syndicate her blog content to local news outlets. It's a great idea that feature writers might want to give a shot and more proof that local blogs are starting to become a bigger part of the area news landscape. Hat tip: IrishKC.com

"Building Density" Downtown KC with something besides luxury condos

People! Cities are made of PEOPLE! And not just luxury living space . . . Local blogger Toellner shares some thoughts about more people living downtown as a necessity for progress and not just way to sell more real estate: "This is yet another possible solution to solve Kansas City's urban sprawl problem, and to build density that would further encourage our leaders to push for more/better public transportation in this city."

TKC Model of the moment: Jeni

Local model Jeni is just starting out and the 24 year-old tastefully tattooed babe has already managed to cultivate a unique look. She has posted some professional modeling photos online that are not only provocative but also show off a bit of her artistic side.



However, what I really like is her Myspace photos . . . Normally, when a broad is described as "just one of the guys" it's a euphemism for a lifestyle choice or way to skirt the issue of some other flaw . . . HOWEVER, local model Jeni seems like she's actually a really cool person . . . Which is rare for anybody but an extraordinary quality in a model.

Anyway, Jeni has it "goin on" or whatever it is the kids say nowadays with their new fangled space phones and her photos are definitely worth a look.

Misguided KCPD officer allegedly thinks Black people are hood ornaments

KCPD Chief Cowrin is doing the right thing in getting ahead of YET ANOTHER instance of police brutality in Kansas City by asking for a local officer's walking papers after some dramatic dashcam video. KSHB provides a pretty good recap of the story:

The Kansas City Police Chief recommends firing an officer over an incident caught on tape.

Anthony Melkowski has been with the Kansas City police department for 10 years, serving as an officer. He was suspended Tuesday without pay for an incident that happened nine months ago, on Nov. 2, 2006, and was caught on tape.

The tape shows behavior the Chief of Police calls unnecessary use of force. It shows Officer Melkowski slamming Michael Payne onto the hood of the patrol car.

Melkowski and his partner believed Payne had stuffed a bag of narcotics into his mouth and they were trying to get him to spit it out.

The tape also shows Melkowski use his baton and basically shove it into Pain’s mouth. All the while he is grabbing Payne's throat, pulling on his hair and swearing.

Throughout the 13 minute stop Payne did not spit out the drugs and he was never arrested. He was taken in for questioning and was then released. The next day or two later, Payne filed a complaint with the police department.

I haven't seen the video yet but it sounds pretty horrible, here's hoping somebody in this area posts it on Youtube!!! Crime Scene KC has a post on the subject as well that I believe has a few video clips online.

More ranting on this subject later . . .

Ghey Chiefs Controversy (Questions): Day II

All right damnit . . . Local media is keeping you on the down low, they have you grabbing ankle . . . If Kansas City is ever going to return to the title of "Paris on the Plains" then the local media needs to get back their killer instinct and give me credit for highlighting questions about Larry Johnson's alleged homosexuality or at the very least THE INSANELY WEIRD fact that two millionaires are sharing the same residence.

Thankfully, the blogosphere has already went to work on this one and Byron Crawford has stepped up with a KILLER POST that mentions yours truly and how everyone in Kansas City has had their suspicions about our running back who continually folds in the clutch.

My boy TKC lives in Kansas City, so he should know. And you know how Mexican dudes are about teh ghey people. They don’t play that shit south of the border. So he’s been on top of this story for some time now. According to a post on his blog from back in 2005, Johnson (heh) is more or less a known fruit, having been outed in a story in KC’s local New Times Village Voice fishwrap the Pitch from back then.

Why in the world Jay-Z would live with another guy, let alone a suspect male model is beyond me. Granted I’ve lived with a series of guys (and not, as many of you bitches would like to think, my mother) going back to the late 1990s, but that’s because I could hardly even afford to live with a roommate, let alone by myself. Obviously neither Jay-Z nor this Larry Johnson fellow have such an issue.

IF YOU LOVE THE CHIEFS or wonder where billions in Jackson County tax money is going, you need to read this:

Is Jay-Z on the DL?

And because this highly important issue involves pro-sports I'm sure that maybe a talk show host has hinted about it today or maybe not . . . I have a lot of faith in Jack Harry's haircut but maybe this isn't his style . . . Still, it's just more proof that local media loves keeping you in the dark and would have everyone in Kansas City grabbing ankle . . . NO HOMO!!!

P.S. For more local discussion that the local media won't provide, check out the thread at KC talk as well.

Mayor Funky likes the finer things: "Regular folks" don't spend $1500 on a dishwasher

Recently, the Mayor Funky's blog has been filled with tripe about useless meetings and silly sentimental notions. However, a recent note about decorating office raised a few questions:

The Mayor's office is getting ready to have a dishwasher installed. We found it odd that Funk was admonished for not driving dignitaries around in a luxury vehicle, yet on a daily basis, we are red in the face to be serving those same dignitaries water out of plastic bottles and coffee out of Styrofoam cups. Luckily, an abundance of donations came in to our campaign fund account, after Funk was elected Mayor, so there is enough money to donate the dishwasher and real plates, cups and glasses to the Mayor's office from that fund.

Well, rumor has it that the nice new dishwasher in Mayor Funky's office is actually a $1500 deluxe job from Williams Sonoma.

I can only hope they went to the Plaza in order to pick out the luxury item but seeing as how much cash the Mayor's staff is pulling down (far more the Mayor Kay paid her people) it's more than likely they could have made the trek out to the Leawood location.

So, it's nice that the Mayor is living the good life but I'm gonna smack myself in the face with 2x4 if I hear any one of those dirtbags go on and on and "regular folks" one more time because most (broke) regular folks that I know put dishwashers on layway at an old school department store or Best Buy . . . Also, what a waste, for less money they could have hired a Mexican to wash dishes or maybe they should have just made it part of the job description of that Crispin token Latino guy.

Interesting fact: There is a group of less than a dozen Black people in KC who ride bikes!!!

TKC is all about breaking down stereotypes like that silly one that says that Black people can't swim.

Anyway, douches cycling advocates have whipped out (ew) a small example of people of color involved in cycling in the metro area and asked me to recant my infallible position that all cycling advocates are whiny, white, privileged complainers who take away resources and attention from more important problems . . . Of course, I refuse because this blog has never, not once been wrong (or hosted a bad link), natch.

Still, the Major Taylor Foundation of Kansas City sounds like a nice idea and giving away bikes to around 10 kids interested in cycling in the urban core is a great idea which could only be improved upon if you threw in a little money and encouraged them to bike to a town with a better school district. Here is part of the mission statement of the group:

The Major Taylor Foundation is a Kansas City based nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote a healthy community through the sport of cycling by providing education, resource and opportunityThe group rides from Acme Bicycle every Saturday morning at 11:30.

Donations of usable bicycles, clothing and accessories for the MTF are accepted at Acme Bicycle and Trek Bicycle Store of Kansas City.

Now as tireless backers for cycling causes highlight their tokenism diversity I guess we can all see that they really are wonderful people who aren't meticulously counting brown heads in order to make sure their political maneuvers come off as PC as possible . . . Nice. And I if we really wanted to talk about diversity in cycling, lets be sure not to forget all of those Asian people riding bicycles even if that stereotype is now going out the window given that the growing Chinese economy is giving rise to more and more people who want luxury cars . . . In fact, no matter how many silly examples of minorities riding bikes cycling advocates pull from under their seat (ew) there are still more people of color driving cars in this city/state/coutry - I'm sorry it's just a fact.

Anyway, it's not like I'm against minorities riding bicycles or any program that encourages it, heaven knows I had a bunch of bicycles "donated" to me by white people who don't protect their belongings, but really . . . There are a lot more important things to advocate for than the right to make everyone uncomfortable by wearing biker shorts.

KCPD comes up empty

You know, some people might note that a story about Kansas City Police engaging in a near 4 hour standoff with nobody in particular is embarrassing . . . Whereas I think it's a step forward.

Kansas City, Missouri Police cleared a home at 50th and Paseo on Monday evening, after surrounding the home for 3 and a half hours looking for a suspect in a domestic dispute case . . . Police negotiators and a tactical response team were attempting to negotiate a peaceful surrender, and around 10 p.m. officers cleared the house and discovered no one inside.

On the bright side, the KCPD totally tried to talk things out, they protected the victim of the crime which preceded the standoff and they even gave the alleged assailant plenty of time to resolve the situation (if he had only been around when they finally tried to take him by force) . . . It was just plain old bad luck that nobody was in the house they had surrounded.

Nobody said that building productive relationships within the diverse communities which comprise Kansas City was an exact science. Clearly, the KCPD made the right kind of effort to talk with a community member rather than Taser, arrest or beat them . . . In this instance, they simply forgot that you have to involve at least one member of a community in order to do community outreach . . . But I have a feeling they're gonna get better at it and in no time they won't have any trouble talking to a real, live person. Baby steps.

Hoopz will save Hip-hop

Jeneé Osterheldt wants you to listen to uplifting Hip-hop artists, she wants you to stop the violence and maybe show some interest in a couple of cowtown DJ's who are using the whole "up with hope" pose in order to gain noteriety for their careers (and possibly make a difference) . . . And all of that would be great if she wasn't wearing ankle catchers for earrings in addition to the fact that when it comes to the so-called KC rap scene the only real role for women is that of a groupie . . . And Nadia Pflaum is the chicken head in charge of that occupation in Kansas City. Sooooooo, while I admire Osterheldt's column devoted to saving the world of rap music from itself and her attempt to promote a few local artists . . I can't say I condone taking any woman seriously, especially one who looks as if she's trying to pick up satellite radio on her earlobes.

Tuesday's TKC Award for "Allegedly, the worst dirtbag in this entire town"

Local man charged in rape of girl, 15. He was on probation after pleading guilty in the beating of his pregnant girlfriend. Yep, (allegedly) the guy seems as if he's a real prince.

Royals Win! Rockit

I won't get too excited about it . . . But it was nice to hear. Additionally, did you know that: The Kansas City Royals went 20-16 against the National League the past two seasons but 72-130 in their own league . . . Strange stuff . . .

Also, here's what happens in the rare even the Royal's win at Kauffman:



And here is Herbie Handcock's Rockit just because it's that awesome:

Kline can't keep staff

Contentious Johnson County District Attorney Phill Kline sure can clear a room. Whether he's firing them or they're leaving on their own . . . Kline's people are abandoning him faster than voters did during his last election.

This town is a dump

Asbestos clean-up case sets a good precedent . . . It's cheaper to clean up after yourself than to choke people to doeath.

From trailer parks to housing projects: Having kids for a living just isn't a good plan

Career foster homes are being "questioned" in Jackson County . . . The number of youths allowed in homes will be reduced to four.

When will Indian Springs get Small Pox?

Unified Government owns Indian Springs

Town topics: Can it ever be too moist?

Roofer dies after fall through skylight

SUV Carjaking story intended to scare suburbanites as well.

Ugh, Summer means we're in the middle of "Stranger Danger" season once again.

Hot and steamy is way too sexy to describe KC's weather . . . More like oppressive and as moist and nasty as an administrative assistant's underwear at 4:39.

The D had a damn fine weekend

Looks like a good time . . . Weekends are a lot like wives - They're a good excuse to have sex with other women, if you have money they are happy AND everyone understands if you slap and berate them because they're short . . . Or something like that.

Local blogger Brad and a better looking wedding reception than yours

Damn if this guy doesn't know a lot of very good looking people. Also, the post is a surprisingly good read as well.

Same old song and dance around KC

The latest edition of KC Currents is killer. I listened to is and I was surprised to hear that it contained many hints that not much has changed in this town.

There's a new aerobics craze working it's way across the city. It's called Zumba and it reminds me that seeing women sweat from doing something other than my laundry is also sexy.

There is another Interfaith movement among religious folks in KC. Double Bonus: Writing check directly to God avoids pesky preacher middlemen.

You're never too old to do the same old song and dance: Alvin Brooks Revives the Ad Hoc Group Against Crime. Frankly, I wish him luck and I'm glad the guy who lost the Mayor's race is going to at least address the subject of crime given that the current Mayor hasn't even spoken to the topic at all because of his repeated missteps.

Anyway, the entire show is good stuff and well worth a listen if only to enjoy a rare opportunity where the minority community in Kansas City is represented by something other than a mugshot.

Is Larry Johnson the ghey for Jay-Z?

Full Disclosure: I don't like Larry Johnson. I don't like his stupid hand signals after his unimportant early season touchdowns, I don't like his attitude that blames everybody else but himself and I really never cared for him after it was rumored that he mopped up the floor with a woman at a Plaza club and then his people leaned on her to get the charges dropped.

But an important question has been been posed to Kansas City Chiefs fans that the local media just doesn't want you to hear about:

It has been reported that Larry "King Pink" Johnson lives with Hip-hop superstar, mogul Jay-Z.

I've been on this story since 2005 (NO HOMO!)

And now even more folks are climbing on the bandwagon (ewwwww). In fact, questions as to whether or not LJ takes it up the coat from the biggest name in hip-hop have been all over Black gossip blogs:

SMH at “cussing him out”. We got a tip early this month from someone allegedly who works for Trump Tower:

I am writing you to asked a question. I work in the building Jay z lives in Trump Tower and though him and Bee are together, I’ve never seen her in his building? But what’s strange to me……..I see Larry Johnson all the time in fact he lives with Jay-z. The other night they attended Cav& Nets games……..when did they become so close? and why is Larry living with Jay. I have some video footage from phone of them together in the building. Is jay gay?

And just so you don't write this off as some blogger gossip, the fact that Jay-Z and Larry Johnson own a home together WAS CONFIRMED by a sports writer Paul Domowitch who works out of Philly:

The Chiefs have been talking to Johnson's agent about a new deal, but the two sides still are far apart. A club source put the odds of Johnson holding out this summer at 50-50. Johnson, who owns a home in New York with rapper Jay-Z, showed up in Kansas City Sunday for the first time since the team began its voluntary workouts last month and has worked out with his teammates the last 2 days. He has indicated that he will attend the team's postdraft minicamp in 2 weeks.

Now let's look at the facts. I don't know and don't really care much if Larry Johnson is the ghey but here are just a few reasons that might provide some clues as to why folks have so many questions:

In addition to playing football . . . Larry Johnson is a male model - A profession so swishy that male ballerinas probably give them hassle (Note at least male ballerinas touch other women).

As I noted previously LJ has been involved in a number of instances related to domestic abuse . . . Obviously the guy has a problem with the women folk.

And like I said that "diamond" hand sign thing is just stupid and is definitely the ghey even if LJ is not.

And now it's revealed that the guy owns a house and lives with another man. I have friends, I've never had a roommate but that's not a big deal . . . However, I contend that no heterosexual man would ever buy a house and live in it with another dude who wasn't a relative . . . Tell me why I'm wrong.

So I leave it to you good readers . . . What is your take on the subject? Personally, I don't care if Larry Johnson is they ghey or not but I would rather he spent more time worrying about the upcoming Chiefs season rather than how he can please his life parter Jay-Z.

Another bad review: The inside of the Bloch building looks like a rat maze

A local blogger went to see the new Bloch addition to the Nelson-Atkins museum this weekend and she liked it . . . I did the same thing as well and I wasn't so impressed.

Yes, there is a lot of light inside the building but the same thing can be said of most garden sheds . . . It's pretty big but so are most warehouses . . . And most importantly there was absolutely no sense of flow or purpose to the building, I don't know if that's a problem that should be blamed on the architecture or the haphazard way in which the exhibits were arranged. Put simply, the thing felt like a maze . . . On a trek up the second floor I was expecting another level and the only thing that was there was a restroom (to be fair it was the nicest public toilet I've ever seen) . . . Sadly, the piece of cheese that I was hoping for was not where to be found.

But the thing that really struck me about the place was when I walked into the old building and I immediately had a sense that I was inside a structure that was more thoughtfully planned, that was worth more, that was a Kansas City institution and not just a flashy design that already seemed dated.

Groovy New place for local web geeks: Kansas City Social Web Group

New blog startup that seems interesting (even if you don't believe in Web 2.0). The KC Social Web Group is: "A place for fans of the social web and social media to get together and chat and find others with interests that are alike."

Kansas City Caves to Bicyclist Cabal

Obviously, catering to loudmouth special interest groups comprised of upwardly mobile, wealthy, white people is a top priority for the Funkhouser Administration . . . Recently, KCMO has made incredible progress on the completely unimportant topic of bicycle issues (bleh):

Kansas City, Missouri, recently created two brand new positions that are very important to improving the bicycle and pedestrian environment in the city. In one month we’ve gone from zero city employees with primary responsibility for bicycle planning to two. It’s a huge step forward and will hopefully result in some tangible results in the near future.

Once again it's proven that the only way people take notice of any problem is when it kills a white person . . . Preferably somebody attractive . . . Over that past few years more than a 11 cyclists have been killed on KC streets and while that's sad it doesn't even come close to the number of young, Black men who have been wounded or killed due to gun violence on Kansas City streets . . . Yet, the bicyclists are getting city resources donated to their cause and the Eastside . . . Well, you know . . .

So, the joke is on you if you thought the Funkhouser Administration or the incoming City Council represented any kind of significant change . . . He/they simply have a different group of pet causes that still seem to benefit upper-class white people of a different social set . . . But not really much of a difference at all.

So, I for one hope that local bicyclists enjoy their new found standing because they've attained it by riding over the backs of any community in Kansas City with real problems.

Family Dollar robbed. Sound Familiar?

Deja vu all over again: Three armed men robbed a Kansas City discount store early Monday morning.

Local smart guy fights AIDS in a more productive way than insulting a bar skank

The Biz Journal reports: A Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences researcher participated in a study leading to regulatory approval of a new late-stage AIDS drug, the university said Monday.

Monday Mugshot: More McDonald's Mayhem. Also, Midtown is dangerous.

Damn it, if the cholesterol won't kill you then the carjackers will.

Resolved: Eating at the McDonald's by Home Depot on Main is probably more dangerous than any Mexicans nearby seeking day labor.

At about 2 a.m. Friday, the victims were in their vehicle in the drive-through late at McDonald's at 3255 Main St., prosecutors said.

After placing their order, the victims were blocked by a vehicle ahead of them. Court documents show that two of the vehicle's occupants got out and one pointed a shotgun at the victims, telling them to leave their money and the car keys in the vehicle.

Additionally, and on a sad note the guy pictured above is an 18 year-old who was charged with the crime today . . . You'll note that he is crying or at least shedding a tear or two . . . Which doesn't bode well for him as far as "easy time" goes, should he be convicted.

Blunt is looking out for your baby: Missing white woman syndrome sweeps the state

Gov. Matt Blunt is requesting that Attorney General Jay Nixon help in the search of a missing Belton teen Kara Kopetsky.

The most rewarding part of snitching is when they pay you

3 people in line to be paid.

Let's call it Credit Card Kay Plaza

Over the weekend there was an interesting story about the possibility of naming the entry plaza to the Sprint Center on Grand Boulevard after former Mayor Kay Barnes.

It's not a bad idea but just like everything it depends on context.

Now, let's say that the small downtown patch (heh) was used for cutting up your credit cards and then slapping yourself in the forehead. In that case, I couldn't agree more . . . And the fact that anybody wants to sign their name to an empty arena with no anchor tenant in sight makes for a perfect tribute to Mayor Kay's career.

I think it's important to honor Kansas City's history or at least acknowledge the names involved leading the charge to sink this town into debt . . . But then I don't know, maybe everything is going to work out: Downtown Kansas City could soon turn into a mecca for retail shopping, nightlife and sports fans from around the area. And all of the previous residents of the place could move to Grandview or Lee's Summit and make a brand new ghettto (!!!) - In the end I don't find it at all surprising that the (pipe) dreams of upper-class luxury condo dwellers involve minorities and po'folk completely disappearing.

Trial begins for Kansas City teen accused of taking two lives and a child's arm

Carnage on Kansas City Streets downright medieval.

UMKC didn't layoff Labor Studies

The (unemployable any place else) hipsters at The Pitch have been following the fate of the UMKC Labor Studies program intently. Reporter turned advocate (and hip-hop groupie) Nadia Pflaum has been spamming local Internet message boards pushing to keep Commie Labor Studies part of the local educational landscape . . . Another interesting tidbit to this non-issue: The director of the program signs her letters "In solidarity" which means that she'd be great at teaching people how to feel slightly uncomfortable about their associations. Fight the Power! - On sale for $2.95 at the Wal-Mart discount music bin.

I guess Miss Kansas is kinda cute

Happy in Bag snags a photo of Cara Renee Gorges.

Municipal has a shiny new plastic hat

The outgoing City Council "raised the roof" at Municipal Auditorium and the result is not only laughable but also nearly ruins a great old Kansas City building. Check out BlogKC's post on the subject.

Coming Soon: KC's Epic Bumfight!!!

Today the Star reports that the housing slump is responsible for a decline in the $3 surcharge the county collects on real estate sales documents filed with the recorder's office which help to fund twenty-seven local agencies that serve the homeless.

However, it's not exactly news that the homeless in Kansas City are pretty much screwed.

Plaza panhandaling bums don't even merit the distinction of being human and are referred to as "visual blight" as if they were dilapidated house or spare tires littering a lawn.

More importantly, it's becoming clearer that if there is to be any kind of "Downtown Renaissance" (ugh) then all of the homeless d-bags who meander through the urban core simply HAVE to be carted off somewhere else.

Why? Here are just a few reasons of many:

The Northeast area inside the downtown loop might as well be called "Hobo Alley" because it's littered with not only every dreg of humanity but also a virtual smorgasboard of social service agencies operated by people who mistakenly earned their college degree in Sociology.

Okay, maybe the "Hobo Alley" term is a little harsh but you'll probably change your tune if you park you car downtown and carelessly leave more than 50 cents worth of change in plain view . . . In that case your window will be smashed and you'll probably end up voting Republican next election.

Nearly every other stoplight downtown hosts beggars who inadvertently lead the thoughts of commuters to issues related to luck, the meaning of life and the fairness of the distribution of wealth in this society . . . And that's just counter productive when so much of the P&L District pipe dream is based on empty minded and free spending club hoppers.

Those folks aren't all just the poor, downtrodden, salt of the earth . . . They will swing on you when the sauce has gone to their head or just because they're mostly half crazy anyway either before they hit the streets or because washing your junk in the public library restrooms for more than a week will work on your nerves.

Anyway, for these reasons and many others it's abundantly clear that: If Kansas City doesn't find a solution to the bum homeless problem than (that's just one more reason that) the eagerly anticipated "downtown renaissance" will never happen.

And what the situation calls for is cruelty. At some point, somebody is going to have to push these agencies and people out of the downtown loop and it's not going to look pretty.

I don't know if Mayor Funky has the heart or the political leverage to get the job done. Of course the Great White Northland doesn't give a damn about homeless people so he's got that going for him . . . But there was also a significant contingent of liberal, white, effete reformers who conned themselves into thinking that they really wanted to vote for "change" rather than just admitting that voting against the Black guy felt good. Anyway, when it comes to classic liberal pandering for the rights for homeless people to poop in the doorway of expensive condos then the Mayor stands to lose some support from this very vocal contingent, assuming that they're not saving the whales or mourning the latest graduate student killed on a bicycle in this town.

Already, when it has come to offending liberal sensibilities the Mayor took a hit over his defacto endorsement of the Minutemen. And it's been funny for me to watch the Mayor's boy Joe Miller try to stir division in the Latino Community and disseminate propaganda and cheap press releases against any Mexican-American who challenges the inherent stupidity of the Mayor supporting a lady who only despises free trade more than Mexicans. In his ridiculous book Miller seemed to be an advocate for young, minority youth but seeing how he and the Mayor have done their best to snub Latinos from all walks of life I'm guessing the guy just has a penchant for young, Black men . . . Cool, I guess. I've always had a soft spot in my heart for college aged Asian chicks as well - And not just because Woody Allen is my hero. It takes different strokes to move the world.

Anyway, back the the bums . . . Personally, they don't bother me and I could care less what happens to the homeless. I've learned to live with the few homeless dirtbags that I have to endure and they seem to know that when I roll up a newspaper and firmly clasp it in my hands it's a sure sign that I don't have any spare change and they shouldn't ask.

Nevertheless, expect issues regarding the homeless to further divide this town and demonstrate once again that the re-development of downtown Kansas City was nothing more than a massive effort to displace poor people and minorities and anybody else who can't afford a luxury condo.

It's all relative

It's a family affair as far as elected office is concerned in this country and according to a recent report by The Star, political dynasties comprised of a few families rule the U.S., in Missouri politics is dominated by the Blunts and Carnahans.

Frankly, I couldn't care less considering that it's hard for me to tell the difference between one Caucasian ruling elite and the next . . . That's why I always vote for the Black guy, the woman, any Latino optimistic enough to find a way on the ballot and against all judges on general principle.

And while the family ties of politicos always make for great media fodder, I can't say the subject really stirs any emotion in me given that voter turnout (in KC at least) continues to be unimpressive and at best most people grumble about the world' injustices to anyone that will take notice and then quickly go back to taking advantage of the cheap labor provided by illegals and Chinese toddlers at several suburban locations . . . Which reminds me that I need to get another supersized, deluxe assortment of snack cakes for the week from my favorite discount outlet . . . And I wonder if they carry adult diapers because sometimes re-runs of Oprah are REALLY interesting.

Stupid Tuesday, choose for loose slots!!!

WyCo residents vote to separate fools from their money in order to increase the tax base while probably unwittingly increasing the number of local bankruptcies.

Sunday! Sunday! Sunday! Car chase across the KC area and through downtown was the only entertaining weekend event in the urban core.

Yeah, I'm pretty sure that a high speed car chase across the metro area tops any of the hipster crap in the Crossroads over the weekend as far as the wow factor is concerned. . . . Somehow, I'm sure they can incorporate this kind of dangerous entertainment into Sprint Center activities seeing as how the place is still a long way from hosting an anchor tenant. Double Bonus: Thankfully no one was hurt and a bunch of bystanders caught up in the chase were unwittingly forced to bolster the local economy after police stop sticks tore their tires to shreds. So I guess it was a happy ending after all.

Pool Party backfires on KCK firefighters

Firefighter Suspended For Filling Private Pool

A post about the Smartport without scary talk of a one world government or Mexicans making life in the near future unbearable

At some point, nearly every objection I've seen against the Smartport in Kansas City relies on (mostly unfounded) fear that Mexicans are coming to date your daughter and/or the U.S. can't compete in a global economy.

Recently, it was nice to stumble upon a blogger interview with Chris Gutierrez, President of SmartPort in Kansas City that didn't conform to most of the crazy Internet interpretations of the Inland Port which claim that it's a conspiracy to place the Chinese Military in this cowtown - Also, I don't know why the Chinese would want any part of KC unless the worldwide supply of chubby white women was a lot lower than I initially suspected . . . And if you've been to Oak Park Mall lately, you know that's not true.

"Let's make Kansas City the next Silicon Valley without all the high priced real estate!"

A local Linux developer writes an enthusiastic post about promoting the tech industry in Kansas City . . . I couldn't agree more . . .

A Blogger bounces

This is why you read blogs: Go congratulate Cara for having the cajones to take charge of her career.

When bloggers have babies!!!

Go and gives your best wishes to the Bookpusher.

Best McDonald's in town(?)

Local blogger Joe goes with the one on 7800 State Line where as I like the one on Rainbow in KCK because of my cultural upbringing and my great faith that Mexican women are the least likely of all people to tamper with your food. Sadly, any Micky D's on the Eastside or in South KC is really only a good place to get robbed.

Jumping in bed with Jeff Roe

The Blue blog brilliantly beats up on local political consultant Jeff Roe, a Star reporter that the tactics that are going to be used in the upcoming Congressional race between Sam Graves and Kay Barnes . . . To put it simply, we're gonna see nothing but depictions of the candidates as "Constant, unquestioning Bush supporter." vs "Crazy, credit cars spending liberal" it should be a hard fought contest that will once again inspire half the electorate to stay at home.

Local blogger has liver OF STEEL!!!

30 bars in one day is an impressive feat accomplished by local blogger Scooter J and he masterfully documents the experience that most of us wouldn't remember OR would have us hoping for motorcycle crashes (read: liver transplant paradise) shortly afterwards.

Eating out in Kansas (yeah!)

Apparently, it tastes better than you'd think according to local foodie blog Noodletown.

KC sports bloggers get Star spotlight

True to form, the Star publishes an article about sports blogs devoted to Kansas City teams and begins their story with a blog from out of town. Still, the piece was pretty informative and local blog "Toellner tells it" thinks it bodes well for the future of the medium as long as blog authors use their "power" wisely - unfortunately well reasoned, informed, fair and thoughtful posts are boring and the most popular entries (nullus) on this site usually contain both cleavage and character assassination (your term, not mine).

Anyway, the only bright spot of the article was that it mentioned one of TKC's favorites: Arrowhead Pride. For me, writing about the Chiefs is akin to examining the culture of Kansas City i.e. great potential that is never fulfilled, heart breaking losses, violent Black guys, inept leadership and largely clueless fans and cheerleaders along with undue influence from Johnson County.

On the other hand, people who blog about the Royals and obsessively follow that team are nothing more than gluttons for punishment and more likely fetishists who have an unhealthy attraction to losing.

The TKC Saturday Night Podcast: Hot

It's a busy weekend for me so once again I'm not gonna put a lot of effort into this podcast other than providing a few of my favorite summer songs. . . However, I will note that I'm never one to complain about the heat not only because I come from a tropical people but also because women wearing less clothing at local parks is always a good thing . . . Provided all scantily clad women weigh in at under a deuce and half, of course.



Even better, did you know the bikini was invented in France? I didn't but that's really ground breaking and their second biggest gift to the world in addition to coming up with the concept of surrender.

Anyway, Summer is now here . . . In Kansas City this means a lot of sessy (and overweight) women wearing skimpy clothes, second rate concerts, fat people having heat stroke and of course . . . Shootings!

So blame global warming or the wide availability of illegal guns on KC streets . . . It doesn't matter, it's going to be a hot summer in KC.

So stay safe out there folks, have a wonderful weekend. Thank you for reading.

Upskirt photographing KCK Cop Quits

Crime Scene KC was the first to blog this creepy story yesterday.

A blogger says NO to crack!!!

Heartening, Hilarious. Citizen media comes through in the fight against crack on Kansas City Streets!!!

KCPD escalating arms race on KC streets

Great video of an interesting story from this week: The Kansas City Missouri police department is allowing some officers to train on and carry AR-15 rifles . . . It doesn't actually make me feel safe and I even see their point in raising the stakes but I just wonder if more firepower is always the solution.

KCK Granada gone as far as movies go

I covered the opening of the KCK movie theater and everybody working on the thing was pretty hopeful . . . But in the end the ticket sales just weren't there . . . The place isn't closing, but it will only be open for special engagements. A dance hall or other venue for get-togethers in KCK . . . That sounds like a better business plan.

Kansas City is for sale

Land Trust of Jackson County is having an "everything must go" sale that's going to not only open up the gate for speculators but also decrease the chance for any more viable development in neighborhoods that have seen a lot of foreclosures (thank you subprime lenders) . . . KC hasn't come up with a decent development plan despite Funkhouser's talk about wanting to hear about "TIF for the Eastside first." Once again, this is an ongoing problem in Kansas City and the new Mayor hasn't really done anything but talk about this issue.

Sebelius takes even more time away from doing her job by wasting it on "green" talk

Deferred maintenance has left Kansas with a half-billion dollars worth of leaky roofs, outdated labs and other items to fix at the state's universities . . . Sebelius thinks going "green" will solve the problem . . . I think blaming the President is a better solution . . . I'm sure the middle ground will be to blame it on Mexicans.

KC Carjackers: One more reason not to help anybody on the road and support CCW

Not that I would ever condone killing anybody over a car but there was a great article about the tactics that local crooks are using when it comes to carjacking, a growing crime in the KC area . . .

(Carjackings) occur about 34,000 times a year across the country, according to the most recent federal statistics. Sometimes the robbers attack but don’t succeed in taking the vehicle, but 45 percent of the time they do.

About 24 percent of the time the victim is injured.

Anecdotally, I know at least 4 people who have been carjacked since Spring.

Additionally, I've always found stories about CCW protecting against school shootings or random muggings a bit silly but when it comes to carjacking the arguments start to make a little more sense. Sad but true, when at least one KC crook draws some fire back after a carjacking attempt, that will make a lot of people think twice about pulling the same stunt . . . In much the same way that most crooks know that robbing houses in the gun loving Midwest is a great way to end up catching lead.

On an even more productive note, I've always fought off carjackers even more cleverly. I drive a piece of crap that nobody in their right mind would want. If somebody stole my car, they would probably be forced to invest in a lot of oil, maintenance and heart ache during the winter months . . . Therefore I feel somewhat safe driving my truck through some of the worst KC areas in order to get the really good Chinese food - No risk, no reward but this "urban camouflage" tactic has always served me well. TKC is always ahead of the competition.

100k visitors to KC WWI museum still can't tell you WHY the war started or IF the KC attraction has managed to do anything but lose money

National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial Welcomes 100,000 Visitor

Tammy Faye to KC area

There's a bit of debate about which location Tammy Faye is moving to exactly but a variety of reports confirm that that the Christian singer, evangelist, entrepreneur, author, talk show hostess, and a prominent American television personality will be coming to the Kansas City area. Sadly, nobody knows for how long considering that she recently stopped receiving cancer treatment and she is a self-described "65-pound scarecrow" . . . Poor old broad, she's had a hard life.

What's up in KC over the weekend

Sorry folks I should have posted this link on Friday but there's still a lot of stuff happening tonight . . . The EventDriver has it covered:
The Juneteenth Festival
Jim Brickman at Starlight
Links to the hot club shows including:
Merle Haggard at The VooDoo
T.U.F. at Blayney's
On The Fly at O'Dowd's Zona Rosa
Teacherz Pet at O'Dowd's Plaza
plus links to The Hurricane, Jerry's Bait Shop, Jardine's, Jazz
Louisiana Kitchen, Plaza III, Alley Catz, The Record Bar, 610 Zone, 75th
Street Brewery and more...

SNITCHING STILL PAYS!!!

KSHB news was the first to report last night that at least one person is getting the cash for providing a tip in the Kelsey Smith case.

Clearly, this is an acknowledgment that there isn't that much difference between what motivates people in any community . . . Money.

There were a lot of arguments that white people in Overland Park and all over the city were somehow "better" because they responded so dramatically to the tragedy. Still, listening to the phone lines on KMBZ it was clear that pulling out the reward money wasn't a good move . . . And I think reinstating the sends a nice message to everyone that it takes "resources" and not just happy, smiley talk to fight crime. Additionally, I'm sure some folks are going to argue that people in JoCo (and white people in general) aren't motivated at all by money. And that's really funny.

Update: Here's Alonzo Washington's take on the subject. He posted his thoughts first but I didn't read them until a few seconds after I published this link. Funny, we both thought of the same photo.

Mexicans immigrants aren't so dangerous!!!

So it's nice to know that Mexicans aren't going to kill your babies as quickly as black tar heroin.

I thought the recent TKC obnoxious poll was an apt and reasonable question considering the hysteria on airwaves claiming that a "Mexican invasion" is going to make everyone homeless and that Latinos will be granted the right to have sex with your daughters upon their 21st birthday as a condition of the "amnesty" under consideration in the Senate . . . At best that's a half-truth.

Anyway, these scientific and conclusive findings prove that the readers kind enough to respond to this poll (and endure the bad java) are brave thinkers and a long, protracted war against illegals (i.e. brown po'folk) would be just as futile as the enduring drug war that's only managed to put minorities (i.e. brown po'folk) in prison at record numbers. Good job, people!!! TKC is proud of you.

Smoking is illegal in the future

Kansas Supreme Court Upholds Lawrence Smoking Ban

Waldo bank is almost an ATM for KC crooks

Waldo-Area Bank Robbed For 2nd Time This Year.

Anybody else think that Norman Rockwell's work was basically just American propaganda?

Norman Rockwell Exhibit Opens At Union Station . . . Sure, I know that he was into Civil Rights and all but there's something just strange about his stuff . . . Like behind it all there's somebody holding a knife or maybe it was just a way to make art so boring that watching a TV becomes a better option . . . Maybe that's why the dude has so many fans.

Bi-state carnage on the job front continues

Mass layoffs rise in Missouri, Kansas . . . In (supposedly) better news, new chain stores are going to save downtown . . . Chuckle.

Red Bridge on reinventing public discourse

An awesome blog post from Red Bridge Blogger Craig on the way that public meetings on infrastructure issues in Kansas City are run . . . He advocates for a context sensitive solutions whereas most people in this town don't take notice unless you show up and start yelling . . . Still, it's a nice thought and a great post.

Blue Blogger is bringing it

All topics Dem pretty well covered.

Saturdays with a conservative blogger

Check out local blogger Dee, she has a lots of info and opinions on all subjects conservative.

Funky's team (of employees) volleys back

Mayor Funky's front porch has seen a flurry of posting in what is probably a way to respond to the Mayor losing a lot of support on the Internet.

Sadly, I notice that my blog wasn't on their blogroll which makes me feel nice given that those dolts might actually see this joke of a site as a threat . . . Which shows how naive they really are . . .

Also, the Mayor's PR flack is back to posting again as well with thankfully very little info regarding conversations about "social justice" (ugh) with the new Mayor.

I don't know that their policy is about comment moderation but it might be a good place to address your concerns about the Mayor's wife allegedly messing with Tarot cards or maybe the guy giving the key's to KC's economic development to somebody who lives in JoCo OR maybe even the fact that his Chief of Staff Ed Wolf is taking down a quarter of a mil from KC every year . . . Take your pick, but be sure to be just as nasty (and verbose) as you are on this blog . . . If Mayor Funky wants to try (to continue to) dominate the local blogosphere than he might as well get accustomed how nasty things around here can get.

TKC has an eye for talent

The whole point of this blog, the reasoning behind my "Model of the moment" series of posts is because so often I find that people from Kansas City don't acknowledge all of the talent that is right in their midst.

Also, it's hard as hell to launch a significant career from the heart of the Midwest and any little bit of public mention helps . . . I hope. In a bit of news, 22 year-old KC model Jazmin was recently a part of a video shoot for Lawrence act MR. Cassanova. AND, I don't really need an excuse to post photos of amazingly attractive, scantly clad women.

Therefore, I'd just wanted to clue people into to a very interesting comment war happening on the back pages of this blog concerning local model Jazmin Waterz.

In my opinion, Jazmin's photos speak for themselves. Put simply, she is hot. I've also taken notice of a variety of folks who are definitely NOT her fans. Thing is, you can't do anything in this world without engendering criticism and the true test of talent is standing up to detractors and realizing that every public life isn't just a wave of unquestioning support but more of a conversation with the people who take notice of your work . . . Too bad KC's mayor hasn't learned as much.

But let it be known, TKC is a fan of Jazmin. This blog admires her efforts and her great looking photos. In the world of politics, public officials have a responsibility to their constituents but every artist only has to stay true to themselves in order to be successful.

TKC wishes Jazmin every success.

Not all Mexicans are illegal but every casino in Kansas City is out to rip you off

Seems as if anti-Mexican sentiment is running pretty high in Kansas City and that's not just a reflection of the chatter in the comments section of this blog.

A recent story reveals that a Kansas City casino allegedly attempted to play border control (ala The Minutemen) and unjustly held a visiting Mexican national captive despite the fact that the guy wasn't illegal and was on vacation.

A Mexican national is suing the Isle of Capri Casino claiming they held him against his will and accused him of being an illegal immigrant -- despite the fact that he had a valid ID . . . Jose Parra, a mine supervisor in Mexico, said that he was stopped by gaming agents, even though he already purchased a boarding pass, had his valid Mexican driver's license, a passport and a valid tourist visa as a backup. He said that agents then held him for 30 to 45 minutes and gave him a citation for presenting false ID to board the boat. This week lawyer Steve Small sued the casino and the gaming officers, accusing them of, among other things, false imprisonment, false arrest and malicious prosecution.

Now that's classic Kansas City hospitality!!!

Thing is, it's not like I'm going to fight for any one's right to get ripped off by local casinos . . . Maybe this is the Missouri gaming industry saying that they don't want the business of Latino gamblers . . . AND THAT WOULD BE GREAT!!!

We've all heard stats claiming that bankruptcies have spiked since the boats have been in town and the casino that allegedly hassled the guy is known for catering to the minority community i.e. robbing people who don't know any better (but should) . . . If true, what this story should reveal is that these people are creeps . . . As a rule casinos are out to take advantage of folks who don't know anything about probability or statistics . . . The fact that casinos lure people to the gaming floor with cheap drinks, greasy food and busty cocktail waitresses is even more evidence that they're merely out to hustle their customers . . . Generally, when people have such little regard for their clientèle they start acting as if they're the law and their prejudices are quickly revealed.

I don't gamble in Kansas City casinos and it's not just because the odds are horrible, I also don't want any of my money going to fund the KC School District or any other the other d-bags in rural Missouri.

Sad thing is there are so many minorities and Latinos in Kansas City that gamble their savings away and don't really know the background of the industry. Las Vegas impresario Howard Hughes was a world-class racist and obsessively kept Black people out of his casinos . . . Additionally, the mob (another group of gambling pioneers) was never really that fond of brown people when they weren't inundating minority communities with vice or corrupting their political institutions.

So, there's a variety of reasons why I won't gamble . . . Other than the fact that I'm broke . . . The truth is that gambling just isn't a good way to spend money and giving cash directly to white women is probably more likely to at least garner an unenthusiastic hand job in return . . . And that's a much better "rewards" program than any KC boat can offer.

The most pressing concern facing Kansas City: Our crappy little media market

So, last night I was all ready to watch a 2 hour marathon of The Office on NBC.

There were snack cakes conveniently prepared for consumption along with a chilled 2 liter of Dr. Pepper and a tall glass filled with ice cubes - TKC knows the good life.

And as the last episode was about to air I notice a troubling fact:

KSHB preempted the nationally promoted marathon of The Office in order to broadcast an infomercial about local car dealerships!!!

Not only is this one of the worst things to ever happen in Kansas City but it also points out one of the biggest things holding this City back: The KC media market is small time and this amateur move to make a few bucks while alienating an audience is just one more example.

You might think I'm overreacting but the minuscule media market is one of the leading reasons that Pro-sports franchisees aren't too keen on moving to the empty Sprint Center downtown . . . Media is an important part of a city's image and local stations consistently drop the ball on virtually every topic they cover . . . Basically, KC is regarded as nothing more than a "farm team" for local "talent" and most media folks try to find a way out of this town as soon as possible for a bigger payday and more exposure. In fact, the KC media is so disrespected that last year the Royals didn't even consider reinstating press credentials to shunned reporters until the national news picked up the story . . . With a few notable exceptions, frightened KC media personalities simply bowed their heads in obedience.

Clearly, local media (especially you KSHB) is going to have to step up their game if this town is going to be competitive . . . Anything less and Kansas City will never get a pro-sports franchise to fill the Sprint Center and this town's news will consist solely of Live, Late Breaking Custard Coverage.

Semler's stand against commerce in KC

There are a variety of good reasons that people are opposed to a new, proposed SmartPort in Kansas City . . . However, when the name of new Parks Board member Frances Semler is mentioned, most people simply suspect racism.

George Blackwood, president of the North American SuperCorridor Coalition, which is working on trade and transportation issues throughout the Interstate 35 corridor, including the customs facility, questions those statements . . .

“I think it’s anti-immigration,” said Blackwood, a former Kansas City Council member . . . Some Kansas Citians working on SmartPort, and on broader transportation links among the United States, Canada and Mexico, say some of the plan’s national opposition comes from racial and ethnic concerns . . ..

“It is racially based towards Mexicans,” said political consultant Jim Bergfalk, who is working on transportation and security issues with promoters of a North American trade corridor. It is “pure rampant racism” . . .

Last week Kansas City Mayor Mark Funkhouser said he supported the SmartPort project and said Semler’s questions about its financing should not disqualify her from serving on the Kansas City Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners

For whatever reasons people oppose the Smartport, the important thing to remember is that these efforts are usually only desperate attempts to fight the future.

The world is getting smaller, The U.S. Economy has been information based for quite some time, business is global and outdated worldviews do nothing but impede the progress of economies (example: A lot more ground breaking Stem Cell Research is now done overseas) . . . I'm sure I know even more catchphrases I learned from watching Fed-ex commercials . . . But the point is: When ideology drives something as important as commerce (or science) the result is always that people subject to these rules end up getting left behind (example: Afghanistan).

Put simply, growing inland trade, Smartports and a continued expansion of the global economy (read: Child labor from Asia and Indian dudes answering all of your computer questions) is all but unstoppable . . . The only question is whether or not Kansas City stands to profit from it . . . A member of a prestigious Kansas City public board (with access to millions of dollars) is working actively against it and that speaks pretty clearly that free trade enthusiasts (and all of their money) might be better off looking at places like Oklahoma City for a warmer reception and a town more accepting of economic opportunity . . . Very much like expansion sports teams.

Other posts on this topic:

Wetback by popular demand!!!

Mexicans will soon own part of Kansas City

Funkhouser doesn't know how many people live in KC proper

All right, I hate have to admit that today's column by Mike Hendricks is hilarious in pointing out a recent flub made by Mayor Funkhouser:

His response to a question at a Northland forum this week. Someone asked His Funkiness from whom he sought counsel.

His answer: “You’re asking me who my advisers are. I have 1.8 million advisers in Kansas City.”

As there are fewer than a half-million residents of Kansas City, Mo., either hizzoner is extremely poor at math (Him, a trained auditor? Nah.), or he has a broader view of his constituency.

To wit, all 1.8 million residents of the greater KC area on both sides of the state line, including the 1.3 million of us who live in the ’burbs.

Look, as a lifelong suburbanite, I’m not complaining. It’s heartening to know a big-city mayor views his constituency thusly.

We are one community, right? “OneKC,” as the billboards say.

Now that's just NICE and I also applaud Hendricks for pointing out that nobody uses the OneKC slogan for anything but a punchline. I also think it's funny that Hendricks jokes that the Mayor might just be trying to claim a title as "lord of the entire metropolitan area."



Obviously, I suspect something more sinister . . . Mayor Funky has already hinted that he's going to go hat in hand to the people of JoCo for help on a decent plan for light rail (good luck) and since Funkhouser has shown that he really doesn't have much of a regard for the sensibilities of the people in this town (mostly the brown ones) . . . I'm sure more cooperation with surrounding municipalities might be in order . . . Heck, that might even make financial sense but it goes against the political notion and talking point held by most folks from KC proper that JoCo exists merely to leach off of attractions that Kansas City goes into debt to pay for . . . Example #4,392: Our sports stadiums.

Additionally, most people of in this town regard the Northland (Funkhouser's base of support) as a completely different entity from Kansas City . . . Therefore this suburban focus could have been merely a slip . . . Or it might represent his mentality.

Question: Do white people need financial incentive for snitching? Does that make them "better" than everybody else?

Crime Scene KC was the first to report:

Crime Stoppers says nobody will get any of the Kelsey Smith reward money because no single tip specifically led to Edwin Hall's arrest.

The 27k is going back to the people who donated it.

Alonzo Washington wisely argues that revoking the reward undermines the incentive that has PROVEN to be effective in helping people cooperate with police.

You'll remember that this Spring, Shauntay Henderson was found almost immediately after the reward for her capture was increased.

Mr. Washington is an expert in creating cooperation with police in the Black community (among others) where the silly Stop Snitching movement still holds sway.

But there's something unspoken going on here and TKC is the perfect place to vent these notions because I know they are present . . . Throughout the Kelsey Smith case several folks pointed out that the suburban community cooperated with authorities far more than it was perceived that the Black Community helps to solve crime in predominantly Black, crime ridden neighborhoods . . . Therefore, the question I'm asking is simple . . . Will the fact that the reward for Kelsey Smith has been withdrawn have any impact on cooperation with authorities in affluent, white communities or in high profile cases of missing white women?

More importantly . . . Why?

I have my own suspicions and opinions but I'm genuinely curious as to what other people think. Maybe all those tips really were to get the huge reward, I don't know. You tell me.

It's about time: Overland Park does everything it can to protect white women

Overland Park beefs up fighting crimes against women

Gladstone doesn't care about your privacy

Gladstone Approves Red-Light Cameras . . . The constitutionality of the cameras is debatable as well and the fact that they require you to prove your innocence instead of prosecutors proving your guilt isn't an encouraging trend either.

KC's shortest and least talented artist speaks out: Humvee driving STRETCH bitches about paying taxes

The Pitch promotes a guy who just might qualify as the "worst representation of Kansas City's art scene" EVAR . . . Good stuff, and nearly as captivating as midget wrestling . . . They just needed another angry midget.

Self-satisfaction never tasted so sweet!!!

Present Magazine presents some great photos an "urban farm" on the Westside . . . Urban Agriculture is all the rage now among local hipsters and white people . . . And that's cool, but if growing veggies on the Westside is part of some brand new trend that will save the world then my Great Grandma was a pioneer on that front - She had a Westside Garden too but the City made her get rid of her chickens and a goat I used to torment as a little kid.

The Star, the agenda setting function of the media and Slow Poke Rodriguez

I didn't think I'd ever use anything from my UMKC Communication Studies Degree but lo and behold . . . The (mostly white) writers at The Star and their private Buzz Blog have inspired me!!!

Here's as good of a place to start as any . . . The Agenda Setting Function of Media is loosely defined as: The theory that the mass-news media have a large influence on audiences by their choice of what stories to consider newsworthy and how much prominence and space to give them.

Recently, The Star's writers are reporting that the City Council is miffed by the Latino Community taking their sweet time to respond to the Semler story.

Some city officials and politicos who support Semler's removal are disappointed that the Hispanic community has done nothing publicly with the issue since last week. Some City Hallers were slapping their foreheads today because one black activist had offered to get leaders in the black community to join Hispanic leaders in protest of Semler's appointment at this week's parks board meeting. But Rita Valenciano, president of the Coalition of Hispanic Organizations in Kansas City, hasn't accepted the offer. Efforts to reach Valenciano this afternoon were unsuccessful.

Some City Hallers and politicos made clear today that they don't think council members should continue sticking their necks on the line when the Hispanic community is wimping out on them.

I guess I could get all indignant about this massive display of cultural elitism behind the pay wall over at The Star but it wouldn't really be worth it since I've got more readers than they do (even if they're much better at monetizing those eyeballs - At least half a dozen other local blogs can make the same claim as well . . . BlogKC, JustCara, Gone Mild etc.).

Anyway, it doesn't matter if this is true or not (it's unattributed, probably planted by Joe Miller and just about as worthless as most of the posts on my blog that not even I stand behind) . . . What is important is that the post signals that there are folks at The Star who want the Semler debacle squashed.

Maybe the story is dead, maybe it isn't . . . Over the past decade I've reported on the Latino Community for a variety of different publications and what I can tell you is that they aren't on anyone's time clock but their own . . . The pay wall and the fact that there aren't a lot of Latinos on the Internets make anything written by the Star Prime Buzz pretty much irrelevant to our community.

And as far as the City Council is concerned . . . Here are just a few questions. Depending on how you answer them will determine whether or not you think that the notion that "Council is frustrated with the Latino Community" has any merit.

What has the mayor done (not said, done) in order to foster a better working relationship with the City Council?

Where is Mayor Funky going to get the political leverage he needs in order lean on the Council members so that they will think twice about slamming him at every opportunity?

When was the last time you've ever seen a Latino on time for anything?

Here's the gossip I've heard . . . And since Mary Sanchez has disappeared from The Star concerning this issue, I am most likely a source that is more knowledgeable than any other Latino you know . . . And as always, TKC is the most important Latino in this town. Anyway, here goes:

There is talk of a rally.

There is talk of protesting Parks Board meetings.

But nobody knows what will come of it and organizing takes time for any group - Especially Chicanos in Kansas City.

In my humble opinion . . . It doesn't matter.

What I saw at the initial press conference was more unity among the Latino Leadership than I had seen in a decade. I witnessed Latino leaders from the business community, Non-profits, Law Enforcement, Veterans and others come together for a common cause . . . Against Funkhouser's endorsement of a broad in a hate group.

So I think the ball is in their court right now (nullus) . . . They can let the thing slide or they can do something with it . . . But to think that the story has blown over is just too optimistic.

Time and again, the Latino Community has shown that it won't conform to the standards set by traditional news outlets. Two years ago the protests for Immigrant Rights sent shockwaves across this country because no one knew that thousands upon thousands of Latinos were brave enough to take to the streets for their cause. In 1995, most white people hadn't even heard of Selena when her death elicited tens of thousands of fans mourning her in candlelight vigils . . . Honestly, if Mary Sanchez isn't going to come out of her ivory tower, glass house, whatever in order to gauge the community's feeling about this . . . Then the Star isn't really making an honest effort in their current coverage (even if I think Dave Helling and Steve Kraske are dreamy - NO HOMO!!!) . . . If anything, the folks at The Star seems frustrated because not everyone in this town operates on their schedule.

Still, I can only hope that the slow pace of Latinos in regard to the Semler issue is because of a unique sense of cultural identity and not simply because most Chicanos don't read . . . I'm an optimist in that way.

"Hobo in Kansas City has a camel toe"

Cheeseburger Jerry is disgusting in so many ways but this amateur video shot on the Plaza will challenge your faith in God and defies all logic . . . Also, it's just gross.

From the mind of Venkman: "Welcome to Kansas City Brody! Please leave!!!"

KC Talk tears apart Brody Croyle as if the Chiefs were playing a road game, late in the season with playoff hopes not yet dashed.

Give us free!!!

Jolie Justus argues passionately to free the content behind the Prime Buzz Pay Wall . . . She makes some good points. Still I don't care because the mag is basically free as far as I concerned because of very nice folks e-mailing me bitchy political posts that might interest 5 to 6 people and then don't generate as much traffic as typing the term: "Booty Juice" - Bloggers who are constantly checking their traffic stats know what I'm talking about . . . Booty Juice.

The Schlozman Goatee Critique

Local blog Ancillary Adams provides a unique perspective involving the main figure of a (somewhat) recent Republican scandal . . . Based of facial hair. I'm not sure I agree but it does have me wondering about how folks will define my Goatee - Other than white broads saying it tickles. (ew)

"The Funkhouser administration is suffering, as many politicians do, because of group think"

A great round-up of the blogger beef (ew) from yesterday from KC Blue Blog. I couldn't help but link (and smile) after yet another Comm. Studies reference point was brought forth about Group think. Groupthink is a type of thought exhibited by group members who try to minimize conflict and reach consensus (within the group) without critically testing, analyzing, and evaluating ideas.

Kansas City in sepia

Phil Peterson Images has some pretty great images of Kansas City on Flickr, the photo featured above taken inside the underbelly of the Liberty Memorial museum is one of my favorite.

This Smells Funky!!! BlogKC reports: Funkhouser puts some JoCo jerk in charge of a task force to reform KC's economic development policy

I couldn't agree more with the following statement from BlogKC: "So, a Kansan is in charge of deciding how to use the very the tax breaks that KCMO uses to compete for business with places like Johnson County. Isn’t that kindof like appointing a convicted felon to the Police Commission?"

Also, tomorrow I'm gonna try, try, try to write about something other than the Funky smell that has overtaken this town.

Whispering KC Dems don't care for Mayor

Last night there was a huge shin-dig in Kansas City for a Missouri politico who wants to be Governor. That wasn't the real story . . . I've received at least three e-mails this morning regarding chatter at the party. Turns out that Kansas City's Democrat contingent isn't too impressed with this town's new Mayor . . . In any other city that's not a big deal but the fact that dissatisfaction with the mayor is the number one topic of discussion among the Democrat elites in this town doesn't bode too well for the Funkhouser Administration in a city that's so overwhelmingly run by the donkeys. In the coming months it will be interesting to see if Mayor Funky can keep his fiscally conservative/social liberal credentials intact if his decisions continue to be so divisive . . . The main concern from the Dems: The suspicion that Funkhouser has jumped ship ala Joe Lieberman (OR so my Republican readers can relate . . . The same way that Schwarzenegger now seems to be a RINO).

Really, to hear it from these folks the guy is unbelievably close to losing any kind of support from Kansas City Democrat leadership and that could leave him with virtually no political muscle in this town . . . Already it's obvious that Funkhouser is not Richard Berkley, the most rare Republican standout this town has ever seen and probably one of the best consensus makers in recent Kansas City political history . . . The talk among Dems is that Funkhouser is just one mistake away from a full-on move for a recall and definitely a sense that Mayor Funky has betrayed some of that Midtown, liberal, diverse pose that he struck during the election in order to back his Northland constituency that skews conservative and ultimately may have more in common with St. Joseph and rural Missouri.

There's no telling how much credibility this kind of bold talk has . . . But is was definitely interesting to hear . . . Even if a great majority of it was encouraged by liberal cocktail consumption.

Gone Mild: The Funkhouser Administration's Internet Outlet. Mayor Funky's unwavering defender

With Mayor Funky under fire, Dan from Gone Mild launches an adamant defense today.

Additionally, the weather outside is wonderful. Nice and hot just like I like it (sessy) and I need to mow my lawn so I'm gonna be nice . . . On any other day I'd be mean as hell but I'm in a decent mood right now.

Anyway, the bulk of Dan's post is pretty much the standard apologist line declaring that Mayor Funkhouser is going to change the world . . . "Just you wait and see!" Sadly, he hasn't done anything different than any other politico as far as I've seen.

However, there are a few points that I want to contend with, the first one isn't important:

I also know that if Joe Miller (Funk's director of communications) were more like Steve Glorioso, we might never had discussed those issues. They would have been "handled" outside of our view, and (Star columnist Steve) Kraske would never have noticed.

This is neat, notice how Mayor Funky's fans are still running against Kay Barnes whose only real legacy in KC is the bill she has stuck this town with . . .

Still, the VERY LOUD outcry by media watchers and pundits against Joe Miller and the Mayor's wife actually represents area pundits being very nice and not criticizing the Mayor Funky directly.

Put simply, Joe Miller has been raised up as a sacrificial lamb for Mayor Funky's mistakes . . . Call it old school or outdated thinking but I've always believed people need to take responsibility for their own decisions (or at least pass the buck more effectively) . . . The talk of the Mayor's poor efforts at communicating effectively is really just folks finding a scapegoat for Funkhouser's haphazard and inexperienced style.

It's not that I don't believe that Joe Miller is ineffective, amateurish and out of his league as the Mayor's Communications Director . . . But the problem with Funkhoser goes much deeper.

From what we've seen so far . . . Mayor Funky is someone who talks a good game but does nothing, someone who is indecisive, someone who is lead around the nose by his wife, someone who has (so far) alienated a lot of people . . . Most importantly, his own City Council.

And guess, what . . . Mayor Funky hasn't really come to Miller's defense publicly so there is no statement on record that Funkhouser will unwaveringly stand behind his Communications Director who could be gone when the next controversy sheds even more credibility away from the current Administration. He flip-flopped on the Honda, and Miller unfortunately doesn't go as far back with Mayor Funky as Ed Wolf who is now taking the City for a quarter mil a year . . . In fact, trimming the budget by the 80k that Miller is making just might shore up some of the accusations that Funkhouser is all talk when it comes to his fiscally conservative stance. On that front, the word around the campfire is that quite a few people have contended that Mayor Funky's staff is OVER COMPENSATED and actually takes more from the Kansas City's coffers than the outgoing Barnes group . . . I'm sure there are all sorts of ways you can spin the math but it's what people are saying as the perception of the Mayor's promises continue to spiral downward.

Finally, I didn't know that Dan from Gone Mild was an authority on the inner workings of Kansas City's Latino Community?

Check out this bit of nonsense:

A seasoned political pro might have figured out how to get Semler on the Parks Board by cutting a backroom deal with Hispanic "leaders" before the announcement - perhaps by agreeing to put Fierro in as chair and a couple other concessions (probably involving city contract dollars for the "leaders"). The result would be almost the same, but it would happen in back rooms and we would know nothing about it.

In this elitist and ethnocentric passage Dan basically implies not only that the entire Latino Leadership is corrupt but also that every Local Latino submits unquestioningly to the will of prominent leaders in their community . . . Surprising, you usually have to listen to talk radio in order hear these kind of generalizations.

Believe it or not you d-bags: There is no one single leader of Kansas City's Latino Community (at least if you're not counting TKC).

Just the same as the white, Black, Asian and any other community there are a variety of voices which comprise our "leadership." (More on this later.)

Unknown to many, there are anti-immigrant voices among are "Hispanics", there are Republicans, Democrats, Independents, Nationalists, Libertarians and every other stripe of political ideologies among Kansas City's Latinos . . . No one person or group can claim to speak for every single member of our community as Dan implies.

However, the truth is that of the many ideologies among Kansas City's Mexican-American community - The voices for Comprehensive Immigration Reform were able to put thousands of their constituents on the street to support their cause . . . A feat that is unequaled by the Minutemen or any of KC's hate groups.

Following Dan's logic: A few "back door" deals (no homo?) would have kept us all quiet. Sadly, if that's the kind of stereotypical thinking that informs Funkhouser fanatics than they are even more clueless about Kansas City's minority communities than I had initially thought.

FINALLY, Dan slides this one in there that's just priceless: "I'm not really an insider."

And that's just plain funny . . . Not only is Dan the blogfather of The Committee for County Progress new online endeavor but he's also a local lawyer who has done a pretty good job at keeping name out of the papers because his decent standing in local Democrat circles . . . The Pitch folks know his real identity (dun-dun-dun) along with a few others but thankfully he hasn't stumbled on anyone's toes enough to be outed.

Like it or not, the Dems and other liberals in this town stick together much better than the Funkhouser administration that is already in need of impassioned pleas like the one Dan provides today . . . I'm sure the blogger won some points among Funky fanatics with his recent post even though the Funkhouser Administration currently seems to be falling apart at the seams as if they were one of Mayor Funky's cheap suits.

New Link, a Local podcast you should definitely check out: Voices Of The People

If you know politics in this city at all then you probably already know Ms. E . . . She's an outspoken advocate for social justice and causes that effect her community. Take a listen to her podcast and send her a friend request via her Myspace page. Once again, it's really just encouraging that people of color in Kansas City are taking to the Internet and making our local blogosphere and online media far more diverse than any newsroom in Kansas City.

KKFI needs wheelchair access!!!

Time and time again I'm always surprised that one of this town's top liberal, crackpot voices continually excludes people using wheelchairs from their facilities.

I've gained a whole new perspective on this issue since my Grandmother is now using a wheelchair outside of her home . . . It's great that so many people make accommodations for wheelchair users (I've never had so many doors opened for me while accompanying my Grams in my life) BUT it's also unfortunate that KKFI hasn't done anything IN YEARS to make their facility more accessible . . . A loyal reader has sent me a couple of e-mails to highlight the situation over the past months and I really don't mind printing them at all:

This radio station is not accessible for the physically challenged. I find it typical of liberals without a clue to support this radio station for only the community of the able bodied. Since 1992 KKFI has operated from the second floor, you climbed the stairs for your own propose to be elected, leaving the disabled at the bottom of the stairs. You preach about being open and diverse, yet city dollars are being spent to support this non-profit group that excludes individuals because they cannot climb stairs.

Usually, KKFI folks don't have much to say on this issue other than "We can't" and "It's impossible" as years and years go by and they continue to exclude a segment of the community they pretend to serve. You'd think after all the begging they do they would have set something aside for an elevator or some way to make it seem as if their liberal ranting actually applied to the way they run their station.

Poor guy: Sad end to local barbecue story

It might have been a suicide but it's still sad and makes my skin crawl: A 55-year-old man, drenched in gasoline, caught fire and died from his burns Wednesday afternoon. Additionally, the burning man reference isn't me trying to be cute, it's just the first thing that crossed my mind . . . Also, a fireman once told me that charred flesh actually looks like barbecue ribs when they arrive on the scene so . . . Gross.

Protect our borders, from bears!!!

Conservation Department wildlife biologist Dave Hamilton said the information will indicate whether Missouri’s bear population has become self-sustaining or is still made up of border-crossers from Arkansas.

KCPD Chief jokes about classic pro-gun defense. Claims career criminals with assault weapons "Weren't just going hunting."

From The Star: Federal and local law enforcement officials on Wednesday marked the 1,000th conviction in a program to prosecute felons (Project Ceasefire) who illegally possess guns and ammunition.

Clearly beaten (justifiably?) by the cops and now convicted in the press

Everybody knows that only an idiot would take a shot at a cop . . . Let's not belabor that point. TKC doesn't defend shooting at the police or somebody who would shoot an innocent ankle . . .But still, the flurry of press releases disseminated by local authorities in regard to the case of Frederick D. Darrington just seems odd. In the most recent statement, authorities describe the time that led up to his totally stupid assault on a KCPD officer as "A monthlong crime spree."

Jackson County prosecutors on Wednesday filed five felony charges against Frederick D. Darrington Jr., 18, in connection with the April 29 armed carjacking and May 2 hit-and-run wreck that injured a man and woman leaving a Bible study group.

The crimes represent “the culmination of a monthlong crime spree,” said Jackson County Prosecutor Jim Kanatzar.

The new charges are first-degree robbery, armed criminal action, leaving the scene of an accident and two counts of second-degree assault.

Last week prosecutors filed charges of assault of a law enforcement officer, armed criminal action, resisting arrest, tampering and unlawful use of a weapon.

If convicted on all those charges, Darrington could receive as much as four life sentences plus 33 years in prison. He also faces federal charges filed this year in connection with two carjackings — one also covered by state prosecutors in the charges filed Wednesday.

Okay, nobody is arguing that this dumbass is anything but a menace to society . . . But here's an honest question that I haven't seen or heard one reporter in this town brave enough to note:

How in the hell did Darrington get so (obviously) battered and bruised during his arrest?

Everyone knows that there is an unspoken code in KC: Anybody dim enough to raise a hand to local officer is lucky to even be drawing breath afterwards. I can't say I totally disagree with this approach . . . It keeps the men and women of law enforcement safe and there are so many unspoken agreements necessary to run any society . . . However, these kind of the defacto standards have their downside as well . . . Seems to me that a smart defense attorney (which Darrington probably can't afford) could make a case that the guy had his civil rights violated pretty horribly by what just might be an unsanctioned beat down if they found the guy hiding underneath a car. We've all heard horror stories form courts of law across the country - Solid cases have been tossed and lost over less . . . Subsequently, I think the massive effort to put out as much bad press about the alleged shooter just seems calculated.

Still, I don't have any problem with that . . . Everyone should have their say and that also includes inquiries as to Darrington's side of the story and legitimate questions as to how a guy ends up in such bad shape in police custody. A quick look at the guy's face shows that his head is obviously swollen from blunt force injuries that couldn't possibly be inflicted by a police dog . . . And nobody has noted whether or not the gun that Darrington allegedly used in the shooting was in his possession at the time of the arrest (he could have ditched it) . . . In the end, I'm not faulting police one bit for the way they handled the case but clearly the media in this town hasn't kept up their part of the bargain in their role as the 4th estate and continues to accept press releases from local authorities as gospel truth while failing to ask a few simple questions that have undoubtedly crossed the mind of everyone who has seen the 18 year-old's mugshot broadcast to the entire city.

KC Economic Development Panel Soon to Start Discussing how KC will face market forces beyond their control

From The Star: A citizens panel met for the first time Wednesday to begin work on a policy that will guide economic development and developer tax incentives in Kansas City.

The Northland: The last bastion of full fledged support for Mayor Funky

Truth is the guy never had a lot of goodwill in this town even if the local Internets is a horrible example of this fact . . . Still, even recent appearances have him getting cat calls . . . I don't know if the money quote of the night is an endearing remark or something that I don't want the Mayor of my town to admit in a public forum: "I’m a flawed human being, I’m going to do dumb stuff,"

Firefighters get in trouble with their hose

KCK fires feel the heat on a recent unsanctioned use of KCK Services and resources:

Three Kansas City, Kan., firefighters are being investigated for allegedly using a fire truck while on duty Sunday to steal water from a hydrant and fill a private swimming pool.

“Taking water without paying for it is theft, very simply,” said Mike Taylor, a spokesman for Wyandotte County’s Unified Government during a news conference Wednesday afternoon.

“But a larger issue here is the fact that on-duty firefighters allegedly did something and used KCK fire equipment that was supposed to be online and on-duty, and they weren’t supposed to do that. That is actually as serious or more serious,” Taylor said.

Personally, I have a problem with this because the fire department in KC Proper has been in trouble over cool stuff like nude broads on fire trucks, porn and going to baseball games on duty and in that regard doing a favor for a friend seems lame . . . Now if the swimming pool in question was filled with local broads posing "sexily" (heh) for the camera . . . There's an activity that benefits the entire community - As long as they provide photos, of course.

Fabulous photos of the women of FUEL helping out the American Cancer Society

Local photog TANK posts what could be the best images ever of Kansas City area philanthropy on his Myspace blog. Recently, the ladies of local club FUEL volunteered for a bike wash at Gail's Harley-Davidson. The proceeds went to the the American Cancer Society and TANK recently posted the photos for you to enjoy.

Additionally, don't forget to check out his really great rant about the service at an area Sonic and the up and downside of taking photos at local clubs . . . All things considered, this is one damn good looking blog post even more proof that this guy is one of the best photographers in the Kansas City area . . . And I'm not just noting this because he has pics of bikini clad women, although that's enough to justify the title - Check out the lighting and photo composition. He really brings this scene to life and captures these ladies having a good time; any dope can point and click but this guy makes you feel as if you were part of the action. Awesome.

Is Mayor Funky a real man?

It has been argued (mostly by lesbians) that in a post-industrial society it's really hard to find genuine qualities (other than testicles) that separate men from women.

I don't know if I buy this argument but it's interesting.

For instance, take our Mayor (please - badumpbumpbump) here's a dude that has not only gone back on his word but also lets his wife call the shots around his office . . . That not exactly somebody you'd call a stand up guy.

Now, I know that technology has created a division of labor that doesn't necessarily favor the genetic upper body strength that most men possess over their female counterparts but I think any reasonable adult male without daddy issues would have to admit that it comes off as if the guy is henpecked.

In the grand scheme of things I guess it's not a big deal and maybe I've just been reading Dethroner too much . . . Even though Funk fanatics argued earlier that the issue of Mayor Funky's wife's influence wasn't important . . . I don't remember voting for her and to be honest she just kind of gives me the creeps. But, I've never been accused of being a feminist so I don't know . . . I'm just asking. In any other circumstance, if he wasn't the pony you backed in an election or whatever . . . Would you trust a guy who took orders from his wife on each and every facet of his career?

I didn't think so.

KC Church group changes name but co-opts Council people . . . For Christ

Actually, a local church group now called "Communities Creating Opportunities" seems to be doing a pretty decent job cooperating with local elected officials: "CCO raised $2.5 million from public and private sources for a repair program targeting Washington Wheatley, Blue Hills, Ruskin Heights and the 49/63 neighborhoods. Members have collaborated with Kansas City council members to invest in city infrastructure for the Northeast and lobbied to strengthen city codes for dangerous buildings and explicit stores."

Condo Craze now set to claim cash from suckers on the outskirts of KC

The KC Biz Journal Reports that greed knows no bounds: Residential condominiums, which have reclaimed many obsolete buildings in Kansas City, are spreading to Excelsior Springs.

The Pitch's indictment of Phill Kline

It's horribly long but what I've read so far is pretty good and does a decent job of explaining the mysterious, underbelly of JoCo Republican party antics politics.

Castrating men chemically in KC

I'm sure the "male pill" is actually a good idea and much more effective than self control . . . Here's a personal blog entry from a science-y broad coming to KC to do research:

"Two weeks ago, I was offered an amazing job in Kansas City, finding protein targets for medicinal male contraceptives - yes, that's right: the Pill for men."

At the very least, it's a small bit of anecdotal proof that our bioscience industry isn't completely dead due to the efforts of Matt Blunt and President Bush.

The view from above

Photos of Local blogger Eric getting high . . . In a helicopter, of course.

A good looking shot from the KC Garden Tour

KC Daily photo finds a nice angle of a local mosquito pit.

Scary ass bird outside of a KC office window

Spooky . . . Almost looks disgruntled.

Upskirt video involving a minor and a KCK cop just isn't cool

Actually, to be painfully honest most upskirt photography is kind of nasty even when it involves Britney and Paris and especially when Lindsay Lohan is concerned.

Here's the sentance a KCK cop received after a similarly offensive action:

A KCK police officer has pleaded guilty to filming up a girl's skirt at this year's St. Pat's Parade in KCMO. He's getting a 90-day suspended sentence and two years of probation. Plus, he has to pay a $100 fine

This sound right to you? I don't know because I'm not in law enforcement but you also have to consider the guy didn't actually break any laws that were on the books . . . Other than violating the trust that most people want to (and many do) have in law enforcement.

Massive Meth bust . . . Guess where?

Independence, of course (or at least their police department was involved in the investigation) . . . Crime Scene KC has the details.

Justice is blind AND DRUNK in Kansas City

Personally, this story about jurors hitting the sauce on their break gives me a lot of confidence that the State should have the right to kill people:

Jurors were caught drinking on their lunch break at a Kansas City bar.

They were found at the 13th Street Bar and Grill by a court employee and officer who noticed their juror badges.

The bar is just across the street from the Jackson County courthouse.

Of course the drinking jurors were caught, so I guess the system works . . . Which should inspire confidence in everyone.

No business like ho business: Jeneé Osterheldt's friends actually have jobs!!!

The topic of women in the workforce has always been close to my heart . . . Recently, Jeneé Osterheldt (the mother of my child) has filed a few columns about her bar buddies who have been able to earn a living by doing something other than in addition to lying on their back.

For the most part the stories have been the same, "you can achieve your dreams if you try, women in the workforce rule, you go girl" crap that's on the Lifetime network but recently a profile of a Kansas City architect for HOK Sport is really just so much blatant propaganda that it can't go unchallenged.

First of all, (other than the money) I don't know what the hell makes working at HOK so great . . . Sure, the buildings are cool and all but they are nothing but a drain on taxpayers, environmental disasters despite claims of "sustainability" and really only serve the white, middle class sports fans of the suburbs along with millionaire athletes and billionaire sports franchise owners . . . Put simply, it's not like the Jeneé's drinking buddy is out there saving the manatees. She's working in the cutthroat world of arena design where there is little regard for the well being of municipalities who must pay for her handiwork or the FACT that Pro sports stadiums don't bolster local economies.

And all of this reminds me of another Jeneé column a few weeks ago in which my baby's mama inadvertently revealed that the education provided at traditionally Black colleges and universities is utterly worthless (which would make them on par with my Alma mater UMKC). Anyway, the story was sad but didn't really inspire me to feel sorry for the main subject it concerned . . . Unfortunately, the aforementioned subject's "big sister" had died after a surgery but the more important detail was that the surviving broad had worked her way down the career ladder from a degree at Howard University in Washington, D.C., to a high paid Wall Street job, to basically a position as a glorified bank teller in Kansas City . . . Not exactly setting the world on fire. Obviously, I'm not one to gloat given the trajectory of my career but it's clear that Osterheldt’s friends - as is the case with all women - would have been much better off simply trying to look pretty at a local bar and land a decent man (read: sucker) to pay their bills . . . At the very least it would have saved Kansas City from having to read about their overblown egos and unjustified sense of accomplishment.

The same sentiment applies to most (nearly all) young women in today's work force who all seem to carry some kind of tale of incalculable struggle with them as if their guest appearance on Oprah was right around the corner. If it weren't for the indisputable truth that most single women in their late 20's currently in the workforce are desperate, have ovaries fried from more than a decade of birth control use which has subsequently rendered them almost sterile so knocking them up is no concern in addition to the fact that the overwhelming majority of these career broads are completely unqualified for any position besides doggy THEN I might actually feel sorry for them.

However, in the interest of fairness I should note that working women in their late 20's (non-prostitute - I guess) are far less picky then other, younger, hotter bar skanks and that is probably their only redeeming quality along with the fact that they might pick up a check for dinner every now and then if a dude was to hint at the possibility of one day (far, far in the future) the prospect of marriage might cross his mind . . . If a better option didn't present itself.

A year in awkwardly avoiding eye contact with homeless people

The Star features a highlight of the past year in downtown developments.

UMKC loses the Institute for Labor Studies in an ongoing effort to keep students ignorant as to the realities of the job market

Coupled with their ongoing endorsement of Krazy Kris Kobach . . . The recent move to jettison a labor activist begs the question: Is UMKC getting more conservative? . . . I don't think that would be a bad thing overall given the rumors of public the ghey sex in the darker corners of the campus were kind of gross when I attended the institution . . . However, it doesn't really fit with the character of the place given that most of my AWESOME profs were pretty liberal and were also the cause of so many UMKC Chancellors and Presidents being given the boot with a quickness over the years . . . For more background on this story check out a recent post by The Pitch Plog . . . Obviously, The Pitch has a pretty good access to every left-wing nut in this town so they had the inside angle on this story.

Charliez Angels Charged

Here I was all ready to make a mullet joke about a recent bust of a prostitution ring in Independence and it turns out the guy doesn't even have the courtesy to wear an ape cape in his mug shot.

The 42-year-old Amir Afshar is charged with felony second-degree promoting prostitution.

Police said Afshar operated under the name "Charlie" and ran "Charliez Angels" in the 10700 block of E. Westport Road in Independence.

Apparently, the guy was right out in the opening advertising his operation on the web, the page was taken down but the authorities quickly found an archived version. Sadly, it was a brown dude with a foreign sounding name running the operation out of his house so you'll have to assume he was with the terrorists. Therefore, paying hookers in Independence not only supports terrorism but also demonstrates that clients either don't have a lot of money or need to find a better class of broads from which to purchase sex . . . Dating women who work in media might be a well advised lateral move if not a half-step up from a Independence prostitutes.

Northland carjacking clearly demonstrates that there is no substitute for moving to JoCO

I wonder if Mayor Funky's only group of loyal constituents will care about crime anytime soon . . . The way things are going, probably. Thankfully, the KCPD seems to have quickly figures out this one: Police catch carjacking suspects

KC Teacher's Union fails to embrace change

Here's a follow-up link to yesterday's political move by the teacher's union in order to ensure that none of them are ever held to any kind of standard and ensure that none of the deck chairs on the Titanic are rearranged . . . Note: TKC loves teachers but complaining that the School District is being shaken up is just silly.

Keeping up with KCP&L's plans

Here's one thing I love about people from Kansas City (No homo) . . . When local politicos make wild, insane, stupid promises about how everything is going to be sunshine and lollipops after they're elected . . . People in KC expect you to deliver.

"Toellner Tells it" is a really great blog I've been reading as of late and recently he's posted some pretty frightening details about the chatter surrounding a new KCP&L development:

Late last week, our neighborhood association President got an email. The basic premise of the email is that KCP&L has decided to build an electrical substation taking up almost the entire city block along Troost from 32nd St Terrace to 33rd Street. According to our city council "representative", this process is very far along.

KCP&L says it needs the substation in order to upgrade the electrical in our area.

Who knows if there is any truth to this but the blogger makes it clear that this issue in basically his litmus test regarding the Funkhouser Administration and these kind of high expectations that the mayor will always come out on behalf of "regular folks" or the little guy will undoubtedly leave him coming up short as far as some people are concerned . . . In the end the rhetoric surrounding Funkhouser was just plain childish and naive . . . Additionally, as the Mayor goes further along he'll eventually have to pay the price for the hollow catchphrases that promoted his candidacy . . . As far as Hyde Park goes, in terms of a future KCP&L substation . . . Maybe it's just a case of somebody (the man) believing shock journalism stories about cancer clusters and then thinking that, if true, it represents the only long term plan for "cleaning up" some of the more unsavory spots along Troost . . . Of course that's horribly cruel but they don't call them "power companies" for nothing.

More than a few people like the Mayor's new pair of flip-flops

Forsythe isn't a Funky fanatic but is pretty fair in his analysis (expect none of that from this blog): "I was hoping for something positive to come out of the 29th floor so I could write something good about our government. It's a pleasant surprise to be able to compliment Mayor Funkhouser on his ability to change his mind. Thank you Mark for taking this issue off the table."

Mexicans destroyed the appendix of Jolie Justus (or not)

Thankfully, the Freshman Senator is in good health and will soon to battling contentiously with Missouri Republicans . . . Which is probably a lot harder on your appendix than finding a compromise.

Fazed always finds the awesome

Fazed.org is a KC area based website devoted to all things awesome. The Fazers not only host tons of traffic (think Fark only geekier and wonderfully devoid of stupid politics) but also the folks are always on top of all the latest web memes.

Recently, they've stumbled upon the Youtube page of the VideoCompiler - a guy who (among other things) uses a soundboard to harrass fellow gamers. At the top of this post is an amazing clip that I found via Fazed is probably one of the greatest examples of why people shouldn't take anything on the Internets too seriously and also it might be the funniest thing (NSFW) I've seen all month.

The first days of failure: Mayor Funky can't get commissions or anything else right

Now the funk sells out the Northland, and I'm sure they'll take notice . . . Overall, it's just plain strange to see nearly everyone in the City lining up against the guy. Here's a bit of the Star story: Kansas City Mayor Mark Funkhouser is once again taking some hits over appointments to a city board. Funkhouser’s appointments to the City Plan Commission were announced Tuesday, and representation by Northland residents dropped from four of the eight members to just one.

The Star's Reader Video Editorials: They're all white by me!!!

As of late, I've been pretty impressed by The Star . . . Not only do they have the entire staff of Mayor Funky's Administration shaking in their designer loafers and nervously shuffling their Tarot cards but Kansas City's paper of record has also featured a few interesting articles . . . Still, TKC's constant struggle against cultural elitism, for racial diversity and encouraging scorn against fat chicks will NEVER CEASE!!!

Therefore, I'd like to point out that a new feature on The Star's Opinion page is looking rather pale. So far, the Star has only asked mostly older white people to participate in their "Reader Video Editorials" and I'm hoping that will change despite that catering to your demographic isn't always a bad idea. In the grand scheme it reminds me of a return to the old KCTV5 show Speaker's Corner that was a precursor to the online video diaries that are omnipresent today.

Overall, this effort by The Star leads me to the conclusion that Youtube is probably a more diverse representation of the Internets for the moment . . . Also, if you're looking for video editorials (Note: Nationally, check out Internets celebrities), once again Alonzo Washington has pioneered in Kansas City on that front . . . He'll probably never get credit for this but Alonzo has been one of Kansas City's most premiere and prolific Vlogers. Ultimately, I think that online video is going to be the direction in which bloggers and the Internets take and it's worth noting that Mr. Washington is once again bridging the digital divide while the media chooses to concentrate only on the mostly unimportant vids of white kids from their bedroom complaining about their parents or the fact they're depressed because they know they wouldn't survive outside of the suburbs.

18th street fashion show on Flickr

Local photog Wand3rlust has some pretty amazing photos of the recent Crossroads 18th Street Fashion show via flickr . . . Note: They're a lot better, a lot more close-ups and easier to link than the stuff The Star provides. There's a few behind the scenes photos as well.

Surprises about the event: Hipster broads show a lot more skin than I would have ever suspected and that's pretty cool . . . Maybe there's hope for selling more condos in the downtown area after all . . . Heaven knows, if scantily clad white women can't generate interest, than nothing will.

TKC Model of the Moment: Ms Dawn

Ms. Dawn is a 23 year-old model and college student from Kansas City. The thing I like most about a photo set she has recently posted is that it contains a bunch of photos from around the KC area that don't include any shots of the skyline . . . It's all street level photography and a nice change of pace from what I normally see . . . The photos just seem . . . Classy . . . Which is a bit different for this blog and normally out of sorts for my taste when it comes to photos of women but I guess we can all aspire to improve ourselves. For instance, I've started drinking light beer . . . But that doesn't really count since I've doubled my intake.

Anyway, enjoy the classy photos of this local lady who seems to be coming into her own in her modeling career.

Mayor Funky Folds

He's giving back the hybrid (more accurately, not accepting it according to Fox4) . . . Also, He may be one of the weakest Mayors in recent KC history in terms of political leverage.

Kansas City Mayor Mark Funkhouser has announced he will no longer accept the free use of a Honda Civic hybrid car.

The new car from Honda of Tiffany Springs caused controversy last week because critics said the free ride would force the mayor to help the dealership down the road. The car is worth $23,000.

The dealership had offered Funkhouser the use of the car during his term as mayor. At the time, Funkhouser said the offer was a great deal.

But, Tuesday he announced he was declining the offer. Instead, he'll continue to drive his own 10-year-old Toyota Corolla.

Honestly, I thought he was going to get away with the hybrid thing because it didn't seem to inspire that many people . . . So, here's hoping that he also reconsiders accepting the Semler resignation as well . . . But I wouldn't count on it. It's a lot easier to dismiss minority communities than to avoid the scorn of The Star and a lot of other supporters.

Anybody else hear about the recall talk? I'm guessing this does a lot to allay that kind of speculation but again I was honestly surprised to hear it.

More thoughts on the subject: What a total Quaid to go back and have to drive the same dumpy Corolla . . . Seems like he would have been better off just taking the dorky car that Country Club Kay picked out for him . . . She has no chance in Hell of beating Sam Graves but I bet she's laughing her ass off over this one, seeing how Funky's "regular folks" pose got him smacked down less than two months into office.

Also, this doesn't bode to well for his ardent supporters who really stuck their neck out for him and then were betrayed . . . Screw everybody who thinks politics is fair.

This whole dust up has been just plain funny . . . Also, does this count as flip-flopping since he initially rejected all criticism on this front as well? I'm sure his apologists will come up with another clever term.

Illegal Mexicans are good enough for the U.S. Army but unwanted in Kansas City

I was thinking yesterday about the recent immigration raids in this town.

Forty people were arrested Monday in connection with a money-laundering and immigration scheme, investigators said.

Federal agents raided New Century Roofing in the 13300 block of Holmes Road, where many of the arrests were made, KMBC's Peggy Breit reported.

While I'm sure this makes a bunch of folks gleefully happy, I'm pretty sure even 50 illegal workers arrested isn't really even a drop in the bucket.

In fact, all of it kind of reminds me of the 30 year drug war this country has waged unsuccessfully. 30 years, billions spent and finding drugs in Kansas City really isn't any harder than it was a few decades ago if some of the old stoners who live in my neighborhood are any indication.

In fact, it's pretty clear that the massive government effort that a lot of folks want to make sure that nobody ever speaks Spanish at Burger King will only result in a lot more bureaucracy, just as many Mexicans and little progress . . . Sad thing is, I'm not completely convinced that illegal mojados are as dangerous as illicit drugs.

So that's why I'm asking you!



Already, the good folks who read this blog have decided that Mexicans are slightly less dangerous than Al Qaeda, and that's really encouraging. As always this week's poll is rigged so that you can can vote early and often. Please, vote as if a Latino guy was dating your daughter.

Additionally, I've never really considered Mexican immigrants that dangerous since it's not only clear that they bring down construction costs ALONG WITH PRICES (and wages) but also most of them are under 5'6 so it's not like they're presence is really threatening to anybody but shriveled up old white ladies who have failed to see their value in the local dating pool.

Furthermore, throughout the recent immigration debate there has been very little focus on the companies (all of them) and people (everyone) who benefits from low cost illegals, in much the same what that nobody likes to think about the Chinese toddlers who manufacture most of the goods sold at places like Wal-mart. But the truth is that EVEN THE U.S. ARMY REALLY WANTS TO RECRUIT UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS given that they're missing recruitment goals and service for citizenship is an idea that quickly silences the Pat Buchanan types who constantly imply that Latino immigrants are unpatriotic. Really, it's hard to castigate an entire group of people if so many of them are willing to fight and die for the right to mow lawns and wash dishes in peace. Also, this kind of tactic (Latino = Un-American) is a direct insult to so many Latinos who have served in this country's military recently and throughout the history of this nation.

Still, local anti-immigration fanatics (i.e. Darla Jaye) would have you believe that this is some kind of grand scheme on the part of "La Raza" in order to steal this nation's cheese rather than admit that this is a country that was built upon slave labor and has flourished by taking advantage of cheap labor. Illegal immigrant, Mexican soldiers (fighting for citizenship and whatever cause they're now using to justify the war in Iraq) . . . Nothing could be more American.

Cyclists are ruining Kansas City

Recently, one of this town's better bicycling blogs (oxymoron?) reported that Kansas City ranks dead last in bike commuting. Of course, this isn't really important but KC's cycling advocates (read: wealthy, liberal white people) would have you believe that this non-issue actually merits your interest.

Really, local cyclists should simply be glad they're breathing and continue to anxiously concentrate on the road rather than continue being a very vocal group on the political lobbying front. Also, isn't this town too cold to have any serious regard for cycling as