Big Bitches in Blue Springs Allegedly Plot to Kidnap Baby Still in Womb

This is yet another story that should inspire you to throw away your computer given that the pregnant broad in the story might have met her attackers online. Anyway, it's still probably a good idea to throw away your computer no matter how the story turns out . . . Here are the details which bring to mind the Lisa Montgomery case, only stupider:

Two women are charged with kidnapping after allegedly taking a pregnant woman in order to get her baby . . .

Police say the pair met the victim in Clinton, Mo. under the guise of providing her with baby clothes. The victim then went willingly with the pair to Blue Springs . . .

The victim was allegedly bound and then police say Gash tried to induce labor by jumping on the woman’s stomach . . .

So what have we learned? Not only is the Internet dangerous but also fat women are greedy and broads who want babies are insane. I suspected as much.

Stereotypes rule!!!

The most righteous rant you'll read all day

Lawrence blog Evolution-Nextstep takes on the entire political spectrum and even the potential of the Internets: "I wanted to see something come out of this medium that moved this country forward, and for a long time I thought that was possible. Now — I don’t know." The post is definitely a must read and a scathing indictment of politics as usual form left to right.

Agreement for KC motorbike operation

Really just an excuse to post this rather agreeable photo: Harley-Davidson, unions reach agreement for KC operation

Now there's someplace to go when the homeless bums beat you nearly dead

The KC Biz Journal reports that Research Medical Center is scheduled to open the first freestanding physician practice in downtown Kansas City in October.

It's probably immoral to let Priest play

All of the talk regarding Priest Holmes returning to the Chiefs leaves out one important thing: For an NFL running back, the guy is basically crippled and any kind of significant playing time might result in the dude getting seriously hurt.

Head and neck injuries are the worst, if you know anyone unfortunate enough to have sustained this kind of trauma . . . You already realize that their wounds never completely heal.

I only hope that Holmes knows this and is content to go through the motions at 1/4 speed. Already, he has talked about a "leadership" role on the team which is basically a joke because nobody respects a player who is forced to pick up the tee after kickoff because that's the only real contribution they can make to the team.

Nope, the life of an aging athlete isn't pretty but it pays surprisingly well. It's best to think of Priest Holmes as a formerly great but now punch drunk boxer who really needs this last payday if he's going to do anything with his life other than rot in a flophouse.

Yet, the fact that Larry Johnson is leaving the Chiefs in favor or going on a ghey escapade with Jay-Z or whatever puts the busted up neck of Priest Holmes in jeopardy. It turns out that Priest Holmes is a much better human being than Larry Johnson (It's not that hard to do but the comparison would probably improve Michael Vick's image right now). Anyway, given that Priest is currently in training camp and Johnson looks a bit greedy because he's holding out and asking for $25 million just to carry a ball (no homo?) has caused people to start clamoring for the broken down running back to return to the top spot.

And because Herm Edwards is so incompetent and bereft of any original ideas, there's a chance that the Chiefs head coach could listen to the mob of JoCo fans who don't know the first thing about football and don't care if Priest Holmes lives the rest of his days as a paraplegic.

Let's not forget that NFL's retirement plan is an embarrassment and Priest doesn't really stand to make any kind of decent income once his playing days are over.

The crowd at Arrowhead doesn't care about players once they're off the field . . . And with what JoCo folks are paying in parking, admission and facepaint to mock the near genocide of the Native Americans, I can't say I blame them.

Yet, none of these FACTS matter much to a guy who is seriously injured. So, I can only hope that Priest Holmes doesn't get to play, finds a cozy spot on the bench and simply picks up his check with a modicum of dignity. The alternative is that the Chiefs coaching staff, management and fans will have contributed to brutally maiming a player simply because they were looking for false hope in the wrong place on a Sunday afternoon.

The Call issues a "Community Alert" regarding the antics of Ward Connelly

From The Call: The Black community is being asked not to sign any petitions that pertains to putting an affirmative action issue on the next election ballot.
State Senator Rita Days, from St. Louis, Mo., said that it is her goal to make sure the measure does not get on the ballot.
“Since it is being pushed by a black man, Ward Connelly, it may appear to some people that it is okay because a black person would not do anything to hurt another black person,” said Sen. Days.

"Discovering the Real America"

KC Currents interviews Star columnist Lewis Diuguid regarding his new book.

For reals, TKC Loves KC food inspectors!!!

The Star profiles some of the best people in the metro . . . Awesome because they allow TKC to enjoy Chinese food without worrying about the consequences other than MSG side effects and high cholesterol. "In Kansas City, 14 food-service inspectors make surprise visits to more than 3,000 food establishments twice a year."

Indy bookstores in KC

Today's Up-to-Date (11 a.m. to noon weekdays on 89.3 FM, KCUR) examines independent booksellers . . . There are a lot of great ones but you probably still shouldn't shop at Prospero's because the proprietor is a book burning idiot.

Follow-up: Bondage photo session gone bad

The Star reports on a "captivating" story: "Two men were charged with drug possession after a bizarre report to Overland Park police about alcohol, drugs and teen girls tied up and photographed, making them appear kidnapped."

Mayor Funky doesn't fulfill the Northland's fantasies about better infrastructure either

KSHB reports on a water main break in the Northland that leaves a family hanging out to dry . . . Also, I watch way too much TV.

Local lost kid story of the day

Police Search For Missing Autistic Teen . . . And not that it matters much (it does) but the story was a bit confusing because they didn't explain why the "father" of the missing teen was Black and the photo revealed a white kid - not mixed race, but clearly white . . . It was just a distracting detail that could have been cleared up with one sentence and might have made me pay more attention to the facts in the story. I know, I'm a dolt but I'm sure I'm not the only low IQ member of the KC viewing audience who was confused.

Update: They found the kid.

"Jackson county budget summary"

Where the paddle and the creek go their separate directions . . . A great post from Hey Cameraman.net.

Dating Definitions from "The D"

One of my favorite local bloggers offers some helpful advice . . . The only info I can provide on the subject is that women rarely like it when you give them a "Tony Danza."

The Funkhouser plan: "When all goes wrong blame it on the minorities."

The KC Blue Blog does an excellent job in blasting Mayor Funky's bumbling attempts to interact with people of color in Kansas City.

Grand Slam Goodness

Tales of adventure at Downtown's Grand Slam Liquor are always great!!!

Man boobs no more!!!

I couldn't pass up this article about man boobs . . . I've never had the "problem" (which seems like a blessing in disguise really) but the details of the condition are embarrassing to many dudes and also funny: "A condition known as gynecomastia, or enlarged male breasts, which affects 40 percent to 70 percent of adolescent boys due to a hormonal fluctuation during puberty. While most grow out of it after two years, about 15 percent continue to experience anything from puffy nipples to C-cup breasts. Even lactation."

Bah, I guess I'm supposed to encourage Latino youth

Steve Penn filed his usual happy story today . . . However, the subject of this story just happens to be a Latino that's on the opposite side of the political spectrum from your friend and hero TKC. Sadly, I had to promise that I wouldn't rip the subject of this story apart every time his name comes up in the news. I resent that fact because, TKC NEVER gets the same mercy and has never asked for it either.


(TKC is better looking, stronger and taller than Russell Crowe in real life.)

In fact, TKC has an open challenge to any one in Kansas City who wants to debate the issues . . . I will take the discourse to an insanely low level and I'm not afraid to challenge anyone to an online debate when it comes to the topics that concern this city. TKC never loses because the game is about being dragged down to my level while turning serious subject matter into entertainment. It's not subversive, and even my critics have to admit that it's slightly funny from time to time . . . But I realize that not everybody can be as hardbody, gully or superfantastique as TKC.

But from time to time I'm forced (i.e. guilt tripped) into showing mercy for the meek . . . The same kind of mercy that anti-immigration proponents like Parks Board appointee Frances Semler won't show to mojados.

Because I know that there will always be another opportunity to throw down in a dialogic sense or get into more useless (and hilarious) blogger beef I guess I have to let it go.

And because I know that, for the moment, TKC has already frightened everybody in the Funkhouser Administration so badly that they had my site blocked . . . Which not even Mayor Kay Barnes bothered to do . . . So I'm good. In fact, I can't think of a better advertisement for this blog other than the fact that people in power don't want you to read it!!!

Chea!!!!

So, with all that . . . Here's a profile of Crispin Rea!!!

Now I have to go find some other form or "release" since I've been holding back so much on this topic.

Sayonara Suckers

Now that they're gone, I feel comfortable in noting that I don't/didn't like the Japanese visitors.

First of all, I'm upset because I wasn't able to rip off one of their (many) cameras. Damn translators and security guards!!!

Secondly, all of the feigned interest in other cultures was a bit annoying.

Finally, given that so many people in this town want to deport nearly every Mexican and their grandma . . . I'm not sure it's fair to represent Kansas City as a place that is inviting to foreigners or at the very least it should be noted that many folks in KC have an all together different reaction to people from foreign countries who are staying for more than a week and can't afford luxury hotels.

However, in the interest of fair and balanced journalism, I should note that I got a chuckle out of the Japanese calling our little cowtown huge:

"It’s a very big, spread out city," Fumiko Asahara said through translator Benjamin Tompkins, adding that she had never seen so many lawns in front of houses.

Aw, nah baby, we're just average.



Blush.

Free trade, traffic and Republican promises

It's not exactly a pledge to stop pollution but lately Republicans are promising to stop development of a "super highway" from Mexico to Canada . . . One of the stops would be, you guessed it, right here in Kansas City.

Elements of the concept have roots in ideas pushed by private and state-level entities promoting commerce across the continent, they said, adding the notion of a federal project for a behemoth highway bisecting the heart of the country and erasing America’s borders is an urban legend that has spread wildly on the Internet and talk radio. The candidates, though, still want you to know they are against it.

Still, I like this issue because it's a win for both parties: The Dems can oppose it on environmental grounds and the Republicans might be able to stir up some anti-Latino sentiment. Everybody wins

Too bad the "super highway" is simply a figment of Ron Paul's imagination and yet another scare tactic used to sway (stupid) voters.

Inventors contest coming to UMKC

My guess is that they're looking for a way to get out of a sex scandal. The company (Faultless Starch/Bon Ami Co.) will invite inventors in any product category to submit their U.S. patented or patent-pending prototypes and products for a chance to win the opportunity to have their product marketed and sold in retail stores. Twenty inventions will be chosen. The submission deadline is Aug. 12. The (Faultless/Garden Weasel Invention Search) contest will be from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Aug. 28 at the Linda Hall Library, 5109 Cherry St.

Yet another close call at KCI

A Northwest airline flight made an emergency landing earlier today.

Beer, a classic car and a KC wedding

Two out of 3 ain't bad . . . Normally, I wouldn't post anything this sappy or personal but I thought the "The Jalopy Journal" was kind of interesting.

Bombs away

Local blogger Eff Bombs is blowing up today.

He has some pretty great and thoughtful posts about:

New trends that are surprisingly not negative in rap music.

A little bit of blogger beef . . . Yum.

And a great post about U.S. Foreign policy.

All together, pretty great stuff . . . Go give it a read.

Liberty Memorial might be robbing somebody besides the people of KC

KSHB reports: Edward Golterman, of St. Louis, claims his family owns the rights to a recording of Gen. John J. Pershing talking about WWI, as well as three other recordings at the museum. He said his grandfather, Guy Golterman, produced them decades ago as part of a project called The Nation's Forum but his family had received no compensation.

Your JoCo bondage pic story of the day

Crime Scene KC has the rest of the details: "The two men and a 17-year-old girl were arrested in Overland Park on Sunday after two teenage girls reported being photographed for bondage-style pictures."

Today in stupid news: Re-inventing the "stop snitching" movement

Here's a quote that should inspire a little less faith in humanity: "This snitching system the idea of you're arrested and taken to the side maybe even on the street," November Coalition spokeswoman Nora Callahan said. "And they say, 'Well, we'll let you go tonight -- five names,' and we don't feel that's good policing.

Stereotyping dog owners in the urban core

A recent article on Dog Fighting in Kansas City contains some pretty great information and by the time you're finished reading it . . . You should be scared of dogs, minorities, minorities who own dogs, hip-hop and your own shadow.

In Kansas City, experts and law enforcement officers see the greatest increase in dog fighting in urban settings where as the owners gain 'street cred[ibility]' by having the winning dog. That confirms Karen's suggestion of status symbol as a motivator. The problem in Kansas City in comparison to other cities is the relatively weak laws regarding dog fighting. One must be caught in the act to be prosecuted, where as in other cities, if a person has paraphernalia they can be charged.

However, a local official noted that "We see more of the impromptu street fights than the organized fights." So, clearly dog fighting isn't exactly part of the "culture" here in KC . . . And if it was then I guess I can look forward to an influx of Korean restaurants that would signify the tasty end result of the trend.

Local Payday Loan Roundup

EKC provides a nice roundup of local efforts (mostly by area Democrats) to battle predatory lenders. Here's my favorite fun fact from the article:

Current payday loan interest rates in Missouri average 422 percent APR with typical rollovers, and that the maximum rate can go as high as 1,950 percent APR

Wow! Those are some pretty hefty returns, to earn that kind of interest on your money in any other area would be nearly impossible or would at least require some kind of way to profit from the current war against Islam terror.

Ascribing motives to Mayor Funky's critics

EKC contends the lukewarm relationship between the City Council and the Mayor might be because Terry Riley wants to be Mayor and John Sharp doesn't like Mayor Funky from the days of way back . . . And I guess that the other half of the electorate that didn't vote for Funkhouser or the unprecedented influence of his wife . . . Well, they're just being difficult.

Chances are the Chiefs are going to suck

A JoCo writer visits Las Vegas and discovers that oddsmakers can't stand this year's team. Here's all the important info: "The Chiefs are on the board as a 30-1 shot to win the Super Bowl. The over-under on the Chiefs win total is at 7 1/2 this season, down from 9 in most outlets a year ago. The Chiefs log in with 15-1 odds to take the AFC West title . . . Vegas has inserted the Chiefs as a one-point favorite to capture their Sept. 9 opener at Houston."

Maybe a blogger job available at Ingram's!(?)

Actually, on second thought it may be more of a more traditional writer/report job seeing as how they don't update their website much . . . Another downside, you'll have to work within smelling distance of Jack Cashill.

The old guy has a point

On general principle I try not to agree with old, white men but the latest column by C.W. Gusewelle is damn gully: "KC’s urban sprawl limitless, mindless"

TKC Tip: Don't help club chicks

A local dude was shot last night after trying to help a woman involved in an "altercation" outside of a yet to be named Boulevard club.

The shooting occurred about 3 a.m. in the parking lot of a dance club at 31st Street and Southwest Boulevard. Police said the club had closed and customers were filtering outside. That's when four men saw a man assaulting a woman.

"They were basically good Samaritans and they went over to help her," said homicide Sgt. Keith Kirchhoff.

The man who was allegedly assaulting a woman had several friends with him and one of them pulled a gun, Kirchhoff said.

As always, I'd like to advise everyone not to get involved in other people's problems . . . It never helps.

AND . . . For the most part, if you see a broad getting a beatdown outside of a club, odds are that she might not be completely "innocent" . . . Remember that Frida Kahlo once said: "Never trust a limping dog or the tears of a woman."

Prediction: More potholes . . . No more money for KC's roads

This story isn't a scare tactic from The Star, it's a realistic look at how empty promises from elected officials have little basis in reality: "Highway construction funds for Kansas and Missouri facing the end of the road"

Cutbacks at the County: "Your budget shortfalls have become tiresome."

County Executive Mike Sanders is calling for huge layoffs for Jackson County. The move is a desperate attempt to balance the County's budget but it's also going to make things VERY interesting when it comes to disgruntled employees and all the dirt they have accumulated.

Jackson County will announce “significant” employee layoffs today to help balance the budget by year’s end, County Executive Mike Sanders said.

In addition, the county will have to borrow money to get through 2007, he said in an interview.

Sanders declined to say how many people would be laid off until he meets with the County Legislature this afternoon. But he said the number would be higher than the 45 jobs cut at the start of the year . . . The county has about 1,850 employees and a total operating budget of $254 million. Roughly a third of that is the general fund — derived mostly from taxes and fees.

The county faces a shortfall of more than $7 million in that fund, which has resulted in the need for personnel cuts, Sanders said. Of general fund expenses, 73 percent goes to salaries and benefits.

Let's not forget that employees who were previously given the boot went straight to the media in order to bad mouth Sanders. Firing people is never pleasant and in Kansas City the smell of blood travels pretty far . . . So, while the move to get Jackson County back in the black is welcomed . . . Undoubtedly, there is going to be a political price to pay and I'm really curious as to what kind of juicy gossip this decision will evoke.

KC Drive-bys are child's play

Other than abortion, it seems as of late that the best way to kill a kid in Kansas City is by a drive-by . . . Here's the most recent example:

A carload of people was thought to have shot a 13 year-old boy near Scarritt and Lawn avenues Sunday evening — just a few doors down from where firefighters were working a house fire.

Thankfully, the kid's injuries are non-life threatening AND he is now a step ahead of the other kids his age if he ever wants a career in hip-hop.

Town Topics: The Road to Nowhere

A bunch of links slightly related to assorted transportation disasters for some reason. Check it:

Car overturns in Miami County, injuring 3 Kansas City teens

Police Investigate Fatal Motorcycle Wrecks

Body Pulled From Missouri River Identified

FEMA OKs More Greensburg Trailers

Amtrak will resume morning train service from Kansas City to St. Louis

Sonic Spectrum moves to The Buzz

Formerly of KCUR, Sonic Spectrum will air on the Buzz beginning Saturday, August 11th from 6-8pm . . . And I guess that's news if you're a fan of the show but I'm guessing what it really means is that Robert Moore is going to find out that "total creative control" means something completely different in the corporate radio world . . . Mainly, it means something completely opposite of the truth after the contracts are in place.

Royals sweep Rangers

Remember, they're still going to lose 100 games this season . . . Anyway, I guess this is the closest thing to good news.

A gully, gluttonous guide to the All-You-Can-Eat seats at The K

Chimpotle is one of my new favorite blogs and his chronicle of a night at the Royals game with the rest of the gang from "The Pork Chop Express" is a classic KC story that deserves a click.

Welcome to the Westside while it withers

KMBC's Chris Nagus covers the Westside sign issue and petition drive in this report from Channel 9 news . . . Via the KC Hispanic.

Kansas City wants Gloria Squitiro to wear her shoes during business hours

A recent scientific and completely unbiased sample of TKC readers overwhelming voted for the Mayor's wife to keep her shoes on during business hours at City Hall.

By a 4 to 1 margin TKC readers provided a mandate for this site to continue to pick on the Mayor's wife until she either publicly apologizes for putting her toes in plain sight at City Hall or maybe just until she accepts an endorsement deal from a local women's shoe retailer.

Anyway, while KC voters never intended to give the lady such a prominent and unprecedented position in this City's corridors of power . . . With this vote, a representative and scientific sampling of Kansas Citians have proclaimed their opposition to Ms. Squitiro's disgraceful lack of decorum and her distasteful lack of respect of this town's highest office.

So, while a not so insignificant number of people might think this issue is no big deal, it's clear that everyone else believes that Ms. Squitiro's feet are so disgusting that they represent and affront not only to Democracy but also to every good thing about Kansas City.



So, put some shoes on lady!!!

TKC Model of the Moment: Holly Starr

Local model Holly Starr has more than 15 years of experience as a model/actress/TV personality. Put simply, not only is she hot but she can also handle her business given that she is a co-producer of Kansas City's "House of Style" events. From what I know, HOSKC is a pretty great idea that brings hot ass local models to area businesses, restaurants and retailers . . . Probably a bit more classy than simply calling escorts and most likely much better looking.

Anyway, their next gig is coming up at Caliente Cuban restaurant in KCK . . . You might want to check it out if you're into pulled pork (heh), other Cuban food and models.

And while I admire Holly's business acumen I think I was equally impressed by her sweater in the photo featured in this post.

The TKC Saturday Night Podcast: Movie soundtracks and The Simpsons

So, I'm off to see the Simpsons movie right now. I hear it's good.



I've always been a huge fan of The Simpsons and I'm hoping that O.J. finds his way into this movie as well. This weekend's quickly slapped together podcast is comprised of songs featured in some of my favorite movies along with goofy, guilty pleasure movie tunes.

Anyway, as always thank you for reading and have a safe and fun weekend.

Peace.

KCK fights illegal guns while Mayor Funky ranks crime in the bottom half of his top ten concerns

As somebody who really loves Kansas City, MO . . . I hate it when this town is surpassed by our neighbors.

Recently, KCK demonstrated that they have their priorities in line far better than our leadership which has consistently done nothing but ignore violence in KC . . . I'm guessing because a lot of it takes place on the Eastside and in minority communities.

Anyway, I found this to be pretty impressive:

The Mayors of Wyandotte County’s four cities are joining a national campaign against illegal guns.

Unified Government Mayor Joe Reardon, Bonner Springs Mayor Clausie Smith, Edwardsville Mayor Heinz Rodgers and Lake Quivira Mayor Larry Meeker have all signed the resolution.

For more than a year TKC has tried to point people to "The Kansas City gun experiment" - an effort which used "intensive police patrols directed to an 80-block hotspot area where the homicide rate was 20 times the national average. Patrol officers seized guns by frisking individuals who were arrested and by making plain view sightings of firearms during routine traffic violation or safety stops. Traffic stops were most effective in locating illegal guns, with 1 gun found per 28 stops. Gun crimes, including drive-by shootings and homicides, declined significantly during the 29-week experimental period between July 1992 and January 1993."

Yet, all this talk of TIF, hybrids and stupid political appointments of cronies has distracted KC's inexperienced Mayor Funky . . . His lack of leadership has left Kansas City behind once again when it comes to the most important problem facing Kansas City, MO: Crime.

As KCK moves ahead in the fight against illegal guns, Mayor Funky is busy daydreaming about light rail, his wife's feet and serving the Northland before anyone else . . . In his most recent newsletter and many other City Hall communiques, his spokesman/wife/this town's real mayor reveals that crime is a barely visible number 7 on the Mayor's agenda.



In these past few months Mayor Funkhouser hasn't provided this town one single bit of leadership on the subject of fighting crime in Kansas City whereas folks in KCK are clearly making an effort as their mayors have united in a national movement to remove illegal guns from their streets.

Namaste! KC's IT job market is hot like curry!!!

KC's workplace columnist/career section blogger Diane Stafford has filed some pretty informative posts lately. And while the info on IT jobs in KC is somewhat interesting, I don't like the fact that every time people complain about finding jobs in a particular place . . . The blame is shifted back on them instead of examining economic trends that affect everybody and shouldn't serve as an excuse but also shouldn't go ignored. Put simply, a lot of local IT jobs have moved from JoCo to India. Thank you Sprint!

Ward Connerly cries because Carnahan won't let him use confusing ballot language

Carnahan has beat these kind of frivolous charges before . . . But make no mistake: The Missouri Civil Rights Initiative wants an end to affirmative action, they are backed by the KKK and their views don't have anything to do with promoting the interests of people of color. Here's the important part of the story: "A group is suing Secretary of State Robin Carnahan over the ballot description for a measure seeking to end race and gender preferences in state contracting, hiring and education."

Who says there is no such thing as romance in Jackson County?

I was going to title this post "whole lotta love" but that would have been silly.

Also, let's not forget that the dude was found innocent and that we all have our own "quirks" when making sweet, sweet love.

Accordingly, this story in The Star about a local dude who has faced a slew of charge over his "tough love" leave me glad that I videotape all of my sessy encounters and then sell them on the Internets . . . Not really, and I'm really just glad my hand can't talk:

For the second time this month, a Jackson County jury on Friday acquitted Roderick Hardin of rape.

Hardin served four years in jail before the two juries found him not guilty of the two different attacks. Neither jury knew of the other case.

The 2003 rape and sodomy case tried this week was similar to a 2001 attack in that an alleged rapist shoved something down the throats of both victims — a rag soaked in chemicals in one case and a wad of paper in the other.

There was no dispute that Hardin, 39, had sex with both victims, but he said it was consensual. He testified this week that he had sex with the woman four years ago after she smoked crack cocaine with him at his home.

The woman testified she smoked cocaine, fell asleep on his couch and awoke when Hardin stuffed a rag soaked with a caustic chemical down her throat. He bound her hands behind her with a belt, took her into a bathroom and bedroom, and raped and sodomized her at knifepoint, she said.

She testified that when two of her friends knocked on Hardin’s door looking for her, she was able to escape. She ran out the back door naked and soon called police.

Police who responded to the call said the woman had been beaten, but she testified that Hardin did not beat her. She did not say who did.

In closing arguments, assistant prosecutor Jean Baker said Hardin raped a drug addict because he assumed no one would care.

Sad that this story will destroy the romantic notions of so many broads. But just because it's probably unwise to smoke crack with some dude and then fall asleep on his couch doesn't mean that chivalry is dead.

Maybe.

White women wielding knifes always win

I wonder if I would have received the same kind of sympathy for this hilarious crime: "Charges against an Olathe woman accused of attacking a man with an axe and a machete were reduced Friday."

Best places to work in Kansas City

The KC Biz Journal shares this PR story but I don't think there are many jobs available for strippers at any of these establishments so they're probably not all that fun.

Royals have resorted to beating women

Karen Kornacki recently a took a shot to the face by a local athlete. Stop laughing!!!

The guy immediately apologized.

He said he regrets it.

Sadly, loser dudes like the Royals always say that kind of thing.

Yes, I've been reading Perez Hilton way too much.

Finally a bit of justice for JoCo folks

I'm glad I drink along because DUI is damn expensive in JoCo. Sorry to all the folks who were busted last night: "Municipal Court officials have estimated that a person arrested for a DUI in Overland Park can expect to spend more than $10,000 for an attorney, court fees, and more."

"As a taxpayer I don't want my dollars going to entertain 18-23 year olds."

Some pretty righteous criticism of yet another PR scheme by the Mayor's kid.

KC Talk hosts the most cynical and awesome local headline I've read in ages!!!

"Cheap sodomy after dark courtesy of Jackson County. Free under 16!"

New blog: Doc's place

Another new local blog I just found.

Blogger Meetup B.S. a few days behind

For the most part, I avoid blogger meetups because I already know enough white people but by far Emaw has made the best roundup of this past Thursday's blogger event.

Two new blogs I just learned about and you might want to check out as well:

An Oddment of Sandwiches

Chimpotle

And while I'm sure I wouldn't like 9/10ths of you bitches in the real world, I will note that nobody has linked more local blogs than TKC.

Note: Photo appropriated from The Bastardly, a better blog than anybody in this town owns and one of the writers is a KC native . . . Almost as interesting as Heidi Klum's ass.

Also, did anybody mention my name in any other context than the fact that "they no likey TKC" because I'm one of the few people keeping the local blogosphere from being completely dominated by white folks just like every other media outlet in Kansas City?

TKC Rawks!!!!

Really.

Update: General Blather also has a nice update as well.

KC Beer Blog

I'm always out looking for new blogs very much like I'm always looking for beer. Anybody who sends me their new blog link gets a brand new shiny blog post and the hits the come with it . . . Which may be as many as 10 when it comes to interest in the local blogosphere!!!

Tragic Crook Coincidence

Alonzo Washington has some interesting info about the latest details in the Chris Bartholomew.

Nixon beating Blunt

BlogKC has the details, but it's basically the beginning of the end for Baby Blunt . . . And I happen to think Jay Nixon is pretty good for a politico but then again I'd consider voting for Hitler if he just happened to be running against Blunt. Additionally, here is what Daily Kos notes about the subject: "Missouri voters gave Dems one of their Senate pickups last year. Democrats are well poised for the statehouse in 2008 and will offer a serious challenge in MO-06. And with Bush at 37 percent in a state that voted for him, Democrats will likely be able to contest a state that once looked to be slipping out of their reach."

Your chance to vote for Gloria Squitiro

You didn't vote for the Mayor's wife to have such vexing, awkward and influential place at City Hall but now you can vote on her bare foot rampage in this town's corridors of power . . . Please take the time over the weekend to vote on Gloria Squitiro going barefoot in the Mayor's office.



Yeah, she's the Mayor's wife but this tidbit from a recent(ish) story still strikes me as gross even though it's been about three weeks since the AWESOME story describing her disgusting demeanor was published.

City Hall chatter: There’s no dignity in the mayor’s office. Gloria saunters around in her bare feet as if she owns the place.

Yes, Squitiro may have kicked off her shoes on occasion while in the office. In fact, during an end-of-the day interview, she slipped off her shoes.

She is indeed informal — and definitely the office earth mother.

We've already started the voting and so far things aren't looking good for the Mayor's wife but maybe her supporters will make a mad barefoot rush to back her up.

Who knows, last week I was surprised to learn that over 200 votes were cast in favor of Mexicans vs. illegal fireworks.

Truly, TKC is the only place in this town where Democracy actually means something.

As always, just like any KC vote, it's rigged so vote as early and often as you please.

YES! Chubby, drunk white women in KC!!!

You know it's always difficult for me to come up with the first post of the day . . . Sometimes I'll simply start with a link or a photo but this thing I'm about to post is a video I want to treasure for all time and it's definitely worth scrolling to the end of the page in order to view . . . Please, enjoy this clip because IT IS Kansas City i.e. overweight, drunk, white women dancing in the cold and bragging that they're in the "Black part of town" . . . Whatever, here's how the authors describe the clip:

"At the Mutual Musicians Foundation in KC after the weekend jam where we danced it up all night.

Still in the mood to dance, this video was taken just after forming a Soul Train line in the street to music blaring from our truck - 5:30 am on 18th & Highland!"

YES!!!

I'm pretty sure that this is as close as we'll ever come to "One KC" or whatever stupid notion of unity somebody might mention.

A very special thanks to HAPPY IN BAG for throwing this my way.

Is Elton John representative of Kansas City? Are there enough ghey people and sentimental old white ladies to fill the Sprint Center on opening night?

When I first heard the Elton John was going to be the opening act at The Sprint Center I have to say that I had mixed feelings.

Obviously, there is no one with a bigger reputation in the music industry than Elton John.

John has been one of the dominant forces in rock and popular music, especially in the 1970s. John has sold more than 250 million albums plus hundreds of millions of singles, making him one of the most successful artists of all time. He has more than 50 Top 40 hits including seven consecutive #1 U.S. albums, 59 Top 40 singles, 16 Top 10, 4 #2 hits, and nine #1 hits. His success has had a profound impact on popular music and has contributed to the continued popularity of the piano in rock and roll. In 2004, Rolling Stone Magazine ranked Elton John #49 on their list of The Immortals: 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.

HOWEVER, here's a question that nobody is asking:

Is Elton John representative of Kansas City's culture, people, point of view?

The guy has done some amazing work in raising awareness about AIDS and he's even attacked Censorship in the U.S. both of which are great causes and things that most people in this country care about deeply.

Also, he has been an outspoken critic of the war in Iraq which is also a position that a lot of people in this town hold as well.

But then, let's consider that John was quoted last year in a candid interview saying that he thinks that religion should be banned because it promotes hatred against homosexuals.

That's not exactly a cause that would get a lot of support in the middle of the Bible belt.

Also, the guy has been just as lavish with his money as his performances . . . It's been noted that the dude has spent as much as £30 million in just under two years - an average of £1.5 million a month with a notable £293,000 on flowers between January 1996 and September 1997 . . . That's not exactly a lifestyle that speaks to the people of Kansas City.

And let's be honest . . . The guy has had a brilliant career but it's not like he's on the top of his game . . . His hits are fewer and far between now and they often come in the form of songs on animated movie soundtracks and remakes of his formerly great songs. His appearance in Kansas City seems to merely confirm the longstanding notion that people either come here to start or finish their career . . . KC rarely sees trends, athletes or performers at their peek.

But more importantly, Elton John just doesn't seem like an act that "says" Kansas City. Let's be honest about where we live . . . This is a cowtown. A top level country music performer would have been more appropriate considering that so many of the high ranking radio stations in this area are dedicated to the format - A fact that I don't like either but that's reality.

Elton John is a safe bet and his built in fan base of ghey people and hip, old white ladies probably have enough money to afford the tickets that are undoubtedly going to be high priced. However, it just seems like the choice doesn't jibe well the character of this town . . . A high living, British ghey guy who hates religion isn't really the Kansas City that I know.

Finally, even if you think Elton John is the best and most wonderful way to begin KC's 300 million dollar bet . . . The follow-up of an empty arena without an anchor tenant still doesn't inspire much confidence.

A question for the anti-Latino crowd: What part of unconstitutional don't you understand?

The recent ruling of a federal judge on Hazelton, PA's tough new (and unconstitutional) immigration policy will undoubtedly send shock waves around the country among folks who think dishwashers and lawn care workers represent a clear and present danger to this country.

A federal judge has struck down the city of Hazleton's tough new law on illegal immigrants.

U.S. District Judge James Munley has ruled unconstitutional the Illegal Immigration Relief Act -- a law that has been emulated by towns and cities around the nation.

The decision is going to be appealed and that's going to lead the town to even more expense considering that these kind of measures always represent huge costs in the real world based on sketchy and incomplete economic theories that illegal immigrants are a drain on communities when there is even more evidence which suggests so-called illegals actually prove to be a benefit to economies.

Attempts to Curb Illegal Immigration Prove Costly: Lawsuits Threaten to Break Budgets of Communities That Apply Housing, Employment Restrictions

Colorado Finds Anti-Immigration Law Costly

Still, this kind of economic data doesn't stop idealouges like local least-favorite Krazy Kris Kobach who was recently part of the team that was spanked in this decision.



Here's what the perennial KC area loser had to say:

But the city's lawyer, Kris Kobach, denounced Munley as an activist judge who ignored Supreme Court precedent and existing federal law, which he said allows municipalities to address the ``consequences of illegal immigration.''

Yet in the end, all of these efforts come down to nothing but people getting hung up on the term "illegal." Never mind that segregation was not long ago considered the law of the land until that practice was proven to be unconstitutional as well.

In the end, it may just boil down to a series of long, drawn out AND VERY EXPENSIVE legal battles that still may not settle the debate once and for all . . . It's hard to see how this benefits anybody in the long run and certainly doesn't focus on the real priorities of any municipality.

For those who claim that Latino immigrants (illegal and otherwise) bring more crime than citizens . . . While they rarely have any data to back up their claims, in Kansas City places like the CAN Center have successfully worked to facilitate a relationship between police and members of the ENTIRE community and not only have their efforts been commended by KCPD Chief Corwin but also have resulted in lower crime around the Westside (at least among the Latinos) and Northeast . . . At least a lot less significant than Eastside crime.

Yet most people probably won't let go of that slippery word "illegal" . . . Therefore it's important that people who realize that Latino immigrants aren't terrorists and have historically contributed to much to this country should reply with a word of their own: UNCONSTITUTIONAL.

"Only a Sith deals in absolutes"

Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader: If you're not with me, then you're my enemy.

Obi-Wan Kenobi: Only a Sith deals in absolutes.

In a recent Yael Abouhalkah column it is noted that Mayor Mark Funkhouser recently said "the forces of evil" are fighting his efforts to devise a tougher policy on tax breaks.

And I'm no political expert but describing someone who has an opinion contrary to yours as "Evil" sounds awfully familiar and kind of stupid.



Yet, once again Funkhouser's stubbornness and political inexperience are far more insidious than the gaffs of President Bush because as least George W was referring to Muslims Terrorists when he spoke of a crusade or bringing justice to "evildoers." On the other hand, it's really unsettling that Mayor Funky declares that anyone who doesn't support his agenda is evil . . . Maybe all that talk of better media consultants is far too kind and the Mayor's mistakes (I believe) is really a reflection of his stubbornness, abrasive style and COMPLETE INABILITY TO FACILITATE A COMPROMISE.

As usual, Mayor Funky can count on his main cheerleader at the Star to back him up. I've decided that contempt for Yael Abouhalkah is useless because his job of entertaining and stumping for the mayor (no homo?) is really all that he can do that won't induce a heart attack in The Star's geriatric demographic. It's kind of sad really, when the opinion pages of The Star once hosted some of the most important and influential writing in the city back in the day when Art Brisbane was churning out columns but now the Op/Ed section is nothing but a limp, insipid and inconsequential cheerleading section where any real analysis of life in this City is eschewed and only occasionally will something of consequence manage to make it to the page.

However, in the last 6 months it's been nothing but Abouhalkah cheering for his favorite politico who has as little charisma as he has experience.



Now in today's column, Abouhalkah writes a list of people who he notes are NOT EVIL but do have a lot to gain in Downtown's development Ponzi scheme . . . First of all, it's strange that a small town columnist has more political acumen than this City's mayor and secondly this column once again neglects to mention that Abouhalkah was formerly one of the biggest downtown construction cheerleaders in KC and nearly always sides in favor with every tax increase (like the Stadium Tax) this town has to offer. So he's not exactly innocent.

Finally, what about the folks in the Crossroads who are also looking for some tax relief . . . By no means are these people EVIL but they are retailers of luxury goods, art and other high end products who want some help . . . Sure, they aren't corporate but they have a lot more cash than what most people would consider "regular folks." Is the Mayor calling everybody who needs (and might deserve) a tax break evil?

Probably not, but once again the Mayor's misguided statements and horrible style reveal that he's a politician who doesn't understand the notion of compromise and his slew of kool-aid drinkers so often seek to convert rather than work with people who may not share the Mayor's opinion. That's part of the reason why his administration hasn't been able to avoid some of the pitfalls that more community minded and less stubborn and inexperienced politicos would probably have avoided.

Not so surprisingly, an MU researcher has even less credibility than a blogger

The Star reports that a former University of Missouri scientist fabricated photos to support his hypothesis for a research paper concerning whether or not embryonic mouse cells divide during development . . . Obviously, this is nothing but another sign that God hates Science and that Photoshop is the new word for fact.

Ferruzza introduces the next, local restaurant failure

File this one under- Hipster eateries make me lose my appetite: "Mama" Jan Imber and Ira Auerbach, owners of the 10-year-old Bell Street Mama’s diner at 1726 West 39th Street, confirmed that they had signed a lease on the Nichols Lunch location at 39th Street and Southwest Trafficway and had already started renovation on the space.

The new restaurant will be called Mama's 39th Street Diner . . . And it'll be closed in less than a year.

A TKC netiquette question: When it is too cruel to present a Darwin Award?

Early this morning I'm watching the news and a story about a fatal car crash that was caused by some teen throwing water balloons is one of the top stories.

Right now I can't find the link and I'll definitely post it once I get a hold of it but the tragic tale is pretty simple . . . Some area teens are cruising around, throwing water balloons out of their car, somebody gets pissed and follows them . . . The end result is a car crash that kills a passenger in one of the cars.

Undoubtedly, it's a sad story but the fact that somebody died over a water balloon fight brings to mind the Darwin Awards - an honor bestowed on people who kill, or in rare cases sterilize themselves accidentally by attempting to do stupid feats or making careless mistakes.

But then again, dying over a water balloon fight seems too dumb and senseless to even parody . . . So I was wondering if there was any "good taste" criteria that might serve as a guide . . . I guess I should check the site . . .

Oops, and now I see that there is a "Self-selection" criteria that may be applicable if the dead teen in the tragic accident wasn't actually involved in the "fatal water balloon fight" (ouch, that's a horrible term) Anyway, here is one of the many Darwin Award requirements which are funny if it's not you or anybody you love who is "honored:

Self-Selection — Cause of one's own demise.

Killing a friend with a hand grenade would not be eligible, but killing oneself while manufacturing a homemade chimney-cleaning device from a grenade[5] would be eligible.
There is no award for killing someone else or causing someone else to be sterile.

Elton John! WTF?

More on the Sprint Center's opening act later . . . Tony need nap.

Marginally related: Ford finally makes a profit

Just strikes me as neat: Ford Surprises Wall St. With 2Q Profit

The Mayor's move to fire Cauthen from another perspective. Mayor Funky now set to ignore KC's Black Community. Triumph of the TKC Cauthen Countdown!!!

A recent headline from The Call sums things up pretty plainly as far as the perspective from "The Black Part of Town" as Mayor Funky likes to describe the Eastside. Check it:

Mayor Looking To Terminate City Manager’s Contract

Here's another link on the subject, looks like this is the Mayor's next big "Black eye" so to speak (yet another pun - Yay!): Funkhouser draws criticism over City Manager contract.

Also, TKC told you this one was coming bitches.

Here's the latest from The Star today: "The Finance and Audit Committee supported a measure to give Cauthen notice that his current contract will expire April 30 and to start negotiating a new contract." Also this ominous warning regarding the future of Cauthen's career in KC was kind of scary and seems to be an accurate representation of the disconnect between Black and white politicos in this town: "There is a hidden agenda," Former state legislator Mary Bland said. "Do this properly, because the city is watching you."

Cauthen Countdown in effect!!!

Here's some history on the subject and a simple acknowledgment of the fact that reading TKC makes you smarter, lengthens your penis and improves girth:

The Cauthen Countdown!!!

Cauthen Countdown Continues: Pitch picks on defeated Black guys

Funkhouser moves to cut Cauthen's salary then casually denies he's trying to fire him

Cauthen Countdown Continues!!! How ugly will it get when the Mayor tries to fire the highest ranking Black guy in City Hall?

KC's Fringe Festival officially starts today

Go ahead and take a look . . . You'll have to wait another year for a bigger collection of bad art, hipsters, ironic t-shirts and daddy's money supporting so many young(ish) white folks. Also, earn 100 points for every Black man or woman over 40 you see at the festivities. Actually, I shouldn't be so down on the thing, I'm hoping that the Mayor stops by and supports the eclectic sensibilities of all these people who are threatening to get out of KC if they don't get the kind of tax breaks they want . . . And the Fringe Fest has a great vibe, so we might all get to see Gloria Squitiro's bare feet!!!

Plaza Park gets even more gaudy

The Bloch Cancer Survivors Park on the Country Club Plaza is soon to get a 15-foot-tall "Transformed Flower" which is supposed to symbolize hope but looks to me like a cancer cell.

The Star reports:

The sculpture by California artist Phillip Smith is made of 90 layers of weather-resistant plastic that turn from yellow to orange to red. It will glow at night in the park at 47th Street and Roanoke Parkway.

And I guess this is supposed to be nice and inspiring but it looks like crap. The Park is also about to get a makeover but anyone familiar with the KC area might remember when the the small strip of land was nothing more than a nice patch of green grass and a couple of swing sets. It was great and I played there often as a kid. It was much more relaxing, peaceful and beautiful than the cement monstrosity filled with bad art that it has transformed into . . . I guess a side effect of surviving cancer is feeling the need to impose your bad taste on the rest of the City. So, in that sense I guess the Park is a success.

Konichiwa Kansas City

Channel 9 reports that Four hundred and seventy people from Kurashiki, Japan, will spend the next six days touring Kansas City. The article doesn't say if they're bringing Gwen Stefani with them (Note: Harajuku is Japanese for "30 something white woman trying desperately hard to entertain teenagers") . . . Most of the visitors don't read or speak English . . . Which is nice because I need a new camera.

Coveting empty real estate in KC

Cast your vote for the top 10 lofts in Kansas City.

Why you shouldn't argue with your partner during the summer with knifes laying about: Reason #4,981

Man, Woman Seriously Hurt In Double Stabbing

Stop your giddy school girl optimism, Priest Holmes in only back to pick up a check

So, all of you dorks who don't know how football (or the world) works are cheering at the return of Priest Holmes.

Well, hold on to your panties girlfriend . . . He's not making a serious effort, he's just making sure his contract doesn't run out and doing nothing more than picking up a check i.e. playing Chiefs fans for chumps.

The dude is still hurt, practically crippled and there is no way a running back comes back at 100% from the kind of injury he has taken . . . Still, that's no excuse not to get paid. Therefore, Priest still has my respect and ripping off the Hunt Family for a few mil is no great sin . . . Just don't expect him to contribute to the Chiefs in any significant way.

LJ is leaving too . . . And the quarterback the team has now is a decent back up guy but not really NFL material . . . Remember children, the word for this next Chiefs season is "rebuilding" . . . So cheer all you want, and flirt with the skank wearing red but NEVER take any effort undertaken by a Chiefs player seriously.

Hey ladies, TKC cares about your titties!

You might want to check out STL hip-hop writer Bol's link blog.

There's always good stuff in there . . . For instance, a recent article by Barbara Ehrenreich contends that a bad diet doesn't necessarily kill bitches due to cancer of the breasteses and those hokey self-help, pop psychology programs don't keep them alive either.

A major new study shows that women on a virtuous low fat diet with an extraordinary abundance of fruits and veggies were no less likely to die of breast cancer than women who grazed more freely . . ."there is no compelling evidence linking psychotherapy or support groups with survival among cancer patients." This flies in the face of the received wisdom that any sufficiently sunny-tempered person can beat cancer simply with a "positive attitude."

So life is give and take . . . Local broads don't need to worry much about their diet as much but apparently there isn't any extra incentive for staying perky . . . Pardon the pun. Narf!!!

Anyway, this info is pretty interesting and it probably runs counter to what local TV news broads might say in their "health segments" but don't let that trouble you because I never pay attention to that junk and I only watch them so I can imagine what their boobs look like.

"If you don't accept the deal, you don't run in the f*cking Star!!!"

The plog punks dug up a pretty interesting video which features The Star sales and advertising department comparing themselves to gangsters and crews from classic crime movies.

It's supposed to be funny but it comes off more like a one of those horrible videos people are forced to sit through at an office X-mas party while they're waiting till everyone gets drunk so they can cheat on their spouses. Also, this turd burger of a video has been up since December.

Anyway, as usual The Pitch attempts to get all indignant about this one even though it's a documented fact that The Pitch "best of issue' is pretty much bought and paid for by advertisers . . . Don't take my word for it, that's what Mayor Funky's Communications Director said.

Anyway, I'm linking the video but I didn't finish watching the thing and was pretty disappointed that the ad broads at The Star only rated a solid 4 . . . And those are midweek numbers.

Another good line from the video: "God forbid they (advertisers) go to The Pitch"

Finally, the sad sales offices and obviously over-paid employees with so much time on their hands they're making videos just convinces me that print is a dying medium and I hope that it's less than a decade until the dead tree news business is all but kaput . . . Instead of these hokey corporate bits, it's tragic that The Star doesn't focus more efforts on promoting and including local bloggers in the conversation like most other newspapers are doing. Here's a link that expresses the sentiment better than I can: Should Newspapers Become Local Blog Networks?

Thanks to my homie David Zach for the last link.

Show-Me conservatives comfy with the Klan

The cleverly titled Missouri Civil Rights Initiative is "designed to eliminate state-sponsored discrimination through race preferences and move us closer to the color-blind promise of the 1964 Civil Rights Act" by making sure the white people can discriminate legally . . . However, Fired Up Missouri reports that Michigan passed the very same initiative that is now being proposed in the Show-Me state and the "only large organization" to support the Michigan initiative just happened to be the Ku Klux Klan. Also, here's a great take on the subject from the Blue Blog.

Alleged OP Cat Cutter on Crime Scene KC

Anybody notice that Overland Park is awash in crazy stories lately? Yesterday's tale of a dude who slit a cat's throat is horribly cruel and only slightly hilarious.

An OP woman breaks up with her husband, who just happens to be serving in Korea. One of his buddies, age 19, comes and gets his stuff from the couple's apartment. The wife later finds her cat in a trash bin, its throat cut.

And once again, there's another excuse to keep the lolcats meme alive!!! Thank you people of KC suburbs!

Spray paint in the city

If you haven't seen the Flickr gallery dedicated to Kansas City's graffiti, you might want to check it out.

Most of it skews toward hipster art but I was especially fond of a shot that captured some tagging inside a local abandoned grain silo which has yet to go condo . . . I'm not kidding either, you think there wouldn't be any way to turn a grain silo into luxury housing but stranger things have happened.

KC Media Dude was jacked

Those Overland Park car jackings were even more insidious than I had initially suspected . . . Rumor has it that a producer of the Chris Stigall show on KCMO-710 MIGHT have been one of the folks robbed.

I hope he's doing okay . . . At the very least, if it was me who had been carjacked I would hope that a sponsor would turn up offering me a new pair of pants or a least an offer to pay for my dry cleaning.

Check Bottomline Communications for more details.

Interesting: The link claims that the dude in question was a paid orchestra leader at Jerry Johnston's Church . . . Obviously, it's been a bad week for the poor guy.

Amato on his way out the door and David Smith back to showing no love for Latinos

Damn it if wasn't just a matter of time until KCMO School Board President revealed that he isn't really a fan of Latinos.

The recent review of Superintendent Anthony Amato is not so cleverly worded attack on the guy for a lot of reasons that mainly involve the fact that there are alot of African-American employees at the District who aren't exactly happy with their new(ish) boss.

Even more hilariously, School Board president Smith has the nerve to talk about fiscal responsibility as he heads a district that not so long ago spent BILLIONS on a desegregation plan that not only resulted in no significant increase in white kids showing up to KC schools but also proved to be a monumental embarrassment.

But really, this is about the fact that Amato has failed to realize that the KC School District (at least among the administrative staff) is nothing more than an employment program for KC's middle class Black people who don't want to work in a competitive industry.

Recently, Channel 9 story revealed a letter from Smith to Amato:

The letter also addresses the recent turnover problem in the district. Several top administrators hired by Amato have left. The letter said that makes "sustained improvement difficult, if not impossible."

And that basically means that too many of his cronies are getting the ax or aren't getting the cushy jobs they signed on for . . . Sadly, if Amato wants to facilitate any kind of change he needs to find a way to chase even more of the KC School District's administrators away . . . But I doubt that's going to happen . . .

What we're really seeing here is that Smith now feels that he has paid off his debt to area Latinos by keeping one of them on the payroll for a few months. Why? Well let's not forget that this is the same David Smith who had to pay $60,000 in punitive damages for illegally retaliating against a former employee after she accused him of racism i.e. not wanting to hire white ladies or Latinos.

Soooooo, it looks as if Smith doesn't want Latinos in his employ after all. Doesn't really matter . . . I've long contended that the KCMO School District is a sinking ship that no one can save AND that it needs to be shut down.

At the very least, since neither the School Board nor an outsider seems to be able to make any changes at the District it's past time to TURN OVER CONTROL OF KC SCHOOLS TO THE STATE.

The KC School District has had decades (more than a generation) to come to grips with their problems and KC Schools aren't any closer to being viable than they were 10 years ago. In fact, as the Independence Schools hope to abandon the District it's clear that the institution is beyond repair. Amato was the last hope for change but it's clear that the people at the School Board don't want anything that deviates from the status quo which keeps their cronies employed and wins them political favors.

As KC Schools continue to languish the answer isn't new leadership or a rehashing of the revolving door that kept one new "reformer" after the next leading the district in the late 90's . . . It's simply time to start over. And wrestling control away from KC's politically minded and incompetent School Board is the best place to start.

The end of the Himmler Semler story and a lesson about the piñata

Recently, behind the Buzz Blog paywall, Yael Abouhalkah has been out to do some damage control among all the folks rich enough to afford their luxury news service.

Sad thing is, his take on things is so out of touch and skewed in the Mayor's favor that he's basically making up the news as he goes along.

But it's not all bad and he has at least one decent point.

The Semler story is over.

Six weeks later, Semler is still on the board, going around town looking at various parks and recreation sites. So far, she has weathered the protests.

Why? In part because her opponents ran out of steam. It turned out Semler's controversial membership in the Minutemen group didn't bother a lot of other people. Or at least bother them that much. A number of newspaper letter writers and radio callers favored her stance against illegal immigration, for instance.

Fist of all, it's good to know that talk radio stations based in Johnson County have such control over KC's political scene . . . Secondly, in a desperate attempt to back the pony he pushed into office Señor Boom Shakalaka simply proves that he is completely blind to political realities in Kansas City and has absolutely no knowledge about KC's Latino Community.

Certain naive souls in KC expected the Mayor to rescind his decision or ask the old lady to take a hike . . . I never held such lofty notions. What KC saw when the Latino leaders along with most of the City Council and a slew of other people in this town stood against a so-called hate group was pure political theater intended to see how the Mayor weathered criticism. And it's safe to say that Mayor Funky won some points . . . From the folks in Johnson County and the outlying area on his backing of the anti-immigration lady. Still, his milquetoast endorsement of Semler BUT NOT HER IDEAS makes his support seem tacit at best and not really the big win that local anti-Latino forces were expecting.

In the end, the Latino leadership speaking out against Mayor Funky's silly choice merely gave the Mayor a black eye. Additionally and much more importantly, the mini-controversy created an opportunity for Latinos to forge a better relationship with City Council Members and create/maintain a dialog with people across the City who are interested in standing against vigilante and hate based groups.

As a brief aside, I have to admit that I'm pretty disappointed that the main criticism directed toward local Latino leaders like myself (the most important Latino in KC) was that we should simply be quiet . . . That's the gist of what most white people said was basically that Latinos should "shut up and support a cause that seeks to put people like your grandparents on trains like cattle." Kind of discouraging considering that every weeknight the cable airwaves are dominated by white dudes screaming their head off about whatever makes them mad. It goes beyond double standard and really points out some of the unspoken notions of "supremacy" that shape our discourse.

Anyway . . .

Since the mini-controversy, the stupid sentiments of the Funkhouser campaign have lost a bit of their luster and the Mayor's weakness when it comes to compromise, his stubbornness and the bumbling nature of his support staff have been revealed. All things considered, that's a pretty effective result of one press conference and a community meeting.

And this leads me to the lesson of the piñata. Of course there is religious significance to the cultural item but don't let that confuse you.

The piñata is one of those great devices that teaches children about the nature of social interaction, politics and power. The blindfolded kid with a stick doesn't benefit by breaking open the piñata, in fact a smart kid won't crack the thing open if he's lucky enough to locate it. Yet, the other kids in the crowd encourage the kid to bust the thing open so that candy will rain down . . . But the aggressor in this circumstance won't see as great a benefit as those kids in the crowd who aren't blindfolded. The kid at the center of the game must learn to control his machismo/aggressiveness.

The lesson is simple, the smarter kids will learn to ignore taunts, encouragement and direction from the crowd and instead work only to loosen or crack the piñata instead of breaking it apart . . . So that when his turn is over, he stands to rake in more candy.

When it comes to the political discourse in this community, the Latino Leadership has done a decent job in revealing that Mayor Funky isn't the reformer that represented himself as, he's not a charismatic man and his promises of inclusiveness and or even leadership that isn't particularly embarrassing didn't hold together for even his first month in office.

So while the media is disappointed that they didn't get their blood bath and Funkhouser supporters gloat over a pyrrhic victory, it's pretty much politics as usual.

I think the end of Semler story is just the beginning of the Mayor's problems with any group that doesn't buy his line of B.S. completely . . . Also, just like all politics, it basically amounted to a lot of talking with very little change.

Score one for CCW

I only hope that potential carjackers see this item and take note:

Driver shoots, wounds would-be carjacker

The incident happened about 10:30 p.m. at 40th Street and Warwick Boulevard. A man was sitting in his car when the suspect approached and demanded his car.

Instead of complying the man in the car pulled out a gun and shot the assailant.

It's not exactly a cruel twist of fate but it does make me glad that I drive a POS that nobody wants.

Great talk about another KCPD Taser death

Chronic has been pwning the law-and-order types in the discussion of yet anther local taser death . . . Note, KC Talk is on an upward swing (no Frank homo) and you should definitely check them out regarding what the locals are spewing back and forth.

KC to spend serious money on playgrounds

Kansas City is about to spend $1.2 million to build new playgrounds in 17 city parks — and it plans to have them all done by December.

Surprise! Liberty Memorial needs more money

The Star reports: The Liberty Memorial has successfully reached another benchmark in its effort to build a $2 million endowment for education programming and additions to the World War I collection.

Second Snapshot meeting, get a look at outgoing City Manager Wayne Cauthen while you can

Snapshot: Kansas City” is a yearlong project exploring ideas of place, community and urban design through their Web site and public events . . . The second in a series of forums on the shaping of Kansas City communities will be at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the Kansas City Art Institute.

UMKC gets sexier every day

Rumors of scandal doesn't prevent profs from getting promotion. The Star reports: The interim provost at the time, Bruce S. Bubacz, advised newly hired Chancellor Guy Bailey to promote the men, telling him in a letter that he was making the recommendation “with the support of the Campus Promotion & Tenure Committee.”

Bubacz this week acknowledged that he disregarded the vote of the promotion and tenure committee . . . The promotions and raises took place against the backdrop of allegations made by a professor in the psychology department, Linda Garavalia, and a former graduate student in the department, Megan Pinkston-Camp, that Haddock and Poston sexually harassed and physically threatened employees of the department’s Health Research Group laboratory.

After failing to obtain redress through the university, the two women sued UMKC in July 2006. Two weeks ago, The Star reported that the university had agreed to settle the suit for $1.1 million. UMKC has since reopened its internal investigation, which some psychology faculty members had deemed inadequate.

Sick beds and last stands

I don't like thinking about it but I guess dying wishes are important . . . A local story about a poor guy and his disabled son bring to light some pretty important issues about quality of life and the state of medical care in this country:

Father Upset Feeding Tubes Denied For Son

Luckily, like most minorities if something really catastrophic happened to me I'm pretty sure substandard medical care would make quick work of me . . . But there's always the slim chance that I'll survive and in that case I've instructed all of my relatives to simply smother me with a pillow, throw some bulky item through a window and run off into the sunrise. Truly, that would make me happy.

However, in my lighter moments I've always hoped that my eventual demise will be much more dramatic. Kind of like a Sci-Fi movie and maybe I'll even have the chance to say something cool.



Maybe I could quote somebody and the following gem pretty much captures my general demeanor:

"From hell's heart I stab at thee; for hate's sake I spit my last breath at thee."

- From Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan and I'm told some other book that goes by the name of Moby Dick, which sounds kinda ghey if you ask me.

Groupies set to converge on Greensburg

A great local lady blogger files an enthusiastic post about the possibility of Leo DiCaprio coming to Greensburg.

Neat anti-Kansas book cover

Despite the desperate moves of the ID crowd . . . One thing is for sure "The Gods Hate Kansas" and I'm sure they have very good reasons.

1st cell phone comic book comes from KC

Kansas City writer Sean Demory and Lee’s Summit artist Steven Sanders are the duo responsible for Thunder Road.

Here is a description of the web comic which is touted as "The first comic book series created exclusively for North American cell phone customers" :

Thunder Road is a multi-panel, manga-style comic series, described as a “slow-apocalyptic, dieselpunk action adventure” set in an alternate middle-America. The series follows the trials of Merritt, a soldier/circuit rider working for the Department of Transportation who travels America’s Great Plains, a ravaged and desolate land suffering the consequences of decades of global atomic warfare.

Today, The Star ran an article on the pair with a short interview and some details about their work and background along with how the project was developed.

Here is an even longer fanboy interview with the creators.

And while this kind of thing really isn't my cup of tea . . . A quick look at a snappy movie preview of the project makes it seem worthwhile . . . If only my cell phone wasn't so low tech that it still has a rotary dial.

And, since this is a blog and it wouldn't be right to avoid "hating" on someone else's success . . . I should note that there are some purists out there who counter that Thunder Road really isn't a comic book.

According to the NY Times, until renovations screw it up: "Kauffman Stadium has the best scoreboard in baseball"

An NY Times writer/blogger admires the simplicity, style and shape of the scoreboard at the K. Predictably, he notes that the tax payer subsidized renovations are going to screw the thing up. Still, I can see why a Yankees fan would admire the scoreboard since it depicted how easily the team smacked the Royals around during their visit.

I hate soccer but here is a Wizards Jersey that I would wear

I found this choice Boulevard/Wizards Jersey mock-up on the best source for all information and analysis related to the KC Wizards: Down the Byline.

If soccer is your bag, baby . . . You should probably read this guy's blog.

H&R Block is now the biggest name in the downtown/crossoroads art scene

This isn't exactly news (or important) but I was just thinking that H&R Block now has more pull than any local art gallery after reading a post about an artist featured in their lobby on Paul Dorrell's art blog. Thing is, folks who pass through the doors of H&R Block probably have a few bucks to their name so they can afford to buy a glorified paint-by-numbers piece and might even do so if it's displayed prominently . . . I don't know if this puts the Crossroads creeps at a disadvantage, you could reasonably argue that both Crossroads and Block can play off one another in terms of artistic "rep" power in KC but it's always safe to bet on the entity with a bigger bank account and that's Block by a long shot.

"Why do so many Parks & Rec. employees show up on Missouri Case.net?"

An open memo to Parks & Rec along with some pretty interesting questions.

Night time post

I want to get started off posting again this evening . . . However, I have a few new blogs I want to read and some other biz to take care of . . . This isn't an open thread post, I was just looking for an excuse to post this nighttime photo of flush creek.

It's time to start blaming white people for the "stop snitching" movement

I've been looking for a bit of perspective on violence in Kansas City and I think that I've found it.

Basically, I think it's time that the blame for the "stop snitchin movement" should now rest with white people.



Allow me to explain . . . According to the world's most accurate encyclopedia the origin of the urban phenomenon is quite easy to track:

The Stop Snitching campaign was originated by a man named Shaheed from New York who created the stop snitching t-shirts and sold them on 125th street in Harlem. Years later it gained national attention in late 2004 in Baltimore, Maryland, where a DVD released by Rodney Thomas'[1] Skinny Suge Records, titled "Stop Snitching!" began to circulate. Thomas is currently in jail for assault.[2] . . . As the DVD spread across the country, corresponding shirts became popular in urban youth fashion . . .The origin of the "Stop Snitchin'" T-Shirts can be found in Boston in 1999[2]. The now-infamous shirts were originally a promotional item for a local mixtape album, titled Stop Snitchin' Vol. 1, released by Boston street rapper, T.A.N.G.G. (Telling Ass Niggas Gotta Go!). Let Us Live Entertainment[3]an independent entertainment label has been vocal in expressing their support of the "Stop Snitchin'" movement. The shirts quickly gained popularity in many of the urban neighborhoods of Boston. Within the next few years many different versions of the shirt were released as demand continued to grow. Let Us Live Entertainment went on to release two more mixtapes and a controversial website [4]. America's Most Wanted spent an entire episode of the show focusing on the Stop Snitchin' campaign.[6]

Okay, so now we're left with the question . . . How can an underground music phenomenon have been taken to such a stupid extreme and is now cited every time police can't garner any cooperation?

The answer: The (almost completely white) media has taken a hold of the "stop snitchin" mythos and now the "movement" has been co-opted by middle class white people as an excuse to write off concern about crime in the Black and minority communities.

As far as Kansas City is concerned, the popularization of the term came from a groundbreaking story in 2005 written by Nadia Pflaum . . . It kills me to give this chickenhead props for the story, but the article truly did change the landscape of the way the public viewed crime in Kansas City and the complex relationship between minority communities and the police.

Now, almost 2 years later every media outlet in the City has followed up on the story and cites "lack of police cooperation" in so much of their coverage involving crime and the Black community . . . Like anything else, if you repeat it enough times it starts to sound true.

But with so much time passing between the the publication of the Pitch article, other media spotlights on the issue and National TV coverage of the topic; one question remains . . . Does strict adherence to the "stop snitchin" sentiment still hold true in the Black community as if it were the Omerta among the old school mob? The reactionary answer that you'd get from white bloggers and Internet lurkers from Johnson County is a resounding YES . . . But what do they know about the Black Community other than what they are fed by the media?

And if you look closely, and read between the lines of so many news stories what you'll see is that the Black community in Kansas City has by and large rejected the principles of the "Stop Snitchin" movement in one forum after the next . . . Recently, a rally to mark the shooting of two local youths garnered some media coverage and the message of the gathering was adamant in demanding community involvement and cooperation in order to solve a year-old homicide. If that kind of rally where held in Overland Park, it would be reported as a public outcry for cooperation with police rather than focusing on the still unsolved homicide . . . Clearly, it's a double standard.

Even better, now that personal publishing and the Internet have allowed folks like Alonzo Washington to take their message directly to anyone who will listen, it's simply untrue to depict the Black Community as uniformly committing to any one ideology regarding crime, snitching or cooperation with the police . . . In fact, the most eloquent, informed and influential voices in what Mayor Funkhouser calls "the Black part of town" have taken time to debunk this "stop snitchin" nonsense since the term was popularized in this town nearly two years ago.

Soooooooooo, the one place where this so-called problem hasn't been addressed is in the white community . . . Sadly, so many local white people mistakenly believe that every social ill in "the Black part of town" can be solved if only "those people" would snitch on the criminals in their own community . . . Yet, these uniformed and hopelessly naive opinions don't taken into account that the cooperation they're lamenting already exists in many instances along with the fact that the legacy of police brutality and injustice in the Black community by police doesn't exactly make for an equitable comparison in any sense.

So what we're left with, put simply, is the media and so many reactionary white people blaming the victims, blaming entire Black neighborhoods for the actions of a small number of thugs in their community and then blaming the entire Black community one more time (just for good measure) because the corporate media tells them that no one cooperates . . . Which is in direct contrast to so many folks in these same communities expressing the exact opposite statement again and again. Hell, the situation is nearly as complex as the war against Muslims terrorists.

It's a bit of a circular argument and I'm not pretending to be the voice of the African-American community, the Eastside or anything but an obnoxious blogger. However, I think I have a bit of insight into this issue given that the media created phenomenon known as the Minutemen have often dominated the discourse in my community . . . Which is sad given the fact that the group is comprised of only a small group bigoted, nativists who make for great copy but haven't even put together a public show of support akin to some of the smaller immigrants rights rallies held right here in Kansas City.

Accordingly, it's probably unfair for me to blame all white people for the misinformed notions of just a few . . . But I figure turnabout is fair play and given that communities like Johnson County and several affluent KC enclaves were founded on racism and racial covenants then that makes a great many white people complicit in the tacit racism that blames the ENTIRE BLACK COMMUNITY for crime and the lack of local law enforcement facilitating better communication and cooperation. At the very leas,t white people and their panic over everything they read in the corporate press and watch on TV deserve just as much blame as the over-hyped, twisted and irresponsible ideology of a few guys hustling t-shirts and bootleg DVDs and the misguided notion that these folks represent anyone but themselves.

Celebrating a KC Jazz legend with something other than an array of heroin spikes

Kansas City Plans "21-Sax Salute" for Charlie Parker

A lot of KC workers own a piece of their mistakes companies

From The Star: Eleven of the nation’s 100 largest companies in which employees own a 50 percent or larger stake are based in the Kansas City area or Missouri or Kansas, the center found in its latest tally of the nation’s worker-owned giants.

2nd annual blogger party

Be there because I won't . . . But a lot of other cool people will!!!

All right, I'm not gonna front - I've been more interested in Flight of the Conchords than anything related to Kansas City this morning

So I don't watch a lot of late night cable (because that's prime porn surfing time) but I just happened to check out an episode of Flight of the Conchords. HBO was promoting the show pretty heavily during the Sopranos finale but it looked kind of lame. However, I happened to stumble upon the program just as they were performing one of their songs and it made my ice tea spill out of my nose because it was so funny which only happens when a story about an abused animal is on the local news.

Anyway, this song dedicated to non-homosexual man love got me hooked on the series while the talking bits of the show rated a solid B.



"Not in a ghey way, just in a hey man I wanted to say that you're looking okay."

Next Vid:



"What's wrong with the world today" probably the most important social message song I've heard and a tacit acknowledgment that nearly everything after Marvin Gaye's "What's going on" is nothing more than homage.



I've actually seen this one before last night (Hiphopopotamus vs. Rhymenoceros) and everyone I show it to thinks it's stupid but I am certain it's better than most of the rap music I've listened to since 1993. And that goes for everything up to and including Common's shitty new release. Nullus.



Finally, this last video entitled "Part-time model" is classic and pretty much captures the sentiment I utter under my breath when I gaze upon attractive local broads in Westport from time to time.

Like I noted previously, this doesn't have anything to do with Kansas City but I just wanted to put all of these videos together for myself so I could watch them over the weekend. So, as always, screw you if you don't like it . . . Because it made me laugh.

Two Black dudes teaming up to scare everybody in Overland Park

Two recent car-jackings in Overland Park will probably make everyone suspicious of the 2-3 dozen Black guys who inhabit the area since "they match the profile." Anyway, here are a few of the details: Overland Park police were trying to solve two similar carjackings less than a block apart.

Although the suspect descriptions differ, police think the crimes could be linked.

“We have to look at whether it is the same person or possibly these two guys are working together and sharing the same gun,” Overland Park Police spokesman Jim Weaver said.

The crimes took place around 103rd and 104th and Marty.

Description of the dudes . . . First one: Black, 5 feet 9 inches tall with a thin build. He wore a baseball cap and faded blue jeans.

Second one: Black, between 20 and 30 years old, 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing 200 to 225 pounds with short braids that were twisted. He wore a white T-shirt and blue jeans.

TKC's Sarcastic Solution: You may want to consider calling the cops on every Black guy you see at an OP convenience store between the ages of 15-50, standing at a height of anywhere between 5'0 to 6'10 and weighing between 145-350lbs.

That'll definitely keep you safe.

One more white elephant in the area that no one is claiming

Everybody knew that the $8.4 million Fort Osage Education Center was going to be a disastrous flop but now they're trying to pass the buck to Kathryn Shields as some of the old school folks in Jackson County government would have you believe that she put a gun to their head at every turn . . . In very much the same way that it was impossible to find a person who claimed to have been a part of the Nazi Party in Germany after WWII or by the same token people who actually admit that they purchased parachute pants during the 80's.

It's not a new story and Steve Kraske has a good take on the subject back in April:

'Just bulldoze' it: A 'debacle' before its doors are even open

Still, it's just another Kansas City cliché to blame things on people who aren't around any more or on the folks who held office before a politico was in charge . . . And TKC is all about solutions . . . Therefore, I suggest turning the place into yet another riverside casino which is the only attraction that people from this town can be counted on to attend compulsively. It's the best idea I could come up with on short notice and my first instinct was to note that the building should be repurposed as a brothel but that's not only unrealistic but also impractical considering that this town is already inundated with bars where local broads are bought and sold in exchange for overpriced drinks and those roses that they sell at nightclubs. Full disclosure: I've actually purchased one of those things before . . . Don't ask.

A glorious age when every weather phenomenon wasn't presented as a reason to feel guilty about your car: The KC Dust storm of 1937

A long first person story from one of the weekend issues of The Star . . . Surprisingly, there was an era before everybody blamed bad weather on global warming. Also, does anybody remember The Population Bomb? Great book, bad theory.

Leftover links

For once why don't they blame some petty crime on the Visigoths: Vandals damage Mission Hills statues

Hooray for Missouri!!! Minimum wage earners are making enough to have an extra can of pop on the way to find out they don't have health coverage: Minimum wage increase goes into effect

KCK teen shooters who killed toddler allegedly needed practice but still got it horribly wrong.

Bummer and bum pay: Some Kansas businesses can stay with $2.65 minimum wage

Don't drive drunk in Overland Park.

Potential KC Korean Food on special

Three kittens who survived being tossed onto 71 Highway will get put up for adoption . . . Also, the fact that KSHB is reporting this as news once again convinces me that I'm not really out of my league when it comes to covering Kansas City.

Shakedowns in the City: Indy P.D. explain themselves to the wrong people

KSHB reports of a closed door meeting held on controversial traffic stop between the Independence MO Police and the NAACP . . . Apparently, the local police department is engaged in a battle against "misinformation" because there are so many ways to twist a story about police putting a pregnant woman on her belly at gunpoint. And while I'm sure the local chapter of the NAACP is helping to negotiate the thing (read: Arrange a big fat out-of-court settlement for a cut) . . . Maybe a huge sale at which local minorities are allowed to take everything free from the shelves as reparations from JC Penney's (the store who provided the false info) would go further in making things right once again.

Not so surprising: Unluckiest man in baseball has connection to the Royals.

Channel 9 reports that a minor league baseball coach who was killed by a foul ball once played for the Royals.

Useful for something other than watching drunk people have public sex

Digital Security Cameras Help Solve Crimes

KC Science that isn't an affront to God

TKC has always been a big fan of science . . . Sadly, I never really had an aptitude for the subject and growing up most of my science teachers looked at me suspiciously as if instructing me was tantamount to giving away important secrets in violation of national security.

Anyway, I'm still a big fan of all kinds of scientific endeavors that aren't even related to the amazing work they're doing with "male enhancement" wonder drugs . . . Even better, it's always nice to see that there is still a vibrant scientific community around Kansas City even though a great many folks in the rural part of Missouri object to it on the grounds of baby Jesus and back in the day people used to die not only because of impacted wisdom teeth but also because of their horrible lack of faith.

Sooooooo, in order to promote science of all sorts around the KC area KC Science, INC was created around November of last year in order to tout science-related events, encourage interest in science, advocate for science-based careers and inspire natural curiosity throughout the Kansas City area. KC Science, INC, is a partnership of KCPT Public Television, Johnson County Library, Science City at Union Station, Pathfinder Science and Science Pioneers.

Thus far the group has managed to produce one of those panicky talk shows on KCPT hosted by Nick Haines, in which it is foretold that we'll all be using ouija boards to predict the weather and the stock market in about a year - Not so surprisingly, that'll be more accurate than what we're relying on now.

Even better the group has produced some neat mini-documentaries available on YouTube via the JoCo library's page . . . And they're almost as entertaining as Weird Science, but not really.

Below are some of my favorites:



First up is Molly Davies from UMKC's Geosciences Dept. It's a great video about clean air in Kansas City, her research and the fact that the area has seen a significant rise in asthma that probably is due to JoCo commuters and all of the hot air regarding the renaissance of the urban core.



Next up is Latent Print Examiner, Tanya C. Lee of the Kansas City Missouri Police Department, who is a forensic scientist. The mini-doc featuring her is interesting but even more fascinating is the fact that the broad is reasonably hot for scientist. And I'd guess that her fellow officers are even more creative than I ever could be regarding the areas where she could investigate or do some hands on research . . . Anyway, it's comforting to know that the KCPD is using the latest technology and employing brilliant scientific minds given that they've been stumped by the so-called "stop snitching" movement.

Other videos include:

David Braaten of KU - a scientist who studies remote ice sheets.

Scot Fernandez - a Hallmark Cards Imaging and Color Scientist

David Beier of the Barstow School in Kansas City, a local science teacher.

Updated and on a related note: Kansas City lags in biotechnology investment

TKC Model of the Moment: A mischievous model here from L.A.

This week's TKC Model of the Moment is a 28 year-old babe who recently moved here from Los Angeles. For now, she simply goes by the name of "mischievous" and she has some really amazing NSFW photos that feature some stark contrasts in an urban setting. Also, I dig her philosophy about "Fetish shoots" . . . Awesome, I never knew models put so much thought into their work given that I judge a photo on how much booby/booty is revealed.



I wish this amazing looking broad lots of luck because Kansas City's modeling scene isn't as high profile as Los Angeles, HOWEVER it is pretty gully to have such a hot broad residing in this City if only because it just makes this town better looking in general. In fact, I'm think that KC needs to work on importing hot broads and models from across the country and call it the TKC beatification plan . . . It'll not only improve the looks of this town but also might improve business for local clubs or at the very least inspire a few of the home grown "size 22s" to start working out.

The line forms to the left to beat up on scooter stealing, old lady beating Black kids

Woman's stolen scooter found, teen arrested

Funkhouser moves to cut Cauthen's salary then casually denies he's trying to fire him

It's tough to look at people in the light of day . . . To see them for what they really are . . . Rarely, is every one of your perceptions confirmed when taking a cold, hard look at a subject . . . In the case of Mayor Funky, Kansas City has quickly learned that all of the talk of "regular folks" and "straight talk" from the Mayor was nothing more than a campaign slogan seeing that the guy regularly talks out of both sides of his mouth and is now moving to cut City Manager Wayne Cauthen's throat while smiling and offer nonsensical quotes at the same time he's doing it . . . Sure, The Mayor says that he's not "seeking to fire Wayne Cauthen," but what would you call it if your boss wanted to rearrange your salary package and talked of another contract that "reflected the goals and priorities" of a new regime? I'm pretty sure you'd start sending out your resume the second that kind of talk was in the air.

The fact that Mayor Funky is using double speak on this issue, swearing one thing up and down when in fact anybody who knows a thing about City Hall or even standard operating procedure at any place of business when a new group takes control is painfully aware of what's really happening. It's business speak, newspeak and it's just underhanded when voters in KC were led to believe they were endorsing a straight talking Mayor.

That's why TKC's Cauthen Countdown is so desperately important!!! The most powerful Black guy at City Hall will probably be gone by the end of he year, either forced out, fired or having found another job . . . Meanwhile KC's Mayor proves that he's just another politician with every move he makes.

The ways of mean Phill Kline

Local blog "I never leave the house without incident" sums up the accomplishment of Phill Kline in his tenure as Kansas Attorney General with this classic line:

In four years Kline was only able to demonstrate that with the exception of minor technicalities, abortion providers adhere to nothing but the law.

"Regular folks" don't have the connections to ask KC's monied clique for cash

Here's a take on KC's Parks board appointments that may be elitist, but also happens to be interesting: "It is private donations from the "elite” that supports much of the award winning Loose Park, it is private donations that help fund Liberty Memorial, the upkeep and maintenance of many of our signature fountains, the KC Zoo and even private funds contribute to Starlight. Thousands and thousands of dollars that come from the ‘elite’ he (Mayor Funky) seems to disdain . . . Not one of these appointments has the social capitol, credibility or peer relationships necessary for “the ask.”

Check out KC Currents interview with local blogger/entrepreneur

From the latest edition of KC Currents: Local Entrepreneur Analyzes Smartphone Applications

KC kids let the dogs out on Palestinians

KC Jewish Chronicle reports: KC Kids raise 10k for bomb sniffing dog in Israel . . . KC Kids Corps send gift to an Israeli group "Pups for Peace" to pay for the training of a bomb-sniffing dog, which is to be named “KC” in honor of the donation.

The ghey poster boy for gluttony is coming to Kansas City

I couldn't think of a better person to promote one of Kansas City's many failing museums . . . Today, the Star reports that John Travolta scheduled to drop by the Airline History Museum for a fundraiser Oct. 6. The “Return to First Class” benefit at Wheeler Downtown Airport will include an auction for opportunities to dance with Travolta.



I'm sure the waste of jet fuel will be inspiring to everyone with enough money to reserve a seat in the crowd.



And if they're paying for a dance, maybe the flying fancy boy might throw in a little something extra . . . It definitely looks like a classy night in KC.

It's time to go shopping in JoCo to keep the place safe from minorities and po'folk!!!

Here's a business tip for you enterprising folks who read this blog . . . It always pays to keep feeding the Prison Industrial Complex . . . To wit, JoCo is "investing" in more jail beds. A juvenile-detention campus. A crime lab. Even a new $192 million courthouse . . . And while they have had more than $120 mil in revenues at one time . . . They'll probably go back to taxpayers for some more financing.

Blaming Baby Blunt for bad showing in border war over Ks/MO jobs

Fired Up Missouri adds up the figures in a recent Star article and Daddy's little boy comes up short . . Check it: "6,600 Missourians lost their jobs in June, pushing unemployment in Missouri higher. At the same time, Kansas, a state with half the population of Missouri, added 7,700 jobs in June."

Love stinks and stings like a knife wound

KSHB reports: Witnesses said an argument between two men over a woman lead to a fatal stabbing at the Wild West bar in Kansas City.

Local municipalities aren't friendly when it comes to flood control

Wyandotte officals thing flood control is only KCMO's problem . . . Channel 9 reports: KCK Considers Scrapping Flood Control: The future of a $92 million dollar flood-control project is in doubt after some Kansas City, Kan., officials said that city might pull out of the venture . . .

A year ago, Kansas City, Kan., agreed to spend $12 million over several years as its share of a project designed to protect businesses that suffer chronic flooding when Turkey Creek goes over its banks.

Kansas City, Mo., agreed to spend $23 million on the project and the Army Corps of Engineers would pay $57 million.

But during a June 12 budget meeting, some members of the Unified Board of Commissioners of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kan., questioned why the city should support the project when it appeared that recent improvements to Turkey Creek's channel along Interstate 35 caused the flooding.

Additionally, while I normally never believe bluster from a politico . . . I tend to take them seriously when they talk about "pulling out" prematurely.

KC blogger launches new Iphone accessory

From "The Blog of an African NERD" some interesting new tech I can't afford: "I knew the iPhone was going to be mega huge. With this in mind,I created a new company, Efiko Software to focus on doing cool stuff for the iPhone. Our first major release is iPhoneRingToneMaker."

Old anti-Latino Lady keeps me satisfied!!!

Mayor Funkhouser is directing his Parks Board to increase citizen satisfaction . . . Via his Internet Adjunct.

Celebrating the next generation of bloggers

Best wishes to

This new blogger bun in the oven. . .

And a good looking newborn one too.

Pictures: The KC Talk Picnic

You missed your chance at punching Frank . . . Go straight to the uploads here.

KC Blue Blog: Viva LeVota

KC Blue blog provides a great profile of Paul LeVota (D-Eastern Jackson County) who was recently named the New Democratic Leader in the Missouri House. Here are a couple of quotes I found interesting: "Anyone who has heard LeVota speak can only take away one feeling when its done: This guy wants Democrats back in majority. . . . When KC has a strong voice at the table, Democrats win. It's that simple."

New blog: On Past, Present And Future

Steven Ashley started his blog just this year and here's a bit of the reason why: "This is my place for my passion, analyzing the past and present and then extrapolating the future."

Blogger B-Day and bad news

I'm sad to report that the local blogosphere is losing one of its best members . . . Josh Rosenau, author of the well-researched, informative, entertaining and important blog Thoughts from Kansas is taking off for greener pastures . . . I'll let him reveal the details for himself but he's having a birthday bash and his move makes me realize that TFK was one of the most important forces/voices in the Intelligent Design Debate in recent years throughout Kansas. In post after post, Rosenau kept his readers on top of nearly every move that ID supporters tried to pull on Kansas school districts and as local blogging matured in the Midwest TFK towered over the competition . . . It's a shame to see him go but there is no doubt the guy has a wonderful future ahead of him . . . And the local blogosphere is just not quite as intelligent due to his absence, which of course makes me more comfortable . . . Speaking of, here's the Muppets singing an appropriate song:

One last concert in Hyde Park before they turn the place into a substation

I hate happy news but I thought this quick clip of Bob Walkenhorst (of Rainmakers fame) and Jeff Porter performing "One More Summer" at the Hyde Park Children's Film Festival in Kansas City on Friday, July 20, 2007 was pretty neat . . . A nice little reminder that Hyde Park just happens to be a neighborhood and not just a potential substation site for KCP&L.

After a great weekend

I'm busy so I don't know how much blogging I'm gonna get done today. However, I will note that I probably had a better weekend than you because mine involved a Chinese Buffet.

Good times indeed.

Also, I'm happy to report that one of this town's best podcasts "KC Proper" is in the process of putting a new show together and I might even be making a guest appearance . . . Which is good and has nothing to do with ulcer symptoms i.e. where their old domain points now.

The TKC Saturday Night Podcast: This week in Kansas City's broken dreams

What have we learned this week? What can make us smarter, faster, better, harder and more realistic about the future of Kansas City? I think, more than anything, this week has taught us not to believe the hype when it comes to the falsehoods promoted by politicos, bloggers and downtown cheerleaders, of course. That's why this week's podcast is dedicated to dreams . . . Especially broken ones.



Let's review:

Oklahoma City in front of KC this week.

Funkhouser's talk of "regular folks" doesn't include free speech or freedom of the press when it comes to Kansas City's internet connection at City Hall.

Believing anything a politico says is a bad career move.

Electric Avenue is going to cost a lot and won't pay out much. Read: The P&L District is going to fail.

Among Latinos, the Pitch doesn't seem to like Puerto Ricans either. And the dream of improving KC Schools seems once again deferred.

Eastside homicides are still racking up even if no one is paying attention.

A nightmare scenario when it comes to public relations: Black women and their babies seemingly don't matter much in the KC blogosphere or to the Indy PD.

The dream of blacks and whites working together at City Hall seems dismal: TKC was 100% correct in predicting that it was only a matter of time until City Manager Wayne Cauthen was kicked out of the door.

The Chiefs aren't going to win in any significant way, keep dreaming: LJ is leaving, the Chiefs don't stand a chance this season . . . Otherwise known as a "rebuilding" year.

Every parent's nightmare? Interracial dating results in confusion, sometimes kidnapping.

Anyway, putting aside this town's irrational exuberance and daydreaming . . . Kansas City is still my favorite town on the planet and I'd like to thank everybody for reading and remind you to have a safe and fun weekend. Peace.

BridgeZilla isn't exactly dead

Check out the Red Bridge Road Blog for more, here is an excerpt form the newsletter: "As you are aware, Councilman Sharp introduced an ordinance calling for the city to send out a Request for Proposal in order to have a new study of Red Bridge from Holmes to Grandview Road . . .We are very excited about this fresh start; however, we cannot emphasize enough that our fight is not over. As part of the process there will be a community-wide public opinion survey conducted and formal interviews with stakeholders. There will also, as before, be public hearings held. There are those out there left from the Eddy Regime who are still working against us. It is vital, therefore, that we not relax and let down our guard. We are in the home stretch, but it will be imperative that everyone participate in as many of the public options as possible. We have to continue to have our voice heard. Having come so far, we can't take the chance that the very vocal minority will be able to 'out shout' us."

Tammy Faye on Kansas City

Thanks to my man (no homo) BMC for this classic Tammy Faye quote regarding Kansas City:

"Kansas City......it's where celebrities are coming to die!!!"

UPDATE: Looks like she did just that . . . Tammy Faye (age 65) recently died at her Kansas City home . . . Gone to the great make-up counter in the sky.

Mayor Funky isn't interested in your comments

The Funky bunch are taking trackbacks but not comments. As of now, they don't want to read from "regular folks" which is bad because I noticed that a lot of people were being really respectful and asking some decent questions.

Dillard's is for discriminating shoppers

I was gonna title this post, "Show me state Dillard's don't like the darkies" but that seemed too crass, even if it's accurate according to a recently reinstated discrimination case against Dillard's by a Missouri appeals court.

A federal appeals court panel on Friday reinstated a racial discrimination case against the Dillard’s department store chain.

The suit was filed by more than a dozen African-American patrons of a Dillard’s store in Columbia. It alleged that employees harassed them with close surveillance and denied them services — such as returning merchandise — that they offered white customers.

The appeals court reversed on both points and noted that the Columbia case was unusual because it included “evidence not only from shoppers, but also from former Dillard’s employees.”

“There is substantial circumstantial evidence that the experiences of these appellants were part of a wider set of discriminatory practices at Dillard’s which targeted African Americans,” Circuit Judge Diana E. Murphy wrote.

I don't know how this one is gonna turn out considering that there are some pretty good arguments on both sides of this issue and that's not including those remarks that begin with racial slurs.

Act now!!! Lock up minorities and other po'folk for a lower price!

The local prison industrial complex is cutting prices to bargain levels. Check it: "Private-sector builders tell the county they can increase the number of jail beds by 30 percent at its planned jail expansion near Gardner and pay only 10 percent more to do it . . . As it stands, the county is farming out more than 350 inmates a day in jails across Kansas, which officials say is costly and time-consuming.

But time to act is short.

Companies working on the expansion — Treanor Architects, Turner Construction and HOK — say the county has three weeks to decide whether to spend an extra $5 million to add 128 beds at the already designed $55.4 million expansion to the Fred Allenbrand Criminal Justice Complex."

Avila president has a blog

According to a recent article by The Star, Avila University president Ron Slepitza takes time out to blog about life, death and spirituality among other things . . . It even has comments . . . So you could call him an asshole, I guess or tell him that he's pretty awesome to embrace a practice that most officials try to discourage.

Coincidence at KU

According to a recent study a strangely high number of folks getting brain tumors (cancer cluster?) in Wesco Hall was nothing but a coincidence.

A yearlong epidemiological investigation has found no increased incidence of brain tumors among occupants of Wescoe Hall on the University of Kansas campus and that the close proximity of the offices of people who had tumors was coincidental and unrelated to the building's air or water quality.

KU initiated the investigation, led by nationally known epidemiologist John Neuberger, in response to an employee's concern that in the past decade five people with offices in the building reportedly have been diagnosed with brain tumors, three of them benign. Approximately 600 people have offices in the 203,000-square-foot building during an academic year.

The report found no increased incidence of cancer or brain tumors among building occupants.

And I guess that's great news but it wouldn't exactly put my mind at ease if I ever had to spend any time in the place.

KCK gunfight

Channel 9 reports: "Kansas City, Kan., police were investigating a rolling gun battle in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The incident happened just before 1:30 a.m. in the area of 8th Street and Minnesota when a police officer on routine patrol heard shots being fired from two vehicles, investigators said."

Not so shocking: KCPD Stun guns might have killed again

The Star reports: Initial details were sketchy, but police said officers were chasing the man and the pursuit ended near 11th Street and Woodland Avenue in the Charlie Parker apartments. The man fought with the officers and was hit several times with jolts from a stun gun, a police spokesman said.

The man was pronounced dead at an area hospital. His cause of death is not known, and his name and age have not been released..

Alleged baby shooters are teens

Crime Scene KC has the best wrap up of this case that doesn't look like it's gonna turn out good for anybody . . . "WyCo has filed charges against two men in the shooting death of Yelena Guzman, a toddler killed earlier this year in KCK. One suspect is 15, the other's 16."

New blog: Not Ready For Prime BUZZ

"A blog that muses the abuses, dysfunction, waste, fraud, bad business practices and absurdities of KCMO City government or wherever dysfunction comes to light."

Miami's condo market crash coming to KC?

Anybody who knows the real deal about KC's condo market KNOWS that there are some problems on the horizon. A local reader sent in a GREAT e-mail about all of the empty condos in this cowtown and how that relates to the unraveling of Miami's condo market. Check it:

It seems Miami is suffering from a condo glut, causing a major problem with its economy. And seeing that theirs weren't built with TIF or tax abatements, what's that going mean to our KCMO economy. Most new condo developments here (discounting the early ones) reach only about 60% sold. They don't make money till they hit about 70-80%. The Crestwood Condos are offering to buy your old house. Bob Bernstein's Carlton Plaza isn't half full. A bunch are now being rented. And so the story goes. With Cordish wanting to sell condos at $400 a foot, the old KCPL building going condo (w/TIF and abatement), and the Briar Cliff Condos sitting empty, when is this gonna implode? And when is the city going
to stop underwriting them?

And if it's bad in Miami, just how bad do you think it's gonna get here?

My guess that it's gonna get horrible and condo developers are going to be left out on the street . . . Broke like hobos and panhandling. But maybe that's just wishful thinking. No matter what, I'm not going to cry for real estate speculators losing their shirt . . . Still, I just hope that downtown cheerleaders stop celebrating all of Kansas City's empty condos before this town hosts nothing but empty luxury dwellings.

This weekend in Kansas City

BlogKC has a pretty great list.

A lesson to KU students: Protecting corporate media is more important than your education

BoingBoing reports: University of Kansas threatens to permanently lock downloading students out of its network . . . Students at the University of Kansas who are accused of "downloading copyrighted material" will have their network access permanently terminated.

Sad story: The local toll of subprime lending

KSHB: Evictions have gone from part of the job (for local Sheriff's departments) to a full-time job in itself. Cass County had just six in 1998. Last year, it had 168. "We may do up to 12 to 14 in one day," said Cpl. Russ Mapes. Cass County's civil division added another deputy last year because officers are knocking on so many doors and delivering so many court orders – even in nicer, newer homes.

Even crooks have mass transit concerns

KCTV5 reports: Police took a man into custody after they said he rode a bus to a bank and robbed it and then took a cab to a barbershop, where they caught up to him, authorities said.

It costs to poison people in Kansas City

KMBZ reports: Federal regulators on Friday cited a chemical company for a series of alleged safety violations tied to an explosion at the company's Kansas City distribution plant in February.

The fire and series of blasts at the Chemcentral Corp. plant in Kansas City's East Bottoms neighborhood on Feb. 7 destroyed most of the 5-acre facility, injured two workers and cast a pall of black smoke over much of the city.

Bring on the next border war

From Emaw: "those sneaky bastards in the Missouri statehouse are trying to pick the pockets of innocent, well-meaning, upstanding Kansans who are forced by outrageous fortune to set foot across the stateline for their jobs."

Plaza Library Harry Potter Party

The Plaza Library branch is expecting about 600 people to attend a Harry Potter party Friday night.

TKC blocked by KCMO City Hall

I recently received an e-mail from a reporter employed by The Star informing me that my blog has been blocked at KCMO City Hall. The e-mail was a request for an interview which I hope still stands after I write this post but I thought my loyal readers (i.e. you d-bags) deserved to know first.

I guess the first thing that comes to mind is that the action is a sure sign that the Funkhouser Administration is without a doubt petty and averse to criticism. However, I guess I should note that I don't know where the block of my site originated from . . . It could be that City Manager Cauthen just doesn't like the "Cauthen Countdown" and this blog chronicling his last days of employment with the City. But I'm just gonna go ahead and blame Mayor Funky because the buck stops with him whether he likes it or not.

Also, it's good to know that my former buddy Joe Miller isn't looking out for me at all . . . As the Funky Communications Director his hand was probably somewhere in the decision.

And to put this in perspective . . . Let's remind you folks of one thing . . . Former Mayor Barnes never blocked this site!!!

And I was every bit as rough with her administration as I have been with the Funky regime.



But instead of making any kind of bold statement I guess what really comes to mind are a few questions:

How is enforcing what the "regular folks" at City Hall can and can't read the move of a real reformer?

Are the mayor and his staff so thin skinned that they have to run and hide from a joke/satire/sarcastic blogger?

What about the "regular folks" who comment on this blog or have sites that I link from time to time? I should note here that the Mayor's campaign worked the blogosphere pretty thoroughly during the election but now to start banning blogs seems as YET ANOTHER betrayal of the things he said he believed in before the election. By the way, if he was just gonna ban people like me for practicing free speech and freedom of the press maybe I wouldn't have produced a video for him.

And for his supporters: How does this kind of censorship or at the very least thwarting of citizen media, citizen voices distinguish the mayor from any other politician?

And with this one I'm not asking anybody to stand with me or support me in any kind of cause . . . I'm sure that the people who want to read my site at City Hall can find another way to access this blog either at home or through a mobile device. But, in the end this action must ultimately be answered for by the Mayor's administration (dun-dun-dun!!!!) and makes it seem as if the only free speech Mayor Funky endorses is the kind that supports him.

Also . . .It's pretty damn gully and hardbody that this block of my blog proves the TKC is the most alternative of all local media outlets . . . In the Mayor's defense I guess I should note that maybe it was just an attempt to bolster productivity given that his staff wasn't getting any work done because they were spending all day trolling my comments . . . I hear they have the same problem at The Pitch.

TKC posts a lot of rude remarks, crass jokes, funny photos from the internet, scantily clad celebrity models but every now and then there is a bit of information on this blog about topics that have an impact on Kansas City and I do my best to provide a forum and encourage criticism & commentary from anyone about every topic I cover . . . Mayor Funky blocking this site only makes him blind to what thousands of people in Kansas City are reading every day . . . And it's just kinda sad that the former bean counter has progressed this far in City government without learning that "problems" (people?) won't go away simply because you (try to) ignore them.

Pitch Punk taken down a peg: Are you better off not hiring bloggers?

The Buzz blog brings bad news behind a pay wall but thanks to some AWESOME tipsters out there I can stay informed even though I'm broke.

Here's what I've read: Joe Miller just got the ax as far as his media duties are concerned after a lot of grumbling from even Funkhouser supporters:

Joe Miller, has come under criticism from some of Funk's strongest supporters, including from a certain real estate tycoon. (They writing about Nutter, right? Just wondering) . . . Criticisms surrounded off-the-cuff comments, a tentative style and bland press releases . . .it wasn't a huge surprise when Miller revealed this week that he was turning over the media responsibilities to Kendrick Blackwood. Insiders believed Blackwood, son of former Councilman George Blackwood, was a smoother presence, more familiar with politics and would be a better messenger.

But exactly who pulled the trigger on the shift is in question today. Funkhouser said the shift was his decision.

"I wanted to push his creativity and energy" toward special projects. "He's good at events and special projects," the mayor said.

Miller says he broached the idea with Chief of Staff Ed Wolf; Wolf's wife, Gwen; and Funkhouser's wife, Gloria Squitiro.

"I consulted with Ed. I talked with Gloria and Gwen," he said. "Mark wasn't really part of those deliberations for delegating a small part of my responsibilities."

It's kinda sad really and I only want to dance on this grave a little bit today . . . Thing is, I told Miller that Funkhouser would inevitably sell him out and disappoint and Mayor Funky didn't even take a year to prove me right . . . Furthermore, if you look at this excerpt really closely you'll see that the Mayor challenges Miller's assertion that (once again) Gloria Squitiro is calling the shots or at the very least integral in the decision making at City Hall . . . On this one you're going to have to decide who to believe for yourself . . . A writer, who has naive notions about social justice and might now regret swallowing the kool-aid so enthusiastically OR some politician who is quickly racking up a slew of broken promises.

Casino losses could have inspired County Clerk's alleged scheme to steal

The Star reports: A fired purchasing clerk for the Jackson County court has been charged with stealing almost $238,000 worth of computers and electronics over the past two years . . . Court records indicate a possible motive: Laura L. Soemer, a single mother of six who made less than $27,000 a year in her courthouse job, lost more than $100,000 gambling at area casinos from 1999 to this year. More than half those gambling losses occurred last year or this year, court records show.

Making pregnant Black women lie down on the street is part of Indy Police Policy

The Independence Police Department's defense of this disgraceful incident is beyond disgusting and I can only hope that any lawsuit the lady files against them ends in a HUGE SETTLEMENT: Independence Police Chief Fred Mills said officers followed policy when they took extra precautions while stopping a pregnant woman whose vehicle matched one suspected in a rash of crimes.

Crestwood neighbors fight "huge monstrosity" of a house

When middle class people speak out on behalf of their community it's called "activism" whereas low-income minorities who want to make sure that development fits in with the character of the neighborhood are said to be "holding up progress."

Sanders and Funkhouser play "Pass the buck" for the people in the Crossroads

You probably already know this but the first page in "the newly elected official" handbook is to blame everything on the previous office holder. In that sense, Mike Sanders and Mayor Funkhouser didn't really say anything new when they desperately passed the buck to Former Mayor Barnes last night in the Crossroads:

Many in the upset crowd said their taxes have doubled and tripled in the past couple of years, while the city gives tax breaks to new condo developers.

Sanders and Funkhouser blame previous regimes for the problems. However, some business owners said if nothing changes they will move their businesses

Sanders faired a little bit better at this meeting than the far more inexperienced Mayor Funky not only because he didn't make a lot of stupid promises during his campaign but also because he has more skill . . . Sanders promised the crowd that they'd see improvements when a new county appraiser was appointed in a couple of weeks . . . While I've heard that all that Funkhouser could muster up was a pat on the back to all of the white people who dared to do business in the urban core.

Additionally, the prospect of tax relief simply for the artsy crowd of upscale Crossroads merchants is just about as unfair as you can get and runs counter to what Funkhouser promised to KC voters.

If these Crossroads hipsters get a tax break simply because they bring an all white, upscale and upwardly mobile crowd to the City then I'm starting a gallery filled with nothing but my etch-a-sketch art and demanding 100k in sponsorship from the City.

Really, I'd be curious as to how Funkhouser is going to navigate the Crossroads tax break crisis . . . Going into office he swore up and down that he was going to do away with the TIF abuse and other tax incentives that only catered to the wealthy . . . Helping out the Crossroads crowd with their expensive galleries, overpriced condos and upscale establishments would definitely qualify as betraying that promise.

Insult after injury and TKC trying his hardest not to make a horribly tasteless joke

Sexually assaulted woman's cat stolen after attack

Jason Whitlock is my moral compass

I have no idea what Jason Whitlock has against some of the negative stereotypes in hip-hop (that I actually find quite entertaining) but I can't help but support him when he speaks out against rap music at every opportunity . . . Despite the fact that I have horribly wasted brain cells by committing the entire catalog of NWA's music to memory.

In his recent and much celebrated column, Whitlock contends that: "Vick can evolve from hip-hop prison culture"

And that's his prerogative but for a better, more informed and a more knowledgeable opinion about the music that Whitlock seems to hate so much you may want to check Dallas Penn's take on the fiasco:

Michael Vick Is The DMX Of The NFL…

Still . . . There are not many Vick defenders online or anywhere else and I've seen more outrage against Vick on the Internets than even nerds have expressed over the Harry Potter leak.

Also, Lawrence blog Evolution-Nextstep has an interesting take on the story that you should read as well.

But the point here isn't about dog fighting or whatever . . . It's that Whitlock is getting a great deal of publicity every time he finds something bad to say about hip-hop and/or draws a loose connection between a diverse form of music and the latest media controversy. Never mind that the history of dog fighting extends all the way back to the time of the Romans and also has roots in American rural culture in addition to a new found "sick hipness" that it has garnered in the hip-hop world.

But that's neither here nor there . . . I just want to give Whitlock credit, he knows how to shuffle his way on to these national talk shows and I'm sure at the end of it all he'll somehow connect rap music to the Kennedy assassination.

"Living just enough for the City"

The KC Biz Journal reports: Kansas City-area apartment rents increased by an average of $4 a unit, or 0.6 percent, during the second quarter, multifamily data clearinghouse RealFacts reported.

Robbing the ignorant is rewarding

Kansas City casinos get more revenue from fewer customers

Sprint Center Opening Act Confirmed!!! Tap dancing from downtown cheerleaders as to how the place is going to sustain itself with no anchor tenant.

Stop your pipe dreaming . . . The Nashville Predators are staying put.

The Sonics have eschewed KC for Oklahoma City . . . Read that again and let it sink in:

A pro basketball team picked Oklahoma City over KC!!!

Clearly, things aren't looking good for the new arena but I will go back and correct myself (a bit). If there aren't any decent new attractions downtown (I'm not counting all the chain stores) then I guess the parking for the place will be ample and maybe the environment won't change that much and the tumbleweeds will stay as well when they aren't thwarted by the construction barriers.

Sadly, there's no stopping the cheering from folks who can't get a grip on their irrational exuberance whenever a construction project (that excludes minorities) is in question.

Actually, I'm looking forward to the entertaining ways that so many folks are going to try and spin this one. And I am curious about the Sprint Center opening act.

8-Year-Old Killed In OP Collision

Thursday night's sad story

The TKC Ketchup: Luck of the draw

Handing out jail time like crazy: Ellmaker Gets 50 Years In Social Worker Slaying

TKC already has insomnia . . . This isn't helping: Man With Knife Assaults Sleeping Woman

Your sentimental story of the day: Dealer Replaces Woman's Stolen Scooter

Lucky local bastard: Man Claims $1.8M Lotto Jackpot

Graffiti on rise in KC parks

Fewer juvies in jail because Jackson County Family Court

Doh! A dangerous deer lover

Channel 9 reports even more news that makes animal rights activists look insane: A jury has found a woman guilty of firing in the direction of some hunters near her Platte County home.

Eating out in KC (ew)

Local blog Ancillary Adams has dived right in to the Kansas City restaurant scene (ugh) and comes up with a FANTASTIC LIST OF LOCAL RESTAURANTS (and their accompanying links) you might want to try if you haven't already.

Personally, I prefer to eat out as little as possible . . . Eh, you know where I'm going with this and it's just as gross and unappetizing as so many local eateries.

TKC supports standing up for scumbags!!!

A thoughtful post by a local blogger: "Another reason why panhandling isn’t a problem in KC"

We've all got our transportation (scheme) troubles

Branson Trolley Plan to be proposed Monday

For once, a good looking glass house

From Paul Dorrell's local art blog: Glass Install by Vernon Brejcha at University of KS Hospital’s Cancer Center

It's all about the blog

I have a new blogger to recommend to you today. If you have a chance please check out:

Cabinessence in KC

It's a nifty new blog that's just kicking off in Kansas City, definitely worth a look and a link.

As for myself, not a lot of posts yesterday but I promise I'll try and do better today. I already have a few things that are catching my interest . . . So stay tuned and feel free to hit me with any suggestions.

By the way, that photo of Britney seems to just perfectly capture this summer, I think.

Everybody panic!!! Electric Avenue will fail

Yael Abouhalkah yanked himself out of the race for downtown cheerleader of the year award today when he finally faced reality regarding the inevitable failure of the P&L District.

Here are a few of the better reason why Kansas City is on the line for a lot of loot when the thing doesn't attract visitors who could go to the movies and/or shopping some place more convenient (with better parking and without the fear of homeless bastards killing and robbing them):

Figures released last week show public funds could be used to pay for an astounding 84 percent of the $319 million Power & Light project. That’s $269 million from taxpayers and an estimated $50 million from Cordish.

The district will need to rake in about $20 million every single year in taxes needed to repay the bonds. If that doesn’t happen, taxpayers will have to cough up the funds needed to close the gap.

The city expects to take in $506 million to cover $490 million in debt service over the next few decades.

And that's not gonna happen because downtown is nearly abandoned right now seeing that those stats about 16k people already living downtown were nothing but propaganda put out by the Downtown Council AND there's no reason to visit the chains that are more easily assessable, enjoyable and better secured in the suburbs.

The whole thing was a misguided notion anyway . . . Thinking that cute restaurants and childish attractions would save downtown . . . If they were serious they'd legalize gambling along with prostitution and cock fighting (no homo) . . . The sad fact that nobody wants to mention is that Downtown Kansas City's heyday was decadent and filled with vice (and the ensuing STD's) . . . There's no going back to those days and sadly it's going to take millions in debt to convince downtown cheerleaders that they've been misled.

Today Abouhalkah did his best to get himself of the hook, despite the fact that the bastard has cheered voter approval of these subsidies and tax breaks for downtown developments for years.

Now the Pitch is picking on the Kansas City area's most prominent Puerto Rican

Across the country the New Times media is known for "gotcha journalism" and I don't really have a problem with that . . . However, just as Kansas City has it's own spin on everything, the New Times "Alt-Mart" here in Kansas City has a special take on their corporate agenda: The Pitch is infamous in Kansas City for printing hatchet jobs on almost every minority appearing on their pages.

Example: Local Activist Alonzo Washington simply refuses to talk to them. He's not the only one, but he's one of the biggest names. Think about that, the guy who SOLVED the Precious Doe Case, who has won countless awards and recently was recognized by Ford for his crime fighting efforts won't give these people the time of day. And while going on the Internet and taking his message directly to the people has earned Washington more acclaim, publicity and credibility . . . The dawning of the Internet age in journalism obviously doesn't hold the same promise for them.

I think it's funny that they constantly take pot shots at me and I'm ready to fire them back at them for as long as we're both taking in air but they've also threatened to "out" other bloggers and have basically pouted when the couldn't co-opt every local blogger with the a link . . . Do your research and you'll find that it's New Times policy that their employees can't even have a blog that isn't hosted/controlled by the publication . . . That's not exactly encouraging for folks who are excited about New Media.

Anyway, back to one of their feature stories . . . They're attacking KCMO School District Superintendent Anthony Amato for wanting to make changes and talking to every corn flake who has a grudge.

Don't get me wrong, I don't have any hope for KC Schools whatsoever and I believe that most of the Amato's efforts amount to nothing but rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic but their attack piece seems laughable when compared to how they've tirelessly defended Mayor Funkhouser who is noted (and despised by me) for some of the same brash tactics and talk of "reform."

It's worse than a double standard because it's ideology disguised as journalism.

The Pith has an agenda the same as everybody else and part of it is to put forth the idea that the way of the upwardly mobile white hipster is what will save Kansas City and that's absolutely not true given that now (predictably) even the Crossroads is subject to random shootings and the hipster/liberal tendency to ignore problems that aren't easily fixed with some form of welfare or marriage rights for homersexuals complicates their understanding.

In my opinion (the only one that counts) the Pitch simply has a problem with minorities in power . . . They sell/imply demeaning stereotypes about corruption and incompetence but overlook those same traits in their liberal champions.

I'm not the only one noting these things either, I always try and direct people to a fabulous essay written by journalist Jimi Izrael about his experience with the New Times organization. Here's one of the money lines: New Times is not known for their kind treatment of minorities, on the page or otherwise.

I've encountered these type of people all of my life so the tacit bigotry of liberals is nothing new to me . . . They want so desperately to pat local Latinos on the head when they're singing and playing the guitar but the second those same Latinos want a bigger piece of the pie or some power . . . They're out to deport you faster than the conservatives who were at least honest in the first place.

And what have been Amato's great sins? He cut a welfare program that had nothing to do with education, he has ruffled feathers from the same flock of complainers who have been responsible for the generations long downward spiral of the district . . . And the claim that he has alienated every teacher in the school district is supported only by anecdotal evidence and is basically the kind of hyperbole TKC pulls of better than some so-called alt-rag.

For this article, they've come up with 5 steps they believe apply to Amato's career here in KC . . . So in turn, I've come up with 5 of my own realizations about The Pitch and suggestions for some of their staffers:

1. Pretend that KC is just a cool as the larger media markets where you one day hope to write.

2. Laugh behind Nadia Pflaum's back every time TKC notes that she's a chicken head.

3. Try to date Jen Chen. When that fails give serious thought to going the ghey because the office is inundated with them . . . Note: This first and foremost applies to the men. The women probably take a swipe at Chen as well because she's cute but then they're pretty much reduced to being what many homosexuals have deemed "Fag hags" which is why all the broads who work for the publication (except Chen) are so bitter. Also, lament the fact that your boss is a lot like the lady from "The Devil Wears Prada" only without the style and with the distinct scent of patchouli oil.

4. Pretend not to notice that most Pitch distribution points are half full with unread copies . . . Also, ignore the environmental implications of all that wasted paper because being a liberal is really about dressing casually and buying cool t-shirts not the business you practice.

5. Get another tattoo.

Note from Tony: I just thought I'd include a photo of New York's Puerto Rican Day Parade to honor Amato's heritage and because it angers/offends/scares white people when anybody but the Irish demonstrate even a little bit of ethnic pride.

KC koalas aren't cute

I have no idea who is doing the advertising for the Kansas City Zoo but they are brilliant. The recent koala campaign claiming the sleepy little critters are "cute" is a classic bait and switch technique considering the little furry meatloafs do nothing but sleep for 18-22 hours a day (what we refer to as "a blogger's schedule) and it also turns out that a great many of the koalas in captivity have the clap.

“As much as 40-50 per cent of koalas coming into care in both QLD and NSW are showing clinical signs of the disease and it seems to be getting worse,” Professor Peter Timms from the Queensland University of Technology said . . . “Chlamydia has been a major problem in the koala population for a long time,” he said.

I know, I know the story is from Australia but let's not forget that tigers at the KC Zoo with feline AIDS who are cast off into the some far away cage where they look to be pretty bummed out about the whole thing . . . Seems like a more appropriate marketing slogan might be: "Come and see the skanks of the wild" but I guess that requires too much explaining to the kids who normally seem disinterested and out of breath halfway into the Africa exhibit . . . So, cleaning up the image of the STD infested captives at the Zoo might be a good idea after all and at least the koalas are having more fun in captivity than all of the other worthless animals.

Not your Pay Pal in Northeast

A fantastic must read article from the Northeast News: "A recent study of payday loan locations in Kansas City, Mo. found 112 storefronts in operation. New ones haven’t been allowed to get business licenses since January, and Councilwoman Jan Marcason made sure the moratorium continued long enough for the city to take action against what social service workers and neighborhood leaders feel is a blight on the community."

Looking at Uranus near Union Station

That made me laugh so screw you: The exhibit, called Voyage, promises to shrink interplanetary space to the point where one foot equals 2 million miles. It's a walking tour offering a permanent scale model of the solar system reaching from the downtown loop to Union Station.

Loch Lloyd resident Tammy Faye on Larry King Tonight

8 p.m. on CNN

City Hall indulges crackpot

Clay Chastain wasted a lot of time yesterday with light rail his pipe dream that will never happen . . . More than anything, his cavalier attitude about completely ignoring the minority community and leaving them with nothing but the scraps of his "plan" is indicative of so many light rail lovers.

Sharon Sanders Brooks asked whether any of her inner-city district would be included in the light rail. She was troubled when Chastain said no. He emphasized that her district would benefit from bus routes and electric shuttles that would carry riders to the light-rail system.

Eh, the only rail I'm interested in is the one they eventually ride him out of town on when he sues the city . . . Too bad the media seemed to buy his line about not getting into an adversarial relationship when his plan is ultimately rejected and at the very least changed dramatically, the fact is . . . If you take him at his word . . . He promises nothing less than a full tilt, expensive lawsuit should City Hall veer from his "vision" - a term that crazy people and peyote smoking Native Americans use along with development dunces like Chastain.

White people don't believe racism exists unless there is videotape evidence

Dashcam Video: Police force pregnant woman on belly