KANSAS CITY IS CURSED!!!

I've lived here all of my life. Anyone who has any "history" in Kansas City knows this town has a certain vibe.

There's something peculiar about Kansas City and its people that nobody mentions . . . Like someone breaking wind in a crowded elevator at work or a girlfriend putting on 20lbs. I don't know if it comes from living in the middle of the most powerful nation on the planet or because this was once a spot where the Natives roamed freely before (white) people nearly erased them from history prior to the word genocide being invented.

Still, there's no denying that Kansas City's "character" has a crazy, racist, unreliable, mediocre, corrupt and uncaring vibe to it . . . Very much like a troubled spirit or a working class white broad with a mild to serious drug habit.

Here are some examples to prove my point:



An exhibit featuring dead Chinese people is soon to come to town. There have been some very serious doubts that all of these dead Chinese folks featured in funny poses have given their consent to be involved in the disturbing display . . . And most likely the dead Chinese fetuses which are going to be shown in the Union Station side show didn't sign any papers. Strangely, eerily TKC was one of the few people to raise any concerns about the ethical implications of this show while the rest of the ghouls in the KC area have mistaken a carnival act for science which only further displays the ghastly kind of people in the area and their lack of concern for anyone who doesn't fit their demographic. Really, if Kansas City is cursed than this nearly blasphemous body exhibit will only make things worse . . . I've read that Chinese people are pretty particular about the treatment of the dead and there's always ensuing trouble when traditions are broken if old Charlie Chan movies have informed me correctly.



The Latinos around Kansas City are pissed off as of late. Like the Chinese, these are very superstitious people and making them angry regularly brings curses and bad juju of all sorts. Sure, there's a tendency to ignore the spiritual aspect of our daily lives . . . But I know better. I once walked through my great grandmother's house with dirty shoes and she promised me that I would live in a basement until I was 40 despite my best efforts for the affront to her home. Since that time I dare not cross angry Latinas. I try and pay them the proper amount of respect.



Let's not forget that most of this City ignores almost each and every murder on the Eastside. A lot of the victims are young, Black men . . . The circumstances of their deaths are often troubling. The prospect of so many lives taken violently, before their time and in anger certainly could give way to a few lost souls lingering about Kansas City and haunting this town while we do our best to ignore the specter of so much carnage in KC's minority communities.

(Editor's note: All right enough already with the magical, mystical people of color angle.)



On a somewhat brighter note, the delusion of light rail in Kansas City has brought out one weirdo after the next with insane plans that almost have to be from the great beyond. The pie in the sky designs don't make any sense and people who see through the efforts (that often come from folks who don't even live in KC Proper) pray that they don't awake to a nightmare in which these dolts are taken seriously.



Every sports fan in Kansas City knows that this town's teams have been cursed since the frightful Christmas evening in 1971 when Jan Stenerud missed a game-winning field goal with only 35 seconds left on the clock in what will always be the longest game in NFL History. This was the last Chiefs team that was truly competitive. The heartbreaking loss crushed the spirit of the Chiefs and now ALL of KC's teams are DOOMED to mediocrity with occasional lapses of brilliance that only serve to remind us how much they all suck.



Finally, the ghost of Boss Tom is still at play in Kansas City politics. He laughs at the foolish efforts of every reformer and grins while almost every high powered Kansas City administration falls into the lingering system of corruption that he perfected. Boss Tom's spell cast Kansas City into an endless cycle of gerrymandered districts drawn upon racial and class lines, political committees that mostly serve to control constituencies rather than represent them and the very fact that our most important elections take place in the coldest part of the year when even fewer people bother to make it out to the polls is proof of his presence.

Sure, modern science, our high tech world and most legitimate organized religions tell us that curses and ghouls aren't real but it's hard to find another excuse for a town with so much potential remaining mired in apathy, mediocrity, palpable racial tension and mindlessly chasing one pipe dream after the next for oh so many years. The possibility certainly exists that otherworldly forces are at play . . . Or maybe expecting greatness from a Cowtown is losing proposition.

X-Mas in Octorber

Star 102 is playing X-mas music today in a bold marketing attempt to make everyone say "Why in the Hell are they playing X-mas music so early?"

The world (or at least all of KC media) is starting to resemble and early morning talk show.

Old school photography in Kansas City

According to the world's most accurate encyclopedia: The daguerreotype is an early type of photograph, developed by Louis Daguerre, in which the image is exposed directly onto a mirror-polished surface of silver bearing a coating of silver halide particles deposited by iodine vapor . . . The daguerreotype is a negative image, but the mirrored surface of the metal plate reflects the image and makes it appear positive in the proper light. Thus, daguerreotype is a direct photographic process without the capacity for duplication.

This old school form of photography will be the subject of this year's Daguerreian Society Symposium, which runs from Thursday through Sunday at the Nelson-Atkins Museum.

While the locals haven't been paying much attention to news from the Nelson (and who could blame them?) and basically ignoring the ugly ass addition the Museum on general principle, another media blog promotes the event with the following passage:

The symposium itself will include a celebration of the museum's recently acquired Hallmark Photographic Collection, a jaw-dropping 6,500 works by 900 artists, including everyone from "dag" legends Southworth & Hawes to Lee Friedlander and Cindy Sherman.

For more old school artsy news check out the press release the Nelson-Atkins Museum put together promoting the photography event.

And while I don't find the subject exciting in the least, I will note that it keeps in the tradition of Kansas City peeps paying far too much respect to the past and maybe hints that the new Bloch building is already looking a bit outdated and a lot like something that was dreamed up in 1999.

KANSAS CITY DROPOUT FACTORIES!!!

A FANTASTIC REPORT FROM KMBC: Twenty Missouri schools and seven Kansas schools were identified by Johns Hopkins University researchers as "dropout factories" because no more than 60 percent of the students who start as freshmen make it to their senior year.

Here's the KC List The percentage is the percent of students who start as freshmen and make it to their senior years:

Southeast High, Kansas City, 39 percent

Southwest Charter, Kansas City, 45 percent

Van Horn High, Kansas City, 34 percent

Even worse, The Latino Community in Kansas City has a higher dropout rate than any of these schools and so far, because Mayor Funky as mad at local Latinos . . . No one from his Administration has contacted prominent members of our community to take part in his widely touted "Education Summit" . . . Thank you Frances Semler!!!

Local Latino educators, wait for a panicked phone call from Joe Miller in 3, 2 . . .

They are not Mething around!!!

Northland drug sweep starts this morning.

Secrets of the dead: I (vaguely) knew Tony Rios but I can't write about his demise

Every time I hear about Tony Rios and Olivia Raya case I have to cringe.

Don't get me wrong. The family and friends of these two are doing a lot of great work for a good cause nowadays.

But what makes me uncomfortable is that we'll never read or hear the whole story about the case in the mainstream media. And I won't (can't) go into it because I have to live in this community. Of course they'll be interesting and disturbing details eventually released in the court documents but most people won't pay attention.

Everyone is sticking to some fairy tale story about a home invasion and innocent victims and nobody is asking questions which may impact the lives of other people in the metro. Obviously, it's nearly impossible to ask people to be forthcoming while they're grieving but the attempt to turn the deceased into martyrs begs a lot of questions . . . Which I don't have the heart to ask.

So many people die under violent circumstances in Kansas City . . . There are always rumors. I've heard talk of mysterious circumstances in one case after the next over the time I've run this blog . . . Annony e-mails making bold claims often find their way to me. From expensive and lavish graduation gifts to any number of alleged improprieties involved in a murder; I've read and heard it all. So I'm not casting any aspersions and I'm not implying a thing. And in this case I'm wouldn't dare report rumor other than to note that the talk is out there and it's loud.

Thankfully, the killers of this couple have been arrested and are awaiting trial.

My only concern is that so many problems in the Latino Community go unmentioned. Of course we're comprised of many different social strata but at a very basic level we are a community (like many others) which struggles with drugs, gang violence, HIV/AIDS, a high drop out rate, diabetes, single motherhood, teen pregnancy, obesity and a predisposition to listen to horrible bands dressed up in glittery cowboy outfits. But refusing to talk about these problems won't make them go away.

As a kid I knew Tony Rios. You won't be surprised but the guy couldn't stand me. In his world I was sort of a nerd, a bigmouth and know it all and NOT the Juggernaut of the KC Internets the loyal readers of this blog know today. What I remember is that, unfortunately, the guy didn't have the widespread family support that marks the backers of Olivia Raya's Scholarship fund. For most of his life, the kid was on his own with only his grandma left to care for him. Sadly, tragic and violent deaths like the one he suffered aren't uncommon. Because of that, the work of the Olivia Raya Scholarship Fund is important but it's also important to express the reality of the news that so often goes unreported to other Latino youngsters who may be confronting the same challenges which face our community but sadly go unmentioned.

Triangulating light rail support is so much more complex than simply taking the bus

Here's a made-up headline: Citizens group urges KC council to repeal Chastain light rail election . . . I know people from KC and most of them really like Democracy. Question: Now, these aren't the same "citizens" that James Nutter SEEMED to pull out of nowhere in order to get a petition to thwart Clay Chastain's light rail . . . But now that The Star has proved to be nothing more than a PR machine on this topic, you can't really trust their reporting. My money is on the fact that these citizens are the same kind of people who are impressed by phone calls from reporters . . . Clay Chastain's light rail plan is stupid. The Star's light rail efforts are slimy.

BIG NEWS: KC lawyers accused of loaning money to judge get a slap on the wrist!!!

Judge Deborah Neal got prison time but allegedly crooked lawyers get a bad mark on their permanent record . . . The SUPREMACY at work in this case is a Kansas City tradition and will undoubtedly fuel speculation as to why this town STAYS SO CROOKED.

"Blunt's Eckersley Scandal, Day Three"

At first there was a lot of outrage about this scandal and now I'm think that people are just waiting for election day to give Blunt his walking papers.

Hockey fans prefer Kansas City

I don't think the Predators are coming to Kansas City because this (small media market) town has served as a bargaining chip so many times before . . . But it's interesting to note that a great many hockey fans would "rather see the Preds uproot and head out west than to see the league further dilute its talent pool by adding two more teams."

Mac Lethal is the Pat Boone of KC's Rap Scene and his hipster music is theft!!!

Unlike most music critics, I never believed that Elvis was mainly a product of cultural appropriation or some devious attempt to "steal" traditionally Black music. Elvis had his own, special kind of swagger - Who could really diss a guy who was banned below the waist at one point?!!! At heart I've always wanted to believe the style of Elvis was post-modern and deeply influenced by the secret racial/cultural intermingling of the South.

On the other hand, Pat Boone was just part of a marketing gimmick to take Black music and sell it to white middle-class teenagers. Sadly, THE SAME TACTIC OF CULTURAL APPROPRIATION IS AT WORK IN THE MUSIC OF MAC LETHAL AND HIS CATERING TO THE HIPSTER CROWD!!!

Let's be clear, hip-hop/rap music in its purest form is the product of African-American culture. A few Puerto Ricans helped out in certain sections of the Bronx but by-in-large hip-hop speaks to the lives and experience of Black people.

On the other hand, a Mac Lethal show is host to largely hipster fans, in mostly white venues and celebrated by a completely white media "alternative" structure. Remember that Eminem at least earned a lot of credibility by performing in predominantly African-American venues in Detroit and even Kid Rock found his voice by acknowledging the intermingling of groups like Run-DMC and Lynard Skynard in his music.

But Mac Lethal is pulling off nothing more than a heist as he steals a traditionally Black form of music and recycles it for a hipster crowd.

Even worse, Mac Lethal was recently quoted in an interview outright dissing KC rappers and mischaracterizing Kansas City's hip-hop community:

What’s the hip-hop scene in Kansas City like?

It’s a lot of gangsters. It’s a lot of Bay-area wannabe gangsters. Everyone is like, “Well, we live in the Midwest, so we get a little of the East Coast and a little of the West Coast and a little of the South...” No. Definitely not. We get Bay Area and Houston, Texas influence only in Kansas City.

And then there’s me and a bunch of other underground rappers. And I guess I’m an underground rapper.

And I’ll tell you one thing. You being from Austin – if you ask me if I like Austin barbecue better than Kansas City barbecue, you will get shot.

Disgusting. Yeah, Mac Lethal is going to shoot somebody. The guy has obviously been reading too many back issues of The Pitch from 2005. Really, I thought this kind of caricature interpretation of African-American culture went out in the days of the Amos and Andy Radio Show.

This take on KC rap completely ignores the work of guys like Reach or even other Kansas City hip-hop collectives like innate sounds.

This is not the way hip-hop in Kansas City looks no matter what the d-bags of the Pitch want to write:



Mac Lethal claims to be an underground artist but we've seen this kind of schtick before . . . Mac Lethal's music is Pat Boone, Vanilla Ice and every attempt to profit from another culture without embracing its people.

Members of the "Cauldron" cheer on the Wizards despite the lack of company

The Wizards don't have many fans but their few loyalists are EXTREMELY enthusiastic. A recent article from the LJ World explains: "The Wizards managed to attract only 11,586 per game in 2007. The pitiful crowds gave the team the unenviable distinction of being the worst draw in MLS." However, a group of diehards in sections 102 and 103 of Arrowhead Stadium known as "The Cauldron" keep things interesting. And that's really cool, but I still don't think we should build them a stadium.

Semler talk follows Mayor Funky

An advocate for Red Bridge Road reports that even on unrelated subjects the Semler controversy follows Mayor Funky as "The Elephant in The Room." Of course, the few remaining white people in South KC support the Mayor on the topic and that's cool, sadly I've always thought the Red Bridge Group would have even more leverage if they recruited a more diverse following . . . But in the end, it's good to see Red Bridge Folks keep fighting for their cause as this AWESOME LOCAL BLOGGER AND KC NEIGHBORHOOD ADVOCATE SUGGESTS: "Maybe the Mayor and his family should refrain from trips to their dacha in the Ozarks until we get things sorted out."

"BOB BARKER HAS MOVED ON. SHOULDN'T YOU?"

Harsh promo for a KSHB daytime talk show. Damn. Grandma, school skippers and the unemployed better watch or they'll be left behind and dead!!!

Vaguely bigoted blog post bashes largest Black political organization in Kansas City

I thought I would let this slide because it's not really important but once again I want to point out the attitudes that prevail in Mayor Funky's kitchen cabinet. Local blogger Dan does a nice job in suggesting that Freedom Inc. is basically a money making operation and again he calls for reform in a community that's not his own where he has no stake real stake . . . This kind of self-righteous labeling and name calling is the status quo among Funk supporters and accuses Freedom Inc. of greed when we know that ALL POLITICS IS RUN ON CASH AND THERE IS NO POLITICAL CONTINGENT ON THE PLANET THAT DOESN'T HAVE AN INTEREST IN THE SORDID TOPIC OF COIN. Politics is power and it's troubling to think that Mayor Funky's Bunch likes to cast aspersions on every community's motives without acknowledging that Funky's staff (nullus) is one of the highest paid in recent memory. Really, I KNOW this is a joke blog but it's also laughable that Funky supporters can't realize this kind of condescending attitude is why they have such little pull in KC's minority communities.

UPDATE: Here's another good post on the subject . . . Glorias Attack Dog Bites At Freedom On Behalf of Funkhouser

Goodbye Bob

Sad news to start the day . . . Robert Goulet, 'Camelot' Star, Dapper Singer, Dead at Age 73. Somehow the world seems just a little bit less smooth.

The TKC Halloween Costume Party!!!

Throughout my childhood, I didn't really care for Halloween as a holiday. I never grew accustomed to the concept of taking food from strangers and all the festivities really just seemed like a pain in the ass.

Contrastingly, my younger brother LOVED THE HOLIDAY as a kid. As a child he couldn't completely understand or explain it but when he grew older he told me that the holiday didn't seem to carry as much guilt as other yearly celebrations. X-mas and Easter were for Jesus. Thanksgiving was really about family, birthdays only marked the time until your eventual demise and the 4th of July is for America . . . He explained that only Halloween offers the opportunity for people to have fun without explanation and take the rare opportunity to be someone or something else.

My little brother was always brilliant.

To wit . . . If I ever got the cash together, TKC would like to throw a Halloween costume party among this town's politicos and popular media figures. If it was held on this Halloween, the following list represents who I would invite and the most appropriate costume they could wear:

- Darla Jaye is now the Queen of Kansas City's talk radio airwaves thanks in no small part to the current Semler controversy. In fact, she's so popular that she would have no trouble living up to another American icon: Ronald McDonald. Thankfully, she'd only have to apply a bit of extra makeup in order to mask her Italian-American (read: illegal immigrant) heritage but I'm sure she'd probably fill the big shoes with no problem. Really, I think she would be great to have at any party and her big, beautiful smile would fill the room when she wasn't accusing everyone of blackmail.

- Of course no Kansas City party is complete without Country Club Kay. I imagine her wearing the sexy Cabaret outfit featured here and maybe doing a little song and dance as if a tax increase was on the table. Her presence would lend a bit of class to the affair and I'm sure she'd show up as long as it was clear that somebody else was paying.

- Obviously, current Mayor Funky is one of the most sought after guests for any Kansas City party. He'd be the guest of honor at TKC's Halloween bash provided he dressed up in a Spock costume and explained the cold Vulcan logic involved in sticking to his "principles" despite the fact his controversial appointment to the Parks Board broke at least 3 major campaign promises and it's costing him the slim margin of support he had after a close election.

- More than anyone else I want Kathryn Shields at the TKC Halloween bash. Of course the Jabba costume is a prerequisite but I think she would wear it well and maybe it would inspire her to come up with some new and inventive ways to stay out of jail . . . Like maybe a barter: Her freedom for Han Solo's body frozen in carbonite. It could happen!!!

- Of course the most important thing about a Halloween party is that it MUST stay interesting . . . Inviting Chris Stigall really wouldn't help out on that front but it's always a good idea to have one dork around in case anybody needs a designated driver or somebody wants to pick a fight with a chump that can be beaten easily. Judging from the fact that 3/5ths of his blog posts are about TKC, I'm sure Stigall would attend my Halloween party. And he might even dress like Himmler, because I'm guessing that's the costume he wears at home on most weekday nights anyway. Scumbag Stigall = SS . . . There's a connection there and the guy also has an unhealthy and obsessive devotion to Sam Graves . . . So it would be great to have the dude at a TKC party if only to make sure the gathering was a model of efficiency and expediency.

- If Jackson County Executive Mike Sanders knows about this blog, then he probably doesn't ever risk wearing a black turtle neck sweater and just being himself . . . But at the TKC costume party, he could do just that!!!

- At parties it's hard to find somebody who actually knows what they're talking about when it comes to sports. For my money, Jack Harry is one of the few local sportscasters who wouldn't sell his soul for luxury press box accommodations AND actually knows a lot about the sports which he covers. The Duke Nuke'em costume does him justice not only because it compliments his haircut but also because Jack Harry kicks ass.

- I would be remiss if I didn't invite Frances Semler to my Halloween party. I would look forward to her presence but only if she showed up as a topless Bea Arthur. Believe me, if this broad is as feisty as she seems there's no way she would balk at a TKC invite.

- Unfortunately, as Mayor Funkhouser has learned, if you invite Frances Semler somewhere . . . The Minutemen will show up as well. They don't really need costumes but I am hoping they leave their guns at home.

- I'm sure by now you've guessed that you can't have the Minutemen at a party without Mexicans: They wouldn't have anybody to oppress!!! Clearly, the best disguise for any Mexican illegal immigrant on Halloween is that of a space alien . . . People tend to be a lot less afraid of space invaders than they are of mojados. The threat of world domination by people from another planet doesn't rank high on the list of fears for white people but the prospect of listening to Spanish on the radio or at a restaurant is downright frightening. TKC Party game: Have the Minutemen guard the door and see how many Mexicans still find their way in using the windows, ventilations ducts or posing as caterers.

- Jared Allen = One of the Geico cavemen? Tell me you can't see it! Also, I have to give the guy credit; he plays as if he's in some kind of primordial struggle for fire or food and shelter. Also, the guy is just damn entertaining to watch assuming he doesn't have access to car keys.

- I don't know how the logistics of this will work out but I'd like to invite light rail to my Halloween party. Of course everyone will disagree on the best directions to give light rail to the shin dig but in the end I'm sure light rail will find a way by simply using the bus and asking directions from the few people who actually use public transportation in Kansas City and know this town's streets better than anyone.

- Obviously I'm going to dress up for the TKC Halloween Costume Party as well. I'll probably just wear my Alfonso Bedoya costume from his role in The Treasure of the Sierra Madre . . . I've already go the hat and the rest of the costume is pretty much what I walk around in every day.

At this point, I notice that their aren't any Black people or many local KC residents of color at my party . . . That's not really an omission, actually I'm simply assuming that there's a better party planned which most of the folks at this one don't know about yet . . . So I'll probably just mingle a bit and then skip out to the much cooler affair that isn't completely dominated by politics, millionaire athletes, billionaire sports franchise owners, one tax increase after the next and a lot of bad decisions.

KANSAS CITY DINING SPECIALS!!!

Everyone needs help eating out (heh) and now a local website is here to help you find your way to the most affordable restaurant options in Kansas City. The site is the brainchild of local blogger Shane and a business partner. CHECK IT OUT and don't forget to tip your waitresses.

New blog: Midtown Miscreant

Yet another TKC commenter has set forth on a bloggy journey and I couldn't be happier. Please check out The Random Ramblings of a Midtown Miscreant . . . If the first post is any indication, the blog is going to be a great read by yet another middle-aged white dude that's often mistaken for a ghey. Still, good stuff and worth reading if local blogging is your bag, baby.

TKC salutes Mary Sanchez!!!

Later on today I may go to yet another meeting about the whole Semler controversy, if it doesn't get in the way of my nap . . . But lately I've been thinking about the voices in the mainstream media who have spoken out regarding this subject.

Nearly every columnist at The Star has filed an article about the controversy and Minuteman/Immigration opinions have dominated the talk radio airwaves.

Yet, for all of the talk and wasted words there have been few instances of media types advocating for the local Latino Community or, god forbid, on behalf of immigrants (undocumented or otherwise). The exception which points out the rule has been a very brave column by Barbra Shelly where she equates illegal immigration with jaywalking.

Nevertheless, TKC has always been a big fan of people speaking up for themselves. While there have been several Latino reporters doing some great work on the story, Latino commentators are few and far between. Sadly, Mary Sanchez is probably the most prominent Latina opinion-maker in Kansas City and her writing on the subject has been uninspired to say the least.

Let me prove my point . . .

As I've noted previously, throughout this entire controversy talk radio hosts have been on a rampage and have thrown one insult after the next toward Local Latinos and the National Council of La Raza. As is their right, they've used divisive rhetoric and taken calls from every suburban d-bag in the greater KC area who can't help but assert that Mayor Funkhouser is the greatest guy they can't vote for despite the fact that he's a self-proclaimed liberal with a barefoot wife that practices some strange form of voodoo or ritual communication with the spirit world.

Meanwhile Mary Sanchez has turned in a grand total of two milquetoast columns which do nothing more than apologize for brown people with opinions.

In her first piece (heh) the Pitch noted that she was "calm and thoughtful" which doesn't really do anyone any good but only helps to feed the columnist's ego.

A few weeks later, Sanchez spoke up a little bit more with all the excitement of a freshman term paper and wished for "calmer, better-informed voices" despite the fact that her colleagues were either vehemently singing the praises of the Minutemen or defending Mayor Funky with every keystroke.

Put simply, this hasn't been a debate which has relied on subtlety and in her role as one of the most prominent local Latina opinion columnists she has put the Latino community at a disadvantage with her mousy writing.



At this point, folks might argue one of two things:

1. 71 percent of Kansas City Hispanics don’t think Francis Semler should removed from the Park Board. This is just disinformation. Really, if this might mean that Mayor Funky's poll numbers could be higher than originally reported, I'll concede that but this poll is the furthest thing from the truth I've ever seen reported. My expertise: I've done community reporting in Latino neighborhoods for almost ten years. I've been to more than half a dozen community meetings at which people have spoken out against this appointment and my name has a lot more vowels than any of the white people who might prize this manufactured stat.

Really, I don't know where they dug up the Puerto Ricans who answered this question but I've talked with at least a dozen influential Latinos from big organizations (non-profit and businesses) around the City and they are ALL pretty peeved about the Semler appointment. Let's be clear: The Latino Leadership couldn't have made so many bold moves in this situation without a lot of consensus on their side. Are their dissenting opinions? Of course, but the impetus is on those people to make their voices heard and not supporters of the Minutemen or Mayor Funkhouser to actively seek them out and falsely proclaim them as any more authentic than those who disagree with bigoted rhetoric . . . In fact, the Mayor has already tried to use this divide and conquer tactic and it didn't do him much good and created a lot of problems for the people in question . . . In the end, Mayor Funky has resorted to bringing his Hispanic neighbor to meetings geared toward the Latino community and that is a better indication of his level of support among a segment of Kansas City voters who previously endorsed him with record numbers. Really, if there were many prominent opponents to the Semler debate in the Latino Community they've had more than ample time to make their voices heard . . . But that hasn't happened and if it did, these folks wouldn't have much credibility for long. What's more likely: Only white people are promoting this poll and those same people don't know much else about KC's Latino Community.

2. On the subject of representation some folks might say: "Mary Sanchez achieved her position (heh) through her own merit and she should not be beholden to any group simply because they share her same ethnicity."

Ah, if only we lived in a world that was so fair, cute and cuddly. The fact is, Mary Sanchez is the Star's window dressing when it comes to the Latino Community. There's nothing captivating about her writing and she is most likely the least provocative columnist in The Star's stable . . . Mind you, being a columnist in and of itself dictates that you must revel in controversy at least at some level and not simply plead for well reasoned (i.e. boring) ideas to prevail. Throughout the course of my (failed) writing career I've come into contact with Latinos who have slaved away in the news business for years without a substantial reward and people who were simply shut out of media because of their complexion. Because of the long history of Latinos being denied access to the mainstream media, Sanchez has an obligation to at least quote people from the Latino community rather than simply reacting like a coward (or a damsel in distress) when things get rough. If she wants to quote Latino dissenters, fine . . . Give them a chance to state their opinion but the fact is that for all intents and purposes Sanchez is a gatekeeper at The Star when the rest of the staff seems to be engaged in advocacy either for light rail or Mayor Funky.



Still, I know how hard it is to be caught in the middle (I once dated two fat woman at the same time).

Therefore I have to note that Sanchez has done an excellent job staying above the fray. While other minority columnists at The Star like Steve Penn and Lewis Diuguid have endured a bevy of pot shots while advocating for causes in the African-American community . . . Mary "Dirty" Sanchez is careful to shy away from controversy, urge Latinos to keep their voices down and revel in her token status. Sure, that's not a very inspiring strategy but it goes a long way toward keeping a writer clean of any controversy, well stocked in smart business suits and utterly forgettable in the minds of folks who really care about the Semler debate.

Blunt e-mail backlash continues

The Internets across the Show-Me State is abuzz regarding the Blunt deleted e-mail scandal.

Here are some links which tell the story:

An attorney (Scott Eckersley) fired by Gov. Matt Blunt’s office says he lost his job after challenging the administration’s stance on releasing e-mails to the public.

Ex-Blunt staffer raises questions about his firing

Blunt lawyer claims fired because questioned office handling of emails

A former attorney for Gov. Matt Blunt claims he was fired after raising questions about e-mail deletions in the governor's office, though Blunt's administration claims he was let go for poor performance and misusing state resources.

Blunt Fires Attorney for Informing Him That Martin and Others Are Breaking the Law

Personally, I believe almost every bad thing I read about Gov. Matt Blunt because he's a spoiled rich kid, he cut off A TON of people from Medicaid and he wants the Missouri State Highway Patrol to deport me because I have dark hair . . . And judging from his horribly low poll numbers, it's clear that most of Missouri is tired of the guy's song and dance as well.

Interesting aside: A bit of mudslinging over Eckersley's background seems to be the latest point of contention . . .

More detail has come out on the Scott Eckersley saga. Copies of his emails and the warrant for his arrest are showing up on blogs across the state. (A link would be nice.)

Internet Scumbags Attack Eckersley, Try to Intimidate the Media

My only question: Do people hate Mexicans so much that they would re-elect Gov. Blunt? The guy has half the state saying he might be breaking the law in addition to many folks criticizing his lack of progress when it comes to jobs, education and health care in Missouri . . . So, he's going to have to work REALLY hard in order to blame all Latinos for his shortcomings.

GRANDMA IS NOT GARBAGE!!!

The Star: KC man admits throwing 85-year-old woman into trash bin

Indy PD Drug Testing Concerns

Recently, I received an annony e-mail which really highlights the disconnect between the police force in Independence and their citizens. The e-mail contains a valid question but then again, you might remember from last year that the police in Independence don't exactly like to hear pointed remarks or anything resembling a complaint.

Here's the question:

I'm paranoid of the Independence Police Department so I don't want to raise any issues about them on the internet, but I'm wondering if at some point when you're reporting the Yvette Hayes incident, if you could pose the question of whether or not Independence cops are drug-tested for steroids? I'm pretty sure they're not, because they're all beefy and hostile, but I think they should be . . .

I have no idea whether or not the Indy PD is tested for steroids but I know for a fact that when folks consider their police department to be "beefy and hostile" it's not a good sign of decent community relations and the folks out that way might want to do some heavy lifting regarding the concerns of their constituents.

UMKC change up

Here's a bit of inside scoop from my Alma mater: John Amato recently resigned as Vice Chancellor for University Advancement. His resignation takes effect on October 31, 2007 . . . Spooooooky.

Here's the press release from the Chancellor on the subject:

John Amato has informed me of his intent to resign as Vice Chancellor for University Advancement, effective October 31, 2007.

I want to thank John for his contribution to the advancement of UMKC and ask that you join me in wishing him the best in his future endeavors.

I soon will be meeting with the University Advancement staff to discuss next steps for the division.

Guy Bailey

Now, here's the wordy announcement dating back to when the guy was initially hired:

UMKC names John Amato as Vice Chancellor, University Advancement

Infer what you'd like from this not so minor departure but the AWESOME TKC TIPSER who sent this my way believes that top level staff abandoning ship isn't a good sign for Chancellor Bailey's administration.

I think the phrase the guy used was: "typical tenure at Ghetto U." which actually makes me nostalgic for my college days.

Halloween time brings out wackos like paranormal investigators and neocons

There is no such thing as ghosts . . . Also, law is pretty much a myth too.

So, Jackson County isn't winning the war against drugs? You're kidding?

Hey, despite the fact (I've heard) that drugs are just as easy to get as they ever were doesn't mean that you should stop paying taxes to ensure that more poor people and minorities are put behind bars.

To wit, Mike Sanders is very smartly working to reorganize Jackson County's COMBAT program so it won't seem like yet another outdated County initiative when it comes time to vote on the thing again:

Jackson County should reorganize its 18-year-old COMBAT anti-drug program, appoint a director and replace the program’s existing commission, a panel recommended Monday.

The COMBAT Review Committee released a report to the Jackson County Legislature that says the sales-tax-supported program lacks focus, is sometimes inefficient and is not well understood.

County Executive Mike Sanders appointed the eight-member committee of community leaders in February to review the COMBAT program, which is funded from a quarter-cent sales tax that raises $14 million to $18 million annually. The tax, first approved in 1989, is subject to renewal every seven years and is due for voter action again in 2010.

Politically, it's an extremely savvy move given that over the history of the program the drug problem in Jackson County has become worse, then slightly better and now just about the same as always (as of late) only with more tooth decay because of Meth.

Illegal bow hunter kills Bambi in Shawnee

Shawnee Officer Finds Deer Killed Illegally

It's always cheaper to bypass Democracy OR Clay Chastain's stupidity is costing all of KC

DeAnn Smith reports: Ed Ford said today that if the council repeals the plan, the city stands to save $500,000 in this year's budget, because that's how much an election could cost. Looks like the folks at City Hall are scared, along with the Star that the silly proposal might hold up again . . . At this point I find the Star's meddling and activism more annoying that Chastain so I might even consider voting for the thing again just to screw with Ford and Mayor Funky's bunch who don't want to hear any voices but their own.

Present Mag's Priests of Pallas pics 2007

Present Magazine provides some beautiful photos of an elitist gathering over the weekend in Kansas City which you couldn't afford to attend in the first place . . . Still, it's for a good cause (???) So you can't be too bitter, I guess.

Here's a bit of background on the Priests of Pallas production which took place at Union Station:

The proceeds benefit the Jackson County Historical Society and the Westport Historical Society. The tradition continued on October 26, 2007 at Union Station with masks, vivid costumes, an Asian-themed performance from Quixotic and Vesuvius Fire Dancers at Kansas City’s original harvest festival ball.

Hummm, rich white people celebrating in Asian garb. That's interesting but I've seen it before . . . In fact, every time I take a look inside The Gap it's clear to me that I'm viewing people dressed in authentic Asian costumes which are hand crafted by Chinese toddlers. Double bonus: Nice to see Union Station has found a way to exploit Asian culture without using dead bodies of Chinese dissidents . . . I guess they're warming up.

KC's criminals and miscreants want to cook for you! Redemption is delicious OR Eat me!

Pay no attention to my stupid headline . . . The following was excerpted from a really informative article and about a fascinating local culinary program: "Culinary Cornerstones isn't like other cooking schools. It's operated by Episcopal Community Services in Kansas City, is housed in the Community Kitchen at Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral and recruits students other programs never would consider -- people who have done time in prison or been homeless or suffer from significant emotional illness.

But it's more than that. 'It's about redemption,' said the Rev. Allen Ohlstein, a deacon who oversees the program. 'Plain and simple, that's the heart of Culinary Cornerstones.'"

Good time blogger

Local blogger Lynn has a great blog . . . She also had a busy weekend which resulted in quite a few AWESOME photos. Note: She hosts what is probably the most realistic and good looking photo of the Sprint Center I've seen since the propaganda started to build the thing years ago.

Best and worst list from a local conservative

LMC files a great post with a lot of links . . . TKC's best conservative news story of the Bush years: Cheney shooting a guy in the face while rumored to be drunk and then operating under "stop snitching" rules of conduct. Nice.

"Wild Oats on Johnson Drive is Closed!"

Reports of the closing of one of the metro area's most luxurious and well stocked health food stores may leave local veggies in a panicked state. Offer them a bacon cheeseburger.

Sadly, the only way to learn that racial profiling is wrong is by way of a lawsuit

There is no way to defend forcing an unarmed pregnant woman to the ground AT GUNPOINT on the side of a busy road. No matter her race, social standing, criminal record . . . Whatever. Folks who talk about respect for life in the abortion debate might want to look at this case and an example of local authorities not really caring about the fate of the child inside the woman's womb as she repeatedly pleaded to the officers to realize she was pregnant.

Sadly, we all pretty much know that she was in that sorry situation specifically because she was a Black female and society tends not to value their lives (or their babies) in direct contrast to the way that blanket TV coverage is given to every affluent, attractive white woman who turns up missing or breaks a nail. What's worse is that the Independence PD made a horribly incorrect judgment call about her identity when they racially profiled the metro principal and now it looks as if they're going to pay for the bad move.

In Missouri, racial profiling is only getting worse and it's important that people like this metro woman stand up for their rights and hopefully earn a hefty paycheck that will undoubtedly teach local police departments a lesson that not all Black people behind the wheel are suspects.

Luckily, it's obvious that this upstanding citizen and educator will take home some kind of settlement given that the actions of the folks who had her down on her stomach by the side of the road are pretty much indefensible.

Driving Dolores Huerta

Here's a bit of personal news on a recent press conference regarding Kansas City's never ending Semler Parks Board appointment controversy.

I was the driver for Dolores Huerta as she came to the Westside of Kansas City in order to speak out against Funkhouser's endorsement of the Minutemen.

Here's a bit of what she said:

"This organization is creating so much hatred and divisiveness in our communities,” she said of the Minuteman group. “These hysterical attacks on the immigrants, particularly people of color, have turned into discrimination against the whole Hispanic community.”

People have heard this message before and responded with even more bigoted attacks. But what rang true for me yesterday was that the side of this debate which opposes bigotry, that opposes racial profiling and acknowledges the human rights of all people despite their citizenship status is the only contingent with real moral clarity.

Patriotism and now Freedom of Speech are being offered as justifications of a reactionary, anti-Latino movement which has ultimately been defeated in California and now has retreated to the Midwest. But people (like myself) have said some pretty offensive things in the name of freedom of speech. It's an important principle and essential to our Democracy but that doesn't mean that any stupid thing someone writes or says has merit . . . At least that's what I've consistently taken from the comments on this blog.

Also, through the course of human history people have done some very frightening and ghastly things in the name of patriotism. Patriotism without principle, in the name of bigotry which encourages overall divisiveness in this country isn't really anything of which to be proud.

Sitting next to Dolores Huerta barreling down I-70 I realized why this woman is beloved and adored by so many. She's honest and speaks from the heart about what she believes in . . . Her faith guides her. In her company, I couldn't help but feel like a bit of a cretin. I make jokes, I've treated this controversy and so many others like nothing more than a game. Neither the suffering of immigrants nor the damage done to Mayor Funkhouser's administration matter to me of the face of my comments . . . It's the politics which has captivated TKC.

Yet Huerta means what she says, she has been honored time and again by so many faith communities and her opposition to the hateful, bigoted and reactionary supporters of the Minutemen really puts their motivation in perspective.

It was inspiring to listen to the words of Huerta. Speaking before the press and a significant contingent of Latinos (for a Sunday) it was clear that these people truly believed in the values for which they stand . . . And their position isn't really a political one but calls upon the devotion of people who believe in a Higher power.

It's just now that I've started to see this debate as a struggle for human rights and against the endorsement of Minutemen who put their agenda before the good of Kansas City and their fellow humankind. Their claims of handing out sippy cups of water to immigrants ring hollow when it's clear that unsanctioned armed patrols, virulent anti-Latino rhetoric and reactionary political chest thumping is what attracts supporters to the Minutemen.

Really, being in close proximity to such a legendary Latina Civil Rights Leader made me want to to rethink my own detached cynicism, misogyny, personal attacks on politicos and members of the media and even the satirical nature of TKC itself.

In the end, it's faith, honesty, commitment and respect for all of human kind which are most often the attributes of the best people on this planet.

TKC's jokes can't compare with real leadership.

But then again, this blog would be really boring without bikini photos and my whimsical musings about the relative worth of bitches, hos and white women of all sorts.

Rock on.

New blog: CaptainKCMO!!!

You've seen the guy in the comments around this dump and a few other places. Now he's got his own blog. Check it out!!!

Is Kansas City ready for the recession?

In all of Kansas City's grand schemes and fantastic designs there's one word that isn't being mentioned.

In fact, not a singe City official, politico or light rail promoter wants to mention a really scary word:

RECESSION.

It doesn't matter, a recession doesn't need a consensus or the recognition of the media in order to take effect.

And while there are always contrasting economic opinions out there, it's important to know that the rest of the nation (and the world) isn't pinning their hopes to shiny trains, new stadiums or questionable shopping districts and THERE IS WIDESPREAD TALK OF A COMING RECESSION EVEN IF FOLKS IN KANSAS CITY WANT TO IGNORE IT.

Really, one of the reasons that nobody likes to mention the word here is that it's yet another indication that Kansas City is behind the times given that our building boom is just coming to an end and we're waiting for consumers to revive the downtown area while others are bracing for the very likely prospect of an economic downturn.

Feel free to research this theory on your own but I believe there is "blood in the water" as far as a recession is concerned, here are a couple of headlines which back me up:

Forex - Euro hits new record high vs dollar as US recession fears gather pace

How Bad Will the Next Recession Be?

And no matter what your economic outlook, the fact is that people in charge of this City and so many local media folks who hold vast influence haven't really given the idea of a pending recession a fair amount of consideration.

In essence, Kansas City has just bought a new house (The Sprint Center) wants to put money down on a new car (light rail) but the prospect of downsizing (recession) looms in the background. I'm no Dave Ramsey but that doesn't exactly sound like a recipe for success.

The people in charge aren't really putting all the facts on the table; and even worse they want you to keep paying the bill with the upcoming PIAC renewal. (TKC loves alliteration). Already KC's Condo boom is pretty much kaput and the full impact of the housing slump has yet to be felt in Kansas City.

Put simply, money just might get tight in Kansas City and leaders in both media and politics haven't prepared their followers for it.

Man hunt comes up empty (nullus)

From The Star: A federal fugitive chased across the state line by Kansas City police overnight was still at large Monday morning.

In other suggestive recent news: "The giver becomes the given to" Which is nice.

The Upside of Secession

The Star claims school boundary initiative likely would boost Indy test scores but this isn't the first time a group of white people have argued in favor of the merits of leaving behind a large group of minorities.

Show Me once again why 911 is a joke

Missouri lags in emergency 911 coverage

More KC Club Chaos!!!

Chaos shuts down a metro night club

Today's Question: Did the Star sit on the Cauthen death threat story?

Politics is about power, some people say it's just war by another, slightly more peaceful means . . . While homicides on the Eastside rarely make front page news or garner very much attention from the editorial board at The Star . . . It was surprising to see a recent high profile death threat slip through their fingers.

A VERY AWESOME TKC TIPSTER thinks he knows the reason why:

"The Star chose not to cover the threat on the City Manager's life by an ex-employee. A juicy story about a former City Hall 'executive' who was fired for making racial slurs threated to kill his wife, Wayne and blow up City Hall...do you smell a skunk? Mike Mahoney covered it last night at 6, I think. But, the Star had it long before Mahoney did.

I have it on good authority that the Star had a copy of the police report on Wednesday morning, before Lynn Horsley posted "Where's Wayne?" on Prime Buzz. Now, I don't know about you, but I probably wouldn't come to an outdoor celebration if a hater was threatening to kill me either.

It is ironic, given how quick the Star is to write about Porngate. I'm not in City Hall, but I can just see Lynn bolting from Council Business Session -- after Bill Skaggs requested the report -- to give the green light on porn for Prime Buzz. You know Yael and Lynn have spent countless hours hand wringing over when they could expose what the Garden Party Skunk has been writing about for a month.

Sadly, when there is real news... they just sit on it."

It's a serious allegation but it's nearly impossible to prove when or if somebody "knew" something . . . What I think this really represents is the further erosion of Kansas City's faith in their so-called paper of record. As of late, the news has become so politically bias . . . Really the product of activism and not objectivity, that a lot of people are starting to question the organization as a reliable source.

If they aren't careful they'll wind up like TKC . . . A media outlet where even the author advises you not to take it too seriously.

Damn The Star, DON'T BUILD IT!!!

The Star's silly light rail recommendation not only destroys their credibility as objective journalists but there are a few other problems that I've noted folks mentioning in local message boards.

Here are the highlights:

This is the same rag who allowed subscriber information to be used in support of the Stadium tax.

MOST OF THE EDITORIAL BOARD AND A LOT OF THEIR COLUMNISTS LIVE IN JOHNSON COUNTY. Just like Clay Chastain, they don't really have a stake in Kansas City Proper. A "midtown guy" accurately pointed out that the Star is "unelected or un-appointed, and therefore unaccountable."

These are the same people who ran nothing but propaganda for Mayor Funkhouser. At this point, a majority of the City - And most of the urban core object to that decision.

How can this town trust them to cover or provide any negative information regarding their proposal? Now their bias extends to KC's stadiums, the PIAC renewal and all propaganda concerning downtown . . . The Star has placed itself at the forefront of the light rail scheme which pretty much ignores bus riders. If only the corporate interests at The Star were willing to focus their efforts on reducing violent crime, fixing this town's horrible sewer situation or really advocating for neighborhoods than this town might be able to take the proposal seriously, but the fact remains that our local rag or record has ignored the real problems of this city over the years and done nothing but tout glam corporate projects while encouraging new taxes at every turn from the relative safety of their homes in Johnson County.

Don't count on any real community minded solutions from The Star . . . In fact, it should be noted that for all their talk of "consensus" they didn't seek community participation for this plan from anyone but their cronies.

At this point, this is where I would encourage you to cancel your subscription to The Star . . . But if you're reading this on-line, the truth is you probably don't have one.

And that's not really a bad thing.

"The absolute low-water mark in the governance of this great state."

Fired Up Missouri fires off a great post regarding what he claims to be Gov. Blunt's aversion to "following the law regarding document retention." It's strongly worded stuff and even though it's partisan, for anybody who really cares how government offices are run . . . It's quite persuasive.

Kansas City Weekend Carnage!!!

Crime Scene KC sums up the weekend accurately: "Three people shot in the 4000 block of Broadway. Two people injured -- including one with a gunshot wound -- at 38th and Main." Sadly, so few people mention a revolver when talking about this City's "renaissance" but the topic of violence really is far more important than light rail even if NO ONE has a real plan to address the situation.

Chubby, complaining broad likes KC

Courtney E. Martin recently came to Kansas City to promote her book: "Perfect Girls, Starving Daughters: The Frightening New Normalcy of Hating Your Body" which means that she could probably stand to take off at least 30lbs. Still, it's nice to see a visiting author admire our town. Sadly, the fact that some whiny broad admires this City's resources for women who need to work on the treadmill in lieu of running their mouths doesn't really bode well for men in Kansas City. In contrast, I'm still hoping that Scarlett Johansson makes her way here so I can appreciate her perky and supple brains.

DAMN YOU PEOPLE!!!

This is what the local blogosphere looks like.

They are good looking, happy, having a good time, (white), they probably smell good and they're enjoying each other's company.

Additionally, if they were any less interesting they probably wouldn't need a blog or might be on the cusp of moving on to whatever Web 3.0 fad comes down the pipeline (nullus).

On the other hand, over the weekend I enjoyed a brief respite from my mother's basement and went outside to get a breath of fresh air . . . Here's a visual approximation of what that looked like:



Yeah, TKC no likey friends, friendliness, smiling or anything related to blogging that doesn't involve dominating this space with an ass load of links and kick ass acerbic commentary that makes people cry (only partially due to spelling errors).

Nobody said being Kansas City's best blogger was easy.

"10 Reasons Why The United States is on the downhill side of World History"

A MONSTER post from the X-man. Really, everyone needs to read this one.

Latino love is beautiful

Here's a quick reality check for so many people who would like to discount the growing influence of the Latino community here in Kansas City: THE wedding of the season which was abuzz among all of KC's political circles just happened to be among two prominent Latinos . . . Theresa Garza and Genaro Ruiz.

Local blog MySpyderweb has some pretty pictures of the event and I think that I have a least a year to scrape together enough spare change to maybe buy them some hand towels at the dollar store in order to show my admiration.

Anyway, despite my constant cynicism regarding marriage and all things related to relationships . . . TKC wishes Genaro and Theresa every happiness in the world. Sometimes it's just nice to acknowledge love involving Latinos since there is so much hate directed our way as of late.

The Chiefs didn't lose this weekend!!!

KC Talk brings you this exclusive, breaking story!!!

Pita bread lunch people (non terrorist)

Noodletown reviews Golden Wraps which is essentially Jerusalem Bakery's sandwich shop.

Light rail losers never cared about ethics: "Anything is better than the bus!!!"

The struggle for KC light rail keeps getting dirtier as supporters of the project don't seem to mind one bit. Here's a link to (a very smart) light rail apologist who doesn't see any problem with The Star losing their journalistic integrity as long as Clay Chastain's pet project keeps moving forward. But let's not forget that another light rail design contest was equally crooked. As for the Star's new plan, maybe it's wonderful but that doesn't negate the fact that ridership numbers on the Metro have been consistently soft and there may not really be a need for an EXPENSIVE light rail plan given that bus is a better option which is now out of favor for some odd reason that has nothing to do with companies pushing for lucrative construction contracts.

Run, blogger, run

A neat gif slide show of a KC Marathon runner. Also, online gif animator "gickr.com" is a pretty neat web app that most likely has some other uses besides porn.

TKC Model of the Moment: Jen

This week's TKC Model of the Moment has an interesting backstory and some great photographs in her profile with shots from all over Kansas City.

Here's how local model Jen got started modeling in KC:

My name is Jenny AKA: Jen. Every girl's dream is to be a model and once upon a time it was mine too. In 2000 I was blessed with my first child and 18 months later my second. After having both of my wonderful children my weight topped out at 200 lbs. In 2005 I made a decision that has changed my life. I started watching what I eat and last year started an exercise program. In August of this year I was asked to do a photo shoot for the company that my husband works for, as promotion. I would say that the opportunity opened the door to my dream. Since then I have been featured in several magazines and have had the chance to work with a few great photographers.

I'm pretty sure that most regular people don't look this good BEFORE having kids never mind AFTER . . . Again, TKC is all about inspirational stories and hot models.



Look for Jen showing up a lot more at your local magazine stand and remember you saw a link to her AMAZING photos FIRST here on TKC.

The TKC Saturday Night Podcast: It's close to Halloween and the political atmosphere in Kansas City is spooky

It's the last weekend before Halloween and this week's podcast is dedicated to spooky songs. It's been a weird autumn for everyone in Kansas City and we've seen stubbornness from City Hall, dead bodies discovered and a bit of resolution to a couple of popular murder cases.

All things considered, the weather and the mood in general has very ominous right here in River City. Therefore, I've picked some of my favorite spooky songs for this playlist. Also, here's a little reported fact: For years, folks around City Hall didn't call the former City Auditor Mark Funkhouser "the Funk" which was a media created nickname The Star bestowed upon him. The very mean City Hall workers referred to him as Lurch from The Addam's Family . . . Behind his back of course.



Similarly, rumors of alleged Wiccanism, Paganism or whatever the strange faith practice that Ms. Squitiro subscribes to make this an especially frightening Halloween for those of us who watch City Hall.



There have been so many folks in message boards across the local Internets who have referred to the Mayor's wife and Chief political adviser using a word that rhymes with witch but I think that's unfair. Obviously, whatever spell she has cast over the City isn't really working considering that Mayor Funky's poll numbers are steadily creeping downward.

As I noted previously . . . Spooooooooky!!!

EVEN SCARIER . . . THE STAR HAS NOW FORGONE ANY KIND OF JOURNALISTIC PRINCIPLES OF OBJECTIVITY AND IS NOW PUSHING THEIR OWN LIGHT RAIL PLAN. Put simply, they're not reporters anymore . . . They're activists and the fact that the paper is pushing this MONSTER means that KC no longer has a real paper of record merely a corporation intent on pushing whatever agenda takes hold in their offices. In other words and put simply, they're every bit as biased as TKC. For those of you who might care about that kind of thing, I'm sorry. JOURNALISM IN KANSAS CITY IS DEAD, at least in any classic sense of the word. I certainly believe that bloggers helped kill it.

Anyhoo, as always, I want to thank you for reading!!! Enjoy what's left of your Saturday night and have a safe and fun weekend.

Peace.

Somebody wanted to KILL Cauthen!!!

Things are getting scary when it comes to the downright divisive atmosphere at City Hall. And Ex-City Hall Worker was accused Of threatening to KILL Wayne Cauthen. TKC has more on this story which Mike Mahoney broke (grow back the stache!!!) while the contract negotiations and everything involving The City Manager is bound to get even more contentious. Stay tuned!!!

Dead Bodies turning up all over KC

A body and a truck were pulled from the Missouri River today. While earlier this afternoon a dead Latino teen was discovered on a KC street.

Countdown till Corner Speech!!!

THE GREATEST HIP-HOP ARTIST IN KANSAS CITY IS JUST ABOUT READY TO RELEASE HIS NEXT WORK!!!

In one short week, Reach will be holding a release party (heh) for:

CORNER SPEECH

For a quick sampler of the work, check out this link.

It's a 10mb download but it's well worth it.

THE DROP SOUNDS AMAZING and I'm guessing that this will be the one that pushes KC's greatest living rapper up to the next level.

From what I've heard, the tracks are pretty smooth, with intelligent lyrics, awesome beats and a level of consciousness unheard of from most artists in the genre.

Really, there's no denying the guy is one of the most talented musicians Kansas City has ever heard.

So, I know I can't wait to hear the whole thing . . . And this is one of the few KC events I've been excited about it a long time.

The company County Exec Mike Sanders keeps: Calvin Williford has a storied past

TKC TIPSTERS KICK ASS!!!

Here is a portion of an e-mail that I just read.

All of the information is publicly available so feel free to check it out for yourself.

I'm not making any judgments about Calvin Williford, a spokesman for Jackson County.

But I will note that a lot of good people at the County (without long histories on Case.net) stand to lose their jobs because of rampant (some say slapdash) budget cuts and I predicted this would create a lot of resentment in county government.

And without any further ado, here's the scoop:

"I have to say that ever since this guy Calvin Williford just popped on the scene something about him just didn't seem right. I get that feeling sometimes about people and I've learned to trust it. Well it took some time but now it looks like I was right.

Nobody else knows it yet but it seems that Williford has proven himself to be a liar and serial con man who likes to borrow money and not pay his bills. Worse he's also a stalker. He's even been prosecuted for refusing to show up for jury duty in St. Louis! This guy used to be the spokesman for the @#& prosecutor's office! Now he's pulling down 6 figures from the Jackson County tax coffers and working for the County Chief Executive!

Don't believe me yet? You shouldn't. Who the hell am I? But it's all in the court record. Check it out on CaseNet.

Search litigant name, and you get this:

1995 AC Misc Associate Civil-Other
1997 FC Adult Abuse Stalking
1998 AC Breach of Contract
2001 CC Show Cause to Enf Jury Svc
2004 AC Breach of Contract
2004 AC Breach of Contract
2004 CC Transcript Judgment
2007 AC Suit on Account
2007 AC Breach of Contract

1 strike? Ok, maybe he made a mistake. 2 strikes? Could be a coincidence. 3 strikes? That's a pattern. But 9 strikes? 9 strikes reveals everything you need to know.

It just pisses me off that my tax dollars are subsidizing this guy's con. Others need to know the truth before they get fooled too."
#END OF E-MAIL#

So there you have it. I did the CaseNet search and the information seemed to check out about the cases filed but with no real details about the verdicts or info related to the cases. In and of itself, being on CaseNet isn't a crime but the dude who sent me this e-mail (whose e-mail address in turn, I'll protect till the gates of Hell) clearly has a bone to pick with the guy (nullus) and has a lot of documentation for his fight.

However, I only posted this in the interest of clearing the air and providing a forum for people to know about the politicos who serve them . . . That's why I posted this publicly available information. To be fair to Williford, I've heard a lot of great things about him and he is an active participant in the very awesome KC Pride Democratic Club.

So, there's all the info. Judge (lest ye be judged) for yourself.

Funkhouser's stubbornness has him slipping in the polls (nullus)

The Mayor's poll numbers are horrible for a guy who has only been in office a few moths.

Here are the highlights:

Mayor Funkhouser's approval rating IS BELOW 50%, with 37 percent of residents disapproving. To put it plain and simple: Mayor Funky isn't anywhere close to being as popular as Country Club Kay . . . And that can't be good.

Here's another good stat: KC politics isn't as important as most people thing and neither the NCLR or the Minutemen have much pull despite all the recent publicity:

"Almost 45 percent of those surveyed for KCTV said they were unfamiliar with the controversy over Funkhouser appointing Frances Semler, a member of the Minuteman Civil Defense Corps, to the local park board."

71 percent of Hispanics surveyed said Semler should remain on the park board - Now that's just plain weird. But interesting. On a similar note, I was at 3 meetings in the past few weeks with Latino leaders that represented more than a dozen different organizations across the metro and 99% of them wanted her to step down.

But I'll believe almost anything from KCTV5.

I think the most important thing here is the challenge to the stupid notion set forth by a few media outlets that Mayor Funky is universally beloved as some kind of reformer. The fact is, as always, Kansas City is a divided town now across racial lines and almost no politico enjoys universal support.

There is little argument with the FACT, that Mayor Funky has almost completely lost support in the urban core . . . No mayor has managed to effectively govern KC without support from this part of town. If Mayor Funky's stubbornness continues unabated, I'm sure these numbers will only get worse and he has nobody to blame but himself . . . And his shoeless wife.

"Can't a man control his bitch with violence?" NO!

It's good to see that the KCPD received a grant to combat domestic abuse.

A federal grant to the Kansas City Police Department is helping victims of domestic violence. The nearly $170,000 grant from the Department of Justice is funding a new detective position and enabling a social worker from the Rose Brooks Center to work with police in assisting domestic violence victims.

I think that's encouraging. However, what Sean Connery has to say about smacking bitches wives is also insightful:



You're the man now, dog!

Rockhurst University zombie dancers hope to break world record for 'Thriller' dancers

I'm sure all of the surrounding neighbors who may have their homes turned into parking are really excited.

MAYOR FUNKY WAS JUST WAITING TO SELL OUT SEMLER!!!

So much for all this talk of "principles" . . . He wanted to let a so-called group of "blackmailers" insist that she be silenced . . . Thankfully, they had a little bit more integrity than him: "The documents show Funkhouser was prepared to ask Frances Semler, his park board appointee, to refrain from a leadership role in an anti-illegal immigration group . . . Funkhouser signed off on a request from the National Council of La Raza to have Semler issue a statement saying her membership in the Minuteman group was “a bold statement” about her frustration over the federal government’s refusal to secure the nation’s borders and lax enforcement of immigration, and that she rejected “the use of violence, intimidation and vigilantism to enforce our immigration laws.”

Under the agreement, Semler also would have had to make this statement:

“Furthermore, during my term on the parks board I will not speak publicly on behalf of the Minuteman organizations, organize any events or activities, or participate in any press conferences or other public media appearances."

That doesn't really sound like a "principled" stand to me and it looks as if Funkhouser was ready to sell Semler down the river and essentially silence her.

THANKFULLY LATINO LEADERS AND LOCAL MEMBERS OF THE NCLR DECLINED THE OFFER. Really, that kind of statement just would have made everyone look and feel bad . . . Sad to see that Funkhouser not only doesn't know the meaning of diversity, he doesn't know the meaning of compromise.

IS MAYOR FUNKY KC'S WORST MAYOR IN MODERN HISTORY? I certainly think so . . . I only wonder if his Minutemen supporters will admire his "courage" now.

Best wishes from TKC: From blues to wedding bells for a local blogger

Local blogger Faitsista is a fixture in KC's blogosphere. She won an award from The Pitch in 2006 AND she has a loyal following of which I'm a part.

If I've read correctly, I think she's getting married today and I wanted to wish her all of the happiness in the world and remind you all that life is beautiful not only for the good days but also for the ups and downs.

Here's a post of hers from the days of way back which clearly demonstrates the long and treacherous road on the way to marital bliss. I'm posting this only to highlight her happiness on this day and make clear how inconsequential this kind of post is now, while it might have seemed important at the time:

What is the point to me being here? Why am I even existing at this point in time? To housesit for my friends that need the help? No. They have neighbors and other friends that would help if needed, I'm sure. To be an admin for the company I work for? No. They'd find another to fill my place if I were to leave or if I'd never come along in the first place. To be a girlfriend/wife (eventually) to a man that loves me and can't live without me? No...apparently that'll never happen. Even with a balding, 30-some year old man that hasn't had sex in a while (apparently), I'm dispensible, and not worth a fucking phone call or e-mail when it's come time to move on, even though it's only been 2 dates (that were pretty fucking great, I thought), and a month and a half of knowing each other.

I'm a piece of shit. You should stop reading what I write, it's so fucking worthless, apparently.

I'm so tired of this sort of thing. I'm a good person! I care about others, and I tip well, and I'm helpful and honest and trustworthy. Why do I continually get the shaft when it comes to my love life, huh? Why? What did I do to put myself into this perpetual cycle of hell when it comes to men?

Funny...I thought I could trust him when he said he didn't play games. Well...guess that was a bad idea on my part. They all play games, and they just like to pretend that thay don't. Which is a game in itself, and such is the cycle of "love". Bastards. It's not fair...

Think of the kind of anguish it took to write that kind of thing. I've rarely felt that strongly about anything other than my collection of Transformers. And yet today will hopefully be one of the happiest days of her life.

Obviously, I wish her all of the best and I hope her marriage is one of the few that defies all of the disconcerting statistics that cause me to be so skeptical about the institution.

All the best to you and your new family Faithsista.

CONGRATULATIONS!!! God bless.

KC (CON) Artists get their tax break!!!

So I can only assume that all of KC should not get their crayons out and come up with a few sketches of their own in order to cash in on the virtually tax free status of a few KC hipsters and their nearly all white hangouts.

Four years of efforts culminated Friday with Crossroads Arts District artists receiving almost $1.6 million in tax abatements.

Kansas City's Planned Industrial Expansion Authority unanimously approved 31 abatement requests from 18 applicants. The abatement program, the PIEA's first to target a class of building users, freezes property taxes at 2006 levels for 10 years for Crossroads buildings where more than half the space is used for art-related purposes.

NOTE: I'm not sure if STRETCH is one of the people who got this tax breaks but he has certainly been bitching about taxes for years and I'm just going to assume as much. Which is one of the many reasons he's a scumbag. Also, this only furthers my opinion that THE TAX FREE CROSSROADS is a hipster scam based on upper-class white privilege given that so few minorities frequent the place and it has received so much gracious press simply for the fact for one night a month a bunch of people pose and pretend to buy art.

The Blunt Backlash

The anti-immigrant Gov now has a 52% disapproval rating.

Even more Kansas City inspiration for your country song lyrics

Pick-up with man inside seen sinking into Missouri River at the Berkley Riverfront Park. Searchers will remove the truck today but no word on whether the guy is still inside.

Reactionary forces in Kansas create Black/Brown coalition

Increasingly, in the Midwest politics is becoming a struggle that's fought across racial lines. In Kansas, Blacks and Latinos are working together to challenge some of the more hostile legislation in the works. Therefore, as a Latino I think it's my duty (hehe - duty) to stand up against Racial profiling against Black people, they way the media fails to give priority to homicides in the Black Community and white rappers. God, I hate white rappers.

One blogger's weekend

So many of you bore me with your weekend plans but local blogger Shane actually seems to have something interesting going on.

AN IMPORTANT ITEM FROM THE KC POST: MAYOR FUNKY'S PROPOSED IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS OFFICE COULD COST UP TO $1 MILLION DOLLARS!!!

Bloglines is frustrating, I should have been all over this IMPORTANT post from Forsythe earlier this week but it didn't come down the pipe until this morning (NO HOMO!!!).

Anyway, the important thing is that Funkhouser's half measure and lame attempt at compromise that nobody wanted (an Immigrant Affairs Office) has some major problems which start with the fact that even a crappy, one person office at City Hall could cost close to a million bucks if previous endeavors of this sort are any indication. Also, Forsythe illustrates that assigning one, single individual to deal with Kansas City's diverse immigrant community is unrealistic. He posts a mock help-wanted ad:

The successful candidate must be fluent in at least seven (preferably many more) languages. Will be an expert in cultures as diverse and far-ranging as Chinese to Somalian and everywhere in between. Must be able to move seamlessly across religious boundaries and have a background in dispute resolution amongst mono and poly-theistic, agnostic, and atheistic beliefs as well as the thousands of sub-categories of each. Will have legal expertise in the area of immigration from sovereign nations of every continent. Candidate must be a people person, consensus builder, self-starter and any other worthless buzz expression currently making the corporate circuit.

So, yeah . . . Assigning one person to this task is just silly and it's just not an office that's been clamored for by either side. Once again Mayor Funky is just demonstrating how much he doesn't know about politics while proposing to waste money and precious time simply to salvage his political reputation . . . And that kind of action is ANYTHING but the work of a reformer.

Flee the GOP

A newish website asks why so many people are leaving the GOP in Kansas. I've always found the answer is always the same no matter what kind of party is in question: The action is somewhere else. via TFK.

Open and shut justice: An eye for an eye

So, the word is that the jury in the Lisa Montgomery case recommended the death penalty. I guess that's justice but it's not gonna bring anybody back. Also, if state sponsored killing is the only way to dissuade people from cutting open a pregnant women's womb then maybe the rest of the world is a little slower on the uptake than I initially suspected. I always thought there was a pretty good argument for Montgomery being completely out of her mind but if years upon years of one expensive appeal after the next until Montgomery may or may not face lethal injection a decade from now is what people want . . . Then that's their right. Obviously, years upon years of this agonizing case bouncing around the legal system will make the Stinnett family feel so much better, right?

ANARCHY IN KANSAS CITY!!!

Thank you Mayor Funkhouser for making sure that every crackpot in the area wants to converge on Kansas City in order to make a political point.

Word is that the Kansas Mutual Aid anarchists are going to converge on KC in order to challenge the Minutemen.

I only wonder one thing: How will Mayor Funkhouser blame the local Latino leadership for this one and not his own stubbornness?

Here's a copy of the latest press release from the KMA:

From February 1-2, 2008, the Minutemen Civil Defense Corps, a national anti-immigrant vigilantee organization, will be hosting its Regional Leadership Conference in Kansas City at the Uptown Theater.

Anti-racists and immigrant rights advocates from Kansas City and Lawrence, Kansas are calling for a large community response to this conference.

On Saturday, November 10th at 3pm, Kansas Mutual Aid, a Lawrence based organization of anti-racists, is hosting an open meeting to discuss forming a coalition to confront the Minutemen in February. This meeting is open to any to attend, and will hopefully and shortly be followed by a similar meeting in Kansas City.

The meeting will be held at the Solidarity Center at 1109 Massachusetts Street in downtown Lawrence. We are currently looking to make this a bi-lingual meeting, and are looking for people that are capable and willing to help with translations from English to Spanish and Spanish to English. We are also working on providing food and childcare for this meeting.

For more information or to let us know you're interested in attending, contact Kansas Mutual Aid at kansasmutualaid@hotmail.com

In love and solidarity,

Dave Strano
on behalf of Kansas Mutual Aid

Very nice. I'm only hoping that Funkhouser will offer anarchists "a seat at the table" in the name of "Diversity" in the same way that he has courted the Minutemen.

Or maybe, must maybe Funkhouser should have more carefully selected his political appointments and accepted their resignation when he had a chance instead of getting bogged down in what seems to be an unending controversy.

Mayor Funky supports alleged arsonists?

There's all kind of political news coming out of the Cali forest fires . . . Some people are blaming the Mexicans, others are blaming God and most lay the blame for the fire on global warming.

However, a really great blogger named Dee notes that police have arrested a biker and alleged arsonist with connections to the National Socialist Movement AND the Minutemen for a part in the recent forest fire news.

Thing is, I'm not a fan of lumping people into huge groups just as the Minutemen racially profile ALL Latinos.

It should be noted that it has been a tactic of the Minutemen to form a wide variety of disparate groups which all share the same name but no national structure. You never really know which set of Minutemen you're dealing with . . . In much the same way that few folks bring up the fact that self-proclaimed Minuteman founder Chris Simcox was convicted on federal gun charges not so long ago.

Still, it was only a matter of time until members of Minutemen started earning rap sheets . . . Just like any group of folks over a certain time will run afoul of the law. The laughable part in all of this will be the explanations of the Minutemen that just because one of their members might be involved in a crime doesn't mean that they're all guilty . . . Of course, they're right about that but it's not a bit of logic they extended to Latinos whom they racially profile at every turn.

Prudish Funky Bunch Fights Porn!!!

Let's talk about priorities.

Anyone familiar with the Northland in Kansas City knows that there is a rampant Meth epidemic in the district which Councilman Bill Skaggs resides.

Yet Skaggs, scumbag sycophant that he is, hasn't went on record recently as doing ANYTHING ABOUT THAT PROBLEM. He's more interested in dirty e-mails that might be floating around City Hall. You know, the kind that some jerk sends your way and corporations use as an excuse to fire employees when downsizing time is at hand.

Sad to see that the Mayor Pro Tem of the Funky Administration is using his new found power for unimportant problems like a porn audit.

STILL, it's good news that all the Mayor's men read blogs when it serves their purpose. There's no doubt that this controversy started in KC's blogosphere with the postings of Not Ready for Prime Buzz. Over the past few months most of the posts on NRFPB, have been skewed against Cauthen and his people referring to the guy as a tyrant - Which is cool but nobody knows who the author is . . . Which is interesting and encouraging given that an unknown blog can influence City Hall investigations with less than 6 months of publishing. Citizen Media Stand up (!!!) . . . Unless the whole thing was put together by the Funky Administration. As always, TKC appreciates your tips (No homo). Obviously, the dude has some pull in local government so it's only fair that the guy is "outed" . . . Remember that Mayor Kay and Glorioso tried to out bloggers who opposed the Stadium Tax - Personally, I like the idea of a lonely, beleaguered City Hall worker bee writing the blog but I have my suspicions that's not even close to who really put the thing together. Still, TKC supports blogger anonymity but realizes that it's only an illusion. The secret always gets out and most of the time it's pretty funny.

But we've seen this tactic before out of the Funky Administration . . . In order to ban TKC from City Hall computers the Mayor's folks accused TKC of being a porn site despite the fact most of the photos I steal re-purpose under fair use guidelines come from magazines that appear on local newsstands like Maxim, FHM, STUFF, Sports Illustrated and Playboy . . . But that's not really important . . . What's more relevant is that this investigation into employee computers isn't going to win the Funky Bunch any friends inside of City Hall. Yet again, the Mayor doesn't think about unintended consequences and what I contend is a political maneuver could backfire in the Mayor's face. As to the motives . . . If you really believe dirty e-mails are a problem in the workplace, you're management skills rank right up their with Michael Scott of The Office . . . Which must be Mayor Funky's role model for his Administration since sending Skaggs out on this errand is akin to a laughable task given to Dwight Schrute.



Still, let's not skirt around the real issue:

Pornography is ubiquitous on the Internets.

In the workplace or wherever, to be connected to the Internet is to be exposed to porn.

Last year, the folks at Good Magazine put together a video feature which gave light to some interesting (and sessy) web stats on porn. Here are my faves:

12% of all websites are porn.

35% of all internet downloads are pornographic

Sex is the most searched word on the Internet.

70% of Internet porn traffic occurs during the 9-5 workday

Again, I didn't know that hunting down dirty e-mails was going to be a priority of the Funkhouser Administration and probably the folks who voted for him didn't either.

OR, the idea that he and Skaggs seem to be using this UNIMPORTANT issue to gain leverage in the NOT SO SECRET CAUTHEN CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS really sheds light on the fact that Mayor Funky is not a reformer and appears to be nothing more than a run-of-the-mill politician.

Sure, the mayor claims to have high (phony) poll numbers but he'll never be as popular as Internet porn.

Today's overcast links

Here's more of what I'm reading today:

It's on: Court rules KC district must hold election that could shift schools to Independence

Get your career off to a losing start: Help wanted for the Royals home game K Crew.

Jury mulls fate of Lisa Montgomery

Threat on bathroom wall prompts Overland Park school lockdown

Just Cara: The Coffee Underachiever

H&R Block taps credit line for $175M

KC Southern seeks to build new bridge into Mexico

Jurors begin deliberating death penalty for Montgomery

Great balls of fire (narf): 2-Alarm Fire Guts Vacant Bowling Alley

I know it's an old one but I couldn't forget to mention that 'Extreme Home Makeover' Is Coming Back To KC in order to screw up another families finances.

Dog killer on the loose in KC

Without question, a recent story of someone who allegedly poisoned a dog will get FAR more attention than most cases of in which poor, brown people are murdered:

A metro-area family is warning about an apparent dog killer in the area.

Casey Killian said someone poisoned one of his dogs while he and his family were gone for the weekend.

And at this point, some d-bag usually mentions the urban legend that animal abuse is an "indicator" of a future serial killer when in fact that's only the pop culture translation of better research which finds that animal cruelty is one of the most accurate indicators of violence in the home and is often a response by the victim to such violence . . . Of course, the kids later grow up to be serial killers but that's neither here nor there . . . The truth is that the reason that Americans regard dogs as pets and not a source of meat is largely a cultural construct. Still, I don't want people to be cruel to animals not because of some filthy hippie ethos but because folks shouldn't play with their food.

Take a hard look at the Minutemen's support: Racist comments typify reaction to NCLR pullout

Once again the KC Blue Blog documents a trend that I've been noticing myself. Online, a large contingent of the supporters of the Minutemen typically use racist language to comment on the La Raza boycott. Sadly, none of them are half a funny as the blog and rarely provide any bikini photos. Still, it's nice to be called wetback so often . . . Reminds me of grade school.

The secret move to privatize Starlight

Mayor Funkhouser might fall into some serious trouble playing with the purse strings of one of the most popular KC institutions supported by a lot of wealthy KC patrons. The Blue blog does some insightful reporting on the topic.

Koster (and his haircut) make a formal announcement about his run for AG

Personally, I like Jeff Harris because of his snappy web ads and the fact that he talked to bloggers over the phone. . . But to be honest I don't know the difference between any of them. I know that a lot of you d-bags like Koster . . . As usual, it's hard for me to tell the difference between ambitions white guys. Please explain. Also, which one is less likely to deport TKC or his loved ones?

KANSAS CITY IMMIGRATION SWEEP!!!

So far this seems to have gone underreported . . . But reporting this news in the context of the Mayor turning his back on KC'S Latino leadership puts the current times in a better context. The Star reports: In an investigation aimed at illegal immigrants, federal agents arrested 50 people in the area over the past week, including nine with criminal convictions. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents got help from police in Kansas City, Independence, Grandview, Raytown, Kansas City, Kan., Overland Park, Lenexa, Olathe, Shawnee and Topeka.

Everyone has a light rail plan in Kansas City, they all ignore the Eastside

Light rail in Kansas City has more support than I initially suspected if you believe fake ass poll numbers intended to promote a regressive tax. However, an big surprise is that people seem to support Clay's plan despite the fact that everyone on the street I've ever talked to thinks it's silly. This only gives more credence my theory that anyone who takes part in a poll is an idiot. I mean how smart do you have to be to gracefully refuse to answer the questions of a stranger?

Still, let's not forget that the Mayor called Chastian's plan, dumb and dead earlier this month as he works on his own regional light rail designs. However, it's worth noting and it has been underreported that the Council basically slapped down the Mayor once again and took no action Wednesday on repealing a voter-approved light-rail plan or on placing a repeal proposal on the February ballot.

For a local bloggy angle, KC light rail floats the possibility that The Star could be designing their own light rail plan which undoubtedly would send even more development toward their complex and compliment the Sprint Center which they pushed for along with the ensuing tax on Kansas City.

And all of this reminds me that people would rather play with imaginary trains than admit the fact that KC needs BILLIONS worth of serious, unglamorous sewer repair that wouldn't include any grand designs or nice pictures to show the public but would definitely serve Kansas City better than gutting the metro's bus system.

TKC asserts:

Poop before pipe dreams!

I'm gonna copyright that one and maybe put it on some designer toilet paper. TKC loves merchandise.

I wonder if they taste like chicken: KC Zoo daily lorikeet feedings for the public

Sponsored by KCP&L, the KC Zoo treats cute birds better than most homeless people in KC, which is nice. When I first glanced at the headline I thought that the KC Zoo had finally taken my advice and cooked up some of the attractions that weren't pulling their weight. Sadly, NO but I can still hope as . . . Local blogger Bill of Happy in Bag posts an awesome photo and a recap of his experience at the local aviary free for all.

Elizabeth Alex files an amazing report on KC efforts to aid Pakistan "honor burning" victims.

Check out the video, while it's still online if you have a chance . . . Alex did a fantastic job chronicling the abuse these women have suffered. For some folks it might be hard to look at but it's a real example of misogyny and abuse of women, which far eclipses a lot of dumb jokes on a blog.

Quote of the week from the Indy PD: "I'll do a report on this to cover our ass"

Crime Scene KC posts an example of compassion on the part of the Indy PD. Here's a taste:

"I'll do a report on this to cover our ass," the officer said. "If they got a black male suspect, they need to be sure they got a black male driver so I don't traumatize a very pregnant woman anymore and put her on the side of I-70."

Of course the police officer apologized after he forced a pregnant woman to the ground on the side of the highway. And that makes everything all better, right? Because we know if it were a pregnant woman which YOU knew personally THAT would allay all of your concerns.

Remembering that Summer's gone

Crime Scene KC posts a link to a great story about Summer Shipp's family and provides info on an upcoming events to honor her life: "A public memorial service for Summer Shipp, a local woman whose remains were recently found after a three-year disappearance, is set for 2 p.m. Saturday at the Screenland Theater, 16th and Washington in Kansas City"

Cowtown Moon

I hope that you took time to notice . . . Over the last couple of nights, the moon over Kansas City has been amazing. Thankfully, a Flickr photog has captured an image of celestial sight for everyone to see.

Fighting Irish Comedy in KC

Irish KC has some great info regarding an Irish play currently showing at the Unicorn. Apparently, promotional material for the show cautions viewers about "the comic use of violence" which isn't that controversial, in my opinion, if every slap is followed up with the comment: "I'm Rick James, Bitch!"

U.S. 169 north of Broadway Bridge will be nearly impassable

The Star reports that KC streets will be just as hard to navigate as ever: "After today's morning rush hour, the Missouri Department of Transportation will close one lane in each direction of U.S. 169 from the bridge to the Richards Road exit because of road work that is being done along the bridge.

The lanes will stay that way until Nov. 16."

Local blog: Bright Eyes review

An indie- folk rock band really isn't my bag but I couldn't ignore some great online reviews of the recent show in Lawrence. Nick Davis provides a comprehensive review and earlier this week Pensive Girl posted an informative personal take on the show.

Blunt ends up backing restrictions against Driving while Brown

Nice: Any, Latino "looking" person initially starts a conversation with the Missouri State Highway Patrol from the vantage of a person with no rights. There's no way to argue this . . . Blunt's move against undocumented immigrants inspires racial profiling, plain and simple and by the numbers. It's a shame that so many (white) people believe that enforcing law based on skin color is part of so-called immigration reform.

TKC talks to KMBZ

If you're up all night or happen to be up in the morning on the way to your horrible day job, don't forget to listen to TKC on KC's morning news with EJ and Ellen.

I'll be talking about local KC web trends and all the news swirling around the crazy KC Internets. If you've got a link you'd like me to mention, feel free to leave a comment. OR, you can just sit in a corner, cry and write racist and ill-informed diatribes like most people who write blogs . . . Don't forget to include a photo of your cat, garden or Halloween costume.

KC BLOG SPARKS CITY HALL ACTION!!!

For months anonny blogger Not Ready for Prime Buzz has been ranting about porn on City Hall Computers in connection with his nemesis Wayne Cauthen . . . Finally, he got some ACTION (!!!) on the subject and I congratulate him!!! It looks as if the Funky Administration is going to try and use this info as part of a political maneuver.

The Star's blog reports today that Northland Councilman Bill Skaggs requested that Internal Auditor Roy Greenway come to the city council in two weeks and present the results of an PORN investigation that he allegedly conducted. The motivations behind this story seem pretty clear . . . To try and leverage ill will toward any opponent of the Funky Administration as the Mayor wholeheartedly endorses the measure.

Let's not forget that Mayor Funky's peeps had this blog banned on accusations of porn as well . . . So it's now clear that the Mayor's best move (and that of his people) is making childish accusations and hoping they stick. I'm just wondering: Is cleaning up alleged porn on City Hall computers part of Mayor Funky's sweeping reforms? Because that seems to be the only subject with which he has had success.

I'm fairly certain that folks didn't think Mayor Funkhouser and his administration were going to go an an anti-porn crusade . . . Is this the kind of "reform" for which his supporters voted? I have no problem assuming that more prudish Northland voters might get behind this kind of thing (ew) but does precious time spent searching employees computers for porn seem like something that folks in Midtown would endorse? On this move, the Mayor and the Mayor pro tem risk losing a lot of support from City Hall employees who might not like being spied on and folks who maybe want that Mayor's people to have more important priorities.

Secret Disclosure: The Cauthen Contract Negotiations are sexy and mysterious

I missed an important story this morning regarding the effort to fire City Manager Wayne Cauthen.

Apparently DeAnn Smith got a hold of some top secret documents on the downlow. I don't want to think about how she got her hands on the sensitive, tingly files in light of the fact that several Latino leaders are a little peeved at her for sneaking around their meetups like a (sexy) mouse . . . But that's not important, what is interesting is that it's clear the City Council is asking the world of Cauthen:

Performance measures appear to be the biggest sticking point in contract negotiations between the Kansas City Council and City Manager Wayne Cauthen . . . The city manager currently earns a base salary of $215,000 and $60,000 in bonuses for meeting performance measures pertaining to municipal workplace diversity, management of capital improvements projects and the achievement of revenue targets.

Funkhouser and the council want new performance measures that evaluate the city manager at least in part on citizen satisfaction with city services.

The demands of the Council seem impossible in light of the fact that this country is moving closer to a full blown recession every day but here they are:

Increasing, by specific percentages, the number of citizens who are satisfied with the condition of city streets, enforcement of city codes and quality of police, fire and ambulance services.

Decreasing the percentage of substandard roads and bridges, and decreasing the amount of time it takes to resolve illegal dumping and stormwater complaints.

Boosting the number of employed people in Kansas City, increasing earnings tax revenue and the city’s reserve funds.

In essence, The City Council wants Cauthen to be responsible for their jobs. The stormwater complaints are especially laughable given that the only solution to that problem is to START work on the BILLIONS of dollars worth of sewer repair this town needs and none of the Council or the Mayor seem to want to undertake that task.

But all of that is political parlor talk . . . The most important thing to consider is that in a City with a HUGE African-American voting bloc, it's going to be a challenge to fire the highest ranking Black guy at City Hall. These "negotiations" are really just steps to get rid of the guy down the road but The Black Community should know that he WILL NOT be replaced by a person of color . . . And in a such a racially charged atmosphere, that's important. I think it's an issue of representation and the Black community has seen little under the Funkhouser reign.

To be fair, it was funny as Hell when the Council rejected the Mayor's attempt to fire Cauthen and Funky is desperately trying to move to the front of this debate despite the fact that the Council is doing ALL of the heavy lifting. I would only hope that Council folk would remember that Mayor Funky has NO SUPPORT in the urban core and if the election were held again, today he would lose by a significant margin. Therefore, his prodding on this issue can be/should be ignored. Most people in this town couldn't name the City manager if asked . . . I don't think it's imperative to meddle with his contract too much and it's clear that he should stay given that the move to replace him will only further cut off connections to Kansas City's Black community.

Blunt gets payback for racial and ethnic profiling to support political move

Small business people are fighting back against Gov. Blunt and demonstrating that massive racial and ethnic profiling measures unfairly punish people who are LEGAL residents of this country. Earlier this year a janitorial services company lost their contract for employing a few people with false IDs, unfortunately the majority of the company's employees were here legally and they suffered because of the move as well . . . But the most important thing this lawsuit demonstrates is that there is a price to be paid for making blanket edicts against small business people and firing folks just to make a political point. Also, defending racial and ethnic profiling is pretty repugnant as well unless we're talking about pointing out sexy, chubby blondes so that they get free drinks.

Advice on MRSA that doesn't include panic

Local man warns: "Keep your cuts covered you scabby bastard."

Rap music is a crime: A faux hip-hop club in KC gets their liquor card pulled

You won't see me crying about Skybox but I will note that nobody has been able to make that location work near the river market. KSHB reports: "The City of Kansas City, Mo., Regulated Industries Division and Skybox management have agreed to a voluntary 21-day suspension of the establishment's liquor license due to violations of City ordinances."

"Bloody Kansas abortion wars unleash nationwide attack on Planned Parenthood"

An informative recap of the current abortion controversy from the pro-life perspective . . . Additionally, I always wonder why the pro-life crowd loves using gross and disturbing imagery in their rhetoric. I've always thought the were against abortion and people enjoying their lunch when noticing their cause . . . I can only assume the tactic saves on catering bills.

"Top Five Disappointments So Far for the Kansas City Chiefs"

An informative and amazing post which predicts that you shouldn't get TOO excited about an early season winning streak.

Token gesture comes too late

Every white baseball fan may celebrate the fact that their conscience has been cleared by a token trophy to Buck O'Neil which will now stand at Cooperstown BUT the gesture is essentially meaningless.

My Grandma (who may or may not be an illegal alien - I don't ask) always reminds her loved ones that tears for her don't do any good after she's dead (or deported). She says that when she kicks the bucket, it'll be too late for those who wished they would have visited her more often or should have been nicer. It's important to understand that nobody lives forever and that's why we should honor (or berate) folks while they're above ground.

MLB had their chance and they missed it . . . Now they're only honoring history. It's so hard for folks to understand that we don't have funerals or other honors for the sake of the dead - We have them to help the living cope with the loss. It's useless to honor a corpse . . . They never say thank you, they don't enjoy the food that people bring and they're really boring.

The chance to honor O'Neil was gone the second he took off for the big baseball diamond in the sky or whatever euphemism you'd like to distract you from the finality of death. Baseball belongs to the living and if folks were really concerned about "honoring" his memory they might take a visit to the empty, tomb-like Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, make a donation or maybe lobby for Frank White to make it into the Hall considering that it was one of O'Neil's last wishes and White is very much alive and a proponent of the NLBM.

Weapons biz is booming in KC

Actually, I think it's good to hear that business is booming for whatever they're building in South KC:

A plan to build a $500 million nuclear weapons plant in south Kansas City to replace the facility at the Bannister Federal Complex received a pivotal endorsement today.

The federal Office of Management and Budget has accepted the plan and sent it to Congress for consideration. Brad Scott, the regional administrator for the General Services Administration, said the prospect for Congressional approval appears solid, assuring the continuation of at least 2,000 well-paid jobs in the area.

Obviously, this move may garner a few protesters but, to be fair nobody really cares about all of the violence in South KC neighborhoods so complaints about a facility providing jobs might be out of order and a little toxic, radioactive or just plain corrosive.

Hardcore Elephant Action at the KC Zoo

Here's my favorite story today in The Star . . . Confirmation that local elephants are sinners and a KC institution is acting as a pimp.

The Kansas City Zoo announced Wednesday that it has acquired a new female African elephant and will attempt to start a breeding program.

All it needs now is a male.

“Zoe has an attitude,” said zoo director Randy Wisthoff.

While she is in quarantine, she can be viewed from an overlook outside the elephant barn, weather permitting. She will be introduced to the zoo’s six other female elephants.

The others are all over 25 years old and thought to be too old to produce calves, said Liz Harmon, general curator.

Wisthoff said the Association of Zoos and Aquariums has approved the zoo becoming an elephant-breeding facility, as has the Elephant Species Survival Plan, a cooperative agreement among zoos.

He said the zoo has begun its search for a bull elephant.

If one cannot be obtained, the zoo will explore an artificial insemination program, he said.

Actually, this is all very interesting and strangely arousing. Even better, Zoe is 22 and perfectly legal. Yeah!!! 22 year-olds looking for good times, who don't mind if they get pregnant because some other institution is paying their bills DEFINITELY excites TKC. At the very least, I'm hoping they'll let Zoo patrons watch the hardcore Elephant action. Finally, it seems KC's constantly money losing Zoo has stumbled upon an attraction worth checking out that's far more interesting than the STD infested koalas they were promoting earlier this year.

Local cyclists set out to "shock" KC

The Pitch points out the militant cycling group Critical Mass who are known to "shock the bejesus out of the general public" in an attempt to promote their cause, bring traffic to a standstill in KC and generally intimidate law abiding drivers. They meet in the Westport Sunfresh parking lot at 6 p.m. in order to take part in an unsanctioned "parade." Here is their myspace page (in which they militantly refer to themselves as an "army") . . . Take a look so that you can prepare yourself if you should encounter their driver intimidation.

Thank God at least one local activist is working to fight crime in Kansas City

Alonzo Washington is turning his Internet efforts to Godtube. Heaven knows he rarely gets help from politicos who are afraid to discuss the topic of violent crime in KC. Check out his profile and watch a few of his vids.

Rewarding white privilege is an art

YES!!! News that The Planned Industrial Expansion Authority will consider tax breaks for local artists in the Crossroads is my big chance to make this blog PAY!!! I've got two things going for me, Crossroads scumbags are calling most of the Westside their neighborhood nowadays . . . Therefore I'd have no problem meeting residency requirements. Also, this blog is a post modern masterpiece. So I'm good. Also, I'm going to tell all my friends about this one so don't be surprised to see a lot of the Latinos on the Westsdside wanting a tax break for velvet paintings, lawn sculptures and lowrider bicycles. OneKC, right? Yo quiero tax break!!!

A TKC Challenge: I double dog dare you to accuse Julian Bond of blackmail!!!

Hey, I see now that The Star isn't pimping "news" that the NAACP is coming to town without CONFIRMATION from national officals . . . Talk of the issue has died down.

One quick note: Local radio bitches had no problem using inflammatory language when Latinos were concerned but TKC contends that these same people will watch their tongue when talking about NAACP Chairman Julian Bond. As well they should.

It's clear that there is a serious wave of anti-Latino sentiment coming form all corners of the country (especially the suburbs) but the cowards who espouse that kind of vitriol always seem to think twice about referencing Black people . . . Which is great, I guess.

The sitch: So far the locals have said the NAACP is coming to KC. But there hasn't been word yet about how the National organization feels other than a statement during the summer noting that they would consider the decision of the NCLR in their choice. I'm only hoping that more enterprising members of the Black Community will use this point as a bargaining chip in order to get at least a little attention for their community from Mayor Funkhouser since he had done nothing but disrespect, ignore and condescend to the Black community in KCMO judging from a few e-mails that I've received. My gut feeling is that the more interaction that Black community has with Mayor Funkhouser, the more they will note what a dishonest, insensitive and stubborn politico he really is who rarely listens and which much rather lecture. Speaking of speculation . . . I haven't heard anything on the so-called news that Freedom Inc. has reversed its decision It's a bit disappointing that Freedom Inc. now backs the PIAC renewal which won't be going to fund anything (significant) in their neighborhoods if KC's recent history is any indication.

Anyhoo . . . Thankfully, I'm noticing that few local pundits dare to use the term Blackmail when it comes to NAACP which once again proves the Mike Hendricks is a coward, a thief and the worst kind of bigoted JoCo d-bag imaginable given that he doesn't have the courage to come up with his own opinions but instead jumps on a reactionary bandwagon to make it seem as if his flaccid suburban life has meaning.

"Did Pretty Boy Floyd Participate in the Kansas City Massacre?"

Probably, but many historians note that his death bed confession claims otherwise. (Screw you, I've always thought the Kansas City Massacre was interesting.)

Get your sh*t together KC!!!

I'm sending someone I know to this local conference regarding hoarding today:

Tri-County Mental Health Services will host the Aging and Mental Health Coalition 1:30-2:30 p.m. Thursday. The guest speaker will be Kim Reynolds, project coordinator of the University of Kansas’ School of Social Welfare office of aging and long-term care.

Reynolds will lead a discussion on the recent study of older Kansans with hoarding problems. A brief overview of current interventions and outcomes of hoarding cases in Kansas will be reviewed as well as recommendations of how states can build on existing service networks to address hoarding.

The meeting will be in the second floor conference room of the Northland Human Services Building, 3100 N.E. 83rd St., Kansas City, North. For more information, call 816-468-0400, Ext. 153.

I might go too, but only to proclaim: "I better hurry up and get home before somebody throws away all my stuff" while I walk out the door and then RUN to the elevator with reckless abandon. This is just one of many things I do for fun in lieu of going to AA meetings before visiting a bar or asking compulsive gamblers if they'd like my coupons the boats recently sent me in the mail.

Jason Whitlock writes with moral clarity

Jason Whitlock has discovered the key to success as a minority writer, he caters to the stupidity of white people and reinforces their stereotypes with lame arguments supporting their intolerance. Not only is he in the cheering section for every attack on hip-hop but as of late he has found something bad to say about every Black athlete who has come under media scrutiny. I know that I was impressed when he blamed rap music for Michael Vick's cruelty to puppies in much the same way that I associate country music with the KKK.

Now, thankfully, there has been a bit of a backlash against the dude's sellout technique and a recent link that I found via local blogger Chuck is a great start in challenging Whitlock's sellout routine.

The worst part about it is that it is racist: pure and simple. It's racist because Whitlock is cheerfully willing to justify "whitening rosters" because of the actions of a few. Yes, there are pro athletes--in every sport of every color--who are narcissists that believe the world spins at their command. Stop the presses. This is the way it has always been in our hero-worshiping, sports obsessed culture.

My only hope is that Whitlock is gaming the system. I know that his recent hardline stance against rap music has earned him appearances on Oprah and white guys love being told how great they are and how horrible Black people are on ESPN. But, there's a downside to mainstream fame . . . It always strains credibility and Whitlock isn't exactly beloved by everyone no matter how hard he smiles and apologizes (or attacks) Black athletes. It's none of my business and I admire anybody who has made a nice living from typing . . . But to make a simple comparison, I've long understood that saying what white people want to hear is a lucrative career track for a person of color . . . It's the reason why tiny groups of anti-immigration Hispanics which only comprise less than a handful of members are given equal time with MUCH LARGER contingents of Latinos who realize that even undocumented immigrants have human rights and shouldn't be the target of so much hate.

A few people might give me static for this but when considering Whitlock's career a passage from Dallas Penn's blog comes to mind regarding other prominent people of color and their paths to success:

The Whip Cracker is completely different from the Uncle Tom in that the Whip Cracker understands that the benefits he receives are issued not for meritous achievement but for complicit behavior. The Whip Cracker doesn’t believe that he is favored by the master but understands that if he complies with the master’s programs, then he will be spared from the master’s wrath. The Whip Cracker knows the dirty tricks the master employs to control his holdings and the Whip Cracker has no empathy for the moral consequences. All the Cracker wants to know is,”When am I going to eat?”

Actually, that doesn't sound like a bad line of work if you can find it and I would never castigate anyone for wanting to eat well, as clearly Whitlock has done.

"There is every reason to be concerned with the boiler plate of rhetoric in our country"

Local blogger Sassywho: One of the few people in the local blogosphere who has noted and written of her opposition to all of the hateful and vitriolic language on the Internets in support of the Mintuemen. Really, if you look at some of the horribly racist and deadly serious things these folks have written (not satirical at all - heh) it's very easy to see the bigoted motives of their cause . . . Thankfully, at least one local blogger has taken note.

A neat poster from Posthuman Blues

Local blogger/author Mac is on the verge of releasing news on what seems to be a movie project . . . Developing (also, looks pretty interesting).

Forgetfulness is a loaded weapon

Fmr. KCPD Cop Charged After Losing Gun On School Grounds at Park Hill High School

Orange you glad you're taxed to the hilt? Abouhalkah continues to make INSANE connections in support of his daddy mayor.

First of all, I have a problem with the concept that wearing or employing some stupid color reveals anything about your political ideology. Not so long ago, I remember that people decried the employment of colors among the urban youth in a similar strategy. But in life and death political struggles the tactic is now being embraced all over again . . . Just one more example of supremacy.

Now, in YET ANOTHER ATTEMPT TO SUPPORT YET ANOTHER TAX ON KANSAS CITY, Yael Abouhalkah is making the loose connection between the PIAC Renewal posters and the alleged popularity of Mark Funkhouser. BOTH CAMPAIGNS ARE EMPLOYING THE COLOR ORANGE . . . WOW!!!!!!

Here's the real move: The mayor is SO UNPOPULAR RIGHT NOW IN THE URBAN CORE that his supporters will do ANYTHING to prop him up. Polls suggest that the PIAC renewal is a sure thing, so of course they want to put their boy right out in front.

The problem is that KC voters are a finicky bunch. Nobody could have predicted that voters would back Clay Chastain's stupid plan. But they did. Likewise, I can only infer from the strange (some say misguided) popularity of Ron Paul in Kansas City that NOT EVERYONE IN THIS TOWN LOVES TAXES AS MUCH AS YAEL ABOUHALKAH. I'm not gonna be surprised if KC Voters act like sheep and the thing passes, but I'm willing to consider that a few people might not want to pass a regressive tax on Kansas City's po'folk and otherwise reject the threatening rhetoric used to back this measure. Tell your friends, the PIAC renewal is a simply a sales tax and not the panacea for every problem in KC.

And it's at this point some dork who believes he knows something about economics may write in with something stupid like: "But what about infrastructure, deferred maintenance and blah, blah, blah?" My answer: Figure it out with less money taken from every purchase in KC. I'm not an economist but that doesn't mean I don't have a right to object to someone's hand in my pocket. In fact, maybe it's time for KC to say, "Get your hand outta my pocket!!!" which reminds me of Malcom X and would be cool.

So often, politicos urge people to keep giving them cash as if they were ministers at a church fund raiser for a leaky roof. But other than a few cleverly timed public works projects . . . The people of KC rarely see anything tangible that will make a difference in their lives. I'm not urging the closing of community centers or any of the dire consequences that proponents of this tax suggest. I'm simply noting that I don't want the City to keep taking a cut each time I choose to buy a box of snack cakes in KC Proper. Older folks will remember that when this tax was first proposed, one of its selling points was that it was not permanent . . . But it now seems like there is no end in sight.

Make no mistake, every time you see those orange signs which LIE and claim this isn't a tax . . . You're seeing the lies of folks who want your cash. The connection to Funkhouser is correct but not in the way you think. A vote against this tax would be a tragedy for his so-called "support" but if it passes, it will largely be a product of low voter turnout, a mis-informed public and KC voters wanting to give up their money so that politicos can in-turn hand it over as a reward to their favorites.

Support of this tax renewal isn't a pioneering move by Funkhouser, it's the same old tax and spend ideology that has been a hallmark of this town for more than a generation. Mayor Funky's alleged lead on this bandwagon is anything but reform, it's politics as usual in Kansas City.

"The Gangs of Kansas City"

An fascinating article from the UNews provides a profile of the work of Calvin Neal, prevention specialist for Move UP. Interestingly enough, gangs in Kansas City aren't usually a topic of discussion that reaches the mainstream unless folks are trying to make a political point or a gang war breaks out (like it did this summer). Sadly, the work of folks like Neal often goes unnoticed. Also, my own work to stifle the efforts of gangs of blonde skanks at Westport clubs from attracting too much attention has also been fruitless. They're out in full force and making as many bad choices as ever when I've told so many of them that it would be more productive to focus their efforts on making me a sandwich.

Kansas City pays for the mistakes of former mayors long after they are gone

BlogKC recently chronicled the financial impact that "Credit Card Kay" still has on KC in a fantastic post. Clearly, mistakes don't end with one mayoral administration and this town is often left to pick up the tab left by a former mayor. Interestingly, "If the Power & Light District loses money KC taxpayers could lose up to $4 million a year" SO obviously now is the PERFECT time to turn away business from KC. By the way, has KC made up the money that it said it could easily recoup from La Raza canceling their convention yet? How about the PR damage? It's sad that Funkhouser put his "principles" over Kansas City's profits.

Do you want more?

Today was a huge day for traffic. Lots of nice comments calling me a wetback as well as an assload of hits.

HOWEVER, I didn't link as many blogs or news items that I like.

But there was no way I was putting up a stupid story about a water main break on top of the monster post about race relations in Kansas City. And while Tarwater's Staph Infection is serious . . . It doesn't really make a difference to you or I (until we have to go to the emergency room as well). Also, the D posted something interesting about astrology and for that he's going to Cath-a-holic HELL. These are all important stories to TKC!!!

So more links are forthcoming with an extra serving of snark and sarcasm. And I'm gonna take a break from being so ranty for awhile (2 days tops) even if it's clear that's what you folks like.

But as always, this blog is a work in progress. For now, I'm treating TKC readers just like a broad I would meet at a local club . . . I'm not making any promises. And I guess the most important thing is the page overall. Still, TKC wants to provide as much snarky commentary as possible with a bit of information and I always appreciate your feedback, even if I ignore most of it.

I LOVE YOU.

Kansas City is divided by racial lines now more than ever. Thanks Mayor Funky!!!

I'm guessing that when a slim majority of less than 900 people voted for Mark Funkhouser in the last mayoral election, they probably weren't voting for a divisive, racially charged climate which has descended upon this town since the summer of 2007 and was caused by Mayor Funky's appointment of Minuteman Frances Semler.

Yet, thanks to the Mayor's lack of political acumen, his failure to properly vet his appointments and the horrible influence of his wife . . . Here we are, in the midst of one of the most racially divisive epochs in Kansas City's history.

Of course, some folks are going to blame the controversy on Latino leaders. But it wasn't Latino leaders who made the appointment, Funkhouser did and has stated on several occasions that it was a mistake and acknowledged that he broke campaign promises which claimed that he would rely on Internet applications and forgo political appointments made solely to support cronyism. It's now widely noted that Semler was a campaigner for Funkhouser and that's why she won her appointment; a few Northlanders have pointed out that there were many people far more qualified to serve that part of the city.

But let's be honest about his whole thing . . . This might be a debate about hate groups, immigration and broken campaign promises; but more than anything else the Semler controversy is about the sordid topic of RACE.

Immigration is a loaded topic in and of itself . . . The face of immigration in the U.S. is the face of a Mexican. I've read that Mexicans make up 60% of all illegal immigrants in the United States. However, the ire of the Minutemen and most other racists is focused solely on Mexican people and Latinos. Kansas City is home to many Somali and Arab immigrants as well, some of whom (for whatever reason) don't have their papers together - Yet time and again debate regarding immigration targets only Latinos in both action and deed. There have been no work site protests or rhetorical attacks against any other ethnic group of illegal immigrants but Latinos in this area. There is NO wide scale political movement to provide "security" against scores of Asian, Arab, African or Eastern European illegal immigrants who comprise nearly half of the so-called immigration crisis. The focus is only on the Southern Border and profiling of only Latinos. Put simply, the people who have a problem with immigration, really have a problem with Mexicans. The Minutemen are, in fact, an Anti-Latino movement which the Mayor of Kansas City has endorsed and stubbornly stands behind.

But the racially charged atmosphere in Kansas City only begins with the Minutemen and the Semler debate. Mayor Funky's horrible record on race relations doesn't stop there . . . Mayor Funkhouser has few political allies in an area that he once referred to as "The Black Part of town." In his short tenure Mayor Funky has made few attempts to come to any kind of political reconciliation with leaders in the African-American community after a racially divisive election in which only the complete support of Kansas City's largely white Northland (barely) carried the day for KC's current Mayor.

When it came time to appoint a Mayor pro tem, Funkhouser went with Bill Skaggs to rep the Northland rather than an African-American candidate which would have been an appropriate gesture to provide representation or even a woman might have been a good idea to facilitate a better working relationship with the estrogen laden City Council.

Even worse, the Mayor's ridiculous idea of diversity is a joke to everyone outside the offices of his administration. As he argues that every crackpot deserves a seat at the table to govern Kansas City, it's also worth noting that this deranged view also provides a place for practitioners of the Wiccan religion which most people in Kansas City find offensive or laughable at best. Funkhouser's misunderstanding of the concept of diversity is one of the major factors that has put so many communities in this town at each other's throats.

Still, some folks make the argument that Kansas City is a diverse town despite our history of segregation and racial animosity. Respectfully, I would argue that this is only a half truth. What's apparent is that, at this moment:

Kansas City is a town divided along racial lines.

People of color have heard the coded language on talk radio, they've read scores of racist, bigoted and downright threatening statements on local Internet message boards and it should be clear that nearly all of these comments are in support of the Minutemen. Rarely, has racist, inflammatory and threatening language been used to challenge Mayor Funkhouser (excluding this blog, of course) whereas the local Internet has been DOMINATED by folks (mostly from out of town) encouraging Mayor Funkhouser while often typing bigoted statements regarding people of Mexican descent. I know that I've been advised to go back to Mexico (where I've only been for Spring Break) at least a dozen times.

The racism of so many white people is on full display when it comes to the Semler debate and the subject of immigration in Kansas City.

Again, this is a sad situation that Mayor Funkhouser has created, maintained and endorsed.

And one thing is clear at this point, on the subject or racial harmony, diversity and a simple effort to just "get along" in Kansas City:

MAYOR FUNKHOUSER IS THE WORST MAYOR IN MODERN KANSAS CITY HISTORY WHEN IT COMES TO ADDRESSING HIS MINORITY CONSTITUENTS!!!

Let's look at the facts:

I'm counting H. Roe Bartle as part of the old school contingent of Kansas City Mayors because his tenure was truly during another time in this City's history and it wouldn't be fair to evaluate him or any of his predecessors on current matters of race relations. I'll simply assume they were all bigots.

Ilus W. Davis (1963-1971) - Was by no means a trend setter but he did hold office during two riots in KC which followed the assasination of MLK. During this time his political expertise paid off when he reached out to leaders in the Black community in an attempt to stop the violence. Davis was one of the first people to acknowledge former Councilman Alvin Brooks as a respected leader in the Black Community. In essence, he gave Brooks his start in politics and if you talk to anyone who remembers this time . . . His cooperation with Brooks and other leaders of the day in the Black community was crucial in preventing the riots from getting worse.

Charles B. Wheeler, Jr. (1971-1979) - Wheeler was a true pioneer. More than any other Mayor in Kansas City's history he championed the cause of hiring minorities at City Hall. He enjoyed broad based support from all corners of Kansas City and still maintains a bit of respect from the older folks in those communities today.

Richard L. Berkley (1979-1991) - To be fair, this is the guy I will always consider to be the best Mayor in Kansas City's history. He was the Mayor when I was a little kid and I hold every Mayor to the high standard he upheld. Berkowitz Berkley was Kansas City's first Jewish Mayor and he was a Republican but more importantly he brought a touch of class to KC's politics. What I've heard of his tenure is that he didn't treat minority communities with the same condescension that was rampant during that era. Several minority council members came to power during the Berkley era, some of them where shepherded along by the Mayor . . . A few of them weren't but few people of color considered him one of their adversaries.

Emanuel Cleaver (1991-1999) - KC's first Black Mayor is who most people in this town refer to when they note how "diverse" Kansas City is . . . Folks who were around during that time might remember that every one of his political opponents criticized the guy at every turn and threw around accusations of corruption with every breath. Cleaver was the constant target of attacks (many of them deserved) but by-in-large his tenure was a success in that it gave us the Casinos to keep people who don't know anything about laws of probability broke.

Kay Barnes (1999-2007) - Surprisingly, Mayor Kay's tenure was largely free of the inflammatory racial rhetoric which embroils this town today. More than anything, Mayor Kay was an astute politico and she NEVER let herself get bogged down in any controversy for too long. As Mayor of KC, she always had an impeccable sense of timing and a miraculous ability to stay above the fray. She gave away corporate TIF's like there was no tomorrow but only the last few months of her tenure were slightly unpleasant. I've always thought of her as the Mayor who wasn't there and so many politicos currently holding office in this town today could learn a thing or two from her light touch. (heh)

The lesson is clear: KC has a history of Mayors who have avoided direct confrontation with this town's minority communities. Mayor Funky can't hold a candle to former KC Mayors on this front. On the subject of race and other topics as well Mayor Funky seems clumsy, ill-equipped, insensitive AND STUBBORN when compared side by side with KC's former Mayors.

The result is that Mayor Funky enjoys little support in the urban core. He's made some progress working with the council but at crucial moments they have turned against him and stood united against some of his silly maneuvers. If anything, Funkhouser has only had success when he has stood out of the way of the Council and then slyly managed to take credit for their actions.

Sadly, I don't see much hope for the future when it comes to Mayor Funky's interactions with KC's Minority communities. Time after time he has seemed aloof and disrespectful to most politically powerful people of color in KC. Again, notice that only white people defend his record on race relations. The Mayor's thinking simply reflects an outdated liberal method of offering only tokenism and employing "divide and conquer" strategies. What other Mayors knew, what Mayor Funkhouser must learn is that it's impossible to govern Kansas City without the support of the urban core. Excluding, ignoring or employing only sellouts from minority communities won't work and is only a manifestation of misinformed and misguided thinking that emanates from talk radio and the outlying suburbs. This type of paranoia comes from people who have no real stake in this town, people who don't really understand Kansas City.

Ron Paul's people dominate the Internets

There are two ways to go with this one . . . Either Ron Paul is at the beginning of a grassroots movement that will sweep him into office. OR, the Internets really likes crackpots. I'll let you decide. However, Ron Paul people are the most active bunch of politicos in KC when it comes to promoting the guy on the Internets or plugging his upcoming rally at The Uptown. Also, that billboard on Broadway promising to "Eliminate the IRS" just strikes me as creepy, unrealistic and just a tiny indication the dude isn't taking this thing seriously . . . Maybe that's why I find him intriguing.

Support for the Minutemen mostly comes from the suburbs

Here's a bit of analysis of recent letters to The Star supporting the Minutemen and/or attacking the NCLR: 2/3rds of the letters published today are from people who don't live in KC Proper, can't vote in this town and won't be affected by any loss of revenue.

Surprising: Semler wants to talk about parks. Not so surprising: White guy supports the Minutemen.

Hearne Christopher Jr's latest column is pretty good. Personally, I was surprised that nobody (but me) was upset about dead Chinese people soon to show up at Union Station most likely without their consent. Other than that, the point here is that there's nothing to write about on the political front that doesn't concern the Frances Semler appointment . . . Hell, even the my contention that PIAC renewal should be nixed can be loosely connected with the old broad.

Switching things up

Moving things around . . . Switching to a new template (that looks almost exactly the same) . . . Bear with me for a bit. I may not finish tonight but I'm gonna try something out before I work on any posts.

Car business in Kansas City

Kansas City is selling crappy cars according to KMBC.

That's not exactly news but it did give me an opportunity to post a photo of car model and fitness babe Ashley Kimel/Winston. Here's a a link to a car forum where more slightly NSFW photos can be found.

As for the horrible cars Kansas City sells . . . There's no reason cars KC cars should be any less unsatisfactory than everything else associated with this town.

McMillan wants arrest procedures examined

Community activist Ron McMillan was was treated to some major disrespect when he was arrested recently. The police believed the car he was driving was stolen, it belonged to him HOWEVER he did have one outstanding unpaid traffic ticket. Now, he's turning the experience into something that he hopes will facilitate better interaction between police and the community with a recent presentation in front of the Police board today.

Alleged Overland Park Bank Robber caught

Crime Scene KC reports the dude could be connected to 4 other robberies . . . Which makes me wonder he didn't quit while he was ahead or use the money to go into more legitimate forms of robbery like payday loans or real estate development.

The Northland is a wreck

Local blogger Lynn posts some great photos and does some sound reporting on the slow going of a clean-up effort along Brighton north of Vivion.

"The Ten Best Kansas City Jazz Recordings"

KC's best Jazz blog puts together an amazing compilation of favorites. If Jazz is not your bag, consider it a world-class home remedy for insomnia.

Don't rest easy just yet, the NAACP convention in KC isn't a sure thing

I'm not making predictions here because I have no deep insight into the Black Community . . . And I'm always wrong.

However, it would be foolish for Kansas City to take the NAACP conference for granted.

Of course the Star reports that NAACP is still coming to KC with a bold headline but a closer look at the post might reveal at least ONE MAJOR CONTINGENCY.

A rather brilliant comment showed up on this blog that provided a bit of info:

They are basically regurgitating the same info that they have been writing for weeks but with a different headline! boy that DeAnn Smith has a cushy job, she doesn't know caca and is a horrible reporter!!! The NAACP, national office can not be reached for comment, but the Star prints what Ms. Anita Russell says as fact, and everyone knows "Mz. Milquetoast" is presiding over a local organization that isn't worth two chingaderas locally. It has a teeny, tiny membership base and represents very, very, few people here in KC - they need their National organization to come here, they really do!

Sounds like the Star is reporting "hearsay" now, using one group to dis another. Excellent divide and conquer tactic, Yael, Mike and DeAnn et al.

True enough, let's not forget that Russell's latest move is eerily similar to another press release that she turned in earlier this year which was subsequently contradicted by NAACP Chairman Julian Bond who called the Minutemen vigilantes and noted that the NAACP would "consider" the decision of the NCLR when making their own choice.

Now, it's important to point out that the situation in the Latino and Black communities are completely different. I've heard that local Black leaders want the NAACP convention to come here and they don't see themselves as part of this debate that's often sidetracked by the discussion of immigration issues . . . On the other hand, Nationally . . . Bond and Murguia would both benefit from some sort of strategic alliance in much the same way that Hulk Hogan was always more entertaining when he was hanging out with Mr. T.

Respectfully, it's important to note that the local chapters of the NAACP don't enjoy as much support in Kansas City as they have garnered in other parts of the country where their membership numbers are eclipsed by towns much smaller than KC. But that's neither here nor there . . . I'm simply noting that the NAACP has parted ways with their local reps previously in the past few months and their decision "pending a site visit" was still true back when their warnings were initially made . . . IMPORTANT NOTE: National NAACP Officials have continually been postponing the "site visit" and that doesn't sound half as encouraging as what The Star is reporting in their continued attempts to carry Mayor Funkhouser's water and diffuse this controversy.

Surprisingly, what has went underreported so far is a THOUGHTFUL STORY BY KSHB REPORTER MARISSA CLEAVER which reveals that:

Leaders for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference say they may pull their convention.

“We want to be in solidarity with La Raza,” Reverend Nelson Thompson said. He is the head of the local SCLC. He says the organization is considering pulling their July 2008 convention from Kansas City.

Thompson says as a civil rights group, they take issue with Semler’s appointment to the Parks Board because she is a member of the Minuteman. "They have a record of hate. They have a record of vigilantism and quasi-terrorism and white supremacy and all these things that aren't good for the country and certainly not good for Kansas City,” Rev. Thompson said.

Additionally:

THE UNITED STATES HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HAS EXPRESSED AN INTEREST IN PARTICIPATING OF THE CURRENT BOYCOTT OF KANSAS CITY DUE TO THE APPOINTMENT OF MINUTEMAN FRANCES SEMLER.

And as more and more of these organizations continue to speak up, the use of the term "Blackmail" becomes outdated as

KANSAS CITY IS NOW ON THE PRECIPICE OF A WIDE SCALE BOYCOTT ON BEHALF OF INFLUENTIAL MINORITY ORGANIZATIONS!!!

The fact that this growing movement is going under reported by Kansas City's paper of record is really appalling and an even further indication that they are out of touch with KC's minority community.

Also, noting that funds will be "easily" made up is not only arrogant but also ignorant. I don't know if any of you've noticed but this nation stands on the brink of recession . . . Is this really the right time for all of Kansas City to be turning away business for the benefit of Mayor Funkhouser's principles? KC's debt load isn't going any place, and local merchants might soon see that this town needs every bit of business it can muster as this struggle turns much bigger than the Administration of Mayor Funkhouser and threatens to impact the overall economy of Kansas city.

Again, I'm done making predictions when it comes to this matter that's growing more serious every day . . . But as I've stated time and again:

It's not over, it's not over by a long shot.

TKC keeps you ahead of the curve: The Pitch is preparing a hit piece on Beth Gottstein

Hipsters aren't very loyal . . . That's how I know so much about the inner workings of The Pitch. Free Wilco tickets go a long way, my friend. Word has it that they're working on a killer hit piece targeting Beth Gottstein and a bit of backlash that's coming her way.

Obviously, part of the story includes negative reaction not only to her purposed smoking ban (which still sounds nice to me) but also the perception that she's backing off from her initial strident approach toward the ban.

Any of you folks listening to talk radio have already heard that there's a lone nut out there trying to start a recall effort against Gottstein from the Hinterlands of Olathe (WTF???).

And let's not forget that the local rag has already questioned her credibility about reports of Minutemen supporters giving the Council lady hassle. Because we know that no supporter of an extremist group would ever hassle one of their opponents, right?

Hopefully, that's as personal as they get but when The Pitch focuses their ire on someone they really don't like . . . The folks at the so-called "alternative" weekly can be downright nasty and for that I respect them but an attack on Gottstein is simply uncalled for . . . Just like most of the City Council she stood up to the Minutemen and now that Cathy Jolly isn't playing at full speed because the poor, sweet woman is still recovering . . . Gottstein is one of the strongest female voices on the Council.

This is just speculation but TKC CONTENDS THIS UPCOMING HIT PIECE TARGETING GOTTSTEIN IS JUST ANOTHER WAY THE RAG IS ATTEMPTING TO SUPPORT MAYOR FUNKY given that two of their former staffers are drawing inflated salaries from the dude. Quite often Gottstein has found herself in opposition to the Mayor which doesn't really differentiate her very much from half the City who didn't vote for the guy (and his shoeless wife) and a great many people who are disappointed in his tenure so far.

And in that respect I just have to ask myself . . . Why is the Pitch standing up for the Mayor who stands united with a hate group? What kind of real "alternative" media is that? They are essentially promoting the same kind of opinions that can be read in the pages of The Star or heard on talk radio. Folks who fit in their demo would be better off reading blogs, CAMPKC (killer new issue by the way) or just reading a book to get a unique take on life in this town that the mag has all but stopped providing.

Obviously, as usual, the Pitch is backing up their political ideology with skewed coverage and standing by Mayor Funky while showing their readers they don't really care about diversity in their pages in much the same way that almost no people of color can be found in their offices . . . Cute and awesome Asian nightlife reporters notwithstanding.

For the record, TKC supports Beth Gottstein now just like I did in the general election!!! I contend, that because she's a woman with strong opinions she hasn't been given half the leeway that Mayor Funky has enjoyed . . . Also, she looks really great in black.

"Casey Wiegmann of the and Survivor Wife Danni Boatwright Welcome Baby"

Congratulations to the KC Couple and their future spokes-model bundle of joy. In fact, I'm so happy for them I won't even mention Wiegmann's inability to protect the quarterback. . . Starting now!

Swat team called for Grandview fist fight

Things are getting more violent all over the metro area . . . A Grandview fist fight isn't exactly newsworthy until you read the details which reveal that the altercation quickly grew out of control and ended with tons of police officers on the scene and a guy shot through the neck . . . While the shooter still seems to be on the loose but (thankfully) was identified by the victim.



And somehow I knew that I'd be able to reference photos of Lindsey Lohan boxing in her bikini captured by the paparazzi.

A Kansas blogger contends: Power Plant Fallout Continues (non-coal dust)

A really great and comprehensive post covering this complex issue from Stay Red Kansas.

LOOKY HERE, LOOK AT LUKAS: A GREAT PROFILE OF A LOCAL BLOGGER!!!

Very nice!!! TKC introduced you to local blogger Lukas back in August but, more importantly, the Star's blog beat writer Tim Engle (who is pretty damn good himself) published a great write up of one of KC's finest blogs recently. I'm pretty impressed given that I find "lucubrations" fascinating and celebrate any local news involving blogs that DOES NOT include lame meetups. So, TKC would like to congratulate local blogger Lukas on his recent rise to fame and encourage all of you once again to make him one of your regular reads.

Crime Scene KC: "First day of Katheryn Shields trial"

A comprehensive post and yet another example of Jabba Democrat persecution.

SET KATHERYN SHIELDS FREE!!!

Quarter mil Jackson County Parking Deal

The Star reports: "The Jackson County Legislature on Monday agreed to lease two county parking lots to Kansas City during events at the city-owned Sprint Center" Legislators for $240,000 through May 2010 . . . I think they could have got more but a few of them fell for all of the propaganda reported on the opening night which not only ignored protesters but also underplayed the massive and expensive logistics effort put forth by police. Still, I'm sure the VIPs will appreciate the nice parking.

"Funkhouser put city No. 2"

Credit where it's due: Steve Penn wrote a killer column today.

I know, I know, I'm not normally a fan of the guy's work but I appreciate the poop reference by the headline writer who isn't being that subtle.

Money line:

"Kansas Citians now know what Funkhouser meant when he pledged to be the change agent in city government. Little did we know the change he was referring to would take us back to a time when the city’s stance on fundamental racial matters was in question."

But now it is.

Incidentally, Penn refutes the notion that Mayor Funky is a racist . . . Instead, Penn (who formerly supported the Mayor quite a bit) comes to the conclusion that Funkhouser is just plain stubborn.

Dolores Huerta in KC

Expect even more negative press for Mayor Funkhouser today as legendary Latina civil rights leader Dolores Huerta shows up in Kansas City.

Without providing too much background, Huerta came to prominence in the early 60's because of her work with Cesar Chávez on behalf of the United Farm Workers.

She's in town to receive the Community of Christ 2007 International Peace Award. But word is that local Latino leaders are reaching out to her in support of their stand against Frances Semler's appointment and the Minutemen. One grandma vs. another right?

Obviously, Huerta is a woman who has dedicated herself to her faith and nonviolence but that doesn't mean she isn't a very outspoken, wonderful and powerful lady who never minces words . . . I know that I'll be listening to Kraske's show at around 11 a.m. today . . . I'm sure it'll be interesting.

ALLEGED RAPE AT THE EDGE OF HELL!!!

A woman claims she was raped inside Kansas City's premiere Haunted House. Spokespeople for the Edge of Hell's parent company said they believed the report was false. Police are investigating and have two people of interest.

And while the story creates a lot of fear . . . For the most part KC's Haunted houses have been safe . . . Except when they aren't. I haven't went to a local haunted house in quite a while because I don't like the way they molest my wallet . . . $30 per person for a Haunted House? REALLY?!!! Still, it's important to remember that most spooky Halloween urban legends turn out to be harmless and not nearly as scary as adult skanks who dress like whores in a desperate attempt to garner a celebratory random hookup.

Massive Brawl: Yet another reason why CMSU isn't really a "University" in any real sense of the word

I'm not a degree snob. I graduated from a Community College and then a City college.

However, you must admit that so many of these small Missouri institutions of higher learning are nothing more than "highschool part 2" and CMSU is the worst/best example.

KSHB reports: "Street-fighting college students ignite serious concerns in Warrensburg. Their part in a weekend melee required an entire police force to stop the violence."

And actually, that's the most exciting thing I've ever heard about that school other than the fact that the hotter broads at the "college" are all working at The Fantasy Ranch - NSFW.

KC's Irish influence

Irish KC reports: Irish Firm to Double Employment in Lawrence, KS . . . Along with a lot of other Irish biz benefiting KC and the surrounding area.

Judging by poor attendance: Nobody cares about the Wizards, so why should KC?

The author of "Down the byline" is a true fan, and I admire him for it. Sadly, there aren't more people like him as he dutifully reports: "The Wizards are at the bottom of the table (2007 MLS Average Attendance) again this year in terms of attendance."

Local newsies win an Emmy

Congratulations to HeyCameraman.net!!!!

From the ceiling of the Sprint Center: Hanging sculpture is nearly as heavy as KC's debt load

With more great photos, local artist Paul Dorrell wraps up his coverage of a 3000 lb sculpture he helped to install at The Sprint Center.

"Oh Tony, how do I hate thee???"

Thankfully, local blogger "Nightmare" didn't write this post about me. However, local blogger Chuck did WRITE A RATHER INTELLIGENT CRITICISM OF MY RECENT WORK that was not only helpful but also provided a much more thoughtful perspective.

Bloggers run this town

I'm a big fan of bloggers who run/jog/exercise regularly not only because I think it shows a lot of determination and willpower but also because it's entertaining to watch people trip at faster speeds.

Anyway, here are two great posts from a couple of my favorite running bloggers:

The D's recap of the KC Marathon is triumphant and inspiring.

Also, Pensive Girl is probably KC's most prolific runner/blogger who is currently pondering how to find more time to pound the pavement.

Again, I've got nothing but respect for local runners if only because they'll outlive us all given their healthy lifestyle or the fact that they'll be better prepared in the event of a horrible bear attack.

Guilty: The Jury cut to the chase in the Montgomery case

It only took 4 hours for the jury to find Lisa Montgomery guilty of of kidnapping resulting in death in the Dec. 16, 2004, attack on Bobbie Jo Stinnett, 23, in the northwest Missouri town of Skidmore according to KSHB.

Obviously it was an open and shut case, er, I mean they cut to the heart of the matter. Oops . . . I'm trying to say that cutting a woman open and snatching her kid is gross.

Anyway, now she's been found guilty and she'll go back to women's prison as prosecutors plan to seek the death penalty. However, I think residing in a women's prison really isn't that much of a punishment if the late night movies on skin-a-max have informed me correctly.

Beerfest review

One of my favorite local bloggers Chimpo gave it a lukewarm endorsement. From the photos I've seen, in looked more like a sausagefest.

Yet another Kansas City controversy

Whenever I get upset or disgusted with this town, I realize that it's a place that has consistently been filled with idiots since the Natives were driven away due to genocide left.

For instance, Thomas Hart Benton is widely considered to be the greatest artist ever to call Kansas City home but his masterpiece Persephone was often the subject of controversy from it's creation in 1938 to the time I was a kid.

Initially, Benton lost his job at the Kansas City Art institute over the painting.

Years after Benton's death, The Kansas City Times created a stir by printing the photo on their front page.

Now, the image is celebrated by most Kansas Citians and is one of the greatest works featured at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and adjoining Bulter building.

The point is that people from Kansas City aren't comfortable if there's nothing to complain about . . . It's part of this town's culture. My only concern is that recent KC controversies seem to have a gross disregard for the value of human life either by dismissing the merit of Kansas City's Latino Community or the fact that no one seems to care that the bodies of dead Chinese people will soon be displayed at Union Station without any reliable proof of their consent. Still, KC is nothing without controversy.

The most interesting people in this city always seem to embrace this town's need for conflict. Benton was often noted as a provocateur with his work; a man after my own heart I've admired his statements regarding female artists as well:

Thomas Hart Benton believed that "an art school is a place for young girls to pass the time between high school and marriage."

Nice. Anyhoo . . .

In the end, thankfully, there's never a resolution to KC's constant bitching that'll make everyone happy . . . There's only a move on to the next fight . . . And that's always been one of my favorite things about this (racist) town.

KANSAS CITY IS A RACIST TOWN!!!

I've always known Kansas City was a racist town.

Growing up my parents told me of their childhood in KC and how they were forced to sit at the back of segregated classrooms, dine at segregated eating establishments and swim on "colored day" at Fairyland park.

It's not widely noted but Latinos in Kansas City also suffered under this town's racist past depending on the shade of their skin. Lighter skinned people like myself usually came up with some kind of B.S. story about how they were Italian, Spanish or Lebanese while darker skinned folks (like my mom) were subject to the gamut of racial injustices this town had to offer from segregation to restrictive racial covenants pioneered by one of the architects of this city - J.C. Nichols.

The stories never surprised me, they were told with cold accuracy like some kind of warning, "That's what this City is capable of," my parents seemed to note as the recounted the details with wide-eyed clarity. "There are (many) people out there who still think this way."

Growing up, these warnings about the racist nature of Kansas City and its people were only confirmed time and again. Teachers hoping to stifle my writing ability, other parents and their derogatory questions about my racial makeup, administrators weary of my close knit friendships only with other (lower) middle-class Latinos . . . The role of race, perception and white people's bigotry has been a constant motif throughout my life from run-ins with suburban law enforcement to the parents of every white broad I've banged lady I've dated.

So please believe that I know every argument made in favor of racism and bigotry inside and out. I've heard it all before.

In the midst of this controversy over Frances Semler, the same tired, dishonest, illogical and misleading arguments are being rehashed in order to support the racism of the Minutemen and Semler's virulent rhetoric against immigrants both legal and undocumented.

First off, there is this stupid notion that Mayor Funkhouser stood by his "principles" while ignoring the Latino Leadership in Kansas City and disrespecting them at every turn. Not one person, not even Funkhouser, has identified exactly what principle to which the Mayor is referring. I'm guessing that they're talking about cronyism since it has been noted time and again that Funkhouser appointed Semler without vetting her and above other (more qualified) candidates who submitted to a process that the Mayor championed as part of his "reform." Or, does the "principle" Mayor Funkhouser upholds have something to do with a breach of his promises to the Latino Community when he went hat in hand begging for their support while claiming that anti-immigration rhetoric wouldn't be part of his Administration?

On the subject of the impact of NCLR's withdrawal of their convention in Kansas City, racists from across the metro are downplaying the seriousness of the move. This is a classic, bigoted ploy used to diminish the importance of any minority group in a given situation. This tactic attacks the very existence of a group and questions their validity as part of the community. One racist after the next has lied and claimed that NCLR is made up of illegals when, in fact, it is an AMERICAN advocacy organization which pushes for a cause just like the NRA or the VFW. In fact, many of the group's members also belong to those organizations. Additionally, so many folks who know little about the inner-workings of the KC's Latino Community mistakenly insist that that the NCLR was trying to impose their will on Kansas City, when in fact, it was a group of hundreds of LOCAL LATINOS who sought out the support of NCLR when their concerns about Semler were ignored by the Funkhouser Administration. For the record: This boycott was urged locally.

Finally, there is an unfortunate urge to silence the critics of the Funkhouser Administration along with an effort to see the concerns of Kansas City's Latino Community stifled. Let's not forget that Funkhouser's biggest cheerleaders have mistakenly believed that the criticisms of the Mayor would cease during the summer. Above all, this notion that the critics of any politician or political issue should be forced to remain quiet are inherently fascist, decidedly un-American and completely ignore the Freedom of Speech that citizens (like myself) enjoy. Time after time, proponents of Mayor Funkhouser have had their views published to tens of thousands via the Star but not one columnist has decidedly come out in favor of the local Latino leadership on this issue. Mary Sanchez rarely sets foot in the Latino Community and most folks in my neighborhood wouldn't recognize her and probably don't appreciate her milquetoast, overly apologetic columns. Meanwhile a thieving scumbag like Mike Hendricks is allowed to force the whole Star subscriber base to smell his farts as he gloats over what he perceives to be a victory by Mayor Funkhouser.

An important note about Hendricks which should be pointed out to those who suffer through his columns regarding Kansas City Proper: THE GUY LIVES IN JOHNSON COUNTY. Respectfully, I have to note that this piece of garbage wrapped in skin has no standing in this debate and Kansas City missing out of revenue won't affect his pocketbook one bit. Mike Hendricks is lobbying for a Mayor that he can't vote for . . . LIKE SO MANY VOICES IN THIS SEMLER DEBATE HE ARGUES HIS POSITION AND THEN LEAVES THE PEOPLE OF KC PROPER TO DEAL WITH THE CONSEQUENCES OF HIS ILL INFORMED OPINIONS. Hendricks notes that Semeler is opposed to illegal immigration and this is a half truth. Once again, it's important to note that her extremist view OPPOSES ALL IMMIGRATION.

And today the stream of anti-Latino, anti-immigrant rhetoric inspired by sour grapes feelings due to Kansas City losing a major convention will give light to one simple fact:

THE PEOPLE WHO SUPPORT FUNKHOUSER ARE ALSO SUPPORTERS OF RACISM.

Currently, the Mayor is touting phony poll numbers which are debatable but EVERYONE is noting that Mayor Funkhouser has almost no support in the urban core.

His credibility in this part of the metro has vanished.

It wasn't his decision to stand by his "principles" which cost him so much political clout but the divisive and disrespectful manner which he went about supporting his stance. Like all bigots, he recruited sellouts to make his position seem more credible. He touted one token gesture after the next in lieu of coming to a real understanding. He offered one bribe after another and assumed that Latino leaders didn't have the same kind of "principles" which he has been arrogantly touting.

All of these bigoted and racist tactics have served only to alienate him from KC's Latino community which once supported Funkhouser by more than 60%.

Now, like it or not, Kansas City has lost a major national convention and THE MAYOR OF KANSAS CITY STANDS UNITED WITH AN EXTREMIST, NATIVIST GROUP KNOWN FOR UNSANCTIONED ARMED ACTION SOLELY AGAINST LATINOS AND HAS BEEN DESCRIBED BY THE PRESIDENT AS "VIGILANTES." Funkhouser can claim that he's a liberal till the end of time but rather than heed the outcry of a group which he begged for support during the election, he has garnered the support of a newfound, racist and bigoted constituency of Minutemen (heh) who have no political track record in Kansas City. His actions speak far louder than his words.

Incidentally . . . Just like the school yard, the response to any name calling is an effort to throw the same words right back. Unlike most people, I really don't care what folks might call me because I've long known that people get really offended when you make fun of and completely destroy their flimsy, silly and misguided political fantasies. However, unlike the Mayor or most supporters of reactionary thinking . . . I encourage people to speak and type what's on their mind in the great tradition of American Democracy. I have faith that when supporters of Funkhouser's Minuteman Administration have an open forum to express their view unencumbered, they will be revealed for what they truly are . . . Unapologetic, bigoted, reactionary and racist.

Finally, so many people long to get the last word on any given subject but it should be noted that interest in this controversy, the divisive atmosphere that it has created and the political reality in KC Proper all reveal one simple truth:

It's not over.

Sadly, someone let the dogs out again

From The Star: Kansas City woman fights off attacking dogs

X-mas comes early for Black politicos in Kansas City thanks to Local Latinos!!!

Politics is all about leverage . . . Mayor Funky won his seat by less than 1000 votes and that's why he's getting slapped around at every turn.

Now that La Raza has canceled on KC and incurred the sour grapes wrath of talk radio listeners from the suburbs . . . This puts KC's Black political leadership in an EXCELLENT bargaining position (no homo).

Mayor Funky is DESPERATE to keep the NAACP in Kansas City.

NOW IT'S A VIRTUAL FIRE SALE OF FAVORS COMING FROM THE FUNKHOUSER ADMINISTRATION!!!

Therefore, it's incumbent upon any local African-American leader with clout to take FULL ADVANTAGE OF THE SITUATION.

Mayor Funky has all but ignored the "Black part of town" and now it's time for that to change. He hasn't spoken to the issue of crime, his appointments have been paltry and he just doesn't like traveling to the Eastside . . . If changes are going to be made, then they should definitely be suggested BEFORE the December voting deadline of the NAACP. And before you rule out the prospect of NAACP boycotting KC as well . . . Remember that they carried out a boycott because of a VERY OFFENSIVE piece of cloth recently.

However, it's important to realize in all of this that the situation with NAACP is the exact reverse of the La Raza debacle: Local NAACP officials WANT their National convention to come here and would be disappointed if it didn't happen. On the other hand, NAACP Leader Julian Bond was obviously trying to form a coalition on the national level with the NCLR by joining Janet Murguia in threatening to move the group's convention from KC.

But the old ladies that run the NAACP in Kansas City aren't convinced. Luckily they don't own the entire Eastside or other predominantly Black areas in KC. So, it would be a sin to ignore such a golden opportunity.

To that end, I think NAACP will come to KC (but I've been wrong before), the most important thing is that NOW it's time for local African-American leaders to hold Mayor Funky's feet to the fire and make sure their voices are heard clearly, because it's obvious Mayor Funky has done nothing for this segment of KC's population but exclude, overlook, attempt to fire and ignore them at every turn.

Sometimes the laws of unintended consequences work out for the best.

Things are tough all over: Po'folk in JoCo don't enjoy white privilege (as much)

The Star reports: "Johnson County has nearly 10,000 more residents living below the federal poverty level than it did in 2000."

Without Buck, they're broke

Syndicated copy of a Star article from the weekend: The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum struggles with recovering a year after losing its board chairman and chief fundraiser, Buck O'Neil.

Singing Cab in KC (ugh)

Wednesday thru Saturday, 5 P.M. to 3 A.M. if you get into Kansas City Yellow Cab #1091 then you'll be killed in a gory, horror movie like pool of blood and guts like that movie The Bone Collector (nullus) YOU'LL GET TO SING KARAOKE!!!

Cabaroke is the latest KC promotion intended to make your forget that driving a cab is one of the most dangerous occupations in this city.

Anyhoo, if you want to take a look at people from KC singing off tune in a local cab check out the Youtube page where the videos are compiled. I haven't watched any of the clips but somebody leave me a note if anybody busts out with a Gilbert and Sullivan tune.

Get your drink on while trying to forget your immigrant roots

Kennedy's Bar and Grill is back open for business.

FREE KATHRYN SHIELDS!!!

Jury selection for Shields trial begins

The Westside is Beautiful

Sometimes I forget that I live in a wonderful neighborhood.

Sure, there have been a bunch of break-ins lately.

Things aren't as exciting now that the dancing crackhead down the block moved out because his house was condemned.

And the summer has brought the meth ho across the street back inside.

However, the Westside is just getting more beautiful as neighbors continue to work on behalf of this place.

For instance, Alfredo Parra is the leader of the newly founded "Westside Beautification Committee."

The group has a host of plans which not only include planting some pretty flowers around this place . . . Note: Maybe just as nice as the tulips that D-bag Durwin Rice has put together on Troost.

Also, the group continues to work for Wayfinding Signs for the Westside along with noting that this neighborhood needs more lights in order to promote safety and a clear path when I take the bus home from a long day of drinking with older white women of leisure.

"For more security"

Anti-immigrant and racist sentiment is sweeping the Western world once again.

The folks who provide the namesake of my favorite snack cakes (Swiss Cake Rolls) are openly supporting racist political campaigns and considering the prospect of employing tactics not seen since the Nazi regime. Via Americablog.

And, from a media studies perspective, the ad featured above is interesting and obviously effective.

I'm somewhat surprised that we haven't seen these types of ads gain more mainstream approval here in the U.S., where the sentiment regarding "security" is exactly the same only American anti-immigrant voices rely on the cowardly employment of codewords and compulsive refusal to acknowledge the xenophobia that underlies the efforts and rhetoric of the current anti-immigrant movement personified in Kansas City by Frances Semler who has stated her opposition to ALL immigrants - illegal and undocumented alike.

Still, it's important to understand that at the heart of every anti-immigrant movement is the sentiment of the ad featured above . . . Which doesn't really need any translation.

"There are more World of Warcraft players in the USA than there are farmers"

Midwesterners so often like to feel safe about the way of life or the traditions that LONG AGO governed this part of the world . . . But times change and keep changing and it's important to realize that technology moves faster than popular (mis)conceptions about political constituencies and/or demographics which (poorly) attempt to define us.

Via Boing Boing . . . This should put the times we're living in . . . In a better perspective:

"More US Warcraft players than farmers"

Hillary won last night's Republican debate!!!

Not really.

But the Republicans kept mentioning Hillary Clinton so much it was hard to get a grasp of what THEY stood for . . . Other than white privilege, of course.

Nevertheless, here are a few local interpretations of the debate from area folks on the Internets:

Local blog "Ancillary Adams" came to this conclusion: "Vomiting a Little in My Mouth"

LMC grades the candidates

The good folks at KC Talk discuss the merits of Ron Paul, the gold standard and whether or not they should just hand over the keys to the Lincoln bedroom to Bill Clinton right now.

As always, feel free to leave a link to your post in the comments and I'll try to get around to posting it later . . . Or simply go fuck yourself vote for the Green Party.

"Thompson Takes The Pledge to Keep the Internet Tax-Free"

Local conservative blogger Steven Ashley has done an AMAZING job keeping up with the news coming out the Fred Thompson camp . . . This latest tidbit might be important to web denizens who count on the Internets for their livelihood.

It's all white with me if you wanna party!!!

The KC area soft swing blogger costume party is nearly upon us . . . Be sure to dress up and watch a bunch of white, middle-class, aging hipsters turn KC's best Internet movement into nothing more than a clique of chubby losers not satisfied with the amount of attention they're receiving on Facebook.

Missouri politico likes to party!!!

The Source has an overly dramatic interpretation of a recent DUI bust involving Missouri Dem Chuck Graham.

And I just want to know: What's all this stupid talk of resignation? I would think the Rep for the Columbia, MO area would BRAG about his partying lifestyle!!!

Sad that we expect politicos to be superhuman given that there is not one person reading this blog today who doesn't know, love, or happen to be a person who has been involved in a DUI.

It's so damn commonplace, it's not a big disgrace.

On the odd chance that Mr. Graham might stumble upon this post: Don't give up Chuck (heh)!!!

Over the past four years Gov. Blunt has basically tried to kill people reliant on Medicare by cutting off their funds and has helped to prevent scientific research in the state that could have saved people's live . . . In the end, Graham didn't kill anybody so if he has a problem, he should get treatment and maybe continue serving as an example that even politicos, ESPECIALLY politicos are flawed human beings just like the rest of us.

The dead body you don't care about

Sunday Morning a half naked dead body of a woman turned up on 57th and Indiana Avenue. Meanwhile, most of the city was engaged in pointless political debate . . . And their attention is focused ANYWHERE but the body count that continues unabated on Kansas City's Eastside.