A recent push by a power broker to make Mayor Funky a superdelegate is driving the Democrats in Kansas City nuts!!!

After a year in office, the vast majority of Kansas City Democrats still haven't warmed up to Mayor Funkhouser.

Even worse, one of the main Democrat contributors in this town WHO ACTUALLY SUPPORTS MAYOR FUNKY is pushing for the guy to become a Superdelegate.

Naive or ignorant folks in Kansas City would like to think local politics is about principle or public service . . . Sadly, that's just not that case, it's about cash and MR. PEANUT RUNS KANSAS CITY POLITICS WITH HIS BIG ASS BANKROLL.

What Mr. Peanut wants, he gets . . . Mr. Peanut didn't like Clay Chastain's light rail plan and it was quickly off the ballot. Mr. Peanut and his deep pockets control the purse strings not only for the Funky Bunch but also for a great many Democrat politicos in Kansas City.

And unfortunately Mr. Peanut believes that a bigger role for Kansas City's Mayor in national politics would be a good idea.

This is a tense situation because local Dems don't want to piss off their most powerful patron but they also have some major problems with Kansas City being represented by a guy with absolutely NO CLOUT IN THE DEMOCRAT PARTY.



There are a litany of reasons why local Dems don't like Mayor Funky, here are just a few:

In keeping with the theme of this post, one of the Mayor's best buddies presumably supports George Bush and waterboarding . . . While I don't know if Ed Wolf is a Republican (he is) I've often compared him to Mr. Monopoly with the 250k he is pulling down from City Hall. And the Republican tendencies of Mr. Monopoly as Mayor Funky's Chief of Staff doesn't really speak well of Funkhouser's party loyalty.

Kansas City's Mayor is elected in a nonpartisan election. Funkhouser has called himself a liberal Democrat but just like his record of community service, there is absolutely no evidence that he has ever supported the local Democrat party. In fact, his first act as Mayor was to label a lot of prominent local Dems as "evil."

In the opening rounds of the budget crisis/discussions Mayor Funky has battled with typical Democrat strongholds. He is working against Unions and wants to slash City jobs, at the worker, not management level. The talk of budget cuts has been exceptionally cruel coming from Mayor Funky's camp where programs fighting poverty and crime are concerned and there is word that he is doing his best to cut the small funding the city provides for indigent healthcare - An issue he sidestepped during the campaign.

The Mayor's support not only comes from the largely conservative (and white) Northland but also from a Republican right wing contingent from the neighboring suburbs. He's a regular guest on a reactionary, Republican talk show every Friday and in begging for support for his regional light rail plan he overlooked Democrat representatives in Kansas and instead cozied up to Republicans who in turn, predictably, left him hanging out to dry.

Last but not least, Mayor Funky's Administration is still crippled by horrible relations with Kansas City's minority voters - These citizens are the key to Kansas City's Democrat stronghold and the Donkeys wouldn't dare alienate this contingent en masse.

And for those of us keeping track Mayor Funky's stance on the secretive push to become a Superdelegate on behalf of his boss mentor have been coy and unprofessional.

Obama is now in the lead and looks to have the nomination in his grasp yet Mayor Funky has refused to offer an endorsement despite Kansas City's overwhelming support of the guy.

Once again Mayor Funkhouser has proven that he's out of touch with his constituents.

The rumblings in the local Democrat party are far too significant to let their benefactor have his way. Put simply, once again Mayor Funky can't form a consensus even among people who are supposedly in his own party!!!

Hopefully, Mr. Peanut will take his gigantic bankroll and find and another pony to back because Mayor Funky has alienated far too many local Democrats to get the nod and his failure to win the role as a superdelegate (which should have a slam dunk) is simply the latest sign that Kansas City's Mayor is essentially powerless and has squandered every bit of his minuscule political capital.

Burglary gone wild in Lee's Summit

The suburbs seem to be getting rougher: Homeowner Interrupts Burglary, Chases Suspects, Crash ensues.

Final Countdown for Mayor Funky's Lawsuit

Ruling expected Monday on City Manager's contract

TKC supports any protest involving hot broads in bikinis!!!

The local PETA chapter has recently caught my attention . . . Probably because a bunch of ladies associated with the group are smoking hot and that makes my worldview a lot less important.

On Feb 13, when it was still really cold outside, The Westin Crown Center hosted the 2008 Animal Transport Industry Convention . . . Local PETA activists protested outside the venue in order to call attention to animal cruelty.

Again, as long as hot women are wearing bikinis they have my endorsement. Furthermore, animal rights isn't that strange of a cause for TKC to support given that I've participated in countless silly activities at the behest of white women.

In my tireless pursuit of fat bottomed white broads TKC has:

Purchased a vegan cookbook.

Driven around pricey neighborhoods pretending to house hunt.

Went to 3 vegetarian restaurants in Lawrence.

Looked at engagement rings without laughing.

Endured countless family dinners and get togethers.

Not to brag, but I'm somewhat of an expert when it comes to faking concern. It's an essential skill for any dude who enjoys the company of white women but lacks a lot of cash, good looks or charm.

Therefore, TKC can't help but listen intently to what the Kansas City chapter of PETA has to say because it might prove useful later when trying to bang a broad who is into vegetables or fuel efficient cars or whatever it is that PETA endorses nowadays . . . Is it whales or something?

Drunk driving a boat doesn't merit strict punishment, even if someone is killed

Fox 4 has an amazing story about a surprising legal disparity in favor of luxury vehicle operators i.e. white guys on vacation. Tess Kopplelman reports some scary details about the laws that apply to drunken boat owners (or lack thereof) that remind me why I don't like the lake - Other than the fact an ex-girlfriend once tried to drown me in the Ozarks.

Kevin Harrison was charged with boating while intoxicated and involuntary manslaughter. He's accused of hitting a woman with his boat and killing her while she was swimming at Nehai Lake near Marceline. Investigators said he was drunk, well over the legal limit, but last month a judge dismissed the case.

Harrison hit Bonnie Copper with his boat, killing her almost instantly. Investigators said he went back to shore to dump his cooler of beer before going back to the scene.

But when the case went to court last month, the judge dismissed involuntary manslaughter charge saying the prosecutor couldn't prove criminal intent. That's when the family found out that the laws for drinking and driving aren't the same if you happen to be driving a boat.

And because TKC is a very observant and diligent student of the law . . . I think I can make this story "new I can use" if attaching a sail mast and a bow to my car will get me the same exemptions. I could even wear a captain's hat to really sell the illusion!!! It just might give Yacht Rock a whole new meaning in this town and provide me another reason to yell "Jib Ho!" at several intervals throughout the day.

Kansas City stands against "Bodies Revealed" and degradation of dead Chinese PEOPLE displayed without consent!!!

What I've noticed in the media coverage leading up to the "Bodies Revealed" exhibit opening today at Union Station is that so many columnists, reporters and opinion makers in this town don't have the courage of everyday people in Kansas City.

There are few exceptions and only an article recently published in the Catholic Key takes the Bodies Revealed exhibit to task regarding the issue of consent. The details regarding the flimsy proof offered by the company are disturbing.

Union Station provided The Key with a copy of a consent form and confirmed that Premier represents that each of the specimens came from donors who had signed the form. The form provided both to The Key and Union Station is an English translation of a Chinese document with no signature. Union Station confirms in a Kansas City Star report they have not seen any forms that were actually signed.

Put simply, in a case where consent is the most important element regarding the ethical implications of this display, the evidence supporting the claims of the company is flimsy. And while criticism from Kansas City's mainstream media has been few and far between, the backlash against the exhibit has been evident in other venues. Former Assistant Secretary of State Michael E. Parmly. In 2001 testimony to the U.S. Congress said:

"The lack of meaningful consent further compounds our concerns about this practice. According to Article 3 of China's Provisional Regulations on the Use of Executed Prisoners' Corpses or Organs (1984), a corpse may be used for medical purposes if nobody claims the body or the family refuses to bury it; the prisoner voluntarily donates the body for use by medical facilities; or the inmate's family consents to its use after death. The first category opens the door to abuse because families are often not notified of impending executions or are too far away or unable financially to make the trip to claim a relative's body.

"Also, bodies are routinely cremated immediately after a sentence is carried out, making it impossible even for those families who are able to claim a family member's remains to determine whether or not the body has been used for medical purposes."

The way that these concerns have been blown off or underrepresented by the mainstream media in Kansas City is disgusting.

It's not just a personal bias, "Bodies Revealed" is a big money exhibit and they've spread around a lot of cash in promoting the carnival act featuring carnage - I contend that's why so many media folks haven't mentioned the questionable ethics of the display.

Also, there's the sad fact that Union Station has been consistently unprofitable since its reopening. Concerns about the financial well being of the money losing institution have mistakenly been considered as a reason to refrain from criticism of the show. This kind of despicable, expedient thinking ignores the public perception of a place willing to profit from grave robbing and the overall bad karma that comes from disrespecting the dead.



And in all of this, the details of the show are lost. Bodies Revealed is governed under laws concerning art shows, it literally IS NOT SCIENCE. Strangely, I can think of a million more productive ways to celebrate Chinese art and culture that don't involve the corpses of people who may not have given their consent - Most of them involve really bad movies featuring Bai Ling.



Thankfully, so many people in Kansas City have stepped up and shown that ordinary folks in this town don't submit to the biased reporting and softball questions posed to the people who are essentially being paid to promote this display and misrepresenting their coverage as news.



On the other hand, I've been throughly impressed and amazed at the people, especially Kansas City Bloggers, who have voiced their opposition:

Alonzo Washington was one of the first to note that this exhibit denotes a general disrespect for life in Kansas City in much the same way as violent crime!!!

In the blogosphere, Logtar has the courage to call the exhibit disrespectful!!!

Bea's Weblog, authored by a Biologist, makes insightful remarks about the dignity of human life and its denial in this exhibit!!!

Jay Bird joins in with informative commentary regarding the financial motivations of the display!!!

Just Cara cuts through all the B.S. and explores the real motivations of patrons looking forward to the carnival act!!!

Locomotive Breath laments the lack of consent!!!

The Kansas City Catholic rightfully calls the show "Pornography for Graverobbers" and wonders if "Souls on Display" could be next!!!

Moxie Mama says the exhibit is "gross" and advises people to support other Kansas City Museums!!!

The Drift adds her support and eloquently notes: "The mere shadow of doubt is enough for me to take a pass this time around"!!!

These are all brave people who weren't getting paid to express their opinion or concerns. Their reaction has given me just a little bit of hope that Kansas City does have a conscience regarding the value of the lives and dignity of people of color.

Meanwhile, so many columnists, reporters and big media organizations have yet to question the ethical implications of the display . . . On essentially meaningless topics these same folks passionately voice their feelings but when advertising money and the financial interests of a KC institutions are on the line - There is a silence comparable to a mausoleum.

Again, there's hope in all of this as the ongoing decay of relevance and integrity in the print media gives way to honest, passionate and fearless commentary from the Internet.

KC Internets Ad Firm VML called out

A big time Ad blog takes apart the Kansas City Interactive agency . . . I couldn't really offer anything insightful on the merits of the criticism but I will note that there aren't enough scantily clad broads when it comes to webby advertising . . . Great design is certainly captivating but only when it involves cleavage.

TKC VINDICATED ONCE AGAIN!!! THANK YOU KCI, THE BLOCK OF THIS BLOG AT THE AIRPORT IS OVER!!!

Talk about the power of the squeaky, Chicano wheel!!!

TKC would like to thank KCI for lifting the block on this blog!!!!

Here's a recent comment from airport officials concerning recent controversy:

Hi Tony: I sent you an email before about your site being blocked at KCI's free WiFi access. At the time, I asked the City's IT department to look into it. The filter company the City uses looks for profanity and nudity, which sometimes are on this site. Since it is a public place, realize that kids and others could possibly see nudity on someone's laptop screen if the filter did not exist. I just asked them to look into it again, and they will lift the block for you. The City uses this company for blocking input in the Kansas City Live district and other venues. You need to petition the company directly to be unblocked at the WiFi sites they serve. When I have their web site, I will let you know.

Regarding the flykci.com ad, the Kansas City Aviation Department produced a new 60-second television public service announcement commercial to run on CNN's Airport Network at Kansas City International Airport to promote its www.flykci.com website and the ease and convenience of parking and flying from KCI Airport. The commercial features a chimpanzee named Kenzie. During the two-day production, Kenzie received ample rest time and his trainer was very clear about not overworking him. All of his actions were in response to verbal cues and were rewarded with food. The Kansas City Aviation Department's experience is limited to our observation of Kenzie's treatment during the commercial shoot, we believe he was well cared-for and properly treated during the production of our television commercial. We have had discussions with the trainer, who says Kenzie receives regular medical care from a licensed vet. We have conferred with a leading St. Louis-area vet who is familiar with both the trainer and Kenzie, and he was satisfied that Kenzie receives regular medical care and is treated with love and respect. PeTA is generally against the use of chimps for promotional or other purposes. They cite abuses in various places. From all indications we have, Kenzie has a very good life indeed. We appreciate everybody's concern.

Regards

Joe McBride
KC Aviation Department

Welcome back to the KC money pit!!!

The African section of the Kansas City Zoo reopens for the season on Saturday, and the weather forecast calls for a clear and breezy 60-degree day.

An essay dedicated to TKC!!!

A blogger guest post takes on TKC with a more than 700+ word missive regarding the irrelevance of this blog. The essay has a lot of insights about the state of modern written communication which sadly don't include observations about irony - TKC is being doubly ironic with that reference as well because I'm a post-modern mastermind up in this bitch.

"It's not that educational"

TKC saves you 20 bucks and links to photos from The Pitch that prove the Union Station exhibit isn't all it's cracked up to be . . . Put simply, it's just cashing in on jerks without a conscience in a way that's less entertaining or informative than a Toby Keith concert.

Fighting Funky Cuts

Fox 4: Kansas Citians Fight For Programs Threatened By Cuts

Celebrate Chinese culture in Kansas City without the cadavers!!!

The Confucius Institute at the University of Kansas and the Kansas City Chinese Association are sponsoring the first Kansas City Chinese Film Festival. The theme is "Shanghai: Between the Past and the Future."

AEG Killed Kemper!!!

The Source makes some accusations against former Mayor Kay that are debatable but there's no denying that the Kemper website calendar shows just seven events booked over the next five months and that doesn't bode will for KC revenue.

It costs 470k to pollute Kansas City!!!

Chemcentral will pay a six-digit fine for a massive fire and explosion at its Kansas City facility a year ago.

Lying about the real environmental impact is much cheaper and local authorities will cooperate.

"That's a man, baby!"

I miss repeating that catchphrase at the top of my lungs every two minutes, thank you Austin Powers: Two Missouri women said their marriage isn't illegal because one of the women is physically a man.

The Pitch picks on another Black politico

I'm not defending Richard Tolbert or his real estate dealings . . . I'm just asking: What's so newsworthy about his financial demise? The Bannister Mall controversy is over, has been for weeks. The guy hasn't had much success in making concrete gains for any of his causes so what makes him so worthy of the Pitch's muckraking aim? The answer: He's an easy target and The Pitch has a nasty habit of picking on people of color who don't fit in to their liberal, hipster world-view of low expectations. Recently, I had quick run-in with a Pitch editor who said he simply didn't care for the volume of this blog - He did one of those hand gesture "You're right here (high hand) but I could use you here (lower hand)" things that I think originated on Will and Grace . . . Sadly, if I stayed quiet because of what some (admittedly handsome) white guy told me I would have never banged so many blonde, MILF divorcées - No homo, obviously.

Also, I'm guessing/gossiping that reporter Nadia "ALL MY FRIENDS SAY I AM NOT A CHICKEN HEAD!!!" Pflaum wants to balance out her coverage of KC Black people since she's so suspiciously complimentary of mediocre local rap acts doing their best imitation of A Tribe Called Quest.

If The Pitch was honestly digging up dirt on every local politico, it wouldn't be a big deal but so far there's rarely a mention of the current Missouri Ethics Investigation of Mayor Funkhouser . . . So obviously they're being selective in their coverage in much the same way their offices are home to few people of color other than hottie, middle-class Asian chicks - which is admirable, even desirable but not really diverse.

No "Old timer's day" in Kansas City radio

The news of age discrimination suit on behalf of Max and Tanna and a couple of other employees who got the boot when KY went kaput got me thinking . . . When is it right to tell old people they're useless, my view has changed the older I get.

Still, there are objective standards. For instance, I've been informed that the mandatory "trade-up" age for most JoCo Trophy wives is 35 years young. It seems harsh but I don't make the rules . . . Upper class white guys with money do.

However, I'm a big fan of people standing up for their rights and crappy classic rock, even though I only use both for background noise.

I'm curious as to what you d-bags think. Should Max and Tanna have kept their jobs? I'm biased on the subject because it's hard for me to show an interest in anybody but chubby, blonde white MILFS between the ages of 28-45 but I'm trying to expand my horizons even though I think granny porn is gross.

WyCo lures Lawrence residents!!!

There is a "retail drain" in Lawrence that's surprising considering the yuppie make-up of most residents, still the Lawrence Journal-World recently published some ground breaking news regarding Larry Town residents making their way to KCK for entertainment at the Kansas Speedway, the Legends shopping area, Village West AND for better deals from box stores . . . The lesson here: Bargains are better than liberal poserism. via Evolution-Nextstep.

Chuck D in KC!!!

Happy in Bag provides EXCLUSIVE coverage!!!!

Kansas City TIF bill on the rise!!!

Mayor Funky's blog recently posted a frightening stat: The growth in the amount of city tax revenue that pays for TIF and Super TIF programs has been 27.5 percent.

It's the kind of stat the Funky Bunch loves to tout but doesn't explain why his only substantial action as mayor so far has been the approval of yet another Super TIF for a soccer stadium with super low attendance.

He says he got a "better deal" but it's clear that KC needs to quit its shopping spree when it comes to subsidies and so far Mayor Funky has yet to fulfill his promise on that front.

Great images of the Kansas City library downtown and a ton of comics . . . Pretty much all you could ask for from a local blogger post.

KC Talk considers the Chiefs fire sale

Chiefs Cut Ty Law, Jason Dunn, And Others...

A blogger remembers Brock

Nick Davis, Kansas City blogger extraordinaire, has fond memories of the latest new hope for Missouri's GOP.

Apparently, Brock Olivo didn't realize that bloggers might remember his conduct back in college:

I have very interesting memories of Brock Olivo. He used to come to our fraternity parties and try to steal bottles of liquor. Then he'd want to fight us all.

A fine GOP congressman he will make!

Great, theft and bullying . . . At least now we have a sneak peak at his stance on Medicare in this exclusive report from a KC blogger.

TfK considers corporate political donors

Thoughts from Kansas finds one more reason to hope for an Obama win.

Hardcore Cleaver/Clinton Criticism

"Cleaver clinging to Clinton and Chitlin Circuit"

Good looking day

It's already good looking good outside in Kansas City today. While, it's not Bar Rafaeli hot, it's still nice.

Kansas City Bodies Revealed Exposé

Tonight Fox 4 is going to feature a report regarding Bodies Revealed that will deal with a bit of the controversy at around 9:30 p.m.

On the night before the exhibit opens I'm asking any blogger that feels moved to post their feelings about the possibility of executed Chinese prisoners being put on display in this town without their consent to please post and send me a link.

It's a subject worth discussing and I think this town's attitude toward the exhibit really says a lot on our real world stance on human rights.

For me it's always been an issue of consent or the lack thereof . . . Given the company's sketchy history, considering that there is a reasonable doubt about the legitimacy of any assurances the company provides it's clear that this isn't about science, it's a carnival act that not only ignores the dignity of the PEOPLE put on display but also the rights of their LIVING NEXT OF KIN to claims the bodies of their loved ones.

I'm not going to this freak show and I think any reasonable person who contemplates the implications of this exhibition of what could be dead PEOPLE put on display without their consent would come to the same conclusion.

The bodies belong to people from a far away place and for the life of me I don't think this kind of display would be allowed if there was a chance that folks from Kansas City who might not have agreed to participate in this show were posed for the pubic to see . . . Media regularly highlights missing persons - It's worth at least acknowledging that the dead PEOPLE put on display tomorrow at Union Station could have been garnered for the exhibit though strikingly similar circumstances and respect for the lives, the remains and their loved ones of dead isn't just a privilege for the people of Kansas City but a right that should be extended to all of humanity.

The Salva Case in Black and White

The Midtown Miscreant writes a stellar post on the case of Sophia Salva.

He asks simple but provocative questions that bring to light the disparity central to the whole sorry situation. Overall his take on the subject is one of the most balanced insights into the story that I've read in both the mainstream media and the blogosphere. Even better, he takes an even handed approach without being boring or coming off morally superior!!! It's a feat that's rarely accomplished and definitely worth a read.

KCI faces allegations of animal cruelty!!!!

Kansas City PETA people took their protest to KCI yesterday in order to decry the use of a chimpanzee in ads for airport's new Internet site.

The protest concerned the use of a chimpanzee, Kenzie, in a KCI commercial. KCI has refused to pull the ad despite the fact that PETA wrote to Tom McKenna, KCI's assistant director of aviation marketing, and pointed out that young chimpanzees like Kenzie are beaten behind the scenes and torn away from their mothers far too early. At about 8 years of age, chimpanzees become unmanageable and are often discarded in decrepit roadside zoos to spend the rest of their lives—up to five decades or more—in cramped, squalid conditions.

Strangely, I find myself in agreement with the group. If animals are going to be abused then it should at least be in the name science or a delicious new recipe.

Promoting KCI and its Muslim footbath is too degrading for any kind of animal other than a local advertising executive - Who definitely showed a lack of creativity in coming up with this campaign for an institution that still, unfortunately blocks access to this blog but sells porn at the gift shops.

KANSAS CITY CYCLISTS STIFLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT!!!

I've always noted that local cycling advocates are the worst people in Kansas City and now I'm somewhat surprised to see that they've sunk to new depths.

Clearly, the nation has fallen on hard economic times, this town is also struggling with a budget crisis and rapidly declining revenues . . . YET IN THE MIDST OF SO MUCH ECONOMIC HARDSHIP KANSAS CITY CYCLISTS ARE UNFAIRLY ATTEMPTING TO IMPOSE THEIR WILL ON DEVELOPMENT IN KANSAS CITY!!!

Here's the scuttlebutt regarding a recent move by Kansas City cyclists that puts their agenda before any other concern in this town: An AWESOME TKC TIPSTER recently encouraged me to check out some of the recent changes proposed in the Kansas City Development code.

Local cyclists want EVERY A GREAT MANY NEW BUILDINGS in this town to have secured indoor parking for bicycles.

So much for being environmentally friendly, it turns out they're seemingly afraid of the outdoors while hiding from crime on the street.

The Kansas City cycling cabal is also DEMANDING that new buildings or existing buildings asking for zoning change accommodate bikers by having a shower for them.

Or at least that's what I've been told . . . I'm not gonna bother to research any of these allegations because they point to a fundamental truth:

KANSAS CITY CYCLISTS ARE RUINING THIS TOWN!!!

This fact cannot be ignored or denied . . . Local cycling advocates are affluent jerks who could care less about costing investors in this town thousands in order to cater to their whims. They mistakenly believe they are a protected class against discrimination simply because of a hobby - This kind of victim mentality denigrates real considerations for people who deserve them like folks who use wheelchairs or fat women.

It's typical of these privileged jerks who are misrepresenting themselves as progressives but will ultimately end up costing the people of this town millions.

The Pitch's War against Black politicos

For a moment, let's examine the Perfect Output copier contract controversy, Terry Riley and minority coverage in the Pitch.

First of all it's important to note that the sordid details of the copier contract have failed to inspire much interest from any significant political contingent in Kansas City other than Mayor Funkhouser's supporters.

Sorry.

It's a of the rule of politics . . . Inconsequential discussions about racists and Latinos dominate the media while more important details regarding the inner workings of City Government don't evoke the same excitement or concern.

Similarly, I think it's indicative of the nature and importance of the "controversy" that most online discussions of Riley always end up involving racial slurs or silly generalizations about Black people.

Therefore, just to be a bastard TKC contends that Riley is completely in the clear regarding the Perfect Output controversy . . . Mostly because it's so boring that I haven't bothered reading much of it. Also, just like the Star I think I should be able to exonerate a Council person with only a cursory attempt to get the other side of the story. Natch.

And if the Pitch is so concerned about ethics in City Hall I wonder why they have yet to publish a word about MAYOR FUNKHOUSER'S CURRENT MISSOURI ETHICS INVESTIGATION with something more substantial than a few lines in a blog post? I'm sure it has nothing at all to do with two former staff members now on Mayor Funky's payroll.

I'd also like to contend that the coverage reflects the double edged liberal bias on behalf of the "alternative" rag. Few people of color are employed at the publication and minorities depicted in their pages usually fall under two stereotypes: Pariahs or performers. Also in discussions of Riley there's usually some white person who points out the fact that the guy isn't popular in his own community - Never mind that the politico was re-elected by a much greater margin than Kansas City's Mayor. It's the same tactic that Kansas City quasi-liberals used against Alvin Brooks, they pretend to care about opinion in KC's minority communities when it suits their agenda.

Finally, if the information about a questionable City Hall contract is so damaging and important: What's it doing in an opinion column buried in the back pages.

It's not that I deny David Martin did some excellent reporting of the details surrounding the controversy, I'm just pointing out the fact most people don't care unless the discussion is centered around profanity or racial politics.

Alonzo Washington's Myspace Strategy

The only thing I do with Myspace is reject friend requests from crappy Kansas City bands . . . Luckily, Alonzo Washington is putting the social networking site to better use.

A local fugitive recently contacted Mr. Washington via Myspace in order to get help turning himself over to the authorities.

Once again, Mr. Washington's use of the Internet trumps what most bloggers are doing and offers a sight glimpse of hope that the Internets can be used for something other than political diatribes or bad dating choices.

Big league blogs with a KC Connection

The Kansas City blogosphere extends much further than a small cadre of white people who like to meet and drink at dank local clubs.

Here are a few uberblogs that have just a tiny connection to this cowtown:

Fazed is just one notch below Fark in terms web link power . . . Their headquarters is still partially in JoCo, I think.

Something Awful is an Internets juggernaut and Lowtax puts together that site from Lee's Summit.

And the most gully of these websites has to be Dethroner . . . They earned this title thanks to an informative and delectable recent post regarding bacon cups (pictured above). I know what you're thinking, they probably would hold ice cream . . . At least one of the authors is from Kansas City.

Death Cab in Kansas City

I just like that title and it turns out to be true today given that a Kansas City cab driver was shot overnight during a robbery attempt.

Surprisingly, a lot of folks around here never believe me when I note that cab drivers are working in one of the most dangerous professions in the United States . . . Right behind being a cashier in an urban/dangerous community.

Kansas City is sick

Surprising, this town is afflicted with something other than racial intolerance, unfortunately following 5 year old trends and or a love affair for public subsidies for corporations: Sick People Flood Metro Hospitals

A quick look at Kansas City links

Here are a bunch of local news links I found interesting along with a recent GQ photo set of singer (sorta) Cassie.

Olathe Toddler's Death Ruled Homicide

A local blogger reports on the "little ice age" we might be undergoing again.

Suffer the children of KC: Girl, 7, Faces Year Of Cancer Treatment . . . Mother Says 4-Year-Old Molested

The last commodity and the local price increase: Kansas City Water Bills Could Skyrocket

A bit more bible store murder backstory: Man tried for 2004 killing of KC-area couple

KMBC touts panic politics: KC Mayor Aims To Fix Budget Woes In Year

Kansas City overkill: Murder victim was shot repeatedly

Jackson County doesn't want to see your complaints: Protest signs at Jackson County Legislature meetings confined to back of room

Mulletville goes with risky sports strategy: Independence property owners approve tax for $60 million events center

More money problems for KC: KC audit chastises outside agencies' financial management

Ugh, Al Gore is proud of us: KC implements 'green' policy

Stuff white people like in Kansas City: Blogger meetups!!!

Contrary to popular misconceptions and blog posts . . . The blogosphere isn't all white in Kansas City.

I wonder if "Stuff White People" like is taking requests?

Wizards en Español: Kansas City embraces Spanish language programing more than most people think!!!

More proof that commerce is a lot more important than cultural identity: Down the Byline notes that The Wizards announced in a press release today that for the first time in team history, every game will be broadcast on the radio in both English and Spanish. LA Playa 1480 AM will have the English broadcast, while La Gran D 1340 AM will have the Spanish broadcast.

All things considered, this is definitely a good move - Working to expand the soccer fan base to Latinos since white people would rather watch Kansas City's baseball and football teams lose.

I'd just like to point out that companies desperate to earn more consumers could care less about the arguments supporting English Only advocates.

All quiet in Quindaro

Happy in Bag posts some of the most haunting photos I've ever seen from around the Kansas City area . . . Not counting all of the abandoned lots East of Troost, of course.

Blogger Backtalk: I refuse to mention your lame meetup

However, here are some of the best local blogs I try to check everyday:

Post Human Blues . . . Probably the most underrated blog in Kansas City!!!

Classic headline of the week: Kansas City Government is a Nightmare!

Irish KC: Still kicking ass!!!

More visual blight coming to KC on behalf of the Wizards - Yes, I read a soccer blog.

Nightmare on immigration

The latest waste of time for KC Schools

I know a great idea, let's get a bunch of minority leaders together with virtually no authority or real power over the Kansas City School District and then have them talk until they're out of breath regarding how to fix a generation worth of failure!!!

That's the first thing that came to mind when learning of the new(ish) Community Task Force for Education Reform.

They've put together a dream team of community leaders with little experience in Education . . . Also, I'd like to point out that there's only one Latina and that's a bit of underrepresentation considering that the dropout rate for Hispanics in KC Schools is more than 50% but that's an issue that few people want consider or would like to explain away with doctored stats.

Anyhoo, Mayor Funky is also making an appearance with this group that's completely devoid of any kind of real power . . . Coincidence?

Even worse, the community forum idea is kinda stale and it's been tried over and over again to no avail . . . If the community was going to fix Kansas City Schools, they would have done it already. And recent experience tells us that anyone making any quantifiable progress will be fired . . . TKC's suggestion: Renting U-Hauls to school districts that aren't perennially mired in mediocrity and failure.

February flew by

I wasn't keeping track in my Jakki Degg Calender, I'm just saying this month passed by quickly. Kinda.

Neighborhood activism doesn't work in Kansas City, at least not with allies like Mayor Funkhouser!!!

The New Red Bridge plan seems to be an inevitability.

I drive by Red Bridge all the time, honesty I think everybody knows that something has to be done about the road that's no longer a scenic backwoods drive but more akin to a major thoroughfare.

In my heart of hearts I want to support every neighborhood movement in Kansas City but it seems to me that what happened to the Red Bridge Crowd is indicative of how most community movements are marginalized . . .

A plan to widen Red Bridge Road — replacing the existing bridge over the Blue River with one that is significantly higher and longer — vaulted over one more hurdle Wednesday.

The Kansas City Council’s transportation and infrastructure committee voted unanimously in favor of the plan, which has provoked much debate and acrimony.

Two members of the Friends of Red Bridge spoke up in favor of a more modest plan, with a bridge that would cross the railroad tracks at-grade, as is now the case.

However, the Friends were outnumbered by about two dozen people who said they’d come to support a larger road and bridge.

It's a simple formula really. To beat a community led effort in Kansas City only three easy steps are required:

Call them crazy.

Claim or demonstrate that they have little support.

Upstage them or with alternate public press conferences or demonstrations.

And while the Red Bridge crowd wouldn't admit it for a second, the same thing that happened to them during their struggle was also endured by groups who opposed the Minutemen, urged the recall of Mayor Funkhouser and others that continually advocate for increased crimefighting efforts and point out disparity in "the black part of town."

The only difference is that minority focused groups in Kansas City are accustomed to being marginalized and have developed strategies and alliances to counter the inevitable and predictable attacks . . . In the case of the Red Bridge Crowd, middle-class white people were genuinely surprised that there demands were not immediately met.

The blame has to fall on their leadership somewhat . . . Strangely, they stood by Mayor Funkhouser when it was clear he would sell them out, as the plan moves forward the Mayor has forgotten his promises for sidewalks and to listen to the concerns of the neighbors that he made during the campaign. Funkhouser isn't talking about this issue and he probably won't come to the rescue of the group. Still, strangely, they remain his loyal subjects and would rather spew bile about their council people whom they haven't seemed to be able to cooperate with . . . It was a missed opportunity because the 6th District reps Cathy Jolly and John Sharp are probably the best and most popular in Kansas City. Also, I've noticed there's a general lack of diversity in the group given that their lack of minority representation in an area that is home to many people of color.

Nevertheless, the point here is that there's a formula for challenging and destroying any kind of community/grassroots effort in Kansas City . . . The only surprising aspect of the Red Bridge story is that this time it was employed against white people.

MACBOOK AIR COMPUTER LOVE!!!

I have to admit, I never understood the obsession with all things Mac. Thankfully, Dallas Penn has recently explained it perfectly for the Internets . . . I think it has something to do with usability.

By the way, Dallas Penn is probably the best person on the Internet but I have a feeling if I tried to mimic the recent clip from Dallas at the Apple Store on the Plaza, they'd arrest me for a hate crime or something given the devotion to the computer brand.

More female mid-level managers to switch careers and become strippers in JoCo!!!

The downward slide continues at Sprint . . . Lady managers soon to be looking for work as strippers can chalk it up to a new skill set for employment at a strip club: Sprint writes off $29 billion, customer losses continue

In more upbeat news, Stacy Keibler is kinda hot.

Can he still get a deal on a Honda?

Thankfully, Mayor Funky wasn't hurt in his car crash last night. I'm still looking for a link . . . I'm also wondering what the HELL he was doing out in Leawood.

Anyhoo . . . All of this has me wondering if there's anyway Mayor Funky can get back into his failed Honda Hybrid deal.

Again, I'm glad the dude is okay but last night's crash proves that his judgment might have been a little suspect in refusing the Lincoln Towncar, drivers and police protection that came with the job. I'm sure the other person involved in the accident wishes there would have been a more capable driver at the wheel.

Still, we all make mistakes . . . And this might be a chance for Mayor Funky to correct one of his and use drivers and police escorts (not just for "the Black part of town") and maybe think about getting a decent car.

The Search for Inspirado

Wednesdays are always sorta busy for me and as of late I haven't even been able to take a nap in the afternoon . . . A travesty!!!

But fear not, I'll be back posting on this blog in just a few hours. Right after I spend a couple of minutes (1:24) with some recent photos of Kristin Cavallari.

I would have posted more this afternoon as well but I just got a look at Ice-T's wife CoCo in her recent Playboy "spread" (hehe) and my right (and left) hand weren't functioning properly - 10 Double Bonus points for my 59th immature joke of the day.

UPDATE: Weird . . . I think I just heard KSHB report that Mayor Funky was in a car accident in Leawood. Thankfully he wasn't hurt and I believe they said the other person only had minor injuries . . . Developing. I guess.

Jolie Justus is looking out for vaginas!!!

The distinguished State Senator comments on HPV vaccine legislation in Missouri. (hehe)

Helling also notices that Mayor Funky left the Red Bridge folks hanging

I liked his post more when I wrote it a couple of weeks ago . . . Right after it became clear that Mayor Funky wasn't going to help out these people.

TIF impact on KC po'folk

Local blogger Jim weighs in on TIF in his part of town: "This will move those people away from public transportation they no doubt rely on. I'm not sure what can be done about that, but it would be nice if some of the TIF money could help with relocation."

Tragic local baby beating

Both police and relatives of a 2-year-old boy have questions about his death.

Standoff in the City

Man with knife involved in KC standoff

I have no idea why people of color would talk to the Pitch

The Pitch recently f-ed over Terry Riley quoting him verbatim regarding their reporting practices - It's not really news, it's news about news . . . Long story short only children would be aghast at the use of the f-word but cleaning up nasty language is usually a courtesy that most media people extend to politicos . . . Unless the Pitch has a grudge against a politico as they do with most people of color who don't support their worldview i.e. everything hipster is awesome!!!

Anyhoo, it's a minor dust-up and no big revelation that adults use adult language.

My only question is: Why are people still talking to The Pitch?

Is there a chance that a really great quote will persuade people before they get to the ads for escorts?

Is there any question they are yet another local rag in the pocket of the Funky Administration with two former staffers on his payroll?

It's pretty obvious where they're coming from and I doubt they'd challenge any accusations of bias.

This is a blog with jokes, the Pitch is a joke paper, news media in general is pretty laughable with only a few standouts doing any kind of real reporting.

Personally, I've always thought the term "journalism" was a joke anyway and in this day and age, in this racially divided town . . . without question people of color are having a more difficult time finding local media outlets who don't have some kind of bias against them.

Print media seems to be in the pocket of the Mayor while most of the TV news stations simply want a good quote . . . Meanwhile news ratings across the board seem to be dropping in favor of reality TV.

Only drunk people would even dream of watching soccer in Kansas City!!!

Here's the latest cynical plan from a local sports franchise: Pick up drunk people off the streets and take them to go see a soccer game in Kansas City.

At least that's the premise of a new Wizards promotion which I think I'm going to re-purpose in order to entice more chubby white broads into my basement.

A program providing FREE “Legends Express” buses to Kansas City Wizards matches at CommunityAmerica Ballpark for groups of 50 or more. As part of the Wizards Soccer Shuttle program, groups will be picked up from anywhere inside the Kansas City metropolitan and surrounding areas, dropped off at CommunityAmerica Ballpark at the Legends in KCK and then returned to their initial location after the match . . . Alcohol will be permitted, but not included, on the Legends Express vehicles for patrons 21 and older, excluding kegs. Tailgating at the stadium will also be available and encouraged in a special Legends-Express parking section. Participants in the Wizards Soccer Shuttle program will receive commemorative T-shirts as part of the package.

Let's get this straight:

There will be drinking before the game.

Drinking en route to the game.

Drinking in the parking lot.

And then drinking at the game.

Very nice. Are they offering liver transplants as well?

Actually, it sounds like fun or at least something pleasant that might explain a 300lb woman lying in your bed with her underwear on inside out if you can't recall the circumstances on your own.

Again, promising someone a night of drunken excess is probably the only way to lure more people to a soccer stadium in this town that hosts one of the worst attendance rankings in MLS. . . Similarly, staring at a putrid toilet bowl while breaking out in a cold sweat is just as entertaining as waiting to watch a scissor kick for two and a half hours.

So . . . Bravo, soccer fans!!! Join the long list of corporate interests in Kansas City who want to get the people of this town drunk and then take advantage of them.

It's getting rougher in the Golden Ghetto

Bulletproof Vests Now Mandatory For Shawnee Police

Blogger Crowned King of JoCo (kinda)!!!!

KCTV5 Political Analyst Fred Logan Named Johnson Countian Of Year . . . Mr. Logan has a political blog, it's worth checking out.

Kansas City's Mexican Millionaire (kinda)

This story caught my eye yesterday but only because I'm so accustomed to images of broke, downtrodden and humble Latinos in the media.

Apparently, there were reports of a Mexican millionaire from KCK, even if he was arrested and was probably/allegedly a drug mule of some sort . . . It's inspiring (not really):

Customs agents have arrested a Kansas City, Kan., man found with nearly $1.9 million hidden in the doors of a sport utility vehicle at an El Paso port of entry. U.S. Customs and Border Protection said on Tuesday that agents found the cash after using a density meter to inspect the vehicle Monday morning.

I guess I shouldn't celebrate too much, given that he's either going to be buried under the jail or both he and his family would be wise to look for a very good hiding place in a country that has better immigration laws against Mexicans. Natch.

Larry town leads the way to free Internet

I've heard about the effort to provide free Internet service in Lawrence before . . . It's a nice concept and I'm all for breaking down the digital divide . . . But it really just offered me a chance to post one of my favorite photos again (always the driving force behind this blog).

TKC is all about Asian American business

I'm going to make it through this post without an insulting or offensive joke that relies on ethnic stereotypes . . . I think.

I'm doing this not only because it's the right thing to do but also because I think it'll make a quiet afternoon spent on the Internet with images of Yoko Matsugane or Lucy Liu that much more enjoyable . . . Also, here's a link about the Asian-American Chamber of Commerce in Kansas City that's not as interesting busty Japanese broads in bikinis.

Incentives other than TIF money (KC wouldn't know anything about this)

From KC Currents: Wyandotte County officials hope that a new college scholarship program for high school students will bring more young families to the area.

The Library, the County and the lawsuit

The Kansas City Library is suing the County . . . They have a lot of good reasons but it all basically boils down to money they need in a bad way.

Here's just a snippet from an extensive press release put forth the KC Library.

The Kansas City Public Library will enter into a lawsuit against Jackson County to petition for property tax funds that were withheld due to the current commercial property tax protest that is massive in both numbers and dollars. The Library’s lawsuit is initiated with the knowledge and cooperation of Jackson County and the Jackson County Executive Mike Sanders as they understand the potential, and unintended, dramatic effect of this protest on the Library’s revenue.

Long story short . . . This is just more evidence of falling revenues for everyone in and around this town and the impact of a recession on Kansas City.

Thankfully, I only believe information I read on the Internet so this lawsuit doesn't really concern me but the many folks who utilize the library might be concerned that the place is forced to engage in a court battle in order to survive.

Will Kansas City be part of the biobank?

A town hall is coming up regarding genetic research in Kansas City. Starting March 8, 2008, 10:00 a.m. at the Kauffman Foundation. More specifically, the topic will focus on a proposed "biobank" which would contain genetic samples and health information from volunteers. Scientists would use the information in the biobank to conduct research on the causes of many common diseases . . . And hopefully they'll also work towards building TKC a Cyborg lady friend that's blonde, 9 feet tall, unable to ask questions, doesn't celebrate any major holidays and is powered by cleaning my bathroom.

TKC talks local blogs on KMBZ

It's Wednesday Morning . . . At around 8:30 check out KC's Morning News with EJ and Ellen to hear just a bit of discussion of Kansas City's blogopshere.

Kick Ass!!! Just Cara comes out against Bodies Revealed!!!!

Just Cara isn't joining any kind of movement, she just brilliantly posted her objections to the freakshow coming to Kansas City at the end of this week.

I've been harping on the issue that Union Station has utterly failed to perform any kind of due diligence when it comes to the consent of the bodies displayed.

Even Better, JUST CARA COMPLETELY TAKES APART THE FALSE PRETENSES OF THE CARNIVAL ACT!!!

It's one of the best posts I've read all week . . . And it's nice to see some folks in the blogosphere doing what blogs do best: Calling bullshit on corporate propaganda and obvious inconsistencies.

Similarly, I think this post against the exhibit carries a lot more credibility than the recent decision by local Catholic schools to avoid the exhibit.

As I've written previously, there's no need to march or sign a petition or scream: Bloggers who feel moved to write against this freakshow should simply have the courage (like Cara) to post their feelings. And please, send me a link!!!

I always figured Mayor Funky's supporters didn't care about crime

Kansas City police shoot man in Northland

Cauthen beats Funkhouser (again) in opening rounds of budget discussions

Nobody watches boxing anymore but I was thinking that the constant bickering between City Manager Wayne Cauthen and Mayor Funkhouser reminds me a lot of the classic brawls between Sugar Ray Robinson and Jake LaMotta - It was basically one of the first race wars for modern entertainment.

In his latest move Cuathen suggests a more reasoned approach to Mayor Funky's panic mode politics:

City Manager Wayne Cauthen says following the budget course suggested by Mayor Mark Funkhouser would require eliminating more than 870 jobs and slashing city services.

In a memorandum issued late Tuesday to the mayor and the City Council, Cauthen said, “I cannot recommend” $78 million in cuts in a single budget year.

He said doing so would require him to recommend eliminating 872 full-time employees (or enough to staff the public works and parks departments) and closing Kemper Arena, the city jail, animal shelter, two fire stations and four community centers, as well as many other cuts.

What's great about Cauthen's move is that it clearly demonstrates the fire sale on City Services that Mayor Funky is trying to sell the public.

AND NOW, HERE'S THE TKC CONSPIRACY THEORY OF THE DAY!!!



In all this discussion, what' I've seen from Funkhouser's camp (once again) leaves me unimpressed . . . He's basically taking a page from the George Bush playbook and touting a crisis in order to bend the public to his will.

This concept was recently highlighted in an amazing book entitled "The Shock Doctrine" by Naomi Klein.

The book alleges that major economic policy shifts in nations throughout the world were pushed through while the citizens of these countries were in shock from disasters or upheavals.



This kind of tactic could explain the Mayor's stubborn and confrontational style and his self-described attempt to "shake things up" at City Hall. Certainly, I'm really scared of his wife's feet and her racial slurs have put so many people in shock along with Funkhouser's divisive politics. Nevertheless, eliminating City Hall jobs (literally, fighting City Hall) is never the wisest option.

And thankfully, not everyone in Kansas City scares so easily.

Funky Metal Plate Plan

After a year in office and no progress . . . The Mayor is pretending to do something about the metal plates on Kansas City Streets. Sadly, there are more potholes in the thing than could ever be imagined but it's a nice thought.

Be sure to read the details and realize that in a city with a budget crunch there's almost no way to enforce these new regs. Also, requiring all plates to be used only under "emergency" situation simply means that every situation is now an emergency - That's an old public works trick. Finally, an alternative like "boring under streets" is way more expensive than Mayor Funky could possibly imagine. Long story short - Nothing changes but the Mayor gets to pretend like he did something . . . Which doesn't exactly pay a car repair bill.

"Immigrants are far less likely than the average U.S.-born citizen to commit crime"

The KC Blue Blog extrapolates the data (or something) . . . And please, before somebody says "but what about illegal immigrants" Please note that most immigrants ARE illegal immigrants. Natch.

Segregation and Reparations at Schlagle

KCTV5 recently broke a story regarding a local high school, a bad idea, bored teachers and silly experiment for Black History Month: A student committee at Schlagle High School wanted to do an experiment. In the experiment, the school was segregated by race to show what it was like in the 1960s.

Tuesday, each student was compared with a brown paper bag to decide if they were light or dark skinned, then they were separated from there. But unlike the 1960s, the darker skinned students were given the special treatment and extra benefits.I like the part about special privileges . . . I wonder if the Latinos were allowed to take off early to go to work.

Honestly, I can see where why a lot of people would be upset at this kind of thing: There has always been segregation and special privilege but very much like sex education (or the lack thereof) it's only supposed to sting and completely destroy students when they learn about it for themselves.

TKC Lookalikes: Midtown Miscreant produces an awesome match-up!!!

It's local blogger genius as far as I'm concerned.

The Midtown Miscreant makes a comparison that everybody else missed.

Obama in his turban has a striking similarity to Hadji Singh from Johnny Quest.

Some would call the comparison incendiary or even discriminatory but it's apt, APT I tell you mostly because Hadji was the smart on and he "spoke so well."

Next up: McCain as Mr. Magoo . . . There are more similarities than anyone would care to imagine.

Picturing Kansas City

Things KC has the details on interesting upcoming photography Exhibits at the Nelson and Kemper Museums.

Jackson County Sheriff's race already hilarious and embarrassing!!!

By far, the race for Jackson County Sheriff seems to be the most entertaining for Kansas City voters.

Already there has been some pretty funny online discussions of nearly everyone involved in the race and now they've taken their battle to the street (sorta).

There was recently a bit of controversy over the process to get on the ballot. All of the candidates wanted to be the first name listed so they basically staged a live re-enactment of "Around the world in 80 Days" at the Courthouse.

Gary Sherer waited outside in the cold like a homeless person.

Tom Cranbuell (???) used his employee card to enter the building.

Mike Sharp used the same entrance and don't need no stinking security badges!!!

And KMBC reported that Bullard was mysteriously at the front of the line before anyone. Spooky.

TKC wishes all of the candidates good luck and I'm excited that they're keeping everyone entertained . . . Also, it's a tad disappointing that everyone competing in the great race yesterday seems to have more faith in convenience and lazy, uninformed voters than the merits of their own candidacy.

Related Links:

Sheriff Candidate Upset About Ballot Process

The Jackson County Sheriff's Race has already started unfairly.

Black leaders in Kansas City want cops fired for denying medical treatment in Salva Case!

Today members of the Black Community spoke out against reinstating the KCPD officers involved in denying medical treatment to Sophia Salva. Remember that Salva was pulled over for phony tags and begged police 12 times for medical attention to no avail, she later miscarried her child in police custody.

Put simply and not to generalize too much, just about every person of color in Kansas City along with anyone who cares about human rights believes that the two officers involved in the case should be fired.

Representatives from The Urban league and the NAACP spoke today at the Police Board meeting

And just so there's no chance of this being misconstrued as a racial issue (it is) it's worth noting that all of these folks agreed with Police Chief Corwin (tall white guy) that the officers should be dismissed, so in essence they're following the lead of a white dude. That seemed to be the line they wanted to emphasize, that they were "upholding his recommendation" to terminate the pair.

Meanwhile, 2 judges have noted that the officers should be reinstated.

A date is being set for to decide the fate of the officers . . .

A starter site

The KC ATA put their site up today: Kansas City Light Rail.org

It's cute but not nearly as informative as the KC Light Rail Blog.

And just like it's much easier to reroute bus lines than build some dopey, expensive train set for the tourists . . . It's also even easier to start a website . . . Hooray!!!

KC Basketball Factory Followup

A principal of a local Basketball school, which also has roots in STL, was recently featured in an KSHB investigation. Apparently he has priors: Second Mile Ministries, the STL version of the KC School, has suspended head pastor/principal Peter Flournoy after learning about his outstanding warrants for bad checks . . . The STL Village Voice/New Times paper also reports that The Star is soon to publish an "investigative story" on the whole debacle in which they pretend that they're the first news organization to hop on the story and claim to be the only beacon of truth in Kansas City.

Hope for old broads in Kansas City!!!

There may not be an "old timer's day" for strippers but thanks to a Supreme Court case that has its roots in the Kansas City area, old women can continue to pretend to be useful in the workplace, very much like younger women except without the possibility of sex - because that would be gross.

The Supreme Court has left the door open for workers in age discrimination cases to present supporting evidence from other employees at a company.

In a unanimous decision Tuesday, the justices ruled that federal courts cannot categorically block so-called "me too" evidence of age discrimination or, by contrast, allow it to be used.

Instead, steering a middle ground, the court said such evidence may sometimes be used, but trial judges must weigh the facts and give a more complete explanation of their rulings than the one a judge gave in the case of former Sprint employee Ellen Mendelsohn . . . A federal jury in Kansas City, Kan., ruled against Mendelsohn after a judge excluded the testimony of five ex-employees from other departments at Sprint headquarters who claimed they had been released because of their age.

What surprises me about this case is that they let the old broad get to 50 and still hold onto her job. I could have sworn that the mandatory trade-up date on white women in Johnson County was something like 31 . . . Which again correlates to desperate, lonely and wild women cutting loose in Westport. I know my dating pool better than anyone.

Kansas City's "Orange Revolution" still on!!!

Awesome!!! Once again The Star has exonerated the Funkhouser Administration!!!

Today, there's another attempt to explain the case of the missing 80k.

The records also shed light on the campaign’s original Jan. 15, 2008, spending report for the last quarter of 2007. That report had listed six reimbursements to Squitiro for more than $5,000.

An amended report for the same period, however, showed many of the same amounts listed as actual expenditures with vendors. For example, a $300.47 “reimbursement” to Squitiro in the Jan. 15 report was listed in the amended report as a $300.47 payment to AT&T for phone services.

A receipt for the AT&T bill was among the documents provided by the campaign.

AT&T they say. Huh, I wonder if that has anything to do with the the AWESOME NEW IPHONES PURCHASED BY MAYOR FUNKY AND CO-MAYOR SQUITIRO!!! Why? Because AT&T has an exclusive deal with Iphone until 2012 . . . And we all know that the Co-Mayor's using campaign funds to purchase luxury items is completely ethical according to the Star. Or at least, I'm assuming as much because the reporting is so vague and biased. (I blame the Mansur dude because Helling is hella good)

Also, even more questions arise regarding Gloria Squitiro & Crew and their penchant for big ticket items.

TKC reported on the luxury dishwasher from Williams Sonoma last year purchased by The Funky Bunch . . . Again, The Star doesn't like mentioning name brands but I think it's kind of funny that these so-called advocates of "regular folks" are out making purchases at pricey venues . . . All my friends and family buy washing machines from Sears but maybe that's because we're broke as hell and the place has pretty good deals.

Anyhoo, I just wanted to point out there are a lot of details left out of the Star's reporting and I've filled in quite a few (some of which are actually correct unlike most of my writing!!!).

But all of these facts signal that The Funkhouser Administration IS NOT IN THE CLEAR with the Missouri Ethics Commission as Kansas City's paper of record is suggesting. It's actually kind of strange since I've never seen a media outlet so desperate to advocate for the cause of their buddies within their news pages . . . I thought that kind of thing was the domain of bloggers, I guess I have some competition after all.

Even worse, this isn't the only obstacle in Funkhouser's way.

Kansas City's Orange Revolution (ugh) is also facing:

Consequences from The Mammy Slurs and the ensuing EEOC lawsuit . . . Remember that? The Star doesn't seem to . . .

KC's Budget Crisis and the cruel cuts that are soon to be proposed . . . Mayor Funky doesn't care about your inner city youth programs if you're not one of his supporters, this is going to be abundantly clear in the next few days.

The steel plates . . . The City Auditor knew there was nothing he could do, he just didn't count on "ordinary folks" remembering his fanciful promises.

And then there are questions about gifts sent to the Funky Bunch and even more of their "rag tag" accounting.

On the bright side, here's a photo gallery of Denise Milani (barely) in an orange tank top.

All things considered, I'm really surprised that Funkhouser has so many fans in his corner at The Star and that their bias is reflected in a great deal of their reporting. Just like Funkhouser, there seems to be the assumption that the "ordinary folk" can't put two facts together or don't have a memory that lasts longer than a year.

TKC respects his readers and that's not only why I make a few connections on this blog but also why I intentionally mislead my readers because I have faith in them to figure out things for themselves.

Also, photos of big boobie broads nearly busting out of their tops benefit us all.

Bridging the Gap gets the boot! Midtown remains without a recycling center!!!

The race is on . . . Who will be the first politico to deal with or at least pretend to deal with the lack of a Midtown recycling center? Because it's a slam dunk with virtually no downside.

For years there has been a dearth of options for recycling in Kansas City other than Mayor Kay's curbside idea - Which I still hate.

Now Fox 4 New reports that Bridging the Gap, a local environmental group, is actively looking for a new place for a Midtown recycling center.

It's really quite a shame that nobody has helped this group so far, I certainly have a need to throw out my garbage recycling more than once a week and Midtown NEEDS a permanent and convenient location!!!

Also, there can never be too many liberal, politically active white broads willing to deal with trash in Kansas City . . . They pretty much comprise my dating pool.

Morning roundup: Many links I missed

Here are just a few worthwhile stories that I'm not going to going into detail about:

KANSAS CITY IS TURNING INTO A GHOST TOWN: Kansas City-area retail vacancies are likely to climb by 1.2 percentage points this year to 12 percent as the market struggles to absorb its second-largest inventory increase during the past decade, according to a national report issued Monday.

Crime Scene KC has comprehensive coverage of this story . . . UPDATE: Leavenworth County girl, 5, shot in the head

All of the happy people at the airport are leaving Kansas City: KCI Airport Ranks Low On Misery Index

Until blogging becomes illegal (give it 5 years) I think this is probably a good move for folks who think they're really getting an e-mail from the son of the former deposed King of Nigeria: AG Seeks Money To Combat Internet Crime

At least nearly getting killed from errant gunfire is becoming more convenient: Ambulance meets shooting victim at Quicktrip.

Fire broke out at a building at Blue Parkway and Brighton Avenue.

This just has me thinking of Summer: Mo. bill would bar utility disconnections on hot days

I swear I blogged this a month ago: KC will get its first Dunkin' Donuts

KCK will start spying, ignoring that surveillance cameras don't reduce crime

Crime Scene KC is doing an awesome job coving the recent move to turn KCK into a police state rather than work WITH the community to fight crime.

It seems that KCK authorities are working with EXPENSIVE high tech equipment and recruiting snitches rather than making an increased effort to communicate with residents . . . It's a bad move but it seems to be a trend in law enforcement.

KCK plans to roll out surveillance cams in public areas - The cameras cost about $10k each, and it sounds like several agencies -- MARC, the U.S. attorney, Unified Government -- collaborated to make it happen. They're going to let certain members of the public monitor the cameras over the Internet. Folks like graduates of the Citizens Academy, Neighborhood Watch captains and other civic leaders will watch and call 911 if they see any trouble.

Crime Scene KC will be reporting more on this story as it develops.

In the meantime all of this money spent and the ensuing PR initiatives tends to ignore recent studies from Great Britain which reveal that surveillance cameras don't help to reduce crime.

One more interesting fact, let's not forget that criminals also keep up with the latest technology and might learn that Infrared LEDs can make people invisible to CCTV cameras.



Unfortunately, this is all information that people don't like discussing when increased government funding is on the line and being used to strip away the privacy of the citizenry.

Gimme back my bullets

This story is just a lame excuse for TKC to make an old school Skynard reference and reveal I went to high school in Kansas a long, long time ago . . . Before Skynard but for some strange reason people still really liked them (WTF???) Anyhoo, here's the story: Court tosses out evidence (five live rounds) obtained when man was frisked . . . Essentially, the reversal of a previous ruling concerns stopping people who don't pose a strong threat to public safety. This is good news for illegal immigrants and serial killers who are most often white males.

Kansas City Basketball factory accused of broken promises

KSHB covers an interesting story regarding a Kansas City school infamous for big promises to potential high school basketball stars . . . Unfortunately, I don't see many questions directed at parents who view the slim odds of a career playing professional sports as an integral part of their kid's education.

Rape at Harrah's due to "depression"

Convicted Rapist Blames Depression For Crime - David J. Martin Confesses To Kidnapping, Raping Woman From Casino

The future of blogging

Recently, I stumbled across the most beautiful blog I've ever seen.

It's an Australian tech blog I believe, but it's the layout and design that impresses the hell out of me.

Tim Wilson has constructed a flash site which grabs information from his wordpress blog and displays it in one of the most elegant arrangements I've ever seen.

Flash is out of favor now in Internet design circles and among advertisers but I've always believed that's because it is rarely used properly.

With his design Wilson demonstrates that a blog doesn't have to be a cookie cutter exercise with a degree of sameness that so many people seem to favor in lieu of creativity.

Take a look at most news sites . . . They all look the same and the fear of risk plays a significant role in that decision. In life, news and any human endeavor people are afraid to stand out.

But I've always thought that good design is an essential element in blogging that is rarely highlighted . . . Look at The Drudge Report, it's nothing more than headlines that could appear on any Google feed reader but the way that Drudge has designed the news links to fit in so seamlessly with his opinion in order to become one and the same . . . That's what keeps readers by the millions coming back everyday.

Anyhoo, I've been thinking about this design for days and fans of this blog should know that this kind of thing is the direction in which TKC is headed.

Wilson offers a brief glimpse of how he constructed the design that's virtually limitless in its array of options. It's a nice look at the future and how personal publishers with a bit of design skill or cash are going to utilize increased bandwidth, high speed Internet availability and the large number or free and relatively inexpensive array of tools available to bloggers.

Kansas City survival tip #9,372: Don't fight with strangers

A man was shot and critically injured outside a gas station in Kansas City this morning . . . The story just happened so there's not a lot of details, but the principle is sound. Fighting with strangers is dangerous. Any confrontation should be dealt with amicably, with concern. Make an effort to learn where the other person is coming from, befriend them, earn their trust AND THEN TAKE YOUR REVENGE!!! That's how things are done in Kansas City.

Present Magazine proves that Latinos in Kansas City do a lot more than protest!!!

I'd like to think that my "art" is complaining . . . Thankfully, there are quite a few local Latinos who are far more creative . . .

On Saturday, February 23, 2008, The Latino Writers Collective brought to life five original tales––La Reina Mora, Ferdinand the Bull, The Smiling Rabbit, Jabuti the Tortoise, and The Runaway Tortilla––depicting Hispanic culture from Mexico to the Amazon. Storytellers Maria Vasquez Boyd, Gabriela Lemmons, Joe Faus, Gloria Martinez Adams, Xanath Caraza, and Chato Villalobos performed to a full house of children and adults at the Central Library located in downtown Kansas City.

Check out the Present Magazine article for even more details and quite a few amazing photos.

A gift to Kansas City ladies from F-bombs

Recently, one of my favorite local bloggers offered a missive on celebrity beauty that should make local ugly broads feel better . . . Especially if they can cook.

A flurry of art for Kansas City

Local blogger lukas posts some nice pics of Kansas City art in the snow and offers a first person perspective and a little bit more info on the Kansas City flatfile - Which does a decent job in justifying thousands upon thousands ever year in art school tuition.

Stay Red has some Kansas Primary Scoop!!!

The upcoming Primaries in Kansas are full of all kinds of nasty details that the mainstream press doesn't like mentioning. Stay Red Kansas not only comes up with some great analysis but also reminds us of a Kansas Politico punching a protester . . . Nice.

Bones in the Manhole (NO HOMO!!!)

I'm still playing catchup and that kind of coverage just isn't my bag baby, but Emaw jumped on top of this local story of strangely discovered bones in KCK manhole and for that he has my acceptance and respect. UPDATE: They were animal bones which is kind of freaky because I'm guessing they weren't connected with hot wings.

It'll be Spring soon enough

It's still cold and miserable, but not so much . . . That's a great metaphor for good times in Kansas City and frankly the time between seasons is always my favorite in this town. Gray, dull, miserable and strangely quiet for some reason . . . It's not so bad and makes it more likely that I'll get some work done other than looking at photo galleries of b-list actresses in bikinis.

Hooray!!! KSHB is completely the ghey!!!

Leave it to the nastiest local message board in Kansas City to make the sexual preference of local newsies the topic of recent scuttlebutt (EWWWW!!!).

Not that there's anything wrong with that or anyone's business but there's some interesting/slanderous/ghey talk about the newsies at KSHB and their personal lives over at GWCR.

Nevertheless, I'm not going to get into anybody's ghey business (EWWWWW!!!)

I've always thought that obsessing over who is or is not the ghey was kinda the ghey.

Who would want the horrible job of sniffing out the ass bandits (i.e. lesbians) in any news organization (EWWWWWW)?

That kind of discrimination is just uncalled for . . . And kind of the ghey.

Also, it's a longstanding policy of almost every and any media outlet in Kansas City to completely ignore, censor and shudder in fear over the discussion of the personal lives of local media colleagues. Is it the ghey to wonder which news dude loves the cock in Kansas City? I'm guessing most of the staff at The Pitch probably knows already from personal experience.

Therefore I guess I should follow suit and pretend to know nothing about the local news station that unwittingly is letting its homo rainbow colors fly. Frankly, I think it could be a selling point . . . I thought that shows about the ghey people had really high ratings on TV or is there another reason why CSI is popular besides the ghey obsession with bodily fluids left behind at somebody's apartment?

My lips are sealed, and I'm also standing against a wall while refusing to pick up the soap.

By the way, NO HOMO on this entire post.

Also, if you're bending over backwards for more ghey friendly news check out Camp KC, they don't have an ax to grind like most of the homersexuals at The Pitch.

Alonzo Washington led community search over the weekend in Kansas City

Let's see, what did I do this weekend . . .

I played a lot of online poker.

I sexually harassed a woman I knew at the Joel Osteen revival.

At the same event I also did a really good job pretending to pray.

Chinese food.

Meanwhile . . . Local activist, blogger and crime fighter Alonzo Washington solved the disappearance of a local dude.

Check it:

Family Reacts to the discovery of Lucius Dudley

Blind Man Missing Since Thursday Found Dead

Relative Finds Missing Man Dead

The central fact in all these stories is that Alonzo Washington was at the scene and helped to organize the family for a quick search. The man in question had been missing since the 15th.

I like noting news about Mr. Washington mostly because it points out the impact that one person can have on bring the topic of local crime to the forefront. Kansas City's Mayor doesn't even want to talk about crime while Alonzo is clearing cold cases that most likely were never top priority. It's a powerful messages, too bad the local media so often leave Alonzo out of their coverage given that in this instance he is an integral part of the story.

And of course mentioning Alonzo always sparks controversy among so many haters on Internet message boards who have never lifted a finger to help their community or anybody but themselves - I can speak from experience on that one.

Kansas City's rap failure Mac Lethal bites Beastie Boys material from 1986

If you like the douche . . . I recently wiped my ass with stumbled upon yet another far too complimentary review and free download of Mac Lethal's work from yet another hipster publication.

Here are the highlights:

He likes beer.

He doesn't live Boulevard Beer . . . Oh no!!!

Mac Leathal also makes off with Eminem's musical style in detailing tense family relations . . . I can only hope the frustration stems from sexual abuse.

He's not a fan of the Chiefs . . . I agree but my insights regarding the team are far more substantial since they constantly note that Jackson County is paying for JoCo's entertainment.

Oh yeah, he's white.

Anyhoo, the article is filled with the same sentiment that will keep Kansas city's over-hyped rapper mired in mediocrity if this is the kind of audience that takes his (c)rap to heart.

The beer drinking, hard partying routine is the same thing the Beastie Boys were doing in 1986 on Licensed to Ill . . . And the troubled family routine is right from all of Eminem's better work. Essentially, this is what's wrong with Mac Lethal's oeuvre. We've seen it before only with better drum tracks and more authenticity.

I've noted this fact before and even garnered the attention from the short, balding rapper on this blog. Unfortunately, the guy would rather lead a small cadre of dopey hipster fans who are satisfied with mediocre music rather than work on his act and try coming up with something original that doesn't depend on white privilege, tired clichés, the fact that he has minority friends (Oooooooo) or the d-bags working at alternative mags who also find fruits like Kanye West inspiring.

"There's a lot of pettiness in Kansas City"

Money quote from Kansas City St. Patrick’s Day Parade organizer Mary Nestel who was voted out before her term was up.

Continuing on our theme from last week . . . Crime hasn't stopped in Kansas City!!!

KCPD cars crash this morning chasing . . . Guess who? Suspected Carjackers!!!

Priority of KC Crime for Mayor Funkhouser: Still number 7.

I guess behind light rail.

Unfortunately, the officers were hurt in the accident. Here's hoping that they get better quickly because there's no money for new cops and the Mayor hasn't said much about finding the cash to keep the promise of more police in Kansas City.

Another Funkhouser lie revealed

The steel plates aren't going anywhere.

Pass as many ordinances as necessary . . . It just ain't gonna happen.

The people who believed the garbage Mayor Funky was spewing about steel plates during the campaign are the same kind of d-bags who still believe in the tooth fairy or that the troop surge in Iraq is working.

What few people (including TKC) failed to mention during the campaign is that the Mayor has very little control over the steel plates unless he starts doing street repair himself.

Anybody who makes too big of an issue would be making pretty powerful enemies by taking on the Water Department, Missouri Gas & Energy and KCP&L . . . Making those people mad is simply asking for a short lived political career in Kansas City; they have a lot more pull than local minorities.

So far Mayor Funky has only shown a complete lack of skill when approaching any issue and these aren't the kind of people that respond well to direct confrontation.

They run Kansas City.



Just like Master Blaster from Beyond Thunderdome they're an irreplaceable part of this "city that works" (ugh) and these folks have the kind of connections and a vast number of voters under their employ who have a lot more company loyalty than civic interest.

Imposing sanctions on them or getting in their Kool-aid too much could spell political suicide. Any smart politico would do well to steer clear of yet another doomed Funkhouser crusade.

And once again, it's clear that the Mayor's going to back down on yet another one of his campaign promises in much the same way that his only accomplishment to date is singing off on a Super-TIF in support of soccer team with a horrible attendance record.

The pie in the sky vision of Kansas City he promised just can't be delivered in bad economic times and by a Mayor with such little political capital.

Sadly, if Mayor Funky goes after this issue with his same confrontational and stubborn style he'll make some important enemies and if tries to compromise nothing will get accomplished. It's an old dilemma that faces every politician and something that most people understand except for the naive souls who still swallow the Mayor's rhetoric wholesale with few questions.

Burnett had to pay 3k for some broad

Who says nothing ever changes at the County? Everyone, that's who . . .

That latest semi-scandal . . . Some broad working both ends for Scott Burnett. Hehe.

Jackson County Legislator Scott Burnett paid $3,500 to the Missouri Ethics Commission after it contended he violated state law by having a county-paid aide work for his private business.

Burnett’s full-time legislative aide, Rebecca Regan, often works out of his office at SGB Communications, a public relations business in Kansas City. Burnett does a lot of county work out of his private office, so he has Regan work there as well, the commission said.

All things considered this scandal really isn't that sexy. Finding a reliable broad to work under them is a privilege that most politicos take advantage of . . . However, more than 3k is a pretty steep fine and once again proves that not only will politicos at the County never stop screwing up but also (when factoring out medical bills) high class escorts are always a less expensive option.

Note to Black women in Kansas City: You're better off not being arrested

Let's think about this for awhile . . . Black women haven't been enjoying a very good rapport with the authorities if their recent high profile run-ins with the police in the Kansas City area are any indication.

There was the high school principal forced to the ground in Independence.

The national news story regarding a woman bleeding who didn't get access to medical attention from the KCPD.

And over the weekend some old lady died in police custody.

Obviously, I don't know if there's a racial motivation to all of these tragic instances involving women of color . . . So I'll just assume as much.

Either way, as a Black woman I can say that I'm going to be on my best behavior when making any contact with the local authorities which is normally the case for most people to begin with but should be a priority for people of color. When TKC talks to a cop I always start out the conversation with a few tears and sniffling, "Please don't kill me!!!"

So far it has worked.

Related links:

KCPD: Prisoner pronounced dead after being taken to hospital

Woman dies after transfer from KC police jail

One more reason to hate Hillary

I was thinking about the whole "Hillary" thing earlier and, for once, I think the topic of race is being overemphasized.

Hillary's unpopularity has nothing to do with Obama's multi-racial status . . . It's related to her ovaries.

Obviously, this country just isn't ready for a female president. Old/white/Black is all well and good but the prospect of this great nation under the leadership of some lady dealing with menopause (or its aftershocks) is just too frightening.

A scrumptious dinner, cleaning house, doing laundry or dressing up in the latest fashions from Victoria's Secret: These are all things that women (should) have a great deal of knowledge and experience with . . . But something serious like the Presidency shouldn't be placed in the small, fragile and incompetent hands of a female. Obviously, the rest of the nation agrees with TKC.

There can be only one (not really)

KRS-One said it best (in his prime) when he noted: "This is just one style out of many, like a piggy bank this is one penny."

And this has me thinking about other news bloggers in Kansas City.

I'd like to list a few of my favorites because unlike the mainstream press or most d-bags who write blogs . . . I think it's important to acknowledge that there is a diversity of opinion in Kansas City and there isn't one source who can claim to hold the truth (except Oprah) . . .

Anyhoo, here are some of the best folks who regularly write about the news in Kansas City.

If I missed your blog, it sucks . . . Or you can send me a link.

RDM's Random Remarks - Great stuff, lots of posts on a variety of different local and national subjects. I think the guy's Black so therefore he is the next person that all of the guilty white people in the blogosphere can attempt to make into a mascot and befriend. I just like his writing.

BlogKC.com - Always informative.

The Random Ramblings of a Midtown Miscreant - Lost of personal insights to go along with the local news.

Jay Bird's Kansas City - Another good local blog run by a great guy.

Another Kansas City Blog - A new local blog. Commentary on at least one or two local topics every day.

Gone Mild - Hey, ever wonder what Mayor Funkhouser's prostate smells like? This guy (a member of Mayor Funky's Kitchen Cabinet) probably knows and he's willing to write about it!!!

Bottomline Communications - Landsberg doesn't really like blogging or bloggers but don't hate him for it. He's a local media expert who has a website that dishes a lot of news about this small market stepping stone. His other interests include soup, afternoon naps (ditto) and hoping that conservative media personalties will take pity on a kindly old man (they won't).

Kansas City Dilettante - Another new blog, leans toward tech. A lot of great links and nice quick posts.

JoCo SOB - Because what this town really needs to know the opinions of yet another affluent white guy from the suburbs!!!

Anyhoo, those are the blogs I try to read everyday in lieu of going outdoors. I encourage everyone who is curious about local opinion (all three of you) to take a look at these bloggers if you haven't already . . . Unlike old school media outlets, the Internets operates on the principle of the long tail which basically means that there's enough bandwidth out there for everyone and folks on the Internet no longer have to fight for space on the dial, newstands or cable box.

All media consumers have now been segmented into niche markets which means that the purpose of a paper of record isn't as important as it once was . . . Folks no longer need a starting point for their local news but are free to choose from a number of spots that aggregate content or even better . . . Start their own.

The TKC Saturday Night Playlist: There hasn't been much leadership in the midst of Kansas City's latest crime wave!!!

Once again, some of the most important news in Kansas City this week is related to crime.

It's a subject that politicos regularly try to avoid because there are no simple solutions and crime will never completely disappear, it can only be challenged.

People like Alonzo Washington are doing the best to rally the community in order to fight crime.

Meanwhile, our Mayor seems more concerned with light rail and his own agenda which seems to consist of either playing with imaginary light rail trains or constantly repairing the mistakes of his wife (the Co-Mayor) when it comes to racial slurs and financial mistakes (Hey, did that 80k ever reappear?) . . . Anyhoo, Kansas City's week was full of troubling crime news that puts the grand plans of this town's cheerleaders in jeopardy.

Kansas City Carjackings are on the rise.

Safety for the patrons of the P&L District is now in question.

Let's not forget this week's gang related violence.

And to top it all off there's no money for new police and Kansas City's political leaders don't seem very enthusiastic about scrambling to find the cash.

Even worse, fighting crime is only the Mayor's number 7 priority . . . I'm assuming it comes somewhere behind foot massages.

But rather than lament the subject of crime, I put together a few tunes to make this city's plunge into more violence a little more enjoyable.

Here's my playlist for Saturday Night:

Smooth Criminal - Alien Ant Farm

Inner Circle - Bad Boys (Screw you, I like the song)

Slick Rick - Children's Story

Drowning Pool - Let the bodies hit the floor

N.W.A - Gangsta Gangsta

Johnny Cash - Folsom Prison Blues

The Killers - Jenny was a friend of mine

Notorious B.I.G. and Frank Sinatra - Everyday Struggle - A Day in the life of a fool

Jane's Addiction - Been Caught Stealing

Dope - Die Motherfucker Die

Jay-Z - American Gangster

Judas Priest - Breaking the law (obviously)

As always, be sure to check out Crime Scene KC for the latest news related to local malfeasance . . .

Most importantly, thank you for reading this week and have a fun and safe weekend.

Union Station refuses to take responsibility for the Bodies Revealed Exhibit!!!

The latest line from the PR reps from Union Station regarding the upcoming Bodies Revealed exhibit COMPLETELY NEGLECTS ANY RESPONSIBILITY THAT A KANSAS CITY INSTITUTION HAS IN PREVENTING THE PUBLIC DISPLAY OF DEAD CHINESE PEOPLE WITHOUT RELIABLE PROOF OF CONSENT!!!

The company line from Union Station is "we have received assurances from the company who owns the exhibit" and that's the only step Union Station has taken to verify that Kansas City isn't a party to grave robbing and the exploitation of former Chinese prisoners who were executed.

It seems like they could do better than just taking the word of a company who stands to benefit financially.

Meanwhile, other places with a lot more conscience than Kansas City are starting to raise serious questions about the exhibit.

New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, said Friday that the office was investigating whether "representations that were made to the public about the methods used to obtain the bodies exhibited in the United States are in fact false."

ABC News reported earlier in the day that the office had served subpoenas on Premier Exhibitions in Atlanta. The company provides touring exhibitions for museums, exhibition centers and other venues, and is behind the "Bodies Revealed" exhibits.

The attorney general's actions follow a report by ABC News that its "20/20" program Friday night would feature "a self-admitted participant of a bodies black market who described 'body runs' to locations where bodies, including those of executed prisoners, were sold for $200 to $300."

In a report released online in advance of the broadcast, ABC News reporters wrote that although Premier has said all of its bodies are supplied by laboratories at the Dalian Medical University in Dalian, China, the university president said his university does not supply bodies to Premier or any company for public display.

Sadly, because Union Station is financially failing and because Kansas City doesn't care about the fate of people of color the exhibit goes on without much fuss from people in power in this town.

It has only been a handful of bloggers who have posed serious questions about the exhibit and the ethical repercussions for this city.

This is not an issue of bad taste, or even the sanctity of life . . . CONSENTING ADULTS should be be able to do whatever they want as long as they aren't hurting anybody else.

HOWEVER, THERE IS PROOF FROM MORE THAN A FEW CREDIBLE NEWS AGENCIES THAT THE COMPANY WHO OWNS THIS SHOW MAY NOT HAVE HAD THE CONSENT OF THE PEOPLE USED IN THE EXHIBIT.

This isn't speculation, it's not a religious conviction nor is it a feeling. It is a fact that the company who puts on the exhibit has used the bodies of executed Chinese prisoners.

Meanwhile, defenses of the show related to "science" are getting fewer and far between. In fact, most people just want to satisfy their morbid curiosity or see Union Station in the black this year. Once again, it's proven that financial considerations far outweigh any concern about the lives or fate of people of color; especially in Kansas City.

And, let's be clear, I'm not trying to start a movement or even have the show halted.

TKC, once again, is just pointing out a fact.

Thankfully, there are a handful of other bloggers in the Kansas City area who also believe that this exhibit is exploitative.

And as the date of this show gets closer I hope more bloggers show their concern about the subject, and share their questions and criticism of the exhibit with nothing more than a simple post . . . Please send me a link, I'd be happy to include it on this blog.

Clearly, this is an important discussion as to where Kansas City stands on the subject of human rights. So many folks would rather ignore the topic. Sadly, our local media has done little more than publish the assurances of the groups putting on the exhibit with few questions or calls for evidence . . . I can only hope the people of Kansas City understand that there is a more than a reasonable doubt about the consent from PEOPLE featured in this show and the implications of that are important enough for folks to consider finding other entertainment alternatives in this town.

For instance, I'll be at home watching Lane Alexandra's video "My boobs are okay." It's a good choice.

Kansas City's Socialist Studios

Socialist Studios is looking to organize filmmakers from Kansas City to Lawrence in a way that seems a bit flashier than what the IFC is doing. Already they have garnered some great publicity, a nice gimmick and good word of mouth . . . The only thing the need is a few films!!!

I've always wondered why so many Kansas City filmmakers have yet to make a serious attempt to use Youtube and other online video services to share their work. My college colleague Todd Norris is the only BRAVE and notable exception.

Still, TKC hopes to see these Socialists succeed because they seem a lot more savvy about media and the real world than those dorks that used to wear those Che Guevara t-shirts everywhere about nine years ago . . . Who where those guys? Somehow, I can't remember their name. Ah, that's right . . . Rage Against the Machine.

Leaving Kansas City

This blogger quotes a drearily accurate passage by George Bradley, from Terms to Be Met

Rising tide of new taxes proposed to pay for Kansas City's wastewater system

What a waste . . . Years of water infrastrucutre neglect will now be passed on with new taxes.

Luckily, KC's Mayor is busy working on his light rail plan!!! Meanwhile, a more productive and much less glamorous bi-state water infrastrucutre solution is basically ignored by the Funky Bunch.

Trading 'Lazy Missourians' For Mexicans

I know a recent comment from Missouri House Speaker Rod Jetton (R) is supposed to engender some kind populist sentiment and make him seem not so bigoted when it comes to other anti-immigrant proposals being considred in the State House . . . And, sadly, I have to admit it works . . . I'm not made of stone and I'm swayed by any politico who doesn't (completely) base his anti-immigrant stance on Supremacy.

Check it:

Jetton proposes trading "lazy Missourians for hard working Mexicans" kind of funny and acknowledges but a bit of the contributions that illegal immigrants have made to the economy. House Speaker Rod Jetton on Friday stood behind his offer to trade "lazy Missourians" for hardworking Mexican citizens.

Jetton, a Republican from Marble Hill, first made the suggestion earlier this month at a Republican Party gathering in Springfield. He repeated it Thursday when asked about it at The Associated Press and Missouri Press Association Day at the Capitol.

"I think there are some lazy Missourians in this state who really don't want to work, and I think there's a lot of hardworking Mexicans who would love to come up here and make a little money to support their families," he said.

True enough and if a Caucasian, Republican, Missouri politico says it then it probably has even more credence than the ranting from my mom's basement . . . And while it may be nothing more than a PR move, there's still a certain truth in the statement (and supporting financial data) . . . Even better, it proves that speaking with this kind of hyperbole on either side of the issue is much more interesting than a rational conversation about Comprehensive Immigration Reform. Natch.

Nobody cares about land grab in Overland Park or Women's Basketball

Okay, I'm sure a few people care about unchecked suburban sprawl if their homes will become victim to it. But it's hard to argue against the "nature of the beast" that keeps the Golden Ghetto so nice. Sad but true, the economic reality isn't as simple as endorsing racial profiling.

In the same article there's a note about the Big 12 Women’s Championship. Apparently, there's a massive push (heh) to sell out the Sprint Center for boring b-ball played beneath the rim. Good luck with that, Title IX may guarantee attempts at equality but selling tickets is another matter altogether.

DOWNTOWN IS STILL DANGEROUS!!! Electric Avenue: Not just financially unsound!!!

You'll probably get killed in the P&L District . . . At least if you operate under the assumptions that are propagandized by Kansas City's paper of record and other Downtown Renaissance cheerleaders.

Check it:

A robbery victim mugged at gunpoint warns downtown party-goers about crime in the new Kansas City Power & Light entertainment district.

"I had my guard down because I thought where I was was safe," said the victim, who did not want to be identified. "I figured it would be a safe place to go, you know, but apparently not."

Still, Kansas City's Mayor doesn't think that crime is a subject that should rank in his top 5 priorities.

And, unfortunately Kansas City is still on the hook for MILLIONS worth of bonds for the P&L District that's not only incomplete but also seems to be a lot more dangerous than folks had initially suspected.

All things considered, just as TKC and SO MANY OTHERS had warned: Downtown Cheerleading won't stop crime and if the Mayor is more concerned about imaginary light rail than other realties this city is facing . . . It's not just people who are really in trouble, but also Economic Development which is far more important!!!

The Star changes their tune, again!!! Kansas City's paper of record goes from hope for resiliency to talk of recession!!!

Just like this blog and so many other people in town have noted: Kansas City's economy is slowing down . . . Dramatically.

Kansas City’s economic development engine is stalling.

Private developers and officials at the key public agencies that dispense tax incentives agree there has been a sharp reduction in the number of project applications and inquiries in recent months. Public documents bear that out.

People who actually watch financial news and understand that we're in the midst of global recession have noted as much for months.

The Star is just changing their tune today . . . As we approached the New Year and just last month The Star was been pushing happy news about economic resiliency.

I guess now they're facing cold, cold reality.

Even worse, Kansas City has a dour and uninspiring Mayor at the helm during these financial harsh times.

Mayor Funky's favorite President is Lincoln . . . My favorite politico has always been Tom Pendergast not only because he was a "gangsta" but also because his legacy is evident in some of Kansas City's greatest buildings.

Anyhoo, politically this recession spells disaster for Mayor Funky. It's not his fault but he has been left holding the bag (nullus) and he is too uninspiring to focus Kansas City's attention elsewhere. His light rail plan failed miserably, he has inspired a racially divisive atmosphere AND his wife is Co-Mayor. All of these factors combined reveal that it's actually Mayor Funky caught in a "perfect storm" of bad timing and bad decisions which have made his reign a failure so far.

A politico with some talent might be busy promoting the city rather than their own silly plans.

Still, just as the Star's headline reveals today . . . Sooner or later we all have to deal with reality (unless we hide in a basement) and maybe there's hope that Mayor Funky can guide this town through the recession with something other than discriminatory budget cuts and misguided rhetoric.

Last question for this post: Is there an anchor tenant for the Sprint Center yet?

KCK Jet Fuel Fire

Firefighters Battle Jet Fuel Fire In KCK

Questions about Cleaver backing Hillary

TKC readers discussed this topic last month but recently Kraske came up with a far more thoughtful commentary regarding Congressman Emanuel Cleaver's support of Hillary Clinton.

Long story short . . . Just as TKC contended LAST MONTH, it doesn't make sense that Cleaver is siding with Hillary when both polls and popular opinion in his district should sway the Congressman to support Barack Obama.

Unless, Hillary confirms the rumors of Cleaver as his running mate (which wouldn't be a bad move now since she's almost hopelessly behind) then it's time for Cleaver to go with the rest of popular opinion in the Democrat party symbolized by a 10-state winning streak and just back Obama already.

Harsh times in KC suburban hinterlands

Fox 4 reports on a "unique" home auction in Leawood . . . TKC Fact check: White people going broke is "unique?" Not really, just in some of the more plush suburbs of Johnson County.

Stuff White People Like

The most recent topic on "Stuff White People Like" . . . Gentrification, of course. Thank you God for the recession. Anyhoo, found this gem via Dallas Penn who uses the blog as a starting point for a celebration of Black History Month. The guy is a genius and that's why I've been swagger jackin his style for years. No Homo, God Bless you Neil Diamond.

"Last Day Ever for Bloomsday Books"

Irish KC marks the sad occasion.

Kick Ass! Look at what hipsters can do!!!

Don't miss this post, there's photos of well-aged burlesque booty: Recent drawings from Dr. Sketchy’s KCMO

You should already be reading the Blue Blog

The KC Blue Blog has been kicking ass as of late . . . By far it's the best blog in KC to keep track of Democrat politics. A special thanks to Blue Blogger for this analysis of the Mayor's Missing 80k.

There are all kinds of Dems in KC: Progressive, Hawks (still), Liberal, Union voters, Femocrats and the like . . . But by far the Blue Blog kind seem the best.

Secrets and Nightmares

Local blogger Nightmare recently published a pretty great post, which is strange because he's usually full of crap . . . It's almost kind of spooky.

Happy B-Day Reach!!!

It's time for you to wish the best rapper in Kansas City a Happy Birthday.

Tonight, check out Reach that the record bar.

Live Hip Hop, Funk, Soul and Poetry!!

It seems like a pretty good time, if you can endure a few d-bags from The Pitch.

KC History and a Cowboy Gunfight Game!!!

Every weekend in Kansas City there's usually some kind of gunfight and now local Internet geeks can take part!!!

We all know that a modern Kansas City gunfight ends with a homicide that's usually neglected by most of this town's media if the victim is a young, Black male . . . But maybe this awesome new(ish) flash game that I stumbled upon via Fazed (partially KC based) might remind us that white people in Kansas City were once notorious for gun violence in the street.

Smokin Barrels (NO HOMO!!!) is an awesome Cowboy shootout game and well worth the 2 hours it will take to master the contest.

SPOILER: TKC is sooooo good now that killing the "Zombie Priest" at the end of the game is no problem, but maybe I still have a grudge from Catholic School.

Anyhoo, for Internet denizens this should suffice as weekend entertainment. Turn off the country music and play your favorite Wu-Tang CD for an added hint of realism. My only compliant is that there are no Black characters and if the film Posse taught me anything it's that Big Daddy Kane can get the job done (again, no homo) in any historical epoch.

I've already forwarded this game to all of my friends and now I figure I should help TKC readers play with themselves over the weekend. EWWWWWWW!!! No homo.

I was inspired (kinda)

I went to go see Joel Osteen last night, I'm still kind of sleeping it off.

I don't remember much of what he said but I was inspired to start taking better care of my teeth. I could see his pearly white smile from 50 rows back after a bathroom break and I realized that Dr. Pepper could take it's toll after so many years. I think I'm gonna start using a straw every time . . . Just an idea.

As for the talk of faith, not so long ago I dated a stripper who expressed many of the same sentiments. She also had a nice smile and an inexplicable scar on her lower back that she didn't like talking about . . . I heard she got married a couple of years ago which either proves the power of faith or that people are a lot more forgiving than I think.

The lesson I took last night: Sometimes it's really expensive to be a good Christian, the very nice lady friend who took me to the event showed me the price of the seats when I was obnoxiously trying to play with her underwear and it gave me pause and had me contemplating Buddhism - All you need for that is a bad tattoo, right?

Here are some more Osteen related links:

Osteen mania hits KC

Joel Osteen on Theology

Joel Osteen Answers His Critics

Note: Regular tickets were only 16 bucks, we had VIP. Obnoxious heavy handed question of the day: I wonder if there are graded ticket prices in Heaven? Ugh.

White people stay losing on light rail!!!

Today a judge put a stop to Clay Chastian's silliness.

A court ruling Friday once again derailed Clay Chastain's light rail battle.

A judge denied Chastain's motion to pull a bus sales tax off the ballot, saying there is no evidence the city did anything wrong when it repealed Chastain's voter-approved light rail plan last year.

Still, all the way around this issue has been a loser for so many white people in Kansas City. In all of the drama, I've yet to see or hear of any person of color who felt strongly one way or another about light rail . . . Just saying.

The Mayor and the Council folk who stood with him looked as if they were thwarting Democracy by taking it off the ballot in the first place. I don't even want to think of how many wasted hours Chastain devoted putting it on the ballot in the first place and just about every Kansas City hipster who was excited by the project was simply admitting that they didn't really give a damn about the increasing number of po'folk in this town riding the bus.

Yep, this issue is/was Kansas City political poison but still much easier than dealing with the real poop that affects this town like BILLIONS in water infrastrucutre and the Mayor's long standing neglect of crime in "the Black part of town."

So much for promises

Here's the latest news regarding broken promises from people with a lot more power than you:

Why keep promises when you're not running for office: Gov. Matt Blunt has dropped plans to start a government-subsidized health insurance program next month.

KCP&L to delay wind farm promised in power plant agreement

All things considered, I think these links once again prove that people in power are trying to kill you or at least don't really care if you die . . . And I don't know how much I'm kidding.

DJ d-bags square off in KC tonight

Kansas City DJ's are going to battle it out tonight and that's exactly as lame as it sounds.

I don't know how they promoted the event but a Gawker media t-shirt logo certainly comes to mind.



My money is on DJ Shaun Flo not only because he's Samoan but also because, while he may still be a douche in light of the photo featured above, he's the only one I'm sure IS NOT the ghey. Still, he reminds me of one of my favorite blogs: Hot Chicks with Douchebags.

The Internet in Kansas City is only useful in getting arrested or acquiring an STD!!!

Lenexa police monitored craigslist.com and ended up arresting several men in a prostitution sting.

Red Bridge Rage against the PR machine

Another angry missive from the Red Bridge folks . . . For the half-dozen or so people who still pretend to care about neighborhood politics when there is not an election on the horizon.

Hack Day in KC almost here

It's the first I've heard of it but it sounds like a great place to avoid women.

Good stuff from Gimpysoft

"A Letter To My Kansas State Senator" concerning SB 595, a bill to ban the labeling of dairy products with respect to use of rGBH and rBST. The blogger opposeses this bill on the basis of "freedom of speech." He maintains that dairy farmers should have the right to make factual claims about their products . . . Pretty interesting stuff.

Jesus loves me, I love white women

Literally, in just a few short minutes I'm about to be inspired by a white guy with very nice teeth and a mullet.

Joel Osteen is in Kansas City right now and a white woman who mistakenly believes that I have the potential to change my ways bought me a ticket.

I'm wearing a monkey suit right now and I have to get in the right state of mind or I'll laugh at the wrong time and ruin my chances for post-churchy-show-coitus . . . And that would be a crime.

I was thinking that throughout the years I've languished in the workforce since college I've seen a number of inspirational speakers who haven't done a damn thing for me.

The highlight was either a visit with Bishop Desmond Tutu (no kidding) OR a Baptist sermon I had to sit through at the interracial wedding of some Polish chick in St. Louis.

Self-help rocks when it's accompanied by a free meal and an enthusiastic handjob.

Anyhoo, just wanted to clear my conscience and hope that the baby Jesus doesn't think I'm being too cynical when I try to go upskirt at this "night of inspiration" with my date.

In Kansas City there's always money for culture but not cops!!!

Once again there's some troubling news about life in this town that emanates from Mayor Funky and his supporters.

On the face of it, it's not a bad thing that Deb "Don't ask my age" Herman promises that the funding for a Kansas City museum is secure in a recent (love) letter to Mayor Funky.

There is no threat to KC Museum's existing funding in this recommendation and I will watch the situation carefully in the future. I appreciate your support and concern for the KC Museum.

But then again, considering that Kansas City has no money for THE NEW COPS THAT WE'VE BEEN PROMISED, I could care less about one of the many empty museums in this town.

Kansas City Police Chief Jim Corwin said Thursday he'd like to add 20 more officers this year, but he can't afford it.

Several years ago, when the city asked voters to approve a new tax for police facilities, the city promised to hire 20 new officers each year until 2010.

However, the city never met that goal.

In fact, it's kind of disconcerting that representatives from of Kansas City's "Great White North" are emphasizing museum funding in lieu of working to find funds for more police officers.

Meanwhile, other parts of this town are starting to feel the effect of local gangs that had previously stayed confined to their respective ghettos and barrios.

And all of this points to a fact that I noted around this same time last year.

MAYOR FUNKY IS WEAK WHEN IT COMES TO CRIME!!!

Let's just conduct a simple review to prove my point.

In nearly a year in office:

Mayor Funky said nothing about a local gang war last Summer.

Mayor Funky has not initiated one new effort to fight crime in Kansas City.

Mayor Funky doesn't seem too concerned that Kansas City isn't living up to its promises in providing more police officers and so far hasn't proposed finding money to put more cops on the street.

Worst of all Kansas City's Mayor still ranks crime as #7 on his list of priorities.

Light rail, the Downtown Renaissance or whatever pipe dream the cheerleaders of this City are putting forth . . . These notions simply don't stand a chance if Kansas City is plagued by increased carjackings, gang activity and all kinds of crime.

There's no denying that, so far, Kansas City's Mayor has simply failed when it comes to fighting crime.

While his wife, Gloria Squitiro can make a call and garner police protection for the Mayor from his minority constituents . . . The rest of Kansas City isn't so lucky. If only we could all live under the special protection of Kansas City's finest and the mythical creature known as "Bigfoot" who terrorizes Black women at City Hall.

Kansas City wants to get drunk outside!!!

A recent poll featured in the KC Biz Journal reveals that the people of this town don't want any restrictions as to how they get their drink on . . .

A bill introduced by Sen. Jolie Justus, D-Kansas City, would expand eligibility for annual festival liquor licenses, which allow the sale and consumption of liquor outside of restaurants and bars. The Cordish Co., developer of the Kansas City Power & Light District, opposes the measure, claiming that Kansas City officials promised that its project would be the only district to receive such a license. Proponents of the bill say that allowing districts such as Westport or Brookside to receive an annual license would make it easier to hold special events and level the playing field with the Power & Light District.

So far the overwhelming majority (85%) want Missouri lawmakers to expand the use of festival liquor licenses beyond the Power & Light District.

And while the survey featured a comments section . . . I have a feeling that most votes might have been signed with a burp.

I have to admit I'm in favor of this one as well . . . Drunk broads on the street makes their bad decisions even more likely if they don't have to lured away from a party.

As long as folks are sure to wrap it up and accept that there is risk in every aspect of this life: Public drunkenness is how Kansas City singles stay winning.

Jan Marcason celebrates a radio station without wheelchair accessibility!!!

It's real simple . . . You can't call yourself a "Community" radio station if you actively exclude a big section of the community.

That's what KKFI had been doing for years at their radio station that has yet to find a way to provide access for people using wheelchairs.

This weekend City Councilwoman Jan Marcason will present KKFI with a resolution from the city declaring February 28th as KKFI Day.

And a great many of those years have been spent downplaying, ignoring or politely failing to mention the lack of wheelchair accessibility for the "community" radio station.

And while this blog is equally inaccessible to people with good taste . . . I've never been honored by the City so I feel okay in pointing out the hypocrisy in this situation.

Seriously, there are more than a couple of people who keep TKC informed about the lack of progress on this issue . . . If Marcason is going to be the spokesman for KC in this instance and bestow an honor upon KKFI then maybe she might want to get involved and raise some money for some new digs or an elevator . . . She could sell her putrid potato salad at a fundraiser or some such . . . I know, I know, it's not a great idea but it beats doing nothing . . . Which has been the case for so long at KKFI.

Northeast says to Hell with a Halfway House

Nobody believes in rehabilitation anymore, probably because it rarely works . . . The Northeast News reports: "It did not take long for community leaders and members of the school board to come out against a proposed halfway house at the former Manchester School on Truman Road."

Light rail lets alleged murderers go free!!!

Crime Scene KC: KCPD arrests homicide suspect on broken-down bus

One more reason to never help anyone!!!

Crime Scene KC keeps me safe: KC man stabbed while trying to help woman, police say

Frida Kahlo: "Never trust a limping dog or the tears of a woman."

Looking out for links

It's hard to know who to root for in this situation: IRS accuses two KC area lawyers in fraudulent tax schemes involving millions of dollars

Let it go Phill, for the love of God, let it go: Kline sees 'degree of collaboration' by ex-AG, clinic

The Sunflower state is unconcerned with protecting the rights of rapidly aging hipsters: Kansas bill would make state age discrimination apply only to people 40 and older

Winter always wins: Salt loses effect in bitter cold

The right to remain sleazy: Man charged in Precious Doe killing complains about new lawyers

Breaking News!!! Buying plastic water bottles will kill the planet but save a lot of worry over nasty conditions in hotel rooms . . . FOX Investigates: More Dirty Hotel Glasses

Friday Morning Fire Kills One in Overland Park

JoCo always wins: JoCo annexation partially granted

One more area built on racial covenants wants to win consumers: OP hopes to upstage the Plaza

Keeping Kansas City "geeky"

I just found a new local blogger, a self-described "computer geek and burgeoning amateur motorcycle mechanic" . . . Be sure to check out the Kansas City Dilettante if you have a chance.

Recently, he filed a great post on the prospect of more startups being developed in this cowtown and the need for a more cohesive geeky community.

Things like PodCamp Midwest, which I'm sorry I wasn't able to attend. Things like the Hack Day that I'm organizing in a month's time. Things like The Kansas City Area Software Demonstration Project Meetup , which I will be attending. Hell, just geeks getting together for a beer, or coffee, or whatnot. We need a geeky community in this town.

But that's only the first step. Because we need to bring new geeks into the fold. We need fresh ideas. We need to make KC a place where the geeks want to be, and I'm afraid BBQ and roller derby aren't enough.

I couldn't agree more but then again I've always hated having any involvement with my colleagues when I worked as a freelance reporter and it'll be a cold day in Hell before I even consider drinking with the d-bags who claim to represent Kansas City bloggers.

Still, I agree with the dude that community and cooperation are great things and help the progress of everyone involved . . . Sadly, the benefits of teamwork aren't always bestowed upon the most deserving and nobody ever got anywhere by being a team player . . . So I'm glad there are a lot of folks out there concerned with the greater good while I simply demand that someone pass me the ball. (Nullus)

JoCo going Democrat

Johnson County registered 3000 new Democrats during the recent Caucus.

I can't say exactly why this phenomenon took place but here are my best guesses:

Sometimes white guilt can drive a person crazy.

A proliferation of young people excited about politics who have yet to be mugged.

If Oprah is for Obama, who can be against?

Still, it's clear that politics (and demographics) are changing rapidly in the Golden Ghetto . . . So expect the area's conservatives to move just a tad closer to the Oklahoma border if this trend continues.

Blogger Backtalk: All wrapped up

Turkey Fryer Terrorizes Tots in Kansas City - A story made for blogger coverage if I've ever seen one.

Pomegranate is pretty pregnant.

For this guy's money, it's anybody but Commerce.

The KC Hispanic: Viva Obama!

KC's Full House of Casinos and the infrequently mentioned facts regarding foreclosures, bankruptcies and a lot more competition that this market is prepared to handle.

Irish KC: Larry Moore and St Patrick’s Day

Finally, the Horny Oyster gallery of see-through pics of WWE Diva Candice Michell is also worth checking out - For educational purposes or whatever.

Surrender Clyde!!!

Claude Gross is a wanted suspect in the 14th homicide of 2008 in KCMO. He is wanted in connection with the murder of Glennis Fiehler that took place this past weekend . . . You know, the one that witnesses say was related to drugs or money or both.

Anti-crime activist Alonzo Washington has a series of PSA's that run on local urban radio stations (KPRS HOT 1O3 JAMZ & KMJK Magic 107.3) which encourage the community to give tips & lower the murder rate in Kansas City.

Here's an audio clip of Mr. Washington's latest PSA.

BIG NEWS UPDATE!!! They just caught the suspect!!!. Guess what, it was a tip from somebody close to him that lead to the arrest. Once again, Mr. Washington proves that encouraging people to provide tips and get involved really does make a difference.

Kansas City Internets Celebrities

The Internets Celebrities movement was started by Dallas Penn and Rafi.

And more than a year later, I think Kansas City is finally catching on . . . Which seems about right.

Surprisingly, not everything on the Internets is horrible and 21 year-old Ashley Serrano apparently wants local d-bags (like myself) to witness her talent. She's good looking and her voice is okay . . . I think those are the two most important qualities for a singer . . . Other than that, I don't have much expertise on the subject so you'll have to check out her page for yourself.

"I'm from Kansas City where there've been plenty murders"

Sad thing, the tune accompanying this stereotypically horrible Kansas City rap Youtube clip is actually pretty good . . . It has a great beat and it makes me ashamed of the disparity in this town, the hallmark of any decent rap song.

New Favorite: Shane

I'm tweaking the sidebar a little bit, thinking about signing up for Twitter now that it's lame and out of date . . . I thought that this page needed a bit more color so I decided to include on more white guy as one of my faves.

Shane is a great Kansas City blogger, not too political and put not so self-absorbed that he avoids writing about the world outside of his personal life . . . In a classic KC move, the guy used his blog to buy a cow for charity!!! So obviously, his awesome red logo is just right for this page.



Rock on.

Sheets of ice, TKC going stir crazy

Alright damnit, this Winter crap has to stop. Normally, I have no qualms about being bunkered down in my mom's basement because it's by choice (and because I fear germs, people and work) . . . But the fact that icy streets and cold ass weather have kept me inside this week is starting to get on my nerves.

However, the current cold spell in Kansas City has afforded me some time to not only check out lingerie photos of Petra Nemcova at Egotastic! but also browse through my old video tape collection - I somehow forgot that the 1980 film "Stir Crazy" is genuinely funny.



Speaking of the weather, for some reason I decided to check out KMBC's new weather page after seeing advertisements for it over the past two months.

It's nothing ground breaking but the drag and drop function is cute and has only been available on Myspace for the past 3 years. Still, the fact that Joel Nichols and Lisa Teachman have "blogs" makes my world a little brighter.

Anyhoo, if an upcoming Ebay auction goes my way I'm going outside no matter what tomorrow to pretend to shop at Target and maybe make a few white women in business suits uncomfortable during their lunch hour.

Wish me luck, pray for sunshine.

Understanding the impending failure of Electric Avenue: Upper class fare can't be sustained by Blue Collar Kansas City

There's one more reason that the Power & Light District will soon be one of the biggest potential money losers this town has ever seen: The place overlooks the character of Kansas City.

The P&L District is filled with pricey restaurants and luxury stores that probably won't appeal to the average Kansas City resident who believes that getting takeout and doing it twice represent the highest level of romance and sophistication. Good times!!!

Never mind the fact that there's still no anchor tenant at The Sprint Center across the street, forget about the global economic recession underway and let's not think about Cordish dragging their feet to open the place.

The impending failure of Electric Avenue also has a lot to do with competing venues around Kansas City. There's Zona Rosa, The Legends, Town Center Plaza and now the new Bass Pro place in Independence. The absence of nearly any locally owned businesses doesn't help the situation either.

Meanwhile, Downtown Kansas City wants to cash in on a tiny, nearly insignificant cluster of upper class condo dwellers who primarily got rich by cheating everyone else and leaving horrible tips.



The vibe that seems to dominate Electric Avenue so far seems to be stuffy and upscale.

Yet a place like the Bass Pro shops and The Legends not only provide better parking and security . . . They also seem to more accurately cater to the all of the d-bags named Billy Bob and mullet heads in and around Kansas City who rarely go out for a night on the town sporting anything but jeans and baseball caps.



Of course these same folks might venture downtown for something amazing (Is Garth Brooks playing again any time soon?) but for the most part, statistically, anecdotally and just looking at the situation with some common sense: The Bass Pro, NASCAR set don't like hanging around minorities, they want a lot of convenient parking for their pickups and they rarely spend more than 50 bucks for dinner unless their cousins/siblings come along as well.

And while Kansas City is naively catering to elitism as Cordish drags it feet, the KC suburbs are fighting for their existence successfully by identifying what drove people out that way to begin with: White culture, bland entertainment options and the almost complete absence of people of color. Kansas City is certainly trying to offer those "amenities" but demographics and an overall lack of planning have already set this town down the road to failure as far Electric Avenue is concerned.

Hey Gloria, did they ever find the missing 80k? The Star is conflicted!!!

Reporters are experts with words and misleading phrases . . . Luckily, so am I.

Despite my frequent misspellings, bad grammar, horrible punctuation and irrational love of ellipses . . . I can read between the lines when I'm mucking through B.S. from The Star.

Take the case of the missing 80k and the widely unreported but ongoing Missouri Ethics Investigation of Mayor Funkhouser.

On Feburary 2nd, The Star attempted to absolve Mayor Funkhouser of any guilt or even questions about his "rag tag" (ugh) finances:

Overall, the amended reports account for more than $82,000 in expenditures not previously disclosed — which essentially corrects the discrepancy reported earlier by The Star.

Then, after the Missouri Ethics Commission gets involved, The Star backs off quite a bit in a passage buried in an article:

The amended filings ATTEMPT to resolve the discrepancy by showing more than $82,000 in expenditures previously not disclosed.

So why the change? The reports went from an account to an attempt in less than a week. My guess is because The Star was proven wrong by an entity with some real authority but didn't want to bother printing a correction . . . I know the feeling. The Star wants to have a monopoly on information and opinion but their own reporting suggests there is a lot of room for interpretation and maybe the editorial board comprised of Johnson County suburbanites shouldn't always have the final say on politics in Kansas City proper.

So here we are, with no definitive word about the missing 80k. I haven't forgot and there are a lot of other folks who are still curious as well. We're at:

Day 34!!!

Maybe the Funkhouser Administration will bother to answer bloggers regarding the missing funds with something other than empty assurances. The missing 80k isn't the only question that has been raised in the talk of this investigation, there are also inquiries about:

Gloria Squitiro's accounting and dispersal of gifts coming into the Mayor's Office.

Questions about the Funky Bunch turning in campaign finance reports that he knew were false - He admitted as much.

A weird foot-like smell accompanying all of the reports - That's just unnecessary.

Sadly, The Star and most other media outlets in Kansas City have stopped asking questions and have let this Mayor slide on this ongoing Ethics investigation.

Not so surprising in any circumstance: Kansas City area man pulls the trigger

KCTV 5 reports: A man from Raytown, Mo., fired the U.S. Navy missile that shot down the non-functioning National Reconnaissance Office satellite overnight.

Kansas City's paper of record offers endorsement and doesn't care about consent

Here's just a recent example of The Star's bias: Volunteers needed for ‘Bodies Revealed’ at Union Station . . . Executed Chinese prisoners would be rolling over in their graves if they weren't on display without their consent.

This week's Kansas City excuse for homicide: "She took my money"

KC woman killed in money dispute, police say

There's no need to explain misogyny

I would have went with the "Bitches ain't shit" line, at least it would have been more believable than a recent press release citing the reason for removing a female basketball referee:

The Rev. Vicente A. Griego said in a news release that the “formation of adolescent boys is best accomplished by male role models, as the formation of girls is best accomplished by women. Hence in boys’ athletic competitions, it is important that the various role models (coaches and referees) be men.”

Other excuses that I would have used: "A basketball game is not a scrumptious meal for a family; that's the only thing I expect women to know how to officiate."

The contest for Jackson County Sheriff is interesting for a change!!!

Let's make this clear . . . TKC doesn't like endorsing political candidates mostly because I hate all politicians.

Nevertheless, I'm surprised by how many d-bags mistakenly believe that the people holding political office can make a difference.

Yet another manifestation of this lie to prop up the system (man) has been a flurry of interest in the Jackson County Sheriff's contest - I was gonna type "race" but they're all white so that doesn't make sense to me.

Let's look at the field and some of the dirt that's been circulating around the local blogs on the subject:

Mike Mauer is running for Sheriff. He kicked off his candidacy at La Fonda so I'm assuming he has the support of La Raza Political Club - I think that I'm required to endorse him based simply on that fact but it has been a couple of years since I've handed out ballots for the group and my loyalty is based solely on cash and the pursuit of snack cakes and white women. There's also word that he's a Republican and related to that racist-ass judge who didn't care about the rights of Black women and their unborn babies - I'm not sure if any of this is true but I do know that I don't care . . . Let's continue . . .

John Bullard wants to be Sheriff - He has a crappy website that says so. By now everyone with an interest in Kansas City blogs knows that Bullard has a bit of a black cloud hanging over his head with the death of his dog Hondo a couple of years ago under questionable circumstances (HONDO NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!) - I don't care about the dog but there was an 82 year-old driver involved in an accident in the ensuing ride to the vet that is actually worth noting even if the driver is probably dead by now of natural causes and nobody cares about old people. I hinted that I could endorse Bullard but then I was surprised that it was already a two man race.

Enter Mike Sharp (No Homo) - Sharp has a better website than any of the other candidates and I recently noticed on the way home from hanging out aimlessly at Crown Center and hitting on corporate chicks in business suits that Sharp had his kickoff event at KC Hipster bar The Cashew. So obviously he either has good taste or a lot of money . . . I respect both even though I have no idea who the guy is . . . His site says he was KCPD so in that he has an advantage in terms of professionalism but then again he's from Lee's Summit and I hate the suburbs.

UPDATE: I almost forgot Gary Scherer and you probably did too!!! I want to include and deride every politico running for this office so I guess I should let the old man join the fun before his juice and naptime.

Still, I'm not making any endorsements TKC is just providing the first, best and most objective (gully) round-up of the Jackson County's Sheriff's race.

I guess I could just endorse whoever wins but I have a sneaking suspicion that I could get something out of this . . . Of course TKC doesn't want a bribe or any filthy campaign cash for that matter.

However, I do have a need to unfairly and indiscriminately exercise any kind of "authoritah" that comes my way but I could never become a cop for many reasons that include my penchant for afternoon naps. So maybe my endorsement and a lot of ensuing publicity from this blog could be garnered by the promise of making TKC a honorary deputy like Dwight Schrute???



And by the way, I want a gun.

April bus-tax Show down!!! Why do tall white guys like suing Kansas City so much?

Mayor Funkhouser, Clay Chastain . . . Every white guy who doesn't get their way in this town goes crying to a lawyer, so much for the illusion of self-reliance.

Speaking of, Friday is the big showdown when it comes to the fight against the bus in Kansas City . . . Coincidentally, Mayor Funky and his people aren't big fans of the bus either so I guess they have something in common after all . . . Other than Supremacy.

Jackson County Judge John O’Malley is scheduled to hear arguments at 2:30 p.m. Friday on an attempt to keep the Kansas City bus tax off the April ballot.

Clay Chastain and Valerie Chastain, his wife and attorney, are asking O’Malley to halt the April 8 vote to renew the bus system’s three-eighths-cent sales tax until litigation over his repealed light-rail plan is settled.

Best of luck to everyone and their lawsuits against Kansas City while the rest of the po'folk in this town simply want to ride the bus without too much hassle.

It's time to make it rain in Missouri

Once again, it's revealed that politics in the Show-Me State is about nothing more than getting paid: Missouri Senate votes to repeal contribution limits

More Show Me State Stem Cell Confusion

Judge rejects Carnahan's ballot language for stem-cell amendment

Getting around in the Golden Ghetto is going to get remarkably easier!!!

Overland Park will look at a bus rapid transit plan for Metcalf . . . I guess that's good news even though my urban core experience marvels at white people using public transport.

TKC Diversity fact of the day: The word "ghetto" actually has an Italian and Hebrew derivation.

Even better, Bar Refaeli could be the hottest Israeli woman on the planet as a recent photo set at the Sports Illustrated website reveals.

And while these facts might seem disjointed, they're all related to TKC adding the bus in JoCo to a long list of places where white women might be open to suggestion.

Star reporters play for the Northland!!!

Here's yet another instance of the Kansas City Star showing their support for the Northland and the Funky Bunch over all of the darkies like myself in the urban core.

David Knopf, a reporter and editor in the newspaper’s Northland bureau, was hired to play guitar at Kansas City Councilman Ed Ford’s 55th birthday celebration. Those invited were encouraged to donate $50 or more to “Ford for Kansas City,” a campaign committee.

Knopf neither contributed nor solicited contributions for Ford, nor did he help organize the event. However, the newspaper’s code of ethics limits journalists’ participation in public political events, and generally prohibits staff from working at fundraising events.

Now, what's implied here is that the Star is doing a great job of maintaining an ethical balance . . . But no organization in existence can claim that they are playing by the rules 100% of the time . . . Rather than simply admit bias (like every other person on the planet) . . . The Myth of objectivity persists.

Whether it's the strong contingent of support for The Funky Bunch or the JoCo slant of Kansas City's paper of record . . . There will always be a spin put on the news that's served up in this town no matter if it comes from corporations and their middle-class reporters or lowly basement dwelling bloggers.

The only arbiter of truth is God or Oprah!!!

His legacy stands for something other than tax subsidies for billionaires!!!

Lamar Hunt is honored with a sculpture in the Capitol in Jefferson City

A recent Kansas City La Raza visit overlooked by most of the media

Janet Murguia was in town just last week but her visit wasn't publicized in a manner that reflects her status as a leader of a national Latino advocacy organization . . . Still, the generally upbeat response to her recent JoCo visit was recently noted by the National Catholic reporter.

The immigration debate is a major diversion away from issues on which Hispanics should concentrate their efforts, said the leader of the National Council of La Raza, the nation’s largest civil rights group for Latinos.

“When I took this job, I thought I would be talking more about taking advantage of our opportunities rather than defending our civil rights,” said Janet Murguia, executive director of La Raza. “We should be talking about housing and personal advancement, building community. Instead we are fighting hate speech and distortions.”

I attended one of the public talks she gave and was impressed with her as usual . . . There were a few tough questions from the crowd but given an open forum she was able to address them easily and to almost everyone's satisfaction . . . For the most part, it's only reactionaries like the Minutemen who don't bother to engage in an informative debate with their opposition and would rather just play with guns, shout at the top of their lungs and ignore every viewpoint other than those espoused by the former convict leaders of the money making operation.

The TKC Ketchup: Tasty links!!!

Here are a few links from the not-so-distant past . . . They're worth a look even if I'm too busy to post all of them individually:

Crackdown in Kansas City: Dozens of metro police officers served hundreds of warrants Wednesday on crimes ranging from neglect of civil traffic tickets to probation violations.

I think these were the Latino bandits: 2 teens charged in KCMO robberies

Mama said knock you out (of the inheritance): Mother talks about son who allegedly paid to have her killed

Behind every beatdown, there is a bounty: Beaten Man Adds $50,000 To Reward In Case

A good move, somebody works to enforce the laws on the Internet without all of that perv watch sensationalism. Keeping wallets and identity safe in cyberspace is still pretty important: Nixon sues Web site operator for offering sensitive consumer data

Hail to the . . . Grand Jury Won't Indict Liberty Bus Driver

When the "support our troops" rhetoric seems especially empty: Soldier Suspected In Bank Robbery Dies

THIS is why I read Crime Scene KC all the time: Wichita man accused of sex with rottweiler

Payback? UPDATE on Porter kids memorial fund

The controversy nobody cares about because it's not even half as captivating as Mayor Funky's Constant string of mistakes . . . Audit: CIMO may be running out of work

A new way to lose money near Kansas City

Another casino in a crowded Kansas City market, about to get even more competition from Kansas . . . There are an endless variety of ways to go bankrupt in this town.

It's slick and nasty out there

So be careful. Act as if the streets have hepatitis C . . . Don't have sex with them.

Last hope of the Kansas City School District: Airick Leonard West

Not really . . . The Kansas City School District is already a lost cause but I like the liberal, condescending and hopeful coverage nonetheless. While TKC believes West is wasting his time, there's no such thing as bad press and once these white people start to feel sympathy for a candidate . . . Anything is possible!!! Also, if West has won the hearts and minds of liberal white people (with no kids in the District) than I'm automatically suspicious of his campaign already. However, if he wins, I guess I'll endorse him. Note: TKC filed a more concise and gully version of this story more than a month ago.

Kansas City Media Catfight!!!

The Pitch pulls an Ambush on KCTV 5 over the all important details of Myspace story!!!

KC Talk covers this one better than I ever could considering I could care less about either media outlet . . . KC Talk: Pitch Gives '5' Taste of Their Own Medicine

Food for thought . . . The reader and viewer base for both "news" organizations is dwindling.

Even better . . . The Youtube clip of the KCTV 5 ambush provides yet another reason that I don't ever want to hear crap from journalists about "credibility" again.

Double Bonus . . . Very nice The Pitch used their only minority staffer for their public outreach, it sends the right message.

Kansas City moon blogging

Look blogger Emaw provides some photos of last night's lunar eclipse.

Kansas City Fiction

"Out of Focus" was a great blog by a talented and young KC blogger . . . He's back in the game and this time writing fiction. His new blog is entitled "Never No Locomotive" and the stories are damn good. Take a look for yourself.

Google Street view for voter suppression!!!

A capital idea from the Kansas Meadowlark: Using Google street view to find empty lots in Wyandotte County in Kansas City, KS where voters were registered to vote and then challenge everyone voting Democrat. It's a damn good idea and something that I'm sure Kansas Republicans are working on, since it avoids actually having to visit those filthy, nasty neighborhoods.

Dirtbag Dan's best writing is about TKC!!!

Dirtbag Dan: "The bigger lesson here is that the local blogosphere is an echo chamber that does not reflect reality." I couldn't agree more which makes me happy that this middle-aged lawyer can't find a more popular subject than the blog of a Latino dude living in his mom's basement!!! Natch.

Kansas City budget cuts could kill successful urban swimming program

Sycophants who support Mayor Funky without question are excited about Kansas City's King and Queen taking to the City's budget with an ax but even now his cuts look as if they'll come at the expense of services offered to Kansas City's urban core and its children.

The team's only funding source is KCMO Parks and Rec, which is now facing a $3.2 million budget shortfall. So Parks and Rec is struggling with what to cut. Right now it's looking at the $70,000 aquatics program and the KC Storm is a part of that.

Meanwhile the Mayor was pushing for billions in light rail funding and endorsed a SUPER TIF for a soccer team with a horrible attendance ranking.

It's yet another example that Mayor Funky has little involvement in this community and his promise of a "City that works" only includes his vanity projects and the same old Super TIF that corporations in KC have always loved.

Look for more follow-up on this story from Fox4's Tess Koppelman who already has some interesting details about this KC swim team that could be shut down by Mayor Funky and the Parks Board he appointed who have already shown they don't know a lot of about this city's priorities.

We've all got baggage

Lots of interesting stuff happening in KC . . . I wonder if I'll have time to blog even half of it tonight, I'm kinda busy with other stuff (Xbox, snack cakes and reminding myself that American Psycho was funny but not as deep as I'd like to think) here in my mom's basement.

Anyhoo, this is great blogging weather given that Kansas City could either end up panicking because of a few flakes by early tomorrow OR once again weather predictions could be wrong.

Either way, the lunar eclipse last night was pretty cool from under just a few clouds AND as long as this blog is around I'll have something nasty to write about Mayor Funky's Administration, all kinds of misconceptions about this town and local "celebrities."

Keep the fire.

Mayor Funky's Man Bag (No Homo)!!!

Here's the latest City Hall gossip that AWESOME TKC Tipsters have sent my way:

Mayor Funkhouser carries Gloria Squitiro's purse on the City Hall elevator.

The e-mail I received was really more of a commentary on the Mayor's dour and uninspiring demeanor but the detail that I gleaned was that a recent interaction with the Mayor took place on the City Hall elevator while Gloria "bigfoot" Squitiro was trying to avert a panic attack from claustrophobia or whatever.

Apparently this City Hall denizen noticed that the Mayor OFTEN holds Squitiro's bag (heh) on the express elevator ride.

I can't think of a more potent symbol of the fact that Kansas City is governed by CO-Mayors.

All of this got me thinking about purses and how I don't really have much of an idea about them . . . All of my lady friends would never let me near their purses (heh - again) because they know that I have no qualms about lifting cash from them.

And then there's those "man bags" carried by the dorks on Mayor Funky's staff (no homo?) and their confidant's at The Pitch.



Those are pretty the ghey as well.



It's all connected . . . Even if it doesn't seem like it. The Mayor is carrying his wife's purse, a lot of d-bag, effeminate hipsters who support the Mayor carry purses around as well. And while these folks might have a lot of influence at City Hall (for now) a Mayor carrying around women's accessories supported by flacks who do the same don't really have much in common with the rest of Kansas City.

Show Me a Barak Obama Pancake!!!

Unbelievable . . . Obama-rama is so omnipresent in Missouri that Barack is starting to make appearances in morning breakfasts throughout the State.

I'm voting for the guy because he's Black but I prefer Cheerios to a cult of personality.

However, Obama is in pretty great company if he starts to magically appear in food:



I wonder if anybody ever ate the Jesus Tortilla? It would seem like a waste of food to preserve it but then again I didn't pay attention enough in Catholic School to know the proper protocol for relics.

Westport Violence is always in season!!!

Shooting victim walks into Sunfresh in Westport

TKC IN STUDIO talking KC blogs!!!

I'm running late, I'm should be on