The TKC Costume Party!!! Honestly, I don't really care if you have a Happy Halloween!!!

I was thinking that if any of the folks checking out TKC (including me) had friends or people who cared about them then they wouldn't be sitting at home reading a blog. So rather than simply avoiding the crowds of adults pretending to be clever and other assorted ghouls roaming through this town . . . It's much more productive to make fun of everybody in Kansas City . . . And just to rub it in, I'll note that while you d-bags are at home watching re-runs and pouting, I'm gonna be hosting an awesome costume party and not just wasting my life, talent and energy on the Internets . . . Here's a list of the interesting people and costumes showing up to TKC's kickass costume party that's just about to start:



Sarah Palin lookalikes . . . This is truly the best costume of the year and all it requires is a smoking hot bod, some glasses and absolutely no knowledge whatsoever of politics or foreign policy.



People wearing the Gloria Squitiro costume . . . It doesn't really matter what you're wearing as long as you're barefoot . . . And maybe using a racial slur.



Light Rail Advocates Crash the TKC Costume Party!!! Clay Chastain couldn't show up because he doesn't live in this town so in his place are the people who currently want light rail in Kansas City . . . I'm advising all of the folks who run into them to be VERY CAREFUL because they'll want to borrow money and they don't have a solid plan or any idea of how they're going to pay it back.



Sluts!!! Costume and clothing is optional.



Media people with lots of credibility!!! Hey, it doesn't matter that most newsies get a great deal of their content ideas from blogs nowadays and then badmouth the Internets in their spare time . . . Media has always been about hypocrisy . . . So all of the metro newsies (especially those in print media) are invited to my shindig to talk a great game while their news organizations continue to bleed red ink and fire employees.



No party in Kansas City is complete without crooks!!! They're everywhere and their numbers are growing. Violent Kansas City criminals seemingly rule the street as this town's murder rate reaches a record number . . . So there's no way that I wouldn't invite a few of these folks to my costume party.



White people with minority friends are invited to the TKC Costume Party!!! White folks who couldn't possibly be racist because of their minority friends are still in abundance in this town despite the fact that everybody else in the nation dropped this lame excuse to justify subtle bigotry years ago . . . Still, they're invited to tonight's TKC costume party . . . However they must bring along their companion and stay no more than 3 feet apart at all times. Limit 2.



Kansas City Hipsters wear their costume all year long!!! I guess I'll have to let a few of these d-bags through the door just to make sure some photos show up on Flickr.



Can we get the worst columnist in Kansas City to attend the TKC monster bash? Yes we can!!! Jeneé Osterheldt is walking though the door dressed as a pirate without a doubt . . . Only one obnoxious hoop earring tonight!!!



Last but not least MISSING WHITE WOMEN ARE INVITED TO THE TKC COSTUME PARTY!!! Since media watchers are forced to sit through newsies going crazy over white women who disappear while minority deaths are treated casually I guess the best thing to do is find as many missing white women possible to attend the party and then hope and pray that they make it home safely to avoid even more coverage . . .

That's pretty much the whole cast of characters . . . The party is getting started now so I better go . . . I don't really care if any Halloween creeps in Kansas City have a good time but I always try to be a good host.

The rest of you d-bags should be sure to have a safe and fun Halloween. Don't be scared.

The "Renaissance" is kinda working: Kansas City's Downtown attracts younger crooks

A teenage girl and a juvenile accomplice have been charged with first-degree armed robbery in Downtown Kansas City.

Show Me the most kickass plot for a Lifetime movie: Rapist gets deadly surprise the second time around!!!

Police say a rape victim killed her attacker with a shotgun when he returned to her apartment to assault her a second time.

Volatile stock market scares off Kansas City Movie Company!!!

AMC Entertainment Holdings Inc. won't proceed with plans for a public stock offering.

Kansas City Halloween Link Collection

Here's some of the best links I'm reading this evening while hiding in the basement with the lights off so I don't have to give away any of my candy:

Upcoming Star Editorial: KANSAS CITY'S MISSING MAYOR!!!

A fool for a client in Kansas City: Convicted murderer Richard D. Davis told a Clay County judge today that he wants to represent himself in an upcoming, capital-murder trial.

Try your hardest to care about this neighborhood fight: Ivanhoe neighborhood beats city agency in court

KCK spooked out this morning: HAZMAT crews responded to a vacant lot near the Wyandotte Plaza shopping center on State Avenue Friday morning after four or five one-gallon containers holding an unknown substance were found there.

This county is blowing up (except the economy of course): Authorities surrounded a house in rural Jackson County Friday evening after officers found explosive materials.

The Constitution protects people who claim that God hates everything: A federal appeals court said Missouri should be barred from enforcing a state law limiting protests near funerals until it can be determined whether the law is constitutional.

I hear that jail is not X-citing: KC Man Sentenced for Role in Distributing Ecstasy Pills

So long, suckers: Farewell Message From Dr. John Martin

Not quite Karma in Kansas City: Woman Sentenced in Her Own Shooting

Local Halloween SUV Crash: A metro driver lost control of his SUV and crashed into a Kansas City home.

Weird ass Halloween costume Kendra Wilkinson links

Just Cara kicks ass

A flurry of posting today from this lady reminds us all why she's one of the best bloggers in Kansas City . . . With a book deal to prove it.

The recession is here: One more local construction project grinds to a halt

Mission's $300 Million Gateway Project Stalled

Playing by a different set of rules: Spitting on women = minor inconvenience for LJ

Larry Johnson Suspended 1 Game By NFL

Funky Accusations!!! Gloria Squitiro references criticism over the Mayor's home office as a "witch hunt" in her newsletter!!!

There are a great many D-bags who say that the Mayor's wife is going to stop making news now that she has been kicked out of City Hall like a hobo.

Think again!!!

The Latest Funky Newsletter features Squitiro firing back at The Star!!!! (Along with a snub to everyone else who has noticed the Mayor doesn't show up to work anymore and remembers his promises of accesibility and transparency)

Check it:

Are meetings at the Mayor’s home unusual? No. Funk has been holding meetings here since the beginning of his term in office. It’s just that no one has cared to notice before. Some people have told us that an old-fashioned witch-hunt is going on. We wouldn’t know about that.

Yes, the people of this town are bastards and I can't believe they would expect the Mayor to actually show up to his office once in awhile . . . I'm looking forward my X-mas letter . . . Hoping Dr. Sausage Fingers is doing well.

KANSAS CITY NAME CALLING!!!

Recently, a light rail tax supporter called Light Rail tax opponents "Flat Earthers."

Thinking that they're clever and media watchers couldn't completely see through their promotion of the insult, The Star published the remark and gave it primo placement.

So, if this political debate over a billion dollars and a significant increase of taxes on Kansas City residents is going to result in nothing more than name calling . . . I want in on the action!!!

Allow TKC to present:

The Top Five Slurs to use against Light Rail supporters!!!



1. RACIST - Light rail offers only a measly extension for the Eastside, and it completely ignores the Latino Community. Let's not forget . . . Historically Kansas City has seen that these big construction projects NEVER include minority contractors. The current plan for light rail is nothing more than a luxury line for The Plaza to Downtown that will cost a billion dollars but only benefit the people who are building it and maybe a few rich tourists and hipsters for the first few months they decide to ride the thing. Eventually, they'll give up on it too given that minorities and po'folk aren't banned from the place like the Power & White District.

2. DEADBEATS - The light rail tax plan isn't about a "Lack of vision" it's about people in Kansas City wanting real improvements for their money . . . This light rail toy train set is expensive and will ruin Kansas City's bond rating because ultimately the same taxpayer base is responsible for backing both ATA bonds and those of KC. Put simply, It all comes out of the same pocket and Light Rail Tax proponents are the same people who have spent this town into oblivion and now want to turn KC bonds into junk.

3. On the take - The "economics of light rail" are simple and as dirty as any other Kansas City political ploy: "Citizens for Light Rail reported receiving $208,350 in contributions in recent weeks, with much of it coming from companies that could benefit financially from light rail."

4. LAWYERS - Every big law firm in Kansas City has given money to promote the light rail tax . . . These are the same people who try to influence a great deal of local politics and they're really pushing this tax increase as if it was a messy divorce, a nasty lawsuit or just another bit of human misery from which lawyers profit.

5. Filthy hippies - Get it straight, light rail is not a "green transit solution" because it has NEVER INSPIRED PEOPLE TO CONSISTENTLY GET OUT OF THEIR CARS!!! Overall, Light Rail will increase the overall carbon footprint of Kansas City's transit system and only twisted hippie logic would call a years long construction project powered by huge diesel trucks spitting exhaust into the sky . . . A "green" effort.

In the end, just about everything in Kansas City politics boils down to name calling and I'm actually surprised that the pro-tax side started out with something so weak. Normally, when people want cash they resort to flattery and the willingness to resort to name calling shows the desperation of the pro-light rail tax side . . . Whereas the insults of TKC are just another delightful way to describe the d-bags who want this town to build yet another expensive and wasteful monster.

The Po-po get creative on Halloween!!!

Operation Bad Candy nets 32 suspects

Teams of police and other Clay County law-enforcement officers went knocking on doors Halloween morning, but they were not looking for candy.

They were searching for criminals.

“Operation Bad Candy” culminated an eight-month undercover operation by the Clay County Drug Task Force. By 10:30 a.m., authorities had rounded up 32 people wanted on outstanding drug warrants.

It sounds like a fun and ironic way to not only celebrate this holiday but also contribute to the prison industrial complex by putting away a few dozen people while the drug war has been raging for decades and for the most part drugs in this town are still as easy to get as candy.

Kansas City Economy Completely Laid Out

Things aren't getting better . . . No matter how much the locals hope for change, ignore the obvious or bury their head in the sand:

Economy batters KC Life Insurance: "Kansas City Life Insurance Co. reported a $15.2 million third-quarter loss and a 28 percent revenue decrease compared with the same period last year, which it attributed to 'the broad and deep economic downturn' and the 'recent default and regulatory takeover of high-profile federal agencies and financial institutions.'"

Manufacturing tanks in KC Fed district

So, as d-bags in the metro "search for a bottom" (no homo?) to this financial mess it's important to remember that folks looking to make a buck or sell something are just a little more desperate and a lot more dependent on making everyone else think that the downturn in the economy doesn't have a real impact on this town.

TKC EXCLUSIVE!!! The white people of Lee's Summit fail at political intrigue, forge voter signatures and settle a nasty lawsuit!!!

Some nasty business in Lee's Summit politics has finally been settled. I would label this story an "exclusive" but I find suburbanites so boring that I'll simply report the facts (way before anybody else in KC. Natch).

Credit KC Blue Blog with bringing this start of the scandal to everyone's attention last year.

Now here's the stunning conclusion of suburbanite nastiness, here's an excerpt from a PDF that was sent my way:

Political Committee settles identity theft and invasion of privacy suit.

A group of local residents agreed to settle a lawsuit filed last year alleging invasion of privacy and identity theft against a committee to recall a Lee's Summit city council member.

The Defendants, who included members of The Committee to Recall Kathy Hofmann, paid a confidential amount in settlement of the claims against them, but in doing so did not admit any liability as to the substance of the lawsuit against them.

The eleven plaintiffs claimed that their signatures were forged on a ballot access petition seeking the recall of Lee's Summit Councilmember Kathy Hofmann. Plaintiffs legal claim was that by publishing the forged signatures, the Committee misappropriated Plaintiffs identities as registered voters.

"Invasion of privacy was a natural theory to advance to hold the committee responsible for what we saw as unconscionable conduct. While they didn't admit anything in this settlement, we felt the confidential settlement was in the best interest of our clients and that is what we are responsible for," said Patrick E. White, Senior Member of White & Napier, LLC.

The Committee to Recall Kathy Hofmann was established in October of 2006, according to documents filed with the State of Missouri. The Committee's first two attempts to get the recall issue on the ballot failed when the Jackson County Election Board determined they did not have enough valid to qualify 252 names on the ballot were struck by the election board as "wrong signature."

The Committee then sued the City of Lee's Summit to force the recall issue onto the ballot. The Committee argued, among other things, that voters who claimed their signatures were forged should not be able to have their names removed from the ballot access petition.

Now this is interesting . . .

Apparently all of this suburban intrigue is connected to Republican interests on the losing side of a voter fraud settlement:

"Represented by Todd Graves, the Committee was able to get the recall issue on the April 3, 2007 ballot."

Even more interesting . . . REPUBLICAN POLITICO JEFF ROE FOUND HIMSELF ON THE LOSING END OF THIS SUBURBAN SCANDAL AND IS EVEN OWED SOME CASH BY THESE FOLKS!!!

Axiom Strategies provided $17,780 worth of services to the Committee's recall effort. Jeff Roe's political consultancy group was still owed $14,765.48 for services according to the termination of Committee report filed with the Jackson County Election Board on August 10, 2007. Despite the Committee's best efforts, the recall vote failed - with approximately 75% of voters opposing the recall of Hofmann.

Conclusion: White people and Republicans love to represent voter fraud as an issue that exists only in the urban core among people of color . . .

HOWEVER, THIS CASE PROVES THAT SUBURBAN, MIDDLE-CLASS WHITE PEOPLE ARE PERFECTLY CAPABLE OF SCREWING WITH VOTER IDENTITIES!!!

This case never made the news like charges against ACORN but the suburban intrigue clearly demonstrates that just about everyone is capable of screwing around with voter names . . . Especially middle-class white people represented by prominent Republicans.

Even more hate and violence aimed at Kansas City Obama supporters!!!

Vandals hit Barack Obama's Kansas City campaign headquarters for a second time in a week. Early Friday morning, police said someone threw a brick through the window of the building at 31st Street and Gillham Plaza.

Kansas City Against Carjacking

KMBC: Bystanders Thwart Attempted Carjacking

Kansas City's middle-class can't hide from the recession: Shiraz is closing!!!

The KC Guy reports that one more posh local hangout is about to disappear while a few politicos in Kansas City want this town to pay out 1 BILLION Dollars for a train that goes nowhere and has no definite plan.

PopFree Radio Turns 2!!!

Happy Birthday to Kansas City's best Internet Radio station!!!

THE KANSAS CITY STAR COVERS MAYOR FUNKY'S NEW HOME OFFICE!!!

There's a great article in The Star today regarding Mayor Funky's new policy of working at home along with some of the ramifications.

The article is well written with a lot of great quotes from City Council people along with legal experts.

TKC has also written about this odd behavior by Mayor Funky. Check it:

TKC told you first!!! More people notice Kansas City Mayor working from home!!!

Is Mayor Funky working from home?

Kansas City's Mayor works from home!!!

TKC EXCLUSIVE!!! MAYOR FUNKY ONCE AGAIN PUTS KANSAS CITY AT RISK WITH HIS HORRIBLE JUDGMENT!!!

The Kansas City Bedtime Post

I'm wondering if I'll stay up tonight and do a little blogging, go to the casino and give Missouri schools a bit of my money or maybe just watch cartoons.

The streets are safer because there's one less human trafficking, violent d-bag out there but there's always a huge supply of shady characters in the Kansas City area.

Or maybe I'll just sleep and dream of a time when Kansas City is no longer ruled by a stubborn, incompetent, clumsy jerk. I've never had any illusions that Kansas City could even come close to resembling a "City upon a Hill" but I will admit that I've always hoped that people in this town would become more skeptical of their leaders, more involved in their public institutions, less trusting of the big media and drop the inferiority complex that makes charlatans so hopeful that they can sell big ticket items while people ignore more pressing problem. Of course, all of these thoughts and dreams occur only in the brief intervals in between my imagination pondering unspeakable acts committed by, to and with busty British glamor models.

Mayor Funky's Light Rail Efforts Sinking

Here's the word from the Mayor's light rail stunt today:

NOBODY SHOWED UP!!!

Here's the money quote from the NBC ACTION NEWS story:

"Only four people rode the trolley. They were Jim Glover, the mayor and his wife, and the political consultant for the campaign."

For some time the Mayor's critics have noted that he is unable to form a consensus and unwilling compromise in order to make progress . . . Today's PR stunt that hosted NOBODY is a clear example that Mayor Mark Funkhouser is a not a leader, he's nothing more than a guy using the City's top office to self-promote and betray every promise he ever made to the people of Kansas City.

KC Downtown: Dangerous and damn weird

File this one under "sleepy town still finds time for crime" - A woman wearing pajama bottoms is accused of robbing a woman after asking to use her cell phone.

TKC EXCLUSIVE!!! CITY ATTORNEY MEMO ON POLITICAL ACTIVITY GUIDELINES FOR PUBLIC OFFICIALS IN KANSAS CITY!!!

Kansas City's Mayor has already been under fire for his behavior and his use of City resources during the election to promote light rail.

There have been some consistent allegations that he ignored warnings form the City Attorney about the way local politicos are legally required to conduct themselves and their offices during the election.

NOW TKC READERS CAN JUDGE FOR THEMSELVES ACCORDING TO LOCAL GUIDELINES DISTRIBUTED BY THE CITY ATTORNEY!!!

Be sure to read the guidelines carefully and compare the behavior of Mayor Funky and his cronies.

I'm seeing a ton of violations of these guidelines already from Mayor Funky's people but thousands of folks who subscribe to the Mayor's e-mail have already noted the following. The guideline state:

City employees must not use City Computers, word processing equipment or software programs to compose, edit or store campaign literature, mailing lists, phone lists or other campaign materials.

SO FAR THE MAYOR HAS SENT OUT NEARLY HALF A DOZEN E-MAIL ALERTS USING A CITY HALL E-MAIL ACCOUNT TO NOTIFY CONSTITUENTS ABOUT HIS APPEARANCES PROMOTING LIGHT RAIL!!!

It gets worse:

City employees and officals must not require another person to support or contribute to campaign . . .

MAYOR FUNKY MAKING CHANNEL 2 EMPLOYEES SET UP HIS PRESS CONFERENCES SEEMS TO DIRECTLY CONFLICT WITH THIS GUIDELINE!!!

Mayor Funky and his incompetent PR team are playing fast and loose with City Hall rules . . . Maybe because his new office is in Brookside the Mayor doesn't feel he has to obey campaign guidelines set forth by legal experts.

TKC readers are encouraged to do their own comparisons.

A SPECIAL SHOUT OUT TO TKC TIPSTERS (STAND UP!!!) WHO HAVE OFFERED THIS INFORMATION TO THE PUBLIC SO WE CAN MAKE MORE INFORMED DECISIONS ABOUT THE ETHICAL BEHAVIOR (OR LACK THEREOF) FROM ELECTED OFFICIALS!!!

TKC EXCLUSIVE!!! HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!! EARLY VOTERS ARE SPOOKED THAT LIGHT RAIL QUESTION IS BURIED IN THE BALLOT AND MIGHT BE SKIPPED!!!

Opponents of the Kansas City Light Rail tax are telling TKC the they're a bit concerned that the Light Rail question is so far down the ballot.

They're wondering if all of the new Obama voters might just cast an incomplete ballot for Obama, Nixon and then skip the 1 Billion Dollar Kansas City Question.

THEY'RE REMINDING NEW VOTERS TO TURN OVER THE BALLOT AND VOTE AGAINST ONE BILLION BUCKS FOR A HORRIBLE LIGHT RAIL PLAN EVEN IF THEY PASS OVER EVERYTHING ELSE!!!

I only use electronic voting nowadays so I had not even thought of this angle but the fact that light rail opponents are already on top of this one speaks well of their organization and efforts to get the vote out and avoid a billion dollar mistake.

Kansas City Chiefs female-smackdown artist sidelined once again before he's traded

Sporting Life: "CHIEFS SET TO MISS JOHNSON AGAIN" . . . Correction: Considering that LJ hasn't had a really good game in more than a year and all that he really runs well is his mouth . . . The Chiefs will not use him as a running back but I doubt anybody will really miss him.

Meet the next construction company to get frustrated with Mr. Bernstein

Walton Construction steps in for West Edge project

Bursting with Kansas City Blogger Opinion

Here are some of the best posts from the Kansas City Blogopshere today:

HAPPY ONE YEAR BLOGGER ANNIVERSARY TO THE MIDTOWN MISCREANT!!!

Classic Kansas City Stabbing Coverage from RDM: "Cold Cuts, anyone?"

A MUST READ KANSAS CITY BLOGGER POST: "I'll soon be canceling my subscription to The Star."

Ancillary Adams connects Chiefs high hopes to Republican departure from reality.

Local blogger Lynn: "I am voting against Proposition A."

State of the Line continues to completely take part Conservative columnist Jack Cashill

Take a peak at some really great Kansas City photos from the life of local paranormal author and blogger Mac Tonnies.

Tasty Afternoon Kansas City Links

Here are the links I'm looking at this afternoon:

STAY ON THE LOOKOUT FOR MOTORCYCLE BANDIT WITH BAD POLITICAL MANNERS!!! Video Catches Motorcyclist Spray Painting Political Sign in JoCo!!! Seriously, only petty people trying to make a point really worry about dumbass political signs.

Everything about election day seems scary: KC Plans Election Day Command Post

State Board of Education in Kansas turns anti-ghey . . . I guess hating the dinosaurs wasn't good enough.

Yet another immigration problem people shouldn't worry about: Ladybugs Invade Kansas and Missouri

Missouri is no longer a bellwether . . . I know I'm right because a columnist from The Star disagrees with me.

Please be careful dear . . . (This is only interesting to me because all of my girlfriends have been afraid of this kind of accident): Deer-Related Accidents on the Rise

Hail to the bus drivers who sadly don't get to drink and cuss while diving the bus: ATA Honors Metro Bus Drivers

4 Injured in Serious OP Wreck

Cute photos of Heidi Klum doing a "got milk" . . . Get your mind out of the gutter pervs.

Newsies get a semi

Not the most important story . . . I just like the headline. Here are the details from MyFoxKC: An overturned semi closed the northbound I-35 ramp at I-635 on Thursday afternoon. They have live video online if watching the aftermath traffic accidents is your thing.

71 Highway gets even more screwed up

NBC Action News Reports big changes ahead for the already perilous local route: "Crews will close various lanes of southbound Route 71 between Blue Ridge Boulevard and 155th Street on Saturday. They will place barriers and restripe the road to reroute traffic. When the pattern change is complete, northbound and southbound traffic will share the current northbound lanes and be restricted to 2 lanes in each direction. The new pattern will remain in place for the next 18 months to allow for removal and replacement of the Route 71 bridge at Route 150"

A first: JoCo Jerk Admits wrongdoing!!!

Found on Crime Scene KC: For the first time, Johnson County Commissioner John Toplikar admitted today that he took his opponent's campaign signs and said he shouldn't have done it. Mark it on your calender, it'll be a long time before another local politico admits a specific mistake.

TKC EXCLUSIVE!!! TOP OFFICIALS IN KANSAS CITY WORKING ON AN OBAMA RIOT CONTINGENCY PLAN!!!

The Presidential race that seems to be only about race is getting closer . . . A great many folks remember that the Republicans stole the election in 2000. With so much interest, excitement and hard feelings regarding this election it's clear that a few extra precautions might be necessary. This is all new territory for Kansas City because normally nobody votes in this town.

KICKASS TKC TIPSTERS (STAND UP!!!) have recently told me that officials at the highest levels in Kansas City have met and discussed plans as to what steps might be taken if a riot breaks out in Kansas City because of the election.

Talk of rioting has been dismissed by the mainstream media and most people (like me) are hoping that cooler heads prevail but the truth is that the level of hate, racial animosity and divisive rhetoric has been at an all time high during this election and leaders in KC are doing the right thing to consider the possibility that violence might erupt. TKC has heard of these plans from various sources and last night when talking to a high ranking politico in KC . . . He didn't want to relay information through e-mail and preferred to talk on the phone given the sensitive nature of the questions.

As usual, I don't have any specifics regarding the details of Kansas City's contingency plan regarding the election . . . All I know is that I'll be hiding in my basement should Barack Obama lose under suspicious circumstances.

One more ethics violation for Mayor Funky?!?!?!? Kansas City's Mayor using taxpayer resources to push light rail!!!

By now everybody knows that Mayor Funky is facing yet another serious question about his ethics . . . Let's not forget that Mayor Funky has already been fined by the Missouri Ethics Commission. So much for his claims that he is a politician who governs on his principle.

Officials are allowed to endorse and campaign for a ballot measure. But an anti-light rail advocate noted that, under state law, they are not allowed to use city staff, emails, phones, the city's cable TV program or other resources to advocate for a particular cause . . . Funkhouser appeared in his office, in a city-produced video on the city Web site, to clearly advocate for the light rail proposal . . . Also cited examples of Miller, a full-time city employee, distributing light rail press releases on official city letterhead from his City Hall email, and appearing on city time at press conferences.

Now, we all know Mayor Funky's last remaining acolytes are going to lie for him.

WORD IS THAT PR FLAK JOE MILLER AND CHIEF OF STAFF KENDRICK BLACKWOOD ARE SAYING THEY WERE ON THEIR LUNCH BREAK WHEN THEY DID THEIR WORK FOR THE LIGHT RAIL INITIATIVE!!!

Not only is that a lame excuse but it's not exactly the "principled" leadership that Mayor Funky has touted throughout the course of his Administration. Unfortunately, this tactic also overlooks the impressive amount of video work and City Hall personnel who have helped Mayor Funky set up his lame press conferences; I doubt very much they're also willing to come up with inventive excuses for the Mayor's benefit. There's also other City resources the Mayor has been photographed using like the podium that belongs to City Hall . . . It's all pretty sordid stuff and looks like Mayor Funky hasn't learned his lesson from his first run in with the Ethics Commission.

TKC told you first!!! More people notice Kansas City Mayor working from home!!!

Mayor Funky is phoning it in and I think that sooner or later his constituents are going to notice that he never promised he would be the "work from home" Mayor.

The Pitch: "The Mayor's Chief of Staff confirmed that Wednesday-afternoon staff meetings now take place at Funkhouser's residence" . . . They offer a photo of the Mayor's top two white guys and claim they are "confirming rumors" but fail to mention those rumors were first published here on TKC!!! Natch.

Kansas Watch . . . Just Wondering: Can KC Mayor Funky Run a Home Business from Chez Funk?

This is obviously one of Mayor Funky's worst moves but it also represents a chance to rework his campaign slogan . . .

A CITY THAT WORKS (FROM HOME)!!!

It's also just a bit ironic that Mayor Funky is now working from home just like a blogger . . . I wonder: Does he works out of the basement as well?

Big price tag for more Kansas City cops

An interesting headline from The Star today: "KC police seek $45 million more to boost crime fighting"

Considering the murder rate this year, rampant property crime and more violence in the downtown area . . . This would probably be money well spent . . .

SADLY, MAYOR FUNKY IS FAR MORE CONCERNED WITH GETTING CASH FOR LIGHT RAIL!!!

Kansas City's current Mayor ran on promises that he would be "smart with the money" and kept on referring to his "principles" during the first months of his Administration . . . Now he's promoting a huge payout for a toy train set which basically indicates that the only thing he ever really cared about was self-promotion . . . And, of course, his wife's feet.

Financial geniuses throwing away good money after bad in Kansas City

Proponents of light rail said in a news conference Wednesday that light rail would further spur economic development in downtown Kansas City.

Let's see . . .

The Sprint Center was supposed to revive Downtown . . . It didn't. And there's still no anchor tenant.

The P&L District was supposed to draw transform the downtown economy . . . It hasn't. In fact, it has only helped to close a lot of neighboring businesses.

And now light rail is the latest BILLION DOLLAR SCHEME devised to save Downtown . . . Here's a simple TKC QUESTION:

IF HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS WORTH OF TAXPAYER INVESTMENT INTO DOWNTOWN HASN'T MADE MUCH OF AN IMPROVEMENT, WHY SHOULD KANSAS CITY SPEND ANOTHER BILLION ON A BAD PLAN?

And yet again, this topic ignores the fact that Kansas City needs cash to pay for crumbling sewers and maybe just a bit of investment into long forgotten local neighborhoods.

Taggers in Northeast Kansas City take less than 72 hours to ruin almost everything new in that neighborhood

From the Northeast News: "Less than three days after volunteers from around Northeast painted a mural at Budd Park Pool, vandals struck, marring the artwork."

Hat Tip: The Northeast Guy!!!

Arcane copyright laws (and fees) imposed on Kansas City Cookie Shop

KMBC: Waldo Cafe Threatened After Playing CDs . . . BMI Charges Music Licensing Fee

Cagey Kansas City Morning Links

Here are the links I'm looking at this morning:

Kansas City's favorite throaty singer gets the national spotlight: David Cook to appear on NBC's "Saturday Night Live" this week.

Today's cutting edge local news: One person was stabbed and seriously hurt in the 4600 block of Norton Avenue, police say.

A closer look at the local vote: Feds to Monitor Voting in KC

Giving cash to homeless bums who read is much better than wasting it on bums who lose baseball games: Kauffman Foundation gives $4 million to KC library

McCain Supporters Rally in KC . . . All 5 of them.

Pill popping payback: Kansas medical board files disciplinary petition against Leawood psychiatrist

Not ready to kill small bars and restaurants yet: A survey of Bonner Springs City Council members indicates a majority of the council would prefer a countywide smoking ban rather than passing one just for the Bonner Springs.

Obama-rama in the Northland as well: A Northland family was one of four families highlighted in the Democratic presidential nominee 30 minute commercial.

One more great Zombie Walk Photo Set

The people of Kansas City love a hopeless cause: KC firms have role as Greensburg, Kan., rebuilds a school

I have no idea why this photo set starts out with Lucy Pinder in a cage, but I like it too much to ask questions.

Cheap gas could mean that the need for Light Rail isn't quite an emergency

$1.98 Gas in KC Proper . . . Still a lot cheaper than a vanity construction project that doesn't really transport anyone at the cost of $1 BILLION DOLLARS!!!

More Police at Overland Park Polls

I've gotta give white people credit . . . They're the least likely to get disenfranchised of all voters and that's mostly because they take this Democracy thing very seriously (at least in the suburbs).

It's about time: The end of cyclist killing season in Kansas City

As much as TKC despises cyclists . . . I DON'T WANT TO SEE ANYBODY KILLED JUST FOR RIDING A BIKE!!!

That's why the onset of cold weather is a good thing if only because it means that fewer cyclists will be endangering themselves and them blaming everyone else for their misfortune. A sad, recent headline is hopefully the last cyclist death of this year in the KC area:

A 67-year-old man bicycling on Interstate 670 was struck and killed by a tractor-trailer Wednesday.

Thinking about this one, I've often heard cyclist claim that they have a right to the road and wondered if this applied to the highway and dangerous high traffic as streets as well. Cases like this one prove otherwise and I've always contended that cycling advocacy creates a false sense of security among people who mistakenly believe that their rights will protect them from huge vehicles moving at high speeds. Nevertheless, with the cold weather moving in . . . The only benefit I can see is that cyclists will be less likely to demand control of the roads while endangering themselves and everyone else.

On another sad note . . . I guess I'm probably done recycling a rather inspiring photo gallery of Brit actress/model Sophie Monk on a bike as well.

Kansas City Old Man fires back!!!

Crime Scene KC reports: Shopper, 71, fires at robber during KC robbery at a Family Dollar on Stadium Drive.

KANSAS CITY HOME TO HUGE FRAUD OTHER THAN THE MAYOR!!!

Federal prosecutors on Wednesday charged 17 people in what they call one of the largest mortgage fraud cases ever seen in the Kansas City metro.

Kansas City Blogger Presidential Election Post of the Day!!!

KC Blog Bradical Mindspew comes up with one of the most insightful blog posts regarding the presidential election I've read so far: "Is it over yet?"

Even better . . . The blog post isn't so much bored with the election as it is simply frustrated with all of the propaganda surrounding the process along with an observation even more discouraging than lies from politicos: The fact that a lot of people believe them.

Just when we thought they could sink no further, Kansas City Light Rail supporters use the most despicable of all Internet tactics: The pop-up ad!!!

State of the Line examines this lame attempt to annoy Kansas City into giving up 1 Billion Dollars.

JoCo excuse of the week

Sixth District Commissioner John Toplikar said he was just moving the signs.

Not so spooky: Jackson County ignores sloppy legislation and paranoia

Crime Scene KC: Jackson County won't enforce Halloween law for sex offenders

Fork you!!!

Ramsey recently posted a Youtube video regarding the Fork & Screen project out in Olathe along with some comments on his blog.

It really looks great and seems very posh and new . . . Unfortunately, I'm the kind of bastard who can't, won't and never will pay $500 to go see a movie so this kind of nonsense is out of the question for me. Seriously, unless a pricey night out at this place included 4 minutes of "alone time" with one of the starlets of the movie playing that evening, there's just no way it's worth it. I guess great movie going experiences are nice but I'd rather just have cheap popcorn, non-sticky movie floors (ew) and a little more than 2 hours of entertainment for less than 20 bucks . . . Which is pretty much impossible with so many movie going gimmicks that are out to make the most populist of all art forms into yet another venue for snobbery and overpriced middle-class luxury.

The Kansas City Overnight Post

There are a ton of things to cover this morning . . . However, as always, I think a photo set of Jennifer Ellison in a bikini next to some pipes is probably the most appropriate thing to post while I work on the back end of this blog for awhile . . . Heh.

TKC vs. Darla Showdown on KMBZ!!!

Once again I'm set to talk with the queen of conservative talk radio in Kansas City on 980 Live with Darla Jaye.

Check out our conversation at around 8:00 p.m. on KMBZ News Radio 980 AM and listen to Darla getting mad at me but sadly unable to call immigration authorities because I'm native to the KC Area.

TKC EXCLUSIVE!!! It's the wrong time for light rail!!! Kansas City's economy is tits up according to a City Hall financial report!!!

Sadly, I don't have the document but I'm trying to get a hold of it and word is that it's soon to surface before the election . . . Basically, KICKASS TKC TIPSTERS have told me that this document shows the desperate financial circumstances in this town and reveals that even more cuts are going to be made to City Services.

Of course, word is that bullies like Councilman Russ Johnson are dedicated to this information staying secret but City Hall denizens who don't want to lose their jobs are talking to everybody who will listen. In the long run, it doesn't make sense to raise taxes for a toy train and then fire people who are already helping to run Kansas City.

DEVELOPING . . .

TKC EXCLUSIVE!!! A CLEAR LOOK AT KANSAS CITY LIGHT RAIL SUPPORTERS!!!

I'm stealing this idea from another blog and making it better, making it mine.

Still, I think it's important to take a close look at who is supporting light rail in Kansas City:



Construction people, architectural firms and other assorted characters in this industry love light rail because it means they'll be getting a big government check if it passes . . . Never mind that these groups have a horrible track record with big ticket projects in Kansas City that never turn a profit . . . Double Bonus: They also don't hire minorities.



Mayor Funky loves light rail!!! He's betting big on this vote despite the fact that he didn't come up with this plan, he said he didn't like it but he is gambling that KC passing light rail will revive his otherwise utterly defeated Administration.



KANSAS CITY CRIMINALS LOVE LIGHT RAIL!!! It makes finding victims so much easier.



The old folks who acutally believe the lies they read in The Star love light rail!!! Even worse, they don't have much regard for other old people riding the bus who will be delayed as their routes are diverted into light rail to boost ridership numbers and ultimately make public transportation in Kansas City run a lot slower.



The people of JoCo love Light Rail!!! They're not paying for it, they'll ride it when it's new (if it ever gets built - which isn't a guarantee even if it passes) . . . AND these folks will park their SUV nearby in order to take a ride on the new toy train despite the fact they would never step foot on a bus in KC Proper.



People selling condos love light rail!!! They can describe it as an amenity as they quickly unload all of their property in KC's current real estate crash. Once again leaving hopeful white people with a bit of money holding the bag. Nullus.



Tourists love light rail!!! Again, they're not paying for it but the idea of it is nice for a moment. Too bad KC needs more hotel space and the folks just visiting don't really need to know this town needs 7 BILLION IN SEWER REPAIR!!!



Hippies Love Light Rail!!! Light Rail doesn't cut transportation by cars and there's little evidence it really reduces pollution. What it will do is kill businesses along the route during the construction process . . . But hippies don't need money or evidence. They just like the idea of saving the planet.



Skanks at the P&L District love light rail!!! Two words: Fake ass stripper pole dances by drunk chicks!!! This routine will grow tired in less than two weeks of light rail (in 2020) but until some fat chick tries it . . . It'll be awesome!!!



D-BAGS LOVE LIGHT RAIL!!! All of the previous groups combined don't add up to very many people. The vote on light rail is dependent on d-bags. If light rail wins that means there are a great many d-bags in this town who don't understand (or care) that light rail is a burden to low income and minority taxpayers with little benefit. These same d-bags so desperately want to pretend they live in Portland but realize they wouldn't be "unique" at all with so many other d-bags out there who also possess an ipod and appreciate the comedy of Sarah Silverman. Sadly, Kansas City's future is in the hands of these people . . . The D-bags will decide it, if they turn out in record numbers and forget about taxes and reality . . . Kansas City will be stuck with even more chatter about light rail until the point when Federal Funding completely falls through . . .

TKC EXCLUSIVE!!! CONFLICTING KANSAS CITY STORIES REGARDING THE FIRING OF MAYOR FUNKY'S CHIEF OF STAFF!!!

Let's make this short and sweet because it's in the past:

Kansas City political watchers claim to have heard Mayor Funky bragging about how he "had to fire" his former Chief of Staff Ed Wolf.

On the other hand, politicos across town have been in touch with Mr. Wolf who reportedly is saying (under his breath and off record) that he quit because of Gloria Squitiro.

Officially, Ed Wolf is on record as resigning. But everybody knows that's a joke.

The story that's circulating among Kansas City's chattering class has two versions:

1.) Wolf very respectfully requested that Gloria Squitiro should keep a low profile before the City Council Volunteer Ordinance kicked her to the curb.

b.) Wolf gave an ultimatum . . . "Me or her" . . . And Mayor Funky chose his wife to run his office.

And because it's a done deal, it's not THAT important but it is interesting to know that Mayor Funky has betrayed yet another one of his loyal supporters who allegedly, isn't really singing his praises around town.

What promises to be the best looking empty venue in Kansas City!!!

KCUR: A Hard-Hat Tour of the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

Kansas City WaterFire without the smell

A beautiful bandwidth hogging HD vimeo video of the hipster event that wasn't much of a hit this time around.

Kansas City Light Rail Election for sale!!!

The d-bag "journalists" who are in the bag for light rail in this town have been harping on the people who have given money to oppose light rail.

Unfortunately, it turns out that cast of characters who support light rail are in it solely for their financial gain:

Citizens for Light Rail reported receiving $208,350 in contributions in recent weeks, with much of it coming from companies that could benefit financially from light rail.

It's all pretty typical Kansas City politics: Big money interests pushing their agenda in order to get paid by the vast majority of broke-ass Kansas City residents . . . Even worse . . .

NAIVE HIPSTERS WHO LIKE THE IDEA OF A TOY TRAIN ARE GETTING PLAYED IN ORDER PAY OFF BIG BIZ FOR MORE THAN A BILLION DOLLARS!!!

Once again people in Kansas City are getting played for suckers . . . It's not about the enviornment or transportation or economic development for the vast majority of Kansas City. Light Rail in Kansas City is nothing more than yet another scheme for huge corporations to pick up a check at taxpayer expense.

VIOLENCE AIMED AT OBAMA SUPPORTERS IN KANSAS CITY!!!

Windows Broken At Obama's KC HQ

Fight against Raytown Crime Backfires

A Raytown business owner conducts a stakeout with his friends and co-workers after a recent burglary. Unfortunately, an employee mistakes the owner for intruder and shoots him in the leg.

BARACK CHALK, JAYHAWK

KU Pushes Students to Vote

Light Rail Roller Coaster

I actually like this ad a great deal . . . It gets directly to the point and references the Kansas City light rail tax increase for 25 years to benefit a toy train.

Check out the light rail opposition ads on their youtube page.

The radio ads are on their website.

Hooray for KC Mid-Morning Links!!!

Here are some of the links I found somewhat interesting this morning related to Kansas City:

Crazy ass suburban kids strike again: OP Police: Teen Pulls Knife On 6-Year-Old

New faces on a prestigious Kansas City committee that hasn't really helped to fight drug violence or use: Members chosen for new COMBAT commission

Show Me a good idea: Court upholds removal of Holden mayor from office

The sun is always shining in suburban retail outlets: More Stores Opening at Zona Rosa

Show Me a Nazi calling politico

Yet another angsty suburban teen story: Two teens face a total of 66 charges, including arson in the August car fires at the former Chad Franklin Suzuki.

The Star gets in the middle of a Kansas Catfight: Shedding light on accusations in 2nd District House race

Scary KCK crooks: Police in Kansas City, Kan., are searching for some crooks who dressed up in Halloween masks and robbed a gas station.

LAST WORDS IN KANSAS CITY: The dying words of a wounded man led off testimony Tuesday in the trial of a Kansas City man accused of killing four people in 2006.

This town benefits from Kansas Cash for a change: KC area gets half of Kansas Bioscience Authority's $4.5M in grants

Finally, cheerleaders in bikinis sounds like a good idea . . . But after taking a look at a recent Sports Illustrated photo gallery, it's clear these broads look better from far away for the most part.

Carried away in Kansas City: Small gang runs off with River Market ATM

Police say the ATM was stolen from Fifth Street and Walnut Street in the River Market area around 3:45 a.m. Hey, anybody remember the Downtown Renaissance? It's worth nothing that's just down the street from the P&L District, less than a 10 minute walk . . . Not that anybody would dare try that.

KANSAS CITY GAS STATION SHOOTOUT!!!

MyFoxKC: Gas Station Owners Engage in Shootout with Robbers

Kansas City Women Carry Guns!!!

Normally, I scoff at any mention of feminism or the misguided notion that women can do anything better than men . . . But I may have to alter my perceptions, at least when gun toting women are present.

This recent headline from KCTV5 is inspiring and yet another glimpse at Kansas City's worsening crime problem:

A Kansas City, Mo., woman burglarized twice during the weekend uses her pistol to hold one of the burglars for police, she says.

Old St. Patrick Oratory Blog

Recently, I stumbled upon a local blog dedicated to the oldest Catholic Church building in Kansas City, Missouri. Established in 1875, Old St. Patrick Oratory is located on 806 Cherry St., Kansas City, MO, still offers the Latin Mass and also has a pretty awesome photo of the week.

ARGUMENTS AGAINST LIGHT RAIL!!!

Nick Sloan publishes a killer column containing a great many intelligent, well researched and thoughtful arguements against light rail. A MUST READ FOR ANYBODY RESEARCHING THE ISSUE FOR ELECTION DAY!!!

Blogger Preview: AMC's Fork & Screen

Recently, I,Shane offered his readers an early preview of a really neat new movie going venture by AMC.

As much as I love to hate on the suburbs, this looks like a really cool way to spend an evening at the movies . . . Sadly, I can't really partake because I'm sure I'd be racially profiled on my way out there . . . Nothing this awesome is planned for KC movie watchers, in fact, it pretty much seems like construction is stalled on the art theater they promised to build in the P&L District.

It's kinda sad . . . JoCo gets the latest in entertainment offerings . . . While KC, in order to avoid minorities in the same movie theaters as white people, is still in the planning stages of a place hosting films that are mostly about ghey cowboys eating pudding.

"Why KC Sucks!"

A KC blogger lets loose about crime, taxes and schools in KC proper . . . It's nice to see these posts in the local blogosphere especially given how many "things are really getting better" posts I've seen over the years that rarely have anything to do with reality.

Best beer commercial ever made: "I used to be a hustla, now I'm a 22 brew guzzler"

From Biggie . . . More blogging ahead. Sadly when my personal life and financial situation improves, this blog suffers. Nevertheless . . . There will be about 30 posts today . . . So I guess I'm not doing that great after all. Note: Cypress Hill owns the second best beer commercial ever made . . . Double Bonus: They mention murder!!!

Presidential dance-off!!!

A pretty good clip . . . You're not gonna believe this but McCain's move at 1:30 was probably the game winner according to TKC.

The Kansas City Late Night Break

Hey party people, thanks for checking out TKC during the late night . . . Here are the links that I'm contemplating while waiting to watch reruns of The Family Guy.

Even more reason to hate your neighbors: Campaign Signs Flood Metro Neighborhoods

THE LATEST LOCAL NEWS STORY INTENDED TO SCARE VIEWERS TO DEATH (UNTIL THE POST-COMMERCIAL HAPPY ENDING): A local female was diagnosed with colon cancer when she was 17 -- making her one of the youngest colon cancer patients on record.

Blog the vote: A sneak peak at early voting from Just Cara

Cash is far more important to crooks than negative cultural stereotypes: A teen wearing a towel to cover most of his face robbed a Merriam pizza restaurant Monday night.

Celebrate!!! A bored travel writer visited the P&L District: The October issue of 'Travel and Leisure' magazine, Downtown Kansas City is named one of America's Top 12 Best Secret Neighborhoods. Pssst. Here's another secret!!! Kansas City's downtown is filled with worsening crime that this town isn't prepared to handle.

Best blogger recommendation of the day: KICKASS WEB COMIC SELECTIONS FROM KANSAS CITY BLOG MAY'S MACHETE!!!!

A surprising number of dudes have a thing for Anne Hathaway . . . I don't see the attraction but a recent photo set of the movie star makes a good case.

Kansas City Compromise!!! Mayor Funky's staff forced to put on a smile and play nice!!!

Despite the fact that the Mayor is working from Brookside . . . There is still a lot of gossip floating around regarding life in the Funky Administration.

WORD IS THAT DURING THE VOLUNTEER ORDINANCE SQUABBLE MEDIA FLAK JOE MILLER WAS ALMOST FIRED!!!

TKC Tipsters who know the deal are reporting that word of Joe Miller's whining was all around City Hall as the City Council was getting ready to guard against nepotism and kick Mayor Funky's wife to the curb. Apparently, Miller was brave enough to crawl from underneath his desk and request that Mayor Funky tell his wife to go home. Because the Mayor is a reasonable person who is more concerned about fiscal responsibility and the City's Infrastructure than anything else . . .

A HUGE SCREAMING MATCH ENSUED THAT EVEN INVOLVED GLORIA SQUITIRO AND SPILLED OUT INTO THE PUBLIC AREA OF THE 29TH FLOOR!!! THE MAYOR WAS YELLING, MILLER WAS WHINING AND SQUITIRO WAS CRYING ACCORDING TO TKC TIPSTERS!!!

The public got a glimpse of the tension among the trio during the exclusive Chris Hernandez interview on KSHB where the Mayor verbally bitch slapped Miller in public with a stern correction that most fast food workers wouldn't accept.

This bit of rumored drama might also explain why Miller was MIA during the most heated moments of the Volunteer Ordinance Struggle. Rumor has it that Miller took time off of work during the ordeal and was desperately looking for a new 80k job but couldn't find anything. Luckily, during this whole mess a couple of other Mayoral staffers were canned and getting rid of Miller would look like too much of a house cleaning even for Mayor Funky.

An additional bit of scoop:

TKC TIPSTERS ARE SAYING THAT ANOTHER MAYORAL STAFFER IS THINKING ABOUT FILING A LAWSUIT AGAINST MAYOR FUNKY FOR UNFAIR TREATMENT!!! THE STAFFER IS LEANING AGAINST TAKING ANY ACTION BUT HAS BEEN RATHER VOCAL ABOUT DISPARAGING THE FUNKY BUNCH AND THE WAY THE MAYOR'S OFFICE WORKS!!!

To be fair . . . TKC TIPSTERS are saying that Mayor Funky, Miller (and most importantly) Squitiro have all made up. Miller is once again wearing his dopey orange ties and singing the praises of his boss to all of the people he was previously crying to . . .

Even better, Squitiro has been overheard at press conferences singing the praises of Miller and noting how well he is manipulating the media . . . Unfortunately, media folks don't like people gloating about how well they're being manipulated and I wouldn't be surprised if a new level of scrutiny is aimed squarely at the Funkhouser Administration who don't want to be jerked around by Miller, Squitiro and Mayor Funky.

Love Kills in Kansas City!!!

Crime Scene KC: KC man was killed over a woman, prosecutors say . . . Unfortunately, love in the real world is just as dangerous as risky online hookups. Like it or not, there's no demographic in this town that doesn't face at least a bit of peril in the dating world.

Jittery JoCo

The KC Biz Journal reports: "The Johnson County Consumer Confidence Index plunged 16.7 points in October to a record low of 74.1, according to County Economic Research Institute Inc." Frankly, I understand their worries given that home values are tanking which leaves their tax revenue in the gutter as well.

And yes, yes I know there was an uptick in the stock market today which is being celebrated by newsies who don't understand bear market rallies and suckers hoping for a bottom that lies somewhere below 7000.

THE 29TH FLOOR IS NOW A GHOST TOWN!!! KANSAS CITY'S MAYOR HAS ALL BUT ABANDONED HIS OFFICE!!!

At first the noticeable absence of Mayor Funkhouser from his office was welcomed by most City Hall denizens but now a great many of them are saying that the situation is downright spooky.

Let's be clear:

KANSAS CITY'S MAYOR ISN'T WORKING FROM HIS OFFICE AT CITY HALL ANYMORE!!!

Kickass TKC tipsters also tell me that barely anybody from the Mayor's office is even showing up to work anymore.

Chief of Staff Kendrick Blackwood is nowhere to be found.

According to TKC Tipsers keeping a close eye on the Mayor . . . Media person Joe Miller shows up at around 11:00 a.m. and only stays for about an hour.

The rest of the staff aren't really hanging around much either and they rarely chat with anyone outside of their close circle . . .

CITY HALL DENIZENS ARE WONDERING HOW LONG THIS CAN GO ON?!?!?!?!?!

There's a rumor that Mayor Funky will make his triumphant return to City Hall after the election but only IF Light Rail wins . . . The Mayor's big gamble is light rail and he's hoping if Kansas City passes the tax hike it will reinvigorate his Administration despite the fact that the stupid plan under consideration isn't his and he previously denounced it . . . But that's just speculation.

THE FACT IS . . . MAYOR FUNKY IS NOWHERE TO BE FOUND AT CITY HALL!!!

Sadly, governing Kansas City from his Brookside residence doesn't make Mayor Funky very accessible . . . And there are a lot of questions from City Hall denizens regarding the Mayor's strategy and how long it can possibly last.

Long, lost Kansas City Beatles video resurfaces after 44 years!!!

A British newspaper reports: "Previously unseen footage of The Beatles playing an unscheduled gig during their first tour of America has been found lying in a drawer after 44 years." Two fun facts that TKC noticed: Like everything in Kansas City, the concert was marked by controversy: "The gig at the Municipal Stadium in Kansas was controversial because of the unpopularity of Charles Finley, owner of the Kansas City Athletics Baseball Team.

The local press urged a boycott of the concert in protest against Finley and as a result the stadium was almost half empty."

Also, I think the Brit paper believes that Municipal Stadium and KC were/are in Kansas, but just about every musician who visits this town makes that mistake as well.

Who (or what) are TKC readers voting for?

I'm just wondering who or what TKC reading d-bags are voting for so I can vote the opposite way . . . If you have any suggestions please let me know. A very smart reader asked for me to put together a ballot or a voter guide and this'll be the closest I get to research.

Will The Star release the sex tapes?

Just got off the phone with another Missouri politico . . . I find that actually talking to people makes this blog more interesting but with fewer posts. Life is give and take . . .

Anyhoo . . .

PRETTY MUCH EVERY DEMOCRAT IN MISSOURI IS CONVINCED THAT THE STAR IS HOLDING ON TO SEX TAPES THAT COULD BE CONNECTED TO CONGRESSMAN SAM GRAVES!!!

Of course I'd like the news confirmed, but frankly I'm not sure if I want to see some of the round bodied Republicans even if they're sharing the screen with some of the hottest Ozark lake skanks.

I'm not holding out hope of The Star releasing the footage . . . Usually the way this kind of thing works is that a highly interesting scandalous story circulates through the Show Me State rumor mill and either fizzles out, is explained away by timid tv reporters or finally boils over with various print media outlets playing crowd control.

We'll see . . .

Spotlight on Kansas City Links

Normally, I don't find photos of fully clothed women that interesting . . . However, it's worth noting that for a broad who had a baby has been around for awhile, Jessica Biel looks highly desirable which is almost never the case.

Anyhoo . . . Here are some Kansas City links I'm looking at:

Flipping the script in Kansas City . . . Usually this story is the other way around and is seldom reported in the local media: Two armed men robbed a payday loans store Tuesday morning, Kansas City police said.

As opposed to legally beating someone: "Ex-Clay County sheriff's deputy pleads guilty to illegally beating suspect"

Parking really is horrible in this town: Car Slams Through Wall of KC House

Golden Ghetto pays big for justice: Johnson County district attorney race draws big money

Light rail proponents only able to garner a victory in court: A Jackson County judge on Monday refused to delay next week's light-rail election in Kansas City.

2nd chance for child-killer: Convicted child-killer Keith D. Nelson will receive a hearing to explore whether he was adequately represented at his 2001 trial and subsequent appeal, a federal appeals court ruled Monday.

The wicked witch of the Midwest wants you to vote her way: McCaskill Stumps For Obama In KC

Missing Child Found Safe With Family Friend

Desperate people in danger of brain tumors put their faith in person they only know from the movies: Erin Brockovich Brings Hope To Cameron

Mary Sanchez back to shilling for the Democrats: Will community organizing spell comeuppance for McCain-Palin?

110 MURDERS IN KANSAS CITY!!!

According to a recent Crime Scene KC report, the local homicide rate is still out of control despite the fact that the subject has taken a backseat to election coverage . . . Sadly, the carnage continues at what looks to be a record setting pace with very few answers from local politicos.

It's not an oxymoron: "Classy neighborhood establishment" food review

If you haven't already, don't forget to check out a great review of Avenues Bistro from KC Lunch Spots.

Show Me a Halloween Missouri Sex Offender law that demonstrates a spooky departure from reality

Pandering to frightened voters didn't work out well for Missouri politicos this Halloween.

A federal judge ruled Monday that parts of Missouri's new law restricting registered sex offenders’ actions on Halloween night are unenforceable . . .

The law approved by the legislature in May and signed by Gov. Matt Blunt in June requires that sex offenders avoid all Halloween-related contact with children from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Oct. 31. It requires them to remain inside their homes with the outside lights off, and to post a sign saying they have no candy.

A violation is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail.
U.S. District Judge Carol Jackson said the law lacked clarity and could cause confusion for sex offenders and those who enforce the law. She granted a preliminary injunction barring enforcement of some parts of the law after hearing arguments in a case brought by four sex offenders.

Protecting kids from sex offenders is obviously a good thing but so often politicos and everyone else ignores a frightening & tragic fact: By an overwhelming majority, when children are harmed, put in danger or molested IT'S MOST OFTEN BY A FAMILY MEMBER OR SOMEONE THEY KNOW WELL. Blaming some anonymous bogey man lurking in the shadows and then drafting legislation to that end that sets a weird precedent for government keeping convicts under permanent house arrest after their time is served is obviously just at attempt to garner votes and esteem by using a gut wrenching subject on yet another holiday.

The racist students of JoCo caught using the N-word and graffiti against an Obama supporter!!!

Last week, this article was buried next to the obituaries in the local section and I don't remember seeing any TV news follow-up . . . Sadly, it's just more confirmation of the rampant racism in JoCo, even among the younger generation: School officials took disciplinary action this week against three boys because of a racial slur written in non-permanent marker on the window of a student's car at Shawnee Mission East High School.

“N….Lover” was put on the car, which had an Obama-for-president sticker on it . . . The article notes that the students were "disciplined" but doesn't get into specifics . . . I also think it's worth noting that these white students were caught red handed using "graffiti" but the "graffiti problem" is something that is stereotypically ascribed to minority youth. TKC Tipsters tell me that "discipline" for the students of JoCo consists of half of a week without and Iphone or Starbucks even in instances of a hate crime and property damage.

The Eight Wonders of Kansas

Take a close look at the best from the art scene in Kansas . . . In reality, 7 of the 8 wonders of Kansas all have something to do with very well hidden alternative lifestyles . . . Hat Tip: Paul Dorrell's blog.

It's time to take a stand Kansas City!!!

Local blogger F-Bombs issues a call to action against "Fruity-ass coffee drinks." Actually, I'm inspired, a movement against this kind of silliness is actually change that could make a difference.

Report from a KC Light Rail gathering

Here's a description of the crowd at a recent Kansas City Townhall meeting concerning light rail:

ONLY 13 PEOPLE SHOWED UP TO A RECENT TOWN HALL CONCERNING LIGHT RAIL!!!

The most conspicuous participants:

2 City Council People
2 ATA people
2 LR opponents
1 (at least) on the pro light rail committee
1 Of my favorite bloggers who I just happen to disagree with about Light Rail.
And 2 more anti-light rail folks to ask planted questions ("whats in it for us?")
And 1 dude who asked us not to distribute flyers in the room

IMPORTANT FACT FROM AN AWESOME TKC TIPSTER: THERE WASN'T EVEN A HANDFUL OF WESTSIDERS IN THE ROOM!!!

That's kind of important considering that all of my neighbors, even the white ones, think that light rail is a joke and they're going to vote against it.

Strangely, Mayor Funky didn't show but he's hanging out at home most of the time anyway and there wasn't a stupid gimmick involved so naturally simply answering questions didn't merit his attention.

"Bad for the White Delegation"

RDM on the Obama Assassination plot.

Holy crap, I actually slept at night!!!

A few links on the way . . . I'm just amazed I slept when it was dark. First time this year.

The Kansas City Overnight Thread

A few things I'm thinking about this evening including but not limited to:

Jeff Roe now supports light rail so that should scare you into voting for it!!! OR, all popular for light rail has now been thrown out of the window by hiring a Republican to promote a big ticket item in a Democrat controlled town.

Ladies should probably beware of Larry Johnson at local clubs unless they like getting spit on or smacked in the head.

Spooky: Kansas City Haunted houses are a great place to get your car towed.

TKC told everyone the Kelsey Smith Media Frenzy was mostly political: Kelsey Smith's parents back elected judges

KCK welcomes Mexicans!!!

Today's rolling gun battle: 2 Shot In Rolling Gun Battle In KC

Oh yeah, a recent photo set of Marissa Miller how I'll be spending the best 1 minutes and 30 seconds of my evening.

KANSAS CITY HOUSING CRASH IS JUST STARTING IN THE SUBURBS!!!

Real estate is down for the count in the urban core of this town and now the precious property values of white people in the suburbs are set to take a major hit in the Kansas City area.

Check it:

Number Of New Home Sales Fall In Midwest

Johnson County, Kan., officials plan to ask for $6.6 million in federal grant money to help deal with the foreclosure crisis.

Just like the speculative and shaky credit markets, suburban homes in the Kansas City area are set for a MAJOR CORRECTION!!!

And actually, I feel sorry for anybody having a hard time paying off their home. However, it's exceedingly difficult not to find a bit of irony in the fact that it was not minorities moving in to white neighborhoods that caused a serious downward trend in home values but rather the hubris, arrogance and greed of irresponsible rich white guys that put so many suburban domiciles in danger.

TKC NOTE: If I ever move out of my mom's basement (doubtful) I'd like to have a shag carpet so that Veronique de Kock (her real name) can come over and relax any time and reenact one of her recent, awesome photo sets.

Sharon Sanders Brooks selling out her District and shining Mayor Funky's shoes!!!

There is only a miserable, afterthought Eastside light rail "extension" that was thrown in to the proposal at the last minute . . . The overwhelming bulk of the route runs North to South and not East to West . . . Still, Sharon Sanders Brooks is proving herself to be Mayor Funky's umbrella holder from the Eastside by endorsing light rail while the majority of the council remains silent . . . Doing her best to find favor with Kansas City's marginalized Mayor in his last big gamble.

Despite hope, SUPREMACY never changes

Feds disrupt skinhead plot to assassinate Obama

TKC EXCLUSIVE!!! EITHER EVERYBODY ON THE INTERNETS IS CRAZY OR A BIG SCANDAL CONNECTED TO CONGRESSMAN SAM GRAVES IS ABOUT TO BREAK!!! MAYBE BOTH!!!

Quite a few weird ass e-mails regarding Congressman Sam Graves and his crew have been sent to local media and so far everybody is ignoring it . . . Except me of course because TKC doesn't pretend to be a journalist or pretend to have objectivity like most journalists do.

And then there's the question of the "credibility" of this blog . . . Never mind the fact that people who look for credibility from a blog are probably insane.

ANYHOO . . . TKC got this e-mail which alleges a bunch of nasty stuff including:

SEXY MISSOURI WIFE SWAPPING AMONG THE HIGH RANKING REPUBLICAN POLITICAL CLASS!!!

BIG PIMPIN' FROM ONE OF THE BIGGEST POLITICOS IN KANSAS CITY!!!

A BORING CORRUPTION ANGLE THAT NOBODY REALLY CARES ABOUT . . . SAME OLD STUFF REGARDING FEE OFFICES THAT REPORTERS FIND INTERESTING BUT EVERYONE IGNORES!!!

THE ALLEGATION THAT VIDEO TAPES EXIST SHOWING HIGH RANKING MISSOURI POLITICOS GETTING IT ON . . . WITH A WEIRD ALLEGATION THAT ALL OF THIS IS CONNECTED TO SAM GRAVES!!! IN FACT, THIS E-MAIL IS MAKING THE SAME ALLEGATIONS THAT HAVE BEEN FLOATING AROUND THE CONGRESSIONAL RACE BUT THAT NOBODY MENTIONS . . . UNDER THEIR BREATH EVERYONE SAYS THAT SAM GRAVES IS A POON HOUND!!! WHICH ONLY MAKES TKC ADMIRE THE DUDE!!!

Now, it's important to note one thing:

TKC ISN'T MAKING ANY OF THESE ALLEGATIONS. TKC IS SIMPLY REPORTING THE STRANGE STUFF BEING CIRCULATED IN MISSOURI'S 6TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT RACE!!!

My angle in all of this is to demonstrate that the world of politics is really rough on the Internets and also that there are a great number of stories that the mainstream media suppress. In fact, did you know that The Star, unless it fit their agenda, did you know that The Star won't touch a hit piece in the last two weeks before the election? I've heard this from a great many of their staffers and it's probably one of the many reasons their circulation is dropping.

Also, the several sources that are pushing this story say that they're already talking to the authorities and other news agencies . . . So naturally, TKC wanted to be first.

To be continued . . . Stay tuned. There just might be more posts with even more bold, red type and exclamation points!!!

TKC come from behind links

There's a lot of links out there this morning and rather than skip them all . . . I wanted to compile a few of my favorites:

MAYOR FUNKY'S PRESS STUNTS IN FAVOR OF LIGHT RAIL ARE BARELY LEGAL ACCORDING TO THE STAR'S PRIME BUZZ!!!

Show Me more of that pricey wardrobe: Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin is coming back to Missouri this week.

It's lame, goes around in circles and will make you sick if you stay on long enough . . . Young folks train to become Royals fans: Kauffman Stadium Adds Kids' Carousel

Jesus is easier to sell during a global recession: Episcopal USA Leader in KC

Nearly as cheap as meth: Pumps in Independence are selling regular unleaded as low as $1.99 a gallon.

Today's story to shatter myth of suburban bliss: Armed men forced their way into an Overland Park apartment early Monday morning and tied up the people inside, police said.

Crime Scene KC asks a question about Sunday's front page Star story: Is KCPD's complaints office working right?

And yes, the NICE photo gallery of Nadine Velazquez is probably the only thing that really interests me.

WHITE PEOPLE LOVE LIGHT RAIL!!!

I dedicated this weekend to doing "research" for the blog i.e. watching cartoons and pillaging the Humor section at Borders books while not actually paying for anything.

Anyhoo . . . I stumbled upon a great passage in the "Stuff that white people like" book that applies to Kansas City:

"... White people all support the idea of public transportation and will be happy to tell you about how the subways and streetcars/trams have helped to energize cities like Chicago and Portland. They will tell you all about the energy and cost savings of having people abandon their cars for public transportation and how they hope that one day they can live in a city where they will be car-free.

At this point, you are probably thinking about the massive number of buses that serve your city and how you have never seen a white person riding them. To a white person a bus is essentially a giant minivan that continually stops to pick up progressively smellier people. You should never, ever point this out to a white person. It will make them recognize that they might not love public transportation as much as they though, and then they will feel sad."

This pretty much summarizes the attitude of white hipsters in this town who are thinking about voting for light rail while voting for Obama and risking serious damage to their arm by patting themselves on the back constantly.

The passage from the book actually kind of bummed me out until I realized that the small niche group of ultra-liberal, Ipod listening, tight jeans wearing people who had absolutely no idea of this town's history regarding big ticket construction projects don't even number enough to pack the Crossroads on weekends anymore. Also, I'm hoping that even those folks can see that light rail in Kansas City isn't about public transportation but has more to do with a political ponzi scheme.

Gone Mild Against Light Rail

Dan from Gone Mild has been looking over local ballot issues lately . . . His take on Light Rail is clear and concise and a great hint that this light rail thing doesn't have much support in any part of the City . . . Even the parts that it doesn't completely skip over.

Kansas City Lobbying Sucks Too!!!

The KC Post takes readers inside Kansas City's $200k lobbying operation. Money line: "Clicking on Kansas City agenda comes back blank. Maybe that's accurate. Sometimes I too wonder what our agenda is."

No Moffitt & Frankie this morning?!?!?

Did the Fox can Moffitt & Frankie?!?!?

Very alert TKC Tipsters are telling me that their show wasn't on the air this morning and their website looks devoid of any content related to the broadcasting duo.

Radio stations all over town are firing people but so far The Fox folks haven't been noticeably unpleasant or pissed on the air which has been a symptom of the massive layoffs going on at other radio stations . . . If anybody knows the score, please comment because I want to know what's going on with local DJs other than who they are banging . . . Which is mostly what turns up on the Internets.

Wired wants you to stop blogging (so do I)

Reading my Wired Magazine this morning which hosted a great editorial about how blogs are horribly outdated and now useless compared with social networking apps like Twitter. The author advises people to give up their blogs. it was an interesting theory and I wanted to link the article . . . Unfortunately, all I could find was a reference from two other blogs.

Hoping Latinos don't have questions: The Westside listens to light rail lies tonight!!!

What: Town Hall Meeting - Light Rail
When: October 27th, Monday, 2008
Time: 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Where: Tony Aguirre Community Center

Just wondering which Latinos were paid to sellout on this thing . . . Hoping against hope that they were paid well since the current light rail initiative completely bypasses both of Kansas City's neighborhoods that are predominantly Latino.

TKC CAPTION CONTEST "WINNERS" OR SOME FACSIMILE THEREOF!!!

You people are way more clever than TKC. Here are the "winners" from last week's caption contest regarding a PR stunt put on by Mayor Funky promoting light rail.

WINNER: BARSTOOL PUNDIT, who wrote: "Mayor Funkhouser bids a tearful farewell as his wife is escorted from the mayors office by her handlers."

HONORABLE MENTION:

Todd Epp: "Longhorns demand extra wide doors on proposed Kansas City light rail system cars."

"Ain't nuthin' in Kansas City but steers n' ... light rail proponents."

"The steer may have a beef, but the Mayor is full of bull."

Chronic: "After his old heifer was chased out of City Hall, Mayor Funky scouts for potential replacements"

Thanks for playing!!!

Kansas City Blogger Review: Metallica

General Blather puts together one of the best reviews I've read regarding the band . . . All of the details with none of the tinnitus.

Petty Golden Ghetto Politics on Display

Johnson County commissioner John M. Toplikar charged with stealing campaign signs

The winds of change miss Kansas City!!!

It was a wonderful weekend away from all of you d-bags . . . Thankfully, I didn't really miss much when it came to news:

The Chiefs lost and embarrassed both themselves and this town yet again. To be fair, it was a remarkable effort and Kansas City's football team looked great right up until the scoreboard signaled their defeat.

I was going to title this post "the winds of change can blow me" but that didn't seem highbrow enough for this classy blog as the seasons change yet again and we're all forced to put on a happy face for the upcoming holidays.

The Plaza is still home to homeless and zombies.

The Kansas City Star continues to offer biased coverage of Light Rail displaying their declining influence as this town is set to vote down the initiative . . . Yet again.

Oh yeah . . . Addiction in Kansas City are a horrible thing unless there's a profit in it!!!

All this and more coming up . . . Right after I finish checking out a swimsuit gallery of Daniella Sarahyba . . . Stay tuned.

Kansas City's Mayor is drunk with power - Part Deux!!! Lots of booze at a recent PR event but no answers about light rail!!!

I notice that the local media isn't asking Mayor Funky any hard questions when it comes to light rail and economic reality or his previous campaign promises . . . TKC read about yet another Lame Ass PR stunt the Mayor was pulling on behalf of the BILLION DOLLAR PROJECT (along with the ensuing tax increase) and I wanted to get some answers given that the regressive tax will cause TKC to pay even more for snack cakes, Dr. Pepper and frozen pizza.

Take a look at Mayor Funky's reaction to some pretty insightful questions about light rail and his record . . . If only the local media would ask him any pointed questions about this plan he's supporting in light of his former promises . . . What kind of answers would he offer?

THE LAZY SATURDAY UPDATE!!!

Eh, I felt like this post was a pretty good place to end the week . . . But I wanted to put up my weekly playlist and just a few odd links floating around that won't really matter next week or are too interesting to pass over right now:

Follow-up on the Mayor's liquored up press conference . . . The Mayor is (still) horrible at communicating his message given the fact that more people wondered about his license to sell booze rather than the point of his appearance . . . A simple line in a press release would have taken care of those questions but yet again the Mayor's office is completely incompetent and incapable of anticipating that folks would dare to question the Mayor . . . Which is yet another reason they don't deserve 1 Billion for light rail.

Kansas City Campaign Vandalism!!! Kansas City is much more aghast at this petty crime than our local murder rate . . .

Bonnie Sue Cooper continues to waste paper

10 Things That Are More Important Than The Election

Somehow appropriate for this time of year and this post: Train Collision Kills Pedestrian

One of many weekend shootings

Kansas City residents taking crime prevention into their own hands: For the second time in 24 hours, a metro homeowner has had to fight back after someone broke into his house.

HERE IS ONE OF THE BEST ARTICLES I'VE READ ABOUT LIGHT RAIL SO FAR!!! KC TRIBUNE: KC Mayor’s Light Rail Plan Becoming Gravy Train

Oh yeah . . . And tonight hipsters an assorted d-bags pretend that Brush Creek isn't a sewer at Waterfire!!!

And back to the the topic of "drunk with power" . . . I quickly put together this playlist that hosts my favorite drinking related songs . . . And that's about all of the effort I feel like wasting on you d-bags this weekend:

Gin and Juice - Snoop Dogg

Too Drunk to Fuck - Nouvelle Vague

Gin House Blues - Nina Simone

Cold Gin - KISS

40 oz. to Freedom - Sublime

Brass Monkey - Beastie Boys

Have a drink on me - AC/DC

Roadhouse Blues - The Doors

Alabama Song (Whiskey Bar) - The Doors

Love Hangover - Dianna Ross



I won't bother to write any garbage like "Drink Responsibly" because that's only something that pushers of the last legal drug say in order to feign a clean conscience, which isn't something that has ever concerned me . . . So do what you want, but coming back to TKC.

As always, thanks for reading . . . Have a safe and fun weekend.

Kansas City's Mayor is drunk with power

Here's the Mayor's latest PR Stunt . . . Tending bar for yuppies in order to convince them that the po'folk of KC Proper should spend ONE BILLION DOLLARS ON LIGHT RAIL DURING AN ECONOMIC COLLAPSE.

Check it:

Mayor Mark Funkhouser will work the tap during happy hour at 4:30 p.m. today at River Market Brewing Company, 500 Walnut, to promote Light Rail.

"Kansas City is a fun place to live and work," Mayor Funkhouser said.

"By building light rail we'll be enhancing our quality of life by making it easier to come downtown on a Friday and enjoy the night life."

The Mayor will be joined by young urban professionals who support light rail.

"Kansas City is in a competition to attract and retain young talent," said Kerrie Tyndall, business development officer for the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City. "This pool of workers is critical to the economic future and sustainability of our community. Light rail is an essential amenity Kansas City needs to provide the quality of life these professionals demand."

Tyndall we be available for on-camera interviews at the event, along with the Mayor, a representative from River Market Brewing and happy hour customers.

I'm wondering if any newsie is going to ask him:

Are these yuppies the people he was talking about when he promised "A City that works" for "regular folks?"

A billion dollars for Light Rail during a global economic collapse doesn't really seem like the Mayor is being smart with the money. Does it?

What about infrastructure or sewers?

I don't expect anything more substantive than the average bar room chatter but I'm hoping that the local media will ask some tough questions since the Mayor is putting off any serious answers with his joke PR strategy concerning one of the biggest financial decisions to ever face Kansas City.

TKC EXCLUSIVE!!! THE DOWNTOWN KANSAS CITY RENAISSANCE IS DEAD!!!

It is not a new day in Kansas City . . . Once again, TKC is the only media outlet in Kansas City to even bother mentioning that the promises of a "Downtown Renaissance" have turned out to be nothing more than lies . . .

Blame the bad economy or The P&L District or make up some other justification aimed only at looking for the silver lining of the dark economic clouds that hang over Downtown Kansas City . . . Certainly, I understand the motivations of folks who simply want to ignore the horrible economic circumstances of this town and find other (sexy) distractions like bikini photos of Jessica Gomes.

Thankfully, one of the most intelligent and insightful TKC TIPSTERS (STAND UP!!!) has forwarded along even more proof that the Kansas City's Downtown Economy is failing miserably.

A popular eatery has been only plagued by unappetizing dining conditions but also by financial doom:



And yet another posh Downtown hangout hasn't seen any benefit from the building boom powered by millions in funding from KC Taxpayers.



So add two more to the list of upcoming Kansas City bar & restaurant closings:

Smokin' Joe's BBQ

Azul on Grand - 1 block north of the Sprint Saucer and still not benefiting from any economic stimulus.

This rather well informed TKC TIPSTER notes that things are looking pretty slow and horrible at Grinders as well . . . Still, I hope that STRETCH is able to keep his place open despite crappy service and rampant poseur-ism if only because I enjoy making fun of that d-bag at every opportunity.

Nevertheless . . .

A simple fact is clear:

POLITICOS PROMISED AN ECONOMIC BENEFIT TO KANSAS CITY FROM THE SPRINT CENTER AND THE P&L DISTRICT AND NOTHING BUT BUSINESS CLOSINGS HAVE MATERIALIZED!!!

Suckers and PR reporters that they are, most of the local media chronicled only a potential benefit to the downtown economy when touting The Sprint Center and The P&L District . . . The reality of Kansas City's Downtown Economic Collapse rarely merits mention by The Star who is also heavily and stupidly invested in Downtown real estate by way of a dead tree printing press supporting a obsolete news delivery model.

Similarly, proponents of light rail are promising some kind of outmoded economic benefit to Kansas City with their tax hike . . .

BUT THE HORRIBLE RECORD OF POLITICOS SELLING BIG TICKET ITEMS TO THIS TOWN MUST BE CONSIDERED!!!

It is just a matter of fact in Kansas City that heavy handed government intervention in order to achieve economic development has a poor record of success from 18th & Vine to the current Downtown debacle to the Mayor's misguided "New Tools" political payoff plan. Instead, it's better for local politicos to concentrate on the things that government has more direct control over like providing better services and working on infrastructure. This town elected a leader who made those promises but now is simply devoted to hanging out with his wife and putting on comedy skits in praise of a 1 BILLION DOLLAR LIGHT RAIL PLAN that's, once again, falsely advertised as an economic stimulus.

"Lookin Boy - Kansas City Remix!!!"

TKC readers who listen to KPRS are already tired of this song . . . So naturally there's a Kansas City version with a couple of local references by an area R&B, Rap, "Neo-Soul" producer.

Click on the video above to watch "Lookin' Boy - Kansas City Remix!!" by Shawn Powell.

Folks who listen to far too much hip-hop on the Internets remember the original from Hotstylez entitled: "Lookin Ass Nigga" - The track is much dirtier and a lot more clever than most of the copycats.

It's all pretty derivative and kinda dumb . . . However, the fact that it has yet to be co-opted by Mac Lethal makes it somehow a little more interesting.

LINKS VIA KICKASS KC BLOGGER HAPPY IN BAG!!!

TKC EXCLUSIVE!!! KANSAS CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT SET TO SCREW UP SELECTION OF NEW BOARD MEMBER!!!

First . . .

Here is the final list of KCMSD Board Applicant Names for Vacant At-Large Member Seat:

Angelina Grado Juarez

Ashley Aleece McNeal

Bryan Matthew Stalder

Cokethea Nichole Hill

Dolores Frances Arzola

Enrique Agustin Chaurand

Ezekiel Anthony Amador III

Gary L. Goebel

Jami L. Stovall

Karen Patricia Hopkins-Morrison

Linda Marie Jackson

Mario Leander Marberry

Marvin LaVelle Lyman

Sanford Joe Willis

Shakeena Denise Richards

Vicki Rae Lind

I've highlighted the names from the Latino Community. There are 4 applicants put forth by Latino Leaders in Kansas City . . . The candidates are not only former District Employees, Community Leaders but also a couple are intensely involved parents, volunteers and candidates who have already run for school board.

TKC TIPSTERS ARE SAYING THAT SCHOOL BOARD PRESIDENT MARILYN SIMMONS IS TRYING TO GET THE MEETINGS TO DISCUSS (AND DISMISS) THE APPLICANTS HELD IN PRIVATE!!!

Already this process is looking shady . . . Here's another exclusive part that no other media outlet in KC can or will report . . .

LEADERS FROM THE BLACK COMMUNITY ARE SAYING THAT THEY WILL SUPPORT A LATINO CANDIDATE AS LONG AS THEY CAN BE SURE THAT THE FUTURE SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER WON'T VOTE WITH WHITE PARENTS!!!

Latinos are working toward getting representation but it's very clear that it won't come easy as local politics, recipients of kickbacks and interest groups are starting to exert pressure.

The effort to thwart Latinos in getting representation or unfairly pressure any candidate for the vacant seat on the Board is yet another example of how this process and The Kansas City, Missouri School District is hopelessly politicized and not really about education or students.

Kansas City Blogger Quote of the Day!!!

State of the Line: "Funkhouser Emerges from Mayoral Cocoon as Artistic Director of Theatre Troupe"

SOTL finds the humor in the Mayor's PR Stunt . . .

This the Mayor who said he would make fighting crime a priority.

A mayor that said he would be "smart with the money."

Mayor Funky is now a dude who is putting on comedy skits in a parking lot!!!

Kansas City is currently a "City that Works" on moving forward with a completely marginalized elected official.

New Blog: NorthEast KC Ramblings

Meet the latest addition to the Kansas City blogosphere . . . There should be some great content here given that Northeast is known to inspire a great deal of angry rants.

Reports of intimidation against Brookside residents displaying Obama signs!!!

An interesting e-mail was recently distributed by the Kander State Rep camp reporting voter intimidation in the Brookside area.

Check it:

THUG TACTICS

I was contacted this week by a voter who received a threatening letter after neighbors saw people walking the neighborhoods writing down the addresses of homes with Obama signs. The voter who received the letter lives just a few blocks from the Obama signs that were defaced this week.

The letter sent to this voter is clearly meant to intimidate. If you have received anything like this, please write me and let me know. The authorities should be aware of any voter suppression/intimidation schemes going on in Kansas City. We can't stand let this stand.

Here's the letter that this e-mail noted (click on it for a bigger version):



For the record, nothing gets the d-bags in Brookside more excited than the illusion that they are persecuted . . . However, the reports that there are religious wackos threatening this neighborhood should give residents some pause and a welcomed break from worrying about declining property values given that they're Mayor is no longer concerned with fixing crappy sewers in the area.

The Star Supports Kay!!!

I'm only assuming that this endorsement reveals that all of the bellyaching about fiscal responsibility and support for Mayor Funky over the same issue doesn't mean much (and never did in the first place):

The Star: Barnes is the best choice for Missouri's 6th U.S. House District

Again, a great many people (much smarter than TKC) believe that newspaper endorsements are violations of so-called superior ethics and professionalism from a "paper of record" or whatever term their using to describe a daily print media monopoly. And whether I agree or disagree with the endorsement, it's clear that The Star's bias is more about elitism than any kind of discernible political philosophy . . . On the other hand, they really have been pushing Dem candidates pretty hard as of late.

Spooky Kansas City Links

It's finally starting to feel like Halloween in this town . . . Here are some fall links that remind me that the Stock Market isn't the only thing scary in the news as of late:

THE KIDS OF KANSAS CITY ARE KILLERS: Jackson County prosecutors Thursday charged a Kansas City teenager with killing a 26-year-old woman Sunday.

The Ghosts of Kansas City: Paranormal Researchers Hunt for Ghosts from Battle of Westport . . . The research is impressive given that they'll have to make it past some of the ghouls currently occupying the place and the ghosts of dead victims of the current crime wave.

Halloween Celebration at one of many Kansas City money pits: Longer hours accommodate Boo at the Zoo

Friday Kansas City Fun Links

Here's the stuff I'm linking this morning . . . It's important but no especially so and a bit scary with the plethora of car crash news:

Kansas City women are thieves: Local woman gets five years for embezzlement

Scary KCK Crash: A three vehicle crash turned fatal in Kansas City, Kan., Thursday night.

This town is too broke to fly away: Kansas City International Airport passenger count falls 13 percent.

Kansas City crime keeps even off duty cops busy: An off-duty police officer shot a person trying to break into his home on Thursday morning, police say.

A prayer for a Kansas City Cold Case: The family of a 22-year-old man killed three years ago will hold a vigil Thursday in hopes of finding information into his death.

It's a long way down in JoCo: A car tumbled off an overpass in Johnson County early Friday morning, police said.

Kansas City is having a hard time keeping the lights on as of late: An apparent lightning strike knocked out power to about 4,000 Kansas City residents Thursday night.

An up close look at local devastation: Officer Witnesses Deadly Car Accident

Another scary local car crash story: An overnight accident lands a Kansas City police officer and another driver in the hospital.

Justice in JoCo: Man Charged in Overland Park Carjacking

Your vanity can help others: A local dentist office helps Harvesters help the hungry.

Bailout news from a bank goes in a different direction for a change: M&I Bank will collect food and money for Harvesters

Turning an entire city into a den for compulsive gamblers might not be the best thing for students: Some Metro Educators Speak Out Against Prop A

Star columnist pens what could be the most milquetoast column ever written regarding light rail: Lots of questions about KC's light rail plan

A Maxim photo gallery of Audrina Patridge somehow makes me thankful it's Friday

It only costs $10k to humiliate the Chiefs!!!

Watching the Chiefs humiliated in front of a national audience is always one of my favorite pastimes but I have to admit that my favorite moment of this season so far has been an impromptu bongo performance by Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson after a 66 yard touchdown run.

Sadly, he's paying the price for making every member of the Kansas City defense look like an idiot.

Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson has been fined $10,000 by the NFL for his touchdown celebration during last Sunday's 34-10 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.

"There's no fun in this league. I was trying to have fun and they want to penalize me for it."

Actually, I think this is money well spent and (again) for me it was the most entertaining moment of the afternoon. The fact that the Chiefs are going to lose, a lot, this season is a bit of a bummer so encouraging folks to have fun while watching Kansas City's team take a beating could be the only thing that will draw people to the otherwise empty stadium.

Double Bonus: The guy also got a bongo set as a present . . . And, after all, 10k is a pittance for an NFL running back.

Racist Receipt Interview!!!

Kudos to Channel 9 for providing a groundbreaking, confusing and incomplete exclusive interview with the woman who handed out the racist receipt from Journeys.

She said she was supposed to type Slater's phone number into the cash register, a standard procedure when a return is made. But she was in a hurry and typed in something else. She said a former manager typed the racial slur into the computer.

Pretty classic defense for this kind of stuff:

She denies responsibility.

She cites her Black friend.

She plays the victim card.

All things considered, this pretty much follows the pattern or any racial dispute the Kansas City area. It's now nearly complete with sloppy coverage that is no less captivating. Still, I promise to boycott Journeys and that's not just because I've never shopped there in my life.

NEW BLOG!!! "HEY! ASSHATS!"

This blog by The Barstool Pundit is probably the best thing in the local blogosphere as of late . . .

HEY! ASSHATS!!!

This blog everything: A great sensibility, charts, graphs and even cute canine photos!!!

Check it out, add it to your blogroll . . . Expect good things from this latest addition to the Kansas City blogosphere.

HEREFORD HOUSE ARSON: EVERYONE IN KANSAS CITY GUESSED RIGHT!!!

From KMBC . . . ATF: Hereford House Fire Is Arson

Insight before the next loss: "The Kansas City Chiefs' quarterback situation could be the worst in league history."

Nick Sloan posts some great analysis of one of the many dilemmas facing the Chiefs. The post is a must read and the only thing I can add is that this problem is exacerbated by the fact that most of the team really doesn't want to play.

More Sad News for Kansas City Singles

Local blog Ancillary Adams finds some charts & graphs that are even more depressing for Kansas City singles than simply looking around the P&L District.

Falling behind in Kansas City

Just like the school children in Kansas City . . . I find myself falling behind and at a serious disadvantage. Here's an example from just one of my 3 e-mail accounts:



However, unlike KC Schools I have a plan to catch up that doesn't involve billions of tax dollars. Also, I'm extremely pleased that it's Friday and the Mayor seems to be done pretending to work his job for the week. Stay tuned.

NO BULL, TKC CAPTION CONTEST!!!

Hey party people . . . It's time for a TKC Caption contest featuring an image from Mayor Funky's morning PR stunt supporting light rail!!!

Do your best/worst Kansas City.

Feel free to comment on the dork forcing laughter from behind the Mayor.

Or the Mexican showing the Mayor the bull.

Or KMBZ radio great Bill Grady getting a quote and looking just a bit perturbed at the spectacle.

It's up to you . . .

A SPECIAL SHOUT OUT TO KC TRIBUNE FOR THE PHOTO!!!

Don't forget to check out their upcoming issue tomorrow that will feature a great light rail article among other important KC news.

Now . . . Get to it . . . The Mayor awaits your input (ew) on his morning publicity stunt.

TKC EXCLUSIVE!!! LIGHT RAIL WILL LOWER KANSAS CITY'S BOND RATING!!!

Say goodbye to good credit Kansas City . . . TKC reported about the muni-bond crunch awhile ago but now things are getting worse.

The current global recession was caused by the credit crisis and sadly KC is thinking of overextending itself once again.

The following Internet e-mail is circulating like wildfire, KC news watchers will see it In The Star sometime later:

Already there has been news of a "negative outlook" for Kansas City muni bonds.

BUT WORD IS, IF THIS TOWN TAKES ON A MASSIVE DEBT FOR LIGHT RAIL THEN KC MUNI BONDS ARE DEFINITELY GETTING DOWNGRADED!!!

A brief explanation:

When Wall Street first tanked the muni-bond market froze up. KC wants to be like Portland but even that City had a hard time pushing its bonds in light of the credit crunch:

The Port of Portland is also playing the waiting game. It had hoped to borrow $140 million this month to build a second parking garage at the airport, a runway extension, a deicing system and part of a new headquarters building.

It has since delayed the offering in hopes of more demand and lower rates.

Luckily, for Portland, the demand just might come because people are being encouraged to put more money in muni bonds given the bearish stock market.

BUT MORE INVESTORS WILL TRANSLATE INTO MORE COMPETITION AND SCRUTINY OF KANSAS CITY'S CRAPPY CREDIT!!!

In other words . . . It's a buyer's market and this town taking on even more debt to pay for light rail is going to be the last straw that gets Kansas City Bonds downgraded.

That's important because a muni bond downgrade makes ALL SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT MORE EXPENSIVE!!!

Folks who think that this town will finally repair sewers AFTER light rail is pushed through might want to think again because when KC Bonds are downgraded after light rail passes, borrowing money will be nearly impossible. Without question:

MAYOR FUNKY IS MAKING KANSAS CITY CHOOSE BETWEEN LIGHT RAIL AND WATER INFRASTRUCTURE REPAIR!!!

I only hope Kansas City has the common sense to vote down the EXPENSIVE PROPOSAL THAT IS POISED TO (FURTHER) RUIN THIS TOWN'S CREDIT rather than simply opting to play with a toy train set.

Kansas City Light Rail Endorsed by local hipsters with lame ads on the Internets!!!

I thought I could escape commenting on what is probably the stupidest online campaign in Kansas City (including this blog) . . . But no.

WHEN (RELATIVELY) YOUNG MIDDLE-CLASS WHITE PEOPLE IN KANSAS CITY EXPRESS THEIR OPINION ONLINE, PEOPLE TAKE NOTICE!!!

By now close observers of the local blogosphere have seen the online parody group:

Citizens Opposed to Workable Solutions

Judging solely by the number of links the effort has received . . . The campaign is already a resounding success:

New anti-rail group emerges

If their humor is a little off then maybe it makes up for the fact that they plan on showing up at the Mayor Pep rally Thursday with a fully-grown steer.

Committee for Sensible Transit = MAVERICKS! That's a nice backhanded Republican comparison but doesn't really work since Construction companies and a great many right leaning politicos are some of the folks supporting light rail.

Cows are against light rail?

The Pitch: Light rail's latest foe: C.O.W.S.

And when I think that this is the kind of (really dumbass) satire that TKC is competing with . . . I understand why so many people visit this blog.

Notice all those links from white people having a chuckle haven't translated to more than 100 views for any of this hipster video efforts.

It's also worth pointing out that this parody group is comprised completely of white people . . . In fact, considering that:

THESE HIPSTER D-BAGS WANT TO IMPOSE MORE TAXES ON KANSAS CITY IN THE MIDDLE OF A GLOBAL ECONOMIC CRISIS SPEAKS TO HOW LITTLE THEY HAVE IN COMMON WITH EVERYONE ELSE IN THIS TOWN!!!

I have a working knowledge of the white guys who are involved in this effort and these are the same hipster creeps who were pushing for a Downtown stadium . . . This effort is similar because it hopes that all of Kansas City will pay for their entertainment.

Furthermore, I find the premise of Light Rail in Kansas City as an economic engine kind of disgusting.

Let's take a look at the track record:

The Sprint Center was supposed to spark the local economy - Now it sits empty on most nights without an anchor tenant.

People said the P&L District was going to revive downtown - Instead a great many downtown bars and restaurants closed because the generic fare either cut off their business from everybody or unwittingly crowded the marketplace.

Long, long ago . . . People said that Union Station would create start a downtown renaissance as well . . . Now the place is struggling to stay open.

EVERY BIG TICKET ITEM SOLD TO KANSAS CITY COMES WITH PROMISES OF ECONOMIC STIMULUS DOWN THE ROAD BUT NEVER DELIVERS!!!

The Mayor promised to steer (heh) away from these vanity project but now he's dedicating his administration to this effort that he once criticized:

EVEN WORSE, THE MAYOR IS PLAYING ALONG WITH THIS DUMBASS HIPSTER JOKE!!!

At the start of the "Orange Revolution" (LOL) Kansas City was promised an administration that would work on infrastructure and impose fiscal responsibility on City Hall . . . Laughably, the dude who made these promises is now hiding at home with his wife and pushing a project that won't really help transportation in Kansas City but will cost up to 1 BILLION DOLLARS.

The lack of leadership, foresight or fiscal responsibility that has lead Kansas City to consider light rail (yet again) is sadly hilarious in that it shows how little progress this town has made . . . Of course it's dark humor that would inspire someone to laugh at this town's mistakes but anything has to be funnier than Kansas City hipsters pushing their lame pet projects on the Internets.

UPDATE:

A few local reporters who don't read the Internets were surprised at this morning's cow stunt . . .
HOWEVER, A LOCAL NEWSIE SAID TO ME THAT IT WAS A TOTAL SETUP AND WASTE OF TIME BY THE MAYOR!!!

Once again, the Mayor has managed to piss off a great many people in the local media with a silly stunt that didn't really convince anyone . . . A couple of newsies told TKC that the stunt was embarrasing and a total waste of time . . .

THE ONLY THING THAT WAS WORSE WAS GLORIA SQUITIRO HOVERING OVER REPORTERS AND ATTEMPTING TO CHECK THEIR NOTES!!!

The leadership that Mayor Funky showed today, going along with a lame joke is a prime example of why Kansas City needs to vote this expensive light rail initiative down.

Boycott Journeys!!!

The fall out from the racist receipt isn't over yet as Community Activist Alonzo Washington launches a boycott of the store.

Check out the Mr. Washington inside the store returning merchandise and chatting with the clerk.

Racial Slur On Receipt Prompts Boycott Call

Activist Calls For Store Boycott

Jesus Hates Westport!!!

Reverend Scott Myers of Westport Presbyterian Church wants alcohol sales stopped at 11 p.m. in Westport. Because obviously Jesus doesn't like booze, skanks, loud music OR profit and revenue for Kansas City.

The only real growth industry in this town

KMBC: Pawn Shops Doing Brisk Business

Cash for the crappy houses of KC

NBC Action News reports that City hall is just months away from receiving $7.3 million to buy, rehab and resell hundreds of foreclosed homes. KC has only 18 months to decide which houses it'll rehab and try to resell. Any profit must go back into more neighborhood recovery.

Kansas City Needs More Cops!!!

Thankfully, not every local leaders is buying into Mayor Funky's lame "holistic" approach when it comes to fighting crime . . . Mainly because his silly economic development program seems to be nothing more than a way to offer political payoffs.

KCPD Chief Corwin has a much more direct and better plan to fight crime:

In a meeting with neighborhood leaders this past week, Police Chief Jim Corwin said he plans to ask the city to hire 50 new police officers in 2009.

The Northeast News reports that this is a departure from last year when Corwin said he did not think it was appropriate to ask for new officers or funding for his department in light of a budget crisis. TKC contends that this might be a sign that the KCPD Chief is (wisely) no long aligning himself with the mostly marginalized Mayor Funky. However, the move isn't that drastic considering that it simply fulfills a promise that was made to this town long ago.

More cops on the street is a much better way to fight crime than Prof. Funky's failed crackpot theories that have seen a dramatic increase in local crime and have (thankfully) inspired other leaders in Kansas City to step away from the failed strategy.

Kansas City Morning Link Attack!!!

Lately I think I've been drinking too much coffee, cutting back has been harder than I thought it would be . . . Also, here are a bunch of local links that may or may not be important but certainly not worth blogging:

Slap on the wrist considering we're talking about a decapitation: 25-Year Jail Sentence for 'Precious Doe' Mother

Once again we see the suburbs aren't safe: Couple Carjacked in Overland Park

Show me a new 150k wardrobe!!! Sarah Palin To Be In Missouri On Friday

Small town scam: $5,000 Kick for Cash Controversy Rocks Small Town

Quinn who? The Kansas City Chiefs sign quarterback Quinn Gray to a two-year contract.

Bambi strikes back: Drivers need to watch for deer this time of year

This town is nasty: KCMO Health Inspectors Work to Keep Food Safe

An Amy Winehouse crack attack is always a sight to see

Misdirection: Kansas City strikes back against small businesses in order to fight graffiti and gang problem!!!

NBC Action News reports a stunning case of this town blaming small businesses people for a crime problem that's out of control: In a letter from the Kansas City Neighborhood and Community Services Department, city inspectors informed a local small business owner he is breaking a city nuisance ordinance for having graffiti on his building. He has 10 days to remove it. If not, he will pay fines up to $1000 for each tag or sit in jail for up to four months.

Another deck chair change on KC's Titanic

KCMO Schools Names Another Interim Superintendent

Apparently, it's okay to kill unarmed people at Whiskey Tangos!!!

Normally, I would advise Latinos to protest and boycott Whiskey Tangos because a guy with a Spanish surname, who was unarmed, was shot to death and only a lame excuse was provided for the killing.

On a serious note, the dead guy's wife is outraged by the shooting and lack of justice.

However, I would never want to deny my own people the opportunity to experience this unique enclave of trashy culture. I've actually been to this dump and I can attest that it is probably the single best place in the Midwest to pick up and garner the companionship of desperate, slightly overweight and exceedingly grateful white women . . . Sometimes living well is the best revenge.

THEY CAN'T DEPORT US ALL!!!

Hispanics Account for Half of U.S. Population Growth Since 2000, New Report Finds . . . Check the reference: Chingo Bling

City Market at 95% occupancy

Kansas City's About.com blog comes up with an interesting statistic while reporting the opening of a burrito joint (hehe) in the City Market. In a horrible economy, this is good news at a much cheaper price tag than the huge taxpayer subsidies paid for the P&L District.

KCK Schools outclass KC Proper

Great things are happening in KCK Schools while the public education in Kansas City, Missouri School District couldn't get any worse.

Check it:

All 4 WyCo districts receive excellence awards

Test scores up across the board in KCKPS

This information (yet again) proves that progress and achievement is possible in an urban School District hosting a large minority population. Furthermore, the KCK School District receives far less funding than schools KCMSD and as of late has been earning far better results.

Hey, maybe we don't need to see every laugh line on a newsie's face!!! MyFoxKC says "Hell No" to HD newscasts so far

EngagetHD: The local FOX affiliate WDAF-TV, apparently has no current plans to join its rivals in showing off anchors in 720p / 1080i. KCTV5 recently decided to broadcast HD newscasts so that local perv stories seem that much scarier.

A prayer for light rail

Local blogger Toast is too awesome to disagree with . . . But her recent post regarding light rail is informative if only because support of the nearly billion dollar plan requires a prayer and a bit of blind faith.

"Naked pictures of Barack Obama's mother"

It's either an urban legend or Bol (Missouri's greatest blogger) proves, once again, why the Internets is the future of all news distribution. Too bad questions regarding the photos didn't come up during the debates, but then again they didn't talk about immigration either.

A lot to cover this Thursday

Good morning Kansas City . . . There's a lot to cover today as the clouds seemingly move away but some folks are saying there's a change for snow tonight.

I'm warming myself up with a recent photo gallery of Brande Roderick . . . Stay tuned.

TKC Talks with Darla Jaye Tonight!!!

On this rainy night I'm stepping out of the basement in order to hang out in studio with Darla Jaye!!! It should be an interesting conversation and at some point I might even call her a racist despite the fact that she has been nice enough to let me chat with her on air and not just by way of prank phone call . . .

Tune in to 980 Live with Darla Jaye . . . I'm scheduled on the program at around 8 P.M. - KMBZ News Radio 980 AM.

LJ says : "I'm going to work to that point to get my life back on track"

Crime Scene KC has the official statement from The Kansas City Chiefs running back regarding the several ass kickings he has bestowed upon the ladies.

Mayor Funky's 100k man!!!

Prime Buzz: Kendrick Blackwood got a more than $17,000 salary bump for his new duties as chief of staff to Mayor Mark Funkhouser. His new salary is $100,000 even, according to the city’s human resource department. His old salary was $82,800 . . . Double Bonus: For the time being he doesn't have to deal with Gloria Squitiro's feet!!! Also, since Mayor Funky isn't paying Ed Wolf a quarter mill to take orders from his wife, this actually represents a savings for Kansas City.

Kansas City's Mayor works from home!!!

It's official, Mayor Funky has been so badly marginalized that he's working from home.

The news comes from The Star so I hope you d-bags will believe it this time around. Sadly, the Mayor is retreating to his house while still repeating rhetoric about how he is so available to his constituents and the Council. Here's a bit of his letter from The Star's Prime Buzz Blog:

Funkhouser has been making changes since the volunteer ordinance went into effect last month, including working from home more often.

Date: October 21, 2008

To: City Council

From: Mark Funkhouser

Subject: Mayor's schedule

As I continue to rework how I run my office, I am discontinuing regularly scheduled meetings with Council members who do not chair one of my committees. Making this change affords me with more flexibility to meet on-request with council members and other members of the community.

Since the beginning of my time in office, I have tried to make myself as available to you as possible. You all have my personal cell phone number. And you can always call me and Gloria at the house.

So make that two campaign promises that Mayor Funky has betrayed. Obviously, his relationship with the vast majority of the council is so strained that he isn't even taking regular meetings AND any talk of "transparency" is now a joke since the guy is literally hiding out in his house.

Again, I have to reiterate my concern about the liability that Kansas City faces IF Mayor Funky plans to host City Employees and conduct City business at his residence. I'm not a lawyer but Mayor Funky is already facing a lawsuit because of bad decisions regarding his working environment so his track record on this kind of this is pretty horrible.

Is the Mayor's residence properly zoned to host a City Office?

Does he have the proper insurance for his residence in order to host press on official City Business as he's already done? It's not that I'm worried about his screwed up finances but any newsie to take a spill could end up suing KC Proper.

Is his home wheelchair accessible so that all of Kansas City can have access to the Mayor? Obviously, this isn't a big deal to people who don't rely on wheelchairs but for those that do, the Mayor hanging out in a place that has no access kind sends the wrong signal.

Additionally, I wonder if his neighbors are okay with the new location of the de facto Mayor's office or if his house is even zoned for a home business which is what he's now turned the job of mayor into . . . Clearly, the poor dude is making up his strategy as he goes along and the only thing that's for certain is that Kansas City's Mayor has become so marginalized that he can only cling to any kind of authority under his own roof.

Again, Mayor Funky claims he's not a politician . . . It's now clear that the guy simply isn't a real leader if Kansas City has to look for him hiding at home under his wife's skirt.

TKC EXCLUSIVE!!! RUMOR HAS IT: THE HEREFORD HOUSE WON'T COME BACK TO DOWNTOWN KANSAS CITY!!!

If all of human history has taught us one thing, it is this: People talk.

There's a lot of speculation regarding the Hereford House fire and now it has been revealed that there were threats made against the establishment before the disaster.

I must admit ignorance as to the nature of the blaze which destroyed the place but what I do know is that word has been circulating that the so-called institution won't rebuild (at least not in its current configuration) in downtown Kansas City.

For a moment, lets pretend that this isn't widely circulating talk that is making its way around the metro . . . A simple look at the facts will provide a bit of insight into the desperate situation of the restaurant that gives this speculation even more credence:

Thanks to awesome TKC Tipsters, this blog was the only metro media outlet to note the economically depressed conditions of the neighboring establishments.

A lot of people like to discount economic reality and point to the success of the nearby Crossroads District but then refuse to acknowledge the economic and demographic reality which easily explains: Crossroads hipsters don't eat a lot of steak!!! Even a casual observer will acknowledge that business was off in the downtown Kansas City Hereford House location.

Finally, even more TKC Tipsters point to a spike in recent downtown/Crossroads crime that in and of itself might have led to a change of location for the Hereford House.

Again, I'm not making a prediction . . . I'm just reporting the gossip that is already out there and revealing, yet again, that the promise of a Downtown Renaissance has now been revealed to be a complete lie as evidenced by the smoldering ashes of a classic KC restaurant along with crime-ridden Downtown streets.

TKC EXCLUSIVE!!! PRESENTING A PARTIAL LIST OF LATINO CANDIDATES FOR THE KANSAS CITY SCHOOL BOARD!!!

Here's "the sitch" for those of you who don't know regarding the latest developments in education in Kansas City.

Kansas City School Board member Ingrid Burnett resigned earlier this year because of infighting with School Board President Marilyn Simmons.

Rumor has it that Simmons now sees this as an opportunity to install one of her cronies on the Board which will result in a 5 vote majority that will make her rule nearly unstoppable.

Local Latino leaders are organizing a serious effort to put a member of the Latino Community on the School Board in an attempt to garner representation in a district that is now 25% Latino.

Today is the deadline where names of the candidates for that position will be turned in to the School Board.

Here are a few of the names on the list:

1. Dolores Arzola - The front runner and an active parent in the schools of her children. Arzola former ran for School District but lost to millionaire lawyer Arthur Benson - Who is allegedly allied with Simmons and is also one of the architects of the Billion Dollar Magnet School Failure.

2. Javier Perez - Former Member of the Kansas City Police Board.

3. Patrick Bustos - Bustos also is an active parent and a Board member of HEDC. He is a public affairs specialist for the EPA in KCK.

So often when Latinos are considered for these appointments, there is a lie perpetrated which argues that there are no qualified candidates available . . . Even in this partial list it's clear to see that shameful tactic has no merit in this case. This appointment is critical for the School District. Assuring representation and a voice for the growing Kansas City Latino community is critical and will bring about a cross-cultural coalition that the School Board has allegedly tried to create while providing a way to harness the energy of some of the most active parents in Kansas City Schools . . . Ignoring the Latino Community in this instance gives into cronyism and the strangle hold that the Black Political Elite have exercised over the District which has led to the current debacle and the downward spiral of public education in Kansas City.

THE MANY POLITICOS WHO READ THIS BLOG SHOULD MAKE A CALL TO THE SCHOOL BOARD, WRITE A LETTER OR GET IN TOUCH WITH LATINO LEADERS IN ORDER TO ADVOCATE FOR FAIR REPRESENTATION WHEN IT COMES TO KANSAS CITY SCHOOLS!!!

No lo comprendo: Light Rail excludes Latinos in Kansas City!!!

As the most important Latino in Kansas City, I'm forced to note that Light Rail in Kansas City is racist because virtually no effort has been made (until recently) to include the Latino Community in the design process of the starter route that steers clear of this town's two predominantly Latino neighborhoods.

Nevertheless, there is at least going to be a token effort to convince Latinos in Kansas City to vote for Light Rail and the community will once again host the Mayor's aide Crispin Rea who has spent most of his time in the Mayor's employment trying to create a wedge between the Northeast immigrant community and the Chicanos on the Westside.

Additionally, Latinos might want to remember: The current Light Rail vote is the pet project of a Mayor who not only betrayed promises to Latino leaders but also regularly appears on a talk show which broadcasts hatred toward the Latino Community!!!

Here's the info on the upcoming meeting:

What: Town Hall Meeting - Light Rail
When: October 27th, Monday, 2008
Time: 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Where: Tony Aguirre Community Center

Purpose: Inviting you to a Town Hall meeting on the Westside to answer any questions and clear-up any misconceptions about light rail. For more info visit: www.kcrail.com

As always, I'm sure there are going to be a few sellouts on this issue and because I don't like standing in the way of anyone's opportunity . . . I can only encourage them to get paid upfront because Kansas City leaders have a longstanding legacy of ignoring their promises to the Latino Community and leaving us out of their profitable economic development schemes.

KANSAS CITY BLOGGER ENCOURAGES THE VICTIMS OF A RACIAL SLUR ON A RECEIPT TO RISE ABOVE THE HATRED!!!

In what is likely the best thing written in the blogosphere today, Kansas City blogger Emaw offers a bit of advice for the victims of a racial slur in what has become a high profile story depicting the systemic racism of Johnson County:

So please, Slater family, don't play the role of the victim on this. Please don't wax melodramatic about your pain and suffering and the pain and suffering of your children.

Instead, be magnanimous and accept the store's apology. Lament the fact that this kind of thing can still happen in our day and age and try to make something positive out of it.

I'm assuming that Emaw has also been the victim of racial slurs (by someone other than TKC) so he writes from a place of experience regarding the legacy of centuries of hate, genocide, murder, rape and discrimination. But I really don't want to criticize his post because it was brilliant, heartfelt and a well-reasoned approach to dealing with this sorry situation.

In fact, I wish we lived in a world where others would follow the same logic put forth by Emaw. If we did, then just maybe:

John McCain would reject every vote that came his way based solely on racial intolerance.

Hot ass white women would refuse any monetary benefit or preference based on their aforementioned hot ass.

White people who decry affirmative action or diversity because of twisted logic that interprets it as a "racial preference" might also stay quiet and "take one for the team" even though eloquent complaints against minorities going to college result in awesome blog traffic and sometimes even a radio talk show.

The rich white guys getting a $700 Billion dollar bailout just might give the money back and take their losses.

Again, Emaw's post was well intentioned and correct when noting that some people view any offense against them as a winning ticket in the legal lottery. A classic clip from (my favorite animated series) The Boondocks illustrates as much:



Nevertheless, the conclusion reached by those who want the victims of this racist receipt to "take the high road" or "be quiet" or any other kind of euphemism, basically translating into silence, is incorrect. A more honest sign of equality, one that we rarely see, is when people of color are allowed to be just as mediocre, greedy and vindictive as everyone else in this nation without facing even more racially motivated attacks that attempt to stereotype their actions. A recent Chris Rock quote makes this concept much clearer than I ever could:

"Baseball statistically isn't equal almost until the '70s…because that’s when you started to see bad black baseball players. True equality is the equality to suck like the white man…I want the license to be bad and come back, and learn."

Additionally, I'm also certain that it represents a true socialist tendency, currently decried by Republicans, to get in the way of anybody getting paid. Whether or not the victims of the racial slur chose to cash in doesn't concern me but the clear denial of facts is disturbing in an instance where a largely white institution is clearly found to be in the wrong and the victims of an injustice rightfully speak up. The response from so many is to downplay any damage done to folks who were subjected to the slur, encourage silence and hope for a quick resolution that doesn't highlight the inherent bigotry of a community that was built on racial covenants and maintained by divisive attitudes that turn even a mundane transaction into an opportunity to invoke SUPREMACY.

Please forget about Water Infrastructure because Mayor Funky has: Hundreds of millions for light rail is just the beginning

The Star: "Kansas City Mayor Mark Funkhouser on Tuesday touted the proposed 14-mile starter light-rail line as part of a larger transit network that could keep the area competitive nationwide."

The Chiefs need Michael Vick!!!

Former NFL Quarterback Michael Vick might soon earn an early release from Leavenworth . . . Consider: He's a better athlete than most of the current Chiefs, he'll be working at a discount AND Kansas City doesn't seem to mind that LJ allegedly beats the hell out of women so a guy who abuses dogs shouldn't be that big of a deal.

Just one more Kansas City monkey post

Sorry, there's not much new information here (as usual) . . . But this Kansas City monkey story deserves just a bit more attention:

Charges dropped in Jackson County monkey theft

Criminal charges have been dropped against a Kansas City woman accused of stealing monkeys from an animal sanctuary in southeastern Jackson County.

Confusion, Frustration After Charges Dropped in Monkey Theft Case

THE GOOD LIFE: JOCO GETS FATTER!!!

NBC Action News reports: A new study shows the percentage of people who are considered to be obese in Johnson County, Kan., is growing. The report from the Johnson County Health Department shows 53 percent of Johnson County adults were overweight or obese in 2001. Last year, that number jumped to 58 percent.

One more look at Willy's

No homo, of course . . . But an informative review from The KC Guy.

Chatty Kansas City Morning Links

Here's what I'm reading this morning:

Damn you Kansas City Star and your dumbass use of double entendre: Check out a profile of Marcia the Pie Lady and how she satisfied a presidential candidate's pie obsession. Sessy.

KCTV5 reports a story that could eliminate a great deal of their content if it becomes a trend: San Francisco May Decriminalize Sex Trade

KCK Money Guy gets a better gig: Unified Government Chief Financial Officer, Jack Manahan, resigned today from his position he has held for more than two years to accept a position with CGI, an international consulting firm.

Nick Sloan: Good news for Virginians – light-rail is over budget and behind schedule.

Huge turnout expected for Advanced JoCo voting.

Protecting the perp instead of the poor broad who was beaten: A Missouri law that permits judges to protect the identities of defendants charged with domestic abuse should be changed, a Kansas City appeals judge wrote Tuesday.

Local effort to make Halloween less scary for folks who don't realize friends that family are fare more likely to molest young people than anyone else: Clay County sex offenders get a warning for Halloween

A B.J. for Jay!!! B.J. Marsh, Republican State Representative from Springfield, today endorsed Jay Nixon for Governor.

The latest money losing exhibit in Kansas City: Tickets available for "The Tsar and the President" exhibit at Union Station

New Xtina photos aren't too bad for a broad who just squeezed out a kid.

One more Kansas City Kid gets capped

NBC Action News: 15-Year-Old Shot at 47th and Vermont

How Obama bought the election

Dave Helling has a fantastic front page article today regarding the death of public financing of presidential campaigns. Apparently it's an antiquated system that seems hopelessly out of date given that Obama raised more than $600 million and counting. And with that kind of money a candidate could be a socialist who hangs out with terrorists and still win. Wait . . .

Kansas City celebrates bad art and ignores the stench at Brush Creek once again!!!

WaterFire returns to Brush Creek this Saturday. The Star lists the many challenges faced in putting on the event but sadly fails to mention the bad smell after a heavy rain or all of the floating poo . . . Yet again, Kansas City celebrates high art, snobbery and pricey events put on for the people of JoCo but neglects local water infrastructure . . . Still, there's a bit of poetic justice in this piece of performance art because so many folks will try their best to ignore the smell and stare at the illuminated creek full of floating turds. In other words, this Kansas City event is remarkable in that it is both figuratively and literally full of shit.

Favorite place of drunken white people set to officially reopen in Waldo

NBC Action News reports that a building destroyed by fire is set to reopen in Waldo . . . Apparently, the owners embraced a "green" design which should explain the long delay in reopening: "The new building is 12,000 square feet, featuring energy efficient lighting, recyclable materials, expansive display glass, wide sidewalks, breezeways, bike racks, public art and a planted roof that will absorb 70 percent of rainwater."

NEW FilmFest Created in KANSAS CITY!!!

Because that new Mac should be used for something more important than surfing porn: FilmFestKC, the oldest film festival in Kansas City, has agreed to combine with Kansas City Filmmakers Jubilee and create a single film extravaganza called Kansas City FilmFest.

So goes Sprint, So goes Kansas City

Corporate propaganda proclaims that Kansas City's economic future is inexorably tied to a shaky telcom that has already underwent a merger and is continually firing employees.

"We believe no company is more important to the economic health of Kansas City than Sprint is," Dan Hesse, CEO of Sprint Nextel said. "Our salaries alone inject over $1 billion a year into this economy."

The fact that this telcom owns a little piece of The Star's Internet presence speaks to their dedication to this area (I guess) . . . Still, I think we can all agree that if Kansas City's finances are connected to this floundering corporate giant . . . We're all screwed.

Chiefs on track to lose yet again!!!

Kansas City Chiefs blog Arrowhead Pride advises that fans shouldn't expect a new Kansas City Chiefs starting quarterback any time soon . . . The Independent Arrowhead reporters write: "Herm Edwards said at today's press conference that it would take 'at least a couple of weeks' before a quarterback that isn't currently on the roster to come in and learn the system sufficiently to play."

Westport Anniversary marks the longest running Kansas City skank fest!!!

The Star: "Celebrate Westport's 175th anniversary"

Prop A is about Profit

Missouri blogger J-Dub takes apart the pretty prose of an upcoming casino vote on loss limits.

Time to prioritize Kansas City

I'm working on a couple of things today so, yet again, I'm going to try to be brief and get to the point in today's posts . . . Hell, I might also try and proofread!!! As much as I like the d-bags who read this page and I'd love to spend hours in online discourse sorting out the various personal vendettas and pyramid schemes that comprise all of Kansas City politics . . . I have other projects that I'm working on which include hotass Gisele Bündchen photo galleries (NSFW Ads) and online video games. It's important for everyone in Kansas City to prioritize since the Mayor who promised fiscal responsibility and Infrastructure improvements is now pushing light rail and plans to stay home with his wife on most days.

Kansas City Late Night Link Dump

I had stuff to do in the real world today . . . But here's the best of what I missed:

Our long local nightmare is over!!! Criminal charges have been dropped against a Kansas City woman accused of stealing monkeys from an animal sanctuary in southeastern Jackson County.

Alonzo Washington Exclusive regarding the racist Oak Park Mall receipt: Here is the statement from Journeys regarding the N-word receipt!

Election Night Drinking suggestions from KC Beer Blog.

Because why would anyone want to spend time on the issues? A Northland man is using a video camera to catch the person stealing his signs.

Even Kansas City Charities are broke: Area United Way groups are $400,000 behind

If you're wearing shoes, he probably doesn't care about your opinion: Mayor Dismisses Light Rail Lawsuit

Crime Scene KC posted a comprehensive round-up of the Hereford House fire/explosion.

From all reports sent to TKC . . . Mayor Kay won second debate against Sam Graves as well.

Young Woman Abducted from Home Found Safe

Obama Stays Winning!!! Suicide rate up, especially among middle-aged whites!!! Don't think I'm being crass, nobody likes quitters.

And let's not forget a bittersweet photo gallery of beautiful and crazy ass Shanna Moakler.

TKC EXCLUSIVE!!! THE CITY COUNCIL IS HANGING MAYOR FUNKY OUT TO DRY AND FAKING SUPPORT FOR LIGHT RAIL!!!

Today Mayor Funky made a fool of himself North of the River while holding a press conference to support Light Rail.

It's worth repeating the following facts regarding the Mayor's support of the current Light Rail initiative:

Mayor Funky's support of this Light Rail initiative betrays his promises of focusing on Infrastructure and watching the City's finances.

Supporting this light rail initiative also finds Mayor Funky flip-flopping on his own word when he noted that a starter line was "virtually worthless."

Mayor Funky's criticism of light rail also makes his previous complaints against the vanity projects of former Mayor Kay seem shallow and hypocritical.

But what's even more interesting:

THE VAST MAJORITY OF THE CITY COUNCIL IS AVOIDING PUBLIC ENDORSEMENT OF LIGHT RAIL!!!

In theory and even according to a few documents the City Council supports Light Rail but they aren't making public appearances, they aren't making phone calls and they're doing nothing to rally their constituents to this cause.

Off the record, two City Council folks have noted to TKC:

"Yes, my name is down as a supporter but I haven't found time to go to any of the meetings or press conferences."

Another said:

"It is just not a priority for me right now. My district has bigger issues to address and, frankly, there haven't been many voters encouraging me to take a more active role. In fact, quite the opposite."

Political expediency has kept most of the Council from speaking out against the project but I imagine that the growing opposition to the project is going to inspire some brave Council person to take a gamble and go on record against Light Rail.

MEANWHILE, MAYOR FUNKY IS BETTING IT ALL ON LIGHT RAIL!!!

The sad thing is, there's no real reward if he gambles correctly.

If this Light Rail Initiative passes than Mayor Funky has made a great many fiscally conservative enemies and his reputation as someone who is "smart with the money" has been completely destroyed. Whereas . . . If the Mayor is on the losing side, he has yet again proven that he is essentially powerless in Kansas City politics.

In the coming months I'm guessing that the economy will continue to worsen as dimwits accept the notion that they're buying into the bottom of the market by people eager to sell . . . Still, the Council keeping conspicuously quiet on this one (except for that genius Russ Johnson) is undoubtedly a good political move but doesn't really keep the best interests of Kansas City's pocketbook in mind.

Kansas City Money Crunch!!!

KC Currents has a couple of great stories regarding broke ass Kansas City.

Check it:

Credit Crisis Delays Sewer Expansion

Financial Crisis has City Leaders Examining Budget: "Like local governments around the country, Kansas City relies on municipal bonds to finance major projects, like improvements to its water and sewer system. And with the current credit freeze, the city's waiting for a better market to issue 200 million dollars worth of water bonds." TKC completely agrees, admires the awesome reporting but sadly must be a bit of a jerk and note a previous post from this blog on the subject earlier this month: BAD MUNICIPAL BOND MARKET MEANS THAT KANSAS CITY DOESN'T HAVE THE CASH FOR LIGHT RAIL!!!

Nevertheless, KC Currents always has great stuff and provides some of the most insightful of any news outlet in this cowtown.

Kansas City needs women on top!!!

I'm a strong believer in diversity in every aspect of life, entertainment and local government. That's why a fact about employment disparity at City Hall is frustrating and must be corrected:

THERE ARE NO FEMALE DEPARTMENT DIRECTORS AT CITY HALL!!!

Certainly, it's odd for this blog to take up the cause of promoting women in power but so many in Kansas City have ignored the situation for far too long.

Also, decrying this Kansas City fact about yet another instance of employment disparity gives me an opportunity to list my two favorite quotes on the subject of women in power:

Steve Martin: "I believe you should place a woman on a pedestal - high enough so you can look up her dress."

And this quote from Col. Jessep, played by Jack Nicholson, in "A Few Good Men" is often cut short but taken in it's entirety, I think it's no less supportive of the cause of equal pay for equal work: "There is nothing on this earth sexier, believe me, gentlemen, than a woman you have to salute in the morning. Promote 'em all, I say, 'cause this is true: if you haven't gotten a blowjob from a superior officer, well, you're just letting the best in life pass you by."

Sadly, this isn't something that I can simply blame on Mayor Funky. In fact, responsibility for this horrible lack of equality at City Hall rests with City Manager Wayne Cauthen. Nearly a year ago, Kansas City spoke up for the City's first African-American City Manager and now it is time for him to promote or hire women as department heads in spite of current budget woes or any other excuses . . . It's past time to put women on top!!!

OAK PARK MALL RACIST RECEIPT!!!

Whenever TKC notes the racism of the Kansas City area there are generally two responses:

1. Some white person gets indignant, kind of angry and then in turn calls TKC a racist as if white people had any authority to speak, write or comment on the subject other than to simply admit guilt.

B. Condescendingly and patiently a white person will explain all of Kansas City's racial progress to me as if I was a small child. These folks, usually liberal d-bags, will note all of the token progress that this mostly segregated city has made and then recommend that I change my opinion so that I too can become a corporate sellout like Mary Sanchez who clearly has been inspired by this blog to write about Latino issues for a change instead of just being a liberal shill.

Anyhoo . . . Despite either one of these tactics, I remain convinced of nothing and sadly must point out . . .

AT THE END OF THE DAY A PERSON OF COLOR CAN'T EVEN BUY A PAIR OF SHOES IN JOHNSON COUNTY WITHOUT BEING SUBJECTED TO RACIAL SLURS!!!

KMBC's Marcus Moore files what could be the greatest story ever told regarding Oak Park Mall. Check it:

A Kansas City man found a racial slur printed on his receipt after returning a pair of shoes he bought over the weekend.

KMBC's Marcus Moore reported that Keith Slater, 22, bought a pair of shoes from a store called Journeys. Slater later returned them after finding a cheaper pair at another store. Slater did get his money back, but it was what was printed on the receipt that he and his family found disturbing.

It's a classic tale but sadly it's typical . . . And it only brings about more questions:

Did the clerk type out this option or simply select it from the register?

If his was an option in the register in an attempt to obtain customer data than that could make Journeys the most racist shoe store in the nation.

Damn, despite the circumstances or whatever lame excuse that's offered, there is no dispute that somebody printed out a racial slur and handed to a young man for simply exchanging some shoes. That's a surprising level of racism and bigotry even for JoCo, even for the mall and especially for a trendy shoe store.

Again, I'm not surprised and it simply confirms my suspicion that a great many people in JoCo are horribly racist. I would advocate a total boycott of the mall until the situation is properly addressed but discouraging the presence of any people of color is probably the motivation of this type of behavior in the first place. Also, there are way too many hot white women shopping at Oak Park Mall for me to even consider the option.

KANSAS CITY VIOLENCE KILLS FAMILIES

A disturbing KCTV5 profile of the victims of a recent tragedy: Three young children lose their mother when she dies on the front porch of her home after being shot. Meanwhile the Mayor has reneged on his effort to fight illegal guns in Kansa