Tony's Kansas City

Happy 4th of July Kansas City!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Tony) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:59:00 +0000

I hope TKC readers are taking just a tiny break from depressing local politics, culture and gossip in order to celebrate United States Independence from everything except foreign oil, most consumer electronics created overseas and the low cost powerhouse of Chinese Manufacturing which produces nearly everything for the average American household. At the very least I'm celebrating patriotic porn star Carmen Luvana in a sweet American flag bikini photo gallery.

Stay safe. Remember to be careful with fireworks. Try to avoid violent conflict. Don't let the rain ruin the celebration. Remember the people responsible for your freedom . . . Sadly, in many cases this involves Kansas City's silly adherence to "stop snitchin" social norms.

Most of all . . . Have fun.

To wit, here is Saturday Night's TKC Playlist a bit early and inspired by a celebration and consideration of The Greatest Nation on Earth (clue: It's not Denmark despite their ability to expertly balance a commitment to social insurance for their people against a competitive high tech economy while leading the world in environmental consciousness.)

As always, thank you for reading.

Like TKC said: Star Going Bust!?!

noreply@blogger.com (Tony) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:19:00 +0000

McClatchy Watch is reporting on some widely noted not-so-secret meetings at The Star as of late.

Hot shots from McClatchy's corporate office have been at 1729 Grand for a few days this week, and it looks like they are having meetings about something serious.

Publisher Mark Zieman and Randy Waters, VP of Production, are among those involved in the meetings with the corporate suits.

But everybody is tight-lipped about the purpose of the meetings.

McClatchy Watch is a run by a former reporter so he's very strict about entertaining any speculation. McClatchy Watch floats the idea of The Star possibly going up for sale or maybe selling off the new printing operation in dumbass glass building downtown.

Whereas I just don't care and I kinda have an idea of what's going on . . . More layoffs on the way along with the frightening prospect (to some) related to eventually canceling one of the days they print the historical document people call a newspaper . . . Most likely Monday or Tuesday . . . TKC thinks journalism is overrated and the rare occasion when I'm able to communicate with insiders (always off the record) really provides a greater insight into what's really happening in this cowtown.

No Holiday from Royals Mediocrity

noreply@blogger.com (Tony) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:12:00 +0000

This story almost speaks for itself: Chicago White Sox blank Kansas City Royals 5-0 . . . The Money quote references a bunch of suckers witnessing one of this town's many embarrassments: "They soundly solved formidable Zack Greinke en route to a 5-0 triumph over the Kansas City Royals before a quiet sellout crowd of 39,026 at Kauffman Stadium."

Sometimes it's hard always being right about the futility of local pro-sports. No it's not.

Power & Light Michael Jackson Tribute

noreply@blogger.com (Tony) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 09:58:00 +0000

Looks like last night was awash in Supremacy, subtext and celebration in Kansas City concerning the passing of the King of Pop.

NBC Action News reports that "hundreds joined a tribute to Michael Jackson at Kansas City’s Power and Light District Friday night."

Alonzo Washington writes a compelling critique of the event.

General Blather also posts a wonderfully titled MJ Tribute: "The Day Pop Music Died"

Kansas City Shrink Makes Sexy House Calls!

noreply@blogger.com (Tony) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 09:53:00 +0000

Missouri authorities have suspended the medical license of a Kansas City psychiatrist for having phone sex and making other sexual advances toward a patient.

KANSAS CITY HISTORY REVEALED!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Tony) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 09:52:00 +0000

Hyperblogal shares photos and a great description of documents and other artifacts recently discovered in the cornerstone the old Boys Hotel Memorial constructed in 1921 just off Paseo at Admiral and Flora.

I guess we could call it news: The Star reports NOTHING on Eastside Green Zone

noreply@blogger.com (Tony) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 09:51:00 +0000

The Star: "Details on Green Impact Zone are sparse so far" Then again, so is Star reporting so I guess that's cool. Or something.

The Saturday Holiday Link Shower

noreply@blogger.com (Tony) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 09:34:00 +0000

It's raining, it's early in the morning . . . Somebody told me it was a holiday. TKC never rests, that's why I'm one of the best.

Here are some links for you bags:

Shockingly embarrassing story about a local electrician stuck in a tree.

Good timing for Gov. Jay: Nixon signs legislation giving Missouri veterans a tax break

The Star celebrates the fact that Riverfest wasn't rained on.

Show Me some good news: Traffic Fatalities Down in Missouri So Far in 2009

Another kind of local Eco-Devo without the payoffs, I hope: Wetlands Come to Kansas City

Mo Rage has some great Independence Day Thoughts.

Pitch promotion of a pretty cool event: Taste of Troost Lineup

The weekend read: Phil S. Dixon, a Negro Leagues baseball historian, has written a new book on the late Buck O'Neil.

An amazing City Hall photo with a bit of Kansas City history from the Cool Valley flickr photo stream.

TKC EXCLUSIVE!!! Gentrification on the Westside of Kansas City is Dangerous!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Tony) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 23:03:00 +0000

The corner of 17th and Summit is an intersection dividing different worlds. On one side there is the pricey Blue Bird cafe and a very expensive bakery catering to yuppies throughout downtown, on the other side there is Los Alamos -- One of the many bodegas in the Latino neighborhoods of Kansas City. The Southeast side contains a hip-hop recording studio and across from that is an urban garden and a parking lot.

This last story of the day is just a bit of neighborhood news that has greater implications for all of Kansas City and maybe even the nation. This story is currently spreading all around The Westside like wildfire.

Recently, one of the many urban professionals -- a new arrival to the neighborhood -- along with one of his friends were brutally beaten and robbed in front of Los Alamos market by two men who were most likely illegal immigrants . . . Right or wrong, the term used around this part of town is "mojados" -- At the very least I want TKC readers to know just a little bit about the wonderfully descriptive language of The Westside.

From what I hear the robbery was rather intense. One of the victims is now in the hospital under intensive care.

Now, this story might not shine a flattering light on The Westside, my neighborhood, but it's important to acknowledge reality. The reality of the situation is that rampant real estate speculation in this part of town is creating real tension among everyone in this neighborhood. The Great Recession has killed the hopes of so many interlopers hoping to cash in on a relatively safe neighborhood meanwhile longtime neighbors are feeling infringed upon by obtrusive and towering new structures that scream arrogance and a desire to sculpt, transform and recreate a community that was doing fine long before slimy real estate speculators. In all this, crooks and thugs are always looking for opportunity.

I'm very familiar with this community and recently I've seen things that just don't belong . . . A few white people walking their dogs at night, women joggers in the early evening and drunken hipster party-goers relaxing . . . These are all nice things . . . But Downtown Kansas City, The Westside and so many parts of the urban core aren't exactly ready for the middle-class to create Disney land at the center of this violent city.

It's sad but it's a fact . . . Yuppies and Hipsters walking around with their head in the air in the urban core are putting themselves in danger.

What keeps people safe is situational awareness, an understanding of their surroundings and just a little bit of caution . . . These traits are not prized by the arrogant American middle-class and therein lies the problem.

So . . . Once again TKC is trying to help by bringing a bit of real talk. Illogically priced houses that have stayed for sale for years can't deliver the message loudly enough, some folks aren't taking their cues from the real estate collapse and lingering recession . . . And in the meantime yuppies keep making themselves easy targets in a neighborhood that is sometimes more dangerous than people think.

Change is always difficult, what's even harder is when things stay the same -- which is usually the case in Kansas City.

Raytown judge arrested in pan throwing flap

noreply@blogger.com (Tony) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 22:55:00 +0000

A link from NBC Action News: "The Raytown Post reports that Municipal Judge Traci Fann was arrested Wednesday evening at her home. Police officers were responding to a disturbance call. When police got there Fann told them a man was grabbing her and throwing pans. But he said she was intoxicated.

Officers arrested Fann and the next day she was charged with assault."

Slap on the wrist for KC booze joints

noreply@blogger.com (Tony) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 22:51:00 +0000

WDAF reports . . . Harry's Country Club and Brooksider Bar & Grill will be closed for two days for violations of multiple city ordinances, including employees selling alcoholic beverages to minors. The most important part of this "discipline" courtesy of KC: The suspensions will begin July 5 at 9 a.m. and end July 7 at 1:30 a.m. So, Friday & Saturday nights on the July 4th weekend will not be impacted.

My favorite part of Kansas City . . . When people stop pretending to care.

Friday Freedom Links

noreply@blogger.com (Tony) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 22:34:00 +0000

Some Friday Afternoon Links for the Cloudy and slightly rainy 4th:

KCPD takes Drunk Patrol to the next level: Crime Scene KC reports DUI crackdown.

JoCo Car peeping

Kansas City continues to clash: Late Night Violence Sends Two Men to Hospitals

A bit of 4th of July nostalgia from Bookpusher

Mail from a murderer: Abortion Doc Murder Suspect Advocates Via Mail

Palin resigning as Alaska governor . . . No word if Tina Fey will be sought as a replacement.

Afraid of the weekend blowup: The police bomb squad unit was called to a home Friday afternoon near 44th and Eaton streets after a man was found dead inside. NBC Action News: "Man Found Dead with Military Ordnance Nearby"

"Russian Dolls"

noreply@blogger.com (Tony) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 22:31:00 +0000

Sometimes it's nice to find common ground with another blogger . . . Especially with KC With a Russian Accent.

Background on Woodyard Barbecue

noreply@blogger.com (Tony) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 22:28:00 +0000

KC Wired comes up with an interesting profile of Merriam KS that supplies wood to all of the other BBQ joints in town . . . And serves up some good stuff of their own.

Midtown Miscreant Celebrates Independence!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Tony) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 22:27:00 +0000

Another great blight Tour from one of my favorite bloggers.

TKC EXCLUSIVE!!! NICE TURNAROUND FOR THE FRIENDS OF TERRY RILEY!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Tony) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:05:00 +0000

Councilman Terry Riley is a gentleman and a scholar and he could be the next Mayor of Kansas City . . . And I'm only halfway kidding.

C'mon . . . You guys know the Eastside vote as well as I do and there's no way the 3rd or 5th District stands behind Sly James without some serious reservations - Especially when Sly rarely makes his presence known on the wrong side of Waldo.

ANYHOO . . . Politics is all about helping friends and hurting enemies . . . And in at least one instance KICKASS TKC TIPSTERS recognize that the Councilman has a lot of pull.

Remember that TKC is the only local news(ish) source to report on the alleged hiring of Kimiko Gilmore by City Manager Wayne Cauthen.

TKC Tipsters are saying this stinks to high heaven for a number of reasons but here are the most important:

Gilmore is a great gal but she just got her MPA. She's fresh out of grad school working an important position that is usually occupied by seasoned professionals with FAR MORE EXPERIENCE. The influence of Riley is seen as part of her meteoric rise despite the concerns of a great many.

Why would Councilman Riley care? Maybe because . . . GILMORE USED TO WORK FOR THE FORMER COUNCIL DUDE!!!

This Assistant to the City Manager gig is choice and the salary could come in at more than 100k. This could be a HUGE favor to hand out to somebody who doesn't have the usual qualifications for the gig.

So . . . While this bit of power brokering by Riley seems unsavory and highly inappropriate to a great many City Hall watchers . . . It is also seen as a testament to Riley's influence inside The Hall. Make no mistake . . . Riley is a force to contend with and the people of Kansas City would do well to realize the power that he wields.

Pitch Punk Peter Rugg Fights Like A Bitch

noreply@blogger.com (Tony) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 10:53:00 +0000

Ah . . . Kansas City Newsies never cease to amaze me . . . They talk all day and night about their "credibility" but when it comes down to it . . . The vast majority of them are timid, would rather type tough than debate face to face and when it comes down to it they act like petty old ladies.

To wit . . . KC Confidential details a fantastic run in with a Pitch writer that turned nasty. Check it:

Around midnight Thursday when Pitch staff writer Peter Rugg exited Lew’s Grill & Bar in Waldo, executed a finger point shout out to me, then hurled his drink striking me, a waitress and Lew’s co-owner Andy Lewellen.

Seriously dude? What kind of grown man throws a drink?

I don't know how things work in Waldo . . . But on the Westside I'm absolutely sure that kind of sissy move would get a grown man killed. Then again . . . This is a "Journalism" debate we're talking about . . . Wordsmiths like Nadia "For the Love of God stop calling me a chickenhead" Pflaum and even the Lesbionic overlord C.J. Janovy are great at stirring up discontent but duck their heads and start running when things get "real" up close and personal . . . It's one thing to tweet something nasty . . . It's quite another to stand behind it or participate in a discussion. Poor Peter Rugg . . . It looks like he was caught up in the web of bravado spun by beeatches typing on a keyboard. Sexist or no . . .

A real man knows when to ignore the feigned outrage of silly women.

And about this time I'm glad that bloggers are not part of the effete world of newsies fighting over so-called "credibility" . . . Because it all seems rather lame and while the blogosphere is place for debate, disagreement and discontent . . . I've yet to see or hear of something so stupid as a grown man acting like Audrey Hepburn and spilling a drink on a dude and then running away.

Real talk: Pitch Staffers seem more and more frustrated as Likeme.net and the devious plans of Village Voice Media seemingly move toward replacing so many of them.

If Hearne is spilling the facts (likely) this is a pussy move for Peter Rugg.

More Real Talk . . . Nadia and C.J. what you're doing is dangerous and you're dealing with forces that you don't truly understand. People around you humor you and listen to your B.S. but the angst, hate and frustration that both of you emanate from unsatisfied fajitas (or whatever) shouldn't lead to real world physical altercations . . . Fighting among writers is silly and unsavory and the level of angst spewed for by you two is getting out of control . . . I know this because cooler heads talk behind your back and are amazed at your lack of humor, wit and style . . . Also because middle-class white women make everyone suffer if they haven't found a worthwhile cause. Natch. If you two can't play nice without provoking hate . . . A spanking might be in order . . . Or maybe it's just time for Village Voice to clean house a little bit more thoroughly at a paper that prints a surprisingly meager amount of copies and is in worse shape than most realize.

Something like a wave of Ad Interest

noreply@blogger.com (Tony) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 10:50:00 +0000

Met with a few potential advertisers this week . . . And since this isn't a HUGE news day I'm soliciting input from anybody who cares . . .

First of all . . . TKC has discovered that sidebar ads don't work and I really just like the sidebar to show stuff that I'm interested in which is always more important to me than the sordid topic of coin.

On the other hand, inline ads look kind of promising.

What his means is there could be a few posts every day containing ad copy designed by TKC . . . Just a jpeg really at about 400 x 400px with a descriptive link . . . Following Google NoFollow Guidelines of course. TKC will not attempt to trade page rank.

Now . . . I haven't done this yet . . . But I'm thinking of pursing it.

Ads will be labeled Ads . . . If I do this, they will roll in content just like a magazine with no commentary from me. . . And they might be closed to comment. Most likely, they'll probably feature original work from the mind of TKC. This is an ad solution I can live with . . . And while I don't really care what most of you bags think . . . If anyone has any strong objections . . . Now is the time to speak up.

Sadly . . . None of this is as sessy or exciting as recent photos of Denise Richards in a bikini.

MO Money for Mike Talboy!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Tony) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 10:49:00 +0000

Just a quick bit of follow-up . . . TKC EXCLUSIVELY covered one of the biggest Kansas City Democrat gatherings of the Summer so far.

Here's the aftermath . . .

On a Monday . . .

In the Summer . . .

Kansas City Democrat State Rep Mike Talboy raised about 8k among a crowd of more than 100!!!

That's big money for somebody that Republicans aren't even going to run against as KC is FINALLY starting to make inroads at The State Level with more influence (and cash) hopefully on the way.

Kansas City Ballet's Todd Bolender Center For Dance & Creativity Walkthrough

noreply@blogger.com (Tony) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 10:48:00 +0000

A rare high art preview of the upcoming ballet building courtesy of one of Kansas City's classy institutions, an architectural firm . . . And Youtube.

The JO Bucks Bus

noreply@blogger.com (Tony) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 10:45:00 +0000

Randy Miller hosts a few slightly funny promotional videos for The Jo.

Best part of the JoCo Bus trivia contest . . . Episode 1 . . . Miller mistakes The Jo for Light Rail.

Gov. Jay puts Truman on blast

noreply@blogger.com (Tony) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 10:36:00 +0000

The Star: Nixon requests statue of Truman in U.S. Capitol . . . Honoring a hometown hero who spent most of his life in mediocrity only to later unleash the power of the Sun on the Japanese . . . Believe in your dreams!!!

30 KC Red Light Cameras by End of July!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Tony) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 10:32:00 +0000

Keeping watch and collecting fines in Kansas City reaches the tipping point.

Independence and Freedom

noreply@blogger.com (Tony) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 10:31:00 +0000

Fireworks Legal In Indy After 20 Years . . . Some things just go better with Meth.

Next Kansas City Mayor: Mike Burke

noreply@blogger.com (Tony) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 10:26:00 +0000

Not so long ago . . . TKC put a former City Councilman in play in the next Mayoral Race that's already going down.

Now, KC Tribune brings even more details . . . As the current Mayor is all but irrelevant.

Pros: Northland Credentials.

Democrat affiliation.

City Hall Experience.

Cons: Lawyer.

Not as tall as current Mayor.

All things considered: Stalin would make a better Mayor than Gloria Squitiro . . . Who is currently running Funkhouser and his staff (ew).