Kansas City Charity Events - 2010 Charity Fundraisers in Kansas City

Kansas City Charity Events - 2010 Fundraisers

Kansas City is known for having some of the biggest and brightest charity fundraisers in the nation, but if you're not paying attention you might miss them. That's why we at Kansas City News dot pro are going to give you the skinny:

Bacchus Black Ball

Charity - The Bacchus Foundation
Event Location - The Madrid Theatre
Event Date - February 6th, 2010
Attire - Black Tie
Cost - $100 per person - $175 per couple

The 55th Annual Bacchus Ball will be held this year at The Madrid Theatre and will feature live entertainment by Kansas City's favorite 80's band, The Zeros.

Horizon Academy's Bayou Bash

Charity - Horizon Academy Kansas City
Event Location - Starlight Theater
Event Date - Saturday, February 6th, 2010
Attire - New Orleans Mardi Gras Theme
Cost - $115 per ticket (sponsorship available)

Horizon Academy will hold their 6th annual Bayou Bash this year at Starlight Theater. Auction items will include a "Pick Your Destination" vacation, a "Las Vegas, Baby" getaway, and other great items. Entertainment for the event has not yet been announced as Starlight Theater coordinator Lindsey Rood denied Horizen Academy's request for their choice of entertainment.

Code Red 2010 - The Millennial League

Charity - AIDS Service Foundation of Greater Kansas City
Event Location - Madrid Theatre
Event Date - Friday, February 12th, 2010
Attire - Business Casual to Black Tie
Cost - $20 general admission, $75 VIP
Purchase Tickets to Code Red 2010 Event

The Millennial League is targeted toward young business professionals (although the spokeswoman that was just on Fox 4 was around 55 years old) and they support the missions and goals of the AIDS Service Foundation of Greater Kansas City. The Millennial League's charity event is called "Val-O-Ween" and will feature live entertainment from The Zeros.

Sunflower House - Valentine Gala

Charity - Sunflower House
Event Location - Overland Park Sheraton
Event Date - Saturday, February 13th, 2010
Cost - $150 (sponsorship available)

The Sunflower House, a charity group that fights child abuse, will hold it's annual Valentine Gala this year featuring a V.I.P. cocktail hour, fine dining, and dancing to live music provided by Adam Blue Productions.

Children's Mercy Hospital's Red Hot Night

Charity - Children's Mercy Hospital
Event Location - Kansas City Convention Center
Event Date - Saturday, February 13th, 2010
Attire - Black Tie

The focus on this year's charity event is cancer research. Children’s Mercy is working towards achieving COG designation as a Phase I/II Clinical Trial Center within their Experimental Therapeutics Program – a prestigious designation held by fewer than 25 children’s hospitals worldwide.

The Red Ball

Charity - The American Red Cross
Event Location - The Sprint Center, Kansas City
Event Date - Friday, February 26th, 2010
Attire - Black Tie
Cost - $175 per ticket (sponsorship available)

In it's third year, The American Red Cross is set to roll out the red carpet once again this year for The Red Ball. This year, the event will feature a catered dinner from Levy Restaurants and entertainment from Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. The event is set in a beautifully decorated Sprint Center, complete with red cross lights in the front windows of the massive event space.

Forks and Corks for Harvesters

Charity - Harvesters
Event Location - Kansas City Convention Center
Event Date - April 29th, 2010
Attire - Business Casual

The 14th annual Forks and Corks will assemble this year at the Kansas City Convention Center and will feature several top Kansas City Restaurants serving their best cuisine, a silent auction and a delightful wine selection and tasting.

Wayside Waifs - Fur Ball 2010

Charity - Wayside Waifs
Event Location - Overland Park Convention Center
Event Date - May 8th, 2010
Attire - Formal / Business Casual

Kansas City's favorite charity and charity event, Wayside Waifs annual FurBall will be held this year at The Overland Park Convention Center and will feature a live auction, and entertainment provided by Adam Blue Productions.

Jazzoo 2010

Charity - The Kansas City Zoo
Event Location - The Kansas City Zoo
Event Date - June 4th, 2010
Attire - Creative Black Tie

Kansas City's most creative and outrageous charity event has and always will be Jazzoo. Jazzoo 2010 will be no exception as there will be dozens of Kansas City's finest restaurants on site at The Kansas City Zoo, featuring their best cuisine. Party right along side the animals as the entire zoo will be flowing with festively dressed party goers.

This year's entertainment has not yet been announced, but there are usually at least 3 different live bands playing all night long at different locations around the zoo grounds.

For more info visit Kansas City Charity Events

Jobs in Kansas City - Tips for landing a good job in Kansas City

Jobs in Kansas City are very attainable if you apply yourself and take the necessary steps to land one.

One path that I found successful was to get signed on with a Temporary Agency. There are several in the Kansas City area including Kelly Services, probably one of the oldest and trusted temporary agencies in the country. Kelly has many Kansas City jobs available for applicants with the right qualifications. What I really liked about Kelly Services (and I think that most temp services offer this) was the training service. There are several different computer programs out there that are useful to employers, and the more of these programs you can master, the more jobs you are qualified for. Programs that are useful are Microsoft Office products, Adobe products, and specialized software programs that may relate to your area of job expertise. Kelly will test you on the various computer programs to see how well you know each program, however the cool thing is that if you are struggling on any of the programs they have training programs that will help you to score better on their tests.

College - if you went to college then you probably already have an area of expertise and may be familiar with and can pigeon hole your job opportunities accordingly. For instance if you have college experience in accounting, you might want to go directly to Accountemps in Kansas City to begin your journey. If you did not attend college do not lose hope, you can easily learn any or all of the computer programs required to land any of the great Kansas City jobs that are out there waiting for you. Check in to a temporary agency and start training. I would just ask them outright what jobs are the most readily available and just train towards getting that job. A lot of times it doesn't matter where you start in a company, if you can get a job a good company you can work your way laterally to another department within the company and eventually move up in that department. For instance, I started in the Claims department of a Kansas City health care company and I eventually gained the experience necessary to move to the more lucrative Accounting department. For the record, my college experience didn't really have much to do with my entry into the company, nor my success within the company later on.

The Bottom Line
Go to a temporary agency, score well on their placement tests, get sent out on temporary job assignments, find a company on an assignment that you like, let them know that you are interested in becoming a permanent employee, watch the available job listings within that company and apply for a permanent job. If you have done well as a temporary employee then odds are you will be hired on as a permanent employee. At that time you can look for opportunities within the company to move up, etc.

The temporary agency is a great way to start because they are basically looking for jobs for you, and they have better access to the good jobs because the big companies in Kansas City use temporary agencies constantly to fill positions. The other major advantage to starting out in a temporary agency is that they will send you out to work (temporarily, of course) at several different companies, and you get a chance to look at the company from the inside, making it easy to find a company that you would like to work for.

This is how I landed a great job in Kansas City, I hope this was helpful to any of you that are out there struggling to land one of the wonderful Kansas City jobs that are out there waiting for you right now! Good luck on the job hunt.

Apple iPad Tablet - Apple CEO Steve Jobs presents the new iPad

Apple CEO Steve Jobs unveiled the all new Apple iPad Tablet today with a live demonstration in California today. Our overall reaction, "it's O.K." - nothing really spectacular about it, it's basically a giant iPhone.

Good things about the new Apple iPad:

It is small, and FLAT. This thing is as flat as they get at 1/2 an inch thick and weighs 1.5 pounds.

It has all of the apps that Apple users are used to from their iBooks and iPhones.

It is great for reading books, magazines and newspapers. According to the Apple iPad Tablet demo, the book section is really cool with a virtual video bookshelf compliments of Amazon, which shows your books on the shelf as if at home in your library. Steve Jobs also demoed the iPad by showing his ease of navigation through today's New York Times.

Cost - the Apple iPad is surprisingly affordable at $499. That's a shocker - considering it came from "we're so proud of our junk" Apple Computers.

Bad things about the new Apple iPad:

So what, it's a giant iPhone! It doesn't fit in your pocket, and it doesn't have the nice large screen of your iBook or PC laptop.

No USB port - uh, this is a major oversight - I would think that a USB port would be nice.

Did not live up to the hype. The hype, in the case of the Apple iPad tablet, was much larger than the product itself. Great marketing tactic, however, you gotta give 'em that. They promised that it would revolutionize and change everything - but all it really revolutionized was the current electronic book-reading devices such as the Kindle by Amazon.

Apple - New Gadget to be announced today at 12 noon

Apple is scheduled to unveil their latest gadget which, until now, has been kept secret.

Market experts are guessing that Apple Computer's new product will be some sort of a small 10 inch portable device that will serve as a laptop, phone, media player, and will probably hold a few surprises as well.

The Apple product is said to be unique in that it will be extremely thin.

We will find out at 12 noon!

Kansas City Police - KCPD's relationship with Kansas City Detectives

Kansas City police and their relationship with Kansas City detectives

Does someone have to be murdered in Kansas City in order for the Kansas City police to turn over any pertinant crime details to the Kansas City detectives? After living here for most of 30 years, my friends and I have been the victims of countless crimes. No big deal for the most part, the occasional robbery, car theft, assault, etc.

Here's the thing:

The police show up, write up a report, and then split.

Is it no longer the job of the Kansas City police department to INVESTIGATE crimes? I mean seriously, I've had fingerprints, shoe prints, tire prints, friggin DNA samples, everything in the book on those who have broken into my house or car and the police just IGNORE this and dismiss the evidence completely.

Ok, so my question is, what level of severity does a crime have to be before the Kansas City police turn over a crime to the Kansas City detectives? Do the KCPD detectives only investigate murders? I understand that the "beat cops" that are on patrol are mostly simpletons and cannot initiate an investigation, but can they at least turn the facts over to the detectives?

A good policeman friend of mine once told me that if I'm ever robbed while at home to "shoot him and drag him in front of your front door". I think that may be my only recourse. Good advice :)

Madden 2010 Superstar & Franchise Tips

Madden 2010 is definitely a tough game and we got so much response on our last blog about tips for madden 2010 superstar and madden 2010 franchise that we decided to put out some more tips and info about the game.

BUTTONS

First of all, for all of you "sprint button freaks" out there, Madden 2010 has gotten wise to you. It no longer pays to mash on the sprint button all of the time. This is why they moved it to the outer buttons (R2). In Madden 2010 it is essential that you release the sprint button before you attempt to use any of the other buttons. For instance, if you're trying to make that big tackle, it's best to use sprint to get yourself into position, then release the sprint button at the last minute and mash on the tackle button of your choice. The safest tackle button is x. For a big hit (and possible fumble) you can use the square button, but make sure that you're in position or you will miss. Another good button to try is the "strip" button (L1), but if you're going to try the strip move you had better make sure that you have another teammate who has your back because this button will make you miss the tackle completely 50% of the time. On offense, the story is the same, you must release the sprint button before hitting other buttons in order for them to work to their full potential. When trying to catch the ball (triangle), try releasing the sprint button before going for the grab at the very last minute and you will have more success catching. When running the ball either with the running back or after a catch, sprint until they try to tackle you and then use another button to escape - beware of the "truck stick" (right joystick UP) because using this will make you fumble occasionally.

COMPUTER RUNNING

Odds are, the computer is not going to beat you with the running game. The running game is the easiest to stop on Madden 2010. Passing, on the other hand can be nearly impossible to stop (especially if you're playing against The Colts). To stop the pass, find the team's #1 target and use the "spotlight" function to place a special coverage circle around that player. To spotlight a player, wait until you have chosen your defense, then when your team takes the field hit and hold down the R2 button - a list of players will appear on your screen with a respective symbol next to each of their names (hit triangle to highlight Reggie Wayne, hit square to highlight Dallas Clark, etc.). This helps a little but you've still got to really watch the coverage. If you're a master at getting to the quarterback, then that will definitely help. The Colts LOVE to throw to Collie, The Titans LOVE to throw to Bo Scaife, etc. If you find that you're getting burned by the plays that the running back goes out for a pass in the flat, become the Strong Safety and shut that shit down.

Also, as a Kansas City fan, I tell you to be sure and kick Larry Johnson's butt right off the team if you play the Chiefs. Also, if you become the Chiefs you will need to beef up the line on offense and defense. My friends and I created two brothers called LUMP and LOAF who play defensive and offensive line respectively. You will also get burned on the sidelines if you don't pick up at least one good cornerback. Lastly, you will want to get a real quarterback - and if you give old ghetto Larry Johnson the boot, you will want to get a good running back as well - Charles is a good 3rd down back but he is not good as an every down back because he cannot break a tackle.

Kansas City Homicide Rate - KC Murder Rate News

Kansas City homicide rate statistics are staggering at around 100 per year.

What I've noticed is that we do a great job of keeping it a secret. Look at all of the murders that occurred in Westport this year - at least 30+ - but strange, most of you didn't even know that. Westport murders are not the focus of this blog but I thought that I might point out that every Friday and Saturday night around 12am Westport turns into a sort of "ghetto round-up" - where all of the minorities (or are they the majority now) cruise around in their pieces of crap hood cars shooting other people and mostly each other. In other words, don't go to Westport after dark - ever - especially if you're white.

Anyway, back to the blog about the Kansas City homicide rate - the saddest part about it is the news reporting. You can turn on the news after any given Kansas City weekend night and hear something like this:

"Welcome to (insert news channel) - we're going to talk mostly about the weather, but in other news there were 2 people killed last night at (insert ghetto address) - now we move quickly on to the important news...we just got a report that a small girl who resides in Overland Park has skinned her knee! We're going live to the site of this horrible accident. The Overland Park police have blocked off the dangerous sidewalk where the little girl fell on her bicycle and we have word that they will be tearing it down.

The Kansas City news skips over the murders that occur in the ghetto so fast it's hilarious. But oh my god if something happens to a resident of Overland Park or Mission Hills - we're talking bring in the helicopters and CNN.

Oh yeah, now back to the weather.

Screech - Dustin Diamond's "Behind the Bell" Book is a Decent Read

Dustin Diamond's new book "Behind the Bell" - a recount of his memories as a child actor who played the character "Screech" on the legendary Saturday morning TV show "Saved by the Bell" is a very decent read.

During the past year, Dustin Diamond has come under a lot of scrutiny in the press.

Things that WERE Dustin's fault:

The Porno Movie - "Saved by the Smell"
Authorized by Diamond or not, this kind of crap should NEVER be recorded - and I'm sure that Dustin knew there was a camera in the room. The film supposedly has a super nasty ending in which Screech gives two girls a "dirty sanchez" (i.e. giving them a poo mustache). I don't care who's fault it was that this film was released to the public, this was ultimately Dustin's fault because that crap should never have been recorded in the first place.

Using Saved by the Bell references WAY too much in his stand up routine and other communications to the press. If Dustin truly wants to move forward with his stand up career, he needs to STOP talking about SBTB all together, period. Stop talking about the cast members. Let that shit go son. Dustin is a very talented stand up comedian - he doesn't need to keep bringing up the show. When Dustin released his new book "Behind the Bell" - that was smart - but it was the only time he should have discussed the show or it's cast members.

Things that WERE NOT Dustin's fault:
The main thing that has been out of Dustin's control from the get go is the lack of respect that he has received from his former cast members. The character of "Screech" was by far the best contribution to SBTB, with Dustin Diamond showing a wide array of comedic talent that the other cast members couldn't even touch. Dustin was the youngest cast member and the other cast members were very quick to treat him as such. In the other cast member's defense, however, I must point out that I believe that they would have reconciled with Dustin for the reunion this year had it not been for Dustin's actions and negative comments about Mark-Paul Gosselar, Mario Lopez, Tiffany Thiessen, and the rest of his former cast in the years leading up to the reunion. If Dustin would have put his Saved by the Bell days behind him and focused ONLY on his stand up career, the other cast members would have invited him to the reunion. Dustin if you're reading this - you are an incredibly talented actor and you should not ever mention SBTB in public again...EVER (on your psychiatrist's couch, maybe).

I was extremely disappointed that Mark-Paul Gosselar, Mario Lopez, Tiffany Thiessen, Elizabeth Berkley and Lark Voorhies had the gall to do the Saved by the Bell reunion photo shoot without Dustin Diamond. People magazine jumped TV talk show host Jimmy Fallon's idea of the SBTB reunion and just decided to cut Dustin out. I believe that Jimmy Fallon's reunion would have been much better and I know that he would have never done it without Dustin on board.

"Behind the Bell" - the book

Dustin's accounts of his various childhood experiences make for a very good read. You can tell that the book was not proofread (there's several typos and even a section where an entire paragraph is repeated) - Dustin, did you even read your own book before it hit the shelves? Despite harsh reviews by critics (even before the book came out), this book delivers on every level. Most of the talk before the book's release involved all of the "dirt" Dustin intended to expose about the SBTB cast. I would say that maybe 5% of the book touches on this subject. And that is great because the rest of the book is so much better. I really didn't want to read about what the other cast members were up to anyway, I bought the book to learn about my favorite SBTB character - Screech. Dustin definitely did that - the book has several great stories about his excursions as a child actor both on the stage and off. Diamond takes us through a detailed account of a typical work week on the set of SBTB which is well written and very interesting.

I give this book a B+ and look forward to the next big thing in Dustin's career.

Madden 2010 Superstar Tips

Madden 10 can be a confusing web of madness and any of you who own it know that the book / manual is absolutely no help whatsoever. So here are a few tips:

The Superstar mode in Madden is much easier to play if you create a player in the Madden Creation Zone before starting a new Superstar career. Create your player, choose what team he plays for, adjust the depth chart of the team that your player is on, then save. Then, AFTER you've created your player, start a New Superstar career and choose "start as a rookie" instead of create new superstar. This way you get better stats, and control over the depth chart of your superstar's team, AND you get to choose what team your player plays for. Pretty sweet, huh?

A couple of other facts are that you can play a franchise online but you can't play with a friend on the same team (unless your friend is at your house). Another thing to be prepared for is that online opponents quit in the middle of the game - A LOT. There is an incredible amount of quitting in the world of online Madden 2010.

Another quirk is the general play of Madden 2010, it is extremely hard to pass to the wide outs along the sideline. EA Sports designed this game to favor the Tight End passing game and other inside passing routes. Running is fairly realistic depending on your running back's skills (Adrian Peterson appears to "skate" along almost like magic). Many players who are used to "bombing it out" for quick points will be quite frustrated if they try that on Madden 2010.

Hopefully these tips help, as Madden 2010 is a really great game once you figure out how to play it.

Kansas City New Year's Eve Parties - So Far

Kansas City new year's eve parties that we know of so far will be:

The Power and Light District
Presented by Kansas City Bands - there will be two bands on New Year's Eve at The Power and Light District - Retroactive and Pomeroy. Other bars and nightclubs will be open as usual.

The Legends - The Great Wolf Lodge
Live at The Legends will be The KC All Stars. Tickets are on sale at Kansas City New Year's Eve Central.

The Hyatt
This year the Hyatt will totally suck. After pulling out of their contract with The Zeros (who will now be performing at Fuel), The Hyatt has decided to target the 50 and older crowd by featuring the ever boring and lame "Four Fried Chickens and a Coke". Are you serious? NEXT!

Raglan Road at The Power and Light District
The hot new Irish Pub at the P&L will be featuring the band Wonderland on new year's eve. Raglan Road features live music every weekend and is a great place to grab a pint!

Stay tuned for more kc new year's eve events and parties!

Pittsburgh Steeler fans in Kansas City - HA HA!

This blog is a little late but I just had to laugh at all of the Steeler fans that showed up at Arrowhead Stadium for the Chiefs game on November 22nd.

The Steeler fans in Kansas City are a joke! All of them have on brand new jersey's - revealing that they are indeed "bandwagon" fans and not true die hard Steeler fans. I didn't see one Bettis jersey, etc.

I would be willing to bet that most of the folks donning Steeler jerseys couldn't even point to Pittsburgh on a MAP.

The best part of all was that they got their asses beat and they have not recovered since - and they will also miss the playoffs. Bet I won't see any of you out there sporting your lame Steeler jerseys now - suckers.

Embraer RJ145 Jet - Continental Flight Rating

I flew to Cleveland, Ohio over the weekend and wanted to clear up some things that I read on the net about the plane that I took - the Embraer RJ145 Jet via Continental Airlines. Before I took the trip I looked up what kind of jet I would be flying in and I found that it was going to be the rather small Embraer RJ145 Jet. I searched the jet and found a few comments floating around that I had to clear up.

The Embraer RJ145 is a small jet, two isles, one seat on one row and two seats on the other - but don't let this freak you out - the ride is smooth and comfortable, and the staff at Continental Airlines was friendly and prompt.

There was NO significant difference in the turbulence when compared to other large jets, despite many posts that there was more turbulence. I flew on the Embraer RJ145 on the way to Cleveland and on the way back and both trips were very smooth and the pilots got us to our destination early both ways.

Elton John, Billy Joel Face 2 Face tour at Sprint Center

Elton John and Billy Joel at the Sprint Center announced today! Elton John and Billy Joel will bring their Face 2 Face tour to Kansas City's Sprint Center in the Power and Light District on December 1st, 2009.

Tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday for the Face 2 Face Tour. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster outlets, ticketmaster.com or charged by phone at 1.800.745.3000.

Elton John and Billy Joel's Face 2 Face tour started in March and has sold out over 40 venues. The concert starts out with Elton and Billy seated at the pianos doing songs in a duet style, almost like dueling pianos. The show then expands to include each artist's own backing band and concludes with the two back at the pianos together, "face to face".

DUI Checkpoints after Chiefs Games

Heading southbound on I-435 after a KC Chiefs game is quite an experience. The cars move in and out of lanes with sloppy, sudden movements - and most everyone is going about 15 mph under the speed limit. Basically, everyone is wasted - and driving. Although I've never seen any serious wrecks, or have really never heard about any serious problems with the post-game drunken parade - it seemed curious that there is never a DUI checkpoint set up by Kansas City Police.

After speaking to a few Kansas City residents about this phenomenon, we told that the KCPD attempted a DUI checkpoint after a Chiefs game a couple of seasons ago. The KCPD set up a DUI checkpoint on Southbound 435 and immediately backed up traffic on the major highway for almost 17 miles! Just imagine being a trucker heading to your destination and having to sit through 17 miles of parking lot gridlock. The results of the DUI checkpoint were astounding. After stopping over 4000 vehicles, only 7 arrests were made.

The results of the KCPD's DUI checkpoint after a Chiefs game were so embarrassing and unsuccessful that they have not conducted one since.

Can the USA Run Like a Business?

When a company falls on difficult times, one of the things that seems to happen is they reduce their staff and workers. The remaining workers must find ways to continue to do a good job or risk that their job would be eliminated as well.

Wall street, and the media normally congratulate the CEO for making this type of "tough decision", and his board of directors gives him a big bonus. Our government should not be immune from similar risks.

These ideas might help the USA reach financial stability:

Reduce the House of Representatives from the current 435 members to 218 members.

Reduce Senate members from 100 to 50 (one per State). Then, reduce their staff by 25%.

Accomplish this over the next 8 years(two steps/two elections) and of course this would require some redistricting.

Some Yearly Monetary Gains Include:

$44,108,400 for elimination of base pay for congress. (267 members X $165,200 pay/member/ yr.)

$97,175,000 for elimination of their staff. (estimate $1.3 Million in staff per each member of the House, and $3 Million in staff per each member of the Senate every year)

$240,294 for the reduction in remaining staff by 25%.

$7,500,000,000 reduction in pork barrel ear-marks each year. Current estimates for total government pork earmarks are at $15 Billion/yr.

The remaining representatives would need to work smarter and improve efficiencies. It might even be in their best interests to work together for the good of our country!

We may also expect that smaller committees might lead to a more efficient resolution of issues as well. It might even be easier to keep track of what your representative is doing.

Congress has more tools available to do their jobs than it had back in 1911 when the current number of representatives was established. (telephone, computers, cell phones to name a few)

A Note:
Congress did not hesitate to head home when it was a holiday, when the nation needed a real fix to the economic problems. Also, we had 3 senators that were not doing their jobs for the 18+ months (on the campaign trail) and still they all have accepted full pay. These facts alone support a reduction in senators & congress.

Summary of opportunity:

$44,108,400 reduction of congress members.

$282,100,000 for elimination of the reduced house member staff.

$150,000,000 for elimination of reduced senate member staff.

$59,675,000 for 25% reduction of staff for remaining house members.

$37,500,000 for 25% reduction of staff for remaining senate members.

$7,500,000,000 reduction in pork added to bills by the reduction of congress members.

$8,073,383,400 per year, estimated total savings. (that's $8 BILLION just to start!)

Big business does these types of cuts all the time.

If Congresspersons were required to serve 20, 25 or 30 years (like everyone else) in order to collect retirement benefits, tax payers could save a bundle. Now they get full retirement after serving only ONE term..

IF you are happy with how Congress spends our taxes, ignore this message. Otherwise, I assume you know what to do.

REVISED ARTICLES TO THE CONSTITUTION

NEW PREAMBLE TO THE CONSTITUTION

This is probably the best e-mail that's come along in a long, long time. The following has been attributed to State Representative Mitchell Kaye from GA. This guy should run for President one day...


"We the sensible people of the United States, in an attempt to help everyone get along, restore some semblance of justice, avoid more riots, keep our nation safe, promote positive behavior, and secure the blessings of debt-free liberty to ourselves and our great-great-great-grandchildren, hereby try one more time to ordain and establish some common sense guidelines for the terminally whiny, guilt ridden, delusional, and other liberal bed-wetter's. We hold these truths to be self evident: that a whole lot of people are confused by the Bill of Rights and are so dim they require a Bill of NON-Rights."


ARTICLE I: You do not have the right to a new car, big screen TV, or any other form of wealth.. More power to you if you can legally acquire them, but no one is guaranteeing anything.


ARTICLE II: You do not have the right to never be offended.. This country is based on freedom, and that means freedom for everyone -- not just you! You may leave the room, turn the channel, express a different opinion, etc.; but the world is full of idiots, and probably always will be.


ARTICLE III: You do not have the right to be free from harm. If you stick a screwdriver in your eye, learn to be more careful; do not expect the tool manufacturer to make you and all your relatives independently wealthy.


ARTICLE IV: You do not have the right to free food and housing. Americans are the most charitable people to be found, and will gladly help anyone in need, but we are quickly growing weary of subsidizing generation after generation of professional couch potatoes who achieve nothing more than the creation of another generation of professional couch potatoes.


ARTICLE V: You do not have the right to free health care. That would be nice, but from the looks of public housing, we're just not interested in public health care.


ARTICLE VI: You do not have the right to physically harm other people. If you kidnap, rape, intentionally maim, or kill someone, don't be surprised if the rest of us want to see you fry in the electric chair..


ARTICLE VII: You do not have the right to the possessions of others. If you rob, cheat, or coerce away the goods or services of other citizens, don't be surprised if the rest of us get together and lock you away in a place where you still won't have the right to a big screen color TV or a life of leisure.


ARTICLE VIII: You do not have the right to a job. All of us sure want you to have a job, and will gladly help you along in hard times, but we expect you to take advantage of the opportunities of education and vocational training laid before you to make yourself useful. (AMEN!)


ARTICLE IX: You do not have the right to happiness. Being an American means that you have the right to PURSUE happiness, which by the way, is a lot easier if you are unencumbered by an over abundance of idiotic laws created by those of you who were confused by the Bill of Rights.


ARTICLE X: This is an English speaking country. We don't care where you are from, English is our language. Learn it or go back to wherever you came from! (Lastly....)


ARTICLE XI: You do not have the right to change our country's history or heritage. This country was founded on the belief in one true God. And yet, you are given the freedom to believe in any religion, any faith, or no faith at all; with no fear of persecution The phrase IN GOD WE TRUST is part of our heritage and history, and if you are uncomfortable with it, TOUGH!

If you agree, share this with a friend. No, you don't have to, and nothing tragic will befall you if you don't. I just think it's about time common sense is allowed to flourish. Sensible people of the United States speak out because if you do not, who will?

Update to the Kansas Chiefs September 1, 2009

Well, it has certainly been an interesting coupe of days for

the Kansas City Chiefs. There have been a number of what I would consider fairly significant moves over the past 48 hours. They are as follows:

-Head Coach, Todd Haley, demoted Chan Gailey and took over the Offensive Coordinator duties. Now, in addition to assuming the duties of Head Coach, he will also take over the play calling. Haley was the Offensive Coordinator for the Arizona Cardinals last year before coming to Kansas City.

-The Chiefs began the day by releasing veteran Defensive Lineman, Alfonso Boone. Boone, a 2-year visitor in Kansas City, was one of the more surprising moves of the day. That being said, rookie Defensive Lineman Tyson Jackson must be getting the job done along with his college team mate Glenn Dorsey and Ron Edwards.

-With rumors speculating that QB Matt Cassel will be out for 2-4 weeks with undisclosed injuries, Coach Haley announced that Brodie Croyle will start at Quarterback on Thursday night for the Chiefs fourth and final pre-season game against the St. Louis Rams. This should make this year's Governor's Cup quite interesting.

-Today was the cut off date for all NFL team's to cut their rosters to 75 players. The Chiefs showed another sign of their ability to manipulate the system under the new regime. The Chiefs cut WR Amani Toomer and afore mentioned DL Alfonso Boone. They placed T Cameron Goldberg on waivers. RB Kolby Smith was placed on the Reserve/PUP list (physically unable to perform). Lastly, the Chiefs placed WR Devard Darling on IR (injured reserve). Unfortunate, because it was widely speculated that Darling would be the other starting wide receiver opposite Dwayne Bowe.


For those getting excited about the 2009 season, I would suggest making sure you have a great tailgate because it's going to be ugly. While the attitude around the team seems to have improved, the talent and execution haven't. The offensive line (and I use that term loosely) won't be able to stop anyone. They have been the reason for injury to every QB since Trent Green. Then again, we really don't have a QB worth protecting anyways. Bowe is the only semi-legit Wide Receiver we have and it only will last as long as his work ethic will. The defense still looks like Swiss cheese. Once again, the kickers will be the Chiefs MVPs and may be able to run for president.

Poop Scoop - You Must be Nucking Futs!

I was driving along the backstreets of waldo / brookside today and I saw a woman with a large black lab (older lab / fat) - and the dog was taking a huge dump. Tons of cars going by, the woman was trying not to look too embarrassed. The dog taking a dump wasn't what got me to write this blog (although I am pretty simple minded), it was the fact that the lady was standing there with a frickin' plastic baggy......waiting.....for the dog to finish.............

So she could pick up the turds!

You've GOT to be kidding me. If you are out there picking up your dogs turds, I'm sorry but that's got to be f*cking you up mentally. It doesn't get much lower than that son.

Cassel's Injury 2 - 4 Weeks

Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel's mystery injury is a strained medial collateral ligament that will keep him out for 2 - 4 games, announced just minutes ago from Chiefs officials.

Cassel sustained a game-ending injury after just a few plays on Saturday night, leaving the Chiefs with only a stubborn and repetitive running game to show the fans. The Chiefs game plan was going to feature the run and sprinkle in some Bowe, Lelie, Engram and Bradley. When Cassel went down it seemed that the Chiefs abandoned their passing game. This was most likely a knee jerk reaction by the coaching staff as Thigpen actually looked pretty good when they finally gave him a chance in the 2nd half. Instead, the Chiefs literally called the same flat running play 12 times in a row. Seriously, they called 12 running plays in a row. What is this, Tecmo Bowl 1992?

Chiefs fans booed relentlessly throughout the game. Granted, the Chief's best chance to win will be on the ground, but it would have made the fans happy to see a couple of long chucks down the field or a risky trick play.

Grand Opening in Overland Park

The Overland Park Soccer Complex hosted its grand opening ceremony on Saturday, August 29th. Expanding over ninety-six acres, the tweleve lighted fields are covered with synthetic turf, making this complex the only one of its kind in the United States.

This thirty-six million dollar complex will be operated by the City of Overland Park, under the management of Mike Laplante. A variety of tournaments have been scheduled for the months of September-November of 2009 and begin again in March of 2010. Visit http://www.opkansas.org for more information.

Plaza Apartment Residents Complain of Foul Smell

Residents at 621 Regis, a large apartment building on the Plaza just off of Ward Parkway, have been complaining of a foul smell coming from one of the apartments on the 6th Floor for the last week.

The cause of the smell was uncovered at 3:35pm today when police entered the apartment to find a the dead body of a middle aged male.

Neighbors on either side of the victim reported that he had often called for an ambulance to take him to the hospital for unknown reasons. The man appeared to be fine during the day and then he would become loud and incoherent at night - and occasionally rushed to the hospital.

Either the gentleman had a medical condition and should not have been left alone, or he voluntarily took his own life with alcohol or medication. There are no signs of foul play and the fact that his body had been apparently decaying in the apartment for days would suggest that he was alone at the time of his death.

Missouri Lawmakers Error and Ban Tupperware on Missouri Waterways

Earlier in the year, Missouri lawmakers passed a law to ban tupperware on Missouri's waterways. You're asking yourself, "Why would you ban tupperware." I know I did. Answer: your Missouri Lawmakers are as ignorant and care about as much as politicians throughout the country. The law, which banned tupperware, was actually aimed at banning styrofoam. Namely, those cheap styrofoam coolers used by people who got a sudden itch to keep beer cold and trailer trash. The idea was to ban such coolers that are left, abandoned, or broken and cause pollution on Missouri lakes and rivers.

While I strongly agree with the concept, how in the world could this be overlooked by the number of people that should have read this bill throughout. These are the people we elect and pay to represent us and they can't even take the time, or have a member of their staff take time, to read a bill they are voting for or against on behalf of the people they represent. Even worse, the Missouri State Water Patrol says they have no intention of enforcing this law. I agree, it would be stupid to try to enforce this law, but how many others are they going to ignore as well. Just goes to show you that in the end, none of it really matters.

I find this absolutely unacceptable. However, I also find it a sign of the times. I have some news for you. Your elected officials do not care about you. They care about money. They care about moving up in the system. They care about free bees. Yes, there is the token honest politician peppered in among the thieves, but they are few and far between. Years ago, I had a political science professor show the movie The Distinguished Gentleman in one of our classes. The movie starred Eddie Murphy and it kind of perplexed me at first. At the conclusion of the viewing, the professor, a long time political cog, let the class know that the movie defined how our political system really worked. If you haven't scene it, I highly recommend it. A good movie in it's own right, it makes a good point.

Regardless of your political views, republican or democrat or a mind of your own, this is shameful. If you live in Missouri, I would highly recommend contacting any congress person that represents you and let them know you think this is ridiculous. Am I making too big of a deal of this? Maybe. Take a minute to think if this had been something else that is more important such as sexual predators, illegal narcotics, or explosives. Hopefully, that woke you up if you needed it. While this was erroneous and fairly inconsequential, it could have been a very big oversight.

THE WORLD CUP IN KANSAS CITY!

Arrowhead Stadium could be the site for four games in the United States if wins its bid to host the world's biggest soccer even in 2018. Kansas City is now one of the 27 host city finalists.

Nine individual nations registered their intention to bid with FIFA by the February 2009 deadline: Australia, England, Indonesia, Japan, Qutar, Mexico, Russia, South korea, and the United States.

In October 2007, FIFA ended the continental rotation policy. Instead the last two tournament host confederations are ineligible, leaving Africa ineligible for 2018 and South America ineligible for both 2018 and 2022. Other factors in the selection process include the number of suitable stadia, and their location across candidate nations. Due to the number of bids received by FIFA, this World Cup is expected to be the most hotly contested bid ever, mainly due to the revision in FIFA's rotation policy.

The bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 began in January 2009. These will be the 21st and 22nd editions of theFIFA World Cup. The executive committee of FIFA will announce their decision on the two editions in December 2010.

It's ALIVE!!!!!!!

I was listening to the radio this morning on my way to work when I heard it. I shook my head in disbelief. Now I've heard some good conspiracy theories before: JFK and the grassy knoll, the moon landing, and of course Elvis is still alive. Yeah, I heard he just invited Michael Jackson to his private island to remarry Lisa Marie and that Biggie and Tupac are going to dj the reception. Okay that last part was made-up. Lisa Marie would never do something that dumb, twice.

What I did hear about on the radio this morning was someone claiming that there was video footage of Michael Jackson climbing out of the back of the coroner's van alive and well. Being the skeptic that I am, I decided to see the footage for myself before jumping to any conclusions. Okay, I saw the footage and here is my conclusion: That was the worst 29 seconds of "video footage" I have ever seen. Clearly this videographer has never heard of steady cam or focusing. There are no real landmarks to authenticate where this footage is being taken. At least when the govenment faked the moon landing they stuck a picture of earth in the background of the photos. There is no way to tell when this event was "caught on tape" nor can you tell any details about the van because the genius behind the camera can't get the focus right....ahhh grainy pictures from the moon....seeing a pattern yet?

Whoever posted it to the site LiveLeak.com claims to have gotten it from a reliable source, a guy he's known for years. Yeah that's what everyone says when they really mean to say it was them. My only hope is that the Jackson family doesn't have to suffer too greatly when this conspiracy blows up. Unfortunately thanks to media and the internet somebody is going to suffer. We all remember the Janet Jackson wardrobe malfunction.

Check it out for yourself at http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=9b8_1251194026

Deep Thoughts - of a deranged Kansas City resident...

* I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.

*More often than not, when someone is telling me a story all I can think about is that I can't wait for them to finish so that I can tell my own story that's not only better, but also more directly involves me.

*I don't understand the purpose of the line, "I don't need to drink to have fun." Great, no one does. But why start a fire with flint and sticks when they've invented the lighter?

*I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

*The letters T and G are very close to each other on a keyboard. This recently became all too apparent to me and consequently I will never be ending a work email with the phrase "Regards" again.

*Do you remember when you were a kid, playing Nintendo and it wouldn't work? You take the cartridge out, blow in it and that would magically fix the problem. Every kid in America did that, but how did we all know how to fix the problem? There was no internet or message boards or FAQ's. We just figured it out. Today's kids are soft.

*There is a great need for sarcasm font.

*Sometimes, I'll watch a movie that I watched when I was younger and suddenly realize I had no idea what the f*** was going on when I first saw it.

*I think everyone has a movie that they love so much; it actually becomes stressful to watch it with other people. I'll end up wasting 90 minutes shiftily glancing around to confirm that everyone's laughing at the right parts, then making sure I laugh just a little bit harder (and a millisecond earlier) to prove that I'm still the only one who really, really gets it.

*How the heck are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

*I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.

*The only time I look forward to a red light is when I'm trying to finish a text.

*A recent study has shown that playing beer pong contributes to the spread of mono and the flu. Yeah, if you suck at it.

*Was learning cursive really necessary?

*My brother's Municipal League baseball team is named the Step-dads. Seeing as none of the guys on the team are actual step-dads, I inquired about the name. He explained, "Cuz we beat you, and you hate us." Classy, bro..

*Whenever someone says "I'm not book smart, but I'm street smart", all I hear is "I'm not real smart, but I'm imaginary smart".

*While driving yesterday I saw a banana peel in the road and instinctively swerved to avoid it...thanks Mario Kart.

*MapQuest really needs to start their directions on #5. Pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

*Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

*I find it hard to believe there are actually people who get in the shower first and THEN turn on the water.

*Bad decisions make good stories

*If Carmen San Diego and Waldo ever got together, their offspring would probably just be completely invisible.

*You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you've made up your mind that you just aren't doing anything productive for the rest of the day.

*Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after DVDs? I don't want to have to restart my collection.

*While watching the Olympics, I find myself cheering equally for China and USA . No, I am not of Chinese descent, but I am fairly certain that when Chinese athletes don't win, they are executed.

*I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello? Darn it!), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to voicemail. What'd you do after I didn't answer? Drop the phone and run away?

*I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste.

*When I meet a new girl, I'm terrified of mentioning something she hasn't already told me but that I have learned from some light internet stalking.

*I like all of the music in my iTunes, except when it's on shuffle, then I like about one in every fifteen songs in my iTunes.

*As a driver I hate pedestrians, and as a pedestrian I hate drivers, but no matter what the mode of transportation, I always hate cyclists.

*It should probably be called Unplanned Parenthood.

*I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

*I think that if, years down the road when I'm trying to have a kid, I find out that I'm sterile, most of my disappointment will stem from the fact that I was not aware of my condition in college.

*Even if I knew your social security number, I wouldn't know what do to with it.

*Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey - but I'd bet my a$$ everyone can find and push the Snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time every time...

*I wonder if cops ever get ticked off at the fact that everyone they drive behind obeys the speed limit.

* The other night I ordered takeout, and when I looked in the bag, saw they had included four sets of plastic silverware. In other words, someone at the restaurant packed my order, took a second to think about it, and then estimate d that there must be at least four people eating to require such a large amount of food. Too bad I was eating by myself. There's nothing like being made to feel like a fat bastard before dinner.

NFL Targets Binge Drinking

According to an article written by Michael McCarthy of USA Today, the NFL is targeting binge drinking by fans attending NFL games. Staying consistent with the NFL's "Fan Code of Conduct," it is recommending that all NFL teams to limit alcohol consumption to no more than two (2) 20-ounce beers or one (1) 24-ounce beer per transaction, two (2) 6-ounce servings of wine, or two (2) 1 1/2-ounce servings of liquor per transaction. Additionally, it is recommending to all 32 teams that they open the gates or parking lots no more than 3 1/2 hours prior to kick-off. Within the tailgate, they are asking stadium authorities to better monitor and enforce rules against the excessive use of alcohol. To boot, each cup sold in the stadium will state "Fans don't let fans drive drunk."

Good Luck!! While I respect the intent for this is focused, it is nothing more than the NFL doing a little positive P.R. For a league that continually makes promotional deals with beer manufacturers, increases attendance to the games through tailgating, and, most importantly, makes a small mint in selling alcohol at their games, this can be nothing more than the league attempting to look like the good guy. Yes. They can reduce the container size and quantity per sale within the stadium, they don't have a prayer of stopping people from over consumption. If a fan wants a beer, believe me, they are going to find a way to get one.

More ridiculous is the idea that they will be able to limit and enforce the consumption of tailgating fans. I mean, what are the going to do, put a police officer every ten feet out in the lot and start keeping count for everyone? To boot, stadiums like Arrowhead and Lambeau Field generally are self-consuming for tailgating fans. In some metropolitan cities, take St. Louis, there is no general tailgating area. They take over random parking lots and bars throughout the city. I would love to see the game plan for those types of cities.

While I believe it admirable that the NFL is publicly addressing the issue of over served fans and the quality of the game day experience, this is nothing more than a ploy. Anyone annoyed by drunk, loud fans probably shouldn't attend an NFL game. Cite Joe Nammath asking for a kiss on live television. Furthermore, if you are so naive to take young children to the game and be offended by the acts of fans around you who paid for their tickets as well, that's your issue. This rule will be a sacrificial lamb at best. To quote Billy Joel "Every drunk must have his drink."

Attendance at the Missouri State Fair Is up 12%

Does anyone really care?

Real change in America

Obama's platform to get elected to the presidency was all about needing change in America. One place I believe needs the most revamping is the American prison system. Recently in the news California announced an early release of prisoners due to not enough money to keep them in jail. I was disgusted by the fact that letting them out to commit more crimes was the only solution the Govenator could come up with so I have made a list of alternatives that could save governments a fortune.

First we'll start by reducing the three square meals a day down to two meals and a sensible snack. It seems to work for all the dieters in the world, and some of these prisoners could use to lose a few pounds. The prisons would also be responsible for growing their own food supply to eliminate the cost tax payers are paying to feed wrong doers. You want to eat, you have to earn it through hard labor out in the bean fields and orchards.

Further savings can be found by eliminating luxury items like cable television and expensive weight bench equipment. TV time will now be replaced by reading and creative arts to expand the mind instead of bulking up all that braun. Aerobics and yoga will be used to stay healthy and relaxation techniques will help reduce the levels of anger in our prisons.

The final steps to reduce cost may be a bit hard for some to swallow, but hear me out before you decide. The biggest problem we have is overcrowded facilities and this could be resolved if we would stop housing death row inmates for years on end. With the advances in science and DNA proven cases, there should be very little doubt of a persons guilt, therefore a death sentence equals automatic death penalty. No more years of appeals cases, no more lawyers pulling strings. After sentencing you get one year to prove your innocence and if nothing is found after that time, then get in the chair because your ride is over. This policy should also apply to receivers of multiple life sentences and life without parolers. If you are never going to see the light of day again for the crimes you have commited than that's it for you. Capital crimes should result in the loss of the right to be a part of society. Act like a dangerous animal and get put down like a dangerous animal, quick and painless.

Kansas City Jobs - Kansas City Unemployment Rate

Kansas City jobs are out there - but there are also lions, tigers and bears waiting in the woods waiting to pounce on unsuspecting (and inexperienced) kc job hunters.

Two websites to stay away from are www.monster.com and www.careerbuilder.com


Both of these websites are filled with scam artists trying to get you to sign up for a "3 week training program" before you can start working when in actuality that's how the entire company makes money - by charging you to take their 3 week training program. Ever see those commercials on "how to make money from home" - I'm probably telling you something that you already know but SELLING THOSE VIDEO TAPES AND BOOKS ARE HOW THOSE COMPANIES MAKE THEIR MONEY. If the system that they're selling you worked so well, why in the hell would they want to share it? It's the same with the "career building" companies on Monster.com and Careerbuilder.com - they make money by selling you training programs.

On the brighter side of things, here are some real resources for finding jobs in Kansas City and lowering the kc unemployment rate:

KMBC JOB FAIRS - this site about Kansas City job fairs lists several job fairs and employment opportunities in the kc area daily.

The Kansas City Star - Job Finder - this site lets you enter search information based upon the kind of Kansas City job you are looking for.

Also, if you feel the need to be "trendy" about your unemployment, you can follow in the footsteps of a local William Jewell (band camp college) student who invented cute little wrist bands (like we needed another one of those) that simply state "hire me". To order one of these desperate cries for help email jobclub@wjc-sife.org

What Are You Doing To Impove Yourself Today?

Consider Total Cost When Considering the Kansas City Light Rail

I was perusing some news articles this morning when I read that Kansas City's finest will be hosting some sobriety checkpoints over the weekend. While they obviously will not release the location, they did say that they are to be held in areas known to have rates of DUI-related accidents and arrests. It got me to thinking. I wonder how much it costs to have enough police officers, cars, and equipment on site from 10:00 P.M. to the wee hours of the morning in order to catch drunk drivers. My guess, is it is quite a bit. I wonder how many DUI's could be avoided if Kansas City provided sufficient public transportation.

I don't believe a vast majority of those that have been arrested for DUI wanted to be driving under the influence. I just don't think many of them have much of a choice. Yeah. I know. They could call a cab. The problem is that Kansas City is very spread out as metropolitan areas go. It can cost up to $60.00 or more to take a cab a mere 10 miles in this city. That is, of course, assuming you can find one that will say they will come to get you and then actually show up within 2 hours.

So what is the alternative to the cost of taxi cabs, DUI checkpoints, lawyers fees, jailing costs, and most importantly, fatalities that could easily be avoided. It's easy. The Light Rail. In 2008, the ever educated voters in the Kansas City metro defeated a proposal to fund the inaugural link of the Light Rail in Kansas City. For most, I believe they didn't want their taxes raised. Others don't like the idea of public transit. Yet others probably don't care about helping out the drunks.

Let's set the record straight. If you have ever visited a real large city, you would know that most every major metropolitan area has some sort of Light Rail. They generally serve many purposes. Obviously, the reason that is near and dear to my heart is keeping drunk drivers off the road. This is easily accomplished in city's with the light rail. You go out and have a good time. You pay a few buck to get on the light rail. You get off the light rail at your desired station. Their is generally a cab or group of cabs to run you home for under $10.00. No DUI, no fatalities, no lawyer fees, and low and behold, the cops in Kansas City could actually focus on crime instead of hunting down drunk drivers.

Don't like that argument? What about the green movement? Check out some facts from the Kansas City Transit Vision(http://www.kcata.org/light_rail_max/light_rail/):

• Kansas City's labor force loses approximately $570 million in productivity while waiting in traffic.
• 12% of Kansas City area adults do not own a car.
• Rush hour congestion has more than tripled between 1983 and 2003.
• The current transit service meets only half of the demand for people with disabilities.

Just think about the money and emissions that could be saved by the number of people that could enjoy the light rail. Instead of idling in rush hour traffic, you could ride the light rail and continue to be productive, while reducing global warming.

Overall, I think people have been short-sided when considering the proposition of the light rail system in Kansas City. The next time this comes up on the ballot, I would like Kansas City voters to look at the total cost, or savings, of the light rail. Look at the cost savings, the environmental savings, and most important, the savings of lives needlessly taken from us every year. I think if you look at it, the cost is relatively small.

KU Product Aqib Talib adds Name To List of NFL Losers With Arrest

University of Kansas standout Cornerback, Aqib Talib , was arrested early this morning on charges of resisting arrest and simple battery. Talib was the 20th overall draft pick for the Tampa Bay Buchaneers. Police say Talib, 23, had an altercation with a cab driver then refused to exit the vehicle upon police request. He is accused of punching the cab driver in the ear and neck. When officers appeared on the scene, he peacefully refused to exit the vehicle. Somewhat appropriate since his first name, Aqib, means "last to come."


Indeed, Talib is the last (or at least most recent) in a long line of NFL players to be arrested over the last few years. It is easy to cite such events as of late. Michael Vick was arrested for dog fighting. Plaxico Burress had a concealed handgun discharge in a New York night club while out partying. Donte Stallworth was arrested for killing a jaywalker while under the influence. To be honest, I still don't know how in the world Adam "Pacman" Jones is still on the streets after killing a man, among many other quite serious incidents. Of course, we all know the trouble Larry Johnson has gotten into in Kansas City.

I have many questions on the Talib issue. The last time I checked, NFL teams are currently holding training camps as they prepare for the regular season. What in the world was he doing out at that time of night. I think we can all guess. That said, I guess I am glad he was at least smart enough to grab a taxi. Then again, what in the world was he doing repeatedly punching a cab driver and then not cooperating with the police? It is ridiculous and no, chalking this up to immaturity is not an excuse with his history of breaking the law and altercations with teammates. I would say someone is in need of anger management training.

Let it be known that I am an avid Chiefs fan and a fan of the NFL. I am a season ticket holder of the Kansas City Chiefs. In addition, I am a big fan of Roger Goodell, NFL Commissioner, and his actions and disciplinary reactions to NFL players breaking the law. That said, this makes me sick. Like most everyone else, I work hard for a living. I spend a good amount of my income on season tickets. However, I am sick and tired of hearing of NFL players breaking the law. Like having a drivers licence is a privilege, so is making millions and millions of dollars to play a kids game.

The NFL, I believe, is full of mostly really good guys who work hard and obey the law. However, the NFL also continues to take men into the league who have come from really bad backgrounds, pay them millions and millions of dollars, and expect them to act morally. This is obviously not working with many players. I am even fair enough to say that people deserve a second chance if they learn from their mistakes. I cannot accept the fact that there are grown men who continue to break the law and act immorally and have second, third, and fourth chances to make even more money and feel as though they are above the law. It is a disgrace and something needs to be done about it.

"Government Provided Heath Care"... O REALLY?

In order to begin considering the possibility of Government provided Health Care; it first must be defined who an American citizen is. Depending on what numbers you look at there are 12 million undocumented and illegal workers residing in our country today. The methodology which brings us to this popular estimate is questioned by some who estimate the figure closer to 20 million.

If the American taxpayers and businesses are going to be expected to pay for this; and believe me we will...where to people think the money is going to come from. The Government can’t even find the money to keep the cash for clunkers program going for more than 6 months. The United States Postal Service is broke and has been for a long time. Our health care system is superior and the best in the world due to major medical advancements that our research has made possible. In order for new strides and advancements to be made there must be money to continue the research that has made us number one in the world in medical care thus far.

Although I acknowledge the fact that some reforms are needed to help the American's that are not able to obtain health care coverage. I do not think that the solution is government health care option. It will diminish the quality of the care that we enjoy as Americans and that the rest of the world envies. Have you ever known anyone that is on state provided health care? This was a reality for me when I was I first out of High School. Believe me it did not take long for me to realize the disparity or quality of care I received compared to my prior private health care plan. I believe that the quality of our care if there is a social health care option will decline considerably.

Bottom line is there are just to many unanswered questions about this bill. Like the biggest ones… where is this money going to come from and is it going to cover people who aren’t even legal u|U.S. American citizens? The proponents of socialized health care believe that our Government should control health care for all Americans. They believe that not only should they be allowed to take over or have a hand in (however you want to look at it) our auto mobile industry, our banks but now our health care system? This whole thing sounds like the Mc’Donalds margeting theme when they first started business… “cradle to grave.” What a scary thought.

Wyandotte County Casino's Approved

The Kansas Lottery Commission approved contracts to build two casinos in Wyandotte County, KS. The contracts were awarded to two separate entities. The companies approved are Kansas Entertainment LLC and Penn Hollywood Kansas LLC. Kansas Entertainment LLC was approved to build a $387 million dollar casino next to the Kansas Speedway. Penn Hollywood Kansas LLC was approved to build a casino near the new Schlitterbahn Water Park.

Well I guess it was just a matter of time before the rednecks filling the stands at Kansas Speedway would be joined by the degenerate gamblers. Even worse, not one, but two, casinos were approved to be built within a few miles of each other. I just hate that Wyandotte County finally has a nice area that is attracting people. I am not a race fan, but people are being drawn to the area by other attractions such as Nebraska Furniture Mart, Cabella's, Dave and Buster's, The Legends Shopping Center, dining, and entertainment venues. To this point, if you can avoid the area over race weekend this is still a relatively nice area.

I know some people are excited by the idea of 2 casinos in the area, but I'm not. Wonder why? Take a drive over to the casinos in Missouri. Notice the increased law enforcement. Trust me, it isn't because there is a parade in town. It is because there is an increase in crime in the area. Also, notice the very large empty buildings that are no longer occupied because the casino went under and very few businesses need that kind of room to operate. They look really nice, don't they? I guess on a high note, there will be an increase in revenue from all of the arrests.

I guess I shouldn't be surprised. Eventually, you had to know that the rednecks that like to watch NASCAR and piss their income away at Cabella's on guns would eventually want to make it a tri-fecta. As the old joke goes, if you want to hide a welfare check from a redneck, put it in their work boots. They need somewhere to throw this money away. I am excited to hear the promises of better schools and increased pay for public servants as a result of the casino money. That never happens either. For normal people, enjoy the end of what could of been a nice place in Kansas, but will just be the equivalent of a retail trailer park.

H1N1 Flu Vaccine Kansas City begins at Children's Mercy Hospital

Swine Flu Vaccine named "H1N1" will get it's first run in Kansas City at Children's Mercy Hospital.

Flu Vaccine shots will be given to children on a volunteer basis at Children's Mercy Hospital starting this week. The deadline to enroll your child in the flu virus vaccine testing will be August 28th. To sign up for the H1N1 flu shot call 816-460-1041.

Swine Flu facts:

51 confirmed cases of the swine flu have been found on US Troops in Iraq.

Landon Donovan of The Los Angeles Galaxy has a confirmed case of the H1N1 Swine Flu virus.

The plain version of the flu causes 36,000 deaths in the US each year.

The H1N1 Swine Flu will require two separate shots - 3 weeks apart. The regular winter flu shot will require an additional shot.

Adolescent females often faint after receiving a flu shot.

This is just funny!!

Reality Television: Making the Dumb even Dumber

I guess I just don't understand reality television. It seems that reality television is most of what is on any given channel anymore. It is just unsettling to me. Complete no-name, talentless, immature, idiots that are competing against each other for some stupid prize. Even worse, it is propelling these morons into the celebrity lime light for absolutely no reason a la Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian, who both, incidentally, also have there own stupid reality shows. No talent, yet getting paid all kinds of Jack.

One of my favorite reality shows to hate on is American Idol, or as I prefer, American Idiot. Again, we take three moron judges and a bunch of talentless competitors to produce the world's largest Karaoke Contest. Then, in exchange for your presentation of someone else's song you get degraded by some asshole Englishman. I am waiting for the day they have to bring their brothers and sisters to stand in the background and use tennis rackets like guitars to pretend they are a band. Maybe even sprinkle in a few hairbrushes for back up singers. I think the fact that David Cook calls himself an artist is embarrassing to Kansas City. Then again, I don't know how Dane Cook considers himself a comedian either.

Then there is that breed of reality shows that drive me nuts. The ones I really hate. The shows made popular by the Bachelor and dumbed down even more by the likes of VH-1. It is an easy recipe. Take a male or female that is marginally desirable. Add in a bunch of morally relaxed morons. Make the morons perform tasks in competition to see who eventually gets to marry/date the first individual. Nice. Hey Dad. How did you meet Mom? Well son, I won her on a t.v. show. Stay Classy.

In all fairness, I suppose some good has come of these shows. The problem is, most people glued to the weekly episode of "Who Wants to Win A Skank" don't have the intelligence to find the Discovery Channel. The Discovery Channel actually puts some decent quality programming on so far as reality television is concerned. First, Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations, which follows a talented chef and author as he travels the world learning about other countries cultures. Second, is Dhani Tackles the Globe, which follows an NFL player as he travels the world discovering other cultures, focusing on their sports. Lastly, Man vs. Food, which is maybe not as educational, but very entertaining.

Overall, I think there a few decent reality shows, but for the most part, we are allowing television to turn our minds to mush. Why are we propelling these idiots to superstar status for doing nothing more than showing up? Give me someone with talent, insight, and an interesting perspective and let them teach me something. That is television worth watching. These idiots they have on television now will end up no names given time. They are too stupid to be famous for long.

Blondie in Concert - Kansas City Crossroads at Grinders

Blondie in Concert at the Crossroads at Grinders this Tuesday night -

Blondie Tuesday, August 18th Crossroads at Grinders, 417 E 18th St., Kansas City, Mo. 7pm Tickets - 816-472-5454

Many don't know this but Blondie's Debbie Harry was once a Playboy Bunny before she and guitarist (and romantic interest) Chris Stein formed Blondie in 1975.

Generation TEXT

I've got the name for the new generation, "Generation TEXT". These kids are out of control - every tween, teen and college kid in the universe has their head down all day long tapping on their little buttons. Go to the mall and take a look for yourself, the kids are walking and texting - my favorite scenario is the parents walking ahead with the pre-teen daughter lagging several paces behind - texting away. This can't be a good thing, these Generation Texters, it just doesn't look right - what will the repercussions be?

I remember when I forgot how to spell - it was the day they invented the "spell checker" on my AOL email account. I literally forgot how to spell - and it gets worse every day. I don't know if this really affects my life in any way, as long as I'm never in a situation where I have to write an actual LETTER to someone on a piece of paper. My experience with the spell checker, and the fact that it has dumbed down my spelling skills, may compare directly to the long term effects that texting will have on these kids.

Starting with the obvious, these kids have zero face to face communication skills. When is the last time you got a firm handshake with full eye contact from one of these Generation Texters? Another thing I have noticed is that the generation texters have very little sense of humor. They don't speak or write creatively, they are extremely bland and quite boring, honestly. Talking with their head down, answering your questions in the shortest and softest responses possible. They're vanilla children, that's what they are.

Again, I don't know if this will affect their chances of getting good jobs etc. because in another 10 years, the world will be run by Generation Texters, so the supervisors will have poor communication skills and no sense of humor as well. So it might all work out just like the fact that I don't see myself having to hand write a letter on a piece of paper in the near future.

Here are a few facts on the Generation Texters:

Generation Texters send an average of 440 texts per week. This amounts to about 4 texts per hour that they are AWAKE.

Generation Texters have overwhelmed the school systems. Schools have just given up on trying to stop the texting. It simply can't be done. See the recent Kansas City Star article for more info on what the schools have attempted to do to stop the texting. The kids are using texts to cheat on tests.

Generation Texters are at risk for arthritis of the thumb. This condition, known as texting tenosynovitis, is an inflammation of the tendons in the thumb caused by text messaging. There is only two reported case of this, and a school-aged child in Singapore is the first one. As for the second aforementioned New Zealand student, she apparently texts 100 messages per day.

Most of the parents that I have asked say that they tried to wait until their children were at least 16 years old before getting them a cell phone, but the fact was that they became social outcasts without the Holy texting ability. The other kids just stopped talking to them because they were so far out of the loop. Most parents break down and buy their kid a cell phone around age 12.

There is a great book written by Dr. Michael Osit about Generation TEXT - check out the book here:

Generation Text: Raising Well Adjusted Kids In An Age Of Instant Everything

New Era Begins at 1 Arrowhead Drive in Kansas City

I would assume like many Kansas City homers, I woke up today with a
slight hangover and sense of excitement. Ozzy Osborne's "Crazy Train" was blairing through my head on repeat. Yes!! It is football season in Kansas City! It starts tonight. Your Kansas City Chiefs will start a new era against the Houston Texans with a 7:00 kick off tonight in Kansas City at Arrowhead Stadium. That being said, there are a lot of new things to be seen tonight, including the stadium.

The renovations at Arrowhead Stadium are 70 percent completed due to a $375 million renovation funded by Kansas City tax payers and the Hunt family. Arrowhead officials say that fans attending tonight's game will see a lot of changes. The changes and improvements to the stadium include widened concourses, new restrooms, new concession stands with a larger variety of offerings, high resolution video boards in each endzone, a ribbon board circling the entire stadium, new sound system, and new lighting. That is just what is completed so far. While construction crews are way ahead of schedule, there is still much to be done including the press boxes, penthouse suite, party decks, more restrooms, more concession stands, etc...

Along with the changes to the stadium comes a major change in the organization. The change started at the top with the hiring of General Manager, Scott Pioli. He then hired Chiefs new head coach, Todd Haley. Coach Haley basically dismantled the coaching staff and replaced them with "his guys." These may be some of the more subtle changes. The team itself has practically been overhauled. While the team is laden in players that should be retired such as Zach Thomas and Bobby Engram, they do provide some much needed veteran leadership. There are also a group of new rookies led by 1st round draft pick, Tyson Jackson. Additionally, you should look for players that might have flown under the radar that should be of great impact this year such as Brandon Flowers and Brandon Carr.

Yes. I love this time of year. There is nothing in the world like pulling into the parking lot and smelling the smoke generated by grills firing up all kinds of wonderful food. It brings back the memories of Bill Grigsby urging you to shop at Price Chopper and Mitch Holtus breaking down pre-game information and interviews with Len Dawson. The local and national pride that is displayed as the national anthem comes to an end and we let the opposing team know that they are in the "home of the Chiefs." The excitement of the first kick off as the crowd roars while Ozzy is going off the rails on a crazy train. Tonight will be exciting to see all that is new meet all of the tradition of old. GO CHIEFS!!!

Breaking the Law Should Not Be Ignored or Embraced

It is amazing to me the large amount of United States Citizens that accept, if not embrace, the movement of illegal immigrants into our country. The vast majority of people that accept this movement are small business owners who can get hard working labor for a relatively small expense. These individuals are looking specifically at their own bottom line as opposed to the negative impact their actions have on society. Beyond this impact, it is only adding to an increasing lack of patriotic pride and, to be quite honest, it is really annoying me.

Let me begin by noting that I do not have a problem with foreigners immigrating into our country. However, there is a legal process that has to be followed for this to be done. I am referring to the large amount of illegal immigrants that cross our borders every year. They should have to go through the same process as everyone else. You need to have a sponsor, fill out the required paper work, go through a trial period, find a job, pay your damn taxes, and learn our language..ENGLISH!!

I am mad. I work hard to make a life for myself. I pay taxes to support public projects. Meanwhile, we have illegal immigrants taking jobs from the American worker. They do not pay taxes, but you bet your ass they take advantage of public programs. Don't believe me, try visiting a public school sometime. Yeah, some of us are paying for that. What about health care? Do you think these people are insured? No way. Most of all, I am so damn sick and tired of going to stores and seeing everything written in both English and Spanish. I am really over listening to some annoying idiot yelling on their cell phone in Spanish everywhere I go.

If you want to speak Spanish, eat Mexican food, drink Cerveza's, not pay your taxes, and not learn our language then go back to where you came from. We don't want you and we don't need you. On the other hand, if you want to go through the legal process to become a United States citizen, learn the language, and actually speak it, then you are welcome. This is my country and I am proud of it. I am tired of United States citizens ignoring the downfall of our society. Get a clue or we will have an economy as depressed as Mexico's. I hope you like chicklets.

The Parking Nazi

Oh the sweet aroma of summer with fall nipping at our heals. Sometimes I wonder why I have lived anywhere else than here in Kansas City on the Plaza, an architectural beauty that has survived the elements of Mother Nature and even the great depression. Oh yes, history, fountains, boutiques and some of the finest restaurants that the Midwest has to offer. Well, I think I have figured out the funds for the local boom to the Plaza area.....The Parking Nazi's.

As a newcomer to the Plaza lifestyle I was engulfed with intrigue and captivated by the hometown and upscale charm this diamond in the rough had to offer. I quickly moved my things into my new apartment anticipating my upcoming exploration of my new demographic location. One thing I had not closely considered was parking. Holy Snikeys!!! OK, so I can park here at all times except 7am to 9am and legal parking here is from 6pm to 7am and here from 9am to 11am. I was begininng to think that I needed a PDA just to keep the parking schedule straight...but wait...alas...a parking garage...I can park on the roof if I am a plaza employee but only in the main garage if I am a plaza customer. I can pay a not so nominal fee each month and park on the lower level west side but not the east. Not only had a PDA become necessary but I better look for one with GPS on it, I grumbled. Overwhelmed, I parked my car in a zone which only restricted parking between the hours of 7am-9am. As I nestled myself in bed the furthest thing from my mind was parking. Oh, had it been a long day.

I awoke to the birds chirping and the arts bellowing my name. I glanced at the clock; 7:15am the digital meter read. I quickly slipped on my clothes and caught a ride on the elevator to the ground floor. I glanced up as the elevator doors glide open and to my dismay I see paper blowing freely in my windshield wipers, an ad, I thought. As I approached my vehicle there they sat - $60 in fines. I was flabbergasted. In that short 15 minutes that my lawbreaking self slept had the law enforcer swooped in and disappeared so quickly I didn't even see them? Not a trace, no black and white car or brightly dressed lights graced the streets around me. There must have been a thousand dollars coating windshields that day to improve the streets of the plaza. I better NEVER hit a pothole, I thought. One by one, the automobile owners surfaced screaming obscenities. Though in my mind, I saw us as survivors, survivors of the person who wore the iron badge.

Who was this person so quick and ready to pounce? A wolf in sheep's clothing, I thought. For anyone so sly and their actions so premeditated would have to be a wolf or perhaps a sly fox. I removed my tickets from my windshield and imagined myself taking the form of a giant paper shredder. I drove 20 feet to the legal parking place that had freed up from those normal 8-5ers and all the while I was giggling as the giant paper shredder dispersed ticketed confetti in my head.

The sky was clear and beautiful and the weather perfect. I refused to let this damper my day. I spent the day gallivanting around planting the seeds of my roots. Still I couldn't get this vision out of my head of the man with the iron badge. I must find this man. I must find this man with such calculated attacks. I lay in bed that evening imagining a Napoleonic image that quickly started to take a more clear shape...yes...I see him...the image...the iron badge...was it...no... was it Hitler?

I awoke determined to catch a glimpse of the wolf. I sprang from my bed contemplating my clothing. Should I wear camouflage? I double checked to assure that I had no number tatooed upon my arm. The night was filled with restless dreams of hiding from men with the iron badge: Shimmying my car through trees and narrow streets blanketed with signs with times and rules. It felt good to finally awake. I had been blessed with one of the few 24hr legal parking places the previous eve; therefore, tickets were the furthest thing from my mind. I slipped out the door confident no one would see me. The sun was blinding but I saw something in the distance. I glanced at my watch 6:59am. The wolf had come out to play; I was sure. I saw, silhouetted against the sun a figure carrying an ominous object. My perspective thrown, at first I thought it to be a gun, then a wooden stake, no...a pitchfork? Was the a spiked tail I see? Suddenly the wolfs arm extended as if to hail something. Fear swept through my body; chills splintered my spine. The object clasped in the hand was worse than I could have ever imagined, it bore the dreaded name, Papermate. The fountain of fines began to flow. I ran as fast as I could. I felt the villain on my heels. I burst into the lobby of sanctuary and finally caught my breath. I need not know more, for what I knew already was all I could bear.

I changed my clothes, realizing that illegal parking was not an option. The man with the iron badge would always win. I found peace in the fact that today would be a good day. Today would be fine free. I meandered my way to my car recapping the events of the last 48 hours. When I finally reached my car, there I saw it, something flailing in my wind attached to my windshield wipers. Well, there was no way, I was parked legally. I lifted the yellow sheet and read ILLEGAL DISPLAY OF TAGS. In fine print.....WELCOME TO THE PLAZA.

Michael Vick signs with The Eagles

Michael Vick signed a 2-year deal with The Philadelphia Eagles just minutes ago. The 2 year deal with Vick will cost the Eagles 1.6 million dollars for the first year and then there's an "option" for the Eagles to keep him on a second year for an additional 5.2 million.

The "option" in the contract must be a safety net for the Eagles due to Vick's ghetto-like idiotic behavior off the field. "You can take the boy out the ghetto, but you can't take the ghetto out the boy", that's what the Eagles are thinking.

Vick will enter the Eagles roster as their back up quarterback behind the aging, playoff / superbowl-choking Donovan McNabb, and followed up on the roster for now with A.J. Feeley and Kevin Kolb. I would have to guess that the Eagles will release either Feeley or Kolb sometime within the next three weeks.

This is the second of two great off-season moves that the Eagles have made, the first of which was the signing of Missouri Tigers star wide receiver Jeremy Maclin.

Vick will not be eligible to play in regular season games until his official suspension from the league is lifted. Commissioner Goodell has stated that Vick would be fully reinstated by week 6 of the regular season.

Michael Vick was the number 1 draft pick of 2001, and at one time the highest paid player in the NFL until he was convicted of conspiracy and running a dog fighting operation in 2007. He has been in a Federal Penitentiary right here in Leavenworth, Kansas ever since.

Kansas City Demographics

Kansas City Demographics:

Population (Jackson County) - 451,572

Males - 217981 (48.3%) | Females - 233591 (51.7%)

Median Resident Age - 34 | Median Household income - $42,000

Median House or Condo Value - $133,000 | Median Gross Rent - $633

Races in Kansas City:

* White Non-Hispanic (57.6%)
* Black (31.2%)
* Hispanic (6.9%)
* Other race (3.2%)
* Two or more races (2.4%)
* American Indian (1.2%)
* Vietnamese (0.7%)

(Total can be greater than 100% because Hispanics could be counted in other races)

Average Kansas City Murder / Homocide Rate (per year) - 102

Most popular religion - Catholicism (30%)

Unemployment Rate - 11.6%

Ancestries: German (15.4%), Irish (10.4%), English (8.0%), United States (5.8%), Italian (3.6%), French (2.1%)

* Never married: 32.5%
* Now married: 45.1%
* Separated: 2.7%
* Widowed: 6.6%
* Divorced: 13.1%

Kansas City nicknames or aliases (official or unofficial): Kansas City - BBQ Capital of the World, City of Fountains, Cowtown, Jazz Capital of the World, K.C, KCMO, Paris of the Plains

Time Warner Cable's new "Turbo" Upgrade = SCAM

I'm sure that you've seen the irritating commercials for Time Warner Cable's new "Turbo" upgrade for their internet service. They claim that for an extra $25 per month (which is ghastly), you can increase the speed of your internet.

I'm sorry, but I'm going to have to call "bullshit" on this one.

I recently moved into a new home and since my choices are pretty limited as far as choosing a cable company (AT&T sucks, no internet if you go to Satellite) I signed up for Time Warner's basic internet and cable TV package.

For a few months, my internet speed was good. Then it recently started to mysteriously slow down. And this was a coincidence because at the same time my internet speed started to slow down, Time Warner came out with those internet "Turbo" upgrade commercials. Hmmmm...Very interesting.

Here's what I think - I don't believe that it's possible to "Turbo" your internet speed. I DO, however, think it's possible for Time Warner to "Slow Down" your internet speed from their end. This, in turn, causes the consumer to become frustrated with their internet speed, they see the commercial for the "Turbo" upgrade, and they take the bait and sign on for another $25 per month.

This is a SCAM, people, and I think it sucks.

Missouri Continues to Persecute Smokers

Unknown to most citizens of the state of Missouri, it's lawmakers passed legislation earlier this year to require Missouri retailers to sell a special type of cigarette beginning in 2011. The "Fire Safe Cigarette" is designed to burn out when the lit tobacco hits a treated part of the cigarette. In short, they are designed to burn out when the smoker quits puffing on the cigarette. The idea: to reduce the number of house fires caused by, get this, people falling asleep while smoking.

Falling asleep while smoking...really. The National Fire Protection Agency estimates this will save between 700 and 900 lives annually that are taken due to house fires caused by cigarettes. Which to my minds eye means that our governmental leaders have put 700 to 900 more idiots on the street that should be dead. Have you ever heard of Darwinism? Survival of the fittest? If you are so god damned stupid that you fall asleep with a cigarette lit, you probably should not be walking among normal people in the first place.

I am glad to hear that despite the fact that we are at war, our economy is in the crapper, and we have people going hungry and without housing right here in Kansas City our elected officials deem it necessary to worry about retards that don't have the sense god gave them to put a cigarette out before going to sleep. You have got to be kidding me. What's next? No one will be allowed to build with wood because they might get a splinter? Unreal!!

As if it isn't enough that you can't smoke anywhere in the city anymore, we are now being told what to smoke. I am not even going to mention some of the negative side-effects that have been related to these new "dumb ass" saving cigarettes. I am going to ask you to take action in two ways. One, contact your elected official and thank them for focusing on the important issues. Two, please go to the following website and sign the petition. The petition will also explain, in more detail, how stupid this is.

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/repeal-fire-safe-cigarette-laws

Epic Entertainment -Starlight Theater Denies Horizon Academy Their Wishes

Epic Entertainment, who recently took over the events at Starlight Theater, has done the unthinkable. Epic Entertainment received a deposit from a local charity - "Horizons Academy" - in advance, and then denied them their request for a local Kansas City band. Horizons Academy is a local Kansas City Charity which is a learning disabilities school specializing in educating students with learning disabilities. Here's what they got from Epic Entertainment...

Horizons Academy previously held their annual charity fundraiser in 2009 at Starlight Theater, managed by Epic Entertainment, with the most successful fundraiser in Horizon's history. Horizons Academy, incredibly happy with the 2009 fundraiser results, requested the same local band for the 2010 fundraiser after booking The Starlight Theater. Epic Entertainment, who has been openly criticized by many of Kansas City's big name bands, told Horizon's Academy that they would not allow then to have the band again in 2010.

Wrath of Obama Administration may hit Leavenworth

In yet another questionable decision made by the Obama Administration, Guantanamo Bay has been shut down. The major issue that should be concerning citizens in and around the Kansas City area is that the current administration is proposing moving these detainees to Ft. Leavenworth, KS. That's right folks!! The gentleman to the upper right could be your new neighbor. That will be pretty neat when the inevitable prison break happens.

To come correct, the decision is between Ft. Leavenworth, KS and a location in Standish, MI. Regardless, this is not a conversation you want to have your name thrown in the hat for. Speaking of names, thank God for the likes of Republican Senator's Sam Brownback and Pat Roberts. They have been very vocal and very active in trying to block this initiative by the Obama team.

The Senators are collaborating to demand answers as to the outcome of this proposal. They gone so far as to require the answer, which have been held under wraps thus far, or continue to place legislative holds on administrative appointees and to the department of justice and defense. Not a huge marker their holding, but better than nothing.

Ft. Leavenworth is part of the brain trust center for the U.S. Army. It houses the Command and General Staff College among others. This, Kansas City, is where the Legislative arm of the U.S. Government wants to house individuals that are so evil, they were keeping them in Cuba under the lock and key of the U.S. Military. They are trying to make them your neighbors and they are trying not to tell you about it. WAKE UP KANSAS CITY!!! Call your representatives!!!

DJ Jazzy Jeff at Kansas City Power and Light District

On Saturday, June 8, 2009, a concert performance in the “Living Room” of the Power & Light District by DJ Jazzy Jeff was cut short when Jeff refused to continue the performance. At issue is what occurred to precipitate Jeff cutting his performance short? Jeff has stated that he stopped his performance because he was told not to play rap. P & L District officials contend that the volume of the sound was damaging the sound system.

In order to determine what happened, HRD conducted interviews and reviewed statements from those directly involved. We have sought to conduct other interviews with those who were directly involved but have not been successful. Darren Zarter was interviewed. Zarter is the Event Production Coordinator for the P & L District. He was on the scene and in charge during the event. Zarter said that he was the person directly in contact with the performers during Jeff’s shortened set.

Zarter said that during the sound check before the show there were no problems. He said that shortly into Jeff’s set he began getting text messages about the sound. One of the messages was from Tad Kuhl, the P & L District’s AV person. He was being told that the sound was distorted. He said that Kuhl came in and told him that the sound had to be fixed “now.” He said that the system was “red lining,” meaning that the volume was getting to the level that could damage the system. Zarter said that the way the system was set up Jeff had control of the sound such that they could not override his controls. He said that Jeff’s master control volume level was on 10. Normally it should run around 7 or 8. He said that the MC microphone volume was all the way up. He said that even though the system had limiters – devices that help control extreme volume – they can only do so much in a situation such as this one where the DJ has some individual control. He said that he called Jeff’s stage manager Darnell (LNU) over. He told him that the volume was too loud and asked if he could have the volume turned down. He said that he called Darnell over a couple more times complaining about the sound but the problem persisted. He said that the final time he called Darnell over he told him that either they adjusted the sound or he would have to shut down the system. He said that Darnell stated, “How am I supposed to tell an artist to turn his music down.” He said that Darnell then went on stage and said something to Jeff. Jeff then said to the crowd, “I guess they don’t want our type of music here.” Zarter said that he never told Darnell or anyone else not to play rap. He said that he never spoke directly to Jeff or Skillz, Jeff’s front man. He only talked to Darnell. He said that to his knowledge no one else from the P & L District spoke directly to Jeff or Skillz.

Zarter said that when he first saw Skillz on the stage he did not know who he was or why he was there. He said that as he understood the contract only Jeff was supposed to be on stage. He said that he didn’t think that Skillz should have been on stage. He said that he asked Darnell who Skillz was and why he was there. He said that he never talked directly to Skillz. Zarter said that he did talk briefly to Z-Trip, the artist who preceded Jeff on stage. He said that he told Z-Trip not to play any vulgar music. He said that he never told Z-Trip not to play rap. Zarter said that the system was damaged. He said that 9 of the 12 high end drivers were damaged. He estimated the damage at $3,000. He said that two events were scheduled for the next day. They both went on using the damaged speakers.

Zarter is responsible for booking acts in the P & L District. He said that he had no problem with the music that Jeff was playing. He said that he knew pretty much what type of music Jeff played when he booked him. He said that this was not the first time they had problems with volume. He said usually the acts that pose problems are rock bands. For the most part they cooperate when asked to adjust the volume. He said that there was one band – Lights & Sirens – that they actually had to pull the plug on because they did not want to cooperate. Tad Kuhl was interviewed. He works for Entertainment Concepts Investors (ECI). He is a Technologist Specialist. He said that he is very familiar with the sound system in the “Living Room” of the P & L District because he helped design it. He said that he came on the property at around 11:30 p.m. He said that as soon as he heard the sound he could tell that the system was in “major distress.” He said that he could hear the distortion. He surmised that the source was being overpowered.

Kuhl said that the amplifier went into “clip” status. He said that about 30 seconds later the music stopped. He assumed this is when Jazzy Jeff left the stage. He said that he would not have allowed the performance to go on much longer because of potential damage to the equipment. He said that the only performer that he talked to directly was Masterkraft, who came on stage after Jeff. He said that he told him how to adjust the sound beforehand. Masterkraft followed the plan and had no problem. Kuhl said that six high end drivers were completely blown and 3 others were damaged. All nine had to be replaced. He said that the concerts that were done in the days immediately following had no high end.

Jim Watry was interviewed. Watry is the Operations Manager for ECI. ECI owns and operates several bars in the P & L District. He said that he was in the District when Jeff’s set started. He said that he could hear the distortion and that the speakers were too loud. He said that he texted Zarter to see if everything was OK. He said that he went down front where Zarter was. He said that he was with Zarter during one of his conversations with Darnell. He said that Zarter asked that the volume on the DJ’s controls be turned down. He said that while he was there no discussion took place about the type of music that was being played.

HRD has not been able to locate Darnell, who was the person from Jeff’s crew who had direct contact with P & L District staff. We contacted Jenni Weinman from Jeff’s staff in San Francisco. She in turn put us in touch with Lawrence Vavra who she said was Jeff’s manager. Vavra did not respond to attempts to contact him. We reviewed statements from Jeff’s camp from people who were present during the show.

Jeff said that he was kicked off stage for playing hip-hop. He said that his road manager (presumably Darnell) came up to him and said that they were having problems with the music that he was playing. He said that after three more songs the road manager came back and said that he had to kick Skillz off the stage, change the format of the music or quit. He said that he was told to play Top 40. He said that at that point he stopped. He said that one of the P & L District officials asked him to go back on but without Skillz. He refused. Skillz was the MC for Jeff. He said that the sound was never an issue. He said that they were never told to turn the music down. He said that after he was told what was happening he announced to the crowd that they had to stop because they didn’t want rap played there. He said that after that he was escorted off the property.

Z-Trip, the performer who went on before Jeff issued a statement. He said that while doing his sound check, he was asked not to play any rap music. He said that hip-hop is prevalent in his repertoire and he proceeded with his set as planned. There were no problems during his set. He said that he watched Jeff go on stage immediately following him. He said that while he was standing on the stage, he saw Jeff’s tour manager talking to Jeff about what he assumed were complaints the District had about the music he was playing. To complete this investigation, HRD sought to talk to the people from the Barcardi Tour who had direct contact with the P & L District personnel. Specifically, we have tried to set up interviews with Darnell, Jeff’s road manager, and Z Trip, both of whom we know talked directly to District staff. We left messages for Juliana Plotkin of Ink Tank in Los Angeles, Z-Trip’s publicist, in efforts to contact him.

At this point in time HRD can not conclusively say what happened that caused DJ Jazzy Jeff to leave the stage during his show. Obviously the stories from the two sides are diametrically opposed. From the P & L District’s perspective, they have submitted invoices for repairs of the damage purportedly done to their speakers. The invoices total less than $3000. From the Barcardi Tour participants’ perspective, two things bear noting. Although Zarter stated that he did not talk directly to Skillz, he did state in his interview that he was not happy about him being on stage. He said that this was due to Skillz not being part of the agreement between the District and the Barcardi Tour. He said that he did question Jeff’s stage manager as to why Skillz was on stage. Keeping in mind that Skillz said that he was told that Jeff could go back on without him, there is a distinct possibility that Zarter’s displeasure with Skillz being on stage may have been conveyed to him. Z-Trip stated that he was told not to play rap by a P & L District official. Zarter noted that he did discuss what to play with Z Trip but stated that he only told Z-Trip not to play any vulgar music. Zarter stated that the District has a policy that no vulgar music is to be played at the outside venue. It is conceivable that the message that Z-Trip got from the conversation was that he was not to play any rap. It should be noted that Z-Trip went on with his set as he had originally planned, which included rap, and there were no incidents with him.

Kansas City News

Moving to Kansas City? Let's Break Down the neighborhoods in KC

I think that Kansas City is probably one of the most tricky cities regarding good and bad neighborhoods. If you don't know any better, you might end up with some serious buyer's remorse.

If you're planning on moving to Kansas City, you'd better understand the different neighborhoods before buying that dream... - or nightmare home.

In order to understand this blog, you might want to pull up this Map of Kansas City for reference. Kansas City is flat with no bodies of water so the streets here run in a perfect "grid" with the numbered streets running East to West, and the named streets running North and South. Isn't that handy :)

Let's start by defining Central Kansas City:

We're not going to discuss downtown Kansas City or any suburbs of Kansas City in this article - we'll do those in another blog. We're just going to focus on the area between 39th and 103rd and between Holmes Road and State Line (look at your map - or picture a square area). This is Central Kansas City.

The first rule of real estate in Central Kansas City is easy - Anything East of Holmes Road is the ghetto. This is true all the way from 5th Street (downtown) clear up to 135th street (Kansas City's most Southern point). Don't move there, enough said.

Now that we've ruled out everything East of Holmes Road, let's start with the area between 39th Street and 47th Street - East of State Line and West of Holmes. This area is pretty much considered the Westport area. Westport has gotten pretty bad lately. There is a shooting in westport almost every week. The shootings happen late at night when the ghetto folks start "cruising" the Westport bar areas - they're not there to buy anything or go into any of the nightclubs - but just to cruise around with their boom-boom music playing and sporting their tricked out cars (who's cost probably kept them from paying that month's mortgage). They are extremely rude (especially to whites) and they will shoot you. So that's nighttime in Westport - as far as the daytime goes, Westport is pretty much full of lower class "hippie" type folks who enjoy the coffee shops and the Pitch magazine. There used to be a lot of gays in Westport but most of them are making their way downtown towards the Power and Light District condos.

South of 47th Street - North of 63rd - West of Holmes - East of State Line. This area contains the Plaza, which has made Kansas City famous for it's lush fountains and top shelf shopping and dining. The plaza is a great little area and contains everything from expensive condos to affordable apartments. Plaza living is very nice - the only drawback is that there is only one grocery store within miles and it is a MAD HOUSE. South of the plaza to Gregory Boulevard is a fairly upscale neighborhood that contains a popular dog walking / picnic area called Loose Park. This area is usually defined as Brookside and it is filled with great little shops, restaurants and neighborhood bars. Brookside is getting older, however, so the upkeep on a house would probably be a huge factor - most of the houses in Brookside are well over 60 years old. The other downside to living in Brookside is that it has ZERO access to any highway.

South of Gregory - North of 85th - West of Holmes - East of State Line. This area, more commonly known as "Waldo" is a lower class area that is deteriorating fast. Abandoned buildings are everywhere, and we're starting to see more PayDay Loan shops and Fried Chicken chains opening up - oh, and pawn shops too. Always a bad sign. For some reason everyone who lives in this part of town has a dog, and all of the men wear sandals. I would stay clear of Waldo.

South of 85th - North of 103rd - West of Holmes - East of State Line. This area includes Santa Fe Hills and the Ward Parkway "mall" - if you can call it a mall. This used to be a great area but it has gone to the dogs. The lower class folk have moved in and it is NOT a good place to live.

South of 103rd - North of 135th - West of Holmes - East of State Line. This area is still fairly nice and includes Red Bridge, Bridlespur and Verona Hills. Those who live there are looking over their shoulder, however, because they know that this will be the next Kansas City neighborhood to fall. Let me just stop and explain something here: The lower class are moving their way south and west - basically to get out of the ghetto that they live in and to get away from their own kind. In reaction to this, the wealthy people are moving South and if they can afford it, WEST into beautiful and expensive Leawood, Kansas to avoid the oncoming ghetto folk. For a good example of this movement, take a look at how far south they have built up on Metcalf - wealthy people are running SOUTH. Back to this neighborhood...The best thing about this neighborhood is 435 highway. It's just blocks away. This neighborhood will be safe for about another 5-10 years before turning lower-middle class.

To be continued...stay tuned for North Kansas City, Grandview, Independence, Lee's Summit, Blue Springs and downtown kc.