Monday, January 31, 2011

Pro Bowl a Joke

This year's Pro Bowl featured a lot of big plays, absolutely no defense and a funny ending. However, the NFL's All-Star game continues to be completely and utterly pointless, and the combination of poor football and a meaningless game turn this football fan away. However, year after year the Pro Bowl's ratings are strong, and this year's game had the highest ratings ever.

The Pro Bowl lacks some the elements that make football great: huge hits, an every-game-matters scenario and, above all else, defense. On most snaps you'll see defenders standing around and doing a whole lot of nothing, as the game resembles more of a summer seven-on-seven drill. Unlike the MLB, NHL and NBA, the NFL's All-Star game takes place after the season has ended. An injury or bad play will most likely not result in a player missing any future game time, why not go all out?

MLB has the best All-Star game, because there is a good rivalry between the AL and NL and the game actually means something (the winner gets home field advantage in the World Series). While this scenario isn't applicable to the NFL since the Superbowl is held at a neutral location, it would be nice if the NFL could find a way to make the game mean something to the players. Award money to the winner, or a car, anything to make players want to actually win the game and take pride in their performance.

The Pro Bowl will continue to remain popular due to the NFL's large fan base and because it is the second to last football game of the year. While the game is fun now, imagine the league's best players going all out on every play, giving a playoff-type effort. Until this happens, I will pass on watching the league's best defenders work on their tan.

Kansas City Area Braces for Another Round of Snow

If you believe the hype, this could be the biggest snow storm Kansas City has seen in 50 years. I've lived here my whole life; usually the amount of hype is inversely proportional to the amount of snow we actually get. That being said, it sure looks like we are going to have at least a moderate snowfall, with higher accumulations to the south, especially southeast.

The consensus seems to be 4 inches up to a possible 14 inches, depending on where in the area you are at. This does not bode well for Those who live in Kansas City Proper and do not own a 4WD vehicle. Unplowed streets with 10 inches of snow or more would be impassable for days (we are looking at temperatures below zero following the storm.) To make matters worse, the forecast also calls for strong winds making drifting of snow a real problem as well.

I, for one, will be at home in my jammies and slippers watching the snow. I recommend you do the same.

Sunday, January 30, 2011

KU Embarrasses KState in Lawrence

On the day the state of Kansas turned 150, it seemed fitting that KU and KState would battle in Lawrence with ESPN's College Game Day in town. Before the season started, this looked like a potential top 10 or even top 5 matchup. However, KState has not lived up to its lofty preseason ranking, which took a lot of hype out of the Sunflower Showdown.

KState had no answer for the Jayhawks, getting absolutely manhandled by KU, 90-66. KU jumped out to a 15-2 lead and never looked back, relying on its superior post play to turn the game into a layup line. KState couldn't buy a basket, and never got within striking distance. Just two days after burying his mother, Thomas Robinson had a monster game, scoring 17 points and grabbing nine rebounds in an inspired effort to help lead the Jayhawks.

KU was one week off losing its ridiculous 69 home court winning streak at the hands of Texas, and looked inspired, focused and hungry. The Jayhawks were distracted against the Longhorns (the team found out about Lisa Robinson's passing the night before the game), and fell apart against a dangerous Texas squad. The win on saturday was a reminder that the Big 12 title still runs through Lawrence, and that KU will once again be a factor in league play and beyond.

For KState, the loss seemed fitting given how the season has gone. The Wildcats were picked to win the Big 12 and found themselves at third in the preseason top 25 poll. KState has now dropped five Big 12 games and seems headed for the NIT at best. Leadership problems, a stagnant offense and a tough Big 12 have lead to KState's nosedive. Frank Martin has failed to build a program like Bill Self or Mike Anderson at Missouri, and with no high-impact recruits and next year's tougher Big 12 schedule, the future looks cloudy at the moment in Manhattan.

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Brian Euston's Death in Westport Shows Dangers in Binge Drinking

Brian Euston's blood alcohol on the night he died was .387. That is extremely high. Most people would have been long passed out in a pool of their own vomit by that point. It seems Brian was a seasoned drinker, and probably not a stranger to the Westport bars - No shame in that, necessarily. Yours truly has been known to knock down more than a few on occasion. But I can't even fathom the amount of alcohol an adult male would have to drink to have that high of a BAC. There is no way he knew what he was doing when Stanford Griswold allegedly punched him.

It is a sad story, no doubt. A young man with seemingly lots to live for dead because of the reckless actions of himself and another man at 3 in the morning outside of a bar. The grief of his family must be tremendous. But this didn't have to happen, and the chain of events, it seems was started by Brian himself. Drinking and drugging will kill you. We see stories like this all the time, and I've written about some here on this blog.

As for Stanford Griswold? He will pay for what he did, and Involuntary Manslaughter seems a fitting charge to me based on the information readily out there in the media. I certainly don't think he intended to kill Brian - The information out there says he only hit him once and then ran. When an obviously blind, stinking drunk dude is annoying (read hitting on) your girlfriend, a lot of guys would punch him in the head. Not that this is right, and shows another side of the problem. You can't go around punching guys because they are being an asshole.

Really the bottom line is not to put yourself in situations where bad things can occur, because like it or not they do. And that's just a brutal reality of life.

Friday, January 28, 2011

Dead, Frozen Baby Found in Pickup Truck Bed in Kansas CIty

Kansas City Police are investigating the discovery of a dead baby. The baby was found wrapped in a plastic bag in the back of a pickup parked in a driveway in the 11300 block of East 49th St. Police went to the house on Kansas City's east side on a tip from a man who was at the residence January 9 and heard a woman giving birth. The man was back at the scene some days later and asked about the baby; "What baby?" was the response from Wanda Benanhaley, 38, of the residence.

That man called Kansas City Police who responded to the residence. Wanda and boyfriend told Police the baby was stillborn, so they threw it in a plastic bag and into the back of a pickup. The Officers were surprised to find the body still in the truck - MORE THAN TWO WEEKS AFTER THE BABY WAS BORN! What the fuck is wrong with these people?

Wanda has a long history of run ins with the law. Drugs, mostly - she probably does a lot of meth to look at her. Currently the boyfriend has not been charged, and Wanda was arrested on an outstanding warrant. As soon as the body thaws, an autopsy will be done, I'm sure it will be easy enough to tell if the baby was stillborn. At the very least, these two pieces of white trash should be charged with abandoning a corpse or something. Disgusting Animals!

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Emanuel Cleaver Confident in the Face of Redistricting

There is a Federal census every 10 years as mandated in the U. S. Constitution. For those of you that didn't notice, that census was in 2010. The year after the census, State Legislatures must decide if, and how districts should be changed to reflect the changing population centers. Sometimes states even lose or gain seats. That's what is happening in Missouri right now. Starting with the 2012 Congressional elections, Missouri will have 8 Representatives, down from 9 currently.

What does all this mean? The Missouri State Legislature is heavily Republican (roughly two thirds). Locally, it will mean that the seat currently held by my (and your) favorite Congressman will certainly have to be enlarged. That will not be an advantage for the Honorable (cough, cough) Mr. Cleaver. Likely, his district will include more of eastern Jackson County like Blue Springs, Oak Grove, etc - and possibly even parts of the Northland in Kansas City. These areas are heavily more conservative than the inner city where Cleaver currently holds strong support. He may have to actually run on ideas rather than race.

Representative Cleaver, who currently heads the Socialist and Race Baiting Congressional Black Caucus, remains confident about his political future. He probably is safe, The Justice Department will be called on if neccesary to enforce a provision of the Voting Rights Act that virtually assures a majority black district stays that way. But he may have to listen a little harder to all of his constituants, black and white.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Missouri Supreme Court Upholds $2 Million in Reverse Discrimination Case

Score one for Whitey. The Missouri Supreme Court upheld a $2.1 Million Judgement against the City of Kansas City, Missouri regarding a white woman who was rejected for a Municipal Judgeship. Melissa Howard was one of three white women who were finalists for a vacant Municipal Judgeship in 2006. At the time, the City Council publicly criticized the lack of "diversity" in the candidates and rejected all three (it was a 7-6 vote). I guess being a woman is not diverse enough to be a Kansas City Municipal Judge. A white Man really never stood a chance, did he? Maybe they can find a Black, Lesbian, Hunchback with a law degree to fill the next vacant seat, that should satisfy everyone.

The case was initially decided by jury in 2008 with the City found to be in violation of the Missouri Human Rights Act. The City's Appeal was based on the argument that the Judgeship nomination process was not subject to the Act. In 2010, the Missouri Court of Appeals agreed. Another appeal was filed and the Supreme Court agreed to hear the case.

The judgement is $633,333 in actual damages, $2.1 in Punitive Damages, and court costs, interest, etc.. The total bill to the City will be in the $2.5 Million range. While I feel for Ms. Howard, two and a half million dollars of city Taxpayer money is far too much. This city can barely offer it's citizens basic services and to come up with this amount of money is going to be painful.

Monday, January 24, 2011

Texas Ends Jayhawk Win Streak; Missouri Dominates Iowa State

The Jayhawks' impressive home win streak came to an end Saturday with a defeat at the hands of the Texas Longhorns. Kansas blew a sizable first half lead to lose 74-63 to Texas, their first loss at home in almost four years (last loss Feb 7, 2007 to Texas A&M).

This was one of the great streaks in College Basketball, hats off to the Jayhawks - keep in mind this is spoken from the heart of a Missouri fan, I absolutely hate the Jayhawks and root against them no matter who they play, but 69 in a row is one hell of a win streak. I am only hoping that this starts an equally impressive home losing streak. Their next two home games are against Kansas State and Missouri.

Speaking of Missouri, the Tigers spanked the visiting Iowa State Cyclones on a late Saturday game. All the Tigers' starters scored in double digits and the game was not in question from the opening tip. You gotta feel bad for the Cyclones as they play short handed waiting for several transfer players who have to sit out the season. Most of the year Iowa State Head Coach Fred Hoiberg has been playing just 7 players - he played eight against the Tigers.

Missouri seems to be finding its midseason form - like previous Mike Anderson coached teams, they are improving as the season progresses. The Tigers get a week to prepare for a trip to Austin to take on the Big 12 leading Texas Longhorns next Saturday.

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Somalis Latest Threat to American Borders?

Somalis in Emporia, Dodge City, Kansas and Spreading Fast
by Kansas City News

This was news to me, but during a brief business trip across the great state of Kansas I overheard the locals complaining about the increasing number of Somali immigrants relocating to the cities of Emporia and Dodge City.  Apparently, the main complaint about the Somalis is that they are terrible drivers.  For some reason, the State of Kansas (among other states) provides a special driver's license test to any immigrant in America who cannot speak English.  This driver's test consists of only pictures, and no text.  Immigrant applicants taking this special test must only be able to navigate through the test by selecting pictures.  States who have remedied this situation by requiring an English-Only driver's license test (awesome idea) include:  Oklahoma, Arizona, Hawaii, Maine, New Hampshire, Utah, Wyoming and South Dakota.  Missouri attempted to pass the English only exam in 2007 with no success.

The largest culprit in the importing of Somalis to America and Kansas, specifically, is Tyson Chicken.  A decade ago, Tyson Foods, Inc. had Federal charges brought against them for their illegal immigration hiring practices.  Tyson Foods in Emporia, Kansas brought in over 700 illegal Somalis to work at their factory.  This brought about serious civil unrest as the Somalis were not educated on American laws and customs before they were "planted" in Emporia and surrounding communities, and to make matters worse, many of the factories where the Somalis work allow them to worship the Holy Qur'aan (Muslim Jihad Crap) during work and even provide them with private "praying rooms".

The Somalis travel in large groups, which is a custom in their country for safety reasons, and they were involved in over 100 auto accidents in less than a year of arriving in Emporia, including smashing into several buildings with their cars.  There were also reports of Jihad activity, as Somalis are Muslims, and there were even reports in Tennessee that Somalis wrote on the walls at a Tyson Chicken plant that "All Americans Must Die".  Another company that has recently aided the immigration of several hundred Somali workers is National Beef in Dodge City, Kansas.

Overall the Somali immigrants seem to be fairly harmless, more or less just misunderstood and they equally misunderstand our laws and customs - one report states that a group of Somalis in Emporia, Kansas went to a China Buffet and after finishing their meals returned their uneaten food to the public buffet bins!  Now, of course, this shows that the Somalis did not want to waste food and was overall a nice gesture, but it just shows the difference in their customs vs ours.

I suppose that as long as the Somalis that America is importing into our country don't turn "Jihad" on us then the only negative result will be yet more American jobs lost to immigrants.

Thugs Rob Snowbound Victims at Gunpoint

Karma's a bitch. These two fine looking gentleman to the right were caught by Kansas City Police Thursday stuck in the snow in a stolen Chevrolet Suburban. Darion Page, Michael Taylor (yes, that is a man), and an unidentified Juvenile have been arrested in connection with a series of robberies Wednesday and Thursday. The suspects would roll up on folks stuck in the snow, pull a gun and rob them (nice).

On Wednesday evening they robbed a preacher at 85th and Prospect after the preacher and another man freed the vehicle from a snowbank, these two thugs stole the Suburban as well. Another stranded motorist was held up at on Hillcrest near 103rd st. While Police were responding to that robbery, they happened upon the suspects, themselves stuck in the snow. While being interviewed, Page and Taylor both admitted being present during the robberies, but blamed the holdups on the 16 yr old juvenile. The juvenile did not make a statement to Police - he's probably the smartest one in the bunch.

I hope the courts aren't too hard on them, I'm sure they were just short on money for college tuition for next semester.

Friday, January 21, 2011

Taylor Swift at Arrowhead Tickets on Sale Feb 11

Taylor Swift is coming to Arrowhead Stadium this September 24th as part of a new series of shows at the Stadium kicked of with Kenny Chesney on July 30th. Tickets to see the Beautiful and Talented Miss Swift will go on sale to the general public on February 11th. Jackson County residents and Chiefs season ticket holders will get a pre-sale opportunity to purchase tickets on February 7th and 8th. There is a strict limit of 6 tickets per buyer, and I would suspect this one to sell out very quickly.

Taylor's Summer 2011 tour consists of over 50 dates, most of which are in Stadiums the size of Arrowhead. Ticket prices will be in the $50-$100 range. Miss Swift is going to have a VERY, VERY good 2011, financially speaking.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Gil Meche Retires, Hochever Probable Opening Day Starter

Gil Meche unexpectedly retired from the Royals on Tuesday leaving behind $12.4 Million for the final year on his five-year deal. His record was 29-39 with a 4.27 ERA in four seasons with Kansas City. He played 6 seasons prior to that with the Seattle Mariners before Royals General Manager Dayton Moore lured him away with a 5 year $55 million deal making him the highest paid player in Royals history.

It's unheard of for a player to retire and give up this much money, but Meche said he didn't feel it was right to take the money. He is coming off a sub par, injury riddled season that found him working out of the bullpen late in the year. Dayton Moore has said the club will not spend the $12 million on players this season, stating that he didn't see anything out there better than he already had. While I find that hard to believe looking at the Royals roster, it might be wise to spend the money next year when some of our good young talent is ready for the Bigs. What worries me is that Royals Owner David Glass will simply pocket the savings and not put the money into next year's payroll either.

With Zach Greinke gone, the talk at Royals Manager Ned Yost's press conference turned to who the opening day starter will be. Yost hinted that he was leaning toward former first round pick Luke Hochever. Hochever showed some improvement last year going 6-6 with a 4.81 ERA in 17starts. Not really opening day starter numbers are they? It's going to be a long summer at The K.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Winter Storm Puts Bullseye on Kansas City

OK, Kansas Citians, It's time to panic! The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Kansas City and the surrounding areas. Snow is forming to our west, and Kansas City seems to be in the cross hairs of a formidable Snow event. Up to 9" can be expected in parts of the area, but 6-7 is likely for most of the metro. The consensus of reports seems to put heavier snowfall amounts to the northern part of the area. Snow storms are somewhat hard to predict, so really only time will tell.

With the storm beginning right before the evening rush and continuing through the morning rush on Thursday, commuters need to be prepared for the chaos that ensues with every snowfall in Kansas City. Also, make sure that you run to the grocery store - buy all the ice melt, bottled water (in my wife's case, Pelligrino), and canned goods you can fit in your vehicles and drive home and STAY THERE!

Hopefully you are not planning on watching anything on CBS tonight as Katie Horner will be enjoying the sound of her voice ad nausium. Actually, with the weak ass lineup CBS has on Wednesday's - Katie Horner prattling on about snowfall amounts in Maryville might be better.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Missouri Cigarette Taxes Remain Lowest in the Nation

Missouri cigarette taxes remain the lowest in the nation since South Carolina raised their rate to 57 cents last summer. The Show Me State's rate of 17 cents is now by far the lowest in the nation - the nearest is Virginia that is almost double Missouri's at 30 cents. The highest in the nation is New York at an astonishing $4.35 PER PACK - pushing the average price for a pack of smokes in NYC to $11. By way of comparison, the average price of a pack of cigarettes in Missouri is around $4. Sin taxes have long been a touchy subject in Missouri (the beer tax hasn't been raised in over 40 years either).

A strong lobby and a State Constitution that demands a public referendum on major tax increases is behind the low tax. Missouri's last try at raising the tax in 2006 was narrowly defeated by a 51% to 49%. With Missouri's adult smoker rate hovering around the 25% mark, it's clear that even non-smoking Missourians value keeping taxes low.

Democratic Representative Mary Still from Columbia is trying again in 2011 to raise the tax. She is trying to skirt the public vote by allowing a 12 cent increase per year over 8 years. (The formula that demands a public vote would be side stepped by the incremental rise). As a Democrat, she is, of course diabolical by nature. Though she stands little chance of succeeding with a Republican Majority in both houses, and a Governor, though a Democrat, who has pledged not to raise any taxes, her disdain for the masses is obvious.

The problem with raising cigarette taxes (besides the fact that all taxes should be as low as possible), is that it hurts less educated, lower income people. The very folks that Democrats are supposedly fighting for.

Medical Marijuana & Kansas City - Legal Explanation

Medical Marijuana to be Legal in Kansas and Kansas City, Missouri?
by Kansas City News

First of all, I don't think that everyone understands exactly what legal medical marijuana means for states like California, whose popular medical marijuana districts like Los Ganjales are making headlines and documentary studies alike.  What most people don't understand about the medical marijuana law is this:

If the STATE passes the law that it is legal to purchase, grow and use marijuana, then residents can obtain a prescription from a "doctor" and purchase medical marijuana at a "dispensary" and it is legal under the STATE law.  Now, it is still illegal, regardless of your state's law to grow, purchase or use marijuana under FEDERAL law.  So, let's say you live in a state where medical marijuana is legal, you purchase some marijuana with your prescription and are driving in your car with it.  If a STATE law officer pulls you over and finds the marijuana and you have a prescription you are fine.  However, if a DEA officer pulls you over or raids your home, it doesn't matter whether it is legal in your state, if you have a prescription or what, you are going to jail.  It is still against FEDERAL law to purchase, grow or possess marijuana, regardless of what your state law says.


This is why, in California, several marijuana "dispensaries" get raided every once in awhile by Federal DEA agents.  They confiscate all of the company's computers, products and money - at will.  They can come in any time they want, without a warrant, and take everything.  They can also arrest anyone they want, whenever they want for growing or possessing marijuana, regardless of state law.


So, even if Kansas or Missouri makes medical marijuana legal, you will still be looking over your shoulder for the DEA on the Federal level, and I can't imagine that court date going very well for you.  Basically, they are saying that it's legal, and yet it's not really legal at the same time.


On the last bill proposed by Gail Finney (D) in Kansas to legalize medical marijuana, which read "An Act enacting the medical marijuana act; providing for the legal use of marijuana for certain debilitating medical conditions; providing for the registration and functions of compassion centers; authorizing the issuance of identification cards; providing for administration of the act by the department of health and environment." failed on May 28th, 2010.


On the last bill proposed by Missouri which read "Changes the laws regarding the classification of marijuana as a controlled substance and allows the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes under certain conditions." the bill "died" when legislature adjourned without voting on the bill at all on May 30th, 2010.

I. Fifteen states and DC have enacted laws that legalize medical marijuana:
State Year Passed How Passed
(Yes Vote)
Fee Possession Limit Accepts other states' registry ID cards?
1998
Ballot Measure 8 (58%)
$25/$20
1 oz usable; 6 plants (3 mature, 3 immature)
unknown1
2010 Proposition 203 (50.13%) unknown2 2.5 oz usable; 0-12 plants3 Yes4
1996
Proposition 215 (56%)
$66/$33
8 oz usable; 18 plants (6 mature, 12 immature)5
No
2000
Ballot Amendment 20 (54%)
$90
2 oz usable; 6 plants (3 mature, 3 immature)
No
5. DC
2010 Amendment Act B18-622 (13-0 vote) * 2 oz dried; limits on other forms to be determined unknown
2000
Senate Bill 862 (32-18 House; 13-12 Senate)
$25
3 oz usable; 7 plants (3 mature, 4 immature)
No
1999
Ballot Question 2 (61%) $100/$75
2.5 oz usable; 6 plants
Yes6
8. Michigan 2008 Proposal 1 (63%) $100/$25 2.5 oz usable; 12 plants Yes
2004
Initiative 148 (62%)
$25/$10
1 oz usable; 6 plants
Yes
10. Nevada
2000
Ballot Question 9 (65%)
$150 +
1 oz usable; 7 plants (3 mature, 4 immature)
No
2010
Senate Bill 119 (48-14 House; 25-13 Senate)
2 oz usable
unknown
12. New Mexico 2007 Senate Bill 523 (36-31 House; 32-3 Senate) $0
6 oz usable; 16 plants (4 mature, 12 immature)
No
13. Oregon
1998
Ballot Measure 67 (55%)
$100/$20
24 oz usable; 24 plants (6 mature, 18 immature)
No
2006
Senate Bill 0710 (52-10 House; 33-1 Senate)
$75/$10
2.5 oz usable; 12 plants
Yes
2004
Senate Bill 76 (22-7) HB 645 (82-59)
$50
2 oz usable; 9 plants (2 mature, 7 immature)
No
1998
Initiative 692 (59%)
24 oz usable; 15 plants
No
[Editor's note: 12 of the 15 states require proof of residency to be considered a qualifying patient for medical marijuana use. Only Oregon and Montana have announced that they will accept out-of-state applications. It is unclear if non-residents will be able to apply to be qualifying registered patients in Arizona until the rules are determined by ADHS. Karen O'Keefe, JD, Director of State Policies for Marijuana Policy Project (MPP), told ProCon.org in a Nov. 2, 2010 email that "Patients and their caregivers can cultivate in 13 of the 15 states. Home cultivation is not allowed in New Jersey or the District of Columbia and a special license is required in New Mexico. In Arizona, patients can only cultivate if they live 25 miles or more from a dispensary."]

Monday, January 17, 2011

Snow Ball Catholic Charities of Kansas City 37th Gala

Catholic Charities of Kansas hosts 37th Annual Snow Ball at The Hyatt Regency
by Kansas City News

Well, let's start by pointing out the obvious. We attended the Snow Ball this year and found ourselves in a room full of over 1500 people...and they were almost all...well, white. There is nothing wrong with this in theory except the cover of the Catholic Charities website has two minority children pictured front and center. It is great that the group is helping out the underprivileged families in our community, but it's a little ironic that their fundraiser, appropriately called the "Snow Ball" didn't have more than a handful of minorities in attendance. In fact, one of the only minorities in the room was on the stage looking like she was half dead...

The black female lead singer of what was billed as "The Karen Davis Project" was definitely not Karen Davis, unless she put on about 150 pounds and aged 30 years overnight. This lady, whoever she was put on absolutely NO show and stood motionless and expressionless throughout the band's lackluster performance. The fact that this woman was so boring was made even worse by a live video feed that plastered her dead-like face on several giant video screens around the ballroom. The female singer wasn't the only problem, the band was cheesy and generic and they made desperate attempts at performing some modern hits when it was clear that they were far too old to pull those songs off (average age of the band members was around 55 years old). There's nothing cool or "hip" about a 55 year old guy playing a little toy looking keyboard with two fingers attempting to recreate a Lady Gaga song - then add the dead looking female singer (not moving at all) trying to sing the song. This band was a train wreck. Another band came on after this band - they were called Four Fried Chickens and a Coke - but pretty much the minute they took the stage the crowd was leaving the event. The Snow Ball has been using the same tired old entertainment for years and many of the attendees left as soon as they got a look at the band.

The attendees of the Snow Ball by Kansas Catholic Charities obviously represent the "old money" in Kansas City and we interviewed a few of them as they were exiting the event. Some actually walked by with their noses in the air and wouldn't acknowledge us at all, while others gave generic answers to our questions while staring coldly ahead, never making eye contact. I suppose that paying money to attend an event like Snow Ball counts for their "kindness" contribution to Kansas City, and they can pretty much go back to acting like stuck up royalty when it's over. The Catholic Charities as an organization may not be racist, but isn't it odd that in a room full of 1500 people in Kansas City we were hard pressed to find more than three or four minorities? Hmmmm....

Snow Ball - yep, that's what it was alright.

Catholic Charities is a great organization that helps out thousands of children in need, and we actually donate to their charity each year, but the Snow Ball just seemed a little over the top - almost as if the entire neighborhood of Hallbrook (which is where we live also) showed up to attend. I suppose in hindsight, not many minorities could afford to pay the ticket price to get in to Snow Ball, except maybe the Chiefs players.

Mizzou and Kansas State Both Seeking Needed Victories

The Kansas State Wildcats travel to Columbia to take on the Tigers in a rare Monday Matinee game today at 4:30. It should be a great game between two teams that came into the season with very high expectation in conference play. Missouri is 15-3, but has already lost two conference games to only one victory. Kansas State, also 1-2 in conference play, has been a disappointment so far this year having been ranked third in the country at one time, they have since dropped to 20th after losses to unranked Florida, Oklahoma State, and UNLV.

Both teams see this as a must win to keep their Conference Championship hopes alive - the loser of this game would likely have to run the table in the Big 12 to have a chance. Of course, that's assuming Kansas stops being the luckiest team in the history of sports and actually loses a few games.

The Tigers are awfully tough at home, and with Clemente sidelined for The Wildcats, Missouri should hold the edge in this one. But of course Missouri has let a couple of games slip away with bad mistakes at crunch time losing in overtime to Georgetown and Texas A&M. If Kansas State can stay close until the end, anything can happen. I'll say Missouri by 8.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Ferret Bites Off Sleeping Baby's Fingers

A 4 month old Grain Valley, MO infant is in critical condition after a pet ferret bit off 8 fingers early Monday. Only the child's thumbs and part of a pinkie remain. The parents awoke to the baby crying at 2:30 AM and found the ferret next to the baby. The child's father picked the ferret up and threw it, killing the animal.

The Grain Valley Police reported that the mother fell asleep in the same room as the child, and the father in another room and both were awoken in the middle of the night. in recent months, animal control authorities have made several visits to the residence to investigate complaints relating to dogs on the premises. The landlord at the address also said she told them to get rid of the ferret because it was in violation of their lease as they already had two dogs.

In any case, a ferret, or any animal around an infant unattended is a recipe for disaster. What a sad story for this kid, crippled for life because of his parents bad choice. Anyone interested in a Ferret as a pet should check out this helpful owner's manual I found - which by the way says children under 6 are not recommended for ferrets, and infants "are a particular problem. Some ferrets seem to be attracted to the high pitched cries of babies."

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Wife Shoots Husband in the Groin

A Kansas City man is recovering today after an altercation with his wife last night. Around 10PM last night, Kansas City Police were called to a residence at 1130 E 76th Terr for a domestic dispute with gunshots fired. When they arrived a 50 year old man with a gunshot wound was getting ready to drive himself to the hospital. He had a gunshot wound to his groin.

The man stated that he was showing his wife how to use the safety on the gun when is fired accidentally. Neighbors, however, told Police that they heard the couple arguing and the wife yelled "Give me my card or I will shoot you" - moments later they heard the gunshot and called Police. Next time the bitch asks for her card, give it to her, she obviously ain't playin. The wife was arrested on suspicion of aggravated assault.

Man Pulls Shotgun at McDonald's, Demands Burgers

The Scott County (in Southeast Missouri) Sheriff's office received a call around 11:30 PM Saturday night from the McDonalds in Benton, MO. It seems a man in the drive-thru was not going to take no for an answer. The restaurant was closed, but 27 year old Chris Heuring (good lookin' feller), from rural Benton was sent by his pregnant wife to get some McDonalds Hamburgers. Apparently he was told in no uncertain terms that he was not to return home without said burgers.

Mr Heuring pulled his shotgun on the McDonalds employee upon being told the store was closed. He told the worker that his 6 month pregnant wife was going to kill him if he came home empty handed. A Deputy was only a minute away when workers called 911 - he held the suspect at gunpoint until the Sheriff's arrival. They took Mr Heuring into custody without incident. He is being charged with Unlawful Use of a Weapon and DWI.

Now I can relate to this poor man's plight. I have a pregnant wife at home as well, and you had better damn well get her some food when she wants it. Unfortunately for Mr Heuring there is probably a lack of 24 hour joints in the small town of Benton, MO.

Monday, January 10, 2011

Chiefs Make Early Playoff Exit

Most of us knew it wouldn't be pretty - One could hope, but the Chiefs never really stood a chance on Sunday. Our team simply is not as good as the Ravens, or about half of the NFL. The signs were there even before kickoff when they picked up Kevin Curtis early in the week (he was thrown to more than Dwayne Bowe). This is a receiver who was out of football and being treated for cancer just a couple of months ago. Curtis had one catch for 3 yards - one catch and 3 yards more than Pro-Bowler Dwayne Bowe. The passing game was dreadful with Cassel throwing 3 INTs, and only completing 9 passes. Throw in 2 fumbles (one by Charles, and one by McCluster) and that spells disaster.

The Running game, while effective, was given up on in the second half. Maybe Charles was a little banged-up, but whatever the reason the Chiefs were pass heavy, and that led to their quick 3rd Quarter demise.

The Defense, while good at times especially against the run, couldn't get off the field on 3rd Downs. The Ravens were 9 of 17 on third downs, and 1/1 on 4th with numerous 3rd and Long conversions. Word is Todd Heap just caught another pass over the middle an hour ago - seriously, we don't have anyone that can cover a Tight End?.

The off season will be interesting. Obviously we need a top shelf receiver, and I'm excited to see who we can get - dare I dream about a Haley-Larry Fitzgerald reunion? Who will be our Offensive Coordinator? Also help is needed at Linebacker and Offensive Line. Keep your head up Chiefs fans, we definitely improved over last year, and hopefully will again next year.

Friday, January 7, 2011

Hand Washing Lessons at Arrowhead Stadium, Chiefs Sign Wide Receiver Curtis

There seems to be a flu-like illness making its way through the Chiefs locker room. Wide Receiver Dwayne Bowe missed practice on Wednesday due to an illness (he was back on Thursday), and Guard Brian Waters missed practice Wednesday and Thursday (no word on availability for the game Sunday). This has the Chiefs coaching staff worried. A hand washing mini-seminar was given to the players this week. Soap and warm water, at least two minutes - "Kindergarten Rules" as Coach Todd Haley put it. Let's hope the new training keeps the Chiefs players healthy for the big Playoff game with Baltimore on Sunday - we need all the help we can get.

In other Chiefs news, Wide Receiver Kevin Curtis was signed by the team as a little help for a struggling Receiving corps. The Chiefs have had problems all season at receiver - after Bowe, the depth chart drops off considerably with a has been and a couple of never will Be's. Curtis had a great 2007 season with the Eagles, but has been plagued by injuries ever since - including a bout with Testicular cancer in 2010. Could be a long term solution at Receiver if he can return to his past abilities.

Penn Valley Community College Locked Down after Shooting Chase

Community College Locked Down while Police Search for Shooting Suspect
by Kansas City News

At 8am this morning police were involved in a shooting and subsequent chase that started at 24th and Drury Avenue.  The shooters fled police in a stolen vehicle after shooting one person.  The shooting did not result in any serious injuries, but the perps fled in the stolen car until they crashed into a taxi cab around 18th Street and Benton Avenue.  After the crash police apprehended two of the passengers in the car but a third passenger fled the scene and so far has evaded police.  Since the incident occurred near the Metropolitan Community College, police have locked the college down until the third suspect is found - or they give up, one of the two.  The exact name of the college has not been released but it assumed to be Penn Valley Community College.  This coming on the cusp of the stabbing of Albert Dimmitt, Jr., dean of Penn Valley Community College back in September by a delusional Casey Brezik, who intended to stab Missouri Governor Jay Nixon instead.

Police recovered a semi-automatic hand gun, a black mask and discovered blood inside the vehicle that the suspects were driving.

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Kansas City Missouri Police Shoot and Kill Man

Late Wednesday night a man was fatally shot by a Kansas City Missouri Police Officer. The incident started with the Officer noticing a driver on 71 Hwy driving erratically without headlights. Lights, Sirens, Chase ensue. Now dead criminal doesn't stop, of course - pulls into driveway at 7107 Agnes (nice neighborhood) and proceeds to run towards the front door. Cop catches him before he can get inside (must be one of our more in shape cops) - a struggle starts, crackhead (allegedly) reaches for his gun. Not fast enough; KCMO Police Officer shoots him first. The officers involved in the shooting have been placed on paid administrative leave per Department Policy. This is the second incident in about a week. A Ruskin Heights man was killed last week by Police after refusing to drop a pole (curtain rod, whatever) and rushing police after robbing a house.

From just the initial description of the incident, it sounds like this cop really has his shit together. He catches the guy before he can get inside (his?) house, and draws his weapon before dead dirt bag can. Nice job indeed! And we save the money of a trial and housing the prisoner. But seriously, another incident that highlights the dangerous job our Police Officers face everyday. I know they are irritating when they write you a speeding ticket for going 7 over, but they really do deserve our thanks.

Cue nasty comments from friends and family of the dead man claiming that cops love to shoot innocent people, and dead guy was such a great person and father, etc...

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

FBI Investigates Kansas City Kansas Police Officers

The Kansas City, KS Police Department announced Tuesday night they they were launching an investigation into Police misconduct at the Department. They will be assisted in their investigation by the FBI, the Wyandotte County District Attorney, and the US Attorney's office. Little details have been divulged at this point, with Police Chief Rick Armstrong saying more details will be released in a few days.

Though not officially released, the information available seems to suggest a sting operation implemented by the FBI on Kansas City's SCORE team (SWAT). It is reported that after serving a warrant in KCK that at least six officers were handcuffed at the scene. Apparently, the FBI periodically will set up a scene with money, drugs, what have you to check up on the integrity of Police Officers.

I would guess that maybe some officers helped themselves to some "evidence" as it were. Wow, talk about ending a career. I hear former Police Officers get first rate treatment from other inmates in Prison. Good Luck Gentleman.

Top 20 Crash Locations in Kansas City - Accidents

Top 20 Crash / Accident Locations in Kansas City Released
by Kansas City News

Today the KCPD released it's list of the top 20 accident sites in the Kansas City area.  The police department kept a running tab on how many wrecks happened at each site - check to see which ones are closest to your neighborhood:

The first place honor goes to N. Flintlock and 152 Highway in Pleasant Valley where I-35 meets up with I-435.  This site racked up 73 total car crashes in 2010.  Second place goes to E. Front Street and I-435, yet another North location totalling 66 wrecks.  Third place went to N. Church Rd. and 152 Highway, yet ANOTHER Northern location.  Sounds like the folks living up North need to take some driving classes.

Monday, January 3, 2011

Raiders Rip Chiefs, Weis to University of Florida

The Jekyll and Hyde Chiefs let off a stinker at Arrowhead on Sunday. The Raiders came into our house and punked us 31-10. The offensive line was offensive, and the defense was defenseless. The Raiders gashed the Chiefs defense to the tune of 209 rushing yards - all that without the Raiders leading rusher Darren McFadden who was inactive with an injury. Every time we got them in a position where we could get the ball back, they squirmed right out. Either with a great passing play and catch, a penalty, or the ridiculous 21 yard scramble by Jason Campbell on 2nd and 18 that led to the Raiders first TD.

Though there was enough blame to go around, the Offensive Line can probably shoulder more than anyone else with a performance that can be described with many foul adjectives. Cassel ran for his life all day (sacked 7 times, and threw 2 picks), and few holes were opened up for the running backs.

I will give the Raiders credit, they came in ready to play and wanted to show the Division that they were the best by becoming the first team to go undefeated in their division and not make the playoffs.

It was rumored over the weekend that Charlie Weis would be Leaving the Chiefs to go to the University of Florida next season. That information was conformed last night. The decision seems peculiar on the surface, but as more information comes out, it makes perfect sense. Weis's son will be attending the University of Florida next year and would like to get into coaching. He will be a Student Assistant with the Gator Football team, and Charlie will get to spend some time with his boy and help him get a foot into coaching.

This team seems to have a fragile psyche, lets just hope their ready next week for the Ravens, they will need to be.

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