Kansas heads will be 'asplodin' today

First this:

Federal judge orders Kansas to allow same-sex marriages

And then tonight, some Republicans losing, and big time?

Who really makes up the Republican Party---factually

First, the information comes from one Steve Marmel's Facebook page but second, I love that the original quote it's based on was actually said on---GASP---Fox "News" Sunday.   Heads must have been spinning.

Steve Marmel

Politifact rates the idea that the people who want the President impeached are all "Old, white and far right wing" as "mostly true."

Sometimes pointing out the obvious is unintentionally hilarious.

Juan Williams, on Fox, said that the people who want to impeach Obama are all white and all older and all are in the right wing of the Republican Party. "All" is going too far.

But the publicly available polling shows that the people who support impeachment are more likely to be white, conservative and older. In one poll, about a third of the public supported impeachment, while about two-thirds of tea partiers said they did. In another, 40 percent of whites supported impeachment compared to 10 percent of African-Americans.

The polling data bears out the general thrust of Williams' claim. We rate the statement "Mostly True."

The full hilarity is here:http://www.politifact.com/punditfact/statements/2014/aug/03/juan-williams/juan-williams-people-who-want-impeachment-are-whit/

Links:  PolitiFact: Fact-checking US politics

PolitiFact.com - Wikipedia

Local basketball player makes waves nationally

A local basketball player made big headlines and national news this week and was on MSN Fox Sports:

 

 

College hoopster opens up about coming out

 

Benedictine hoopster is happy to make closet less crowded

 

Benedictine College's Jallen Messersmith adjusting to becoming a national story

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — With each passing day, the closet becomes a little less crowded, a little less scary, a little less dark and sheltered. Jallen Messersmith isn’t doing this for applause or a shoe deal or a reality show or martyrdom. This isn’t about being the wrecking ball; it’s about being another link in the chain that swings it. It’s about a cycle in which the news isn’t news anymore.

“I think it’s just inevitable for it to happen everywhere,” says Messersmith, a 6-foot-7 sophomore forward at Benedictine (Kan.) College, believed to be the first active openly gay player in U.S. men’s college basketball.

“At this point, it’s just going to happen (where) it slowly becomes less and less of a (newsworthy) thing, and people are becoming more and more comfortable with it. And I think it’s just a matter of time before it happens in every sport.”

Messersmith, a native of the Kansas City suburb of Blue Springs, Mo., came out to his teammates last fall, and then to the rest of the world on Tuesday, via Outsports.com, a story that has since gone national. To Jallen, the point wasn’t the trailblazing, but the trail itself. After all, what good is carving a path that nobody else has the stones to follow?

And good--no, great, for him.

Are we Americans or not? Are we about equality or not? Isn't that who we're supposed to be and what we're supposed to be about?

And the thing is, if you're under, say, 30? 35 years old?  maybe even older--it's not even an issue.  Not remotely.

The outrage that is one new airport terminal

Well, here it is.

The airport authority finally made something of their behind-the-scenes plans public today, as most of us know:

Needed: About $1.2 billion for a one-terminal KCI Airport

Besides the fact that I'm patently, strongly, nearly vehemently against this whole debacle boondoggle ripoff plan, here are a few notes:

First--it's going to cost us--you and I, the people of Kansas City and region who use this thing--$1,200,000,000.

That's 1.2 billion dollars.

Sure, we already have an international airport and we like it fine and it works and everything, in fact, it's very convenient, but no, the Kansas City Airport Authority has a jones for a new airport, a new group of buildings.

And do you know why?

They want to walk away from our existing airport because THE AIRLINES DON'T LIKE THE EXISTING LAYOUT.

With three different terminals, there is the requirement for far more security personnel and checkpoints. They want to cut their costs. This way, if they get a new single terminal airport, they cut their costs. Of course it's easy for the airlines to request--if not demand--this new terminal because hey, you and I, THE PEOPLE END UP PAYING FOR IT. Not the airlines.

Second note--Check this out from the official release today:

"Going forward, the three terminals at KCI do not make sense financially or environmentally..."

Can you believe they would have the chutzpah to say it doesn't make sense environmentally to keep the existing airport?

How do you walk away from an entire airport and all it's main buildings, all the requisite sewage and electrical and all other lines, everything, including the tower and its building and then all the additonal, supporting buildings and structures and construction, including the parking facilities, car rental companies, everything, only to build all new and say that's good environmentally?

In what bizarro, parallel universe does that hold true?

Third note--the Airport Authority claims a new terminal will be "Economic Development and Jobs Catalyst" because "Construction of a new terminal at the airport will be the LARGEST construction project in Kansas City and will create 1,800 new construction jobs."

Seriously, they claim that.

Could we stop this, please? Could we stop with the nonsensical thinking that just because some short-term construction project (like the Keystone XL oil pipeline, for instance) will very temporarily create some construction jobs for a little window of time, that it's a great idea to go forward with a big, honestly stupid, destructive construction project? Please?

Here's something that would create a lot of construction jobs--How about we KEEP THE CURRENT, ALREADY-BUILT KCI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, MAKE TERMINAL B THE ENTRANCEWAY FOR SECURITY AND THEN CREATE RAMPS OUT TO, AGAIN, EXISTING TERMINALS A AND C WHERE WE WOULD BOARD OUR PLANES?

Problems solved.

There's your solution, folks. This way, we have the one-entrance we need for security, we create our oh-so-important, if temporary construction jobs and we DON'T THROW AWAY AN ENTIRE AIRPORT AND ALL THE RELATED BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION ALREADY EXISTING, AS WELL AS CREATING A HUGE, MULTI-BILLION DOLLAR, NEW COST THE PEOPLE HAVE TO PAY?

More empty points the Authority claims today, with their paper:

We'd get "The single terminal will attract more and better dining and retail amenities..."

Who's zooming who here? A) People aren't going to go out to the airport just because we built a new 1.2 billion dollar facility and B) again, more importantly, why couldn't those "more and better dining and retail amenities" not be added to the existing structures?

Answer: they can and should be. There's no reason the Airport Authority can't market the existing facilities for these "more and better dining facilities and amenities now, as is. Heads up: they'd have to work.

They also promise "More and Better Parking" with today's announcement.

Uh, hello? Why?

If we need, in fact, "more and better parking", why wouldn't it already be set to be created around and near the existing facility? It makes no sense at all to start all over again, at a virtual "ground zero", building "more and better parking" at some new facility, miles away. Can you imagine the huge waste of the existing facilities, were this to take place? It's already there, Airport Authority. If we need it, the market will surely already build it. It will come. And it will come as is just as surely, if not more so, as if we start all over again.

The next one is just a sheer, bold-face lie:

Increased Travel Options

The new terminal will include common use gates and open possibilities for additional domestic, international and direct flights that KCI currently can’t accommodate.

Right.

How is that? This isn't just a matter of being skeptical or even cynical. Again, if there are markets needed for "additional domestic, international and direct flights," they will most surely be added. How is it, exactly, Airport Authority, that "KCI currently can't accomodate" these flights? It isn't for lack of space because that's surely up there right now. I call nonsense.

Next up, the Authority says we should spend this 1.2 billion dollars on a new facility--and again, walk away from the existing structures--because of the "Innovation" it will bring.

You want to talk "innovation"? Go to the existing KCI Airport, with its beautiful buildings that we already like so much and that are so convenient, thank you very much, and retrofit them with these walkways, as I mentioned above, and then do very "green", environmentally wise and intelligent, cutting edge technology for the energy, electricity, heating and cooling, everything. THAT, ladies and gentlemen, would be "innovative." And you also wouldn't throw away untold millions and billions of dollars worth of facilities that are already there, existing.

Which brings us to the next big, bogus claim by the Authority. They say a new KCI would be wise environmentally.

This is the one that really makes my blood boil. Well, along with the fact that they're basically sticking the huge price tag on the people, for the airlines benefit.

HOW IN HELL DO YOU WALK AWAY FROM AN EXISTING, FUNCTIONING, VERY EFFICIENT AND APPRECIATED AIRPORT, PROPOSE TO BUILD A NEW ONE, BASICALLY THROWING AWAY THAT FACILITY AND ALL THE ONES NEARBY, SUPPORTING IT, BUILD A NEW ONE AND CALL THAT WISE, ENVIRONMENTALLY?

Answer? You can't. Not in this universe. Not anyone who's connected to this reality. That is insane. Insane and a lie.

Here again, they're saying the new airport would be "built to LEED standards."

Great.

You know those 1,000 construction jobs they promised us with the new airport they jones for?

Here's your 1,000 construction jobs: Again, retrofit the existing terminal so it's LEED certified. Make the existing facility that much more efficient. THAT makes sense. Huge win, all around.

Then, they save the biggest lie for last. The last reason they give as reason to build a new KCI and walk away from all the existing buildings is...

Wait for it...

Cost Savings

The new terminal will save money.

Now that, ladies and gentlemen, is chutzpah of the highest order.

They're saying that building a new, 1.2 billion dollar airport--when we already have one, mind you--and walking away from the existing airport and all its surrounding, auxilary facilities and buildings, is going to cost less than working with the existing facility.

Once again, in what weird, twisted, exotic, bizarro universe is that possible?

Imagine this--you have a beautiful home. (Maybe you already do). You like it and it works well but you want to make improvements. And I don't care if you're a billionaire (we're not), how is it you could walk away from your existing home, build a brand new one and "save money"? Where is that possible? On what planet or in what dimension of existence is that so? I'm not aware of it.

Oh, yeah, these people just got me started. I've covered a bit of the insanity here, now, today but rest assured, I'm going to keep on this.

This is insane.

With thanks to Tony at Tony's Kansas City Blog, check out this link to reporter Mike Mahoney, trying to speak to new airport supporter and City Councilman Russ Johnson:

http://www.kmbc.com/news/kansas-city/KMBC-s-Micheal-Mahoney-goes-after-answers-on-KCI-Airport-study/-/11664182/19623654/-/rewfhw/-/index.html

This is irresponsible to the point of stupid.

Parts of it are boldface lies.

It's extremely wasteful and it's an environmental, ecological nightmare, too, looking to happen.

We need to make sure that this doesn't go forward.

I remember, years ago, when a law firm wanted to buy a beautiful old apartment building on the Plaza. They wanted to raze it and build their own new headquarters.

Not only that, they wanted TIF money, mind you, ON THE PLAZA, no less, to do it. They wanted you and I to foot a significant part of that bill to do it.

That was crazy and selfish and expensive and stupid, too.

But the people stood up, raised heck and said no and it didn't happen.

That's what we need to happen here, on this, now.

Let's get busy, people.

It's hugely expensive, it's environmentally irresponsible, it's wasteful, it's unnecessary and there is no good reason--not one--to do this. it would cost us, the people, in many ways. We shouldn't let this go forward. We must stop this.

Contact your City Council member now:

http://www.kcmo.org/CKCMO/CityOfficials/CityCouncilOffice/index.htm

Make it clear we--you--don't want this.

Thank you, in advance.

Links:   http://fox4kc.com/2013/04/04/needed-about-2-billion-for-a-one-terminal-kci-airport/

http://www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/news/2013/04/04/kci-single-terminal-plan-passes.html?ana=RSS&s=article_search&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+bizj_kansascity+%28Kansas+City+Business+Journal%29  

http://www.kshb.com/dpp/news/local_news/city-leaders-in-kansas-city-mo-to-discuss-single-terminal-plan-for-kci-airport    

http://www.kctv5.com/story/21882383/building-new-kci-airport-moves-closer-to-reality

Conclusions you have to come to about Kyle James

Okay so, once again, Kyle James--son of Kansas City Mayor Sly James--is in jail. This above, is apparently his latest arrest photo, too.

Who cares what the reason is. (Well, other than the his parents, anyway).

With this, with him being arrested and put into jail once again, it seems easy and obvious to come to at least a few conclusions about him.

First, he must not learn lessons.

Second, he must not care a fig about his father's political career or personal reputation, let alone his own.

Third, he just can't seem to grow up, mature and take responsibility for his own life and actions.

Sad, very sad, as well as unfortunate and totally, utterly, completely unnecessary.

We may get lucky again, Kansas City

 

 

Face it, Kansas City, sure, we had a big snow the other day and we're about to get another.

 

So it goes.

 

But the fact is, we were fairly lucky on that last one, I think. Really, think about it. It hit at just about the right time for most all of us to just shut down. Companies, for the most part, wisely closed and nearly all of us stayed home.

 

With this next storm, if it stays on the track it is now, time-wise, it looks as this storm is going to do the same thing. That is, it looks as though the worst of it is to hit us after rush hour Monday evening, and hit us hardest by dawn.

 

With this in mind, we should be able to quietly, calmly (with the exception of the runs on the grocery stores today), coolly and intelligently close our offices and stores again, stay home and wait until Wednesday morning, wherein we'll all start back at it.

 

We shall see, as always.

 

Here's hoping that's what happens.

 

Link:  US National Weather Service Kansas City Missouri

The latest snow prediction for Monday

Doubtful you're going to like this one, kiddies. (click on pic for better viewing, as ever).

 



From the US National Weather Service Kansas City Missouri:

 

This system is expected to bring light snow or rain showers to the area Sunday night through midday Monday, and accumulating snow from Monday afternoon through Tuesday. Although snowfall amounts are still uncertain, preliminary forecast amounts range from 5 to 10 inches across much of the area, with lesser amounts in far northwest Missouri, and the possibility of locally higher amounts in central Missouri. The track of this system can change, so please continue to monitor the forecast as we head into the weekend.

 

Have a great weekend, cats and kittens!  Enjoy it while you can.

Quote of the day

"The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, and wiser people so full of doubts." 

--Bertand Russell

Not a good forecast for Monday night (New Year's Eve)

From Fox 4's weather forecast today on their Facebook page. (Click on picture for better viewing).

This doesn't look good.

Kansas City Chiefs fans hit new low

There's been a controversial issue for years for and about Kansas City NFL football fans, what with their repeated ending of the national anthem with "...and the home of the Chiefs!" instead of the actual "...and the home of the brave" as they should.

Then, there's been the fact that they did the "tomahawk chop", which was considered disrespectful of Native Americans.

But all that went out the window today when Chiefs fans in the stadium outdid themselves.

When quarterback Matt Cassel was hit in the game today against the Baltimore Ravens, suffering a concussion, too many in the audience broke out in a stadium-rattling cheer.

Tacky.

Truly a new low.

Link: http://www.kmbc.com/sports/Chiefs-OT-Eric-Winston-blasts-fans-who-cheered-Cassel-injury/-/11664276/16891856/-/8h9kae/-/index.html

On that "blue moon"

Tomorrow night, folks, we are to have a "blue moon"--a rare event. It is a 2nd full moon in the same month. Being that it's also August, it would be a really large, full moon, too.

So you know, the forecast for weather, due to Tropical Depression Isaac that's headed this way, we are to get clouds and rain tomorrow and tomorrow night.

What's it mean?

The closest we're going to get to seeing that big, beautiful, late Summer full, blue moon is tonight. It's actually right now.

Just so you know.

So, get out there, and take it in.

Cheers.

Good news/bad news on our weather

The good news is that, because of what will be tropical depression Isaac that dumped so much flooding rain on New Orleans, we now have a 60% chance of getting rain here Friday.

The bad news?

We likely won't be able to see that "blue moon."

I'll take it.

Isaac will apparently disappoint

The good news: Hurricane Isaac shortened a political convention.

The bad news? It's going to hit New Orleans--and apparently on the 7th anniversary of category 5 Hurricane Katrina.

Yet more bad news--it's apparently not going to bring precipitation to our area.

Dangit.

The crap that passes for local news

I've said this before and each time it comes up in its most ugly way, I'll point it out again. It is nearly inconceivable what passes for news on the local, evening news. This is just one more pathetic example.

If it isn't this kind of pointless, "infotainment", it's some YouTube clip from some far-flung part of the world about some other ridiculous, meaningless tripe.

Pitiful.

I would think these people--all of them at the local "news" stations--would be embarrassed.

Additional side question: What is it about local news talent that is supposed to now hold iPads while reading the news, anyway? Is that supposed to make them look more important or up-to-date or both, or what?

Link: http://fox4kc.com/2012/08/13/picture-of-dog-and-his-owner-gains-international-attention/

Election night results--and likely results

I see on the news just now that, of the Republican challengers to US House of Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, one Nick Nolte is shown to have 51% of the vote with 10% reporting while Jacob Turk holds 37% of the vote.

If this holds--and there's every expectation and likelihood that it will, this means two things.

First, this means that Emanuel Cleaver will be re-elected to represent Kansas City Missouri in his district.

Second? It means Representative Cleaver's longtime challenger, that same Jacob Turk, will likely then, now and fovever give up on his trying to unseat Mr. Cleaver.

At least, that looks highly like exactly what will happen in both cases.

Stay tuned.

Other issues: It looks as though it is highly likely Jay Nixon will be returned to the governor's office as relatively unknown Dave Spence was elected to be his challenger. Unless he and the Republicans can and do spends loads of money in advertising, Mr. Nixon will be returned to office.

Finally, it looks really bad for Kansas as the far right wing Republicans were strengthened tonight while the moderates were fairly well trounced.

I feel nearly sick for Kansas.

Links: http://fox4kc.com/2012/08/06/fox-4-for-election-coverage-results/

http://midwestdemocracy.com/articles/spence-wins-right-to-challenge-nixon-for-missouri-governor/

The next big weather and drought question for metro KC

How soon until the water rationing in the different cities and towns in the area begin?

It can't be long now.

Weather questions for us

I asked earlier here, do you suppose we're going to get 3 Summer months of August?

The answer, it seems, is yes. At least we are this year.

105 degree weather 2 weeks ago, in June, and now, at the end of this week, back to 100 degrees and more, for the foreseeable future.

Not good.

So the new question now is, do you suppose this is the type Summers we'll get from now on?

Of course the answer is, we have no idea. Let's hope not. High 90 and low 100 degree temperatures for three months? Awful.

Then, on top of it, to get little or no rain?

Murder.

The second question, then, is will we be getting mild, nearly non-existent winter temperatures and little or no precipitation then, too?

And again, the answer is, we have no idea.

All we can do is hope these are both--all--flukes this year only.

Our very own Fox 4 TV station news has gone viral

It's just that I can't personally be too proud of it:

Guitar Pee urinal turns user into a music whiz

Here's the video:



Ugh.

Walter Cronkite is surely spinning in his grave.

Going into June?

This is the end of May and the beginning of June?

High 50's, mid 60's and then mid 70's with a high likelihood of some rain?

We'll take it!

And gladly, of course. Bring it on.

Mayor's family not doing him any favors

First Mayor Sly's son got in trouble with the police--twice, I believe--now, his brother is doing similarly:

Mayor's Brother Charged With Domestic Assault

La Vance James Accused Of Domestic Assault, Armed Criminal Action

Yikes.

That's some PR department, there, Mayor.

Good luck with that. (And I'm not being sarcastic).

Links: http://www.kmbc.com/news/30966236/detail.html; http://www.pitch.com/plog/archives/2011/08/30/mayor-sly-james-son-accused-of-punching-a-woman-in-the-face-at-the-point; http://voices.kansascity.com/entries/shock-waves-arrest-sly-james-son/; http://www.massappealnews.com/2011/08/08/sly-james-drunken-sons/; http://fox4kc.com/2012/02/10/assault-charges-dropped-against-kcmo-mayors-son/; http://www.kctv5.com/story/15356012/kc-mayors-son-accused-of-punching-woman-in-face