If your restaurant is named "Pot Pie"...

Not only should you have at least one pot pie on the menu--and they didn't, originally--but the pot pie (or pies) you have on the menu should be outstanding. And I don't just mean large.

I'll keep my "dumb" phone, thanks

I've wanted an iPhone since I saw them. I love the design, I love the things it could do. Clearly, it started doing things no other phones could do. Very cool. But then lots of other new phones came out and the race was on. Sure. I get that. But now? I didn't yet get one, mostly because of the prices and largely because I just didn't need it. That and the fact that it seemed like every 20 minutes, another new one--iPhones--kept coming out. Well, now I see that they aren't just a phone any more. Now they're a small computer in your pocket. And that would be okay except between the text meassages people can and do send, and pictures, and the fact that it can--and does--get your emails and facebook messages and who knows what all AND the fact that the thing "goes off" every time it gets any of this stuff, well, I just don't need or want anything in my pocket that's doing that every 10 seconds or so. No thank you. Is it any wonder people in the world are getting more and more attention deficit disorder? First it was the television set, with all it's twenty thousand advertisements coming at you, all while you're watching only one show. Now this. The phone that is nearly constantly vibrating in your pocket, telling you someone's sent you something or said something to you or--last of all--phoned you.

Quote of the day

"The moment we cease to hold each other, the moment we break faith with one another, the sea engulfs us and the light goes out." --James Baldwin

Does this not seem just like the evening news?

Warning: crude language Other than the cursing, is this not just exactly like the evening--or morning or mid-day--news?

Exploding lithium batteries on airplanes: thank you, Republican leadership

Here's yet another beauty out of Washington, from the Republican leadership: Lawmakers tentatively agree to block proposed safety rules for lithium battery air shipments Yes, our Congress thinks it's just too much to ask that we require "air shipments of lithium batteries be treated as hazardous cargo because of the danger of fires during flight." Sure, they sometimes catch fire and/or explode but having that happen in the air, while on a jet plane is a-okay with our legislators in Washington. Forget that "Pilot unions said the international standards don’t provide enough safety and are weaker than rules the administration proposed nearly two years ago..." No big thing. Oh, and forget this, too: "The unions and the National Transportation Safety Board for several years have sought new rules on air shipments of the batteries to prevent fires that can cause air crashes and deaths." Unions stink. Who needs to listen to them? They're just people. Oh, and forget this: "A fire broke out five years ago in cargo containing lithium batteries and other goods on a United Parcel Service plane, forcing an emergency landing in Philadelphia. No one was killed, but one of the pilots said he was able to escape with seconds to spare. The cause of the fire wasn’t conclusively determined, but batteries were suspected." And this, forget this or ignore it: "Last year, another UPS plane with a fire raging on board, and carrying thousands of lithium batteries, crashed near Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, killing both pilots. The accident is still under investigation, but preliminary reports indicate investigators have focused much of their attention on the batteries." Easy prediction: if/when one plane--only one--finally catches fire and crashes, the bill will pass immediately. But then we will have learned. The horse will have already bolted the corral. So it goes. Link: http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/lawmakers-tentatively-agree-to-block-tougher-air-cargo-safety-rules-for-lithium-batteries/2011/12/02/gIQAh07KLO_story.html

Quote of the day

“We no longer live in a society, we live in an economy, where right and wrong is determined not by fairness, but by profitability — and where the law no longer dictates corporate behavior, but corporate behavior dictates the law” --Kelly Overton

Republicans in Washington: more regulations to fight too much regulation (wth?)

Check this out: the GOP leadership in Washington proposed and is trying to pass a bill in Congress to make yet more government regulation so they can fight too much regulation in government. Seriously. I'm not kidding. It was in the Star earlier today: House Republicans pass major anti-regulation bill "In an ambitious gesture to their business allies," (meaning, they took yet more "campaign contributions", first) "...House Republicans passed legislation Friday to reduce what the GOP calls "an avalanche" of unneeded, costly regulations. Opponents call the bill an attempt to prevent the government from protecting Americans at their workplaces, in their homes and when they want a breath of fresh air...Republicans insist the mostly technical legislation would simply force federal agencies to follow presidential directives that have often been ignored - including seeking with the lowest cost." So, again, to be clear, they're adding yet more regulation, so they can prove that there's too much regulation. Y'all wanna' 'splain that to me, one more time? And this is not hypocritical why? Link: http://www.kansascity.com/2011/12/02/3298378/house-republicans-pass-major-anti.html

Zombies at the gym?

Sure, people have a stereotype of "gym rats" having no brains and being mindless but since when did zombies in movies EVER have exercise programs--clearly--so they end up not only young--that was the point of being a zombie--but also ripped with bulging biceps, triceps, pecs and six-pac abs?

The thing was, in the past, zombies were ugly and slow and brainless so who'd want to be one, right? Now, like I said, they're young and muscular and the women are beautiful and both are fast. That goes against everything zombies were supposed to be about. Then there's this:

If these are zombies, as they are supposed to be, I ask you, who doesn't want to sign up for a millenia of this? Somebody put me on the list, will you, please?

KC Royals: The Wal-Mart of the MLB

To what other conclusion do you arrive? Now the Royals have let Frank White go. I have to think it's for two reasons. First, they just didn't like or want his input, after having read the Star today and Sam Mellinger's seemingly very good coverage of the situation in the paper this morning. Second reason? They automatically save a likely big salary. All those dineros go straight to the bottom line. Worst thing about it for the Royals, as far as the front office is concerned? They take a short-term public relations hit. Personally, I had no idea Frank went from not only living nearby what became their stadium but also working construction on it. From the Star's article: "He grew up a few miles from what became the Truman Sports Complex, and worked on the construction crew that built Royals Stadium. He is the ultimate success story of the old Royals Academy, playing 18 seasons with eight Gold Gloves, five All-Star games, and helping win the team’s only World Series championship in 1985." All thrown away. Thanks, Mr. Glass. The thing about Wal-Mart is, sure you can get spaghetti-os for 67 cents a can, sure. Great savings. But the result is the stores are so freaking ugly. And that's the Royals. Great bottom line, just don't expect to even go to the penant race, let alone all the way to the Series. Links: http://www.kansascity.com/2011/12/02/3298952/im-done-with-the-royals-frank.html; http://www.kansascity.com/2011/12/02/3298853/royals-dump-former-star-and-kc.html; http://www.kansascity.com/2011/12/02/3298073/frank-white-through-the-years.html

Think "Obamacare" is such a horrible thing?

If you think the Health Care Reform Act was such a horrible thing, you should read Forbes Magazine today. You know, the BUSINESS magazine? They have this terrific article out on HOW GOOD IT IS and how a terrific provision of it took effect yesterday. Check it out: The Bomb Buried In Obamacare Explodes Today-Hallelujah! "If you think insurance companies should be able to gouge customers - then you should probably not read this. That would be the provision of the law, called the medical loss ratio, that requires health insurance companies to spend 80% of the consumers’ premium dollars they collect—85% for large group insurers—on actual medical care rather than overhead, marketing expenses and profit. Failure on the part of insurers to meet this requirement will result in the insurers having to send their customers a rebate check representing the amount in which they underspend on actual medical care." So there--to any and all disbelievers in this Health Care Reform Act--this is/was for you. Unless, of course, you're an executive of a health insurance company. Link: http://www.forbes.com/sites/rickungar/2011/12/02/the-bomb-buried-in-obamacare-explodes-today-halleluja/

Want to follow corruption in your state government?

Want the latest on corruption in state government? Follow the Corruption News Blog from the State Integrity Investigation, their collaboration with PRI Public Radio International and Global Integrity. Link: http://www.stateintegrity.org/corruption_news_blog

President in Osawatamie this Tuesday

Yes, President Obama is to be in Osawatamie this coming Tuesday according to the Kansas Democratic Party (small as that is): TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) _ The Kansas Democratic Party's chairwoman says President Barack Obama plans to give a speech Tuesday in Osawatomie. State Chairwoman Joan Wagnon said she was notified Friday of the president's visit by the Democratic National Committee. Wagnon said she had no further details, other than the event is scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday. Osawatomie was the site of the 1910 ``New Nationalism'' speech by President Theodore Roosevelt hailing government's role in promoting social justice and protecting the welfare of the poor and underprivileged. Link: http://www.wibw.com/home/headlines/Obama_to_plans_Tuesday_visit_to_Kan_134929853.html

Quote of the day

"In today's deeply interdependent world, war is outdated and illogical. All regions, and all peoples, are interconnected environmentally, economically, and politically. War, oppression or civil strife in one area inevitably affects people in other parts of the world." --The Dalai Lama

It's 1968 all over again

I found a blog recently, by accident, railing about how bad and stupid and mistaken and apparently just wrong the "Occupy" movement is and my first thought was "it's 1968 all over again." Back then, I was a teenager and I had come to the conclusion that the Vietnam War was wrong. Monumentally wrong. And I said so. Other friends at the time thought it important to go along with the official line of the administration. Then there were the Conservatives, Republicans and Right Wing of the country that was also for fighting and supporting that war. Later, when Robert McNamara, then-President Nixon's Secretary of Defense told us the truth, that it was all a lie and he cried on TV about it, well, it was too late but at least we were all vindicated, those of us who were against the war. Now, it's the same thing all over again. The students and young people are out in the streets, protesting. They're protesting Wall Street's ripoff of us, the American people. They're protesting the stranglehold corporations have on the country. And there are the same, mostly older, Conservative, Republican and Right-wing folks, thinking the kids are just hippies and druggies and unemployed low-lifes, looking for "Uncle Sugar" to give them something. Well, as I said, they were mistaken then and they sure as hell are mistaken now. And it just makes me mad. It's very disheartening, at least.

A new low point in tastelessness

You want to see tasteless? You want to see tacky? Well, look no further, ladies and gentlemen--the "Justice Coin" is here:

I was watching TV a bit late last evening, waiting for Steve Buscemi to come on Jimmy Fallon's show (I will only watch him for a good guest--just saying) when I saw an ad for this thing. Wow. It stunned me. I'm telling you, there is absolutely no shame at all when it comes to making a buck, is there? To "celebrate" the killing of Osama bin Laden, these wunderkinds put together these "pure silver and 24-karat gold" coins enraved with "2 Navy Choppers and photo of 3 Navy Seals to signify the men behind the historical event." But wait! There's more: "There is also the American flag on the upper front side of Justice Coin and the phrase “You can run but you can’t hide” under it to remind every American that justice will always prevail."

I was stunned at the crudeness of the entire idea, let alone the execution it, in the TV ad. It was so disgustingly tacky, there weren't words. Oh, and naturally they said it would be a TERRIFIC Christmas gift--they showed a young man giving it to his wife, presumably--since they were both in pajamas and I'm sure they wouldn't want to suggest they were only dating and so, living together. I mean wow, is that one low-class, tasteless knockout or what? Yikes. Oh, and so you know, "If you call NOW, you get BOTH for only $19.95!" Pure silver and 24-karat gold my patootie. H.L. Mencken knew us well, didn't he, when he said "Never underestimate the bad taste of the American public." Someone should give these people an award for horrible taste. Links: https://www.justicecoin.com/?mid=1270966; http://www.jennyreviews.com/as-seen-on-tv/justice-coin/

Michele Bachmann and Donald Trump to lead the nation?

Are you kidding me? That's who Michele Bachmann says she might pick for her Vice President if--God and heaven forbid--she should get anywhere even remotely close to the White House? She says she would pick The Donald or Rick "Mr. Sensitivity" Santorum. Yikes. Double barrel nightmares. And we thought Dubya' was bad. (and stupid).

On Don Harman: Too important not to see

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." --Plato, Greek author & philosopher, Athens (427 BC - 347 BC). Again, to make a donation, Don’s family has set up a fund in lieu of flowers. If you’d like to donate: The Don Harman Memorial Fund Benefiting local Kansas City Charities, c/o Tightwad Bank, 1160 SE Highway 7, Tightwad, Missouri 64735.

What's going on at Jardine's Jazz?

The post today for Jardine's Jazz on their Facebook page--just a little bit ago--is rather ominous. It says the following: "The crazy inevitable has finally occurred. The entire staff of Jardine's would like to say farewell. Apparently, a new leaf is being turned over. Beware..." After a few clearly confused "friends" made some entries, they came back and added this "someone did too much of something for some days and fired everyone." It sounds like the entire staff of the place has been let go. Odd, at least. If you're a fan, you might want to check it out.

The Hyatt Corp. skips town, cheats the "skywalk" victims, if not the city itself

A friend of mine rightly pointed out today on his Facebook page that the Hyatt Corporation didn't make one contribution--at all--to the memorial to those killed. To an extent, you have to see they wouldn't want their name associated with the collapse but it's what happened--it's what it's called, like it or not. For that company to have done this, to have left town and not contributed at all, when they should have made a large contribution, let's face it, is a travesty, at least. This Skywalk Memorial Foundation needed the help, too, to make it happen. Once again, a group of people hiding behind the facade of a heartless corporation. It's shameful. It will not be forgotten. Link: http://www.kmbc.com/money/29900933/detail.html?fb_comment_id=fbc_10150428670651912_19945190_10150428974711912; https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/265286359372/

I'm so old...

...I remember the original YouTube page. I remember when YouTube didn't have an advertisement at the bottom of each video. Heck, I remember when Google didn't own YouTube. THAT old.

What I've said about FDR and Pearl Harbor for years

New article out today: FDR warned of Pearl Harbor attack days in advance. England had been bombed for a year--a full year straight. Europe wanted and needed us--the US--to join the fight against the Germans and their allies in the war and badly. The American people were strictly isolationist and didn't think they had to get involved. It was "their war", after all. President Roosevelt knew what was going on in Europe, having consulted directly with England's Prime Minister Churchill and many others, and for a long time. I always thought that someone, somewhere, might, one day, find some communication that showed that FDR knew the attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese was coming but intentionally ignored it. He knew, I think, he needed the nation behind him and this was likely the only way, unfortunately, tragically, to get them there. He probably hoped it would be a small attack, of course, and that not many would be hurt or--heaven forbid--killed. He likely crossed his fingers, turned out his bedlamp and went to sleep, aware of what might come. All that said, it's what needed to happen, again, unfortunately. He made the right call. But then, admittedly, this is easy "Monday morning quarterbacking." What he did took guts. Links: http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/sideshow/fdr-warned-pearl-harbor-attack-days-advance-164032040.html; http://www.usnews.com/news/blogs/washington-whispers/2011/11/29/declassified-memo-hinted-of-1941-hawaii-attack-; http://www.amazon.com/December-1941-Changed-America-Saved/dp/1595554572/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1322568083&38;sr=8-1

Mayor James: Be careful what you wish for

So now Mayor James wants in on the Kansas City Missouri School District leadership. The State of Missouri's Board of Education wants in, they say. Who knows what the answer is/answers are. Untold numbers of people have been trying to "fix" this school district for so long with so many different programs. Mayor James better know what he's asking for. Surely he does. We'll see. Somebody please come up with a solution/some solutions. One of them has to be to get and keep all the parents involved, for starters. Good luck to them and here's hoping. Link: http://www.kansascity.com/2011/12/01/3296316/kc-mayor-sly-james-wants-to-take.html

Great question: What DOES the Republican leadership want?

"What kind of society, exactly, do modern Republicans want? I’ve been listening to Republican candidates in an effort to discern an overall philosophy, a broadly-shared vision, an ideal picture of America. They say they want a smaller government but that can’t be it. Most seek a larger national defense and more muscular homeland security. Almost all want to widen the government’s powers of search and surveillance inside the United States – eradicating possible terrorists, expunging undocumented immigrants, “securing” the nation’s borders. They want stiffer criminal sentences, including broader application of the death penalty. Many also want government to intrude on the most intimate aspects of private life." --Robert Reich, Chancellor's Professor of Public Policy at the University of California at Berkeley, writer, blogger, columnist. Link to original post: http://robertreich.org/post/13567144944

Omaha, Nebraska?? No. 4 on "America's Happiest Cities" List?

I'm stunned. Men's Health Magazine rated America's 100 "Happiest" and "Saddest" cities, as I said in the last post and check this out--unbelievably, Omaha, Nebraska came out number four on the list of "Happiest". You gotta' be kidding me. In what way is that? I mean, I like Omaha--to visit--and I love their "old town" area--from Spring to Fall--but one of the nation's "happiest cities"? Yikes. You're kidding me. Did they not either go there from November to March or hear about it? Then there's the fact that there's the "old town" area and--guess what--that's it. That's all there is to see in that city. Well, besides, maybe the Doorly Zoo but even that is, again, from the best, mildest, warmest part of Spring through the best part of Fall. I'm stunned. And once again, on these lists, nearby Lincoln, NE is close by at number 11. Excuse me, but with the exceptions of college football or business, why would anyone go to Lincoln? I don't get it. Link: http://www.menshealth.com/best-life/frown-towns?cm_mmc=Huffington_Post-_-Frown%20Towns-_-Article-_-Frown%20Towns

"America's Saddest Cities"?--St. Lou--not you

Men's Health Magazine just came out with a list of "America's Saddest Cities" and, yes, St. Louis is on there but you, Kansas City, you are not. I think the Sprint and the Kauffman Centers may have helped keep us off there. Either that or we're just not on their radar. Note: Detroit and Memphis are on there, too. In my next post, you won't believe who's number 4 on "Happiest American Cities." Anyway, enjoy, Kansas City--it's only been good press coverage lately. For now, anyway. Link to original post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/30/americas-saddest-cities_n_1120753.html?ncid=webmail18#s507155&title=St_Louis_MO

Another movie that needs to be made: Meyer Lansky

I first heard the name Meyer Lansky when most other Americans probably heard it first, too--in "The Godfather" movie. Having just seen the 3rd and final segment of the "Prohibition" series on PBS, I learned a bit more about him and how he got his start in the early part of the 1900's, bootlegging booze. From there, it was a natural extension, especially once prohibition was repealed--and as the show said, they had learned so much in how to do it--that he and his associates would begin a "National Crime Syndicate" or Mafia, here in the US. As an example, I found that Meyer Lansky, Bugsy Siegel and Lucky Luciano were lifelong friends. Meyer Lansky is either played/represented by someone or mentioned in no less than 7 rather big, American films. (If you go to the Wikipedia link below on Meyer Lansky, you'll likely understand more details from "The Godfather" than you might otherwise. Besides, it's a great read). One movie, "Lansky" came out in 1999 for TV but it fizzled--Richard Dreyfuss, of all people, portrayed him. Finally, he's in or mentioned in at least 5 TV shows and referenced in at least 8 books. A year before he died, "in September 1982, Forbes listed him as one of the 400 wealthiest people in America. His net worth was estimated at $100 million." Think about it. This would have to make for one great story and in the meantime tell a great deal about this country, too. Here's hoping. Read more here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meyer_Lansky

Great news, Kansas City!

We're nowhere on the list of the "Fattest Cities"! Yeehaw. Link: http://shine.yahoo.com/healthy-living/8-most-artery-clogging-cities-america-172200587.html

Someone make a movie on the Kansas City mob

As I wrote last evening, I just finished the 3rd and final segment of the PBS' "Prohibition" series and found it fascinating. What was additionally interesting was the mention, now and again, of the scene in Kansas City and the "National Crime Syndicate" or "mob" that grew out of prohibition. It seems to me the time has come--and it would be a great, great story--if someone, somewhere would finally make a movie--maybe a series on HBO?--on the Kansas City mob. It's rich as heck. It's not Chicago or New York by a long shot but it's known KC was a "wide open" town and the people that created it also colored it very strongly and vividly. As an example, go to the Wikipedia link, below, click on it and read just a little bit about John Lazio and Charles Binaggio. And those are but two of the people involved. Check out some of the other names of people from this era: William "Willie the Rat" Cammisano, Sr., Anthony "Tiger" Cardarella, Charles V. "Charley The Wop" Carollo, Carl "Cork" Civella, Frank DeMayo, Charles "Mad Dog" Gargotta, Anthony "Tony" Gizzo, Nicolo Impostato, Gaetano Lococo and Peter Simone. And then, how did all this work with Tom Pendergast. (Hopefully they wouldn't put TOO much emphasis on Tom and his brother). Fascinating stuff. This, along with the separate story of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art--another, fascinating story that should be filmed and told--make for fantastic reading, let alone viewing, I think. Any takers? Links: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Binaggio; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Lazia; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_mobsters_by_city: http://www.onewal.com/w-binagg.html

Today is World AIDS Day

Baby Lisa still in national news

I just saw this headline on Yahoo! News: How Baby Lisa’s Disappearance May Affect Brother’s Custody Case If you're interested, go here: http://news.yahoo.com/baby-lisa-disappearance-may-affect-brother-custody-case-224300772.html