Yearly Archives: 2011
Donnelly / Grogan: Kid Rock Still On Top @ The Midland by AMC
You gotta give Kid Rock some credit…
I mean, first of all, he’s still around. That’s saying something right there.
He’s still touring and selling out venues much bigger than the Midland, which he sold out a few days ago.
Where are the other rap-rock bands that broke through around the same time, like Limp Bizkit and Korn?
Who cares, really?
Kid Rock has remained relevant by morphing over the years from DJ to rapper to rap-rocker to rocker. And when that genre was taken behind the woodshed, he shifted again. This time to dirty country hillbilly where he found perhaps the biggest success of his career by releasing his most mainstream album yet, 2010’s Born Free.
Check out the trailer trash king’s court, courtesy of KCC photog Katie Grogan, after the jump…
Starbeams: Saddest Cities, Free Leawood, the KCSD & Ricky Martin to Glee
Men’s Health magazine just put out a list ranking the 100 biggest U.S. cities from saddest to happiest.
It’s based on suicide rates, unemployment rates, surveys on depression, and the level of antidepressant usage. The top 10 saddest cities, in order, are:
St. Petersburg, Detroit, Memphis, Tampa, Louisville, St. Louis, Birmingham, Miami, Reno and Las Vegas. Honolulu was happiest and Kansas City finished at number 73 on the list, ahead of Phoenix, Atlanta, Washington, DC and our so-sad, big-brother city – St. Louis. It’s about time for them to return Albert Pujols so we can wipe away his sadness.
Glazer: The Future of Todd Haley & Handicapping the NFL Playoffs
Chiefs coach Todd Haley seems like a decent guy…
He may even be the Chiefs future coach, but somebody needs to tell Todd the Chiefs were out of this race before game one. I tried to tell him that. Remember, I made my bet that the Chiefs wouldn’t win 8 games, before Eric Berry and Jamaal Charles got hurt. Oh yeah and that worthless tight end, Tony Moeaki who’s always hurt.
Local sports talk radio and Haley talk about Kyle Orton as if he mattered this year. Let alone ever.
THE CHIEFS ARE HORRIBLE. THEY HAVE BEEN FOR YEARS. THEY AREN’T IN ANY RACE ABOUT ANYTHING. THEY WON A WORTHLESS HANDED TO THEM DIVISION LAST YEAR.
Jack Goes Confidential: George Clooney Shines In ‘DESCENDANTS’ – K.C. Engagements Expand
It’s been seven years since Omaha filmmeister Alexander Payne brought us his wine country mini-classic SIDEWAYS with Paul Giamatti…
Prior to that he made a director’s name for himself with 1999’s ELECTION starring Reese Witherspoon, followed by Jack Nicholson in ABOUT SCHMIDT.
Now Payne delivers what could well become his finest creation yet. One which is poised to pick up multiple Oscar nominations, not only in the catagories of Best Actor, Best Director and Best Screenplay, but Best Picture as well!
Donnelly: Vermes Pulls Jedi Mind Trick on Montreal
Last week I wrote about the MLS Expansion Draft, how the whole thing works, and who Sporting KC protected from being snatched
away by the expansion Montreal Impact.
I noted that I thought it was odd to protect Davy Arnaud, an aging midfielder who played little in 2011 after undergoing sports hernia surgery. Though Davy certainly had a great relationship with Peter Vermes – indeed, he was named captain the past two seasons – his production was minimal. The team seemed to play better in his absence which also allowed Graham Zusi to emerge and become, in my opinion, SKC’s best player.
Also, Davy had a hefty salary of over $250,000 per year. That’s a ton when you consider the fact that multiple Sporting starters made under $50,000 last season and contributed far more to the team’s success.
So why would Sporting use one of their coveted 11 spots to protect Arnaud from being selected? Maybe because a behind-the-scenes deal was in the works…
Today: Was Don Harman Involved in Missing Iowa Anchor Jodi Husentruit?
Since I was outted in the comments section by the first comment….
I’ll give you a brief update. I’m flying really low today with three deadlines and no iPhone. So I’m limited on my reporting time, but now that I’ve let the cat out of the bag, I suspect this thing’s gonna snowball pretty fast.
The law enforcement talk here is indeed that Fox 4 meteorologist Don Harman was spoken to last week by officers investigating a cold case murder that has recently been reopened.
To be fair, while that may be true, it certainly doesn’t mean that Harman was a suspect in that case.
The case of a missing Mason City, Iowa TV anchor Jodi Husentruit was reopened in September.
Hearne: Fox 4 Meteorologist Don Harman Suicide May Prove a Shocker
At the risk of turning this site into a Suicide Zone I’m going to wade into the mystery of Don Harman‘s death…
If you followed my early reporting on the Fox 4 weatherman’s passing yesterday, you undoubtedly noticed that fellow meteorologist Gary Lezak – the guy Harman replaced in 1999 when Lezak left Fox4 for greener pastures – noted that Harman had serious issues with depression. A detail which seemed to be driven home by the fact that prior to addressing Harman’s death, Fox 4 posted its intention to do a story on holiday stress and sadness on its Web site.
Sounds Good: Adam Lee@Replay, Wilco@Uptown & 96.5 the Buzz’s XXX-Mas@Midland
Has the relationship between Miss Piggy and Kermit ever bothered you?
Or made you think a little bit? I’ve been seeing all these commercials for the new Muppet movie, and I think it dredged something up from the past that I had forgotten about. Or repressed, if that’s what you want to call it.
But I don’t need to get into that right now in front of all of you.
Anyway, I noticed that all the songs in the movie are by Bret McKenzie, one half of the New Zealand duo Flight of the Conchords. You know, the Conchords… with hits such as "Leggy Blonde," "If That’s What You’re Into," and "Albi the Racist Dragon."
(Think about it, though, and tell me honestly that you can’t picture Kermy in a leather hood with a zippered mouth. Be honest.)
Car: Rebirth of the Datsun 240Z; Subaru Poised to Unleash New Sports Rocket
Long time no affordable sports car…
Even if you count the Mazda Miata – not the most manly ride known to man – it’s been decades since a true, affordable sports car has been for sale in this country. Nissan’s 370Z starts at $31,000 and change but the price rises pretty quick.
We’ll have to wait and see exactly how Subaru prices this one but with an expected sticker starting around $25,000 it beats the Z Car by a considerable amount. That said, knowing Subaru’s penchant for offering an infinitesimal array of options and add-ons, it won’t be hard to drive up the sticker price.
The Subaru BRZ debuted today in production form at the Tokyo Motor Show.
Donnelly: Karrin Allyson @ Jardine’s, November 28, 2011
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The lights inside Jardine’s dimmed slightly as people were still shuffling into their seats…
In the sold-out room, the wine flowed freely as the staff rushed between the tightly packed tables. It was just after 6:30 on a Monday night and Beena – the owner of this little jazz club situated on the end of the Plaza – was hustling, greeting patrons, and making sure everyone was in their proper place.
Several men in black fiddled with their instruments on the small stage. One set up a couple guitars, arranged a music stand. Another plucked and poked the thick strings on a stand-up bass. They looked experienced, their hands on auto-pilot, tuning and prepping.
On stage right sat a grand piano that filled half of the tiny stage. This is where renowned jazz singer Karrin Allyson would situate herself for most of the night…
Hearne: Fox 4 Meteorologist Don Harman Takes His Own Life
Here we ago again…
Yet another well-known Kansas City personality – Fox 4 weather wonk Don Harman – has taken his own life.
"He was a really good guy, a funny guy and he had a nice edge to him," says fellow meteroologist Gary Lezak of KSHB TV, Channel 41. "He’s one of the most popular personalities in the city – he just suffered from depression."
Glazer: Tis the Season…of Johnny Dare!
He’s everywhere…
I’m talking about Johnny Dare. Yes, on November 21st, a few days ago, our own Johnny Dare landed a very nice story in USA Today: RADIO HOST USES SHOW TO HELP LISTENERS AT THE HOLIDAYS.
Hope for the Holidays has a 15-year history of generating tears and acts of kindness on behalf of Kansas City people who are in need. Dare has listeners submit requests for assistance, which are then vetted by his team.
Tales From the Tweet: Gill’s Last Gasp, an Albino Lion & Lou Diamond’s Stolen Identity
‘Tis the season for cherishing what you’ve got. For some, this means a job, a home, a family, some food, a nice Sleep Number bed… whatever. Turner Gill—who was fired by KU on Sunday—has most of these things, I’m sure. Well, except the job. Oh, and plus $6,000,000.00. That’s right, the man who succeeded Mean Ol’ Mangino was given his walking papers after he managed an unbelievably horrid 1-16 record in the Big 12 over his two year reign of terror. But don’t cry for him, Argentine, Kansas, he’ll be just fine.
@KUNews
“Turner Gill has been relieved of his duties as Head Football Coach at the University of Kansas”
@mellinger (KC Star Sports Columnist)
“When Turner Gill lists his accomplishments on his resume for his next job, "halftime lead over #Mizzou" should make the top five. #KUfball”
@nate_bukaty (810 am)
“I never find joy in a person losin his job, and I believe Turner Gill to be a very good man, but Dr. Zenger did what needed to be done.”
People like to say that they hate it when people get fired; when it comes to sports, this is often nothing more than a ridiculous cliché. Simply put, sports dehumanize people. It rightfully puts team and organization above all else. Theoretically, all of the moveable parts grow into a giant, convulsing, hissing machine. And when a piece of that machinery breaks down, or fails to provide the function that it’s supposed to, you replace it. It’s that simple.
Edelman: Karrin Allyson Amazes at Jardine’s, Catch Her last Shows Tonight
The word “brilliant” gets thrown around alot these days…
But for an hour plus of the real thing, don’t miss Karrin Allyson’s gig at Jardine’s tonight (two shows Tuesday, Nov 29 at 6:30 and 8:30). Great music doesn’t get much better than this.
Joined by two of KC’s best sidemen– guitarist Rod Fleeman and bass player Gerald Spaits— Allyson plays Beena’s intimate room like she owns the place.
Today: The Sad, Desperate State of the Pitch & Alternative Publishing in KC
This is not good…
At the exact time of year when it should be cashing in and getting well, what’s left of alternative newsweekly the Pitch is hanging on by the skin of its teeth. Even in its hazy, early days when I ran the show, we’d turn out 56 page issues during the all-important fourth quarter. Now, instead of flirting with 80 to 100 pages issues, it’s barely choking out 40.
This during the time of the year retailers and media count on to make ends meet.
And while good things have been said about the Pitch Web site, print is where the paychecks come from.
Today: The Ridiculous State of College Athletics & KU Football
Money talks..
While the heinous child abuse coverups at Penn State and Syracuse are the best examples of how big bucks have corrupted big time college sports, there are others.
Take Lowly KU’s dealings in the hiring and firing of football coach Turner Gill.
KU athletics director Sheahon Zenger wasn’t the one who stepped in it by hiring Gill. That distinction goes to ousted, former KU AD Lew Perkins who laid a $10 million contract on the unproven, ex-Nebraska footballer. The obvious-but-overlooked question being, why cough up $10 million for an untested coach with a losing record?
Zenger is the dude who blithely agreed to cut Gill a $6 million farewell check like it was no big deal.
Glazer: Rising Star T.J. Miller Flies in to do Fundraiser for Fallen Glazer Brother
He’s already being compared to Tom Hanks…
TJ Miller has done about 17 films back-to-back for the last five years. He either stars or co-stars in almost all of them. And Miller just finished shooting ROCK OF AGES with Tom Cruise. His scenes in the movie are with Cruise.
Miller’s still best known as "Stainer" in She’s Out of Your League but in the past past year you’ve seen him in Yogi Bear (as Park Ranger Jones), Unstoppable with Denzel Washington, Train Your Dragon Two, Get Him to The Greek and more. He’s taking time off from his new film, "MY IDIOT BROTHER" to fly to KC on tonight for one special show at Stanford and Sons.
TJ was a regular on Chelsea Lately but was not well known as a stand-up comic. He wanted to headline clubs to get his comedy groove on and Stanford’s let him headline in what would be his first full week at an A club as the main guy.
And guess what? He killed.
Hearne: Costly, Dull, Freaky Michael Jackson Tribute Coming to KC
Fake Michael Jackson concert tix, anyone?
Visit the Star‘s main page and chances are you’ll get one of those delightful pop-up ads hawking $25 discounts on tickets to the upcoming MJ tribute show at Sprint Center.
That’s right, a tribute band headlining Sprint, and not just for one but for two nights, back-to-back. That’s a feat the creepy, gloved one himself might have have difficulty pulling off, were he not immortalized in death.
"That’s so lame," says one 30-something local MJ fan of the show. "And a little creepy."
New Jack City: Jack Back from Europe Despite Getting Poisoned & Condom Scare
Plans for crisp roasted goose on Thanksgiving Day though went awry…
That’s because three days prior to my planned feast I came down with a severe case of food poisoning. Bad enough that my Frankfurt hotel had to change my room. I guess my Exorcist-like activities didn’t go well with housekeeping.
With prices sky high across the pond these days, they say that getting there is the cheapest part of a European vacation. Unless, of course, you treat yourself to a free first class roundtrip ticket as I did. More about that later.
As for today’s living costs in places like Germany, at an average exchange rate of $1.40 to the Euro plus inflation, costs are high in just about every imagineable catagory. For example:
A gallon of gasoline – make that a liter – goes for between 1.50 and 1.75 Euros. Now multiply that x 4 for dollars and you’re paying in the unbelievable neighborhood of $8.50 per gallon!
It doesn’t stop there.
Hearne: Karen Pletz Suicide Update, Florida Cops Await Preliminary Autopsy Results
The jury’s still out on exactly what went down in the unexpected death of Karen Pletz…
The one-time, high-flying, former head of the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences was found dead last week in the Ft. Lauderdale condo she was holed up in shortly after midnight.
That after Pletz late 2009 ouster amid accusations she had embezzled more than $1.5 million, falsely claimed deductions of $65,000 in charitable contributions she did not make, got $50,291 in bogus travel reimbursements used for personal travel and entertainment, and using university monies to pay for cosmetic surgery.
In short, Pletz fell from the penthouse to the outhouse, and faced up to seven figures or more in legal fees and slam time, on top of public humiliation.
Raising the obvious question of whether Pletz took her own life.
Even George Washington University professor Margaret Soltan weighed to that effect.
