Starbeams: Apple Store Rip Off, Paul Ryan Shirtless, Biz Markie & Meth

A “crash and dash” robbery happened at the Apple store in Leawood.  Someone backed a Dodge Intrepid into the store, grabbed the loot and drove away.  Police are on the lookout for the only Dodge in Leawood.

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Paul Ryan was interrupted 82 times during the debate table Thursday night.  He said it’s just like having dinner with his wife.

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Posted in Starbeams | 1 Comment

Whinery: Veep Debate a Snoozefest, the Nod to Biden

My description of tonight’s debate- Snoozefest!

I saw nothing that I didn’t predict. Vice President Joe Biden interrupted Paul Ryan 96 times in a 90 minute debate, to Ryan’s six interruptions. Nothing of substance was really covered.

Biden did what he was supposed to do and that was stop the Romney/Ryan juggernaut after the first Presidential debate.

Which is the only reason Biden kind of “won.” Continue reading

Posted in David Scott Whinery | 23 Comments

Hearne: Star Sprint Center Editorial Comes Sunnyside Up — Minus the Arithmetic

The old ways die hard…

Was a time the Kansas City Star owned this town when it came to, not just news coverage but editorial opinion. It may not always have gotten its way, but it carried a pretty big stick and when it’s writers and editors shouted, “Jump!” the next thought that crossed their minds was “How high?”

Times have changed.

Don’t get me wrong, the “paper” is still Kansas City’s largest gatherer and reporter of news and that’s not likely to change anytime soon. If ever. That said, there are plenty of other voices around today and locals are too well informed to inhale every puff of smoke the Star puts out when it comes to shaping opinions.

Take today’s editorial glorifying the Sprint Center. Continue reading

Posted in Hearne_Christopher | 8 Comments

Leftridge: It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia…Still

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’s 8th season premiers this Thursday on FX, and frankly, I’m just not so sure how I feel about that fact.

You see, this once grand television show—much like anything that moves beyond a 5th or 6th season—has started to decline in quality and hilarity with each passing episode. Gone are the days of Kitten Mittons, love-letters to Chase Utley and spray-paint huffing inspired musicals about the Dayman; Instead, we’re left with elaborate, sleepy flashback episodes about Frank (Danny DeVito) running a jazz club in the 60’s and an ongoing, rambling storyline about Dee’s (Kaitlyn Olson) pregnancy.

To be fair, it’s not that the jokes are worthless, or all traces of what made the show great are gone, however.

Oh no. Continue reading

Posted in Brandon Leftridge, Entertainment | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Jack Goes Confidential: ‘ARGO’ — A White Knuckle Nailbiter

ARGO is the most exciting motion picture I’ve seen this year…

That’s really quite remarkable considering the story’s outcome is now public record—hence there’s no reason to hide any spoilers.

In 1979, after the United States granted amnesty to the deposed Shah, Iranian revolutionary militants stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran while its staff scrambled to destroy sensitive files.

“If we shoot one person, they’ll kill everyone inside here.” Continue reading

Posted in Jack_Poessiger | 6 Comments

Starbeams: Jerry Johnston & Willie Nelson, Red X Shortcut, New York Times on Strike

 

Jerry Johnston used to be pastor of the First Family mega-church but left because of trouble with the I.R.S.  Last year he started a new church and it too has now closed its doors.  We knew the new church might have problems when it was briefly named “The Church of Willie Nelson.”

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Construction on the Broadway Extension will end a month earlier than previously predicted and will reopen early in November.  That will cut at least 10 minutes off my Christmas shopping trips to Red X in Riverside.

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Posted in Starbeams | 9 Comments

Glazer: Nobody Cares About Major League Baseball or the Playoffs Anymore

They moved a presidential speech a few weeks back because of an NFL game being played that night…

Nobody would have cared had it been a baseball game. Or even a playoff game being played during the current presidential debates. Why? There just isn’t nearly the interest in baseball today. Continue reading

Posted in Craig_Glazer | 23 Comments

Sounds Good: The Lighthouse and the Whaler, Brown Bird, Jerry Seinfeld, El Ten Eleven, & Norah Jones

Barbecue, jazz, and crappy football…

That’s what KC is known for, and this weekend we certainly aren’t skimping on any of these grand traditions.

For the ribs and swing, head on down to 18th and Vine for the 2012 Rhythm & Ribs Festival, featuring performances by Brian McKnight and Arturo Sandoval, among others.  Check their website here for more info.

For the horrible football, simply head on out to Lawrence, Columbia, or ArrowheadContinue reading

Posted in Matthew_Donnelly | 2 Comments

Whinery: The Official KC Confidential Veep Debate Preview

Given President Obama‘s dismal performance in his first debate with Romney, the pressure is on Vice President Joe Biden to, at the very least, hold his own against Republican VP candidate, Paul Ryan

And with the Romney/Ryan ticket taking its first lead in the RealClearPolitics average, it’s imperative that the gaffe prone Mr. Biden play it cool and not say anything really stupid.

The tale of the tape… Continue reading

Posted in David Scott Whinery | 41 Comments

Hearne: Star Sprint Center Story Looks Back Through Rose-Colored Glasses

Say this about Sunday’s five-year Star send up on the Sprint Center; it covers most of the bases…

Unfortunately, some of the bases left uncovered are about eight years late in being examined by the friendly reporters and editors at 18th and Grand. Quite a few actually. Other details remain largely untold.

So now, the rest of the story. Continue reading

Posted in Hearne_Christopher | 20 Comments

Hearne: Rev. Still Revved on Chiefs, Says Keep the Faith but Lose the ‘Gross’ Behavior

 Caught up to U.S. Rep Emanuel Cleaver yesterday at his new campaign headquarters at the Uptown Shoppes in midtown…

Naturally the conversation turned towards the massively frustrated fans of this year’s disappointing Kansas City Chiefs team…

Cleaver’s take on the sorry current state of the beleaguered, all but winless local football franchise?

“There is hope,” Cleaver says. Continue reading

Posted in Hearne_Christopher | 31 Comments

Donnelly: Sporting’s Shield Dreams Broken with Espinoza’s Ankle, Zusi Called Up

With a somewhat disappointing 1-1 draw at Columbus over the weekend, Sporting KC’s dream of winning the Supporter’s Shield is all but over…

San Jose looks like they have it locked up, sitting at 64 points in the Western Conference with 2 games to play and KC at 59 in the East with 2 games remaining.

“There has to be a major slip-up on San Jose’s part,” said KC boss Peter Vermes, of his team’s chances at the Shield.  “Right now, it doesn’t look like there’s going to be, especially with the way their schedule looks coming up.”

San Jose’s remaining foes are LA Galaxy at home, and the Portland Timbers on the road.

Sporting would have to win their last two games – at New York Red Bulls and home versus Philly – and San Jose would have to lose their remaining two for KC to creep in and steal away the Shield.

Possible yes, probable no. Continue reading

Posted in Sporting_Kansas_City | 4 Comments

Glazer: Where’s Kansas City Mayor Sly James When We Need Him?

It’s been a year and a half since Sly James was elected mayor of Kansas City on March 22, 2011…

In the beginning, James gave speech after speech about moving KCMO forward, working with small business and getting this town rolling again.

But lately he’s been almost impossible to find.

Where is he? What’s he up to?

Past mayors Emanuel Cleaver, Kay Barnes – even Funky Mark – were high profile and all over the news on a weekly, if not daily basis. That’s not been the case with James. By comparison, it’s almost as if he’s in hiding.  Or so it seems.

Continue reading

Posted in Craig_Glazer | 9 Comments

New Jack City: TV Anchor’s Weighty Dilemma

Heard the one about the plus sized news anchor in Wisconsin?

Her’s the deal. Jennifer Livingston of WKBT-TV in LaCrosse received a private communique from a viewer criticizing her for her weighty look on TV. A message that her husband, who also anchors at the station, promptly posted on Facebook.

Ms. Livingston in turn addressed—or confronted — the situation publicly on WKBT’s air and compared the incident to America’s growing problem of bullying.

Whatever. Continue reading

Posted in Jack_Poessiger | 17 Comments

Starbeams: Helmet Man Spears Cassel, KC Torture & Hamill Declares Star War on Romney

Chiefs fans say they weren’t cheering because Matt Cassel was injured.  They were cheering because Helmet Man pulled out a lighter to light a CIGARETTE.

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The Chiefs went into damage control Monday by trying to restore Cassel’s popularity.  They now claim Matt was they guy who did all of those terrible things to Adele.

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More Americans support torture now than when George W. Bush was president.  By supporting torture, we mean, buying Chiefs and Royals season tickets. Continue reading

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Do It: This Week’s Picks Topped by Esperanza Spalding, Justin Bieber Spanking & Lusty Wenches

It’s not everyday that someone gets to give pop punk Justin Beiber a good, sound spanking…

Nor is it everyday one gets a shot at checking out a rising star on the order of Esperanza Spalding.

Let alone in the intimate confines and acoustically pure environs of the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. But that’s exactly what will go down Tuesday when the 27 year-old jazz diva brings her Grammy-winning credentials to the 1,600 seat Helzberg Hall.

“Oh yeah, that’s like a really big deal,” says jazz buff and promoter Mark Edelman. “She like rocked the world last year by getting the Best New Artist Grammy as a jazz artist. That’s an award that usually goes to Justin Bieber or somebody.”

Edelman’s not exaggerating. Continue reading

Posted in Hearne_Christopher | Leave a comment

Glazer: Chiefs Ned to Dump General Manager Scott Pioli & Court Bill Cowher

It was one of the lead news stories last night and this morning…

Matt THE FRANCHISE Cassel seated on the turf at Arrowhead, dazed and confused, fans cheering his pain.  The media and Chiefs players led by Eric Winston, say, “We are bad guys for doing that, cheering for an injury.”

All due to Chiefs fan’s frustration with being a national joke and loser with both the Royals and Chumps.

And poor Matt is just the scapegoat for the bigger picture. Continue reading

Posted in Craig_Glazer | 21 Comments

Glazer: Did Chiefs QB Matt Cassel Fake His Injury?

Was Matt THE FRANCHISE Cassel REALLY HURT?

Is it possible that he’d had enough with the fans, the team and losing? Maybe, just maybe, as predicted by yours truly, THE FRANCHISE took this option and kinda faked injury. It’s sure a thought. That maybe he was not that badly hurt but will go on the injured reserve with a “head injury or concussion” and be out for the season and end his career with the Chiefs.

It’s been a nightmare for the Cassel, he wants out and now most likely he’s gone. Continue reading

Posted in Craig_Glazer | 28 Comments

Hearne: Star Stumbles After Reader Rep Reignites Debate Over ‘Redskins’ Name

Don’t look now, but Star reader rep Derek Donovan‘s recently-sparked controversy over use of NFL team the Washington Redskins name in the newspaper has blown up in his face…

“A caller this morning expressed his incredulity that The Star doesn’t normally print the name of Washingon’s NFL team: the Redskins…” Donovan wrote in his September 24 column. “I see no compelling reason for any publisher to reprint an egregiously offensive term as a casual matter of course.” Continue reading

Posted in Hearne_Christopher | 10 Comments

Glazer: Scribe Gazes into Crystal Ball After Boffo Bets Weekend

Well football fans, last week was the big break I was looking for, right?

I was perfect in the pros – 4-0 – and that’s very tough these days. I dropped one in college, but still had a nice winning week. Let’s keep the heat on this weekend.

All that can be said about our Chiefs has been said. Now we know. Even the Wall Street Journal – a publication without a sports page – spanked our city as the worst in pro sports with two teams that haven’t won a post season game since 1985 (the Royals) and since 1993 for the Chiefs. Worst in the nation. Yikes.

Now we even have to hear about it from Wall Street. Continue reading

Posted in Craig_Glazer | 16 Comments