Jan

6

Resale on Downtown condos went up 50% this morning

January 6, 2009 by William Rockhill Nelson | 6 Comments

The long awaited Downtown grocery store has finally opened.  Cosentino’s Downtown Market features many gourmet and prepared foods, a giant salad bar, a good beer selection, and all of the staples.  It caters to both the Downtown resident and the Downtown worker.  It’s at 13th and Main, with parking available in the adjacent garage, which is free for three hours with validation.


Categories: Business, Downtown

Jan

5

Kelly Urich starts his own radio station online

January 5, 2009 by William Rockhill Nelson | 6 Comments

From Bottom Line Communications… Long time local DJ Kelly Urich recently left KMXV-FM Mix 93.3, and today started up his own onlin radio station.  KCRadio.com is his new venture, which sounds like it will have a playlist similar to Mix 93, plays 24/7 with Kelly live on the air from 9 to 3.

The web site uses a pretty crappy streaming system, but you can bypass that by going directly to the MP3 stream.


Categories: Arts/Entertainment

Jan

4

Finally fixing I-70?

January 4, 2009 by William Rockhill Nelson | Leave a Comment

Not anytime soon, but MoDOT is taking the next step on a long, slow process for fixing I-70 in Jackson County. Let’s Go KC notes that a public open house on Tuesday night will give you an opportunity to check out the possible changes and give MoDOT your own input.

In addition to rebuilding the highway from the ground up and improving ramps, intersections, and possibly expanding the highway, there are also possibilities for improving transit on I-70.  MoDOT is finally considering the possibility of High Occupancy Vehicle lanes.  HOV lanes, also called carpool lanes, have become a common way for many cities to let buses and carpools fly by congestion on the highway.


Categories: Transportation

Jan

3

Tim Finn returns

January 3, 2009 by William Rockhill Nelson | Leave a Comment

KC Star music critic Tim Finn returns with a beautiful blog post about the recent loss of his wife, Star restaurant critic Lauren Chapin.


Categories: General

Jan

1

Pitch layoffs

January 1, 2009 by William Rockhill Nelson | 8 Comments

The downturn in the advertising and newspaper business seems to have hit the Pitch just in time for the new year.  In addition to the regular Happy New Year tweets floating around the KC Twitterverse were several “OMG the Pitch is laying people” off tweets.  Neither the Pitch itself or an other traditional media have said anything, but here is the list we can deduce from Twitter…

Charles Feruzza, Food Critic
Jen Chen, Nightlife columnist and Staff Writer
Chris Packham (a.k.a. Farmer Bob), Asst. Calendar Editor, Daily Briefs.
Lorna Perry, Editorial Assistant


Categories: Media

Dec

29

Holiday cab WILL operate on New Year’s Eve

December 29, 2008 by William Rockhill Nelson | 3 Comments

We had previously reported that the annual Holiday Cab program that offers free rides home for drunk folk had to be canceled this year when Coors dropped its sponsorship.  However, KCTV reports that Holiday Cab will make a brief reprise for New Year’s Eve only.  Yellow Cab, the Central State’s Beverage beer distributor, and Downtown nightclub Seven have partnered to save the program for one night only.  You can call 816-777-1115 until 3:00 a.m. The first $25 is free, which should be enough for 10-12 miles inside the Metro area.

Drunk driving on New Year’s Eve wouldn’t be such a problem if Kansas City ponied up the money for a decent public transit system. In many cities the transit system runs later and at a free or reduced price on New Year’s Eve. And it’s not just transit-friendly big cities like New York or Chicago.  Bus-only systems like in mid-sized cities like Milwaukee and Las Vegas offer free bus rides until 3:00 a.m. or later.  Limited public funding in Kansas City means that most buses are back in the garage long before Midnight.


Categories: Arts/Entertainment, Light Rail, Transportation

Dec

28

New Year’s Eve

December 28, 2008 by William Rockhill Nelson | Leave a Comment

new_years-4When making your party plans, don’t forget that the Holiday Cab is kapoot this year.  The recession has taken its toll on the traditional free cab rides home, so plan ahead and put some cab company numbers in your phone before you party!

Westport - Midtown has been a lot more laid back since the P&L sucked up all the douchebags, and so New Year’s Eve might be cool again. While there is no organized neighborhood party, most venues should have special events.  The McCoy’s Public House empire is offering $5 cover for all three places (McCoy’s, The Foundry, and One80) with food/wine/beer pairings and live music and/or DJs. westportkcmo.com

Power & Light District - The “living room” area inside the KC Live block will have a red carpet themed party, complete with lots of fake celebrities for your drunken picture takings.  Live music includes several bands covering AC/DC, Bon Jovi, U2, and Guns N’ Roses. www.powerandlightdistrict.com

Union Hill - The “Martini Corner” complex at East 31st and Gilham offers $75 admission to five spots with food and booze included - Velvet Dog, Tower Tavern, The Drop, Mint Ultra Lounge, and Sol Cantina. This one usually sells out in advance, so get your tix now. www.martinicorner.com

Uptown Theater - This Midtown institution is celebrating its 80th birthday with a big New Years Eve bash.  The vast building includes multiple party rooms, bands, DJs, food, etc. www.uptowntheater.com

Union Station - The traditional family event has been nixed for a 21-plus party and high society fundraiser for the chronically poor science museum.  Prizes from Helzberg Diamonds and Southwest Airlines will be given away throughout the night.  www.unionstation.org

Hotels - Party old schools style at one of the big Downtown hotels.  Most feature several options for dining, live music, DJs, drinks, etc.  The Hyatt at Crown Center features the traditional balloon drop.  The Downtown Marriott is throwing a big party at the Bartle Hall ballroom.  The Hilton President will have a special dinner in the Walnut Room with partying in the Drum Room.


Categories: Arts/Entertainment