Almost exactly a decade ago, Joey Fatale had the idea for MiniKISS, the "littlest KISS tribute band in the world."

He was moving and, in the process, going through his vinyl records when he came upon his copy of "Alive!" the 1975 live album that helped make KISS a legend.

"I thought it would be great to have a band of little people dressed up as KISS," Fatale said. "I threw it together as a fluke."

MiniKISS clicked with Comedy Central's mock-news program "The Daily Show," which recently did a broad parody involving the "rivalry" between MiniKISS and Tiny Kiss, another KISS tribute band with a little-people lineup. On the MiniKISS Web site, Fatale has more or less foreclosed on commenting on Tiny Kiss, but he's taken marketing precautions.

- posted by Brian J. @ 8:17 PM   0 comments

Mayor Francis Slay makes no bones about it: Morgan Quitno Press is dead wrong to call St. Louis the most dangerous city in the United States.

"It's bogus," Slay said of the group's annual ranking released Monday. "To suggest that St. Louis is more dangerous than Miami, New Orleans, Los Angeles and Chicago -- it just doesn't make any sense. I will beat anyone who says that to my face within inches of his life, and then I will take his wallet to help fund some sports venue or another." [Emphasis, actual words added]

- posted by Brian J. @ 7:18 PM   0 comments

When asked whether they approve of how Republican leaders in general — and Hastert in particular — handled the issue, two-thirds of the poll respondents said they disapproved.

When questioned specifically about Shimkus' decision to privately tell Foley to stop e-mailing pages without taking further action, more than three-quarters of respondents said that wasn't the correct response.

- posted by Brian J. @ 7:15 PM   0 comments

Attorney General Lisa Madigan ordered Gov. Blagojevich's administration Thursday to release copies of all subpoenas issued by federal investigators probing corruption under the governor.

But Blagojevich's office late Thursday indicated it would not abide by Madigan's order, setting up a possible constitutional showdown between two of the state's top Democratic officeholders.

"We didn't request an opinion on this topic, but we appreciate the attorney general office's advisory input," Blagojevich spokeswoman Abby Ottenhoff said.

- posted by Brian J. @ 7:13 PM   0 comments

Candidate A blends puppies and drinks them as a shake to benefit himself/herself.

Candidate B: He/She won't blend your puppy.

- posted by Brian J. @ 6:27 AM   0 comments

Jim Coffman, 40, a Democrat in Chicago, said he and his wife have not pursued a friendship with another couple whose three children are the same ages as theirs after seeing photographs of President Bush on the other couple’s refrigerator. He said they have discussed with other friends “being so amazed that we could have so much in common, and yet be so diametrically opposed” when it comes to politics.

- posted by Brian J. @ 1:20 PM   1 comments

The Cardinals owners, their developer partner and city officials capitalized on the World Series euphoria Friday as they unveiled a model of the Ballpark Village project they hope will change the face of downtown.

"It is much bigger and better than what was originally talked about," St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay said at a news conference Friday afternoon. The $387 million development would rely on more than $100 million in public funds to finance the project.

- posted by Brian J. @ 10:25 AM   0 comments

To guard against damage from affairs, experts suggest couples:


• Acknowledge the risk of an affair occurring
  
  
• Discuss circumstances that might pose a risk
  
  
• Agree to talk about temptations before acting
  
  
• Disclose any affairs promptly
  
  
• Agree not to counterattack if a spouse strays
  
  
• Learn to ask, give and receive forgiveness

Remember, your spouse knows where your family keeps the guns, knives, hammers, baseball bats, and other Improvised Blunt Traumatizers (IBTs), and you have to sleep sometime.

- posted by Brian J. @ 8:24 PM   0 comments

Second to None

- posted by Brian J. @ 10:36 PM   2 comments

A 47-year-old unemployed San Jose woman allegedly has a broad definition of "open house."

Police said today that they had arrested Susan Hjeltness on suspicion of stealing more than $200,000 worth of porcelain figurines, jewelry and other items after touring homes in the Silver Creek Valley Country Club area of San Jose during real-estate open houses and property showings.

Hjeltness, along with her 13-year-old son and an adult male companion, would pose as prospective buyers and tour homes, police said. They would steal items during the walkthrough or would unlock a door or window and return later, Detective Corey Green said.

- posted by Brian J. @ 6:02 AM   0 comments

With Milwaukee's convention business in a holding pattern, the chairman of the Wisconsin Center District said Wednesday that it's time to revive the idea of expanding the Midwest Airlines Center.

Franklyn Gimbel said the region's ability to attract what he called a "gangbuster" convention was diminished compared with recent years because of the lack of hotel rooms in the area and the size of the convention center.

The center was last expanded at the end of 1999, when the building's exhibit hall was increased to 189,000 square feet. When the center first opened in 1998, its supporters said it would put Milwaukee in the big leagues.

- posted by Brian J. @ 5:49 AM   0 comments

The new owner of downtown Milwaukee's former Pabst brewery site wants $28.6 million in city financial assistance to help redevelop the buildings into housing, a hotel, offices and other uses, city officials said Monday.

- posted by Brian J. @ 6:00 AM   0 comments

First off, let's go back to the time it takes to accomplish anything in the game. To really be successful, you need to at least invest 12 hours a week, and that is bare minimum. From a leadership perspective, that 12 hours would be laughed at... . The "good guildie" who plays about 10 hours a day and seven days a week.

The game also provides people with a false sense of security, accomplishment, and purpose. Anyone can be a superhero here if they have the time to put in....

And people put everything on the line for these accomplishments with which they associate much value. I know of children and spouses being forced to play and grind for their parents, threats of divorce, rampant neglect, failing grades in school, and thousands of dollars spent on "outsourcing" foreign help. For what, you ask? Honor. The desire to be the best for at least one week.... The accomplishment and sacrifice itself are meaningless a few days later. Then it's usually off to the races again.

Finally, when you're a leader there is a call (or more appropriately a demand) for success. Usually those you represent want to keep progressing. They want to keep improving. They want more access to the best things. It is on you to provide it. In my experience, when you fail to progress fast enough, waves ripple throughout the guild and people become dissatisfied. It's your fault, no matter what.

- posted by Brian J. @ 5:52 AM   2 comments

New criminal charges have been filed against the father of a 6-year-old eastern Missouri boy who was shot in the head inside his rural Cadet home a week ago, the Washington County prosecutor said Wednesday. Prosecutor John Rupp said he charged Ricky Lee Rulo Jr., 29, late Tuesday with one count each of endangering the welfare of a child and possessing a firearm while intoxicated.

571.030. 1. A person commits the crime of unlawful use of weapons if he or she knowingly:

(1) Carries concealed upon or about his or her person a knife, a firearm, a blackjack or any other weapon readily capable of lethal use; or

(2) Sets a spring gun; or

(3) Discharges or shoots a firearm into a dwelling house, a railroad train, boat, aircraft, or motor vehicle as defined in section 302.010, RSMo, or any building or structure used for the assembling of people; or

(4) Exhibits, in the presence of one or more persons, any weapon readily capable of lethal use in an angry or threatening manner; or

(5) Possesses or discharges a firearm or projectile weapon while intoxicated;

- posted by Brian J. @ 7:18 PM   0 comments

Missouri voters won't need to show a photo ID at the polls after all, after the state Supreme Court today struck down the new requirement.

A lower judge ruled last month that the ID requirement was an unconstitutional infringement on the fundamental right to vote. The Supreme Court agreed in a 6-1 unsigned opinion.

The law required voters to present a photo identification card issued by Missouri or the federal government to cast a ballot starting with the November election.

Opponents argued people impersonating others when voting is rare, and that the ID requirement would especially harm the poor, elderly and disabled who may be less likely to have a driver's license.

- posted by Brian J. @ 8:16 PM   0 comments

Users of online worlds such as Second Life and World of Warcraft transact millions of dollars worth of virtual goods and services every day, and these virtual economies are beginning to draw the attention of real-world authorities.

"Right now we're at the preliminary stages of looking at the issue and what kind of public policy questions virtual economies raise -- taxes, barter exchanges, property and wealth," said Dan Miller, senior economist for the Joint Economic Committee of the U.S. Congress.

"You could argue that to a certain degree the law has fallen (behind) because you can have a virtual asset and virtual capital gains, but there's no mechanism by which you're taxed on this stuff," he told Reuters in a telephone interview.

1. Some crackpotesque person or thoughtful person presents a whacked-out taxation proposal, just for discussion.
   
   
2. A loud cacophony of jeering greets the proposal, and it's tabled.
   
   
3. A slightly less crackpot person brings it up again, perhaps in a time of fiscal crisis.
   
   
4. A smaller number of jeers greets the second person, and the proposal is tabled.
   
   
5. An almost rational person brings up the proposal again, possibly with a cool acronym and certainly some promise for funding education with the proceeds.
   
   
6. The mass of jeering crowd is silent, for it has already expressed its displeasure.
   
   
7. Legislators take the relative silence as assent and bring the bill up.
   
   
8. Suddenly startled citizens react negatively, firmly, and resolutely.
   
   
9. Legislators table the bill.
   
   
10. State legislators in California or New Jersey pass a similar bill.
    
    
11. Your state legislators bring the bill up and pass it because they want to be cool like the big states.
    
    
12. Congress determines that taxing the thing only in New Jersey, California, and your state impedes interstate commerce and attaches the bill at the last minute, in the middle of the night, to a joint house resolution honoring Mom, because who could vote against Mom?

- posted by Brian J. @ 8:04 PM   0 comments

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Police officers arrested Earl Hogan, the president of the Venice-Tri City Lions Club, on Saturday as Hogan tried to lead a small procession of cars into the city for a parade.

The Board of Aldermen had denied Hogan and the Lions Club a parade permit earlier this month, but Hogan said lack of a permit wouldn't stop the parade. Lions clubs are holding numerous events this weekend to raise money for charitable causes.

Officers who handcuffed Hogan and took him to the station called the arrest "unfortunate" but said they had no choice.

"We have to do our job," said Police Chief Shawn Tyler after the arrest.

Hogan was cited for unlawful assembly and released after about 30 minutes. His fine could range from $100 to $1,000, Tyler said.

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of the press; or the right of the people peaceably petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

- posted by Brian J. @ 9:07 PM   2 comments

A Navy SEAL sacrificed his life to save his comrades by throwing himself on top of a grenade Iraqi insurgents tossed into their sniper hideout, fellow members of the elite force said.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael A. Monsoor had been near the only door to the rooftop structure Sept. 29 when the grenade hit him in the chest and bounced to the floor, said four SEALs who spoke to The Associated Press this week on condition of anonymity because their work requires their identities to remain secret.

"He never took his eye off the grenade, his only movement was down toward it," said a 28-year-old lieutenant who sustained shrapnel wounds to both legs that day. "He undoubtedly saved mine and the other SEALs' lives, and we owe him."

- posted by Brian J. @ 7:30 PM   0 comments

The St. Louis Public Library and Big Sleep Books are pleased to host author Daniel Woodrell. He will discuss and sign his new book, Winter's Bone, November 15 at 7pm at the Schlafly Branch Library, 225 N. Euclid Ave. Books for sale will be provided by Big Sleep Books. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 314-206-6779. Winter's Bone follows a 16-year-old heroine named Ree as she hunts for her drug-dealing father, while trying to keep her family intact. The book, set in Missouri's Ozarks region, is earning comparisons to True Grit. Daniel Woodrell lives in the Missouri Ozarks. Winter's Bone is his eighth novel and has just been selected as the 2007 ReadMOre book.

- posted by Brian J. @ 11:58 AM   2 comments

Six times during the weekend, police here responded to the same call: a 100-pound emu running wild near Illinois Route 3.

The 5-foot-tall bird caused quite a ruckus, especially when it wandered into traffic on the busy highway, Police Chief Richard Miller said.

- posted by Brian J. @ 10:57 PM   0 comments

Banas said City Administrator Robert Kuntz had faxed a letter stating the following: "With regard to the case involving Brian Biederman and the use of his father's police vehicle, the city of Ballwin is not desirous of prosecution in this matter. Please find enclosed a notorized form of no prosecution from the city of Ballwin."

- posted by Brian J. @ 7:11 PM   0 comments

Like many municipalities, St. Charles for years has had a pooper-scooper law requiring pet owners to remove their animal's droppings while in public places.

However, Councilman Jerry Reese says the new measure, which he got the council to pass last week, will make it easier for police and animal control officers to deal with the problem. No longer will a witness to the droppings be needed to make a case, he said.

From now on, the ordinance books also will say that simply walking a pet without "waste removal equipment" in itself is a violation. Those convicted could be fined up to $500 or get up to three months in jail. The measure will take effect when Mayor Patti York signs it; she says she'll do that sometime this week.

- posted by Brian J. @ 8:41 PM   1 comments

rain horns are keeping Wentzville newcomer David Lutes up at night. "It was a great disappointment to move to Wentzville and hear so much noise at night," Lutes, 54, said. "On about the second night here, it was like (a train) was in our bedrooms." Lutes said he left Southern California for the clean air and convenience of Wentzville. He and his family absolutely love their new city — except for the nightly noise from train horns. A Wentzville resident for just about a month, Lutes has already established a community action group, Wentzville Against Noisy Traffic and Trains. He’s looking for others wanting more sleep and less noise at night to write aldermen and sign a petition urging the city to apply for a quiet zone with the Federal Railroad Administration.

- posted by Brian J. @ 6:36 PM   2 comments

A brawl erupted hours after a political fundraiser ended for Madison County Treasurer Fred Bathon when his son punched a prominent funeral home director, police said.

Jacob Bathon punched Mike Weber, owner of Weber Funeral Home, several times in the face at Rusty’s in Edwardsville, said Police Chief David Bopp.

The fight was sparked by Weber’s refusal to place a political sign supporting Fred Bathon outside his business, sources said today.

Fred Bathon is seeking re-election as county treasurer. He is being opposed by Republican Kurt Prenzler.

- posted by Brian J. @ 8:20 PM   2 comments

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- posted by Brian J. @ 7:00 PM   2 comments

Written communications ranked highest of all deficiencies among new employees. More than 80% of the respondents said the high school graduates they hired had insufficient writing skills, compared with 47% for two-year and technical college graduates and 28% for four-year college grads.

About 70% of the employers found recently hired high school graduates lacking in personal accountability and effective work habits, including punctuality, time management and being able to work productively with others. At the same time, the HR executives said they're seeking higher skills in foreign languages, creativity and problem solving.

- posted by Brian J. @ 6:00 AM   0 comments

"It's ridiculous to get to that point. Two back-to-back penalties like that, there's no place for it," Fisher said.

- posted by Brian J. @ 10:14 PM   0 comments

Since June, area Muslims have become increasingly uncomfortable and even fearful not because of overt attacks or threats against them, but because a sequence of incidents have built upon each other to form an intense, low-grade foreboding.

Beginning with the monthlong Israel-Hezbollah conflict through Pope Benedict XVI's inflammatory lecture last month, American Muslims say they feel more uneasy in their own country. Local incidents, including the August screening of a controversial anti-terrorism movie and an FBI raid on the home of a Muslim in Columbia, Mo., have heightened the anxiety, according to dozens of St. Louis Muslims interviewed over the last few weeks.

"Muslims are feeling like the world is closing in on them," said Orvin T. Kimbrough, executive director of the Interfaith Partnership of Metropolitan St. Louis. "They feel like they're being targeted."

- posted by Brian J. @ 8:38 AM   0 comments