Kansas City Brigade Extra

Missouri Ticket Resale Law Changed

2007-09-05T09:06:00.000-07:00

You could sell concert tickets above face value in Missouri, but you were breaking the law if you tried to make a few extra bucks with a ticket to a ballgame.

In one of those accidentally good decisions, Gov. Blunt signed an economic development bill that also included a repeal of Missouri's silly restriction on ticket resale.

Ticket scalping is now legal in Missouri (or at least it is once the law takes effect). I prefer to avoid use of "scalping", though. It's a legitimate business venture based on assessment of risk and probable event demand. Anyway...

Now, if you have good Chiefs tickets for a big game, you can sell them at a profit within the confines of the Show-Me state. Obviously, the biggest impact this will have is on folks who have an interest in Chiefs tickets and Royals tickets for big games like opening day and the Yankees, but it could have a trickle down effect on Brigade tickets, too.

However, no one's going to notice that effect if fan support for the team doesn't skyrocket. I mean, really, last year there were empty seats at the Kemper for a freaking playoff game!

Maybe the new Sprint Center and a blossoming team with a playoff season behind it will spur ticket sales and increase interest in the AFL. If that's the case, and the Sprint Center is filled with people desperately wanting tickets to watch the Brigade, I want be angry at a season ticket holder for grabbing a little extra moolah.

Let the market rule! Way to go Missouri!

Horrible Video Game Disappoints

2007-09-05T08:44:00.000-07:00

So, here we are stuck in the off-season and I'm scrambling like Fran Tarkenton on No-Doz, trying to find something interesting for Brigade fans. I decide to sniff around the team's official site in hopes of finding some previously undiscovered gem of information or entertainments.

Was I successful? No. Not even close.

You see, I found the "Brigade Arcade" which consists of one little online game you can play. They call it Brigade Ultimate Football, but it is far from football and certainly isn't ultimate.

You control (I use the term loosely) Raymond Philyaw and hurl passes to your barely covered wideouts by tapping the space bar on your keyboard. The graphics are bad and the "game" is completely uninspired.

Sure, it's just a little freebie. But it sucks. Why even bother putting it up there when you have to know that it will merely annoy people, right?

Get your football fix on YouTube...

2007-09-05T08:39:00.000-07:00

Did you know that someone has gone through the time and effort to put up AFL football game footage on YouTube. They have. I just found this ten-minute segment from a Dallas/Kansas City match-up, for instance.

I don't know how many total clips are up on the site at this point, and I can't tell you how long they'll stay there. It seems like that kind of thing would probably run afoul of that "this broadcast is the property of the AFL. Any unauthorized use, distribution or rebroadcast" thing they always read. Anyway, for the moment, there is AFL football available on your computer.

Free Fitness Site Offers Strong Tools

2007-09-02T10:59:00.000-07:00

It seems like there are millions of diet and fitness websites out there and most of them really aren't that helpful or valuable. That's why it's nice to find a great site like MyFitnessPal.com.

This is a completely free site (they'll never force you buy anything and don't even want your credit card number) that provides some great information and assistance for those interested in adopting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It also houses some great tools.

MyFitnessPal has a handy free bmi calculator. It also serves up a great calorie counter that's easy to use and packed with nutritional information about the foods on your menu. If you need a bmr calculator, it's there.

Looking for a cool, easy-to-navigate and free fitness/diet/lifestyle site? Check out MyFitnessPal.

Brigade Girl Nadia--Etta James, Spiders and Sushi

2007-09-02T10:39:00.000-07:00

Those who check in with the Kansas City Brigade Extra regularly know that I am a big fan of the Brigade girls. Now that we're stuck in the middle of the off-season when news and notes are few and far between, I thought it would be worth taking a moment to direct your attention to one of the standout members of the Brigade Girl team.

Nadia (she's the jaw-dropper on the right) is a talented dancer from Virginia. According to her official team profile, she enjoys sushi, listens to Etta James and has a pet tarantula. She's also a heart-stopping beauty, don't you think?

Sounds like a wonderful combination to me... An adventurous eater with great taste in jazz and enough moxie not to be scared into a corner by a big hairy arachnid.

Take some time to learn more about "Na-dizzle" here! Oh, and for more photographic evidence of just how gorgeous this spider-handler is, you can find more pics like the one posted here at a Flickr page from the Kenny and Ozone show!

Retired Number

2007-09-02T10:23:00.000-07:00

QUESTION: What is the only uniform number the Brigade has retired and who wore it?

ANSWER: #90 and Nobody!

The only retired number for the Brigade is 90 and no Brigade player has ever worn it in the first place.

That's an odd situation, but it makes sense in light of the guy who wore the number elsewhere. On most teams you need to string together several good seasons to have your number retired. This guy got it done without ever taking the field for the honoring team!

Neil Smith, former KC Chief and Denver Bronco defensive stalwart wore #90 in the NFL. He's also part of the Kansas Brigade ownership group and is the "face of the franchise".

Smith was instrumental in bringing the team to KC and continues to actively promote the AFL and the Brigade as a team owner. Smith was honored during the team's first season by having his old NFL number ceremonially retired on a Brigade jersey.

Brigade Fans Recognize Raymond Philyaw

2007-09-02T10:16:00.000-07:00

The Brigade went from cellar-dwellers to playoff participants last season and a key ingredient in their recipe for success was the guy taking the snaps, quarterback Raymond Philyaw. Philyaw, who is currently unsigned and well undoubtedly be a hotly pursued free agent over the off-season is a deal can't be made with the Brigade, was both a great performer and leader on the field.

So, it comes as no surprise that the five thousand Brigade fans who voted on the topic named QB Ray the Kansas City Brigade Player of the Year.

Kansas City infoZine News reports:

"Most Valuable Player went to Raymond Philyaw by a wide margin. The team's quarterback passed for 4338 yards with 85 touchdowns and only 11 interceptions. He was the arena league's fifth highest rated quarterback."

Congratulations to RP! Now, let's get a new contract put together for this guy!

Online Buying Assistance

2007-09-02T10:00:00.000-07:00

Shopping online can be a bit overwhelming at times. Sure, you can find great bargains. In order to snag them, though, you have to wade through a seemingly endless array of competing products. It can get downright frustrating. How are you supposed to know which option is really the best for you?

TrustSource.com is there to help. Their innovative yet simple approach makes shopping for products online easier and improves your odds of getting what you really want.

Here's an example... Let's say you've noticed your hairline is creeping backwards a little bit and you're considering the purchase of a product to stop the hair loss. Should you buy Rogaine? Are you thinking about provillus? Are any of those shampoos and ointments right for you? TrustSource gives you a breakdown of all the competing products. It provides product reviews, descriptions and other critical information to point you in the right direction. Next thing you know, you might just be growing hair thanks to finding the right product.

TrustSource isn't just about baldness cures, though. If you're a woman experiencing hot flashes, they'll march you through all of those competing products in order to help you make the right call. If, after watching the Brigade Girls strut their stuff on those amazing legs, you decide you could use some cellulite cream for yourself... Well, TrustSource will wade through all of those different options, giving you the scoop on what might work best for you.

Online shopping is a great opportunity for finding the right stuff at good prices. It's just a little easier when you're getting great help in the process!

Chicago Fan hates on KC

2007-08-30T06:54:00.000-07:00

This isn't breaking news, but I just found it and thought it might be worth mentioning. Not everyone has a strong affinity for the Brigade. Some people don't particularly care for KC, either. How do they handle these preferences? By writing hackneyed insults about Kansas City and our Arena team on discussion boards.

Case in point:

"Apparently, someone thought it was a good idea to give Kansas City an Arena Football team. They're called the Kansas City Brigade and their logo is a stealth bomber. Yes, the team name and the logo have nothing to do with each other. Such is the mindset of Kansas City. This is a team that runs around on the field looking like the Village People, dressed up in baby blue pajamas."

Oh, it turns out that the kid who wrote this hates KC because he had a bad bus trip here once upon a time. And hey, slick, the Village People never wore baby blue. Oh, and the Brigade/Stealth Bomber thing... Yeah, that makes sense. To those who know a darn thing about either of them.

Anyway, just a reminder that the net is not yet dummy-free.

Former Brigade WR with Washington

2007-08-30T06:41:00.000-07:00

Jerel Myers, the former KC Brigade player is in Washington. No, he didn't receive some sneaky August recess appointment to a key position in the executive branch. He hooked up with the Washington Redskins, instead. I don't have word on whether he made the final cut, but he was in camp with the 'Skins. Hogs Haven confirms.

This isn't Myers first time to hang out in NFL camp. He did his time on the Buffalo practice squad for at least parts of two seasons.

We'd hate to see Jerel go, but if he's gotta go we hope it's to the NFL. It would be nice to see some of the top Brigade performers make the jump from AFL to NFL ball and Myers is as good a choice as anyone to make it happen.

We'll keep you posted on his whereabouts...

Likens to Give Little Apple Speech

2007-08-30T06:32:00.000-07:00

Steve Likens, the co-owner of the Kansas City Brigade (the guy who didn't play DE for the Chiefs and Broncos) is slated to give a presentation in Manhattan, KS, this September.

According to the Manhattan Mercury, Likens will be on the campus of Manhattan Christian College. Based on the brief calendar entry, the September 20 address will have a religious message of some sort.

It appears as if anyone is welcome, but you will need to follow and RSVP if you're interested in attending.

Here's the entry, as it appeared here in the Mercury:

"20 5th Annual Leadership Breakfast, 7:30-9 a.m. Community leaders come together on the Manhattan Christian College campus for breakfast and a faith challenging presentation. The featured speaker will be Steve Likens, co-owner of the Kansas City Brigade Arena Football Team. There is no charge, but an RSVP September 17 would be appreciated. RSVP by to [redacted--visit original source for contact email] or call (785)539-3571."

For our adult readers ONLY

2007-08-30T06:20:00.000-07:00

This is first and foremost, a blog about the Arena Football League's KC Brigade. However, I do like to share other interesting information and sites with readers. Today's offering is of an adult nature. Consider yourself warned (and appropriately admonished if you happen to be a younger person).

CelebKings has been working for years to locate, secure and offer the best in nude celebrity videos and pictures. There are hundreds of copycat sites out there, but CelebKings looks like the real deal to me. They have "the goods" on everyone from Jessica Alba to Katya Wyeth--and then some.

If you've ever wanted to sneak a peek at one of your favorite celebrities in the buff, this site will give you every opportunity to do exactly that. I was amazed at the sheer magnitude of their archives and offerings and would point anyone with an interest in seeing top stars sans clothing to this site.

(This is a sponsored review)

Brigade Girls...

2007-08-24T18:26:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I feel compelled to remind people of the obvious. It's easy to overlook some basic stuff if we don't get reminded about it occasionally, right.

Take, for instance, the Brigade Girls. Lost in the post-season disappointment and free agent QB situation are the beautiful cheer squad and just how damn cute those girls are!

So, a friendly reminder... Visit the Brigade Girls site and re-acquaint yourself with these magna-hot, talented women. You'll be glad you did!

I am (obviously) biased, but I happen to think that we have the best-looking and (more importantly, I must reluctantly admit) most talented dance crew out there. They deserve our support!

Internships available with Brigade...

2007-08-24T18:20:00.000-07:00

Just saw this and thought some of the Brigade fans around here might be interested.

The Brigade are looking for a few good, young men (and women) to fill internships with the ball club. If you dig the AFL, have an interest in a sports-related career, and are available you might just want to investigate the possibilities. No word on the money or details about the work expected.

Read more here.

Here's an excerpt:

"The Kansas City Brigade, Arena Football Team, is looking for hard-working and motivated individuals for an intership starting in the fall of 2007. Through hands-on experience with a professional sports team in a major market, you will gain valuable skills, contacts and experience vital to beginning a career in the exciting field of pro sports. The following internships are available for the fall 2007:

Ticket Sales Internship

Community Relations Internship

Game Operations Internship

Media Relations Internship

Sales Internship"

Valuable through time...

2007-08-24T06:19:00.000-07:00

What's hot today may not be hot tomorrow. Today's great investment can be tomorrow's horrible regret. That's a fact of life. Fortunately, it isn't a universal law. There are exceptions.

Think gold and silver. The ancient Greeks were enamored by precious metals. So were the Egyptians. People have been clamoring for gold and silver bullion since the beginning and it is still immensely valuable today. Nothing holds value through change and stays so solid during periods of instability.

That's why the finance and investment gurus of the world strongly advocate the inclusion of precious metals in a properly diversified investment portfolio. It's also why a company like the Monex Deposit Company (MDC) is in high demand. MDC has been helping individuals make precious metals part of their financial planning and investment strategy for decades. Well known for their strong reputation and customer service, MDC can help anyone interested in precious metal holdings.

If gold and/or silver aren't part of your current strategy, it might be time to rethink your approach and to investigate these value-holding commodities. I'm not a financial expert. I'm not an investment adviser. I do, however, think everyone should do some serious research about gold and silver. It seems to make sense to me.

Is this what they meant by "Anchor Tenant"

2007-08-24T06:14:00.000-07:00

When the powers behind the scenes rallied private and public support for the construction of Kansas City's new Sprint Center, the biggest dangled carrot was the presence of a professional sports team as an anchor tenant.

So far, the only professional franchise to call the Sprint Center home is the AFL's Kansas City Brigade.

Sure, they've booked Elton John, Hannah Montana, Disney on Ice, some pro volleyball thing and even a wrestling event. The Big XII hoops tourney is also on the horizon. However, there are no NHL or NBA teams running "pick the logo" or "name the team" contests in Kansas City.

I wouldn't mind it all that much if the Sprint Center ended up being the "house the Brigade built", but I don't think AFL football was what the KC donkeys were thinking as they eyed that AEG carrot.

In any case, it will be great to see the AFL come to a non-rotting KC facility. It would be nice, though, if a guy could catch some NBA action when the Brigade isn't on the field, don't you think?

Philyaw Remains Unsigned

2007-08-24T06:09:00.000-07:00

Big Wednesday passed and the Brigade resigned a number of last year's players. They did not, however, resign their quarterback.

Number 1 didn't ink a new deal, meaning that he'll be a free agent. We'd guess there will be high demand for Ray Philyaw when negotiations start, too. Hopefully he's back with the Brigade, christening the new Sprint Center with touchdown passes next season.

Kansas City Infozine reports: "Noticeably absent from the re-signings were Raymond Philyaw and B J Cohen. Philyaw, last season's starting quarterback, has indicated a desire to remain with the Brigade, and team officials are anxious to renew negotiations with his agent sometime in September when the league grants permission for teams to talk with free agents. Philyaw passed for 4338 yards with 85 touchdowns and only 11 interceptions last season. Officials are also anxious to resume negotiations with B J Cohen who had 28 tackles and 6.5 sacks for the Brigade last season."

You can read their whole write-up here.

Finding Land and Managing It

2007-08-16T16:45:00.000-07:00

You might be a land-buyer if...

Just a riff on the Jeff Foxworthy "you might be a redneck if..." shtick.

Foxworthy, a popular "blue collar"/redneck comedian who's experiencing some extra success as a game show host, is also the lead player in "The Bucks of Tecomate". This program, which shows up repeatedly on cable TV, is an outreach tool for Tecomate--a growing player in the rural recreational property and wildlife consultation field.

Foxworthy and the Tecomate crew have recently undertaken a partnership with LandsOfAmerica.com, a leading online rural real estate marketing firm.

Tecomate co-founder David Morris says his company has been "developing land into wildlife havens" for years and the partnership with LandsOfAmerica should help anyone looking for Land for sale to find it.

So, whether you're looking for land or a way to improve it (and its wildlife), you might just need a redneck to get you the best information.

KC Ad Firm Boasts of Brigade Affiliation

2007-08-16T16:40:00.000-07:00

LE Concepts, a marketing and advertising firm, recently announced its plans to enter the lead generation field. In a recent press release, the folks at LE Concepts did the expected tooting of their own horn by mentioning some of their premiere clients.

The Brigade made the list of happy LE Concepts customers, along with the Royals and "numerous" not-mentioned-by name hotels and restaurants.

Hey, the press release itself is your standard bloviation, but it is cool that the LE crew gave a nod to its AFL client. The big question is what LE is planning to actually do for the Brigade as it enters its first season in the new Sprint Center. I love the Brigade (obviously), but have felt like their marketing approach has been a little too minor-league-y. Maybe LE and the other firms involved with AFL promotion in Kansas City will improve their efforts a bit next season.

Maybe LE should pitch Neil Smith on its ability to generate potential season ticket buyer leads?

Anyway, the press release is a bit of off-season Brigade news.

Former Brigade Star Staying in Utah

2007-08-16T16:18:00.000-07:00

Aaron Boone, who once made the AFL all-rookie team as a member of the KC Brigade has just signed a two-year deal with the Utah Blaze.

Boone is a well-traveled football pro, having put in time as an NFL Europe player after playing high school and college ball in the states. Actually, he's a Utah native and a Snow College grad.

Injuries kept AB off the field for a significant portion of last season, but he showed enough during his healthier moments to impress the Utah higher-ups and snagged a multi-year deal in the process. That will allow the gifted athlete a chance to keep plugging away in pro bowl while staying close to home.

Good luck to Aaron, as long as he's not suiting up against the Brigade!

Here's where I found the tip about Boone and his new deal.

Scrubs. Not the sit-com.

2007-07-27T17:02:00.000-07:00

Could Medical Uniforms be fashion statements? I'm kidding, right? Not necessarily.

Today, the ol' generic green hospital scrub has given way to some surprisingly good looking apparel. You don't have to look like Hawkeye Pierce when wearing medical uniforms these days.

Even if you don't want to wear uniforms as recreational wear, those in the medical industry are enjoying the improvements. Top design companies, including hip makers like Baby Phat, are churning out great stuff.

Doctors and nurses are looking good these days, thanks to the great scrubs and uniforms available through places like ScrubsGallery.com. Online medical uniform shopping is giving everyone a chance to find some great-looking duds.

So, before you toss on your Brigade jersey, give some thought to donning a pair of high-fashion scrubs, instead.

By the way, the kid isn't wearing an example of the aforementioned good stuff. I just thought it was a great shot.

Elway and Bon Jovi. It doesn't get worse.

2007-07-27T16:57:00.000-07:00

Okay, I'm sure some people will disagree with me on this one, but the top aggravation I have about Arena Football is the league's tendency to promote the game in terms of its high-profile, celebrity owners.

I'm not just saying that because Harvey Keitel and that hot girl from The Craft (Fairuza something?) don't have teams, either. Admittedly, I'm never going to join a Bon Jovi fan club or put a John Elway poster over my bed. I don't like either fella in terms as celebs (although they may be fine guys otherwise).

My problem isn't just with horseface and his pseudo-rocking buddy. It's the idea of peddling the league based on their has-been careers.

Anyway, if you dig Arena ball it should be for the players and the competition. If you're a fan on the basis of enjoying a good rendition of "Living on a Prayer" you need help.

And that's all I have to say about that.

Porter Gets Nod for Top Coach Honors

2007-07-27T16:50:00.000-07:00

The Brigade may have missed an opportunity to win its first home playoff game at the soon-to-be-vacant Kemper Arena, but head honcho Kevin Porter still ended the season as a winner.

Porter received Coach of the Year honors from the artificial turf gurus at Sportexe.

Congratulations to Coach Porter on a well-deserved win. Hey, the season ended on a down note, but the Brigade accomplished a lot under his leadership.

As the folks at KC InfoZine news relayed:

"Porter led Kansas City's second-year Arena Football franchise to a 10-6 regular season record after a 3-13 inaugural year, becoming one of only four teams in the 21-year history of the AFL to make a seven-game turnaround."

Now, let's get to work on getting a championship win, too...

Krillion is not a sci-fi thing. It's an APPLIANCE thing!

2007-06-27T11:43:00.000-07:00

The Krillion Localization Engine. It sounds like science fiction. In reality, though, it's appliance fact. You don't use it to teleport. You use it to find the best deals on things like General Electric refrigerators.

The folks at Krillion noticed something. Everyone was doing appliance research online, but most folks were still making their final purchase at a local appliance store. The gap between all of that high-tech homework and the real-world buying experience was too big for their tastes and they decided to do something about it. That something? The aforementioned Krillion Localization Engine.

Here's how it works. You visit the Krillion site and it will help you perfect your appliance-buying research by serving up local information. Now, you can find the right place to buy the right refrigerator at the right price!

Not planning on buying a fridge any time soon? Don't be surprised if you end up changing your tune. Summer temperatures are here and that means our refrigerators are under some pretty intense strain. Summer time spells ruin for many refrigerators and yours could be next! If you do end up in the appliance market, spend some time at Krillion. It's not sci-fi, it's just a very smart way to improve your big-ticket appliance shopping experience!

Brigade Tickets... Wide price range!

2007-06-27T11:27:00.000-07:00

Did you know that first row seats on the field at Brigade games have a face value of $110. That's more than the face value for the MOST EXPENSIVE seats at Arrowhead.

Think about that for a second. I'm an AFL fan and everything, but there's something a little weird about Arena tickets being more expensive than Chiefs tickets.

Admittedly, the only people who can get first row, side of the field, Chiefs tickets have been ponying up for season tickets since Municipal stadium, but still... $110 ($120 on the playoff game, by the way) is a wee bit on the high side, don't you think?

On the other hand, the cheapest ticket for a Brigade game is cost-comparable to the cheapest ticket at Kauffman Stadium for a Royals game. So, you can get in VERY cheap...

From under $10 to over $100... That's a wide range!

By the way, I won't be sitting in Row A for the playoff game with Colorado this weekend. This blogger is on a budget!

Another Chance to Punish Elway

2007-06-27T11:12:00.000-07:00

Ol' Horseface himself is coming back to KC for some football. This time, though, he won't be wearing the ugly orange of the Broncos while walking along side Rat Shanahan. This time, he's coming as an owner. The Colorado Crush will be playing the Brigade in the first KC AFL playoff game.

Saturday.
2:00 p.m.

A chance for Kansas City to start its march to the Arena Bowl.
A chance to score a new t-shirt.
The last chance to see any pro football in KC until the Dolphins/Chiefs preseason game.
A chance to see John Elway LOSE in Kansas City just one more time...

Lots of reasons to be there, folks! See you on the east side of the hangar!

Go Brigade!!!!

A Great Orlando Vacation Tip

2007-06-17T20:02:00.000-07:00

Orlando is known as the Disney city, but there's much more to this family-friendly vacation destination than Mickey and Minnie. This Florida city is home to scores of top-ranked golf courses. It features a world-class convention center. And when it comes to fun for the whole family, Disney is just the tip of a constantly growing iceberg! There's a reason why so many people are flocking to Orlando for their family getaways.

Not only is Orlando an attractive destination, it's also a welcoming one. This is a city that understands travelers and tourists. It bends over backwards to provide guests with a top-notch experience. Orlando vacation villa rentals are a perfect example.

In other cities, you might be limited to seeking accomodations at the usual hotel chains. In Orlando, you can rent a fully-functional and beautiful vacation home to serve as headquarters for your family journey. To make matters even better, these vacation villas are often competitive with generic hotels in terms of price!

When you make your next trip to Orlando, look into the vacation home rentals that are available. You can get more space, more flexibility and more opportunity to enjoy your vacation in one of these outstanding homes.

Coach Kevin Porter's NFL Days...

2007-06-17T14:52:00.000-07:00

Before he was at the helm of the Arena Football League's Kansas City Brigade, Kevin Porter was playing football in the NFL.

He was a fixture in the KC Chiefs secondary for six seasons, playing both at cornerback and safety during his years with Big Red.

Porter only managed one interception during his NFL career and shared in only one and a half sacks, but he was talented enough to play in the majority of the team's games in most of the years he was part of the Chiefs roster.

Here's an interesting bit of trivia for you. As a rookie, Coach Porter returned one kickoff. It was the only time in his career he claimed the mantle of return man. He gained sixteen yards on the return.

Porter's NFL career could undoubtedly be characterized as successful, but it's very possible that his greatest football success still awaits him as the Brigade prepares for AFL post-season action. He could add a championship to his resume this season!

I found Porter's numbers here.

Kemper's East Side

2007-06-17T14:47:00.000-07:00

I was just checking the Kansas City Brigade's web site and saw an interesting tidbit that I thought was worth relaying. Apparently, the east side of Kemper is "tailgaiting central" before every Brigade game.

I can imagine that grills are churning out some great Kansas City barbecue and that a few adult beverages are being consumed by smiling fans, but what made the situation even more interesting is that this Kemper party has some sponsors, too.

Toyota, Bikers for Babies and Coors Light are all in on the action. The US Army is also involved. They're apparently doing a laser show--which should be a nice warmup to any Brigade game.

Hey, KC, we have a playoff game coming to Kemper. Before the action starts on the field, it might be a good idea to enjoy some pre-game festivities on the east side of Kemper! Think about it.

Go Brigade!

Online Adult Education

2007-06-17T14:15:00.000-07:00

Adult education is changing. Going back to school used to mean physically going back to school. Today, fully-accredited universities operate online. Capella University, which has over 17,000 students from all around the world, actually functions completely online!

Some may wonder whether a virtual campus would suit their needs. They may have questions about whether the faculty on the other side of the computer monitor is up to task. Based on recent happenings at Capella, those concerns seem unfounded.

Professor Sara Orem is a professional consultant who owns and operates her own coaching firm. She combines real-world experience with academic experience as an adjunct faculty member at Capella. Orem recently had a new book published on the interesting topic of "appreciative coaching". The text outlines an approach that involves a four-step process for achieving maximum inspiration and achievement (discovery, dream, design and destiny).

With faculty like Orem working with its students, Capella is proving that there is a new way to handle going back to school. You don't necessarily need to stand in enrollment lines or labor over a difficult schedule that doesn't fit your lifestyle. Adult education is getting more accessible without compromising quality!

Brigade Win Helps LA

2007-06-17T13:42:00.000-07:00

The Los Angeles Avengers should be penning Thank You cards to the guys who occupy the Hangar.

Last nights 3-point win over the Nashville Kats clinched a home playoff game for the victorious KC Brigade. It also shoved LA into the post-season mix.

OurSportsCentral explains:

"By virtue of the Kansas City Brigade's 6-63 victory over the Nashville Kats on Saturday night, the Los Angeles Avengers have qualified for the 2007 Arena Football League Playoffs, which will begin in two weeks.

The loss by Nashville (6-9) eliminates the Kats from postseason contention and means that Los Angeles (8-6) can finish no lower than sixth in the American Conference standings. Twelve of the AFL's 9 teams advance to the playoffs, six from each conference."

So, I hope Coach Ross, Ray Philyaw and the rest of the Brigade get a present of some sort from the Avengers!

You can read OSC coverage of the Avenger situation here.

Playoffs for Brigade

2007-06-17T13:37:00.000-07:00

The win over the Nashville Kats (why the "K", people? That is so silly) propelled the Brigade right into the playoffs and, more specifically, insured them a home game at Kemper Arena.

Isn't it amazing? The refugee team that had to flee flooded New Orleans for the Great Plains and who turned in an absolutely abysmal performance in its first season is now not only in the playoffs, but HOSTING a playoff game!

SPECTACULAR!

KC Infozine reports:

"The Brigade (10-5) will play the franchise's first playoff game at the Hangar, where it was 6-2 this regular season. Additionally, Saturday's win makes the stakes higher for next week's season finale at Chicago . The game will be for the Central Division crown as Kansas City owns the tiebreaker over the Rush with its season-opening victory."

You can check out their Brigade coverage here.

Investing in Gold

2007-06-17T12:32:00.000-07:00

Gold investment is an obvious choice for smart investors. It's impossible to name any other investment that has the track record or history of gold. Since ancient times, gold has been a prized and valued commodity and that tradition continues today. Investors love gold. It's a great means of preserving purchasing power during uncertain times. It's a superb means of investment portfolio diversification, too. It's no wonder that many of the largest and most successful investors claim gold among their holdings.

What may not be as obvious is how to secure investment grade gold. You can't run to the local department store to secure gold ignots, after all. Instead, one needs to partner with expert services in the precious metal investment industry. One noted name in that field is The Monex Deposit Company (MDC).

MDC has been serving gold investors for over thirty years. Its large professional staff provides the expertise necessary to help you secure gold for investment. MDC will deliver quality gold to you or will even go the extra mile, arranging for secure storage of your investment in an independent bank or other secure facility.

If you plan to join the countless savvy investors who hold a stake in history's most popular precious metal, contact MDC. The gold experts at The Monex Deposit Company can help you to improve your portfolio right away.

Brigade Swats Cats!

2007-06-17T11:30:00.000-07:00

How about the Brigade?!?!?!? Another home game, another win.

This time, we edged the Nashville Cats by 3 points, 66-63.

Two heroes from last night's game? Ray Philyaw and Charles Frederick. Philyay tossed for 242 yards, 98 of which involved connections with Frederick. Charles also scored two running TD's.

Looks to me like the Brigade is peaking at the right time to make a serious post-season run. With Nashville dispatched, I'm looking forward to booking a flight to New Orleans for the AFL championship. Yeah, I might be getting a little ahead of myself, but these guys look good lately!

Way to go, Brigade. The best cheerleaders in the AFL, a new stadium on tap for next year, and a complete reversal of fortunes (from last place to the playoffs). Now that's something!

And the home of the.... Brigade...

2007-06-17T11:26:00.000-07:00

Hey, I like Kemper as much as the next guy. That means, of course, that I don't like it all that much.

So, I was just as excited as the rest of the Brigade fan base to discover that the boys will be playing AFL football in new digs next year. Goodbye Kemper Arena, hello Sprint Center.

The new facility will add another layer of class and comfort to the Arena Football experience. The seats and the site lines at shoddy old Kemper were acceptable, but let's face it... The place is a dump and the concourses were narrower than the hallways at home.

The Brigade are playoff bound, and it looks like we'll be able to enjoy post-season play at Kemper, but I am definitely looking forward to next year's festivities in the new joint!

I'm EXCITED about the Sprint Center. Looks like Kansas City is doing something right this time!

Get Golden!

2006-12-01T08:27:00.000-08:00

Gold is pretty. No doubt about that. Its also valuable. It has been for a long time. It’s been the world’s “currency of choice” from the beginning and it still holds tremendous value. Today, savvy investors often use gold to diversify their holdings and to insulate themselves from the shocks of other markets. That’s because gold does hold its value and really tends to perform well during times of economic and political uncertainty.

You can buy and safely store gold by using the Monex Deposit Company (MDC). They’ve been helping investors for over thirty years and understand precious metals inside and out. It might be time for you to start thinking about gold. Get in touch with MDC.

AFL Cheerleaders are AMAZING...

2006-11-28T12:12:00.000-08:00

You can call them cheerleader, dancers, dance team members, morale boosting dexterous uniformed team support personnel, fan entertainment specialists, or anything else you can think of. Me? I call them sexy.

Obviously, I have an affinity for the gals who strut their limber stuff at the Kemper in support of the Brigade, but I must admit that my roving eye does occasionally find itself lingering on the form and talent of dancers from other squads.

For instance, the photo accompanying this post is of the lovely Brenna, who just happens to be a very talented dancer for the Colorado Crush. Wonder if we could trade a spare QB to Elway's crew in exchange for her?

If you share my appreciation for the gals who wear the lycra, I invite you to check out this wonderful list of links to AFL dancers from all of the league's teams. It even contains links to a few ballclubs that are no longer with us. The memories of their games--and of their hot dancers--lives on. Links are courtesy of the fine folks at ManlyWeb.

ARENA FOOTBALL CHEERLEADERS

Kemper Arena, Home of the Brigade

2006-11-28T12:07:00.000-08:00

Well, until the papers are signed and the new Sprint Center is open for business, Kemper Arena is the home of the Brigade.

It isn't the biggest AFL football venue. It isn't the newest. It isn't the nicest. But it's home and it could be a lot worse. Even though Kemper gets a lot of bad press and more than it's fair share of negative comments, it does have one thing going for it--the views.

You can get a nice view of all the action from just about any seat in the house. And it isn't so big that you feel miles away when your ticket leads you to a cheap seat.

Some info re: Kemper Arena...

Capacity is about 19,500
Kemper hosted the 1976 Republican National Convention
It opened in 1974
Its distinctive look was designed by now-noted architect Helmut Jahn

See you at the Kemper!

Custom Ink!

2006-11-28T11:58:00.000-08:00

If the name makes you think about tattooing, think again. Custom Ink is a great apparel company that specializes in screen printing and t-shirts for schools, businesses and sports teams.

If your intramural team doesn't look that good playing as "skins" and you don't want to get stuck wearing matching Hanes cheapies from Wal-Mart, Custom Ink can hook you up with some fantastic team shirts.

If you want to put something together with your company logo for customers or as an incentive, Custom Ink is ready to help.

If it can be printed and it goes on your body, it's right up Custom Ink's alley. They serve the US and Canada and can use digital printing technology for quick turnaround orders.

Voodoo Survival!

2006-11-22T10:46:00.000-08:00

Strike up the band! Good news in New Orleans!

When Kansas City got its AFL franchise, the Brigade, they replaced the New Orleans ballclub, the Voodoo. New Orleans was still reeling from Katrina and its associated flooding and the team needed a new home. It found one at Kemper Arena.

The Voodoo may have magically disappeared as the Big Easy got back on its feet, but it didn't stay gone long. The New Orleans franchise is apparently back in business, as evidenced by a recent article in the Bestrop Daily Enterprise.

That old black magic is back in the Crescent City, and Tom Benson's club is making a few moves.

"VOODOO HOPEFULS: Former Rams Carlos Stevens and Troy Mason have been invited to attend the New Orleans VooDoo tryout camp in January... Stevens, who played defensive end at Northwestern State, is trying out at linebacker. Mason, who played collegiately at UNLV, is a wide receiver."

Read more about football on the bayou here.

Great site for AFL fans...

2006-11-22T10:36:00.000-08:00

Whether you root for the Kansas City Brigade or one of the other AFL teams, you are sure to find something you like at ArenaFan.com.

ArenaFan is a completely fan-driven source of information and insight on the AFL. During the off-season, you can learn about all the key trades, free agent signings and other moves.

As the season progresses, you can follow all of the action with regular stat updates, game capsules, exclusive player and coach interviews and more.

The AFL might not get the kind of mainstream media coverage we fans would really like to see, but as long as sites like ArenaFan are around, we don't really need to feel bad about that. We can get all of the inside information and expert perspective we need online.

Check out ArenaFan as soon as possible. You'll be glad you did!

Supplement Resource

2006-11-22T10:28:00.000-08:00

Ever wonder how those Brigade players get so ripped? It certainly takes a lot of time in the gym and weight room, but I'm willing to wager that at least some of those pro athletes rely on quality nutritional supplements.

No, I'm not talking about the illegal stuff that makes the headlines. I'm talking about new advances in nutrition and other bodybuilding supplements. There are literally thousands of different products available and more are sure to hit the market as scientific advances continue.

Anabolicminds is a good place to learn more about these products. In addition to great information on a variety of related topics, it also has an incredibly active forum that features over 600K worth of posts from people who are interested and informed about the field.

If you want tips, hints or product reviews for weightlifting and bodybuilding supplements, it's certainly worth taking a long look at the site.

Chiefs fans dig Brigade, too...

2006-11-11T16:04:00.000-08:00

The Flight Crew, a collection of Brigade fans I mentioned a few posts ago, have Chiefs watch parties.

They certainly aren't the only fans of both teams!

I was surfing the net for things Brigade-related and found this at the Coalition Forums, which are dedicated to all things Red and Gold, if you get my drift... Nonetheless, they have a portion of the boards set aside to talk about the Brigade...

Here are some of the topics I found at a glance:

The KC Brigade (24 replies)
Neil Smith to be honored at Halftime Monday Night (8 replies)
Former Broncos QB still target of KC as arena team owner (7 replies)
Brigade take down Avengers, 62-45 (6 replies)
Anyone out their still watching the Brigade? (5 replies)
:sigh: (2 replies)
Just vistiing (1 replies)
. . . . . . . . (1 replies)
Bill Gramatica (4 replies)
Game tonight (4 replies)
Great game! (10 replies)
andy kelly (10 replies)
Home opener (4 replies)
Who has the best AFL cheerleaders? (7 replies)

Nice to see that people are rooting for both KC football teams.

You can check it all out right here.
Oh, and the answer to #14? If you have any doubts in your mind, check this out.

Rocking animated header at Brigade home page...

2006-11-11T15:55:00.000-08:00

I was just over at the official page of the Kansas City Brigade and noticed the header graphic. If you haven't seen it before, take a look. I don't know how long it's been that way, but I have never noticed, probably because I always scroll down right away.

Anyway, it features some B2's buzzing the Kansas City skyline and it is completely awesome.

Right now, the Brigade also have some of the new advertising materials up and running right now and that is worth checking out, too.

I don't want people to run away from my Brigade page to any other, but when it comes to the team's official HQ, I can make an exception. Head over there now. Check out the header, the new vids, and don't stay so long looking at all the cheerleader pictures that you start salivating on your keyboard, okay?

New internet marketing blog up and running...

2006-11-11T15:48:00.000-08:00

If you are like me, you keep an eye out for new online developments that can put money in your pockets. I do a little internet marketing and hope to do more in the future, because there appears to be real potential in the field.

The problem is that so much of the information out there about earning a living online is a little on the high-hype side. That's why I was happy to find out that the people at USWeb, a recognized and respected search engine marketing firm, have launched NetResults, a blog focusing on the internet marketing industry.

They plan to cover everything from how to transform your IM business into something that is "Web 2.0" friendly to nuts and bolts issues like servers and checkout options. You know they will cover the search engine optimization topic effectively, too.

To make matters better, this particular internet marketing blog is more than just a tricky way to make sales for its owner. The folks at USWeb are keeping it informative, honest and valuable. Advertising is even at a minimum.

Add it to your bookmarks. I will be! It should be a great read and will hopefully help me to boost my online earnings.

Flight Crew weighs in on Brigade QB question...

2006-11-11T09:13:00.000-08:00

The Flight Crew, a collection of Kansas City Brigade stalwart fans, has a great website providing information about the club and the fun activities in which Crew members participate.

Right now, The Flight Crew's site features a poll asking visitors to predict who the #1 and #2 QB choices are going to be for the upcoming season.

Will it be Philyaw and Bishop?
Quinn and Philyaw?
Quinn and Bishop?
Etc.
Etc.
Etc.

Stop by, take a look at what the Crew is doing to support Arena Football in Kansas City, join up, and make your prediction for the Brigade's quarterback known. After you vote, you can get an idea of what the rest of the KCB diehards think about the situation.

Highway 64 has stake in Brigade...

2006-11-11T09:00:00.000-08:00

You know that Neil Smith, the former Chiefs standout defensive end, has a spot in the ownership team that runs the Kansas City Brigade. He's not the only former Chief (or NFL player, for that matter) with an interest in Club.

Ralph Tamm, a former offensive lineman who spent time with a series of NFL teams, including KC, is also a part owner. Tamm currently lives in Colorado and has a horse ranch, as well as being involved with the Brigade.

Known as "Highway 64" when he played (64 was his uni number), Tamm had a reputation as a hardnosed lineman, actually finishing #3 on a list of the "dirtiest players" in the league at one point.

If you want to read more about Brigade co-owner Ralph Tamm's college and pro career or find out a little more about what happened to him after his playing days were over, you should check out the article I found at PhilyBurbs.

Magazines on the cheap...

2006-11-11T08:33:00.000-08:00

If you're like me, your household probably subsribes to somewhere between five and ten magazines. They are addictive little sources of regular information and although I like getting the scoop online, too, there is something about the slick paper of magazines and the ability to read them while chilling on the sofa that I just can't yet capture using technology.

Anyway, the problem with magazines is that, unlike the Kansas City Brigade Extra, they are not free. However, it is possible to get subscriptions inexpensively. MagsDirect.com, for instance, sells subs to over 1300 magazines at the LOWEST prices the publishers will allow for net sales.

They also offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so you don't need to worry about whether you are dealing with the real deal.

With all of those titles, you know they will have something you absolutely love. So, consider looking online at MagsDirect.com the next time you decide to add a few magazine subscriptions to your list.

Former Brigade DS is going to Disneyworld...

2006-11-09T21:49:00.000-08:00

Former Brigade defensive specialist Chris Pointer has been signed as a free agent by the Orlando Predators, according to the Predators' official website.

Although Pointer's solid play clearly wasn't enough to vault Kansas City into the Arena Bowl last year, Orlando thinks he can certainly help them on the defensive side of the ball.

The article about Pointer is, expectedly, very positive about the DS and his future in Florida. It also provides a nice encapsulation of his professional football career:

"A veteran entering his fifth season, Pointer started all 16 games for the Brigade last year – recording a career-high 74 tackles with one interception and 10 pass defenses. For his AFL career, he has 219 career tackles with 38 pass defenses and three interceptions – playing for the Brigade, New Orleans VooDoo and New Jersey Gladiators."

Brigade Girls Get Nod...

2006-11-09T21:46:00.000-08:00

The Professional Cheeerleader Blog has a nice piece on this year's Kansas City Brigade Girls.

Sasha notes that the squad has expanded to 32 amazing participants and provides a full roster of the folks who will keep the fans excited and entertained throughout the coming season.

The post also features a great color photo of the whole team, which is something every fan of the team (and the dance squad) will definitely want to check out!

According to the blog, the roster will be made up of the following great dancers and entertainers:

"Returning Veterans
Amy S, Angie, Brandy, Candice, Erin B, Jodi, Julee, Kirby, Michelle, Stephanie, Sumayyah, and Valerie.

Newbies
Affton, Amanda, Amber, Amy W, Ashley, Brittany H, Brittany K, Davinia, Erin B, Jaci, Jenni, Jessica, Julie, Kasey, Nadia, Rachel, Tessa, Tonya, Whitney, and Yolanda"

On link popularity,,,

2006-11-09T21:42:00.000-08:00

Okay, everyone has figured out that link popularity is the key to search engine result placement success. If you don’t have plenty of links out there pointing back to your site, it is incredibly tough to end up with a highly placed result for your keywords.

That’s important, because search engine traffic is the lifeblood of most commercial sites. Without it, there aren’t enough visitors to convert into sales and sites go under. With it, there are always checks to cash.

The problem is figuring out how to get those links, right? Not necessarily. Yeah, you could try to organize a series of trades. You could try to write something so amazing that people would link to it organically. If you want tons of links, though, that can be inefficient. Oh, and you do want tons of links. Experts argue that volume is incredibly important to search engine success.

One interesting solution is partnering with Blogitive. Blogitive will take information about your site and hand it over to an army of bloggers who will then write about you and who will link back to you. You can amass a substantial quantity of backlinks in a hurry with a service like Blogitive.

Remember, the algorithms keep changing but one thing remains constant when it comes to search engines. Links create better results. And that means more traffic. Traffic, of course, is money. Get your links and get plenty of them.

Sioux City's Bauman moves up to AFL with Brigade...

2006-11-08T00:00:00.000-08:00

The off-season personell acquisitions continue.

Three hundred pound nose guard Damien Bauman is making the jump from the Sioux City Bandits to the Kansas City Brigade after inking a two year deal.

Bauman has been playing pro ball for four years. In addition to his season with Sioux City, he spent three years with the NIFL team in Omaha.

Bauman played college ball for the Huskers in Nebraska and, according to a Sioux City Journal article, he's looking forward to becoming part of the Brigade. The plan to use fewer two-way players in the AFL seems like a welcome change to Bauman, who seems enthused to perfect his nose guard skills and contribute to a winning team in Kansas City.

Get to know your new Brigade lineman. Read the Sioux City Journal article in full...

Brigade Hooks Up with Bishop

2006-11-07T23:55:00.000-08:00

Right on the heels of bringing former Chiefs back up QB J. Quinn into the fold, the KC Brigade signed another recognizable name to take snaps next year. Former Kansas State standout Michael Bishop has signed a deal with the Kansas City Arena Football League club.

The move has been lauded by the KC Star as proof positive that the Brigade understand the marketing value of a local gridiron hero like Bishop. They also note that the former Big XII quaterback can probably lead the team to a few wins.

It seems like a great move to me. Now, the question becomes whether Kemper Arena is big enough for two guys with local ties who have both spent time on NFL rosters and who both play quarterback.

My guess? Despite early indications to the contrary, I doubt Jonathan Quinn will ever take the turf as a member of the Kansas City Brigade now that Bishop is on the team.

Getting an online degree...

2006-11-07T23:17:00.000-08:00

Not everyone loves the idea of attending college the traditional way. We don't all have schedules or lifestyles that make attending scheduled classes at a physical campus sensible. Some of us need additional flexibility or are simply in search of a more efficient option. Capella University may be the solution for those who feel that way. Capella serves over 16K students from all over the world, allowing them to complete four year and graduate degree programs via an online distance learning model.

Capella isn't some sketchy, phony "school" that will just take the money and run. It's headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota and has been operating since 1993. Unlike many of its competitors, its accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and maintains a membership with the North Central Association of colleges and Schools.

Do you want a business degree online? Looking for a way to snag that graduate degree? Interested in studying and advancing without spending days and nights in stuffed classrooms on a schedule that just doesn't meet your needs? You might want to check out Capella University. You can find them online or give them a buzz at 888-CAPELLA.

Former Chiefs QB to Compete for Brigade Spot

2006-10-27T09:21:00.000-07:00

If you want to win in the AFL, you need a good QB. Teams have found them in a variety of places. Undrafted college players. Guys who spent time in the World League and just couldn't put it together. Grocery clerks from Iowa who later went on to win Super Bowls, etc.

Sometimes it works like this: You get a break in the AFL. You excel. You end up in the NFL. The Kansas City Brigade is going about things from the opposite direction. They've signed former Tulane standout and venerable KC Chiefs backup quarterback Johnathan Quinn to compete for the 2007 QB job.

The Brigade's press release stated, in part:

"While not from the traditional pool of Arena Football talent, his is a name many in Kansas City will recognize. The team on Friday announced the signing of former Kansas City Chiefs backup quarterback Jonathan Quinn to compete for a spot in 2007 alongside current signal callers Raymond Philyaw and Chris Sanders. A veteran of eight NFL seasons, Quinn is one of many pieces being put into place as the Brigade prepares to play in a new division next season."

Nothing wrong with Philyaw or Sanders, but I would love to see Quinn get the job. He was a part of some fun Chiefs teams and has the kind of top-level experience that should qualify him for AFL success.

Welcome back to KC, Mr. Quinn. Hope you stay here for awhile!

2007 Brigade Girls Video Released...

2006-10-27T09:04:00.000-07:00

Check out the Brigade's official site if you'd like to take a gander at the 2007 Brigade girls. I thought it would be hard to top last year's collection of incredibly attractive dancer/cheerleaders, but based on the footage of this year's tryouts, there is a strong likelihood that things will get even more attractive inside Kemper Arena.

The short video is great! It's available in multiple formats. Here's the link. Prepare to bookmark it, because you'll probably want to check it out more than one time! I love the guys in blue, but I have a very special affinity for the gals, too, and if you watch this video you will definitely see why I feel that way!

Take care. And GOOOOOO BRIGADE!

Funeral Flowers...

2006-10-25T16:35:00.000-07:00

If you need to purchase funeral flowers, you might want to consider the folks at Dot Flowers. Dot Flowers isn't just another florist. Yes, they have everything you'd expect (and more) in terms of arrangements.

The Dot Flower Difference stems from their attention to detail. They make a call to the funeral home to verify delivery instructions and times. They verify receipt of the arrangement. They allow you to focus on the most important things as they handle all of the details of funeral flowers for you. Choosing flowers for a funeral will never be easy, but Dot Flowers will make it less stressful.

Thoughts on Gold...

2006-10-25T16:21:00.000-07:00

If you knew trouble loomed ahead, would you rather have gold bullion at your disposal or paper money? The answer is obvious and it explains, in large measure, why so many investors make gold part of their overall strategy. Gold has the wonderful ability to retain its value during even the toughest circumstances. In fact, gold actually become more attractive during periods of economic and political tension. It's no wonder so many savvy investors hold gold.

The Monex Deposit Company (MDC) has been in the gold business for over three decades. They can help investors purchase gold and can even arrange for personal delivery or storage of the precious commodity in a properly secured repository. If you are interested in gold as an investment, be sure to take a look at what MDC can do for you.

Interesting 9/11 Fund Case...

2006-10-15T15:31:00.000-07:00

Contingency fees aren't unusual for attorneys, but when one lawyer demanded $2 million from a client after assisting her in receiving compensation from the 9/11 Victims Compensation fund, the client balked. The 9/11 widow sought compensation after losing her husband in the attacks and felt the attorney's demand was inappropriate considering the nature of the assistance received and the no-fault nature of the VCF. Simmons, Jannace & Stagg represented her in relation to the original attorney's demand for payment. In the first federal court decision involving Victims Compensation Fund cases and attorney fees, Simmons, Jannace and Stagg successfully managed to have the attorney's action stayed.

If you need to go back to school...

2006-09-29T09:25:00.000-07:00

OK...Try this one on for size... There is a school, headquartered in Minnesota, that offers over seventy five degree programs (including advanced degree options), over fifteen specialized certifications, and is recognized by the Higher Learning Commission. This school has a track record that stretches well over a decade and is currently serving over 15000 students.

Can you name it? Nope. It's not UM, MSU or even Macalester. It's Capella University. If you aren't familiar with Capella, it may be because it doesn't have dorm rooms or a sprawling campus. Instead, it is a distance learning option for those who want all the advantages of a higher education without putting up with many of the hassles that can can make the educational experience so frustrating.

If you need to "go back to school," you can get your ba, bs, ma, ms or mba online. Distance learning via the internet is a perfect way to improve and expand your knowledge base and qualifications.

Spears Kid Nattily Attired...

2006-09-22T03:17:00.000-07:00

Personalized baby gifts are a great idea for almost any parent. There are exceptions, of course. You'd probably strike out with Britney Spears. The ex pop-princess turned mommy has a penchant for putting her kid into some pretty flashy duds. The little dandy, Sean Preston, is so well-clothed that he recently broke Esquire's list of best-dressed men/boys.

Spears, who hasn't bothered actually doing anything that would warrant attention in terms of her career for a couple of years, dropped around five grand in one of those crazy LA clothing stores recently. According to one paper, she spent a considerable amount of her time eyeing the baby t-shirts. Hey, if you have $5K to invest in Garanimals, you can get your kid into Esquire!

Stock options trading note...

2006-07-28T13:24:00.000-07:00

So, you have a nice growing investment portfolio. That's great. The problem is that you aren't actually generating any immediate cash value off of it. Hey, you have great stocks, they just don't pay dividends. The companies are reinvesting profits in growth instead of hooking you up with cash. All is not lost, though, if you are looking for a way to bring home some cash from that investment. You can sell options on the stock. You sell the right to buy your stock at a certain price and you get paid for option itself up-front. Of course, just like anything related to investment, it can get ugly if you don't know your way around. That's why you should consult with PowerOptions, where you can get the tools and info you need to make stock options trading a good plan for you.

Car insurance notes...

2006-07-28T13:02:00.000-07:00

Car insurance quotes. You want to get as many as you can to make sure you are getting the best possible deal. You probably don't want to run around town talking to dozens of insurance agents, though. Good news! Sheila's Wheels allows you to compare offers from tons of insurers online and quickly. It is a great way to save time and money. The site also has some pretty interesting ideas, including a blow up doll that looks like a nice tough mail traveling companion. Women can toss the "buddy on demand" into the front seat and drive around with a greater feeling of security. Find the right car insurance quote, or the right inflatable pal!

CREDIT CARDS

2006-07-20T10:33:00.000-07:00

It's hard to function without a credit card. Try renting hotel space, buying plane tickets, renting a car or making an online purchase of any sort without a card and you will see what I mean! On top of that, dealing with unforeseen expenses is sure a lot easier when you have a line of credit available to you in the case of an emergency. It shocks me how many people struggle to live a regular every day life simply because they don't have a credit card.

Everyone should probably have a credit card and use it responsibly. If you are looking for one, I found a place that will help you by doing a credit search--with no obligation--showing you various credit cards and links to their online applications. The range is impressive and contains some of the most recognized names in MasterCard/Visa issuers. There's no risk in seeing what's available. Take a look!

Kansas City Brigade Player to Appear in Film

2006-07-10T14:10:00.000-07:00

Big BJ Cohen is getting some face time in the movies!

He has a role in "We are Marshall" a movie about the Marshal Thundering Herd football team that re-emerged after a horrible plane crash all but destroyed the team in the early 70s. Though he is an MU alum, Cohen isn't playing part of the Herd!

You can read more about Cohen's silver screen efforts here.

Excerpt:

"Expect Cohen to return to football after filming. He figures to play three or four more years (Cohen recently finished his first season with the Kansas City Brigade), but already is prepping for life after the game.

Cohen is "dabbling" in real estate in Kansas City and has coached youth-league teams during recent summers.

"I hope to have an easy transition into the working world with something I would love to do," Cohen said. "All my life, I've played football and I love lacing up the cleats and putting on the pads."

The Best Website EVER. The Kansas City Brigade Girls

2006-07-10T14:03:00.001-07:00

Even when the Brigade was losing, I was winning, thanks the red hot cheerleading and dance team known as the Brigade Girls.

Anyone who thinks Kansas City suffers from a paucity of hotties need only make their way to Kemper Arena to witness these bombshells in action to have that notion blown away.

The Brigade Girls site is a must-see.

I don't want to make it sound like sexy girls in skimpy outfits is better than big dudes in pads beating the snot out of one another, but then again...

In any case...

One of my favorites? Lindsay. She makes smoothies, digs Taco Bell, and is downright gorgeous!

Kenny McEntyre to Join Brigade

2006-07-10T14:03:00.000-07:00

In a great off-season move, the Kansas Brigade has signed veteran Arena defender and stand out Kenny McEntyre.

More moves like this one may be just what the doctor ordered for the Brigade, who disappointed last year in terms of won/loss record while still managing to build a great fan base in KC.

More about the McEntyre signing is available here. Here's an excerpt of the coverage:

"The nine-year veteran-a two-sport athlete at Kansas State-has spent his entire Arena Football League career with the Orlando Predators, setting a slew of records on his way to becoming arguably the best defender in the league."

FURNITURE

2006-07-10T13:59:00.000-07:00

If you need furniture, and we all do, you should take a look at BFO--Best Furniture Online. BFO is a perfect example of how valuable experience, a commitment to quality customer service, and an understanding of what makes the internet such a perfect place for commerce can combine to produce fantastic results. BFO does a great job of providing honest advice and expert knowledge to potential furniture buyers. Furniture is an age old artform. From the ancient Greeks and Egyptians through today, great designers and artisans have made wonderful furniture. Today's options are seemingly limitless, often informed by classic designs and utilizing modern technology. Making the best possible decisions on anything from a couch to a new set of folding chairs is easier when you shop at the right place. BFO is the right place for furniture.

CHRISTMAS GIFTS

2006-06-29T10:12:00.000-07:00

Who handed out the Christmas gifts during the Protestant Reformation? It sure wasn’t jolly old St. Nick. Back in the 16th century, the role of saints was on the decline and some already-established gift-giving traditions involving St. Nicholas were under attack. Luckily, the big ol’ elf persevered. In 1823 a poem now known as “The Night before Christmas” celebrated his giving ways and helped to elevate him to his now iconic status. Today, St. Nick isn’t the only one handing out presents, though. All of us do. Gift baskets are a very popular choice. They can be a perfect gift for everyone. You can even have them custom-made. Do your best to make up for the years when St. Nick was kept out of the giving loop by handing out some good cheer of your own in the form gift baskets.

SILVER

2006-06-29T10:10:00.000-07:00

You could get four gallons of gas for a dollar back in the day. Then, U.S. currency was backed by precious metals, like silver. Dollar bills even said “silver certificate” right on them. That’s no longer the case, and in some places you can’t get much more than a gallon of gas for a buck. The same amount of silver, however, still buys the same amount of gas it once did. Precious metals, you see, retain their value even while paper money loses a great deal of its buying power. That makes precious metal investment an attractive option--especially in unsteady political and economic times like ours. A company like Monex, who has been giving investors great guidance with respect to precious metals for almost forty years, can help you diversity your portfolio with a little bling! Precious metals might be just what you need to round out your investment plan.

WEDDING EXPENSES

2006-06-26T14:50:00.000-07:00

Getting married? It’s time to think about paying for the wedding.

Here’s the formula:

Bride’s Family’s Contribution + Groom’s Family’s Contribution + Bride’s and Groom’s Contributions = Total Wedding Funds Available.

Now, here’s another important equation:

Total Wedding Funds Available >= Total Wedding Costs

It can be tricky to make it all work. Basically, you need to scrape up enough money to cover the difference between your wedding plan and what you can get from others. That may mean upping your own contribution or decreasing your expenses.

There are some essentials you shouldn’t do without--things like wedding cameras, a memorable cake, a beautiful gown, etc. However, it is possible to cut costs here and there and still have a great wedding day.

Alternatively, or in conjunction with that strategy, you can do your best to put away more money to pay for the wedding. That might require smarter, cheaper living, but the sacrifices made will undoubtedly pay off when the wedding goes off perfectly.

A recent report said that a 150 guest wedding averages a cost of about $25K. Your costs may be lower or higher, depending upon a number of factors, but the undeniable fact is that exchanging vows tends to be a real investment. Take it just as seriously as you would any other investment and plan carefully!

Pegues Coming Back

2006-05-30T14:47:00.000-07:00

The Kansas City Brigade has resigned OL-DL Chad Pegues. He'll be back for another (hopefully more successful) season next year.

Verified here.

KC Brigade Names Boone ROY

2006-05-30T14:41:00.000-07:00

"Former Wildcat Aaron Boone was recently named the Rookie of the Year for the Kansas City Brigade of the Arena Football League. Boone started all seven games for the Brigade after being traded from Philadelphia and caught 66 passes for 748 yards with 19 touchdowns while also playing outside safety on defense."

That's according to the Lexington Herald-Leader, a fine paper with a nice sports page. This season was lousy, but we cannot blame Boone, who played very well. Way to go, Aaron!

GPS HANDHELD

2006-05-30T14:38:00.000-07:00

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration raster navigational charts (RNC's) provide the most detailed navigational information for boaters and sailers. Mariners rely upon RNC's for safe travel and download them free of charge from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration website, where they are constantly being updated by the Feds. Mariners also rely upon Northeast Marine Electronics for great equipment like GPS Handheld devices and fish finding equipment by manufacturers like industry leader Furuno. The Northeeast staff is knowledgeable and helpful. Just like the NOAA and RNC's.

A NOTE ABOUT ADVERTISING

2006-05-30T14:37:00.000-07:00

Hi. This blog will occasionally feature entries that are written for advertising purposes. These posts will be clearly indicated by the use of the graphic found on this post. Many don't care for advertising, and that is completely understandable. Hopefully, by clearly marking the commercial posts the reading experience of those who prefer an ad-free environment will be disrupted less. Thank you.

Brigade fans...protect your car at Kemper...and save some dough, too...

2006-05-21T06:45:00.000-07:00

If you are like me, you don't park in one of those reserved lots down by Kemper when you go to the Brigade games. Instead, you find some off site lot or you just scramble for a space. Although I don't live in California (the car theft capital of the world), I do have some concerns about leaving my vehicle unattended during the games down there. I was reading a list of things you can do to decrease the chances of theft that GEICO put out.

They say to have the VIN etched on every window because thieves don't want to deal with having to replace glass before they can sell a stolen car. Awesome idea and I had never even heard of doing that. They also recommend many "common sense" strategies like making sure every window is completely closed, that we often overlook. Oh, and according to what I read you are totally helping out thieves by leaving your title and registration in the car--so don't.

The high risk of theft might be one of the things leading to higher insurance prices. Personally, I learned that the best way to score good car insurance prices is to use online sources like Carinsurance.com, because they check for the best possible rates all over the place. Comparison shopping is always a good idea.

Hopefully, we can have some good quarterback comparison shopping before next season, because I think we need someone else behind center. Any suggestions?

How to afford those first row Brigade tickets?

2006-05-21T06:43:00.000-07:00

If you are looking to upgrade your Brigade season tickets for next year and would like to grab some of those cherry first row seats, you will have to earn some big bread. I don't know if this is a good way to get richer in a hurry, but I have been told it's good investment advice:

Buying gold coins makes a lot of sense. Economic and political uncertainty make precious metals a neat idea for investors. They retain their value like nothing else and experts recommend having precious metals in one's portfolio as a hedge against market vagaries.

Many of us have thought about buying gold coins but don't really know where we should get the goods. Monex is a company that has been in the business since 1967 and has serviced over 100,000 precious metal investors. Its experience and steady history make it a solid choice if you are looking to find a way to protect your financial interests and/or to profit even more.

Those front row seats cost over a C-note a pop per game. Better get started now! And owning some precious metal might just help!

Take a Break..Forget about the season..Hawaii...

2006-05-18T09:20:00.000-07:00

Now that the AFL is on hiatus, it's time to start thinking about someting other than incredibly disappointing losing seasons for our local team. How about renting a Maui Condo and vacationing in Hawaii.

This outfit called Gebhart Properties rents out some of the most amazing luxury resort properties you can imagine. They have awesome locations and digs you have to see to believe.

They have one three bedroom condo at the Mahana at Kaanapali Resort that has everything from a gourmet kitchen to private elevators. Not too mention cool Hawaiian art and a great view. It's huge, too--2500+ square feet.

In Old Lahaina, they have a two bedroom corner condo unit that is within a football toss of the beach. Thirty feet. Walk outside, take a few steps, and hit the water. Amazing!

Reminder for all Kansas City Brigade Fans...

2006-04-29T05:33:00.000-07:00

Lovin' the rough and tumble game of arena football is all fine and dandy, but don't forget your momma in the process! Mother's day is coming up.

Resist the urge to buy her a brigade jersey or cap. Instead, consider a nice gift basket or maybe even some beautiful Mothers Day Flowers.

You may now return to your regularly schedule football obsession.

Feelin' Bad for the Brigade...

2006-04-28T20:41:00.000-07:00

Let's be honest. These guys were rotten. Andy Kelly? Give me a break. Kelly LeBrock would have been a better QB (don't know who that is, look it up).

But, I like Neil Smith. I like Copeland's, too, although the crawfish etoufee isn't really that authentic. I'd like to send Neil a gift basket or something to make up for this horrible first year.

Sorry, Neil, maybe next season.

Brigade Not Considered a Typical Expansion Team

2006-02-01T11:02:00.000-08:00

Yeah, we got the Brigade in Kansas City a few years earlier than we were planning on landing an Arena Football expansion club. What a deal. Not only did we get to cut the wait time way, way down, we also inherited a legitimate ballclub from New Orleans.

The folks at Oursportscentral will back me up on that. They note:

"None of those ?big losing teams' is around now. But Utah and the Kansas City Brigade are not typical of expansion teams. The Blaze was healthy from the start with the likes of Joe Germaine, Orshawante Bryant, Siaha Burley and some experienced linemen, as is KC with Andy Kelly, B.J. Cohen, Steve Smith and Aaron Hamilton.

So we're cutting the expansion crup. Heck, these are some talented teams and they'll embarrass some of the "better" teams in the league, as did head coach/general manager Danny White's orange & black Blaze against the 'Cats."

Hey, don't let the opening road loss get you down. The Kansas City Brigade is a legitimate AFL football team!

Not much else about the Brigade here, but more about the AFL if you are interested.

Bought a Kansas City Brigade Hat...

2006-01-30T13:49:00.000-08:00

I still think it was a marketing disaster that the KC Brigade didn't get their jerseys and caps out to stores in time for the holiday rush, but I have noticed some stuff trickling into area stores.

I found what the sales dude called an "unstructured" Brigade hat at a local store. Under $20. It's a black hat with the logo in silver. Not very flashy, but comfortable.

I will keep my eyes open for Brigade jerseys and other KC Brigade stuff and will report my findings here.

Oh, the hat was at Oak Park mall--the ticket-selling store--but I saw it in another store, too.

Kansas City Brigade Drops Opener

2006-01-30T13:45:00.000-08:00

Well, the first appearance for the silver and blue Kansas City Brigade jerseys ended in defeat. The Brigade lost its opening game 58-44 to Dallas.

Annoying: The Loss
Annoying: Only saw the game on tape-delay on tv. It was supposed to be on according to my guide at 2 p.m., but when I got there it was the 700 Club.

Cool: The Brigade jerseys look better than I had thought.
Cool: Arena Football is a trip. That is some exciting stuff.
Cool: We are going to get to learn some of the Arena Football rules in Kansas City--there are some interesting wrinkles.

Game recap by the Associate Press (found at Forbes):

"Clint Dolezel was 25-of-35 for 270 yards and six touchdowns and also ran for a score to lead the Dallas Desperados to a 58-44 victory over the expansion Kansas City Brigade on Sunday in the opener for both teams."

Good Brigade Tickets Available...

2006-01-29T11:09:00.000-08:00

If you want to get in the first row right up on the glass this season, I know how you can get it done.

"Bull," you are probably thinking... "The Kansas City Brigade have alread sold 1000s of season tickets and more people are buying every day. Plus, everyone knows those VIP seats right next to the field are long gone!"

Here's the deal... You'd be right if you said that, but you would still be wrong about getting great Kansas City Brigade tickets. I was in a local mall the other day and there is a store that sells tickets that still has the BEST seats for all of the games at Kemper. The girl who was working there also told me they could get tickets for any of the Kansas City Brigade games on the road--and they are even selling tickets for the AFL Championship in Las Vegas.

The downside is that some of the tickets can cost some money. That is not that big of a deal, because most of the real awesome tickets up close at Kemper were expensive in the first place, but you will pay more. Apparently, these people buy really good tickets and then mark them up a little bit, I guess. Anyway, the girl told me you could get seats anywhere for any game. So, if you need Kansas City Brigade tickets and want to set in style, I would go the mall. The one in Lenexa on Quivira. The store is Ace Sports and Nascar Tickets.

That's your helpful hint for Kansas Brigade fans today!

Preseason Notes: KC Brigade Looked Good vs. Grand Rapids

2006-01-29T11:04:00.000-08:00

On Jan. 13, the Kansas City Brigade scrimmaged with the Grand Rapids, MI, AFL squad... Apparently, the KC Brigade played some pretty good Arena Football.

According to one source:

"

DEPORTES - Sports

Kansas City Brigade Defeats Grand Rapids Rampage

Coach Kevin Porter gives the team some feedback

Neil Smith

Anxious to see their first real action of the preseason, the Brigade certainly did not play against the Grand Rapids Rampage on Monday afternoon at Kemper Arena like it was a scrimmage. All three Brigade
Quarterbacks threw touchdown passes and the defense scored nine points of its own on the way to a 30-28 win.
“We saw some positive things and we saw some things that we need to work on,” Coach Kevin Porter said. “Overall I would say that the day was a success, but now we will evaluate the film and get back at it on the
practice field. We have very high standards for our team, so we are never completely satisfied, but I thought our key players were consistent and some of the new guys stepped up at times to make some plays. We still have a lot of [training] camp left.”

Dos Mundos supplied the article from where that was excerpted. The full story is worth reading and they have some good Kansas City Brigade pictures, too.

Dallas Coach: Kansas City Brigade is NOT an Expansion Team...

2006-01-29T11:00:00.000-08:00

Coach McClay from Dallas got something right... He recognizes that the Kansas City Brigade is a lot more like the New Orleans Voodoo than an expansion team.

The DFW paper quotes him:

"You open with "expansion" Kansas City, but the team is mostly New Orleans players. Is there a fear of taking this team too lightly? No. We go through the roster, and if there's a bunch of names we don't recognize, it's an expansion team. But it's New Orleans' roster moved over, and we know that. We know New Orleans was a good football team, and had a good coach in Kevin Porter and his staff. They have some familiarity with this. It would be different if it was a new team that had a new coach who's never seen the game. This is like playing New Orleans."

One change... It is a lot more like playing the Kansas City Brigade than New Orleans, coach.

You can read the original Kansas City Brigade AFL article right here.

Brigade Stude Cohen Gets AFL Honors...

2006-01-29T10:57:00.000-08:00

We definitely have some talent on this team!

According to the Kansas City infoZine:

"Kansas City Brigade OL/DL B.J. Cohen was named to the All-AFL preseason team by AFL Writer's Association today. This comes on the heels of receiving votes for the AFL All-time top 20 team. Cohen, who is a leader on and off the field for the Brigade, plays tight end on offense and is 8th all-time in sacks on the defensive side of the ball."

That is great. One of the all-time greatest AFL players and we have him right here on the Kansas City Brigade!

Link is here.

Booth on Practice Squad for Kansas City Brigade???

2006-01-29T10:54:00.000-08:00

According to OSC:

"Practice Squad Announced: The Kansas City Brigade filled out its four-man practice squad this week with the signings of quarterback Steve Bellisari, wide receiver/linebacker John Booth, offensive lineman/defensive lineman Reggie Poole and defensive specialist Travis Coleman.

Booth, a standout quarterback at MidAmerica Nazarene, played on the Chiefs practice squad and in NFL Europe before catching on with the Brigade. Coleman appeared in seven games on special teams and for the Chicago Bears in 2002 and has one year of af2 experience with the Columbus Conquest in 2004. Bellisari, who started 31 games at quarterback for Ohio State, played last season with the Dayton (Ohio) Warbirds in the National Indoor Football League. Poole also has a season of af2 experience with the Green Bay Blizzard in 2005 and prior to that played with the Rhein Fire in NFL Europe."

A few questions...Why the practice squad? Are you telling me Booth, who saw some preseason action with the Chiefs can't cut it in the AFL? And why would he be listed as WR/LB...Couldn't we sneak QB in there somewhere? Oh, and is this like the worst marketing decision ever? Booth was a local small college stud... I think the locals would like to see him on the Real Roster... Just a thought.

The link

Local Lineman on KC Brigade

2005-12-20T19:56:00.000-08:00

Welcome back, Lucas Yarnell.

Yarnell is gonna be with the brigade. He's a Kansas guy, having gone high school in Topeka, juco in Coffeyville and coaching at Olathe East.

He's an AFL vet:

"The Kansas City Brigade (AFL) signed free agent offensive/defensive lineman Lucas Yarnell today. Yarnell, who has been in the Arena League for nine years, has played for eight different teams, including last season with the Las Vegas Gladiators, but is finally returning home. "

I read it all here.

Owning an Arena Football League Team can be Complicated

2005-11-21T17:35:00.000-08:00

One of the KC business mags recently ran an article about Tyler Prochnow and the Kansas City Brigade (ok, at that time it was still an unnamed team). Instead of focusing on football and the excitement of the Arena Football League, it focused on the business side of things--not surprising for a business journal.

Anyway, if you read the article you might get a new appreciation for just how tricky it was to put this whole thing together. Being an AFL owner definitely involves more than sitting around in a luxury suite.

Excerpt: "Prochnow said investors have put $5 million to $10 million into the team, including signing 15 players from the New Orleans Voodoo and making a down payment on the $16 million franchise fee.

The owners had a head start, however, after spending eight months on an expansion bid that apparently had stalled in mid-August and seemed dead as recently as Sept. 27, before the league realized it wouldn't have a New Orleans team for 2006 thanks to Hurricane Katrina.

"It was a lot of money and a big commitment," Prochnow said. "It was getting to a point where we hadn't put together all the business pieces that we needed. We decided to wait a year and then pursue a team."

The whole story.

Brigade Radio News

2005-11-21T17:32:00.000-08:00

Tickets are so darn cheap, you might as well just go to the games. But, maybe you won't be able to make each and every Brigade game. If that's the case, you'll be happy to know you'll be able to pick them up at 97.3 on your FM dial.

According to the Star, "Our new Kansas City Arena Football League team now has a radio home: 97.3 FM.

The team wrapped up a three-year deal with Union Broadcasting to air all 16 games this season as well as a pregame show with coach Kevin Porter. To avoid scheduling conflicts, the team and Union Broadcasting decided to air all the games on 97.3 rather than flip-flop between WHB (810 AM) and 97.3.

The team has yet to announce its broadcasters."

So, if you want to get behind the mic, you better get a demo tape out to Prochnow and company. You might just be the voice of the Kansas City Brigade. OK, probably not.

In any case, you can read all about it--as well as Jeffrey Flanagan taking a crack at Ruben Gotay--right here.

OurSports Central Talks Brigade

2005-11-21T17:27:00.000-08:00

Well, the AFL world is abuzz with news of Kansas City's team being officially named today. OurSports Central provided a store about the name (Brigade) and a nice little description of our new logo.

In part, they write: "The Brigade enter the AFL and kics off their inaugural season on Sunday, January 29, 2006, at 2:00pm (CT) vs. the Dallas Desperados. The team colors are Carolina Blue, Silver, and Black. The logo represents a stealth bomber flying overhead, symbolizing the AFL's on-field theme: high octane, fast and powerful offense."

OK, I won't over-gripe, but couldn't they call it "powder blue." The Royals had a history of powder blue jerseys back in their heyday. "Carolina Blue" conjures up too many basketball thoughts that we Brigade buffs on the Kansas side of the state line might not like too much...

Want to read their article? Check it out here.

Arena Football League Story On KC's Name

2005-11-21T17:24:00.000-08:00

Just in case you have only heard about the whole new name (Brigade) thing on talk radio and would like to read something about it, too, you might want to check out the Arena Football League's official announcement of the Kansas City Brigade.

Apparently, the actual uniform design and mascot are going to be shown off at some later date--and probably soon, as I bet the AFL and ownership are both wanting to get Kansas City Brigade merchandise in the stores as soon as possible.

Here's the story.

Kansas City Brigade Announced

2005-11-21T16:01:00.000-08:00

Well, the name of our new Arena Football League team here in Kansas City has been announced.

Kansas City will be home to the Brigade.

Someone won season tickets for life for coming up with "the Brigade."

I don't know who entered the contest to name this AFL team, but I am guessing there were probably at least a few THOUSAND better names available.

Don't get me wrong, it isn't the worst name for a team ever. Still, there are a few problems...

What does "Brigade" have to do with Kansas City. I know, I know, we are close to a few air bases. So what? So is every other metropolitan area in the U.S. I want to know what is uniquely KC about "Brigade." Best I can tell through my not-so-extensive research and my own expansive knowledge base, the answer to my query is ZILCH.

Now one can make an argument that the direct relevancy to the city is of secondary importance. I mean, Cincy has the Bengals in the NFL and I know that Ohio is not overran by tigers. In this case, though, the owner and everyone associated with the AFL team was pretty vocal about wanting a team name that reflected the uniqueness of our fair Kansas City.

I think we can record the name choice as the teams very first fumble.

I don't hate it, but I don't love it, either.

More importantly, I suppose, we are another step closer to having Arena Football action in Kansas City. That's good news--probably good enough to overcome a rather uninspired team name.