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Dale of Green Gables's avatar

First off, sorry to hear you guys had to go through two highly stressful experiences. Maybe three for you as a resident of the Evil Empire --- being in the same hotel with a bunch of Royals. Could have caught something. Anyway, if you think the sundry bills you got after your facial repair at Medstar Georgetown were outrageous, wait until Rachel begins to receive notices from your rental company. I know from experience, with just a couple of scratches. The one I particularly remember was an attempted exorbitant charge for "loss of use" --- similar, I guess, to a claim of loss of consortium. Since four Kia models alone are among the top ten most stolen cars in MO (with KC ranking an ignominious tenth nationally in car heists overall), I suspect the car rental outfits make more from Kia insurance claims than renting them. As it happens, I knew Karen Ball's impressive work from both the AP and the NY Daily News. For some strange reason also knew (before having it confirmed in her obit) that the AP decided not to make her White House correspondent as lead Clinton beat reporter when Clinton was elected (as is usually the custom) because the powers-that-were supposedly took it upon themselves to protect a young Ms. Ball from the notoriously libidinous Clinton. She did go on to become WH correspondent for the Daily News --- and managed (shockingly) to take care of herself, by herself, without divine intervention. A big talent, as I knew and a big heart, as I just read. Sadly, we can ill-afford to lose either these days.

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Jonathan Jensen's avatar

My Nebraska-based brother and sister-in-law would challenge your white-bread characterization of Kansas City. That's where they go regularly for culture and good food. KC is famous for its jazz legacy and signature barbecue, for starters. Having said that, I'm shocked at the level of crime you experienced in your brief stay, as they've never mentioned that aspect. Then again they don't drive a Kia.

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