** This can also be seen at Black & White Blog, where I am a co-author. You can comment either here or at that site, which is a forum for views on race issues from many sides. **
I was going through some of my favorites at YouTube yesterday and I ran across an old Saturday Night Live skit that is classic and funny on so many levels. But it’s more than that as well. It features Chevy Chase and Richard Pryor, from the 70’s when SNL was at its best and most biting social commentary.
I’m sure everyone my age and older have had the joy of seeing this long ago. For those who are younger, check out the clip.
Now the point is this. What really has changed since then? While there is PC this and that, and Blacks have gone from being “Black and Proud” to ‘Forshizille my nizzelle’, has anything become better?
Yes there is more interracial dating, yet it is still shunned as the recent death threat against the Boise State player that asked his girlfriend to marry him on national television proved. Yes there are Black doctors, lawyers, and even Secretaries of State yet Blacks still have disproportionate poverty and unemployment levels. While Senator Obama is running for President of the United States, the number of CEO’s of major corporations (on the stock market) can be counted on 1 hand.
In the 70’s the N-word was understood to be a negative term, and even this video showing its use to evoke humor recognizes the absolute anger attached to the word. Today kids, of all races, routinely play on pronunciation and use the term daily as a greeting. Yet its use has not changed its meaning as we have seen in the Jena, West Virginia and Lititz cases.
The KKK, and neo-nazi groups still exist. Cops still beat and kill Blacks (name one year where there have not been several unjustified explosions of police abuse since 1980, whether or not it got national media attention). The legal system (the word Justice is unwarranted in describing the system we have) routinely continues to convict innocent Blacks, and invoke penalties so harsh as to be ludicrous to compare on those Blacks convicted of crimes, as with the Jena 6 and Genarlow Wilson.
While the surface of the nation may seem like calm waters, it’s not. There is as much or more racial tension in this nation than ever before. Political Correctness may prevent hearing all the tension, but it’s doing little to nothing to prevent the action itself. The media, without uttering a single slur, has never stopped presenting slurs or negatively portraying African Americans.
In 1977, the year Roots was on television (I haven’t seen it on ever since), there were 24 Black, Hispanic/Latino, Asian characters on all of television (not less than 69 shows). That number includes 5 shows where the characters had starring roles, but does not include a cartoon (Fat Albert) or a dance show (Soul Train) which was only on Saturdays. It also includes 2 programs that ended that year, Sanford & Son and Electric Company, and one star (Freddie Prinze) that died.
While it’s harder to define all the shows on television today, including cable and reruns, looking at the top 100 first-run programs I get an estimate of 18 African Americans. I’m sure I’m missing a few characters (only counting leading and featured support characters) and television shows. My previous efforts, including reruns, came to less than 2% of all characters are African Americans and less for other minorities. That’s sad when there has been an increase of 1000% in television channels since 1977.
So what has really gotten better? Yes some individuals are doing better, but not society. The realization is pitiful. At least in 1977 we were honest, but the main thing I see that improved the most is our ability to hide the anger that exists.
Do you agree?
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Discussing 50 cent interview on Fox News
It’s amazing what money will make some people do. Some have sex for it; others sell poison (drugs) to children. The prisons are filled with thieves and petty robbers, and sometimes there are those willing to prostitute themselves just for a buck. In this case I’m referring to 50 cent (Curtis Jackson) 
appearing on Fox News with Neil Cavuto at 4:50pm Monday, to market a new line of Pontiac cars that he was involved in creating (in other words he put his name on it).
Considering the broad net cast upon Fox News, and the general mood in the gangsta rap industry for the channel I found it amusing that Jackson would appear. But then again, trying to sell the new Pontiac on BET wouldn’t really be possible.
So I find it interesting that Jackson went on the channel to pitch the new car essentially to a more conservative, generally White, predominantly Republican, basically older audience. But since he is getting paid (no doubt a licensing deal and or record company perks I imagine) he goes where he is told. But don’t confuse gangsta rappers with sell-outs! That’s just not fair or Black, so I’ve been told.
For those that missed the interview, it was no hatchet job. It was fair and generally stayed on point about this promotion. I found it interesting that for a guy ranking #2 on the Forbes list of top rapper incomes, he only has 3 cars (he never mentioned if any were the car he was pitching). The modesty seems far from the persona he markets on stage, video games and that movie flop.
Which lead to a question about his film coming out next year, April 12th. Sadly I will find something more interesting to do than see him in the film, like take a nap, but I was shocked to hear that Mr. Robert DeNiro and Mr. Al Pacino are in the film. How did he pull that? It’s not like he has talent, nor is he having sex with the director (I presume) so I don’t know what got him the role. I am going to guess it’s a very minor role that will be marketed and hyped as if he were the lead in a $100 million film. No matter what you think of the guy, the fact is he is no Will Smith, or even an Ice Cube.
While this was ongoing, Neil Cavuto referred to a conversation he had with
Mr. Sean Combs. They showed a brief clip and the difference in the style between Mr. Combs and Jackson was stark. Mr. Combs looked professional, sharp, casual and wealthy in his suit. Jackson looked like he was just at the gym and paid too much for the quality he had on.
But I digress. Neil Cavuto asked a question of interest about how gangsta rappers are all trying to go mainstream, getting into movies and pretending to be actors. The question was, and I paraphrase both the question and answer,
Again, I am paraphrasing. If anyone can show me an official transcript I will gladly correct the wording, but the essence has not been changed. And “aggressive content” was exactly the term Jackson used. He was coached very well by his PR people. I was almost impressed by the ex-convict. The subtle change in terminology changing violence, which is what, is advocated and accurately describing the actions described in gangsta rap, to aggressive content implies that his lyrics are no worse than a game of touch football. Talk about spinning a scenario in your favor.
And it’s interesting to note that for the most successful rappers, the ones most in favor of the n-word, being ghetto fabulous, and living the thug-life, (in general) are the ones that have left the ghetto, and lead lives mostly without any connection to the actions they continue to promote. From what I interpreted from Jackson’s words, he believes that essentially the top and longest running rappers are fakes since they have no connection to the events they proclaim rap is meant to ‘keep real’.
[Why do people keep saying that? What does it mean? Keep it real. Like you can fake life. Like there is a choice in being alive. This isn’t the Matrix, when stuff happens it happens. The statement is ignorant, a result of minds refusing to stretch to find the words that actually convey the thought in their head.]
Now add to all this the fact that Jackson likes Senator Hillary Clinton, because he liked her husband. What President Clinton has to do with her holding the Presidency makes no sense to me. She did not gain experience in running the government by osmosis, nor did she have a real power or position when she was First Lady. And her policies, if you can figure out what they are, seem to not match his.
Of course, like most I’ve noticed in support of Senator Clinton, Jackson is strongly against President Bush. When you call the sitting President “without compassion” you clearly state your reasoning. This is not a good reason to pick the next President though. President Bush is not going to run again. He is not going to be elected again. The logic runs false.
And how dare he call any sitting President “without compassion”. I may not agree with all the actions of President Bush, but that is not the same thing as to insult the leader of our nation. I can respect that Jackson may want to bring the troops home, but I also realize that this ex-convict is hardly the most astute political thinker.
While President Bush may be slightly more articulate than 50 cent, he is advised by far greater minds, and has always acted in a manner that seems to be guided by a belief that his actions are in the best interest of the nation. Disagree if you wish, but there has not been a successful terrorist attack in this nation to date, several attempts have been made but all were thwarted. And the economy, while not perfect is good.
All in all I found the interview interesting. Curtis Jackson left me unimpressed, his efforts to sell whatever increases his personal wealth left me unfazed. I was amazed that he found himself in a film with quality actors, and learning his political beliefs just makes me hope he keeps them to himself in the future. But it was a fair and mild interview.
appearing on Fox News with Neil Cavuto at 4:50pm Monday, to market a new line of Pontiac cars that he was involved in creating (in other words he put his name on it).Considering the broad net cast upon Fox News, and the general mood in the gangsta rap industry for the channel I found it amusing that Jackson would appear. But then again, trying to sell the new Pontiac on BET wouldn’t really be possible.
1. There is no news program for him to be on
2. Gangsta rap targets young poorer African Americans
3. The rating suck as few really watch the channel compared to most other cable network programs (though I think they exceed CNN)
So I find it interesting that Jackson went on the channel to pitch the new car essentially to a more conservative, generally White, predominantly Republican, basically older audience. But since he is getting paid (no doubt a licensing deal and or record company perks I imagine) he goes where he is told. But don’t confuse gangsta rappers with sell-outs! That’s just not fair or Black, so I’ve been told.
For those that missed the interview, it was no hatchet job. It was fair and generally stayed on point about this promotion. I found it interesting that for a guy ranking #2 on the Forbes list of top rapper incomes, he only has 3 cars (he never mentioned if any were the car he was pitching). The modesty seems far from the persona he markets on stage, video games and that movie flop.
Which lead to a question about his film coming out next year, April 12th. Sadly I will find something more interesting to do than see him in the film, like take a nap, but I was shocked to hear that Mr. Robert DeNiro and Mr. Al Pacino are in the film. How did he pull that? It’s not like he has talent, nor is he having sex with the director (I presume) so I don’t know what got him the role. I am going to guess it’s a very minor role that will be marketed and hyped as if he were the lead in a $100 million film. No matter what you think of the guy, the fact is he is no Will Smith, or even an Ice Cube.
While this was ongoing, Neil Cavuto referred to a conversation he had with
Mr. Sean Combs. They showed a brief clip and the difference in the style between Mr. Combs and Jackson was stark. Mr. Combs looked professional, sharp, casual and wealthy in his suit. Jackson looked like he was just at the gym and paid too much for the quality he had on.But I digress. Neil Cavuto asked a question of interest about how gangsta rappers are all trying to go mainstream, getting into movies and pretending to be actors. The question was, and I paraphrase both the question and answer,
“I notice that there seems to be a move away from the violence and more to the mainstream. Are you moving away from the violence?
[50 cent] It’s not a move away from aggressive content. Success removes us from the environment, we aren’t writing about those things as much. That doesn’t mean they aren’t there or that someone isn’t writing about it. We’re just not around it.”
Again, I am paraphrasing. If anyone can show me an official transcript I will gladly correct the wording, but the essence has not been changed. And “aggressive content” was exactly the term Jackson used. He was coached very well by his PR people. I was almost impressed by the ex-convict. The subtle change in terminology changing violence, which is what, is advocated and accurately describing the actions described in gangsta rap, to aggressive content implies that his lyrics are no worse than a game of touch football. Talk about spinning a scenario in your favor.
And it’s interesting to note that for the most successful rappers, the ones most in favor of the n-word, being ghetto fabulous, and living the thug-life, (in general) are the ones that have left the ghetto, and lead lives mostly without any connection to the actions they continue to promote. From what I interpreted from Jackson’s words, he believes that essentially the top and longest running rappers are fakes since they have no connection to the events they proclaim rap is meant to ‘keep real’.
[Why do people keep saying that? What does it mean? Keep it real. Like you can fake life. Like there is a choice in being alive. This isn’t the Matrix, when stuff happens it happens. The statement is ignorant, a result of minds refusing to stretch to find the words that actually convey the thought in their head.]
Now add to all this the fact that Jackson likes Senator Hillary Clinton, because he liked her husband. What President Clinton has to do with her holding the Presidency makes no sense to me. She did not gain experience in running the government by osmosis, nor did she have a real power or position when she was First Lady. And her policies, if you can figure out what they are, seem to not match his.
Of course, like most I’ve noticed in support of Senator Clinton, Jackson is strongly against President Bush. When you call the sitting President “without compassion” you clearly state your reasoning. This is not a good reason to pick the next President though. President Bush is not going to run again. He is not going to be elected again. The logic runs false.
And how dare he call any sitting President “without compassion”. I may not agree with all the actions of President Bush, but that is not the same thing as to insult the leader of our nation. I can respect that Jackson may want to bring the troops home, but I also realize that this ex-convict is hardly the most astute political thinker.
While President Bush may be slightly more articulate than 50 cent, he is advised by far greater minds, and has always acted in a manner that seems to be guided by a belief that his actions are in the best interest of the nation. Disagree if you wish, but there has not been a successful terrorist attack in this nation to date, several attempts have been made but all were thwarted. And the economy, while not perfect is good.
All in all I found the interview interesting. Curtis Jackson left me unimpressed, his efforts to sell whatever increases his personal wealth left me unfazed. I was amazed that he found himself in a film with quality actors, and learning his political beliefs just makes me hope he keeps them to himself in the future. But it was a fair and mild interview.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Free speech or is it - 10.30.2007.1
Sometimes you just run into things that hit a note. I was looking for something to write for Real Simple Blog and I found this. Perhaps the most important part of the entire clip is the last portion. I suggest that ALL college students reflect on those final statements.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on it.
**Some might find language in this video objectionable. Be aware of that prior to playing it.**
I’d love to hear your thoughts on it.
**Some might find language in this video objectionable. Be aware of that prior to playing it.**
Don Cheadle movie coming out in November - 10.30.2007.1
**This can also be seen at All American Blog, where I am a contributing author.**
In the list of things that many may not see in movie theaters there is one movie coming out that deserves more attention. This one movie needs to be seen in wide release. This one movie needs to get publicity and critical commentary. This one movie deserves the media hype and sales pitch given to forgettable films like 30 Days of Night or Transformers, but it won’t get it.
The movie is Darfur Now. A simple title and statement. And I would ask, do you even know where Darfur is or what has been happening there for years? Are you aware of what our government is doing about Darfur? If not, why?
But as for the movie, it details 6 lives that are trying to make an impact and those that work with them in this endeavor. In my humble opinion, all those fighting to bring attention and resolution in Darfur deserved the Nobel Peace Prize far more than Mr. Al Gore and his questionable movie. That’s the real intent of the Prize I always thought. The Nobel goes to people like Mother Theresa, Gandhi, Dr. Martin Luther King and such. Not an overly politicized, overly glorified, politician that has not, to my knowledge, even publicly acknowledged Darfur.
Over a million people have been allowed to die without more than a glance by the major news media. Even with the attention major stars like Mr. Don Cheadle (who is featured in the movie), Mr. George Clooney, Mr. Brad Pitt and several others the media and Congress placed this story on the back burner.
For all the movies and news out about wars and conflicts in the world, most discuss the past. This movie discusses the on-going genocide of a people in Darfur. I say that again, on-going. Yet the major news media feels that Ellen Degeneres crying about a puppy deserves 2 day+ of news coverage. Years of murders, with approximately 1 million dead and a puppy going to a different family than where Ms. Degeneres wanted gets 2 days of coverage.
This movie deserves a wide release. It needs coverage. It’s a story that should be told in a big way, even if the studios don’t make a ton of money. Underdog was a complete flop, but they put that out nationally and made a big deal of it. If they could right of that loss, why not take a loss for something that matters and could have an effect of saving hundreds of thousands of lives, literally.
Suffice to say, I suggest seeing the movie. There are plenty of other films coming out by the end of the year to get you into the holiday spirit (not that I think Fred Claus is going to do well or be a good movie) or just thrill you (Mr. Will Smith has a remake that should be quite good out in December). Why not take one day [actually slightly more than 1 ½ hours of one day] to see what is happening in the world, which the major media seems to think you aren’t adult or mature enough to handle.
In the list of things that many may not see in movie theaters there is one movie coming out that deserves more attention. This one movie needs to be seen in wide release. This one movie needs to get publicity and critical commentary. This one movie deserves the media hype and sales pitch given to forgettable films like 30 Days of Night or Transformers, but it won’t get it.
The movie is Darfur Now. A simple title and statement. And I would ask, do you even know where Darfur is or what has been happening there for years? Are you aware of what our government is doing about Darfur? If not, why?
But as for the movie, it details 6 lives that are trying to make an impact and those that work with them in this endeavor. In my humble opinion, all those fighting to bring attention and resolution in Darfur deserved the Nobel Peace Prize far more than Mr. Al Gore and his questionable movie. That’s the real intent of the Prize I always thought. The Nobel goes to people like Mother Theresa, Gandhi, Dr. Martin Luther King and such. Not an overly politicized, overly glorified, politician that has not, to my knowledge, even publicly acknowledged Darfur.
Over a million people have been allowed to die without more than a glance by the major news media. Even with the attention major stars like Mr. Don Cheadle (who is featured in the movie), Mr. George Clooney, Mr. Brad Pitt and several others the media and Congress placed this story on the back burner.
For all the movies and news out about wars and conflicts in the world, most discuss the past. This movie discusses the on-going genocide of a people in Darfur. I say that again, on-going. Yet the major news media feels that Ellen Degeneres crying about a puppy deserves 2 day+ of news coverage. Years of murders, with approximately 1 million dead and a puppy going to a different family than where Ms. Degeneres wanted gets 2 days of coverage.
This movie deserves a wide release. It needs coverage. It’s a story that should be told in a big way, even if the studios don’t make a ton of money. Underdog was a complete flop, but they put that out nationally and made a big deal of it. If they could right of that loss, why not take a loss for something that matters and could have an effect of saving hundreds of thousands of lives, literally.
Suffice to say, I suggest seeing the movie. There are plenty of other films coming out by the end of the year to get you into the holiday spirit (not that I think Fred Claus is going to do well or be a good movie) or just thrill you (Mr. Will Smith has a remake that should be quite good out in December). Why not take one day [actually slightly more than 1 ½ hours of one day] to see what is happening in the world, which the major media seems to think you aren’t adult or mature enough to handle.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Can you recognize me? - 10.28.2007.1
With Halloween fast approaching I thought I would share my recent costume I wore at a party over the weekend. Don't be shy about telling me what you think. Do you think it looks like me?
Friday, October 26, 2007
Can the Wayans make it on VH1
**This post can also be seen at All American Blog, where I am a contributing author.**
Do we need another celebrity reality series? Is there any reason for another ‘reality’ program of any sort? Obviously network television executives think so. And one of the upcoming programs has potential. That is the potential to by abysmally bad, or astoundingly good. My bet is towards the bad, and mark my words, there is no middle ground.
Why are there so many ‘reality’ programs? They are cheap. They are dumb. They embarrass, in general, individuals and more commonly these days’ celebrities. The first 2 reasons are attractive to networks because it means they are easy to profit off of. No real sets, smaller crews, no writers (sort of), and no debates on renewing contracts. But all the profits of a successful show even if it’s only in the lower half of all programs on television.
The last reason is self-defining. The public loves to watch entertainers and celebrities fall. Add into the mix the fact that these shows tend to emphasize the bottom tier of notables, those with lesser or barely existent talents and the envy gives way to mean spirited laughter at their expense. That’s the honest answer why most watch these things. It’s not humor with, but at those on the program. It’s the most base and scraping the bottom of the barrel common denominator in television since it was invented.
This reminds me of what Senior Drill Instructor Sgt. Williams used to call television, ITV. Meaning idiot television. 20 years after the fact he is more correct than ever before.
But there are moments of real human interest. Like when Flava Flav would up in a relationship with Bridgette Nielsen, who would have guessed that? Or that Christopher Knight would wind up marrying model Adrianne Curry. But such real and warm moments are fleeting.
Then there are the programs made to emulate the reality of life, with a twist. Like the show Entourage. I’ve never seen it, so I have no clue on its appeal or quality. But I trust the multiple sources that state it’s wonderful. Even moreso because it seems that the Wayans’ family will be involved with a similar (possibly rip-off) version of the program. You know you are doing well in Hollywood when others copy what you are doing.
Now the word is that this will be on VH1. And thus we see how it could be great or horrendous and nothing in-between. VH1 LOVES celebrity ‘reality’ programs. They love to talk about anything involving un-scripted celebrity life. Entourage is right in that vain. And as one blogger mentioned (Whudat.com) if it’s about the lives of the various Wayans clan that could be interesting.
But on the other side are the issues. VH1 is owned by Viacom, the company responsible for the programming at Black Entertainment Television (BET) for years. VH1 is home of the various Flava Flav programs like Flava of Love. To say it succinctly, Viacom has shown a repeated, company wide, ideology of portraying African Americans in the worst light possible.
Add to that that the last several project headed by Shawn Wayans, Lil Man and White Chicks, have neither been the most successful or highest quality to come out of the family. While there is a relationship with Viacom (the old WB program headed by Shawn and Marlon is shown regularly on BET) that is not to say it’s a great one. And if this Entourage-esque program is just their written work, given the standards and expectations of Viacom, horror seems a big potential.
Now I have nothing against the probably most successful Black family in television and movies. I like the work that Keenan and Damon have done, generally. There’s even been one or 2 things that Shawn and Marlon have done that was of some interest. And I love the fact that they provide more work for more African Americans and minorities than roughly a dozen other programs or films, in front of the camera and behind it.
But I still have reservations. Will I see what the program is like when it’s announced? Surely. Will I be happy to know that they are employing so many that every other studio and Production Company seems to be oblivious to, definitely. Would I look at the minor characters and sideline people for up and coming stars? Without doubt, as the family has a knack for finding and developing talent everyone else ignores. [Where did Jim Carrey, Jennifer Lopez, Tommy Davidson, and Jamie Foxx all come from?]
So I will wait and see what VH1 goes with. I hope for a great show, which is quite possible. But I also will steady myself if Viacom is true to its unspoken corporate policy and the program is horrendous. At least we know what the odds are.
Do we need another celebrity reality series? Is there any reason for another ‘reality’ program of any sort? Obviously network television executives think so. And one of the upcoming programs has potential. That is the potential to by abysmally bad, or astoundingly good. My bet is towards the bad, and mark my words, there is no middle ground.
Why are there so many ‘reality’ programs? They are cheap. They are dumb. They embarrass, in general, individuals and more commonly these days’ celebrities. The first 2 reasons are attractive to networks because it means they are easy to profit off of. No real sets, smaller crews, no writers (sort of), and no debates on renewing contracts. But all the profits of a successful show even if it’s only in the lower half of all programs on television.
The last reason is self-defining. The public loves to watch entertainers and celebrities fall. Add into the mix the fact that these shows tend to emphasize the bottom tier of notables, those with lesser or barely existent talents and the envy gives way to mean spirited laughter at their expense. That’s the honest answer why most watch these things. It’s not humor with, but at those on the program. It’s the most base and scraping the bottom of the barrel common denominator in television since it was invented.
This reminds me of what Senior Drill Instructor Sgt. Williams used to call television, ITV. Meaning idiot television. 20 years after the fact he is more correct than ever before.
But there are moments of real human interest. Like when Flava Flav would up in a relationship with Bridgette Nielsen, who would have guessed that? Or that Christopher Knight would wind up marrying model Adrianne Curry. But such real and warm moments are fleeting.
Then there are the programs made to emulate the reality of life, with a twist. Like the show Entourage. I’ve never seen it, so I have no clue on its appeal or quality. But I trust the multiple sources that state it’s wonderful. Even moreso because it seems that the Wayans’ family will be involved with a similar (possibly rip-off) version of the program. You know you are doing well in Hollywood when others copy what you are doing.
Now the word is that this will be on VH1. And thus we see how it could be great or horrendous and nothing in-between. VH1 LOVES celebrity ‘reality’ programs. They love to talk about anything involving un-scripted celebrity life. Entourage is right in that vain. And as one blogger mentioned (Whudat.com) if it’s about the lives of the various Wayans clan that could be interesting.
But on the other side are the issues. VH1 is owned by Viacom, the company responsible for the programming at Black Entertainment Television (BET) for years. VH1 is home of the various Flava Flav programs like Flava of Love. To say it succinctly, Viacom has shown a repeated, company wide, ideology of portraying African Americans in the worst light possible.
Add to that that the last several project headed by Shawn Wayans, Lil Man and White Chicks, have neither been the most successful or highest quality to come out of the family. While there is a relationship with Viacom (the old WB program headed by Shawn and Marlon is shown regularly on BET) that is not to say it’s a great one. And if this Entourage-esque program is just their written work, given the standards and expectations of Viacom, horror seems a big potential.
Now I have nothing against the probably most successful Black family in television and movies. I like the work that Keenan and Damon have done, generally. There’s even been one or 2 things that Shawn and Marlon have done that was of some interest. And I love the fact that they provide more work for more African Americans and minorities than roughly a dozen other programs or films, in front of the camera and behind it.
But I still have reservations. Will I see what the program is like when it’s announced? Surely. Will I be happy to know that they are employing so many that every other studio and Production Company seems to be oblivious to, definitely. Would I look at the minor characters and sideline people for up and coming stars? Without doubt, as the family has a knack for finding and developing talent everyone else ignores. [Where did Jim Carrey, Jennifer Lopez, Tommy Davidson, and Jamie Foxx all come from?]
So I will wait and see what VH1 goes with. I hope for a great show, which is quite possible. But I also will steady myself if Viacom is true to its unspoken corporate policy and the program is horrendous. At least we know what the odds are.
The March for Megan Williams on Saturday - 10.26.2007.1
I want to remind everyone that tomorrow there will be a march in Charleston West Virginia on behalf of Ms. Megan Williams. The march is planned to start at 12 noon.
The purpose of the march is to draw national attention. This crime has been largely ignored to this point, on the horrendous and obvious hate crime that was committed there. 6 Whites (men and women) kidnapped and tortured Ms. Williams for over a week. The major news media has turned a blind eye to this event, and it cannot be allowed.
Go here to be able to see a video of Ms. Williams describing what she had to endure. http://video.ap.org/v/Legacy.aspx?g=97224454-cfa0-4fda-8b5f-a1dc25ebce27&f=wvchg&fg=email&partner=en-ap
After hearing that, realize that this is still only being covered in local news and that information is difficult to receive. Then think of how much attention this would garner if only half of this was done to a White woman by Blacks.
You can see details for this march at http://www.blacklawyersforjustice.org/ . I strongly suggest visiting this site for details on the march. You can find multiple posts concerning this case by clicking Megan Williams at the bottom of this post.
In addition you may want to consider a donation to the fund for Ms. Williams to help her cover her medical and legal bills. Were it your child you’d want them to be returned to health, and see their attackers punished to the full extent of the law.
We cannot let acts like this get pushed to the wayside. If the major media can discuss Ellen Degeneres’ dog for 2 days, they certainly can discuss this case. If they can waste my time, and kill my brain cells, discussing the endless saga of Britney Spears and her multiple acts of absolute idiocy, then how dare they not discuss this case.
They must. We must remind the media and the legal system that no matter the everyday bias, there is a line and this crossed it. Justice must be for all if it is to be for anyone.
The purpose of the march is to draw national attention. This crime has been largely ignored to this point, on the horrendous and obvious hate crime that was committed there. 6 Whites (men and women) kidnapped and tortured Ms. Williams for over a week. The major news media has turned a blind eye to this event, and it cannot be allowed.
Go here to be able to see a video of Ms. Williams describing what she had to endure. http://video.ap.org/v/Legacy.aspx?g=97224454-cfa0-4fda-8b5f-a1dc25ebce27&f=wvchg&fg=email&partner=en-ap
After hearing that, realize that this is still only being covered in local news and that information is difficult to receive. Then think of how much attention this would garner if only half of this was done to a White woman by Blacks.
You can see details for this march at http://www.blacklawyersforjustice.org/ . I strongly suggest visiting this site for details on the march. You can find multiple posts concerning this case by clicking Megan Williams at the bottom of this post.
In addition you may want to consider a donation to the fund for Ms. Williams to help her cover her medical and legal bills. Were it your child you’d want them to be returned to health, and see their attackers punished to the full extent of the law.
We cannot let acts like this get pushed to the wayside. If the major media can discuss Ellen Degeneres’ dog for 2 days, they certainly can discuss this case. If they can waste my time, and kill my brain cells, discussing the endless saga of Britney Spears and her multiple acts of absolute idiocy, then how dare they not discuss this case.
They must. We must remind the media and the legal system that no matter the everyday bias, there is a line and this crossed it. Justice must be for all if it is to be for anyone.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Welcome My Nephew to the world - 10.25.2007.2
Say hello to the latest addition to the human race, my nephew Mark Dontae Santiago M.
Yes I know the picture is small, I'll update it shortly.Congratulations to my sister and her husband.
Mark was born Oct 24th. He was 6lb 10oz and 20 inches.
Yes I know the picture is small, I'll update it shortly.Congratulations to my sister and her husband.
Mark was born Oct 24th. He was 6lb 10oz and 20 inches.
What would you do? - 10.25.2007.1
Just a note on something interesting that happened to me recently. It happened while I was at a pool tournament this week. [If you don’t know I’ve been playing pool for 26 years and I’m not shabby.]Like many enthusiasts I have my own stick. When I was putting it together I was asked a question.
It seems that my pool stick is a Palmer Custom Cue. I’ve known this for some time, but never thought much of it. I got the stick at a garage sale, and as I recall I believe it cost me nothing. That was over a decade ago.
What I was asked was if I would be willing to sell my stick, for $500. It is possible that my stick is a classic collectible and worth potentially $1500. From what I can tell this is not an imitation cue but an original, made some time around the 70’s. Not bad for a garage sale item.
Now here is a question. What would you do? Sell the pool cue? If so for how much? It’s in excellent condition, and I use it somewhat regularly when I play pool. It’s a good stick and everything is original to my knowledge. Would you sell it, put it on Ebay or just keep it? I really would like to hear what everyone else would do.
It seems that my pool stick is a Palmer Custom Cue. I’ve known this for some time, but never thought much of it. I got the stick at a garage sale, and as I recall I believe it cost me nothing. That was over a decade ago.
“Palmer cues were made by Eugene Balner at his shop in Elizabeth NJ. Balner emigrated to the US after fleeing communist Hungary in 1956. Balner partnered with Paradise and his Paradise Custom Cue Company. Eventually Balner and Paradise had a parting of the ways and Balner founded his own company: Palmer Cues. Eugene Balner passed away in January 1972 just when he had reached the height of his skills.
Palmers are one of the most affordable collectible cues.”
What I was asked was if I would be willing to sell my stick, for $500. It is possible that my stick is a classic collectible and worth potentially $1500. From what I can tell this is not an imitation cue but an original, made some time around the 70’s. Not bad for a garage sale item.
Now here is a question. What would you do? Sell the pool cue? If so for how much? It’s in excellent condition, and I use it somewhat regularly when I play pool. It’s a good stick and everything is original to my knowledge. Would you sell it, put it on Ebay or just keep it? I really would like to hear what everyone else would do.
From foolish to fools, in the news
So for a collection of events that range from the useless to abominably stupid I give you the following things I’ve noticed in the news. And I do mean that these stories are in that range. Why such attention is paid to these items I can’t imagine.
That said, here we go.
Possibly the one thing that will get the most attention deals with a revelation from J.K. Rowling revealing that one of the critical characters of her Harry Potter series, Dumbledore, is gay. Surprising to most I suppose, I just don’t understand why this came out. It’s obviously not relevant to the character or it would have been in the book. It doesn’t change the storyline, or the manner of how all the characters act. And it’s not like there is another book to go. What’s the use of giving a background that the writer didn’t feel was important enough to write about? It seems like gratuitous marketing to me.
On a note that just brings me cheer, there is Paris Hilton and the Spike Awards show. Paris was a presenter for an award along with actors from her current show Repo! The Genetic Opera. [I have to say the website makes this look as bad as it sounds. A supposed Rocky Horror-esque show, I’m just not sure what to think. Only something that seems this bad would want to have Paris Hilton as part of the cast.] As Hilton took the stage she got the kind of attention her apparently mindless, irresponsible lifestyle deserves, boos. Non-stop until she left the stage. I get giddy knowing that there are more than a few people out there with taste.
And last in the list of the bizarre comes news that Amy Winehouse refuses to stop taking drugs and drinking. An overdose from earlier in the year seems not to have fazed this woman. Her excuse for this perhaps thinly veiled display of extended suicide in slow motion? Life is too short, and
I have heard crackheads with better reasons for what they do. Obviously I think Winehouse has a problem. It could be said that sadly this may not be a long-term issue. But I find it hard to feel sad to someone that knows what they are doing, and chooses to go headlong into actions that will inevitably kill themselves. Perhaps this is just another act of genetics improving the gene pool in action?
That said, here we go.
Possibly the one thing that will get the most attention deals with a revelation from J.K. Rowling revealing that one of the critical characters of her Harry Potter series, Dumbledore, is gay. Surprising to most I suppose, I just don’t understand why this came out. It’s obviously not relevant to the character or it would have been in the book. It doesn’t change the storyline, or the manner of how all the characters act. And it’s not like there is another book to go. What’s the use of giving a background that the writer didn’t feel was important enough to write about? It seems like gratuitous marketing to me.
On a note that just brings me cheer, there is Paris Hilton and the Spike Awards show. Paris was a presenter for an award along with actors from her current show Repo! The Genetic Opera. [I have to say the website makes this look as bad as it sounds. A supposed Rocky Horror-esque show, I’m just not sure what to think. Only something that seems this bad would want to have Paris Hilton as part of the cast.] As Hilton took the stage she got the kind of attention her apparently mindless, irresponsible lifestyle deserves, boos. Non-stop until she left the stage. I get giddy knowing that there are more than a few people out there with taste.
And last in the list of the bizarre comes news that Amy Winehouse refuses to stop taking drugs and drinking. An overdose from earlier in the year seems not to have fazed this woman. Her excuse for this perhaps thinly veiled display of extended suicide in slow motion? Life is too short, and
"I’m quite an insecure person. I’m very insecure about the way I look. I mean, I’m a musician I’m not a model. The more insecure I feel the more I drink.”
I have heard crackheads with better reasons for what they do. Obviously I think Winehouse has a problem. It could be said that sadly this may not be a long-term issue. But I find it hard to feel sad to someone that knows what they are doing, and chooses to go headlong into actions that will inevitably kill themselves. Perhaps this is just another act of genetics improving the gene pool in action?
Can you handle the Eye of Judgement?
**This was originally posted by me at Video Gaming Blog, where I am a contributing author.**
Well if you are looking for a unique game that is different and challenging, I think I have just seen the right thing for you. Eye of Judgement.
Now I know some of you say that you are too old for collectible card games. Some may have missed out on the Magic: The Gathering crazy of the 90’s. But it’s not too late for either group.
Strategy is the heart of any card game. It just isn’t as simple as checkers, but it’s easier to learn than chess and you can be good faster than you can master Guitar Hero. You can play against kids or friends. And it just looks cool.
The downside, if it can be called that, is that this needs the PS3 and the Eye Toy. The online play is a bit quirky. Plus it’s nowhere near as fun or interesting playing alone. The benefit is that the Eye Toy comes included in the price, and of course having a PS3 is worth it anyway. Plus you get to watch the well done animations of blasting your opponents creatures to the netherworld, or wherever they came from. And the creatures react to your actions to a degree.
This may be the start of a large genre, and I think it may be one of the early winners in this holiday season. I think parents will love it, and gamers looking for something new will be quite happy. As a friend of mine said,
Now I like a good blast them all til their dead game as much as the next guy. But sometimes a little thought is great as well. Fans of Culdcept, Resident Evil or Disgaea should enjoy this. If you own a card game, you really will enjoy this.
Try it and let me know if you like it as well.
Well if you are looking for a unique game that is different and challenging, I think I have just seen the right thing for you. Eye of Judgement.
Now I know some of you say that you are too old for collectible card games. Some may have missed out on the Magic: The Gathering crazy of the 90’s. But it’s not too late for either group.
Strategy is the heart of any card game. It just isn’t as simple as checkers, but it’s easier to learn than chess and you can be good faster than you can master Guitar Hero. You can play against kids or friends. And it just looks cool.
The downside, if it can be called that, is that this needs the PS3 and the Eye Toy. The online play is a bit quirky. Plus it’s nowhere near as fun or interesting playing alone. The benefit is that the Eye Toy comes included in the price, and of course having a PS3 is worth it anyway. Plus you get to watch the well done animations of blasting your opponents creatures to the netherworld, or wherever they came from. And the creatures react to your actions to a degree.
This may be the start of a large genre, and I think it may be one of the early winners in this holiday season. I think parents will love it, and gamers looking for something new will be quite happy. As a friend of mine said,
“I don’t want the kids to just play a mindless shoot ‘em up. It doesn’t take any thought to just shoot everything in sight. I want them to have to think”
Now I like a good blast them all til their dead game as much as the next guy. But sometimes a little thought is great as well. Fans of Culdcept, Resident Evil or Disgaea should enjoy this. If you own a card game, you really will enjoy this.
Try it and let me know if you like it as well.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Why is the major media afraid of racial news stories? Part 2 - 10.22.2007.2
Continued from Why is the major media afraid of racial news stories? Part 1...
Does that sound like a place immune to racism, or where the predominant racial majority chose to ignore their own actions against others? I mean one of the greatest points of racism that is never addressed is the fact that many Whites don’t see any racism ever. The Superintendent seemed to think there was none until this event, while at least one student interviewed has seen it grow over a little more than a year. And this is hardly an isolated event.
I plan to delve into a case of racism that has been brought to my attention, in a vocational college in Pennsylvania, in the near term. But where is the insight from the major media that has far more resources and personnel than I do? Why do they fear addressing this issue?
I know that this isn’t the 1960’s, and racial conflict stories aren’t popular. That doesn’t mean they are irrelevant. More importantly as nooses, guns and racial slurs are being noted in schools, and kidnapping and torture occurs virtually without any media coverage, we are being told that there is one problem in our nation.
Perhaps if the nation is defined as Whites only. I won’t say that every White American thinks like that. But when I see nooses in Long Island police stations, Jena, and a dozen other locations, when I read about the rape, torture and kidnapping of a woman, and more cases of violence against Blacks and other minorities it seems obvious that there are more than a few that do think like that. And as Superintendent George presents, many more that just won’t see this racism before them.
Some thing needs to be done. The issues need to be addressed. Because I think if you closed your eyes and imagined that 6 black men and women repeatedly raped a White woman, poured boiling water on her, stabbed her, chocked her with a noose, and ripped her hair out that there would be national media attention that would be covered from dawn to dawn until the offenders were found guilty and sentenced to life in jail. If you doubt that, just count the hours of coverage on the Bobby Cutts case.
The question should be asked. Why is there such a disparity in justice in America today? Why is the major media terrified to present that disparity? Who benefits from this lopsided presentation of the nation?
"Last year, there was a little bit of racism, but it didn't surface as much because there weren't as many minorities. I never thought I was in danger or anything, but this year it's starting to escalate more, so now I'm starting to get kind of worried." - Jasmine Whaley a 15-year-old sophomore.
Does that sound like a place immune to racism, or where the predominant racial majority chose to ignore their own actions against others? I mean one of the greatest points of racism that is never addressed is the fact that many Whites don’t see any racism ever. The Superintendent seemed to think there was none until this event, while at least one student interviewed has seen it grow over a little more than a year. And this is hardly an isolated event.
I plan to delve into a case of racism that has been brought to my attention, in a vocational college in Pennsylvania, in the near term. But where is the insight from the major media that has far more resources and personnel than I do? Why do they fear addressing this issue?
I know that this isn’t the 1960’s, and racial conflict stories aren’t popular. That doesn’t mean they are irrelevant. More importantly as nooses, guns and racial slurs are being noted in schools, and kidnapping and torture occurs virtually without any media coverage, we are being told that there is one problem in our nation.
Perhaps if the nation is defined as Whites only. I won’t say that every White American thinks like that. But when I see nooses in Long Island police stations, Jena, and a dozen other locations, when I read about the rape, torture and kidnapping of a woman, and more cases of violence against Blacks and other minorities it seems obvious that there are more than a few that do think like that. And as Superintendent George presents, many more that just won’t see this racism before them.
Some thing needs to be done. The issues need to be addressed. Because I think if you closed your eyes and imagined that 6 black men and women repeatedly raped a White woman, poured boiling water on her, stabbed her, chocked her with a noose, and ripped her hair out that there would be national media attention that would be covered from dawn to dawn until the offenders were found guilty and sentenced to life in jail. If you doubt that, just count the hours of coverage on the Bobby Cutts case.
The question should be asked. Why is there such a disparity in justice in America today? Why is the major media terrified to present that disparity? Who benefits from this lopsided presentation of the nation?
Why is the major media afraid of racial news stories? - 10.22.2007.1
I find it interesting how the media works. Months after everything happened in Jena; the media pops up and gets involved as if this were a new thing. But, since this is an obvious example of prejudice and legal bias in the 21st century, the media felt it necessary to ignore the Megan Williams case in West Virginia. As if the quota were filled for the racial injustice for the month.
But that’s not all. The media seemed to feel a need to prove that such injustice was not one-sided. Thus there was a big splash made when a young White teen was assaulted in Virginia by 6 Black teens. But in day 2 of the building coverage that was describing how horrible this racial incident was, and cries of justice were coming from media pundits, they were let down. Let down by facts like the police stating live on-air that this was not a racial act. In fact this was a provoked incident, one that the White teen caused prior to the “sudden attack” which just happened to occur on tape made by his friend who did nothing to prevent the fight, nor defend his friend.
Can’t you hear the major media executives groaning at the loss of that story? Because they killed it right after that announcement. Not another mention of the story since that utterance by the Norfolk police.
Yet throughout all this searching for equality in ratings, and a diminishment of guilt there has been a blind eye turned to the obvious and recurrent. Sure there has been a special about the increase in nooses in the news. But no one asked if it’s an increase of the major media just paying attention. And at the same time we saw that Ellen Degeneris whining about a dog was worth of 2 days of coverage as opposed to an extra 5 minutes about Megan Williams, or the emergence of problems at Warwick High School in Lititz, PA.
Haven’t heard about that have you? I imagine not.
To give you a breakdown, possibly some time in the first week of October 3 White teens, possibly members of the known and allowed “redneck row” verbally attacked 3 non-White students and threw paper at them. While it may sound innocuous, this incident lead to rumors that same day that the next day guns would be brought in and riots were planned. What fun.
And this pastime was a shock to local residents.
Imagine that. In a town of 9,000 that has 3 percent Hispanics and Blacks represent 2 percent in the high school. No racism or bigotry. Never mind the confederate flags and “redneck row”. Suddenly they have a race issue.
Continued in part 2...
But that’s not all. The media seemed to feel a need to prove that such injustice was not one-sided. Thus there was a big splash made when a young White teen was assaulted in Virginia by 6 Black teens. But in day 2 of the building coverage that was describing how horrible this racial incident was, and cries of justice were coming from media pundits, they were let down. Let down by facts like the police stating live on-air that this was not a racial act. In fact this was a provoked incident, one that the White teen caused prior to the “sudden attack” which just happened to occur on tape made by his friend who did nothing to prevent the fight, nor defend his friend.
Can’t you hear the major media executives groaning at the loss of that story? Because they killed it right after that announcement. Not another mention of the story since that utterance by the Norfolk police.
Yet throughout all this searching for equality in ratings, and a diminishment of guilt there has been a blind eye turned to the obvious and recurrent. Sure there has been a special about the increase in nooses in the news. But no one asked if it’s an increase of the major media just paying attention. And at the same time we saw that Ellen Degeneris whining about a dog was worth of 2 days of coverage as opposed to an extra 5 minutes about Megan Williams, or the emergence of problems at Warwick High School in Lititz, PA.
Haven’t heard about that have you? I imagine not.
To give you a breakdown, possibly some time in the first week of October 3 White teens, possibly members of the known and allowed “redneck row” verbally attacked 3 non-White students and threw paper at them. While it may sound innocuous, this incident lead to rumors that same day that the next day guns would be brought in and riots were planned. What fun.
And this pastime was a shock to local residents.
"Perhaps we were lulled into a false sense that our school district was immune to racism and bigotry." - Superintendent John George
Imagine that. In a town of 9,000 that has 3 percent Hispanics and Blacks represent 2 percent in the high school. No racism or bigotry. Never mind the confederate flags and “redneck row”. Suddenly they have a race issue.
Continued in part 2...
Saturday, October 20, 2007
10 questions by Bernard Pivo - 10.20.2007.1
I was watching Inside the Actor’s Studio today and I decided to take a look at the website as well. I’m happy to say that the interview with Mr. Dave Chappelle is available on DVD for $11.99 and I recommend it to everyone. I found that conversation to be inspirational and eye opening. It opened my eyes to aspects of me, and I hope I can say that it has improved the writing I have done on this blog.
But in watching the program and visiting the site I thought about the questions, created originally by Bernard Pivo, that Mr. James Lipton asks of every guest. Considering I have no ability as an actor, professional dancing is out, and I prefer not to make peoples ears bleed from my feeble attempts at singing, my chances of being on the program are little better than nil. So, taking that into account, I present my answers to those questions.
But in watching the program and visiting the site I thought about the questions, created originally by Bernard Pivo, that Mr. James Lipton asks of every guest. Considering I have no ability as an actor, professional dancing is out, and I prefer not to make peoples ears bleed from my feeble attempts at singing, my chances of being on the program are little better than nil. So, taking that into account, I present my answers to those questions.
- What is your favorite word?
This is a tough one, since I love thoughts more than words. Add to that the fact that I am gregarious. But one word? Gooniegoogoo. It just rolls, and fits most any situation. - What is your least favorite word?
N-word - What turns you on [creatively, spiritually or emotionally]?
Hmm. Ultimately its intelligence. Curves are nice, as are good looks, but that all fades. I like to say, “Looks may get me to cross a room, but what comes out of the mouth determines if I stay or cross back.” - What turns you off?
Ignorance in all forms. - What sound or noise do you love?
Explosions. It’s just so pleasant, not the violence that goes with some of them. Like in movies or blowing something up in the backyard. - What sound or noise do you hate?
Gangsta rap and country music (except Patsy Klein and Johnny Cash). Actaully, as I think about it, Ebonics is really even more grating. I just hate it. - What is your favorite curse word?
Ne Pizde. It’s Russian and doesn’t really translate how powerful a curse that is. But it’s only good for men. Frell is a general curse that I like for everything else. It comes from Farscape; a sci-fi television show that I think was some of the best work on TV ever. - What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
I’ve had over 200 so far, with 100 promotions so there isn’t a lot left. Probably a scientist. That was the idea I had going into college. - What profession would you not like to do?
Any kind of Accountant or where I do the same thing every day. I’d lose my mind. - If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
More good than bad, you made it.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Everquest the movie
**this can also be seen at Video Gaming Blog, where I am a contributing author.
Age has its benefits. Besides the wisdom, experience, and more than a few grey hairs there is the chance of plans working out. This is true in life and apparently in virtual life as well. When I say virtual life I mean MMO (massively multiplayer online), and in this case in particular I mean the granddaddy of the modern gaming systems, Everquest.
Now I’m sure that most any casual gamer has heard of Everquest. The first to create a stable, visual MMO which spawned a whole genre in video gaming. There were issues of course, dial-up was horrendous, you had to cue to kill virtually anything, trains were plentiful and devastating. Not to mention the occasional crash. But there was nothing else like it and millions had to play this new wonder.
Of course the genre matured, technology improved, and new themes were introduced. Books, comic books, and movies have all lead to newer MMO’s and several are planned for the near future. The leadership has changed from the original to the latest big thing, WoW (World of Warcraft). And a huge amount of respect has been garnered with this growth in interest and viability.
One of the benefits of this maturity is that other entertainment formats are now available. Rather than movies inspiring MMO’s the process is now going towards MMO’s inspiring a movie. And of course if there is going to be a movie, which game would be better to feature than… Everquest. Yep, not WoW but the granddaddy.
Sony seems to finally be looking seriously at developing an Everquest movie, targeting a 2009 or 2010 release date. They even have, reportedly, Avi Arad to produce. That would be a great sign since he was the man behind the recent transition from comic books to movies for several of the better Marvel comic book series. Add to that the fact that the writer from 300, Michael Gordon, may also be attached to this story and you can have a good movie.
The inherent problems are the lack of interest since Everquest stopped being the leader years ago, and the story as well. If this is done badly you can expect another version of Dungeons & Dragons the movie. Awful is to kind and glamorous a term for that dren.
But if it’s done right, like maybe the first X-Men movie or, if we were really lucky, the Lord of the Rings then we can see several other films and really get to enjoy the alternate lives in a grand scale. Now tell me that wouldn’t be of interest?
Expect to hear more soon. This isn’t over by a longshot.
Age has its benefits. Besides the wisdom, experience, and more than a few grey hairs there is the chance of plans working out. This is true in life and apparently in virtual life as well. When I say virtual life I mean MMO (massively multiplayer online), and in this case in particular I mean the granddaddy of the modern gaming systems, Everquest.
Now I’m sure that most any casual gamer has heard of Everquest. The first to create a stable, visual MMO which spawned a whole genre in video gaming. There were issues of course, dial-up was horrendous, you had to cue to kill virtually anything, trains were plentiful and devastating. Not to mention the occasional crash. But there was nothing else like it and millions had to play this new wonder.
Of course the genre matured, technology improved, and new themes were introduced. Books, comic books, and movies have all lead to newer MMO’s and several are planned for the near future. The leadership has changed from the original to the latest big thing, WoW (World of Warcraft). And a huge amount of respect has been garnered with this growth in interest and viability.
One of the benefits of this maturity is that other entertainment formats are now available. Rather than movies inspiring MMO’s the process is now going towards MMO’s inspiring a movie. And of course if there is going to be a movie, which game would be better to feature than… Everquest. Yep, not WoW but the granddaddy.
Sony seems to finally be looking seriously at developing an Everquest movie, targeting a 2009 or 2010 release date. They even have, reportedly, Avi Arad to produce. That would be a great sign since he was the man behind the recent transition from comic books to movies for several of the better Marvel comic book series. Add to that the fact that the writer from 300, Michael Gordon, may also be attached to this story and you can have a good movie.
The inherent problems are the lack of interest since Everquest stopped being the leader years ago, and the story as well. If this is done badly you can expect another version of Dungeons & Dragons the movie. Awful is to kind and glamorous a term for that dren.
But if it’s done right, like maybe the first X-Men movie or, if we were really lucky, the Lord of the Rings then we can see several other films and really get to enjoy the alternate lives in a grand scale. Now tell me that wouldn’t be of interest?
Expect to hear more soon. This isn’t over by a longshot.
Fine dining in New York City for less
**this can also be seen at Food & Wine Blog, where I am a contributing author**
Lunch in New York City is a hard thing to have. It’s expensive (relative to most any other city), often crowded, and usually consists of something done fast. But there are times when you want to slow down and really enjoy the meal.
So where do you go, and what can you get without spending far more than what you get? Well how does this sound?
Tell me that doesn’t just get your mouth watering. It makes me hungry just writing this. Best of all you can have this or several other options for just $26.50 between 12:30 and 2:00, Monday thru Friday.
Perhaps you can’t get away from the office, or the out-of-town meeting will keep you busy during this time range. You’ve finished the day of work, meetings are no longer a question, or you are in town for a visit and you want to enjoy a finer meal without spending the equivalent of having a meal at Ben Bensons, or Sparks. What do you do?
Well does this dinner catch your attention?
And the price? $39.95, served between 5:30 to 7:00 Monday thru Saturday. Tell me you aren’t interested.
So where can you get this and other wonderful meals at these unheard of prices? The French Culinary Institute. Yes this is where up and coming chefs learn their trade and you can experience a sumptuous meal as they refine their skills, and entertain your taste buds.
I would suggest reservations, but now you know. You can thank me after the meal.
Lunch in New York City is a hard thing to have. It’s expensive (relative to most any other city), often crowded, and usually consists of something done fast. But there are times when you want to slow down and really enjoy the meal.
So where do you go, and what can you get without spending far more than what you get? Well how does this sound?
- Appetizer - Double Beef-Chicken Consommé with Poached Egg, Bacon and Chanterelles
- Entrée - Sautéed Breast of Duckling and Braised Leg with Lime Sauce
- Dessert - Crème Brûlée
Tell me that doesn’t just get your mouth watering. It makes me hungry just writing this. Best of all you can have this or several other options for just $26.50 between 12:30 and 2:00, Monday thru Friday.
Perhaps you can’t get away from the office, or the out-of-town meeting will keep you busy during this time range. You’ve finished the day of work, meetings are no longer a question, or you are in town for a visit and you want to enjoy a finer meal without spending the equivalent of having a meal at Ben Bensons, or Sparks. What do you do?
Well does this dinner catch your attention?
- Appetizer - Tuna Tartare & Seared Tuna Loin with Grilled Pineapple & Tropical Fruit Salad
- Entre - Sautéed Lamb Chops and Merguez with Goat Cheese Stuffed Baby Bell Pepper, Tomato Provençal & Cucumber Mint Sauce
- Dessert - Chocolate Ganache Cake with Mocha Sauce
And the price? $39.95, served between 5:30 to 7:00 Monday thru Saturday. Tell me you aren’t interested.
So where can you get this and other wonderful meals at these unheard of prices? The French Culinary Institute. Yes this is where up and coming chefs learn their trade and you can experience a sumptuous meal as they refine their skills, and entertain your taste buds.
I would suggest reservations, but now you know. You can thank me after the meal.
Feeling bad for Lindsey Lohan
**This can also be seen at All American Blog, where I am a contributing author.**
How much is 7 million dollars worth? For some it’s a lifetime of relaxing under a sun, a sign of corporate success, the advertising cost of a product line, 2 commercials during the Super Bowl, or a host of other things. And for at least one woman it was a waste of time.
There is a report out that states Lindsey Lohan has spent at least $7,000,000 solely on drugs, rehab and hotels. Oh, I nearly forgot the lawyers. They got a bit of that roll of bills too. The sum net gain for Lindsey Lohan
after spending this relatively huge sum of money? A reputation in shreds, few job prospects, and the honor of being slightly more responsible than Britney Spears, but not quite as good as Paris Hilton. There is a dubious honor indeed.
Honestly, the money is not what gets me. Lot’s of people with wealth waste it on frivolous items. Whether its yet another world record yacht, a birthday party that spans 2 continents and includes dozens of wanna-be’s and associates, or platinum and diamonds adorned in the most illogical and unattractive places one could imagine that are legal to be shown. Far too many celebrities, entertainers and successful people run through cash almost as fast as a New York City broker drinks the morning coffee. The real shame is everything else.
This young woman has failed herself in the worst way possible. She has failed 2x this year in rehab. She has failed in obeying the law. She has failed to support her career. And at this pace she will inevitably fail to continue to live.
Will it make a difference in my life if Lohan dies? No. She wouldn’t even make it to a footnote in my mind of entertainers and celebrities that died far before they should have. But it will make a difference to millions of women. Because of the example she has set before them.
How many young actresses will not be able to get a job for fear of their melting down like Lohan, Spears and Hilton? How many young girls will believe that success demands the excesses these women have displayed? How many will believe that lack of discipline and drug use are acceptable?
Too long the media has enjoyed the tragic vortex that is these women’s lives. Too many have seen the adoration (as some might call it) that they have received. Too little has been done to say there won’t be more examples exactly like these in the near future.
What should have happened is that the Hollywood executives should have refused to employ Lohan without daily drug tests. That Spears should have been prevented from going on stage. That Hilton was thrown in jail a long time ago. But that didn’t happen. Nothing did, except that all those groups and many many other organizations made a lot of money displaying the downfall of these women.
You know, at one time pictures of a star without undergarments would have never been published. There is no benefit to the public for such photos. At one time older stars would have reprimanded the celebrities and set them straight. At one time companies would have fired the irresponsible for acts that are morally questionable. But that seems like a far off time indeed.
So what will happen to the next young star? What happens when one of these ladies, or some other famous figure in trouble is found dead of an overdose or some other act of idiocy? Will anything change?
I think one thing will. It will cost more money to get the same kind of exposure. And someone will come along and pay for it. $7 million (or any amount like it) just isn’t worth what it used to be, I think.
How much is 7 million dollars worth? For some it’s a lifetime of relaxing under a sun, a sign of corporate success, the advertising cost of a product line, 2 commercials during the Super Bowl, or a host of other things. And for at least one woman it was a waste of time.
There is a report out that states Lindsey Lohan has spent at least $7,000,000 solely on drugs, rehab and hotels. Oh, I nearly forgot the lawyers. They got a bit of that roll of bills too. The sum net gain for Lindsey Lohan
after spending this relatively huge sum of money? A reputation in shreds, few job prospects, and the honor of being slightly more responsible than Britney Spears, but not quite as good as Paris Hilton. There is a dubious honor indeed.Honestly, the money is not what gets me. Lot’s of people with wealth waste it on frivolous items. Whether its yet another world record yacht, a birthday party that spans 2 continents and includes dozens of wanna-be’s and associates, or platinum and diamonds adorned in the most illogical and unattractive places one could imagine that are legal to be shown. Far too many celebrities, entertainers and successful people run through cash almost as fast as a New York City broker drinks the morning coffee. The real shame is everything else.
This young woman has failed herself in the worst way possible. She has failed 2x this year in rehab. She has failed in obeying the law. She has failed to support her career. And at this pace she will inevitably fail to continue to live.
Will it make a difference in my life if Lohan dies? No. She wouldn’t even make it to a footnote in my mind of entertainers and celebrities that died far before they should have. But it will make a difference to millions of women. Because of the example she has set before them.
How many young actresses will not be able to get a job for fear of their melting down like Lohan, Spears and Hilton? How many young girls will believe that success demands the excesses these women have displayed? How many will believe that lack of discipline and drug use are acceptable?
Too long the media has enjoyed the tragic vortex that is these women’s lives. Too many have seen the adoration (as some might call it) that they have received. Too little has been done to say there won’t be more examples exactly like these in the near future.
What should have happened is that the Hollywood executives should have refused to employ Lohan without daily drug tests. That Spears should have been prevented from going on stage. That Hilton was thrown in jail a long time ago. But that didn’t happen. Nothing did, except that all those groups and many many other organizations made a lot of money displaying the downfall of these women.
You know, at one time pictures of a star without undergarments would have never been published. There is no benefit to the public for such photos. At one time older stars would have reprimanded the celebrities and set them straight. At one time companies would have fired the irresponsible for acts that are morally questionable. But that seems like a far off time indeed.
So what will happen to the next young star? What happens when one of these ladies, or some other famous figure in trouble is found dead of an overdose or some other act of idiocy? Will anything change?
I think one thing will. It will cost more money to get the same kind of exposure. And someone will come along and pay for it. $7 million (or any amount like it) just isn’t worth what it used to be, I think.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
March for Megan Williams - 10.18.2007.3
As I have previously stated I am in the process of following up information on the status of Ms. Megan Williams and the case against the 6 people that have been arrested for viciously kidnapping, torturing, and abusing her.
Part of my continuing effort has led me to contact the office of Mr. Malik Shabazz. Mr. Shabazz is the lawyer for the Williams family.
While I am continuing to gather details, I can inform you that there is a march planned for November 3rd, at 12 noon, at First Baptist Church. The address is 423 Shrewsbury St Charleston, West Virginia 25301.
The march will lead to the State Capitol Building.
This march has been organized by Black Lawyers For Justice, and the Support Committee for Megan Williams.
You can contact Black Lawyers For Justice for further details at 202-397-4577
I will have further information shortly.
Part of my continuing effort has led me to contact the office of Mr. Malik Shabazz. Mr. Shabazz is the lawyer for the Williams family.
While I am continuing to gather details, I can inform you that there is a march planned for November 3rd, at 12 noon, at First Baptist Church. The address is 423 Shrewsbury St Charleston, West Virginia 25301.
The march will lead to the State Capitol Building.
This march has been organized by Black Lawyers For Justice, and the Support Committee for Megan Williams.
You can contact Black Lawyers For Justice for further details at 202-397-4577
I will have further information shortly.
Dr. James Watson calls Blacks inferior - 10.18.2007.2
This is an excerpt of a post and the comment I made at Black & White Blog where I am co-author. I invite you to see the original post and leave comments on either blog.
With great sadness I have to say that ignorance pervades even at the top of the scientific community. There is no excuse for the words of Dr. James Watson. They are blatant, racist, and ill-informed at the least. But historically, this is an argument that has long persisted.
Perhaps all those that continue the line of ill-reasoning stated by Dr. Watson as
...
The part that truly worries me is that men of this type are the ones that led the cry for a master race. They ran experiments of the most inhumane nature, in the hopes of creating that race. And now there is Dr. Watson who is researching DNA, and god knows what his ultimate goal for this research may be. I can only hope there are several groups and individuals watching what he is up to.
As for your question:
...
Actually there are 2 things you are incorrect about. The first is that African Americans do not “blame their woes” but rather highlight injustice and inequality in America that has been created and promoted through centuries of the existence of America.
...
I invite you to visit the post and blog to read the full story and leave your own comments.
With great sadness I have to say that ignorance pervades even at the top of the scientific community. There is no excuse for the words of Dr. James Watson. They are blatant, racist, and ill-informed at the least. But historically, this is an argument that has long persisted.
Perhaps all those that continue the line of ill-reasoning stated by Dr. Watson as
“inherently gloomy about the prospect of Africa ... because all our social policies are based on the fact that their intelligence is the same as ours – whereas all the testing says not really”
...
The part that truly worries me is that men of this type are the ones that led the cry for a master race. They ran experiments of the most inhumane nature, in the hopes of creating that race. And now there is Dr. Watson who is researching DNA, and god knows what his ultimate goal for this research may be. I can only hope there are several groups and individuals watching what he is up to.
As for your question:
“What if one race was scientifically inferior to another in terms of learning ability? Let’s say, for example, what if the black race was scientifically inferior and if that could be proved through a trusted scientific trial? Would blacks throughout the world accept it or would it be labeled as a racist trial?”
...
Actually there are 2 things you are incorrect about. The first is that African Americans do not “blame their woes” but rather highlight injustice and inequality in America that has been created and promoted through centuries of the existence of America.
...
I invite you to visit the post and blog to read the full story and leave your own comments.
Congratulations to the winners of the M V Consulting, Inc. Free Dinner Give Away Contest
Congratulations to the winners of the Contest!
So far 2 winners have responded to date, and certificates for a dinner for 2 at Instinct Restaurant have been sent out to:
As further winners respond and receive their gift certificates, or donations are made in their name to a charity of their choice, there will be further up dates.
I, M V Consulting, Inc. President Michael Vass, thank everyone that participated in the contest. I hope that everyone enjoys the meal, and/or feels pleased with the knowledge that they were able to help the cause of their choice.
I hope all my readers continue to view the site and look forward to my next give away promotion. Hopefully as the blog continues to grow I will be able to provide bigger and better promotions. [And I’m already working on the next one].
If you enjoy the various blogs of M V Consulting, I invite you to take a moment to see some of the latest clothing lines in the online store. If you see something you like for as a gift or for yourself, buy it and enjoy. Every sale counts and is greatly appreciated.
And if you just want to help out but t-shirts, mugs, mouse pads, custom stamps and the many other items in the online store are not your thing there is the option of making a donation.
You can donate any amount you wish or think is appropriate. You can find the donation button at the left above the most recent posts, or below.
Thank You all for your readership and attention. It is noted and the reason why I work so hard to provide a positive and compelling experience.
So far 2 winners have responded to date, and certificates for a dinner for 2 at Instinct Restaurant have been sent out to:
- Kim M of New York State
- Sophia M of New York State
and
[they are unrelated]
As further winners respond and receive their gift certificates, or donations are made in their name to a charity of their choice, there will be further up dates.
I, M V Consulting, Inc. President Michael Vass, thank everyone that participated in the contest. I hope that everyone enjoys the meal, and/or feels pleased with the knowledge that they were able to help the cause of their choice.
I hope all my readers continue to view the site and look forward to my next give away promotion. Hopefully as the blog continues to grow I will be able to provide bigger and better promotions. [And I’m already working on the next one].
If you enjoy the various blogs of M V Consulting, I invite you to take a moment to see some of the latest clothing lines in the online store. If you see something you like for as a gift or for yourself, buy it and enjoy. Every sale counts and is greatly appreciated.
A new photo shoot is planned in the near-term to show off the latest lines. If you are interested in participating, and in the Binghamton area, send a photo (headshot and full body if possible) to info@vassconsult.com .
And if you just want to help out but t-shirts, mugs, mouse pads, custom stamps and the many other items in the online store are not your thing there is the option of making a donation.
You can donate any amount you wish or think is appropriate. You can find the donation button at the left above the most recent posts, or below.
Thank You all for your readership and attention. It is noted and the reason why I work so hard to provide a positive and compelling experience.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Nas insults every Black American with one word Part 2 - 10.16.2007.3
Continued from Nas insults every Black American with one word Part 1...
Recent Congressional hearings have gone virtually unreported, with entertainers, media corporations, and radio stations all denying any culpability for the content that is made or any negative effects it my encourage/create. With no one to blame, and pressure from the media seeking to blame someone, individuals like Nas are perfect targets. I can’t say I’m sorry when he chooses to adorn album covers with language depicting the worst insult known in the English language.
Nor can I feel pity for a genre of individuals that appear virtually incapable of avoiding legal difficulties. Take the most recent act of idiocy, the arrest of TI (Clifford Harris Jr) for illegal gun possession. Now that may not be a big deal, virtually every rapper has been arrested on a similar charge, Mr. Harris took it to the next level with an attempt to buy machine guns and ownership of multiple assault rifles and handguns. Can anyone explain why he would need this? And how many other rappers have been arrested this year alone? 2 dozen or so? And how many repeatedly, perhaps a dozen? Or am I low-balling the numbers?
The lack of discipline and personal responsibility displayed by the gangsta rap genre is bewildering. The use of the N-word, multiple arrests for crimes ranging from assault to drugs and more are just too much. Some may disagree on whether my argument of their being sell-outs is accurate, but I cannot see how any might dispute that in the current form and the exclusion of any other format, rap is hurting the Black community.
Mr. Creekmur is correct that 1 bad act does not invalidate 1 or 2 good acts. But when we look at the balance, I see dozens of bad acts and barely a handful of good.
We need change. Not by Congress, or from some corporation. We need to take action ourselves; because that is the only way we will see things improve in a meaningful way. If not, I fear that in 15 or 20 years we will wish for the respective charm of what we have today.
So when Nas releases his new album with a title that blatantly insults every living and dead African American, I would suggest not buying it or getting the bootleg or download. Or is that too much to ask?
Recent Congressional hearings have gone virtually unreported, with entertainers, media corporations, and radio stations all denying any culpability for the content that is made or any negative effects it my encourage/create. With no one to blame, and pressure from the media seeking to blame someone, individuals like Nas are perfect targets. I can’t say I’m sorry when he chooses to adorn album covers with language depicting the worst insult known in the English language.
Nor can I feel pity for a genre of individuals that appear virtually incapable of avoiding legal difficulties. Take the most recent act of idiocy, the arrest of TI (Clifford Harris Jr) for illegal gun possession. Now that may not be a big deal, virtually every rapper has been arrested on a similar charge, Mr. Harris took it to the next level with an attempt to buy machine guns and ownership of multiple assault rifles and handguns. Can anyone explain why he would need this? And how many other rappers have been arrested this year alone? 2 dozen or so? And how many repeatedly, perhaps a dozen? Or am I low-balling the numbers?
The lack of discipline and personal responsibility displayed by the gangsta rap genre is bewildering. The use of the N-word, multiple arrests for crimes ranging from assault to drugs and more are just too much. Some may disagree on whether my argument of their being sell-outs is accurate, but I cannot see how any might dispute that in the current form and the exclusion of any other format, rap is hurting the Black community.
Mr. Creekmur is correct that 1 bad act does not invalidate 1 or 2 good acts. But when we look at the balance, I see dozens of bad acts and barely a handful of good.
We need change. Not by Congress, or from some corporation. We need to take action ourselves; because that is the only way we will see things improve in a meaningful way. If not, I fear that in 15 or 20 years we will wish for the respective charm of what we have today.
So when Nas releases his new album with a title that blatantly insults every living and dead African American, I would suggest not buying it or getting the bootleg or download. Or is that too much to ask?
Nas insults every Black American with one word - 10.16.2007.2
Oh the joy I feel in knowing that Nas will be shortly debuting a new album. I have no idea what his album will contain, but if the title is any indication of the content I have no doubt that this will be an insult to every African American. How can I say that unheard? Because the title is reported to be the N-word.
[If you play the following video, be aware it states the N-word multiple times, but I feel it makes my point.]
But going beyond this. I felt bad when Mr. Chuck Creekmur, was brought onto Fox News for the Big Story and was asked to defend Nas and this blatant use of the N-word. One point that I think needs to be paraphrased
[When you read this Mr. Creekmur, you can contact me for any correction if needed.]
But the problem I see is not just Nas and the low quality songs that he performs. As I’ve noted before
I understand and respect the fact that the First Amendment allows the artists to say words like this. At the same time I realize that the courts noted that certain words are inciteful and incendiary. I realize that there are consequences of words and they are not always what one might expect.
Gangsta rap and rappers are not the cause of all the ills of the Black community. But they are part of those ills. They condone and actually promote the worst problems our children face everyday. Unprotected sex, drug use, illegal activities, and a general aversion to education. Not one of these things is good for the Black community, yet they continue.
Continued in part 2...
[If you play the following video, be aware it states the N-word multiple times, but I feel it makes my point.]
But going beyond this. I felt bad when Mr. Chuck Creekmur, was brought onto Fox News for the Big Story and was asked to defend Nas and this blatant use of the N-word. One point that I think needs to be paraphrased
“Many of our elected officials have done bad things, that does not invalidate the good that they have done.” – in reference to the positive songs by Nas as opposed to the more media targeted negative songs
[When you read this Mr. Creekmur, you can contact me for any correction if needed.]
But the problem I see is not just Nas and the low quality songs that he performs. As I’ve noted before
“I’ve long said that executives are laughing as they go to the bank to deposit the money accumulated from the work of Ja Rule and other rappers. They are making boatloads of money (literally) for words they would never use in public (as Don Imus learned) by having rappers say it for them. And all it costs them are pennies paid out to the performers. That by definition sounds like a sell-out to me.”
I understand and respect the fact that the First Amendment allows the artists to say words like this. At the same time I realize that the courts noted that certain words are inciteful and incendiary. I realize that there are consequences of words and they are not always what one might expect.
Gangsta rap and rappers are not the cause of all the ills of the Black community. But they are part of those ills. They condone and actually promote the worst problems our children face everyday. Unprotected sex, drug use, illegal activities, and a general aversion to education. Not one of these things is good for the Black community, yet they continue.
Continued in part 2...
The honesty only the Boondocks provides - 10.16.2007.1
I just love the Boondocks cartoon on Adult Swim. The honesty that is contained in that is more than what is seen in a dozen programs throughout all television right now. Live action could never get away with the obvious facts one half hour of this program provides.
From the R. Kelly trial (which in real life has waited 5 years and still has yet to occur), to pimps, Oprah and Dr. Martin Luther King there is a direct honesty that would cause an uproar in another format. In the caricatures of the lead and recurring characters we get to see multiple aspects of Black Americans. That’s a diversity that is only approached by combining characters from the Shield, CSI, Eureka, Blade: the series and Mind of Mencia all into one program. It’s also interesting to note that that’s almost all the leading and major supporting African American characters on television (combining cable and broadcast) at this time.
I don’t know what is more alarming. That the Boondocks is not the most watched program by African Americans, that BET (Black Entertainment Television) was incapable of securing this program themselves, or that my allusion that the diversity in this program exceeds virtually all other programs with African Americans combined is almost accurate. And yet so few see the program while that most don’t get it.
Often social commentary is best stated in formats that are seen as the least confrontational. That’s why, when done by the best performers like Mr. Richard Pryor or Mr. Lenny Bruce, the greatest impact occurs without the direct confrontation a discussion often brings.
As Huey states in one episode, [I paraphrase]
R Kelly is not a hero, OJ is culpable, and Dr. Martin Luther King would be appalled with the state of the Black community today. It may seem funny when a cartoon character says it, but it doesn’t change the fact that it’s the truth. And it’s a shame the greatest honesty and diversity can only occur in an animated program in the year 2007.
From the R. Kelly trial (which in real life has waited 5 years and still has yet to occur), to pimps, Oprah and Dr. Martin Luther King there is a direct honesty that would cause an uproar in another format. In the caricatures of the lead and recurring characters we get to see multiple aspects of Black Americans. That’s a diversity that is only approached by combining characters from the Shield, CSI, Eureka, Blade: the series and Mind of Mencia all into one program. It’s also interesting to note that that’s almost all the leading and major supporting African American characters on television (combining cable and broadcast) at this time.
I don’t know what is more alarming. That the Boondocks is not the most watched program by African Americans, that BET (Black Entertainment Television) was incapable of securing this program themselves, or that my allusion that the diversity in this program exceeds virtually all other programs with African Americans combined is almost accurate. And yet so few see the program while that most don’t get it.
Often social commentary is best stated in formats that are seen as the least confrontational. That’s why, when done by the best performers like Mr. Richard Pryor or Mr. Lenny Bruce, the greatest impact occurs without the direct confrontation a discussion often brings.
As Huey states in one episode, [I paraphrase]
“America has done a multitude of injustice to Blacks, but that does not mean everything is an injustice, or that this makes every African American a hero.”
R Kelly is not a hero, OJ is culpable, and Dr. Martin Luther King would be appalled with the state of the Black community today. It may seem funny when a cartoon character says it, but it doesn’t change the fact that it’s the truth. And it’s a shame the greatest honesty and diversity can only occur in an animated program in the year 2007.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy - 10.13.2007.1
Keep an eye out on the horizon for a new movie that will be coming out probably next year. The movie is called Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy.
This is not a comedy show, like The Kings of Comedy or Mr. Eddie Murphy’s RAW. This is a documentary. Now before you say well that’s too boring and I won’t see it, listen to who is involved.
Beside the fact that it is being co-produced by Mr. Robert Townsend, who is no slouch in his own right, it contains interviews with some of the top Black comedians around today. That includes D.L. Hughley, the Wayans brothers, Paul Mooney, Tommy Davison, Reynaldo Ray, Marla Gibbs, Eddie Griffin and Katt Williams.
But this documentary, like Black comedy, will also include political commentary and thoughts from the world of hip-hop from noted individuals like Dr. Cornel West, Stanley Crouch and Russell Simmons.
At just 90 minutes some of the best go from their comedy routines to the roots of what is happening in the Black community and how they transform these topical and emotional events into humor. From Don Imus, to OJ Simpson, to Jena 6 and more.
If this doesn’t sound like something you want to keep an eye out for, what else is there for you to look forward to? How often are you able to not only see where the comedy comes from but how and why it affects us all. How comedy interacts with all the facets of life in America, especially for those of us who often have no other voice to carry in the media and public.
With the people associated so far, one thing is certain. There will be quality and depth and intelligence. Insight and debate will ensue. Critical questions will be posed. And isn’t that one of the things that we expect from movies?
This is not a comedy show, like The Kings of Comedy or Mr. Eddie Murphy’s RAW. This is a documentary. Now before you say well that’s too boring and I won’t see it, listen to who is involved.
Beside the fact that it is being co-produced by Mr. Robert Townsend, who is no slouch in his own right, it contains interviews with some of the top Black comedians around today. That includes D.L. Hughley, the Wayans brothers, Paul Mooney, Tommy Davison, Reynaldo Ray, Marla Gibbs, Eddie Griffin and Katt Williams.
But this documentary, like Black comedy, will also include political commentary and thoughts from the world of hip-hop from noted individuals like Dr. Cornel West, Stanley Crouch and Russell Simmons.
At just 90 minutes some of the best go from their comedy routines to the roots of what is happening in the Black community and how they transform these topical and emotional events into humor. From Don Imus, to OJ Simpson, to Jena 6 and more.
If this doesn’t sound like something you want to keep an eye out for, what else is there for you to look forward to? How often are you able to not only see where the comedy comes from but how and why it affects us all. How comedy interacts with all the facets of life in America, especially for those of us who often have no other voice to carry in the media and public.
With the people associated so far, one thing is certain. There will be quality and depth and intelligence. Insight and debate will ensue. Critical questions will be posed. And isn’t that one of the things that we expect from movies?
Friday, October 12, 2007
An Arby's remix - 10.12.2007.3
Ok, I just had to add this. If you've seen the Arby's commercial with the monkeys that do the Irish Dance, and enjoy it like I do then you will enjoy this. It's a good remix.
Reminder the free contest is almost over - 10.12.2007.2
Don’t forget that there is still time to enter the Dinner Give Away Contest. Don’t let distance concern you as winners outside of the Binghamton, New York area, or even outside the United States, can still have a charitable donation made to a charity of there choice for the equivalent of the dinner gift.
There is absolutely no cost and no obligation. No sale required, and the entry is as simple as sending an email to contest@vassconsult.com with the words, I’m Hungry in the title or body of the email.
Nothing could be simpler. Why not give it a try. You have nothing to lose and you could win.
You can read all the rules and details here.
There is absolutely no cost and no obligation. No sale required, and the entry is as simple as sending an email to contest@vassconsult.com with the words, I’m Hungry in the title or body of the email.
Nothing could be simpler. Why not give it a try. You have nothing to lose and you could win.
You can read all the rules and details here.
The things in the news - 10.12.2007.1
Well I’m tired. Not just tired from running my company and trying to set up bigger and better give away contests. Not just because trying to track down various celebrities, entertainers and notable people is difficult if you’re not a huge media conglomerate. No, I’m tired of seeing stupid things in the news.
I’ll give you an example. Snoop Dogg, an ex-convict, drug promoter and generally not a person I’d want to socialize with, was just given community service. This time the charges stem from his carrying a baton onto a plane going from L.A. to New York City. Now I won’t say this was too light a punishment, the crime was not that serious. But the fact that I have discussed several crimes committed by this one man in roughly a year is ridiculous.
The man seems to be a magnet for violence and criminal activity. Of course based on his background, as stated above, I am not shocked. But some judge had better get on the ball and put this guy back in jail for an extended period of time. Snoop Dogg, or Calvin Broadus as his given name, knows better than most entertainers and celebrities that there is no way he would be tolerated committing all these crimes were it not for his fame. His continued disrespect of the law, and his work in promoting drugs and disrespect for women, add up to probably one of the worst examples of what a Black man can be. Sadly he gets far too much media exposure highlighting these actions, as opposed to say Mr. Samuel Jackson or Mr. Denzel Washington or Mr. Bill Cosby who provide positive images and messages.
And there are the amounts of money being spent on silly items. Recently the watch worn by Mr. Peter Fonda in the movie Easy Rider was sold for $33,460. Now if the money was given to charity I’d be happy, but no such thing has been reported. Similarly a Batman comic book from 1939 was recently found in an attic and bought for reportedly $250,000. Again no details about the sale were provided but that just too much.
I don’t mind that someone made a profit and another got something they wanted. I myself wish that my mother had kept the comic books she and my father collected back in the late 60’s and 70’s before they could afford a television set. [For those that are too young to know, the price of a television was expensive back in those days, kind of like a PS3 or a decent computer now.] But the prices are just too much. I can only hope that some of that money was given to charity or used to help the homeless or AIDS prevention or something. Odds are though that they didn’t.
It’s not the money per say, but the fact that so much is being spent on such frivolous things, and there are so many things that could be done instead. Of course I’m trying to gain wealth as well as anyone. I have the T-shirts, mugs, and items I sell as well as ads on all my sites. At the same time I’ve given away motivational books, currently giving away dinners or making a charitable donation, and I’m working on setting up a chance to pay a year of tuition for a college student. It’s not a lot, but then again I couldn’t pay a quarter of a million dollars for a comic book if I wanted to.
Well enough of my gripes, more soon.
I’ll give you an example. Snoop Dogg, an ex-convict, drug promoter and generally not a person I’d want to socialize with, was just given community service. This time the charges stem from his carrying a baton onto a plane going from L.A. to New York City. Now I won’t say this was too light a punishment, the crime was not that serious. But the fact that I have discussed several crimes committed by this one man in roughly a year is ridiculous.
The man seems to be a magnet for violence and criminal activity. Of course based on his background, as stated above, I am not shocked. But some judge had better get on the ball and put this guy back in jail for an extended period of time. Snoop Dogg, or Calvin Broadus as his given name, knows better than most entertainers and celebrities that there is no way he would be tolerated committing all these crimes were it not for his fame. His continued disrespect of the law, and his work in promoting drugs and disrespect for women, add up to probably one of the worst examples of what a Black man can be. Sadly he gets far too much media exposure highlighting these actions, as opposed to say Mr. Samuel Jackson or Mr. Denzel Washington or Mr. Bill Cosby who provide positive images and messages.
And there are the amounts of money being spent on silly items. Recently the watch worn by Mr. Peter Fonda in the movie Easy Rider was sold for $33,460. Now if the money was given to charity I’d be happy, but no such thing has been reported. Similarly a Batman comic book from 1939 was recently found in an attic and bought for reportedly $250,000. Again no details about the sale were provided but that just too much.
I don’t mind that someone made a profit and another got something they wanted. I myself wish that my mother had kept the comic books she and my father collected back in the late 60’s and 70’s before they could afford a television set. [For those that are too young to know, the price of a television was expensive back in those days, kind of like a PS3 or a decent computer now.] But the prices are just too much. I can only hope that some of that money was given to charity or used to help the homeless or AIDS prevention or something. Odds are though that they didn’t.
It’s not the money per say, but the fact that so much is being spent on such frivolous things, and there are so many things that could be done instead. Of course I’m trying to gain wealth as well as anyone. I have the T-shirts, mugs, and items I sell as well as ads on all my sites. At the same time I’ve given away motivational books, currently giving away dinners or making a charitable donation, and I’m working on setting up a chance to pay a year of tuition for a college student. It’s not a lot, but then again I couldn’t pay a quarter of a million dollars for a comic book if I wanted to.
Well enough of my gripes, more soon.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
The levity of Parody - 10.11.2007.1
Well after all the serious posts I wanted to take a bit of a break. Adding a bit of levity, and getting back to the entertainment core of the blog.
So I found this video at Video Gaming Blog That I thought was really good. Enjoy!
So I found this video at Video Gaming Blog That I thought was really good. Enjoy!
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Seattle Slim asks about reparations - 10.10.2007.1
In response to Seattle Slim's comment on Reparations I decided to place this as a post rather than a comment due to length. You can find the original post at Black & White Blog, where I am a co-author, as well as here.
Thank you Seattle Slim Of The Beatniks for your comments and reading the post. I always enjoy hearing from my readers and their comments on the issues I cover here.
To address your comments:
I agree that there still are many in America that believe African Americans are unequal and in need of ‘protection’. Obviously the media, in all forms from news to movies, portray very negative images that compound this feeling in many individuals. But I do feel that there is also an understanding that Black Americans hold a great deal of power as well.
Democrats directly pander to African Americans as a voting block, though they do not seem to be as concerned about issues they were elected on. Businesses directly understand the power of African American money, and target us constantly. And many professions that were virtually ‘White only’ are now somewhat mixed.
All of these things can and need to be improved, but some understanding of the impact of African Americans on the economy and politics of this nation is known. We just need to focus that power.
As for the Black slave-owners, I don’t have an accurate answer. I realize that there were Black slaveowners, but to my admittedly limited knowledge on this subject, though I am under the understanding that this was a small group holding a minor number of slaves for a far shorter duration. They definitely did not maintain power, as they had no legal rights and could not vote either.
I would say that they had no right to any reparations, just as White slave owners did not. Where it could be proven, their descendants would not be eligible as the reparations are due to African American slaves and the work they provided.
As for the question of help, yes I think it does. This is a difficult question and one of the main ones used against the concept of reparations. I feel it helps on several levels.
This would provide a salve to the wound that slavery made in this nation. It is both the admission of guilt by the nation, and a recognition of the suffering felt by millions over centuries. It gives the descendants of victims of slavery, and those who suffered under segregation, racism, violence and the like a means to ‘come to peace’ with what they endured.
It is not a cure all. But it does remove some of the racial tension that envelopes this country. It can be a means of having productive conversations and debates. It brings racial inequalities to the surface and thus forces them to be dealt with on both sides of this issue. It would remove excuses from Blacks and Whites on the conditions some live under.
It would still take a great deal of effort to improve America and the race issues that are inherent in daily life. But it’s a means by which steps forward can be taken.
Remember, an apology must come with the reparations. One must recognize what is wrong to apologize for it. The reparations are just a means to make the apology sink in and not be hollow. Kind of like scolding a child and then giving them a slap on the ass. It makes the point hit home.
As for the money itself, there is nothing stopping anyone from pooling funds to improve neighborhoods or provide college funds. Local communities could easily use the funds for whatever is the best choice and greatest need.
But I feel this has to be an individual effort. Reliance on the Government to institute and maintain these changes is both infeasible and counter-productive. To date efforts by the Government have not gone to improve our local communities but to maintain them at the current standards. And like water sitting still that causes stagnation.
Plus personal interaction with personal funds has always seemed to have the most positive effect in my experience. When it’s your money going to improve the neighborhood, you feel pride and connection to that area. When it’s your local community providing your college tuition you have another impetus to do better and finish with a degree. When it’s your parents’ money painting the schools and buying new books, you will want to take care of their condition more.
That is not to say these things don’t happen now, just that with added attention and direct connection the intensity increases exponentially. At least that is my experience.
If reparations, and an apology, are viewed from that stance I feel their can be no argument against them. I feel deeply there is no historical or practical reason to prevent it. And the positive effects, if done in a manner similar to what I have mentioned, are as powerful as they are beneficial. Not only to African Americans, but all of America.
Even so, I do not claim my vision is perfect. But if discussion of this leads to an even better plan and outcome, I’m happy.
I hope this addresses your concerns and thoughts about my views on reparations. What are yours? How would you resolve it? What do you think should be done?
Thank you Seattle Slim Of The Beatniks for your comments and reading the post. I always enjoy hearing from my readers and their comments on the issues I cover here.
To address your comments:
I agree that there still are many in America that believe African Americans are unequal and in need of ‘protection’. Obviously the media, in all forms from news to movies, portray very negative images that compound this feeling in many individuals. But I do feel that there is also an understanding that Black Americans hold a great deal of power as well.
Democrats directly pander to African Americans as a voting block, though they do not seem to be as concerned about issues they were elected on. Businesses directly understand the power of African American money, and target us constantly. And many professions that were virtually ‘White only’ are now somewhat mixed.
All of these things can and need to be improved, but some understanding of the impact of African Americans on the economy and politics of this nation is known. We just need to focus that power.
As for the Black slave-owners, I don’t have an accurate answer. I realize that there were Black slaveowners, but to my admittedly limited knowledge on this subject, though I am under the understanding that this was a small group holding a minor number of slaves for a far shorter duration. They definitely did not maintain power, as they had no legal rights and could not vote either.
I would say that they had no right to any reparations, just as White slave owners did not. Where it could be proven, their descendants would not be eligible as the reparations are due to African American slaves and the work they provided.
As for the question of help, yes I think it does. This is a difficult question and one of the main ones used against the concept of reparations. I feel it helps on several levels.
This would provide a salve to the wound that slavery made in this nation. It is both the admission of guilt by the nation, and a recognition of the suffering felt by millions over centuries. It gives the descendants of victims of slavery, and those who suffered under segregation, racism, violence and the like a means to ‘come to peace’ with what they endured.
It is not a cure all. But it does remove some of the racial tension that envelopes this country. It can be a means of having productive conversations and debates. It brings racial inequalities to the surface and thus forces them to be dealt with on both sides of this issue. It would remove excuses from Blacks and Whites on the conditions some live under.
It would still take a great deal of effort to improve America and the race issues that are inherent in daily life. But it’s a means by which steps forward can be taken.
Remember, an apology must come with the reparations. One must recognize what is wrong to apologize for it. The reparations are just a means to make the apology sink in and not be hollow. Kind of like scolding a child and then giving them a slap on the ass. It makes the point hit home.
As for the money itself, there is nothing stopping anyone from pooling funds to improve neighborhoods or provide college funds. Local communities could easily use the funds for whatever is the best choice and greatest need.
But I feel this has to be an individual effort. Reliance on the Government to institute and maintain these changes is both infeasible and counter-productive. To date efforts by the Government have not gone to improve our local communities but to maintain them at the current standards. And like water sitting still that causes stagnation.
Plus personal interaction with personal funds has always seemed to have the most positive effect in my experience. When it’s your money going to improve the neighborhood, you feel pride and connection to that area. When it’s your local community providing your college tuition you have another impetus to do better and finish with a degree. When it’s your parents’ money painting the schools and buying new books, you will want to take care of their condition more.
That is not to say these things don’t happen now, just that with added attention and direct connection the intensity increases exponentially. At least that is my experience.
If reparations, and an apology, are viewed from that stance I feel their can be no argument against them. I feel deeply there is no historical or practical reason to prevent it. And the positive effects, if done in a manner similar to what I have mentioned, are as powerful as they are beneficial. Not only to African Americans, but all of America.
Even so, I do not claim my vision is perfect. But if discussion of this leads to an even better plan and outcome, I’m happy.
I hope this addresses your concerns and thoughts about my views on reparations. What are yours? How would you resolve it? What do you think should be done?
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Real points on reparations Part 2 - 10.9.2007.2
Continued from Real points on reparations Part 1...
And lastly there is the FACT of precidence.
Perhaps Michael Medved would like to dispute these facts. He cannot nor can any person against reparations. That is why they seek out any and every other argument.
As for how to pay the reparations I offer this idea. Provide a tax credit, of say $3,000 for any African Americans that can provide proof of heritage. This will also cover all children of those African Americans from the inception date to 18 years later, thus covering all children born the year of the reparation. The proof would come from authenticated family trees that date back to at least 1865 and can show slavery. This tax credit is a lifetime credit, meaning that you have a total of $3,000 for life, being used over that lifetime. If you use it all in one year its gone. If it take 10 years at $300 a year then so be it. You don’t get more and the max is the start amout of $3,000.
This plan builds the economy, providing jobs for researchers and companies providing authenticated certificates. The Government would increase workers that would manage the list with the I.R.S. Oversite groups could be created to ensure that the fund is not mismanaged. Enforment jobs could be created to protect that scams could not take advantage.
Plus there is the fact that the economy would get a boost from the additional money being used to pay for goods and services. Credit cards coulds be paid off, downpayment and improvements on homes, pay for college tuition and supplies, investments in 401K’s and the stock market. Not to mention purchases of food, clothing, and whatever else.
Explain where this is a bad, or impossible thing to accomplish?
America had slaves, and made them build the nation. America profited and grew from this slave labor. Some of the worst attrocities known to man were commited to the slaves and their descendants, for centuries. America refuses to acknowledge what it did, or the benefit it received. At the same time America has apologized and made reparations to others of its people who were arguably far less abused and persecuted.
I will not put my head in the sand. I will not allow half-thought, tangent laden, slippery-slope arguments to obfuscate and distract me and others from the facts. I do not accept the romanticized arguments and media imagery.
America owes reparations and an apology to African Americans. They can be paid and must. America will always have over it’s head this division of it’s people while avoiding the honest debate and response.
Medved may enjoy this denial, and others like him, but the fact is that this is a rot in America. And given time, any rot will eventually destroy whatever is rotting. The same holds true for America.
This is what I think, what do you think?
And lastly there is the FACT of precidence.
“Yet reparations have been made to Japanese Americans and Native American Indians, at least to some degree. Remorse has been expressed by the Government to both groups. Yet the United States Govenment has never apoligized nor acknowledged the wrongs done with slavery and its actions/attitudes in the over a century since that time.”
Perhaps Michael Medved would like to dispute these facts. He cannot nor can any person against reparations. That is why they seek out any and every other argument.
As for how to pay the reparations I offer this idea. Provide a tax credit, of say $3,000 for any African Americans that can provide proof of heritage. This will also cover all children of those African Americans from the inception date to 18 years later, thus covering all children born the year of the reparation. The proof would come from authenticated family trees that date back to at least 1865 and can show slavery. This tax credit is a lifetime credit, meaning that you have a total of $3,000 for life, being used over that lifetime. If you use it all in one year its gone. If it take 10 years at $300 a year then so be it. You don’t get more and the max is the start amout of $3,000.
This plan builds the economy, providing jobs for researchers and companies providing authenticated certificates. The Government would increase workers that would manage the list with the I.R.S. Oversite groups could be created to ensure that the fund is not mismanaged. Enforment jobs could be created to protect that scams could not take advantage.
Plus there is the fact that the economy would get a boost from the additional money being used to pay for goods and services. Credit cards coulds be paid off, downpayment and improvements on homes, pay for college tuition and supplies, investments in 401K’s and the stock market. Not to mention purchases of food, clothing, and whatever else.
Explain where this is a bad, or impossible thing to accomplish?
America had slaves, and made them build the nation. America profited and grew from this slave labor. Some of the worst attrocities known to man were commited to the slaves and their descendants, for centuries. America refuses to acknowledge what it did, or the benefit it received. At the same time America has apologized and made reparations to others of its people who were arguably far less abused and persecuted.
I will not put my head in the sand. I will not allow half-thought, tangent laden, slippery-slope arguments to obfuscate and distract me and others from the facts. I do not accept the romanticized arguments and media imagery.
America owes reparations and an apology to African Americans. They can be paid and must. America will always have over it’s head this division of it’s people while avoiding the honest debate and response.
Medved may enjoy this denial, and others like him, but the fact is that this is a rot in America. And given time, any rot will eventually destroy whatever is rotting. The same holds true for America.
This is what I think, what do you think?
Real points on reparations - 10.9.2007.1
This is a continuation of a discussion based on the comments by Michael Medved against reparations. It can be seen at Responding to Michael Medveds rant against reparations - 10.9.2007.1
It is long, but I feel it's worth the time.
**This post can also be found at Black & White Blog a forum for both sides of controversial issues.**
So how about I actually discuss the reasons why reparations make sense? How about we actually talk about American slavery and not detract from the subject in discussion of eras and societies that are not American?
There were millions of slaves that were forcibly taken from Africa to America, and died. That means families experienced the loss of fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters, in a boat under duress. Murder is punishable, and as we have abundantly seen with the OJ Simpson case, profitable. Genocide, since this was a willful act done repeatedly to a singular and specific group of people, would seem to up that exponentially.
Of the surviving Africans, they were sold of without regard to their families or any factor other than their perceived ability to work, in the most humiliating manner. They were placed on display similar to a car in a showroom, with potential buyers pawing and prodding them. That is further duress and suffering.
Once sold, the slaves were guaranteed a lifetime of work. This work was menial at its best, without breaks, without pay, without time off. Medical care, which was not guaranteed, could range from intense to minimal and provided no guarantee of time off to recover.
Slaves were routinely beaten, mutilated, physically and mentally abused, sexually harassed and raped while forced to work. Any one of these is enough to cause the employer to be jailed, then or now, if it were done to another human being.
Slaves were denied their right to freedom of religion. They were denied an education. They were fed and clothed just enough to allow them to continue to work. They were denied freedom of speech. They were denied the right to have and/or raise a family.
Slaves built cities, roads, infrastructure, and agriculture. Every aspect of any business and establishment that exists in America today that has a tie to colonial America is connected to the slave workforce. That’s North or South.
If the average slave worked only 12 hours a day, 7 days a week, 360 days a year for 4 decades of life that’s 158,880 hours of work per slave. If we assume that there were 3 million slaves from 1619 to 1865 (which is a low-ball estimate) then that is 476,640,000,000 hours of work done. Those are BILLIONS of hours. This does not even touch the Jim Crow era. Assuming a pay of just .05 cents an hour in 1865 money (no adjustment for actual worth in money today) that means $23,832,000,000. If I adjust by taking an increase of just 10% for each year for 55 years that’s a 9150% increase to $2,180,628,000,000. That’s TRILLIONS of dollars, adjusted just 55 years at 10%. There’s still another 87 years to go and we are adjusting from .05 cents. If anyone feels that more than TRILLIONS of dollars of work did not change America, they are stupid in my opinion.
In addition
Continued in part 2...
It is long, but I feel it's worth the time.
**This post can also be found at Black & White Blog a forum for both sides of controversial issues.**
So how about I actually discuss the reasons why reparations make sense? How about we actually talk about American slavery and not detract from the subject in discussion of eras and societies that are not American?
There were millions of slaves that were forcibly taken from Africa to America, and died. That means families experienced the loss of fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters, in a boat under duress. Murder is punishable, and as we have abundantly seen with the OJ Simpson case, profitable. Genocide, since this was a willful act done repeatedly to a singular and specific group of people, would seem to up that exponentially.
Of the surviving Africans, they were sold of without regard to their families or any factor other than their perceived ability to work, in the most humiliating manner. They were placed on display similar to a car in a showroom, with potential buyers pawing and prodding them. That is further duress and suffering.
Once sold, the slaves were guaranteed a lifetime of work. This work was menial at its best, without breaks, without pay, without time off. Medical care, which was not guaranteed, could range from intense to minimal and provided no guarantee of time off to recover.
Slaves were routinely beaten, mutilated, physically and mentally abused, sexually harassed and raped while forced to work. Any one of these is enough to cause the employer to be jailed, then or now, if it were done to another human being.
Slaves were denied their right to freedom of religion. They were denied an education. They were fed and clothed just enough to allow them to continue to work. They were denied freedom of speech. They were denied the right to have and/or raise a family.
Slaves built cities, roads, infrastructure, and agriculture. Every aspect of any business and establishment that exists in America today that has a tie to colonial America is connected to the slave workforce. That’s North or South.
If the average slave worked only 12 hours a day, 7 days a week, 360 days a year for 4 decades of life that’s 158,880 hours of work per slave. If we assume that there were 3 million slaves from 1619 to 1865 (which is a low-ball estimate) then that is 476,640,000,000 hours of work done. Those are BILLIONS of hours. This does not even touch the Jim Crow era. Assuming a pay of just .05 cents an hour in 1865 money (no adjustment for actual worth in money today) that means $23,832,000,000. If I adjust by taking an increase of just 10% for each year for 55 years that’s a 9150% increase to $2,180,628,000,000. That’s TRILLIONS of dollars, adjusted just 55 years at 10%. There’s still another 87 years to go and we are adjusting from .05 cents. If anyone feels that more than TRILLIONS of dollars of work did not change America, they are stupid in my opinion.
In addition
“Jim Crow and other equally repressive laws and actions hindered Black African Americans. Incidents have occured even in the 20th century and include the Tuskegee syphilis experiments in the 1930’s, the destruction of Tulsa’s Black neighborhoods in 1921 and the loss of life and property when the all-Black town of Rosewood was destroyed by a white mob in 1923.”
Continued in part 2...
Friday, October 05, 2007
Resident Evil Extinction
I know most people have already seen, or not, the movie Resident Evil: Extinction. For those that have seen it, I know you feel as disappointed as I do. Obviously if you have not seen it, the wait for the DVD or cable is recommended. Not that the film was terrible, it just fell far from good.
The problems with this film are multiple. One of the biggest things is that the tension never really builds up. There is no real drive to the film. The pace is about even all the way through, and for this type of film that’s not good.
Within the film itself there are many gaps in logic. Such as, if you know that satellites are tracking you, and you know where they will be and you have been avoiding them, why suddenly stop and let yourself be caught? How about a different thought, a basic one. How long does it take to be infected by the T-virus (if you’ve seen the other 2 films you know what that is – if you haven’t why are you thinking of seeing this film as the first?) and turn into a zombie? Normally, minutes to hours depending how bad you are infected. But in this film they throw out this rule, and one character with a decent wound lasts for a day or 2. Yet a later character is feeling the effects after a minor bite in minutes.
In the other films, infected dogs and zombies are a rampant and continuous problem. Not in this film. They are basically unseen. Other than a couple of critical scenes you really don’t even know they exist. That would make you think there is a big monster boss in the film, like Nemesis from the second film. Nope. There is a Boss fight, but it’s so anti-climactic and boring. I had expected more.
I think that sums up the whole film actually. You are always expecting more and you don’t get it. Not enough fights, bullets, zombies or anything else. You wait and wait, but nothing happens in a big way.
If you haven’t paid to see the film yet, don’t. It’s a definite cable movie. I won’t even add it to my DVD collection, which has both of the first 2 movies. And if you are wondering why this is so long after the movie came out, being sick and stress left me little free time.
The problems with this film are multiple. One of the biggest things is that the tension never really builds up. There is no real drive to the film. The pace is about even all the way through, and for this type of film that’s not good.
Within the film itself there are many gaps in logic. Such as, if you know that satellites are tracking you, and you know where they will be and you have been avoiding them, why suddenly stop and let yourself be caught? How about a different thought, a basic one. How long does it take to be infected by the T-virus (if you’ve seen the other 2 films you know what that is – if you haven’t why are you thinking of seeing this film as the first?) and turn into a zombie? Normally, minutes to hours depending how bad you are infected. But in this film they throw out this rule, and one character with a decent wound lasts for a day or 2. Yet a later character is feeling the effects after a minor bite in minutes.
In the other films, infected dogs and zombies are a rampant and continuous problem. Not in this film. They are basically unseen. Other than a couple of critical scenes you really don’t even know they exist. That would make you think there is a big monster boss in the film, like Nemesis from the second film. Nope. There is a Boss fight, but it’s so anti-climactic and boring. I had expected more.
I think that sums up the whole film actually. You are always expecting more and you don’t get it. Not enough fights, bullets, zombies or anything else. You wait and wait, but nothing happens in a big way.
If you haven’t paid to see the film yet, don’t. It’s a definite cable movie. I won’t even add it to my DVD collection, which has both of the first 2 movies. And if you are wondering why this is so long after the movie came out, being sick and stress left me little free time.
Play runs almost 2 decades, you can't name it
**I also posted this at All American Blog**
If I told you that a play has been performed continuously for more than 15 years, with 2500 performances around the world, any you couldn’t name what it was you might think I was silly. Let’s see. Think of what play I could be talking about, don’t go further, and just get the names in your head or on paper.
No cheating. Give it a moment.
Ok, are you ready now? What did you get? Cats, Les Misreables? Little Shop of Horrors? Rocky Horror Picture Show? All wrong.
The play I’m discussing is 1,001 Black Inventions. Never heard of it? I’m not surprised. Neither had I until I saw a bit on it at the Richmond Register. Yet this play has been going strong since 1986. The play is more than the history lesson the title may cause you to believe.
This play looks at several inventors of African and African American decent that have literally changed the world. What did these inventors (such as Benjamin Banneker, Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, Jan Ernst Matzeliger) make that could affect the world? What would the world be like without their various inventions?
That’s just a few of the items. The play takes a look at what the effect might be without all these items and the trial of Dr George Washington Carver for witchcraft. It’s a satire and a bit tongue-in-cheek, but it makes its point.
Addressing the view of British historian Arnold Toynbee, who wrote that the "black race" had never made a creative contribution to any civilization. While this is a tunnel visioned, myopic view of the facts, its impact can be seen in the programming and emphasis of the media in targeting and portraying African Americans today. This play takes that image and shows the converse with humor.
If you don’t have the chance to see 1,001 Black Inventions, currently at Eastern Kentucky University, there is a book available. But I’d suggest seeing a play that’s garnered honors such as the D.C. Commission on the Arts' "Mayor's Excellence in the Arts Awards” and endorsements from the Smithsonian Institution.
Hey, it’s done thousands of performances for nearly 2 decades, there has to be something that keeps it going, don’t you think? Broadway doesn’t have all the success stories out there.
If I told you that a play has been performed continuously for more than 15 years, with 2500 performances around the world, any you couldn’t name what it was you might think I was silly. Let’s see. Think of what play I could be talking about, don’t go further, and just get the names in your head or on paper.
No cheating. Give it a moment.
Ok, are you ready now? What did you get? Cats, Les Misreables? Little Shop of Horrors? Rocky Horror Picture Show? All wrong.
The play I’m discussing is 1,001 Black Inventions. Never heard of it? I’m not surprised. Neither had I until I saw a bit on it at the Richmond Register. Yet this play has been going strong since 1986. The play is more than the history lesson the title may cause you to believe.
This play looks at several inventors of African and African American decent that have literally changed the world. What did these inventors (such as Benjamin Banneker, Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, Jan Ernst Matzeliger) make that could affect the world? What would the world be like without their various inventions?
A place with no cellular phones, typewriters or fountain pens. No spark plugs, lawn mowers or self-starting gasoline motors. No clothes dryers, hair brushes, or ironing boards no rolling pins, biscuit cutters or peanut butter.
That’s just a few of the items. The play takes a look at what the effect might be without all these items and the trial of Dr George Washington Carver for witchcraft. It’s a satire and a bit tongue-in-cheek, but it makes its point.
Addressing the view of British historian Arnold Toynbee, who wrote that the "black race" had never made a creative contribution to any civilization. While this is a tunnel visioned, myopic view of the facts, its impact can be seen in the programming and emphasis of the media in targeting and portraying African Americans today. This play takes that image and shows the converse with humor.
If you don’t have the chance to see 1,001 Black Inventions, currently at Eastern Kentucky University, there is a book available. But I’d suggest seeing a play that’s garnered honors such as the D.C. Commission on the Arts' "Mayor's Excellence in the Arts Awards” and endorsements from the Smithsonian Institution.
Hey, it’s done thousands of performances for nearly 2 decades, there has to be something that keeps it going, don’t you think? Broadway doesn’t have all the success stories out there.
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Black College Footbal Experience - 10.4.2007.1
Get ready for a video game that has some color that you haven't seen before.
Do I need to say more?
Do I need to say more?
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Another reaction to 'Average American' comments Part 2 - 10.2.2007.4
Continued from Another reaction to 'Average American' comments Part 1...
So when some say things like
Blacks understand that we didn’t choose to have drugs in our neighborhoods. They were brought there to us, and integrated into or communities decades ago. They were allowed to flourish, so long as it was not in the more affluent and ‘White’ communities, though Whites were given carte blanche to go in and out making their purchases.
Drugs promote violence, guns being one symptom of that. Were police truly interested in removing that violence, decades ago they could have stopped, or lessened this. They chose not to, because it’s ‘not their people’ affected. Even if you do not agree, that is the impression we grow up learning.
How can any White American understand all of this? That Black on White crime is debatably 60% more likely to end up with a Black conviction. That Blacks convicted are 3x more likely to have longer sentences on equivalent charges. That the media routinely presumes Black guilt at every instance.
Imagine, if you are not African American, how you might feel knowing that you’re that great-grandfather was lynched, your grandfather was not allowed an education, that your parents were refused a place to live all because of their color.
That your mother was paid less money than her peers, that your grandmother was only allowed to wash other peoples clothing, and your great-grandmother could only get work as a maid by people who routinely referred to her as a racial slur.
Are these absolute facts? No, but they are common enough history that most have multiple elements of this in their background.
Yet for all this, the average African American goes to work everyday. Children grow up getting as good an education as possible and overwhelmingly most are not into drugs. And nearly all deal with the fact that America fears them without issue.
Conversely, White women hold purses tight when Blacks pass by. Security in malls and stores follow Blacks, ignoring actual criminals that happen to not be Black. Police act with a presumption of impending violence even at routine traffic stops. The media constantly portrays every image of poverty and criminality with a Black face, though the quantity of Whites with these issues outnumbers Blacks.
Imagine that life. Imagine living under that pressure everyday. Imagine that you were me. And then tell me you could go to college, own a business, and never be an addict. Tell me that your friends and family would go to college and raise families without drugs. Tell me that you could not just survive but thrive in that environment.
I do, my family does. So do the families of my friends. But how many “Average Americans” could survive a day under this scrutiny and pressure. How many fail to have prosperous lives without any of these obstacles?
It’s not about who is better. It’s about understanding what the facts are, and how we all can get closer to a world that these things are no longer happening. The first step is comprehension. Not the denial that “Average American” posed. From that point we can move forward. At least I think so.
This is what I think, what do you think?
So when some say things like
“I also didn’t grow up in an area where there were drug dealers on the corner. I didn’t grow up in an area where there were gun shots nightly. But why do these things happen in black communities throughout America. Is that White America’s fault?”
Blacks understand that we didn’t choose to have drugs in our neighborhoods. They were brought there to us, and integrated into or communities decades ago. They were allowed to flourish, so long as it was not in the more affluent and ‘White’ communities, though Whites were given carte blanche to go in and out making their purchases.
Drugs promote violence, guns being one symptom of that. Were police truly interested in removing that violence, decades ago they could have stopped, or lessened this. They chose not to, because it’s ‘not their people’ affected. Even if you do not agree, that is the impression we grow up learning.
How can any White American understand all of this? That Black on White crime is debatably 60% more likely to end up with a Black conviction. That Blacks convicted are 3x more likely to have longer sentences on equivalent charges. That the media routinely presumes Black guilt at every instance.
Imagine, if you are not African American, how you might feel knowing that you’re that great-grandfather was lynched, your grandfather was not allowed an education, that your parents were refused a place to live all because of their color.
That your mother was paid less money than her peers, that your grandmother was only allowed to wash other peoples clothing, and your great-grandmother could only get work as a maid by people who routinely referred to her as a racial slur.
Are these absolute facts? No, but they are common enough history that most have multiple elements of this in their background.
Yet for all this, the average African American goes to work everyday. Children grow up getting as good an education as possible and overwhelmingly most are not into drugs. And nearly all deal with the fact that America fears them without issue.
Conversely, White women hold purses tight when Blacks pass by. Security in malls and stores follow Blacks, ignoring actual criminals that happen to not be Black. Police act with a presumption of impending violence even at routine traffic stops. The media constantly portrays every image of poverty and criminality with a Black face, though the quantity of Whites with these issues outnumbers Blacks.
Imagine that life. Imagine living under that pressure everyday. Imagine that you were me. And then tell me you could go to college, own a business, and never be an addict. Tell me that your friends and family would go to college and raise families without drugs. Tell me that you could not just survive but thrive in that environment.
I do, my family does. So do the families of my friends. But how many “Average Americans” could survive a day under this scrutiny and pressure. How many fail to have prosperous lives without any of these obstacles?
It’s not about who is better. It’s about understanding what the facts are, and how we all can get closer to a world that these things are no longer happening. The first step is comprehension. Not the denial that “Average American” posed. From that point we can move forward. At least I think so.
This is what I think, what do you think?
Another reaction to 'Average American' comments - 10.2.2007.3
So the recent comments by ‘Average American’ and my response got me thinking a bit. I started to wonder about the differences between Blacks and Whites here in America. There are many but there is no real discussion on what they are. I mean what makes us think the way we do?
I mean, think about this. Why do some White Americans view African Americans as they do?
White Americans never have to face the issues other minorities in America have to. Lucky them. I mean think about it.
From almost the first day of life things start to take shape. As more and more parents integrate the television as part of the raising of a child, it increases its influence on their vision of the world. 98% of all people on television, virtually without regard of what channel you pick, are White. The same applies to movies, video games and media in general. A sense of being trapped and minimized tends to begin then.
When Blacks go to school, those in the inner cities tend to be taught with substandard supplies. Thus they are steps behind in being able to achieve the American dream, or to even surpass the lives their parents lived. The inner cities pose other problems as well. As children grow up they see an increased police presence, which is rarely pleasant or helpful. Many are different than them, and none live in their neighborhoods. If seen in action they are constantly after other African Americans, and spare little pain in apprehending them.
Add to this another factor, when shopping with their parents children get to observe their African American parents being followed throughout ever store they are in. Not being helped, or trusted or given the pleasantries of other customers just watched with a presumption of planning a crime.
In this world of disparity, the children grow to understand they are different. That they will have to just deal with these and other reactions. There is nothing they can do about that and just deal with it.
In school, those with non-traditional names will tend to have lower scores and be called upon less by teachers. Isn’t all this fun?
In inner city neighborhoods, police officers that patrol the area are seemingly unaware of crack and drug houses, while every junkie, addict, and normal working person does. This creates an atmosphere of constant danger.
Random violence from these individuals, who seem to be constantly around at all times of day and night without police attention and the low-life dealers engage in this violence to protect areas of control to supply local area residents and multiple non-African American clients. Those clients of the drug dealers tend to drive expensive cars, driving from the suburbs to spend 5 minutes in these lower income areas, and back home all without the intervention or notice of police officers even though they stand out dramatically at 4am. Thus another lesson that police intend to protect only certain people from certain actions.
Continued in part 2...
I mean, think about this. Why do some White Americans view African Americans as they do?
White Americans never have to face the issues other minorities in America have to. Lucky them. I mean think about it.
From almost the first day of life things start to take shape. As more and more parents integrate the television as part of the raising of a child, it increases its influence on their vision of the world. 98% of all people on television, virtually without regard of what channel you pick, are White. The same applies to movies, video games and media in general. A sense of being trapped and minimized tends to begin then.
When Blacks go to school, those in the inner cities tend to be taught with substandard supplies. Thus they are steps behind in being able to achieve the American dream, or to even surpass the lives their parents lived. The inner cities pose other problems as well. As children grow up they see an increased police presence, which is rarely pleasant or helpful. Many are different than them, and none live in their neighborhoods. If seen in action they are constantly after other African Americans, and spare little pain in apprehending them.
Add to this another factor, when shopping with their parents children get to observe their African American parents being followed throughout ever store they are in. Not being helped, or trusted or given the pleasantries of other customers just watched with a presumption of planning a crime.
In this world of disparity, the children grow to understand they are different. That they will have to just deal with these and other reactions. There is nothing they can do about that and just deal with it.
In school, those with non-traditional names will tend to have lower scores and be called upon less by teachers. Isn’t all this fun?
In inner city neighborhoods, police officers that patrol the area are seemingly unaware of crack and drug houses, while every junkie, addict, and normal working person does. This creates an atmosphere of constant danger.
Random violence from these individuals, who seem to be constantly around at all times of day and night without police attention and the low-life dealers engage in this violence to protect areas of control to supply local area residents and multiple non-African American clients. Those clients of the drug dealers tend to drive expensive cars, driving from the suburbs to spend 5 minutes in these lower income areas, and back home all without the intervention or notice of police officers even though they stand out dramatically at 4am. Thus another lesson that police intend to protect only certain people from certain actions.
Continued in part 2...
Tiger Woods and his putter - 10.2.2007.2
In a bit of light conversation, has anyone seen the latest commercial by Accenture? It’s a rare thing these days when I notice a commercial that causes me to write about it and I’m not upset. This one qualifies.
If you haven’t seen it yet, Tiger Woods has just putted a birdie from 3 feet in an unnamed tournament. The green is a peninsula surrounded by water, and the caddie is standing by the water’s edge. After Tiger sinks the putt, the caddie bumps the golf clubs and knocks them in to the water. As Tiger and his caddie look into the water at the sunken golf bag, clubs no where in sight, a crocodile swims up and groans. The next scene, we see tiger coming to the 18th hole to drive and his caddie hands him his putter. Tiger proceeds to drive, to the cheers of the crowd.
Maybe it’s because I love golf (been playing for over a decade now) but I just had to laugh in watching this commercial. It’s fun and a compliment to the fact that this one man is arguably the greatest golfer ever.
Look for the commercial and let me know what you think of it.
If you haven’t seen it yet, Tiger Woods has just putted a birdie from 3 feet in an unnamed tournament. The green is a peninsula surrounded by water, and the caddie is standing by the water’s edge. After Tiger sinks the putt, the caddie bumps the golf clubs and knocks them in to the water. As Tiger and his caddie look into the water at the sunken golf bag, clubs no where in sight, a crocodile swims up and groans. The next scene, we see tiger coming to the 18th hole to drive and his caddie hands him his putter. Tiger proceeds to drive, to the cheers of the crowd.
Maybe it’s because I love golf (been playing for over a decade now) but I just had to laugh in watching this commercial. It’s fun and a compliment to the fact that this one man is arguably the greatest golfer ever.
Look for the commercial and let me know what you think of it.
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