Motorcycles of movies fame and dreams

Sometimes you just need to name drop. Most of the time someone does this it’s because they are trying to show off or impress someone. And just as often the person(s) listening to the name dropping are annoyed rather than impressed. But every once in a while the names are just a backdrop to the real excitement and meat of the conversation.

In this case the question is what do the following celebrities, entertainers, business owners and execs all have in common?

Neil Peart
Carlos Mencia
will.i.am
Will Smith
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
George Barris
Wally Dallenbach, Sr
Dan Gurney
Bob Lutz
Keith Urban
Von Dutch
Sara Liberte
"Big Daddy" Roth
Steve McQueen

Obviously motorcycles is the answer. But it’s not the point that they are all motorcycle owners, riders, and designers. It’s that their motorcycles are all being gathered for an exhibit that most have never seen before.



A collection of motorcycles whose owners span the entire entertainment field, along with classics both old ands new will be in one place – the Motorcycle Hall of Fame – for a blowout exhibit. Hardcore bikers and the merely curious are expected to see this presentation. Everyone is expected to find something to be awed by.

Now personally I want to see this show. I would love to see the bikes used by stuntmen in I Robot or T2 or by Steve McQueen (one of the original motorcycle stuntmen he did many of the riding scenes in The Great Escape). How they adapted them for the movies is an interesting thought to me.

Equally I want to see what some people with enough money to get a bike made or restored would buy. I can’t afford it but the above list surely can. When money isn’t a question what do you get.

And just seeing the different styles of bikes over time is worth the trip as well.

If you want to find out more about this exhibit or any future ones check the Motorcycle Hall of Fame.

Harvey: Oh so pleasant

After watching the Euro 2008 match I was sitting in my new home and decided to check what else was on. Much to my joy and surprise was the fact that Harvey would be on at 8pm. All my other plans were rescheduled and at 8pm I watched this classic film.

Now some of my younger readers might think I’m speaking about this Harvey


[If you never saw Farscape and you have never seen Harvey then the video will lose you I’m sure. Farscape fans will laugh though.]

But in fact I am speaking of the 1950 film starring Jimmy Stewart and a 6 foot 3 1/2” tall invisible rabbit. Well not completely invisible nor a rabbit. He is actually a Pooka that generally can only be seen by rumpots and crackpots. Thus the audience never actually sees him, though some characters (notably Stewart) do.

In essence the film is about an eccentric well-off drunk, whose main companion is Harvey. The existence of this rabbit is the bane of the sister of Elwood Dowd (Stewart) and she seeks to institutionalize her brother to help him get back to reality. In the end she, and the audience, realize that perhaps having an invisible rabbit is the least horrible thing in life if you are a good person otherwise.

Harvey is a story about being a good person. While he (Dowd) is odd and a drinker he is also very good-hearted. He constantly helps the people around him, pairing up 2 couples and providing therapy for a psychiatrist all while they are trying to incarcerate him. He has only kind words for everyone he meets, even if they ridicule him. And he is non-judgmental of even convicts and those that seem to dislike him.

Perhaps the whole movie can be summed up in one quote. When asked why Elwood is not angry or flustered when he is told he is to be committed he replies

“Years ago my mother used to say to me, she'd say, "In this world, Elwood, you must be" - she always called me Elwood - "In this world, Elwood, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant." Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. You may quote me.”

I have, and you should too. If you haven’t seen this film yet, or even if you have, watch it and feel just a bit better about things.

Euro 2008 - Spain are the kings of Europe again

The Euro 2008 futbol finals were played today with Germany and Spain each viying for the title of European champion. Both nations played hard in a match that was physical and at times intense. The final score of 1-0 details not only the difficulty of the game, but also the more lackluster performance of one of the teams.



The first half of the game was not as impressive to me as the second half. One of the bigger points of the first half had to be when the referee decided to give out yellow cards in the 31st minute. It was a sense of what would be coming later in the game.

Ballack was obviously in the wrong on this play, butting a Spanish player and thus creating a bit of a ruckus on the field. This was quickly broken up with Casillas coming over to both calm his players down and to speak with the referee who had yet to indicate any card or comment seemingly. Then after walking away the decision was made and a yellow card was given to Ballack. This was as it should have been as Ballack had been pushing the physicality for some time. But then to the surprise of even the sportscasters, Casillas was given a yellow as well. It’s been conjecture this was because he was yelling/discussing the matter with the ref. It was just bad officiating to me.

But Spain took over the game at this point because in the 33rd minute they scored the only goal of the match. Torres was the player responsible. While his prior attempt to score was only kept out by the upright post his actual scoring goal was much less dramatic. Yet it was effective enough to frustrate Germany for the remainder of the first half as Torres had beat they playing their own style of game.

Then after the half in the 60th minute Germany finally woke up a bit. Ballack made what was the best goal attempt of the game to that point. This provided Germany a boost that motivated them onto 4 shots on goal in 3 minutes. The pressure that was the German offense was making a valiant effort, but it died pretty quickly after the 64th minute.

The thing that took the wind out of Germany’s sails at that point was a missed opportunity to be one man up in the match. Again the officiating got in the way of play, which was highly consistent throughout the match, but this time it was because no one caught a flagrant foul worthy of a red card. And while several players mentioned this to the ref, including Ballack running to the sideline ref to plead his case, none wanted to repeat the mistake of Casillas. Thus nothing was done.

With this momentary distraction to Germany, Ramas made a beautiful header attempt in the 67th minute. While it didn’t go in it did signal the end of Germany’s rally and hopes to win the match.

By the 82nd minute the repeated attacks by Spain lead to a wonderful opportunity for Sena. He had come up through an opening and was crossed the ball facing an open net. All he had to do was touch the ball and it would have deflected in beating the goalkeeper with ease. Instead he kicked at the ball late and low, allowing it to cross past him unheeded. So much for the locked victory to Spain.

By this point Germany was not only beat but frustrated. Perhaps the most obvious display of this desperate mood among the German players was the yellow card given to Kuranyi in the 88th minute. It was deserved and obvious that German has nothing more to give to the game.

Thus the match ended with Spain winning with only one goal by Torres. It was not a flashy game, nor spectacular by any means. There were no stunning moments, except for the faces and actions of the German players as Spain celebrated its first win in 44 years. That had to be the longest 10 minutes for any team or player to endure.

Germany came to play a better team – or so you might have thought. Spain came to win.

But even with bad officiating, missed opportunities for goals, frustration on the field, and Ballack’s bad temper, it was all better than the play of L.A. vs D.C. If Germany came to play second L.A. and David Beckham came to watch the crowd in their 4-1 loss. So all in all the Euro 2008 was pretty good from this American's television.

Backyard or Bust!

The following are a few vacation ideas written by guest blogger Francine Vasquez. To learn more about Ms. Vasquez check the bottom of the post



As we approach the beginning of the summer vacation season, it’s a good time to consider the oil prices that are still on the rise and the impact on travel this year. Now, more than ever, saving a buck or two has become the deciding factor on where, when and even if we are venturing out on family vacations. Let’s start by looking at the plight of the airline industry.

Each day it seems another airline is declaring bankruptcy and ceasing operations for good. Already this year, ATA, Skybus, Aloha, and many others have been forced to close their doors due to skyrocketing fuel prices. With oil prices over $130 a barrel, many other airlines are looking for ways to keep costs down. American Airlines began charging for a first checked bag, and now United and US Airways are following suit. Ticket prices are so high that many Americans are finding it’s nearly impossible to travel to the Caribbean or across the country to visit family this season. If you’re thinking it might be cheaper to just travel by car to Grandma’s house in Florida, think again.

As oil prices rise, so are gas prices. In most parts of the country, regular gas costs more than $4.00 a gallon. That trip to Grandma’s could cost you almost $200 roundtrip, and that’s not counting getting back and forth to the beach, shuttling over to Busch Gardens, or taking a trip to Applebee’s while you are there. If you happen to drive an SUV, you might as well empty your bank account for this fun filled excursion

So, what’s a person to do in order to have some summer fun in the sun without going broke? Stay home! But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a vacation. There are a number of activities, events and places that you and your family can experience in your own hometown that won’t break your bank account this summer.

Do you happen to live in the Philadelphia region? Try visiting Independence Hall, the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence. Take a trip to the Liberty Bell and Constitution Center and relive a very important time in our Nation’s history. Looking for something that involves suntan lotion? Jump in the car and take a short ride to the Jersey Shore or to Rehoboth Beach in Delaware. You may still have to use some gas, but you can take as much luggage as you can fit into your car! Don’t want to use the car? Ride into Center City on SEPTA and check out the Franklin Institute where the kids, young and old, can spend hours learning about science and experiments. How about lacing up your sneakers and making a run for it up the steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum like Rocky? Not into exercise? Then just walk up the steps and into the museum, where you can see many beautiful works of art without breaking a sweat. Hungry? Grab a cheese steak at Pat’s King of Steaks, and make sure it’s a “wiz wit”. There are also a number of restaurants offering a variety of different food styles located all over Philadelphia and its surrounding suburbs. You’re sure to find something for that finicky eater in the family.

What if you don’t live in Philadelphia, but want to take advantage of a ‘Vacation At Home’? Call up your city’s visitor’s bureau or contact a travel agent to help you plan a great escape without the expense. You will be surprised at how many fun and adventurous activities are available in your own backyard!

Francine Vasquez is a travel consultant and owner of Fantastic Voyage Travel, an independent associate of Dugan’s Travels. Visit her at www.fanvoytravel.com or contact her at fanvoyt@yahoo.com .

My New House pt 2 - the developing interior

As I mentioned a day or two ago (I've kind of lost track) I purchased a new home. Since I have shared my experiences on getting approved for the mortgage, as well as my thoughts on most every other subject, I thought you might want to know more about the house (or at least see inside).

The house is 2005 sq ft (which I plan to expand to 3500 sq ft due to the attic and basement). It's a 1910 brick house in relatively excellent condition. The house is filled with American Cherry wood, which I am told you cannot find anymore. Each closet is big enough to house a college student (litterally they are almost as big as some apartments I saw in New Brunswick back when I was in Rutgers). It has 2 floors and attic and basement - which run the full length of the house. The rooms are all large to above average in size. I have a small yard (which needs a bit of work). There is a small garage and behind that a shed too.

The house has 3 enterances, solid wood doors, and original skeleton keys in place. The lights are all original ceramic sconces (the white ones) and brass sconces. [I plan to sell the ceramic sconces on eBay if anyone is interested] The carpets you see are all going to be removed, and the hard wood floors below are in fantastic shape. All the furniture is newly purchased - and I picked out everything myself [I think I did a good job]. Not sure what I will do with the chandilier in the dining room, but it is also original and has haind painted glass. The dining room has pocket doors and the embedded trophy case has leaded glass. The fireplace is fully functional.

Now don't think there is no work to be done on this. I have work to do on the roof, yard, painting all the rooms, replacing some fixtures and a couple of 100 year old pipes. Oh, and curtains too - God they are expensive. Oh and still a few more pieces of furniture too.

And I have a few odd bits that I will be selling, like an antique (circa IBM 1950)iron desk, an old possibly handmade table saw, some light fixtures and such. The porcelian sink stays.

Of course I will be making the attic a master suite with its own bath (adding about 750 sq ft to the house). I also plan to add a sauna and hot tub to the basement after I finish the ceiling there.

All in all its a hopefully 2 year project, though I could easily live here without major change now. But my point in sharing this is that if I can do it (being single, not rich, with my own money, and never owning anything bigger than a futon before) you can do it as well. And if you plan and work hard from the start I bet it won't take you til you are 40 - my age - to get it.

Now the pictures of some of the rooms. If you have suggestions or comments let me know.















And because I know some one will ask





While that's not every room or every detail I think you get the idea of the insides. I hope you have enjoyed peeking at this moment in my life. I'm glad to have shown it to you all and hope you go out and get the same or far better for yourself.

Best wishes to you my readers, I'll be back to writing in a day or so.

My new house

I've mentioned that I was working towards buying a new house. Well as of today I have done it.



I may be off for a day or too, but do let me know what you think of it.

Don Imus - the offense is unending

Oh the humanity of it! Shock struck me yesterday as I learned of news that I could not believe. A radio personality made a comment that was racist, or so I was told by a friend of mine.

The radio celebrity was Don Imus and the above comment was sarcasm, if you missed it. Notice the race of my friend is irrelevant for my sarcasm to be used, and it does not change the impact of what I was trying to say.

My point is to the constantly recurring comments of Don Imus. Yesterday he was involved in this conversation.

WARNER WOLF: Defensive back Adams "Pacman" Jones, recently signed by the Cowboys, here's a guy suspended all of 2007, following a shooting in a Vegas nightclub.
DON IMUS: Well, stuff happens. You're in a nightclub, for God's sake. What do you think is gonna happen in a nightclub. People are drinking, and doing drugs. There are women there and people have guns. So there, go ahead.
WOLF: Also, he's been arrested six times since being drafted by Tennessee in 2005.
IMUS: What color is he?
WOLF: He's African American.
IMUS: Ha ha, well there you go, now we know.

Now if you just read the words, it’s hard to tell what is actually meant. The comment could go either way. So I found a copy of his actual words.



Do I feel that was a sarcastic comment? NO.

IF Imus had no asked about the race of Adam Jones, then I might have had some doubt in the intent. If it were another radio personality I might have had reason to believe their words were poorly chosen. But Don Imus is very well known, especially for his offensive and racial remarks throughout his career – most recently and publicly for his attack on the Rutgers Women’s Basketball team.

Why Imus believes he can attack Black athletes (among other attacks on African Americans) is beyond me. His defense that he has 2 co-workers and a producer of his current show that are Black is stupid. They are not in his mind, they don’t control what comes out of his mouth. His racial bias does not change because of those around him, obviously.

When Kelly Tilghman called for the lynching of Tiger Woods, she was on national TV and tried to play the incident as a joke. It wasn’t and the fact that millions of people were watching did not make it any more funny or less racial. The same is true of Imus and his co-workers.

I was pleased with him getting fired after the Rutgers event. Yet I was willing to allow Imus to get a new job. I would have preferred him to have had more time unemployed, and the fact he received a speculated $50 million settlement for his contract really defeated the impact his firing was meant to convey. Still I had hoped it would slap some sense in to him. And this is perhaps why hope was the last thing that Pandora found.

But I will leave it up to you my readers. You have the transcript and his actual words recorded. Tell me what you think of his comment and what should be done this time?

Snoop Dogg in Country Music: a bad experiment

Oh my… I have seen everything now. Snoop Dogg has made a country music song, and a video to go with it.

Now as your shock subsides I will present the video to you



This video was dedicated to Johnny Cash. Somehow I don’t think he would be pleased with the song itself. Perhaps the idea would have made him smile though.

I have no problem with an artist crossing over to a different genre. Many of the greatest have done it and quite well. Ray Charles is perhaps one of the best known for his ability to convey emotion while introducing a new style of music to his listeners. Johnny Cash notably did so with his powerful rendition of Hurt by Nine Inch Nails.

But Snoop Dogg?

Well in listening to the song I can say there are several positives. Sadly there are several negatives that are what has made Snoop Dogg popular.

The music is fine if not a bit simplistic. It’s catchy in an older style of country music flavor (which is more my favored style). The vocals include a large helping of Willie Nelson, thankfully crowding out the fact that Snoop Dogg cannot sing. But the combination mostly works throughout most of the song. And that’s all the positives I found.

Now if you actually listen to the song, it’s not really country music to me. It’s basically a drug dealer talking about pimping his girl to get high. I’m not overly-familiar with country music today, but I’m not familiar with any entertainer that promotes such a thought in their music. It is what I would expect from Snoop Dogg though, and I don’t think it’s what Johnny Cash would have like.

Cash told stories of life, and mistaken choices that often involved abuses of alcohol and/or drugs. He was anti-drugs, and his music tried to uplift the spirit. I’m not saying he was the most cheerful of entertainers, but he was meaningful. Snoop’s My Medicine is not.

Looking at the visual presentation, perhaps the worst aspect is watching Snoop Dogg try to hold a guitar. He looks lost. He makes it quite apparent that he has virtually no musical ability, unless playing Guitar Hero counts. Slightly less unappealing is his country-esque clothing. The cowboy hat is ok, but some of the outfits just don’t work. He looks as silly as the song deserves to be considered.

My ultimate problem is the wording. Snoop Dogg seems to be trying to bring country music to the same guttural level that rap music has fallen to. His reference to his girlfriend being less important than the money for his drugs disturbs me. It’s not presented as a person with a serious problem, but as a fact of life that is enjoyed. I have a problem with that.

This is a fluff song. There is nothing to it, besides the hope of the promoters and music company executives of gaining higher sales for their respective artists and music genres. I don’t think Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash or country music are in any form of desperation for listeners. Thus this was an experiment.

On levels this experiment works, on many others it fails. Hopefully there will be others that can pick up this idea and make it really work. Blending country music and rap makes sense. Both depict stories of life and lessons learned. Both are grounded in life today. But gangsta rap is an exaggerated aberration of the reality that exists, and country music has no equivalent. If it never gains such an extreme I think it will be the better for it.

Otherwise the CMT Music Awards can expect to be giving out awards to entertainers starring in videos of women in Daisy Dukes - that the women of Hazzard wouldn’t go outdoors in – riding a horse while villainous black hats shoot down lawmen while singing/rapping the glory of selling drugs.

Think it can’t happen? Let this video catch on and music execs will do to country music what happened to all other forms of rap except gangsta rap.

But what do you think of the video?

George Carlin: 1937 - 2008

Rather than comment on the impact of George Carlin I will let his words speak for him.

WARNING - the following videos probably contain objectionable words and language!

Death Race - mixing old and new with a kick

I may have missed what will become the underground hit film of the summer season in all my reviews of 2008 movies. Now by no means will this be an Oscar Award winning film (which means someone in America will see it). This is a simple action driven, fast paced, plot as an excuse for explosions kind of film.

The film is called Death Race and it will star Jason Statham. Now obviously the man can drive (or at least look cool acting like he can) as seen in his Transporter films (the 3rd coming out shortly). He’s definitely one of the better action stars able to do his own stunts.

Death Race is a simple movie, the brainchild of someone who grew up in the late-70’s to early-80's. I say this because there are a few things that seem to be the inspiration of this film. And each of them are things that I personally enjoy.

It may be a bit esoteric but Car Wars, by Steve Jackson Games, seems to be one influence. The game is a simple map, with each player selecting a car, motorcycle or truck cardboard piece. On a piece of paper various armaments for the car are written down. The players then proceed to destroy each other until only one is left. Simple and fun.

Another influence is Mad Max. The film that made Mel Gibson a star, its best seen in the original Australian accents (then you will understand why Fifi has his name). Cars are the weapons and speed is a function of exposition. There are no good guys in white, and everything crosses some line at some point.

Lastly is perhaps the biggest influence. Death Race 2000.



The film clip explains it all, almost. It’s a cross-country race, with no rules beyond winning and points for killing people along the way. Devised as a means of population control, you can see why the elderly are the highest points. David Carradine is the star, Dr. Frankenstein, and Sylvester Stallone is in there too. It’s a fun movie.

This film coming out shortly has much of the elements above. But unlike most retreaded ideas (that I hate) where the whole point of the movie is thrown out the window, this one keeps focus, from what I can see. Our hero is a famous NASCAR driver (of course) that gets framed. He’s thrown into a jail where the inmates compete in a race to the death, similar to Running Man now that I think about it. People watch and the winner goes free – supposedly. The cars are souped up, decked out, and raw – much like the various drivers.

Now I don’t know but I guess Jason Statham’s character will win the race and live at the end. No doubt this will be the cause of a Death Race 2, just as there will be a Cranked 2.

But enough of my analysis, here is the video. (If the film gets a wide release I will get a review as soon as possible).

Even more 2008 summer film previews

I’ve been writing about the summer movies of 2008 for some time now. I’ve covered everything from The Andromeda Strain remake on A&E, to Iron Man, to The Incredible Hulk. I’ve given previews of movies I’m looking forward to like Hancock and Wanted and movies that I think are, or will be, dreadful like Batman: The Dark Knight, What happens in Vegas, and Speed Racer. But there are a few films that I have failed to mention. So here I go.

Get Smart is a remake of a television show that first ran in the 1960’s. Don Adams, a former Marine, took a more comedic and slapstick approach to the suave spy theme in this show and made it work well. It’s a funny show that is known for its wacky and partially functional secret weapons as the leads instantly recognizable voice (used for equal success in the children’s cartoon Inspector Gadget).

This movie looks to have none of these sparks. Yes it is more flashy, with explosions and special effects that the original television program could only dream of. But the focus on all the glitz will detract from the actual comedy that is the Clouseau-esque lead. Lots of popular stars, big budget, and not a single reason not to wait for this to hit cable. Yet another movie version of a great television show that reveals Hollywood has no idea what makes a show work, or that they ever watched the program in the first place.



The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor. And you thought all the mummies were done. This is the 3rd film of the series and lives in the same continuity. Our favorite mummy fighting dad, Brendan Frasier is back again alongside his son (now grown up) and his nar-do-well Brother-in-law.

Put the blame of the latest threat on the son this time as he releases Jet Li from his slumbers. The CGI looks to be good, and the clips give good reason to believe the unique blend of humor and action that made the first 2 films work well are still in place. If it’s half as good as previous movies in the series then this is worth going to the theatre.



Hellboy 2 has gotten a boost in the form of the director of Pan’s Labyrinth, Guillermo Del Toro. And its obvious that he had a major influence on the movie. The characters are right out of his mind to the screen. Which may help give more credibility to the story. The first film lacked believability, even for the subject it was dealing with. This one looks far more committed to the otherworldly essence that is the base of the story. Now if they can plug up the plot holes that plagued the first film it could be quite good. Either way it should be a better experience than Batman or Get Smart. If you have the extra cash it could be worth the money.



War, Inc. has several good things working for it. John Cusack is sort of reprising his role as an assassin that he played in Grosse Point Blank, along with his sister as his secretary. The film is absurd, dealing with a war that is farmed out to a corporation. That absurdity works with the way the film seems to be portrayed. And for the far-left there is a healthy dose of anti-war meaning that Hollywood seems to want to flood the theaters with.

At least this film seems to present that concept with a laugh instead of the usual sledgehammer seen in prior big budget flops (that deserved to never be seen).



Meet Dave, Space Chimps, Step Brothers, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2, and Mamma Mia all seem like great films for the discount DVD bin. If I were to be paid to see them I’d still just stick with an edited trailer instead.

Could I be wrong? Sure, and the Dukes of Hazzard was a film worthy of an Oscar. Honestly I’m sure some would like any of the films I don’t, just as some people think huffing paint is worth the holes in the brain it causes.

The only really big question in the near future is Batman. From what I’ve seen the Joker is horrible, and if he is the film fails. Not to worry though, there will be another Batman, likely a Hellboy 3, and several other superhero and videogame movies to come. They might even make a movie about Good Times or All in the Family. But that will be another post.

Anorexia and Hi Glam dolls - revisiting a thought

Sometimes you can’t win for trying. While I am often passionate about my views, I am honest enough to admit my ignorance on some subjects. But having a view that is not popular on a topical issue can often lead to unique response from the internet.

Let’s look at my comments on the anorexic looking Hi-Glam dolls.

“But these Hi-Glam dolls are different. Yes they have various races covered. No they don’t represent women as anything more important than objects to be looked at because of how they dress. Yes it’s good they are dressed more substantially than a music video hoochie. But they are all anorexic. Seriously, they are proportioned like twigs.”

Now I do know a few throughout the internet agreed with my assessment. But when you are in a pool so big, sometimes you run into those that have a different view. And since I keep an eye out for where my posts are mentioned I do notice.

Thus I ran into these responses from girls (or women I have no idea) that love the dolls and dislike my thoughts.

Girl 1 : Cruel. It's the parent that chooses the dolls they give their little girls most of the time. XP to all those who don't understand crap 'bout the toy industry. espeically the doll market.
Note: It's best not to show me those articles cause it makes me wanna murder sumthing...

Girl 2: He did say "I don’t know much about dolls".

Girl 1: yeah, so why still insult them???

Girl or Guy 3: i need more anorexic dolls.

I like hi glam. they are a BIT essentric, but I do think barbie could benefit from slightly longer legs and a smaller waist. I mean, she IS a doll. why not make her perfect?

the 2nd article was gay and i stoped reading it after the second sentence, which said "i love anime" and they listed the silly violent cartoons they liked.

Now the poor spelling aside I find this interesting. My concern is the effect that these dolls are having on the young girls they are marketed to. It’s the same concern that has enveloped the high fashion modeling industry. It’s why Italy, England and Spain have all placed bans or made comments on the weight of models in their country.

But the above comments seem unable to understand my comments. Which I thought were obvious. Yet one wants to resort to violence over speaking honestly about the dolls, and another seems almost envious of their death-like looks.

Now I will bypass the fact that anime is a well respected art form loved by tens of millions. But the comment “article was gay” says a lot about the writer. I may be too old to know the latest slang that is out, but what is that supposed to mean? Obviously it’s an insult, but I generally enjoy a bit more in my insults. Perhaps a bit of depth and points of correction or disagreement.

But I digress.

Barbie is far from perfect, but her proportions were changed because she was so unrealistic. To be unable to accept the shape of a Barbie doll today as positive versus the Hi-Glam is to say that Marylyn Monroe was less sexy and attractive than Mary Kate Olsen or Jack Skellington.

Since it seems some did not understand my point before I will be blunt, direct and simple. I’ve lived across a good part of the globe, seen women of every race and ethnicity. I know guys in every country I’ve lived in, and between the thousands of people I have known in my life, not one has ever found an anorexic woman attractive. There is simply nothing to like or admire about someone that is scarcely more than a skeleton. It’s not appealing to anyone, it’s ugly in the most sick manner.

So I don’t know anything about dolls. But I do understand that anything that suggests a girl or woman should weigh as much as a softball and look like a corpse is unhealthy and wrong. It’s America and others don’t have to agree, but I will make my thoughts known.

If only one girl or woman decides to eat a hamburger and let it stay in her stomach then I’m pleased I wrote these posts. And if anyone disagrees they can go to hell.

Heinz – For love or money?

I have just seen the latest Heinz mayonnaise commercial. This commercial was made for England, where it has aired. That is important because either Heinz thought this would appeal to the aptly named British dry wit or it was afraid of letting the American public see this.

Some find it funny, some see a political statement. I see the political statement.

What do you see? What do you think?

Tiger Woods: knee beats season

The announcement has been made – Tiger Woods will be out for the rest of the golf season. The PGA and multiple events are popping pills, knocking back drinks, and calling shrinks as I write.


After the amazing rally and win at the U.S. Open against Rocco Mediate, in sudden death on Monday, concerns over Tiger’s knee were rampant. And with good reason. The man was feeling pain at virtually every drive. In my opinion the only reason there was a playoff and a close event at the US Open was because of the recovering knee. A healthy Tiger Woods beats everyone when he wants to, by as much as he would like.

How big is this loss?

“The Tiger Effect has been with us so long now that it takes jolting events like Monday's U.S. Open playoff victory and Woods' relapsing knee to remind everyone of all the numerical impacts the man has. Besides booming TV numbers for NBC and ESPN, Woods also drove record-setting hits all over the Internet.”

Tiger Woods is perhaps the most capable athlete in the world at helping to move the U.S. economy. From ticket sales at events he appears at (influencing additionally airline tickets, hotels, restaurants, and various knick-knacks and impulse purchases at the events), advertising prices for coverage of golfing events on television and the internet, to sales of anything related to golf (clubs, clothing, golf balls, ect.) Tiger has an impact that does not have a real comparison.

And I have to wonder what happens if Tiger gets beat.

I don’t mean by another player. As uncommon as that may be, statistically it has to happen occasionally, we have seen it. I mean by his knee or any other potential injury while he is still young and early in his career. While I would hope this would never happen, injuries may be the only real opponent that Tiger has to face. And it’s the only opponent that realistically can prevent him from breaking every record the game has in place.

That would seriously hurt golf worldwide. Prize money at every event has increased since the first pro win by Tiger. Without his presence, other players might run higher in world ratings, but likely will make less money as interest wanes. Sales can decrease as the dream of competing with or playing with the living legend becomes fixed as just dreams. While perhaps a generation of kids will likely still stay involved with golf, the potential reach to new generations might end.

And millions lose a role model of poise under pressure, education, success, self-discipline, and moderation. Think about it, Tiger is the single most successful athlete in the world. No one makes his kind of money and has so little negative press. He is a good family man, without drug addictions or alcohol abuse, without scandals for fighting or paternity lawsuits. Hell, even the opponents he plays are grateful for the chance to compete with him – except for Fuzzy Zoeller – noting that he is the best around. Name another athlete, celebrity, or entertainer you hear competitors say that about.

So I’m not surprised that media sellers and the PGA are fearful. I can see how economists will have to make a (minor) adjustment to economic projections. And I can see that a whole sports industry is nervous about their futures.

Tiger is out for another season, and I hope it means he will be back healthy soon after. Because a world without Tiger Woods in the headlines detracts from everyone’s life in more ways than most ever imagine.

Tiger Wood and the U.S. Open: Rocco Mediate tried

Tiger Woods is in the lead to win the U.S. Open, again. I know you are shocked.

I was at a pool tournament Saturday and they had the Open on the T.V. Everyone asked from time to time where Tiger was. The answer varied a bit, basically he’s in the top 5, and every response would be ‘ok, he’ll win tomorrow’. Such are the expectations facing what I consider the greatest golfer in the world, perhaps ever.

Now how many of the people at the tournament realized that Tiger had recently had knee surgery? Some, though not most. Yet I think that would not change a single opinion.

‘When the man wants to win, everyone else is playing for second,’ as I recall one of the top players once stated (I think it was Ernie Els).

Right now, Tiger is winning by 3. Rocco Mediate, who is a very good player (his 157th in the world ranking aside or included), and I’m sure he will finish as close as possible. But his day was yesterday. He had his chance, he had the lead alone. Then Tiger rallied.

As I recall there has only been 1 player that has beaten Tiger Woods in a playoff match. He’s played quite a few, 14 in all, and they have almost always been for the same reason. Tiger rallied to tie. Once he rallies, everyone else (virtually) folds under the pressure he brings to bear.

Rocco had a great chance. Tiger is not fully healed, and spent the Open without taking the lead. Rocco was playing one of the best games of his career. But with Tiger around, that’s just not enough.

The thing I always find fascinating, and encouraging, is when everyone loses to Tiger. Other than Fuzzy Zoeller they don’t get upset. And it’s not because he has brought more money and excitement into the PGA, and golf in general. It’s because they are playing their A-games against someone who can bring out another level they have never seen. They are part of a living history in action.

The final match of the U.S. Open is not over yet. Tiger could fold to his injuries. Rocco could come up with a level of play he has never done before. But if I were in Vegas I wouldn’t bet against Woods. They couldn’t lay odds that are worth throwing my money away.

Dark circles? Guy-safe cures

Have you ever had a meeting that was very important, maybe critical, and you couldn’t get any sleep a couple of days prior? Maybe it was your first job, or a big promotion, or opening your own business. Maybe you lost sleep for a more personal reason, like buying a house, or getting married. Or just stress was kicking at you because of the stock market.

Whatever the reason you just aren’t getting any sleep, and you look miserable. The dark circles under your eyes are a dead giveaway to your lack of sleep, and can easily ruin that first impression, wedding photos, and so on. What can you do? More importantly what can you do if you hate, or don’t trust or don’t hate time for, chemical cures? What do you do if you are a guy and have no clue?

Well I’ve found some information that may help you out. Even if you are a guy as clueless about skincare and health as I am.

According to Best Syndication one of the best things you can do is cut up some thin cucumber slices. We’ve all seen movies and television shows where women are doing this as part of a spa treatment, but it really is good for you. Just keep your eyes shut and wait 10 minutes. So simple even a guy can do it. Before you know it you will be looking far better for that meeting or event.

Now if you are a real meat and potatoes kind of guy, cucumbers are not an option. Vegetables are not your friend – you wouldn’t know where to buy them and the smell makes you sick – so you need another option. In the same style and manner as the cucumber you can substitute a thin slice of potatoe. Now it will take 2x as long, but if the thought of a cucumber makes you feel to feminine, it’s your next option.

But let’s make this a bit harder. What if you are too macho for cucumbers, and stuck in England? (For the ladies perhaps you are just trying to relax in a bath in your hotel room.) Well there is still hope to get that better paying job. Have a couple of glasses of tea to calm you down, and once you are done the tea bags should be cool. Now use them by putting them on your eyes for 10 minutes. As a bonus keep in mind only caffeinated teas will do the job, so guys we have nothing to fear – like ordering some kind of herbal tea.

But if all the above is just too much effort, there is still one more simple, guy-safe solution that you can use. 2 cool teaspoons (no tea required). You’ll need to wash your face with warm water prior, and the teaspoons shouldn’t be left in a freezer so long as to risk freezing to you eyelids. Again it’s going to take 10 minutes. And again, guys, the spoons should not be cold enough to have icicles attached.

Now best Syndication goes on to mention one more solution before discussing wrinkles. I’m not going to mention it because I’m a dumb guy that wouldn’t eat a banana or know how to puree anything if you paid me. Other guys might, but I don’t. But if I mention it I’m sure some women will know what it is and what to do. Banana puree.

So, now that you have my understanding of the natural cures you have no excuse to start that business, get married, ask that cute girl at the bar/coffee shop out, or whatever your reason for needing to know this.

Hope it helps, and maybe gave you a smirk.

The UFC versus the Olympics - the fight to come

Imagine your favorite Ultimate Fighting Championship fighter, now imagine them adorned with an Olympic gold medal. Does that image get your blood pumping?

While some might find this idea a bit far-fetched it may not be exactly out of the realm of possibility. In fact it’s highly likely that some sort of UFC inspired change to Olympic wrestling is on the verge of taking part in the world competition. At least that’s what some in FILA, the international wrestling federation, and USA Wrestling believe.

Now what is being considered is not exactly UFC, nor it’s cousin Mixed Martial Arts. It’s a combined effort that includes aspects of both youth-oriented and commercially successful endeavours and aspects of traditional wrestling. This new format is called Grappling.

According to Jason Townsend of USA Wrestling

“It's going back to the roots. Real combat. Once you submit somebody or you get submitted, there's no question who is the better man. When you're getting choked, you really know that guy had you in a situation where he could have either broken your arm or your leg or choked you unconscious. For me, that's a much more rewarding experience than pinning somebody, which really fulfills no practical combat necessity.”

Now how does that sound? I would expect it’s likely to cause at least the same ruckus as was seem when volleyball and snowboarding were included in the Olympics. Though somehow I think this will pack a bit more of a punch. How bad do you want that gold medal now?

Movie Review: Incredible Hulk

So is the Incredible Hulk worth seeing?

That was the question that faced me as I sought to do this review. I decided that I would try to see this movie under conditions that most match non-big city America.

I live in Binghamton, NY. To those that are from here, or around here, this is a big city; I think it’s a small town. And this is where I have live for the past 5 years (if you feel bad for me, you don’t feel bad enough) and where I decided to see the movie. Since I decided to see this movie on opening weekend I put no thought to what time I saw the movie at. There has never been a movie that I am aware of that has sold-out ever in this area.

Once I decided to see the movie I also went with taking a cab. Gas prices are high, and many are using cabs to travel in an attempt to save money. In fact several groups of people took a cab. This plan works best in groups because for me alone it cost $16 each way. The joy of being single and not driving I suppose.

So after I was ripped off by the cab company (the trip was not even close to being far enough to justify such a price – even with higher gas prices) I walked into the theater. The ticket cost me $9. So just showing up and getting in cost me $25, going home another $16. You can guess if I decided to buy popcorn, a soda, or anything else in the theater.

The trailers eventually started, after the god-awful commercials that I swear never to do business with since they were wasting my time advertising before the movie. The trailers were for Tropic Thunder, the next installment of the Mummy, Hancock, and Star Wars: The Clone Wars. The animated Clone Wars looked interesting, but missed the feel of most of the Star Wars movies. The entire crowd seemed to laugh a lot and enjoy Tropic Thunder- particularly the scenes with Robert Downey Jr. being a Black man. There was silence after the Hancock preview, and mere murmurs for The Mummy. Take that to mean what you will. [To add flavor I will tell you about Binghamton and the area. 3% Black, 1% Asian, 96% White. Average income $28,000. Average level of education – 11.75 grade. Favorite pastime- drinking. Number of children – average 2.75 by age 20.]

So the movie begins. Right off the back zero respect of concern is given to Ang Lee’s horrendous version of this movie. A new background, reminiscent of the television series, is created in flashback. Nothing is referred to the prior movie.

And then the movie moves. The pace is moderately fast. It covers a decent amount of ground quickly. After introducing Thunderbolt Ross, and Bruce Banner we slow slightly to see what Bruce (Ed Norton) is up to. By the time you are wondering what will be destroyed Bruce has his incident meter drop from 158 days to zero, and all his anger management training goes out the window.

The Hulk, who does speak 3 times, wastes little time in kicking ass. His size look and demeanor are all adult, violent and Hulkish. While no one obviously dies, you can imagine the years of traction that most will easily endure. When we finally get a full close-up view of the Hulk, his primal scream makes it clear that he is trouble on steroids and raging.

About this time is the first instance when you think that Emil Bronsky has a problem. He actually isn’t freaked out by the 15 foot tall, 1500 pound, green thing he just saw tossing forklifts around. He wants to take it on in another fight. That’s not normal, even in comic book land brains.

At this point I should mention that several scenes, though minor, found in the previews and trailers never occur in the movie. I have no doubt that the DVD will hold these scenes and clarify what happened and why they were cut. But the plot is not hurt by their omission.

At this point the plot also introduces several ideas that are the introduction or reinforcement of several Marvel characters and organizations. Requisitions for weapons introduce Stark Industries (see my Iron Man review), S.H.E.I.L.D., Nick Fury, the Super Soldier program (i.e. Captain America), and the Avengers. Smart move for a company planning multiple other movies all based in the same world. More on this soon.

With a decent amount of plot development and a bit of intrigue we progress to the next instance of the Hulk. Again we see why he is incredible, and what a bit of chemistry is capable of. It’s a good example of what the Hulk is capable of, where another movie can go, and what Ang Lee never understood.

Now I will jump towards the end of the movie. The Abomination is created; the Hulk goes after him and ultimately kicks his ass. Like you didn’t expect that. Though there is not the obvious increase in power for the Hulk. Unlike Ang Lee’s version this Hulk does not grow taller nor expand in size. But he does get far more ferocious and his power has more of an effect.

In the final scenes we get to see that the saga for Bruce Banner has not ended, though he seems to reach a new level with his inner monster. In addition we are prepared for a stage where multiple Marvel heroes will be all onscreen simultaneously. Expect to see a familiar face form this summer in a role that is now well known.

So do the visuals live up to expectations? Yes. The behemoth is green and rage is the emotion du jour. Coupled with a few primal screams that just tap you into his unending and unyielding anger and you feel his power. Lightning strikes beware this boy is bad.

Does the movie pay homage to it’s past? Yep. To Bill Bixby, Lou Ferrigno, the television series and its comic book base. This movie actually remembers why it was made and who its fans are.

The ultimate question though is whether it is worth the $32 dollars I spent in transportation and $9 for the ticket. In terms of the ticket, yes. The movie is definitely worthy of seeing on the big screen. As for the transportation, don’t take a taxi. If you have a wife and kids I can understand the potential cost savings. But if you are single like me take a car. If you don’t drive (which I don’t) go with a date, or friends. Anything but go alone as the cost is beyond prohibitive, even if you make a decent living.

If you have to choose between Iron Man and the Hulk as just one movie to see this summer, see Iron Man. But if you can see more than one, the Incredible Hulk is the next best choice.

R Kelly - next stop Neverland Ranch

I have been following the news of the sudden death of Tim Russert when I was sent a message from a friend. R Kelly has skipped justice.

As many who have read my many political thoughts know, I am a political junkie. Tim Russert was a large figure in accurately reporting the political news. He was fair and grounded, and well researched. His loss makes a large difference in politics. My condolences to his family and friends.

As for the travesty of justice, R Kelly. I can’t say I’m amazed that the jury came out with their answer on a Friday and late in the day. Even if the news currently wasn’t filled with the shocking news of Mr. Russert, I think the R Kelly news would have still been buried.

The media knew this would be the outcome. The courts knew this was a set-up.

After delays for 6 years the defense finally allowed this case to come to court when they knew that the celebrity star power of this alleged pedophile would outshine the crime he was accused of. Obviously I feel this was a failure to punish someone that needed to be punished.

How do I know this was expected? How do I know that celebrity skewed justice? Well look at how Yahoo News reported this in their first sentence

“R. Kelly was acquitted of all charges Friday after less than a day of deliberations in his child pornography trial, ending a six-year ordeal for the R&B superstar.” [emphasis added by me]

His ordeal. Not the victim. He was attacked and don’t forget he is a superstar entertainer.

Pitiful.

Does the Black community know if R Kelly was guilty? Well here is one source that proclaimed what many, including myself, believed.



I again will say that I hope he loses all his money and never has another successful album or tour. It is only my opinion, but I feel R Kelly is a pedophile. I believe he is a troubled and sick individual. And I am bewildered that anyone continues to buy his music.

The jury felt I was wrong. After 6 years of delays, and practice to get their case figured out I’m not surprised. Give anyone 4 high-end lawyers and 6 years and you can get off of anything, even being videotaped violating the law and a child.

I’m not upset with the lawyers; they did their job and were paid well for it. How they sleep at night is their own issue. But I feel that the jury failed justice. And I have nothing else to say about it.

Before you see Hulk or Batman

Ok, a dear friend just sent me this link and I've been laughing my a** off (I needed it after all the stress of late). This is funny. I have to give massive credit to the guys that created this.

Before I provide the link I will present just one of over 40 videos (that tell a couple of movie or comic book style stories) dedicated to Marvel and DC. If you don't laugh at this you are wound way too tight.



Oh hell, here is one more



Go see the rest here http://www.youtube.com/profile_videos?p=r&user=ItsJustSomeRandomGuy&page=1

R Kelly waits for jury verdict

So what is going on in the R Kelly trial? If you were following the general media I’m sure you have no idea. I didn’t until I searched for the news.

For close to a decade nothing has been said so far. An initial blast of news, and then quiet. The quiet of lawyers shuffling papers and keeping R Kelly out of the courtroom or headlines. The strategy of the defense has been consistent and logical. Say nothing, do nothing, Delay to make sure the girl in question grows up enough to absolutely look nothing like the child in the video. Delay to allow the jurors and public to forget. Delay to give every excuse of doubt possible. Then show up in court and keep quiet.

R Kelly said nothing. He refused to speak in this trail. Yet 14 others spoke instead. They identified him as being in the video, 12 recognized the girl. And only Kelly’s lawyer had anything to say about it.

The prosecution connected the infamous video to the residence of Kelly. They provided a woman that testified under oath to have performed sex with R Kelly and the underage girl. 2 video experts testified that fabricating the tape was unlikely – without a decade of time – and how the male in question had the same mole on his body as R Kelly.

The defense has denied the mole connection with a video “expert” – a self-taught expert with about 1/10 the experience of the prosecution experts. They denied the videos look like, let alone finger, either the victim or Kelly. And the defense has proclaimed that everyone involved is in a conspiracy against R Kelly for his money and to damage his fame.

I left out one important thing. The girl who was the victim, allegedly, did not testify. She has denied being in the video. The defense says it’s because she wasn’t there and this wasn’t R Kelly. The prosecution says they don’t want to drag her thru more hardship. And I would say that the fact that R Kelly has employed her father for years since the event, the embarrassment, and the social stigma of being eternally remembered as the young “whore” (as described by the defense) in the video are all plenty of reasons not to show up in front of jurors and the paparazzi waiting on the court steps.

That is the nutshell summary of a case that has taken 6 years to get in front of jurors. Those are the positions of both sides. Some will decry the innocence of R Kelly. I am not one of them.

From his well documented social life and actions, his manipulation of the courtroom, and his employment of the alleged victim’s family I have an opinion. The jury is debating their answer now. Mine would be guilty.

Not only do I think that R Kelly is a repulsive child molester who needs to be jailed, I believe that every dollar he has earned since he committed this crime should be taken and used to help the public against pedophiles. Were it up to me, I would cut off every pedophiles balls and lock them up in a very small isolated room. Fame and entertainment ability is not an excuse or cover for their actions in my mind.
Some don’t care and support R Kelly because he is famous, or Black, or an entertainer of some skill. Others think he is innocent. Be that as it may, I am not swayed. But I am not on the jury.

It will be very interesting to see how the major media will react to the jury’s’ verdict, especially since they have avoided saying anything for 6 years. We will see.

Reply to Anonymous comment on NASCAR, Grant

This is a reply to the comment of anonymous who commented on my post NASCAR, Mauricia Grant, and my opinion.

Because of the aspersions made, and the amount of ignorance espoused I felt that my response needed to be seen more prominently. To summarize the unknown commentor ignored the factual history of the South and NASCAR. They ignored the question and points discussed in my original post. Instead they produced an ill-formed rant that blames the woman and African Americans in general. To that I have this to say:

Your brilliance astounds me. The logic that you display has not been equaled since creation of protozoa’s (a single celled creature if you were wondering). The points you iterate are as straightforward as a Gordian knot. [I gave you protozoa, look it up] And in case you didn’t get it I am being sarcastic.

I realize you have an opinion, but I must ask where you form the idea that this woman has lied? What magical insight gives you such knowledge? Do you know her? Do you work with her? Based on your reluctance to provide any name, and the arbitrary nature of your arguments I have to believe you have no idea better than anyone else. Thus in taking the negative stance you highlight your support of NASCAR and dislike of her comments. [Of course I obviously have taken the converse position. Though that position has been backed up by the fact she has filed a lawsuit against a multi-million dollar industry which no one in their right mind would do lightly.]

Now if you are tired of hearing about the confederate flag, I suggest you ask millions of southerners to burn them and not stick them all over the place. I suggest you tell them to take it down from government buildings and off their cars and clothes. Because as long as it is in sight it is a statement of support of that history you so proudly want to remember parts of.

Perhaps you hate to be reminded of slavery because you feel guilt about something you have done in your life. Maybe it’s because you understand that the foundation of the nation was created on the backs and bones of African Americans, literally. Maybe you realize that the playing field in life is not even and your advantage gives you unease. But I doubt it.

You may not understand it, but in bringing up the unresolved past of America many African Americans are seeking to educate and heal the nation. Many are trying to ensure that actions of the past are never revisited, much like the way many Jews will not let their children forget the Holocaust. Because when people stop learning from the past, they tend to repeat it. You might recall all that from your high school history class.

By the way you say

“I hate that we had slavery but we did and we learned from it. We now have a mixed black and white nominated for president and that tells me we have come a long way.”

We learned from it? When? Right after the 13th Amendment Jim Crow laws were enacted and remained in place for about 100 years. There were riots as millions of Whites resisted any repeal or change in the Jim Crow laws and segregation. But that was 40 years ago. Today we do have a Black Democratic nominee for President. Yet that does not correct or absolve the prejudice and inequality in this nation. The Rodney King beatings were nearly 2 decades ago, Sean Bell’s murder was last year as was the atrocity to Megan Williams. Where is the learning? This says nothing of the fact that minorities are underrepresented in ever executive position in every industry in America. A fact that is statistically impossible for the numbers.

But then you want to blame the victim. Not unlike what happened to the woman in the Duke Rape case. [Yes she was found to have lied, but the media – like you now – instantly assumed her to be wrong and a criminal. When was the last time a White person was publicly assumed to be wrong and a liar when they claim to be a victim??] You blame her for trying to earn her living and surmount the problems around her. You blame her for not stopping the racism and sexism that surrounds her, allegedly. Let me ask you this, how would you stop such institutional problems. How do you stop people from treating you with disrespect when the top person in the company is joining into the fray? And how long do you think you could have worked with such pressure on you every day? By your statements you are not strong enough to have made it more than a day or 2. By your own words you would have immediately run and told, and then turned around and ran home. This woman stood her ground and tried to earn respect among people who could not give any for over a year, allegedly.

And let me correct something you stated. You would not stay and deal with the harassment for 22 months. You aren’t that strong. But there have been many African Americans that have endured what this woman, Ms. Grant, has and more. Think of every first African American, think of all those that lived prior to the civil rights movement, or those that yes were slaves. African American culture is filled with the belief that we endure difficult work and life conditions and make the best of it we can. So yes I do understand why she persevered for 22 months, and why I guess you could not.

Now at this point you jump top a different issue, about Black drivers. You say they CANT get sponsorships. Why the hell not? The best driver in the world currently is Lewis Hamilton, and he is Black. What difference does it make for an American Black driver? The culture of America refusing to accept him. And that is racist if you didn’t know it.

Again you jump to another thought. And I pause to note that these skips are not following a logical progression but spring from an association found only in your mind.

You make an assumption about “some blacks” and their desire to work. What about the fact that far more White Americans are not working. The fact is that even if every African American in America was to stop working it would not account for all the people in America that receive government aide. The fact is that far more than double are the number of Whites that “want everything without working hard for it.”

Again the culture of Black America is the recognition that because of the bias, and the implied benefit of being White, we must work 2x as hard to gain half the recognition and economic gain. That is not an assumption, nor are the experiences I have had that back up this cultural understanding. But you are right; Whites don’t get everything without working for it. But they will get it before me if I only do the same quality and quantity of work.

Finally you get back on point of the subject at hand. And you reveal that you see an opportunity for profit. You are motivated by her ability to sue to earn money. I see her ensuring that a point is made, and a path is cleared for the next Black person or woman that wants to work in NASCAR. But that is a difference in point of view. I see the aspect of improving NASCAR for everyone that is capable and interested in working there. You see a selfish get rich scheme.

But of course you had to bring Rev. Al Sharpton and Rev. Jesse Jackson into this. [By the way they are reverends and should be addressed as such out of respect] Neither reverend was mentioned by a single news organization, or me. But you had to mention them. Why? Because you have some issue with them it seems. Because you don’t agree with what they do? Because it annoys you when Black men with power take a position against people that are used to abusing that power in regard to other African Americans? I make no claim to advocate everything the reverends have done, but there is little dispute that they have done many things to the benefit of America and individuals.

Now you sum up with a classic stop whining comment. I’m sure that was the same thing said about those injured in unsafe factories before unions existed. I’m sure that was the same thing said to women that wanted to vote and be considered more than their husbands’ property. I’m sure the same thing was said to American Indians as they were removed from their lands and placed into swamps and deserts. It’s the ultimate answer for someone that does not want to hear they are abusing their positions and don’t care about equality. It’s the penultimate comment by someone that is White in a country that prefers and respects those of the same color.

Now I don’t think she deserves $225 million. But to assume that she was not affected by abuse, insult, disrespect, and disregard for her humanity (assuming any part of her claims are true) is to be daft and obtuse.

You said

“When they set blacks free they thought everything was free from then on. We take three steps forward and a black comes along and sets us back 2.”

I took that personally and I will respond in kind. You small-minded, racist, cowardly, stupid, buffoon. How dare you. Blacks in America built this nation, fought and died for this nation. As a community we have contributed as much if not more to this nation than ANY group in our history. We have overcome the ill-conceived perception of being property, we have excelled in the face of oppression, and we have risen to the highest positions in the land in the face of resistance, fear, and hate.

Nothing is free in America, least of all the freedom that Blacks have been able to attain. Yes things are easier today than 100 years ago, but that does not mean anything is free or easy. Only the most dim-witted and thick-skulled individual would assume that the average Black American believes anything is just given to us.

Every African American I know or have known of has earned everything they have. From drug dealers to CEO’s every single African American works hard to attain the things they have. If you perceive this as being easy or simple, its just because we are accustomed to living with adversity and inequality and can be successful even in that environment.

Every time I write a post highlighting success and/or issues in America with regard to race, gender, ethnicity, or nationalism a repugnant, obnoxious, anonymous, feebleminded, peon makes a comment like yours and I see how America is not allowed to take a step forward after all.

The growing bandwagon against Spike Lee

Shame on Spike Lee. That’s what it seems Clint Eastwood feels in commenting on the comments of Lee about the absence of a single African American in the nearly 6 hours of film Eastwood created in 2 films about Iwo Jima. And Eastwood is not alone in rebuking Spike Lee.

Amazing. I’ve already made my comment on this issue, where I’ve agreed with Lee and am upset with Eastwood. And yes I do realize that the number of Black troops were less than 1000. Still nearly 6 hours of is more than enough to have one Black face in a background shot at least. Acknowledging the existence of the African Americans that fought and died in WWII is not a lot to ask for. Not that Hollywood has ever cared, as evidenced by the flood of films featuring or including Blacks in WWII films.

But I am now hearing how Spike Lee is being called out for his portrayals of Italian Americans.

“Spike Lee is very talented, but I sometimes wish he'd practice what he preaches," Dal Cerro said. "His points about African-Americans are well taken, but, ironically, he does the same thing to Italians in his films.” - Bill Dal Cerro, president of the Italic Institute of America

Oh really?

This annoys me. Unlike the overwhelming number of movies made by virtually every director since movies have been made, the movies by Spike Lee have diversity in them. People of all colors appear in most of his films. They may not be leading characters but they are there. The same cannot be said of Hollywood in general.

But Spike makes Italians look bad? As far as I recall the Godfather was out long before any film by Spike. As far as I can recall Italians have been portrayed as loud, rude, violent, under-educated, mafia members in dozens of movies and television programs for decades. Spike Lee had nothing to do with the Sopranos. He did not direct Andy Garcia or Robert De Niro in the Untouchables. I really don’t need to go on do I.

There is no absence of Italians in hundreds of films a decade. There is no absence of Italian actors in films, television and the theatre of every style and genre an any year. So this claim against Spike Lee is just a grab at attention, and a means to damage his image. It supports Clint Eastwood and the perception that African Americans were anywhere but fighting for America in WWII.

When the critics of the many films of Spike Lee want to take him on, I suggest they first take a look at our media. When they can prove that Black actors and films are not the trend of the year or the forgotten red-headed stepchild of Hollywood I’ll accept the claim that there are not enough Whites in his films. I’ll accept at that time that historical and current portrayals of Italians, Britians, Germans, French and every other nationality of Whites may be insensitive or detrimental. But when we stop listening to the rhetoric and pay attention to the facts before our eyes we realize that such a dramatic change is still a long ways away.

NASCAR, Mauricia Grant, and my opinion

In the 1920’s the Old South was renown for its relaxed pace of life, good weather, Jim Crow laws, and criminal moonshine bootlegger races. Inbetween the massacre of Rosewood and unknown numbers of lynchings southerners of the time would rally together under the confederate flag to watch the intermittent Sunday races of these speedy criminals. The popularity of these races grew over the decades until in 1947 NASCAR was born.

But the South was unable to captivate the nation with this new sports league as it was busy segregating it’s schools, diners, buses, and life in general. With the Confederate Flag never far the late 50’s and 60’s were filled with Civil Rights protests and marches – and police and firemen using fire hoses and dogs to attack these peaceful demonstrations. And even more lynchings, with an occasional murder of northern White activists.

Then in 1979, after the attention of the nation had been focused on Viet Nam and assumed all the ills of discrimination were absolved by the end of segregation (but not prejudice or discrimination), broadcast television presented the nation a new image of the Old South. In that year the Dukes of Hazzard aired on television.

The Dukes of Hazzard was a mix of old ideas about the South in a more modern package. As I recall the show was as segregated as most all television shows (including the majority of those on-air today) without a single Black character ever crossing the screen. The focus of the show was a family of criminals, moonshine runners, their conflicts with the corrupt but exceptionally familiar authorities, and a NASCAR-esque car featuring the confederate flag. In fact the show was so focused on the car, and the short cutoff jeans of the only female character, that NASCAR grew in attention and prominence.

Jumping forward 3 decades we reach today. A majority of television shows still lack any non-White characters [or present just one so they can claim they are being fair – though I think most cities these shows are based in have more than just the handful of non-Whites the programs insinuate] the Confederate Flag still flies across the South and on government buildings, and NASCAR is more popular than ever. While NASCAR is not directly segregated (there has been African American drivers, and there are non-Whites in the pit crews and support staff) it is blatantly worse than television in its diversity.

Of course many in the South and across the nation would not believe this single northern Black Puerto Rican when I point all this out. God knows they have sent me the letters and comments to tell me so. But then the New York Times, Associated Press, San Jose Mercury News, Fox News and many others presented a news story that goes right to my points.

They all are reporting on a lawsuit by a Black woman that was a former NASCAR official. I say former because when she complained about the sexual and racial and gender abuse and discrimination she was receiving she was fired. Which is against the law and NASCAR rules as I understand.

Mauricia Grant was hired in 2005 to work as a technical inspector on the Nationwide series. In the 22 months that she was employed she was called “Queen Sheba” “Nappy head Mo”, told to hide from the crowds of spectators, called a lesbian, asked to perform sex acts, told she works on “colored people time”, and provided multiple disturbing references to the Klu Klux Klan. That’s just a few of the things she had to deal with. When she filed a complaint, to Nationwide Series director Joe Balash he joined in on the merriment.

Ms. Grant is suing for $225 million.

Of course she will not get that amount. But that is not the issue. Nor is my obvious disdain for the Old South and the romanticized selective rememberances of its past and present. The issue is that in 50 years parts of America have successfully refused to alter their views on human beings. And the nation as a whole willfully accepts this with our collective heads in the sand.

I would like to believe that NASCAR as a whole is not like the allegations that have been leveled against them. I would like to believe that the fans of NASCAR do not share such beliefs. But I am hard pressed to believe that.

Were NASCAR to present the various trophies swaddled in a confederate flag, I would not be surprised. Nor would multitudes of the fans who carry their own flags, cars adorned ala the General Lee (name of the Dukes of Hazzard car), and robed in confederate flags made into shirts, shorts, pants and more. Were NASCAR to have a KKK night, handing out white robes to fans and lighting the track with burning torches, I would be mildly shocked. Not because they did it, but that inevitiably it would be televised. I’m sure some of the NASCAR fans dream of such a night.

I don’t find NASCAR interesting. Because it is a symbol of the Old South and what that factually represents. But fans should wonder about what NASCAR represents today, because the allegations leveled speak to an attitude that is more backward and brain-adled than virtually any stereotype or mockery of the South.

The Confederate Flag - The Colbert Word

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Greatest animated films ever - Yahoo's bogus list

Recently I saw a list of the top animated films ever. This was a list compiled by Yahoo in part to promote the new film Kung Fu Panda. Supposedly the list was voted on by Yahoo visitors and compiled. I think the list is a crock.

I really have to wonder what films were in the original choices to be voted on because there are a few massive omissions. Let me give you the names in the Yahoo list.

Bambi, The Jungle Book, Sleeping Beauty, Over the Hedge, The Simpson’s Movie, Ice Age 2, and the original Ice Age, Snow White, Howl’s Moving Castle, Mulan, Peter Pan, Horton Hears a Who, Lady and the Tramp, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Princess Mononoke, Cinderella, The Little Mermaid, Enchanted, Shrek 2, Cars, Monster's Inc, Spirited Away, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, Toy Story, Ratatouille, Shrek, The Incredibles, The Lion King and Finding Nemo.

That list is in order from lowest rated to highest. Or so Yahoo says. I think the list is just advertising for Disney and a few other advertisers for Yahoo. Oh and a few other films thrown in to make the list look honest.

Where is Ghost in the Shell? Or Akira? I mean seriously Akira is not on the list. That’s just stupid.

And to rate Ratatouille, The Little Mermaid, Cars, Mulan, and Over the Hedge in any list of greatest animated films is inane. Where is Fantasia, Dumbo, Charlottes’s Web (the original), Space Battleship Yamoto, Galaxy Express 999, The Lion The Witch & the Wardrobe, Heavy Metal, Secret of NIHM, Vampire Hunter D, Lilo & Stitch, and that’s just of the films I’ve seen.

I find the Yahoo list bogus not because of what is in it (though there is a lot of substandard recent garbage that is likely included just to pump up DVD sales) but because of the number of classic and acclaimed animated films that are left out.

At least Yahoo could have been honest and said ‘here is the list of movies out advertisers think were the greatest ever – if you never saw an animated film before or if you don’t mind increasing their profits with films in DVD libraries.’ But if you want a real greatest list you need to check out the films I mentioned that were omitted by Yahoo. I think you’ll agree with my list, without question.

Dave Winfield remembers what Major League Baseball and WWII movies forget

Today is the anniversary of D-Day. The invasion of Normandy. And the major media barely takes notice. I mean in an environment where ultra-liberals are screaming that America turn tail and run away from Iraq, and cities slap insult after insult on our military – refusing to allow recruiters to do their jobs and hiding our Armed Forces in the back doors of airports if they let them into the ports at all [look up San Fransisco or Marines at VASS]– how do we expect more?

But America is not just forgetting to remember the sacrifices of the old and current soldiers that ensure the freedoms we enjoy without a second thought. In our luxury of sitting in our homes and the only bomb blasts occurring on our HDTV screens, we forget that 2302 days have passed without a single terrorist attack in America. If anyone thinks this is not because of our brave men and women, and their sacrifices, they are in my opinion fools and willfully ignorant.

America loves to forget the things in our past that don’t match with what we want to think of today. Like past wars and the soldiers that fought them. Like the decades it took for the Tuskegee Airmen to get the recognition they deserved, or the fact that beyond Spike Lee’s upcoming film I cannot name another major (or minor) movie that recognizes that African Americans served in WWII. Then again you would be hard pressed to find Hollywood mentioning that Blacks have served in ever war or conflict America has ever had including the American Revolution.

Along those same lines of forgetting selected parts of our past, there is an example of someone that is remembering. Dave Winfeild, former NY Yankee, has not forgotten those that came before him and enabled him (and every other non-White pro team athlete) to enjoy being the pinnacle of American major league sports. Who has he remembered that was forgotten? The players of the Negro Leagues.

The original National Association of Base Ball Players, formed in 1867, banned black athletes. In 1920 the Negro National League was formed. It would be another 27 years before Jackie Robinson would break the barrier created 80 years prior. But Jackie Robinson was not a man in a vaccum, nor plucked from some street corner. He was one player among a league of hundreds, a number of which are believed to have been equal or superior to Robinson – each of them denied solely because of the color of their skin.

Today there are hundreds of players that are of virtually every race found on the Earth in American major league sports. Yet even the most avid fans in the nation’s preimer sport are hard pressed to name more than 2 players from the Negro Leagues – Jackie Robinson and Saitchel Paige. Such a shun and a desire to ignore the racist and ill-concieved past of the nation and baseball is maddening. And while it’s many years too late, Dave Winfeild has made sure something is done about it.

30 members of the Negro Leagues, people that I doubt most sports fans have ever heard of – because the history books and stadiums were closed to them – are to be recognized in a way that at least symbolically ensures their place in baseball history. These men will be drafted by the major teams prior to the MLB amateur draft. Emilio “Millito” Navarro, now 103 and the first Puerto Rican to play in the Negro Leagues, will be drafted by the New York Yankees.

In a country finally celebrating the potential of the first African American that may become the President of the United States, finally recognizing that African Americans fought and died as bravely in every war we ever fought, finally recognizing that Blacks have been as integral to the foundation and growth of this nation as any (and perhaps more) other group, I say that such recognition is beyond long overdue.

The major media may feel such events are cursory. They may feel that focusing on a fist bump by Senator Obama on the night he locked the Democratic Presidential nomination is more news worthy. But I will not allow my blog to miss these important facts. I remember those that came before me, I thank them. And I will share that acknowledgement. If nothing else, it’s the very least we can do.

Don’t you agree?

Senator Obama is the Democratic Presidential candidate

This is an excerpt from VASS, my political blog following the Presidential election since 2006 and providing coverage for TV ONE.

With great joy I can now say that Senator Barack Obama is the Democratic nominee for President of the United States.

As of 5:37pm the total delegates and Super Delegates reached 2123 in a surge as many formerly supporting Senator Hillary Clinton abandoned her. There is no question that comments from Senator Clinton acknowledging her interest in the Vice-Presidency helped to sway at least some of the late breaking delegates...

But now is when the real issues will appear. The real questions of what are the plans that will improve America. The plans that will unify the nation. The plans that will carry the nation to the future. And these plans will be compared to those of Senator John McCain, with the best becoming President.

Race is still the predominant issue going forward. I still see that as a factor that will secretly withhold votes from Senator Obama no matter what people say publicly. I hope to be proven wrong on that, again...

See full post here

Repost: Associated Press announces history making news for Senator Obama

As seen along with my political coverage at VASS

I had to stop packing for my move and work to present this:

AP tally: Obama clinches Democratic nomination

WASHINGTON (AP) — Barack Obama effectively clinched the Democratic presidential nomination Tuesday, based on an Associated Press tally of convention delegates, becoming the first black candidate ever to lead his party into a fall campaign for the White House.

Campaigning on an insistent call for change, Obama outlasted former first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton in a historic race that sparked record turnout in primary after primary, yet exposed deep racial divisions within the party.

The AP tally was based on public commitments from delegates as well as more than a dozen private commitments. It also included a minimum number of delegates Obama was guaranteed even if he lost the final two primaries in South Dakota and Montana later in the day.

The 46-year-old first term senator will face Sen. John McCain of Arizona in the fall campaign to become the 44th president.