What's The Matter, Black Folks? Can't Take a Compliment

The Reverend Al Sharton had dinner with a radio talk host- I'll reveal his name in a moment- at Sylvia's in Harlem. This talk show host made a comment that Sylvia's is no different than any restaurant in Little Italy. This host commented that the people were respectful, and no one caused so much of a stir (other than their entrance).

This same talk show host made a point that a lot of black people are beginning to think for themselves, and are "steering away from the Jessie Jacksons and Al Sharptons." Which sounds like a complement to me, given that both Jackson and Sharpton are pretty much hate and fear mongerers.

The talk show host is none other than Bill O'Reilly, of The Radio Factor and Fox News' O'Reilly Factor.

And now his comments are drawing criticism from liberal radio powerhouse Air America and some in the black press. Media Matters, a liberal watchdog group called the comments ignorant and racially charged.

Ignorant and racially charged? Wait a sec. You mean to tell me that Mr. O'Reilly's comments on the civility of his visit to Sylvia's, and his going to a recent Anita Baker concert was racially charged?

Hmmm.

Sure, O'Reilly criticizes hip hop and gangsta rap- and he has a right to his opinions. But O'Reilly was saying that black folks are pretty much making progress in society. Of course, not everything's hunky-dory, but at least he's saying that the African-American segment- at least the majority of them- are doing quite fine.

Be happy, guys.

Copyright (C) 2007, by Darren W. Alexander. All Rights Reserved.

Senator Sues God

In Lincoln, Nebraska- the state capital- a state senator is suing the Almighty- who goes by the names God; Higher Power; Jehovah; Yahweh; Allah; Buddah; or even Satan- for acts such as making terroristic threats; causing inter Alia (among other things) disasters such as tornadoes; hurricanes; earthquakes; etc.

The point Ernie Chambers, 70, Democrat representative for the 11th District of Nebraska is trying to make, allegedly, is to prove that anyone can sue God.

So, if I want to, I can sue the Almighty on grounds that he/she has denied work for me and kept me from making billions of dollars, right?

Or I can sue my Jehovah's Witness mother for that. She's the one who bitched when I awed over Sly Stallone's house (when Oprah interviewed Sly on one of her show's episode).

Just a couple of thoughts, folks.

You can go directly to the PDF copy of this suit by click here: http://media.graytvinc.com/documents/Chambers+v+God.pdf

Copyright (C) 2007, by Darren W. Alexander. All Rights Reserved.

West Virginia- A Hotbed of Hate?

West Virginia is not exactly known as a friendly place for black folks- though the last time I went (this was about 22 years ago)- I didn't make out too badly. Then again, I was in Madison, a pretty integrated community at the time.

But even though West Virginia is known for hillbillies and rednecks, and card-holding Ku Klux Klan members, a crime so horrific has happened in the coal mining country of Logan County. One that may even shock the white supremacist fringe of society.

For a week, 20-year-old Megan Williams was kidnapped; repeatedly raped; and forced to eat dog and rat feces, as her captors beat her and broke at least one arm, and cut her hair.

Now, 49-year-old Frankie Brewster; along with her 24-year-old son, Bobby; Karen Burton, 46; Burton's 23-year-old daughter Alisha; George Messer, 27; and Danny Combs, 20 are facing numerous charges, including possible hate crimes- Ms. Williams is black; all of the accused are white, and have criminal records.

What drove six people to kidnap a woman, one who probably- judging from her age- is a college student? What was the reason- or reasons- behind the vicious acts of savagery? Why, even in 2007, does hatred for other races and/or cultures exist, that's beyond the comphrension of many, myself included.

Sure, the people of the unincorporated community of Big Creek- and Logan County, in general- say that they're shocked. I cannot help but wonder if they're genuinely shocked over the vicious crime- that may possibly be a hate crime- happened in their own backyard. Or that they're shocked that the apparently rampant racism itself may have been exposed, like a hemorrhaging wound that just won't go away.

Only in West Virginia, I suppose...

Click on the title for the link from WSAZ-TV, which has continuing coverage on this.

Copyright (C)2007, by Darren W. Alexander. All Rights Reserved.

Brigitte Harris Deserves Justice

friesnchips/YouTube

I came across the stories in Village Voice- we get it a bit late here on the left coast- and find the story of Brigitte Harris, a 26-year-old of Liberian descent very troubling. The accounts of sexual assault at the hands of her father and the subsequent killing and castration of him, almost too much to stomach. But the thing here is that my tears are not shedding for the father. He was the man who was protect his daughters from the very monstrous thing he has allegedly did. He was the provider and parent, granted, but what Eric Goodridge had done, according to Carleen Goodridge, Brigitte's sister, was anything except human.

And now Brigitte is facing manslaughter and second-degree murder charges.

Many personalities are coming to her aid, and I hope that after reading the stories at the link I've provided (savebrigitte.com- just click on the title) and from the stories at villagevoice.com, you come to her aid as well. I know that I will as soon as I can.

Copyright (C)2007, by Darren W. Alexander, All Rights Reserved.

Run, Sam, Run!

Portland, Oregon mayor Tom Potter has announced that he will not run for re-election- that tremor you hear is KXL talk show host Lars Larson jumping up and down with joy over the mayor's decision.

This, of course, opens the floodwater of possible candidates that will vie for the office in 2008.

One person is a friend of Potter's, Roy Jay, who heads the African-American Chamber of Commerce here in town. Should he seek and eventually win, he'll be Portland's first black mayor. "Everybody has to buy into this great American dream, he says.

Another is developer, and reserve police captain Bob Ball, who is heavy into historic preservation. "Portlanders want to protect the values that are important to them," Ball says.

But the virtual shoo-in for the office already works for city hall- and upon decision, will likely make Portlanders forget the other two.

Commissioner Sam Adams. He's young- he's my age (40); vibrant. And no doubt, has a vision for this city. What this vision is, Sam will tell you himself.

Here's why I'm endorsing him: he's a breath of fresh air. The fact that he's openly gay doesn't detract from the fact that he can bring Portland forward. If anything, his gayness is probably one of his strengths, on the account that Portland is a very LGBTQ-friendly city. It's a city where same sex couples can openly hold hands without risk of harassment or violence (of course, should said couples get attacked, we have a very strong hate crimes law here). He's the transportation commissioner here- yeah, that Disneyland tram may have gone over cost, but at least TriMet (the regional transit district) still beats the ass off of LA's Metro any day. Our roads could use a bit of improvement, and in due time, this will happen.

The last three mayors, Bud Clark; Vera Katz; and the current mayor Tom Potter, were elected when they were over the age of 50 (Potter is the youngest at 67; Katz is 74; and the still much-beloved- and won't be slowing down anytime soon- John E. 'Bud' Clark is 75). Clark served two terms; Katz, served three; and Potter will just stick to one. When- and if- Sam Adams runs and wins, he'll be 41. Not saying that the last three were gasbags, but I think we could use a bit of youth at 1221 SW 4th Avenue. A bit of energy and new life. However long Sam will last in the office, who knows? But one thing is for certain- at least in this blogger's mind- Sam Adams will be Portland's next mayor.

Run, Sam, Run!

Copyright (C)2007, by Darren W. Alexander. All Rights Reserved.

Where Were You On That September Morning?

JManFiveK/YouTube

Six years ago today, the most horrific attack- thus far- came upon this land. As you saw in the clip, the United flight 175 crashed right into the south tower, just minutes after American 11 hit the north tower. Terrorist connected with al-Qaida commandeered the planes, and those of United 93- where a brave four attempted to retake control- which later crashed into a field outside Shanksville, Pennsylvania .and American 77 crashed the east side of the Pentagon in Washington, DC.

What was supposed to be an election day in the Big Apple- New Yorkers were to elect a new mayor that day- had turned into a day not unlike the attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, some 60 years before. 2,974 souls were lost on September 11, 2001- earlier estimates put the figures as high as 50,000- including firemen; policemen; investment bankers; and other workers and civilians.

For this author, it was another day- in New Orleans, Louisiana.

A number of us worked for this day labor staffing agency, Temps Today, and we were at the Louisiana Superdome, cleaning up the aisles in preparation for the home opener against the San Francisco 49ers, which was to commence that succeeding Sunday.

At about 10:30AM, or 11:00AM Central Time, the supervisor, Mary Wilson- no relation to the member of the legendary Motown group, the Supremes- gave the order to everyone to drop everything, stop what we were doing, and evacuate the Superdome. My first thought, of course, was that somewhere in the facility, there was a fire. So, after we had put our supplies away and had out tickets signed, I went to the Wendy's across the street (on Poydras Street), then went to the Duncan Plaza, which is between the City Hall and the main library (the Louisiana Supreme Court building is on the grounds of Duncan Plaza). I turned on the radio, and this was the first that I heard of the towers falling- or at least one of them. The gravity of the situation hadn't quite yet hit me. As I was listening to the news, I saw signs on the buses- both the NORTA (New Orleans Regional Transit Authority) and JeT (Jefferson Parish Transit Administration)- reading either emergency of evacuation. So somehow, something may have happened somewhere in downtown New Orleans.

About 1:00PM, I went to the main library, and got on line shortly thereafter.

What I saw on the WABC-TV, ABC 7 website nearly brought up that supersized Wendy's lunch.

Debris and smoke all over. People running away. The plane flying into the south tower. The subsequent collapse of both building and a few surrounding structures as well.

What person would not be affected by those images?

THE DAYS AFTER
In the intervening days, I saw images of retaliation everywhere. One truck I came across had a message that still sticks in my mind six years later: WE'RE GONNA GET YOU! That same truck had the words R.I.P. WTC. I drew a picture of a cross-eyed Osama bin Laden upon seeing that.

Just weeks later, my- and basically America's- worst fears were confirmed when I watched a smiling bin Laden talk about how he masterminded the attacks on American soil. My blood boiled, teeth gritted. Fists balled up.

Of course, we've since went to war on terrorism, both in Afghanistan and Iraq.

No matter what party you belong to. And no matter how you stand on this war. The fact remains that we have an enemy who wants to wipe America right off the map. Not just our way of like, the way of freedom and democracy, but everyone on it. We have an enemy out there who wants to bring its' version of Islam worldwide. One where women have no rights. One where dissent brings death. One where you're pretty much under Islamic martial law.

And Osama bin Laden wants America to embrace Islam. Even if we did- and in many respects, we do embrace 'the religion of peace', just not bin Laden's idea of it- what makes anyone think that he won't still try to bring us Americans to our knees? Think about it.

Those who want to bring our troops home fail to realize this. Sure, they hate President George W. Bush- and to be honest, I don't think too highly of the man myself. However, I stand by him when it comes to this war- but the question I ask is would you much rather have the Islamofascists come on our shores and defecate on our American constitution and freedom? Or would you rather let our troops do their jobs, stop the insurgents and al-Qaida/Hezbollah/Hamas types over there?

We must stay the course, no matter the cost. We must not lose this fight against terrorism. We must bring the terrorists down. And we will. Right down to the last drop of terrorist blood.

Copyright (C)2007, by Darren W. Alexander. All Rights Reserved.

Note to Steve Jobs: NO APOLOGIES NEEDED!

First of all, I commend Apple CEO Steve Jobs for wanting to do what he feels is the right thing, by offering $100 to iPhone owners who bought the product in late June, before last week's price cuts.

Other than this, I feel that Jobs owes no one an apology. After all, Mr. Jobs didn't put a gun to the throngs of people who wanted to be first to get the iPhone, which is indeed a breakthrough product. The $599 price for the 8GB model was the right price at the time, and the price cuts last week was the right decision made by Apple and AT&T.

To those folks who wanted to be 'the first in line': it's your damn fault! It's this 'me first' attitude of yours that caused your gripe. It's your wanting to be the first in line that caused you to be dissatisfied with what Steve Jobs' decision. That dissatisfaction brought on by, not Mr. Jobs, but the early buyers themselves. You buyers did this to yourselves. DEAL WITH IT!

(C)2007, by Darren W. Alexander. All Rights Reserved.

The Roommates Keep Turning Up Dead

If anyone happens to look in the want ads for a roommate, you may want to avoid this man.

In a period of a year, two- count em'! TWO- roommates have been found dead at a trendy SoHo district apartment in Manhattan. In the same bedroom, no doubt.

The first death, the man- whose name wasn't released- discovered that female roommate dead in the third floor, two-bedroom flat on Crosby Street. The cause of death in that case was narcotics.

This death, however, was a stabbing.

This roommate- also female- was found by the same man Wednesday. Her body was decaying.

Police arrested 40 year old Juan Rios, who was the boyfriend of the boyfriend of the 36-year-old victim, Denise Deperrie. In July he was charged with assault, when he allegedly punched her; broke her nose; and cut her leg, chin, and neck with a sword. The sword was never recovered.

It appears to me that this guy has major woman troubles, or he's just deranged in the first place.

So, ladies, if you happen to look for a roommate, just remember the name Juan Rios, and avoid him by all costs- unless you like being cut by swords.

The link to this story from NBC 4 is provided.

(C)2007, by Darren W. Alexander. All Rights Reserved.

Did Madeline's Mother Kill Little Madeline?

A report, from New York's WNBC, mentions that the parents of the missing 4-year-old Madeline McCann, at least the mother, may be a suspect in the disappearnace, and possible death of the little girl. Madeline turned up missing in May of this year from the rental car her family used to drive to Portugal.

Portuguese police questioned Kate McCann for more than three hours today, after a second day of questioning. Police say that little Maddie may have been killed accidentally, according to the girl's aunt. This after new forensic evidence had turned up.

The link to this story is provided.

(C)2007, by Darren W. Alexander. All Rights Reserved.

Luciano Pavarotti- Un Apprezzamento

sintoniasaintgermain/YouTube

He loved his opera. He loved his women- he was married two times.

He was flamboyant in all he did.

The accolades about the man born in Modena, Italy on October 12, 1935, are far too many in this short time to explain. The thing is that no one has made more impact on the opera world, let alone the music world itself- not unlike the late Beverly Sills (whom we lost just weeks ago)- than Luciano Pavarotti. His rich voice has hypnotized audiences around the world for over 50 years, and he has graced kings, queens, presidents, and even rock stars with his presence. He was like the rock and pop stars he worked with- U2; Vanessa Williams; the late James Brown and countless others. He was the only opera star to be a musical guest on NBC's
Saturday Night Live. And for years, he hosted a charity event, Pavarotti and Friends, which benefited children and families living in poverty.

In short, he was the son of a baker, whose tenor at the local church captivated the young Luciano. He played soccer- football, as they call it in Europe- in his youth.

He studied to be a teacher, and worked as an elementary school teacher, and an insurance salesman but his musical temptations overtook him. He studied under Arrigo Pola, a respected teacher in Modena, working part time at the aforementioned jobs to support himself.

He began singing throughout opera houses in Europe, beginning in 1961, with the role of Rudolfo in La boheme. Then in 1963, in Vienna, he once again played Rudolfo. His American debut woulss come two years later in Miami, with the Greater Miami Opera, filling in for the scheduled tenor, who was ill. the famed soprano Joan Sutherland recommended young Luciano, since he was well acquainted with the role in Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor. n 1969, he scored another major triumph when he sang I Lombardi opposite Renata Scotto. This was recorded and widely distributed throughout the world. In 1972, in a production of La fille du regiment, at the Met, the crowd gave continuous standing ovations when Pavarotti hit nine high Cs effortlessly, receiving a record 17 record curtain calls.

In the 1990s, he co-formed The Three Tenors with Placido Domingo and Jose Carreras.

Even as he stayed true to his opera roots, he worked along other musical artists from almost every genre. Trisha Yearwood from the country music world; the late James Brown; the late Barry White, as this ovation worthy clip shows:

Raydee27/YoTube

and many others in the soul world. Celine Dion:

dkknight2008/YouTube

As you can see, he was very fluent in English, as well as other languages.

But whoever he worked with, he always held his own. He enjoyed rock star status that rivaled any.

But one of his favorite artists to work with was the Irish rock band U2:

JuanNoblorm/YouTube



This morning, that wonderful voice has been silenced by an advanced stage of pancreatic cancer. The golden voice from Modena died in the city of his birth. His second wife, his former personal assistant Nicoletta Mantovani, his sister; and his four daughters- three from his first marriage to Auda Veroni and He was 71.


In closing, I conclude this tribute with this electrifying footage of Pavarotti singing James Brown's It's A Man's World- with the Godfather of Soul himself


EnigmaSolved/YouTube

Resto nella pace, Luciano.

(C)2007, by Darren W. Alexander. All Rights Reserved.

Fred Thompson Makes Presidential Run Official

Actor-turned-senator-turned-actor-again Fred Thompson is returning back to the political life.

Thompson, 65, has made it official on the same NBC late night TV show another actor-turned-politician used just years back.


On The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Thompson ended the 'will he or won't he' speculation, and began his campaign for the office of president. Upon winning, he'll be the 44th President of the United States. Of course, he's going to have to go through his fellow Republicans- Mitt Rommney and Rudolph Giuliani are the front runners right now- and then the Democratic candidates, which right now Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are the front runners in the Democratic race.

This morning, Thompson made his announcement on his website, which I have the link to.

Thompson's entry, no doubt makes this race- particularly in the Republican primary races- much more interesting


edyblack9/YouTube/CBS

I doubt seriously that any of his campaign speeches will be anything like the ones his character in the clip (above from the late 1980s CBS crime drama series Wiseguy), but Thompson is running on a conservative platform, advocating pro-life principles, and staying the course in the current war on terrorism.

How will Thompson do over the next 14 months? Only time will tell.

But for the former federal prosecutor; actor; and senator, this Democratic blogger can only say that he's watching him pretty closely. After all, thus far, I'm endorsing one of your fellow Republicans- Ron Paul. If Paul pulls out of the race, and I feel that you will respect the pro-choice, and gay rights , and of course, the first and second amendments, then I'll consider endorsing you, Fred.

Thus far, I haven't found a fellow Democratic candidate I can trust yet. But that's neither here nor there.

(C)2007, by Darren W. Alexander. All Rights Reserved.

Admitted Pedophile- NOT WELCOME IN PORTLAND, OREGON!

Jack McClellan, who admits to having a sexual attraction to prepubescent girls, taking photos of them, and posting them on the net, has found a new city of residence.

Unfortunately, he's chosen Portland, Oregon.

The story's on the KATU-TV website. I have a link here. Just click on the title.

True, there is this bumper sticker- and movement- that says Keep Portland Weird. When we say Keep Portland Weird, we mean "don't turn us into San Francisco or snobs. Keep us friendly, offbeat, unique.

And the aforementioned three DO NOT include pedophile-friendly.

This guy says that he lives in his car. Knowing this, I say that upon finding it, burn it- with Mr. McClellan in it! And that is no joke!

I don't want this man in my city! I'm not a parent, but if I were, I'd be very wary of having this asshole around my town. And if I were to see him taking photos of my kids, I'd shove that camera- be it a cell phone camera, or digital camera- up his ass, punch his lights out, and put him someplace where even I won't be able to remember where I put his carcass.

This man has no place in this city. So, Mr. McClellan, consider yourself forewarned. You better pray that the police run you out of town before a vigilante mob gets to you. If you happen to get killed, I won't be shedding any tears for you.

In fact, if I'm lucky, I'll be there to watch you burn. And I won't guarantee that I won't have a hand in your demise, either.

(C)2007, by Darren W. Alexander. All Rights Reserved.

Perhaps I Should Become a Wiccan- At Least I'll Win the Lottery!

40 year old Elwood 'Bunky' Barlett, of Maryland, was one of the four winners of the $330 Million Mega Millions jackpot. He gets about $32 million after taxes.

But the amazing thing here is that Bunky credits Wicca for his win. He prayed to the universe and said, in his prayer/mantra that if he wins the lottery, he will devote his life to teaching Wicca.

Apparently, he's staying true to his word.

And has myself- a Christian- asking if I should abandon Christianity, and embrace other forms of worship. Now, I'm not saying that I'll go into Satan worship or anything, but having been basically screwed over by the Jehovah's Witnesses and Southern Baptists- both very conservative and (I must add, homophobic)- religions, and other so-called 'nondenominational, charismatic churches, I'm beginning to wonder if Jesus really is the personal savior and Messiah many believe him to be.

I question sometimes the existence of God, but then again, who doesn't?

Thing is, I'm leaning toward atheism, or at least, becoming a humanist.

I may even become a full-fledged Wiccan- I've practiced it a bit of it before- and found it to be more inclusive than organized Christianity. Though, to be honest, Christianity is becoming more disorganized by the second, it seems.

It appears that Christianity is indeed a dying breed. And part of me is in no hurry to come to its' aid.

(C)2007, by Darren W. Alexander. All Rights Reserved.

Apple Revamps iPod Line; Price on 8GB iPhone drops

Apple- man, I'm so tickled pink...or is it scarlet and grey (the price of being born on the Ohio State University campus, I guess)- is revamping the iPod line today. The nano, which previously didn't have video capabilities, now has it. The original iPod is now called iPod Classic (kind of like Coca-Cola Classic, perhaps. Of course, every new iPod that was released since 2001 only got sweeter and better); and the new iPod Touch, which looks like the iPhone- except, of course, the ringtones aren't there.

And, as Steve Jobs would say...and there's one more thing:

The iPhone- which is only two months old- is dropping. In price.

The 8GB iPhone has sold for $599. Steve Jobs says at the Apple event at San Francisco's Moscone Center that he wants "the iPhone under everyone's Christmas tree..." And he also mentions that the majority of iPhone buyers are wanting the 8GB model. So, as of today, the 8GB model is the sole iPhone, and that the price of the 8GB iPhone HAS DROPPED TO $399! AT&T and Apple! I LOVE YOU GUYS!

And, Apple. You never cease to amaze me. Placing video on the nano is a smart move. With the 4GB model, you get up to 1000 songs, 3500 photos, and 4 hours of video- or some of each (Apple's words, not mine...). 8GB 2,000 songs, 7,000 photos, and 8 hours of video- you mean I can watch eight of my favorite CSI episodes? AWESOME!- or some of each.
The 4GB retails for $149, the 8GB for $199- a great bargain, indeed.

The iPod classic is the same designed iPod you've come to love. Only the hard drive capacities have increased. The lower end iPod classic, at 80GB holds up to 20,000 songs; 25,000 photos, 100 hours of video- or about all four seasons of Star Trek: Enterprise- (or some of each). The 160GB holds up to 40,000 songs; 25,000 photos, and up to 200 hours of video- and how many CSI episodes are there, as it enters it's eighth season?- or some of each.

The 80GB remains at $249, while the new 160GB is $349.

It kind of makes me want to dance...first, a word from Vern Fonk insurance, who is expanding south from Seattle.


theDTshowDotCom/YouTube/Vern Fonk Insurance

And now, from the 1962 movie The Music Man.

grahamslick/YouTube/Warner Bros.

SHIPOOPI! DANCE!

Apple and Starbucks are partnering up with the new iTunes WiFi Store. Here, when you get near your friendly neighborhood Starbucks- and that shouldn't be too hard, especially if you live in the Seattle and Portland metro areas, where there's one almost every two blocks (at least, it seems that way, anyway...)- a Starbucks icon shows up, and you can buy whatever's playing at Starbucks. This partnerships begins in- where the hell else- Seattle and New York October 2, and expands throughout 2008. By 2009, every Starbucks will have this.

Finally, the iPod touch. On the 8GB model, it holds up to 1750 songs; 10,000 photos; 10 hours of video- or some of each, and retails for $299. The 16GB model sports twice as much content (3500 songs; 20,000 photos, 20 hours video- or some of each), and retails for $399. The screen size is 3.5", and is multi-touch. It also features built-in Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g), and Safari web browser (though if you want Internet Explorer on it, I'm pretty sure Apple will allow it...I think...), so you can check your e-mail.

All of these iPods should be on shelves by month's end.

The iPod shuffle gets a few new colors, and remains at $79.


Sing it, Peter!


marofreak/YouTube/Fox

Now, my question: HOW MANY MUST I GET? Let's see, an iPod nano @ 8GB; iPod Classic @ 160GB...iPod touch...looks fine to me, even at 8GB.

SHIPOOPI! DANCE!



C)2007, by Darren W. Alexander. All Rights Reserved.

Michigan, This is Bad. REALLY, REALLY, REALLY BAD!

Last Saturday, Appalachian State did something no other school from Division I-AA has managed to do- defeat a ranked Division I-A school, and a highly ranked one at that, when they went into Michigan Stadium, and knocked down the mighty Michigan Wolverines, 34-32. A true David and Goliath battle, indeed.

Apparently, David- out of Boone, North Carolina- has caused Goliath, of Ann Arbor, Michigan to be bumped out of every college football's top 25 poll.

If you're curious- and I know that you are- the CBS Sports.com 120 poll has the Big Blue dropped to 31st.

Come on, sportswriters; coaches; and just about everyone else, WHERE IS THE LOVE? Sure, the Wolverines got their asses spanked and handed on a platter by a tiny school deep in the Appalachians, but there's still plenty of college football left. Plus if there's any consolation to the Wolverines, the granddaddy of all college football battle royales- beside the Oregon-Oregon State Civil War- takes place on your home turf this year, as the Ohio State Buckeyes invade Michigan Stadium November 17. Of course, as of late, the Bucks have won all but one against Big Blue, under head coach Jim Tressel.

Now, if the Oregon Fighting Ducks can capitalize on Michigan's misfortune this Saturday- at Michigan Stadium, no doubt- then Michigan will get another dubious distinction: Losing two straight games. Something that happened only last season.

(C)2007, by Darren W. Alexander. All Rights Reserved.

Censorship Still SUCKS!

In the over 280 entries I've written over the last two years, you've noticed that I use strong language in much of them. Some of it sexual; some even use racial epithets. In the latter, I only use them when appropriate (as in when I quote an article or news event).

Now, some of you may be offended by such language. But I think I've made it clear from the get-go, this blog- and its' sister, The Trash Bash- are intended for mature audiences. Sure, if you're some 16 year old who happens to come across it, I can't stop you from reading them. However, mom and dad may want to keep baby's eyes away from this.

Do I have a responsibility to be respectful? In many cases, yes.

Am I a role model? If I am, then apparently, I'm either God or the Messiah. Other than that, I seriously doubt this.

The reason I bring this up is because, eventually, podcasts- and on occasion, video podcasts- will be added to this scrawl. And some of this material will contain the very things that may offend a few folks- strong language; sexual content...perhaps a fight or two. If it offends you, well, let me paraphrase the words of a now ex-girlfriend: my blog's not the only one on the planet.

I remember years ago- and I believe they still do this today- MTV said that Censorship is Un-American.

Think about that for a second. Censorship is Un-American. It means no one should hold another's views back just because the offended person doesn't agree with the viewpoints. It's like myself- an African-American- telling a white supremacist not to spew his or her hateful vitriol, just because it offends me. Of course, it offends me, but do I need to lobby for laws to prohibit what's perceived as hate speech? Of course not, for such move to squelch such speech will likely cause them to lobby for laws to ban lobbying for civil rights. In the end, no one wins.

Now, MTV years ago had this campaign, Censorship is Un-American. They were referring to, basically, the music and the lyrics, some which had strong language, and sexual talk. Some of the videos that aired showed violence, and scantily clad women. One question I asked was 'why stop at the scantily clad women?' Why not show the tits, ass, shaved pussy (or bushy pussy, or the pussy with the mohawk), and all? I surmised, in part, that something had to be left to the imagination, but the larger part of me asked that if MTV didn't believe in censorship, then why didn't they include the explicit lyrics, the blood and gore. Nudity, even? Why don't they show this today? Are they that afraid of the Federal Communications Commission- which basically plays police to broadcast radio and TV, but not so much cable and satellite media? Did the Janet Jackson wardrobe malfunction debacle (during the Super Bowl XLVIII halftime show) turn them into a bunch of pandering pussies?

Are we, as a nation, that so goddamned squeamish over the showing of bare genitalia that we need the FCC to play parent; guardian, etc? Come on. That's not my idea of double dating. Bringing along a chaperone. The last time I checked, 40 year old guys such as myself don't need chaperones. Now, in some countries- China; Iran to name a couple- they keep their citizentries from getting information. In other words, people die for the freedoms we Americans; Brits; and Canadians take for granted. Sorry to disappoint you there. If you don't like diversity of ideas, move to any of the aforementioned countries, where freedom of speech and expression gets you decapitated.

So, in closing, you will continue to get the same unfair, unbalanced- and uncensored- blog that you've enjoyed for quite some time, and over time, it'll continue to evolve into something better. So keep watching.

Of course, if you're one of those offended Southern Baptist, Jehovah's Witness, or Islamofascist types, you're free to change the channel.






(C)2007, by Darren W. Alexander. All Rights Reserved.

Sometimes, I Need My Ass Whipped (Of Course, Do It Right, Will Ya?)

Okay, a good number of times, but that's besides the point (and if you do it right, I just may enjoy it).

At any rate, several days ago, I wrote about being published in a local anthology, Unexpected Metaphors- which I am deeply proud of. I mentioned the name of the facilitator, and made some remarks that I thought was a compliment- not sexual or hitting on her, or anything.

Well, I got an e-mail- yeah, it kind of hit me on the gut, but hey, we need that sometimes, right. The person apparently was offended, and I made a retraction- and changes at the entry (So, You're A Published Author Now...What a Media Whore!...When I mentioned the "Media Whore" part, I was, of course, jokingly referring to myself. Self-depreciation turns me on, baby!).

To the person who I referred to, my sincere apologies. Nothing was meant except the best of compliments. I think highly of this person and have nothing but the utmost respect for that person.

To myself, however, I'll make that long overdue visit my dominatrix.

But seriously, though, sometimes we get this disease called "Foot-In-Mouth". Politicians and celebs get it all the time. Everyone gets all the time, and of course, I've contracted my latest case, so I'm not immune. And if Jehovah/Allah/Yahweh wasn't so goddamned perfect, She'd- or He'd- have it, too.

So, to the person, once again, my apologies.

To the rest of you- many of you, of course...assume the position.

(C)2007, by Darren W. Alexander. All Rights Reserved.

Appalachian State, You've Got Spunk!

The Appalachian State Mountaineers went into the 'Big House'- Michigan Stadium.

And stunned over 90,000 Wolverine fans.

Appalachian State led much of the game, but when it looked like the home team was going to come right back- and the Wolverines did very briefly, scoring 32-31 in the 4th- the Mountaineers came right back, blocked a Wolverine field goal attempt in the closing seconds, scored one, and stuck it to the Big Blue.

Man, you gotta love that! An unranked team beating the number five (in the Associated Press College Football poll) team!

Kind of reminds me of Boise State (who is #25), who last year accomplished something then #1 Ohio State couldn't do with Florida- end the season undefeated. Man, if Appalachian State can keep winning games, they could be this season's Boise State.

Welcome to the start of what could be- for some teams- a Cinderella season.

(C)2007, by Darren W. Alexander
All Rights Reserved.