Wednesday, December 22, 2010
How To Videoblog Advice From Zennie Abraham (Zennie62)
Vldeologging is now a part of mainstream culture, although this blogger's not sure what major event caused that to happen. Now, there are any number of tips, but they're so complicated they take the fun out of vlogging.
A video blog starts with a camcorder. The one used to make this vlog is called The Flip Video Ultra. You also need a laptop computer like a MacBook Pro to upload your videos to YouTube and Blip.tv with. Beyond that, you need to think about what you're saying, pick up the camcorder and hold it to your eyes, then look at the lens and talk.
It's that simple.
The key is in holding the camcorder to the eye and looking into it. When done correctly, your videos will be stable and friends and relatives will think you've got your own camera crew.
Oh, and the only way to be a good video blogger is practice, practice, practice.
Oakland News: The Alley's Ready For Christmas!
If you live in, or are visiting Oakland, California, you must visit one of my favorite places, The Alley.
Located at 3325 Grand Avenue, and just up the street from The Grand Lake Theater, The Alley is an Oakland institution who's history goes back to 1931.
Then, it was a speakeasy and very much as it is today (except that the upstairs has been closed for years). But in 1960, Rod Dibble started playing at the piano, and never stopped since. I estimate patrons have sat at the piano with Rod 105,000 times since 1960 to 2010.
So, if you like to sing, want to give it a try, or enjoy listening to others sing, pay a visit to The Alley this weekend. Sit down, order a steak, then go over to the piano with a cocktail and get a song book. The drill is to pick a song you want to sing, and Rod plays the piano background for you as you sing. My song is "Fly Me To The Moon."
And if you are fortunate enough to here a man wearing a beret hat, and sitting with his wife, sing, give him a hearty round of applause. He's Dave Chapman, and like Rod Dibble himself, has just beat cancer - stomach cancer.
Congratulations Dave!
President Obama Signs Repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell (Video)
Today, three days before Christmas, President Obama signed the Repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell (DADT).
Here's the full 26 minute video marking the fall of one of the last vestiges of mass stupidity. If anyone, had doubts about Barack Obama as a president right for our time, please jettison them.
Here's the full 26 minute video marking the fall of one of the last vestiges of mass stupidity. If anyone, had doubts about Barack Obama as a president right for our time, please jettison them.
No Urgency in Obama White House to Save 99er Millions
In an answer to ABC’s White House correspondent Jake Tapper, Robert Gibbs made it clear there is no urgency in the Obama White House to save millions of 99ers in America.TAPPER: ... they're individuals who have been -- who's unemployment insurance has run out. They were not included in the deal, the tax deal that the president signed with Mr. McConnell, the Republicans and others. Is there anything that the president can do for them?
GIBBS: Well, I think the best thing that we can do as a country is to get -- get a fragile economy more stable, and one that creates more jobs. I think that's -- that's why I think, you know, economists said that they would reorient their growth estimates based on the agreement that the president signed. And obviously, the best thing we can do for them is to create an environment where businesses are hiring. Look, we have -- what you've heard me say on a number of occasions, that one of the great benefits of the agreement was taking the politics out of -- out of unemployment insurance. We -- we -- we have -- it's been a contentious battle just to get unemployment insurance to continue up to 99 weeks. It's not -- it's not in any way been easy. And this takes the politics out of that throughout 2011 and hopefully we can focus -- continue to focus on getting the economy moving again and providing -- providing those guys with a helping hand with a job.
First of all, Mr Gibbs, as for Jobs YES we need JOBS but Obama/Congress should have tackled that LONG AGO. Congress Has ignored the 99ers into an immediate emergency and now wants 99ers to wait what - another YEAR it will takes for DC to help us with JOBS?
What are we supposed to do until then when we have already survived on ZERO for going on 10 months!!!!
Too bad we are only Americans and not some foreign Nation or a Big Bank where Congress would Help in 3 days or LESS!
A great in-depth analysis of the Tapper/Gibbs exchange can be found in Mike Thornton’s article Gibbs: 99ers helped with jobs, not unemployment benefits Where he suggests “Here’s how the interview segment would have made more sense:
Mr. Tapper: Estimates are that 4-5 million unemployed have exhausted all their unemployment benefits – the 99ers. Since job creation is near zero and millions more 99ers are in the pipeline for 2011, why didn’t the president demand some relief for these long-suffering jobless, instead of just giving billions to businesses that aren’t hiring and to the wealthy who don’t need the extra cash?
Mr. Gibbs: Yes, the economy is still unable to create the jobs needed to help the 4-5 million and growing ranks of 99ers. We didn’t include 99ers in the monster tax package plan because economists think job growth will increase and you know how much you can trust economists to be correct (LOL)! We are more concerned about continually giving untold billions in tax breaks to businesses that still are not hiring even though they have recorded record profits and are sitting on over a $trillion in capital. Eventually they will have to hire some additional people, maybe even a couple 99ers, just to count all that extra cash!
We took the politics out of the next 13 months of unemployment benefits extensions for those who haven’t exhausted benefits, but when millions more do exhaust benefits in 2011, well, honestly, tough luck. In fact we didn’t even bring up the matter of unemployment benefits exhaustion because we were afraid that Republicans would be angry at us! You know how nasty Republicans can get if you bring up job creation or longer term benefits! Are you crazy (LOL)? Did you see what that whacko Sen. Bunning did last year when we tried to extend unemployment benefits? We didn’t want to go there again. Those guys are nuts!
We feel it’s much more important to bailout corrupt and mismanaged Wall Street banks, large insurance companies and auto manufacturers than it is to bailout the long-term unemployed. I mean, do you think the president will receive more money for his 2012 reelection campaign from corrupt business leaders or 99ers? Get real, Jake. Sure, we hope 99ers support us, but we know where our bread is buttered and it’s not from contributions from unemployment checks! Reality is, “Show me the money!” Great flick, Jerry McGuire.
We will continue to go down the same path of giving billions in tax breaks to businesses and the wealthy, but we have our fingers crossed that businesses will create a few jobs for the very long-term unemployed. Our job creation policies haven’t worked for the past two years, but we’re certain they will work this time. Third time lucky we think (ha, ha, ha)!”Bravo Mike!!!!
I implore all 99ers, their friends & family - as well as any concerned American with a heart larger than larger than a pre-Christmas Grinch to PLEASE:
Tweet Jake Tapper @jaketapper and thank him for his courage and tenacity to keep asking the White House about the millions of 99ers.
It seems the 99ers are Washington’s dirty little secret - or why else would Obama and Congress work so hard to misinform the American public into thinking they gave us a 13 month UI extension when they know damn well they have not included help for 99ers in the “Obama Bend-over.” Most of the media too has perpetuated this complete falsehood! Kudos to ABC’s Jake Tapper, CNN’s Ali Velshi for getting the story RIGHT!
OK 99er Nation - are you mad enough now to stand as one and fight this with everything you have got left?
If so, then this is the time for an all out phone/fax/email and public protest assault on Washington DC (including the White house and the Press core) and every media outlet (print/blog/radio/TV) in America and overseas. Let the World know how little America cares about over 5 million of it’s own who are suffering terribly!
Start googling for the contact info or check back through my past articles to get what info you need that is not listed below:
The 111th Congress Complete List http://joblessunite.yolasite.com/legislators-list.php
What's UR question 4 POTUS? Call WWR toll free:1-866-USA-0021 (872-0021) It could be asked at next news conference....OK EVERYBODY CALL and ask about Tier 5 to SURVIVE & benefits for those who have run out and now going HUNGRY and HOMELESS !!!
Twitter contacts for:
Press Secretary Gibbs: @PressSec
Jake Tapper: @jaketapper
Rachel Maddow: @maddow @ProducerGuy1 (Now that DADT is a done deal they can turn up the heat on behalf of starving/homeless 99ers)
Keith Olbermann: @keitholbermann
The White House: @BarackObama @joebiden @WhiteHouse_Blog @whitehouse
Huffington Post: @ariannahuff
Let's Get going and not stop until we get what we need or die trying. I for one will NOT let the 99ers go quietly into that great good night!
(FYI - for you who do not know it - as of April 2010 I do not qualify for any additional UI benefits that may come down the pike. I am now a 1099er writing for the Examiner and independent contractors are considered Self Employed - NOT eligible for a continuing claim after reaching a certain income threshold - a whopping $200 or less average for the past 9 months - and not eligible for a New claim either - SO IFIGHT on for YOU to get this help and NOT for my own benefit)
Washington Redskins Bruce Allen Must Fire Mike Shanahan ASAP
Bruce, if you have any ounce of common sense, you will fire Redskins Head Coach Mike Shanahan immediately.
The problem is the modern slave mentality that's still pervasive in football today allows a person like Shanahan to get a head coaching job, even after Denver Broncos Owner Pat Bowlen fired him.
Bolen was right.
Mike Shanahan has become a franchise-killer. His inability to relate to black players and his consistent use of not just racial code words, but racist treatment of players like Donovan McNabb and Albert Haynesworth while not criminal, should be. Plus, Shanahan's grasp of the modern game is simply not there any more.
The modern NFL game has passed Shanahan by. His son, Offensive Coordinator Kyle Shanahan, shows the same "in the box" unimmaginative play calling and play design that's plagued Mike for several years. Many of the current offensive innovations, from quarterback runs to fake wide receiver screen pass / draw plays, and constant use of runs out of the shotgun / spread, aren't in the Redskins system.
And Mike Vick?
Ha.
While Coach Shanahan may praise Philadelphia Eagles QB Mike Vick, the fact is Mike Shanahan would have ruined Vick had he coached him. Indeed, Shanahan would have benched Vick for Rex Grossman, then came up with some off-the-wall reason to justify his move.
Mike's problem is he can't stand anyone black who is smart, and I say this from experience.
When the Broncos played the Oakland Raiders in 2001, this blogger was one of the Raiders press team members. After a game that saw the Broncos use a four-wide-receiver offense to make up for the lack of a healthy tight end, I asked Mike about that.
Well, I tried to.
Shanahan was actually flustered that I asked him a technical question. He looked as if that wasn't supposed to come from my mouth. I never forgot that episode of my life, and its "colored" my view of Mike ever since. It caused me to think he's one of those people who's not comfortable with anyone who's black who's "mind is on fire," perhaps because he's threatened by them.
Sad.
Thus, when Mike benched McNabb and basically kicked dirt on him, I knew what was up with that. Mike can't deal with smart black guys, and I'll stand tall by that assertion.
Mike Shanahan will not bring a division championship to Washington. Bruce. Coach Shanahan wlll ruin your career as GM and fast.
Bruce Allen, save yourself.
Fire Mike Shanahan.
Terrell Owens Calls ProFootballTalk.com "Jerks"
Just as TMZ gets under the skin of some celebrities, ProFootballTalk.com is getting under the skin of some NFL players, namely one Cincinnati Bengals Wide Receiver Terrell Owens, who called the staff of PFT "jerks" on Twitter.
Here's T.O.'s tweet:
terrellowens Terrell Owens
@ProFootballTalk i put blame on every1!! i said frm the top-down!!! spin it how u want, i'm used 2 it! u guys r jerks!
14 Dec Favorite Retweet Reply
Terrell's tweet was in response to criticism over his expressed anger at the Bengals performance. And really, Terrell's not the problem. He had 72 catches for 983 yards and nine touchdowns.
If the Bengals don't keep Owens, they really are losers.
T.O.'s a great player. He just wants to win.
Bring him to Oakland. Or how about with the Eagles and Mike Vick?
TIME Person Of The Year Mark Zuckerberg Not Julian Assange - Time Wimps Out
Yep. TIME wimped out big time.
Nothing against Facebook or it's founder and President Mark Zuckerberg, but Wikileaks and Julian Assange should have been named "Person Of The Year." Heck, Assange was the leading vote-getter. But you know someone connected with the drive to bring down Assange contacted TIME and begged and perhaps, maybe, paid them in some way not to go with what seems to be public support for Julian.
So, TIME did what any risk-adverse corporate brand would do: they wimped out and named Zuckerberg for the prize.
Facebook and Zuckerberg will be around for a while. TIME knows it could have named Zuckerberg in 2009 and could do so in 2011. By contrast, Wikileaks and Mr. Julian Assange are a product of 2010.
Julian Assange should have been TIME's "Person Of The Year."
40-Year-Old Virgin Stabbing - Shelley Malil Had Trophy Blonde Issue
Just looking at this, this blogger contends that Shelley Malil has a "Trophy Blonde Issue" where he had to possess a white, blonde woman. The accounts of his relationship with Kendra Beebe in The Daily Mail UK seem to back my claim, but before I go there, let me explain.
Some men of color in America, and fortunately not all by any stretch, think they have to have a white, blonde woman to improve their self-image and self-esteem. In other words, in a World that discriminates against them, having a blonde woman would seem to be a way of getting revenge.
That's the only way to explain why Shelley Malil, who was in the movie 40-Year-Old Virgin, would take the crazy action of stabbing Beebe 23 times.
A man who loves a woman doesn't seek to harm her. Period. And, yes, my point about dark men is really stupid when you consider how blonde women are sought after by white guys, too. But let's press on.
Reading the Daily Mail UK's reports of their stormy relationship only gives strength to my claim about Mr. Malil:
Malil, 45, testified at trial that he visited Beebe at her San Marcos home in suburban San Diego in August 2008 to apologise for taking personal items from her house and to warn that he e-mailed sexually explicit photos of the couple to her co-workers...He stabbed her with a kitchen knife after finding her drinking wine with another man.Now other reports were that he found her with another man in bed, not that she was just drinking wine with another man. Shelley went by her home - Ms. Beebe's home - and found her with a guy named David Maldonado in her backyard.
That's crazy, man.
It reads like he was stalking her to her house. Now how did he meet her? Via an online dating site. Frankly, while many people use online dating sites - and I have too and have a profile, that I let just lapse - there's a huge risk involved with picking a person out just by looks. It's better to get to know the woman; there's something to be said for meeting a woman the old fashioned way: in public or via friends. To me, it's just more authentic.
Plus, it seems a little much for an actor like Shelley Malil, who's face is already out there, to have to use an online dating site to find someone.
Think about it. The 40-Year-Old Virgin - where Malil played Haziz, a co-worker of Steve Carell's character in 'The 40-Year-Old Virgin' - was made and released in 2005. Shelley met Kendra online in 2007. That means even after his stardom, Malil couldn't find a date just hanging out in public.
Given how Malil treated Beebe, the whole tail seems to say more about how screwed-up he was than anything about society. Remember, Kendra picked him out, too.
What does this say about her? Nothing. She had male friends. Big deal. In fact, that she had male friends and Malil was stalking her, says even more about his issues. Heck, if he can't find a hot woman to hang out with in LA, there's really something wrong with him.
Whatever's going on, blonde ambition or whatever (and there's nothing wrong with thinking blondes are hot at all), Shelley will have a long time in the slammer to figure that out now. He's been sentenced to life in prison, with possibility of parole.
What a way to screw up one's life.
The one take-away should be this: be happy with who you are and don't let a woman define who you are.
Also, stop Internet trolling. The guys who troll and flame bloggers on the Internet should get off the computer and spend time out in public meeting nice women. They need the social skills practice, anyway.
And if you're married and Internet trolling, you're wasting valuable time you could be spending with your wife.
Go to her, now!
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