Kenny Mckinley: Denver Broncos WR Suicide Telegraphed, Who Listened?

The news of Denver Broncos Wide Receiver Kenny Mckinley's death by suicide Tuesday was both sad and shocking. Sad because a life was ended way before it was time. Shocking, because Kenny Mckinley was described by everyone who's talked about him as a very happy, almost perpetually happy, person. Now, in the wake of this tragic news, we're all left wondering why he did it.

Well, according to a sad article at The Denver Post website, Kenny Mckinley reportedly telegraphed his intentions while playing dominoes with friends, saying that he "should just kill himself." He did.

What's bothersome is that no one took his statement, made because Mckinley had his second knee injury in as many seasons, seriously. By contrast, when a friend of this blogger said she was going to kill herself years ago, the first action was to step in and talk to her. It worked.

When a person makes a statement like the one Kenny Mckinley made, friends should have the courage to step in and ask what the problem is.

The bet here is Kenny Mckinley felt no one cared. That's really sad. It's too late; we can't bring him back now.

I wish we could.

Paris Hilton - @ParisHilton Twitter: Leaving Japan Over Drug Charge

Just two minutes ago as of this writing, Paris Hilton issued this tweet on her Twitter account @ParisHilton:

About to take off. Going home now. So dissappointed to miss my fans in Asia. I promise to come back soon. I love you all! Love Paris xoxo

2 minutes ago via ÜberTwitter

That's the latest news in a story that started like this.

Paris Hilton flew to Japan on business with her sister Nikky Hilton 21 hours ago. As soon as she stepped off the plane Paris, who pled guilty to a charge of cocaine possession in Las Vegas, was questioned by Japanese immigration authorities.

According to TMZ.com, Paris Hilton's representative said the socialite, actress, and business woman has obligations to her brand partners in Asia which called for the trip, planned months ago.

Japan is reportedly and now obviously very strict about letting foreigners with drug convictions into the country. But Paris could be allowed to go beyond the hotel she's reportedly "trapped" in as these matters are determined on a case-by-case basis.

Well, the Japanese did not decide this case in Paris Hilton's favor. But it's a good wake up call for Paris. She now understands, one hopes, the full extent of the consequences of not following the law.

Someone of her friends and associates should have checked into the matter of her ability to travel to Japan if only to avoid the embarrassment that Ms. Hilton's facing.

But it could have been much worse.  Suppose Japan had a policy of jailing those convicted of drug crimes just for trying to enter the country?    Paris could have been behind bars yet again.   Thankfully that's not the case this time.

Hopefully, this is the last time she's in this kind of trouble.

Kirsten Gillibrand Called "Hottest Member of Senate" By Harry Reid?

This just in: Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) was called the "Hottest Member of Senate" By Nevada Senator Harry Reid, causing the Internet and this blogger's head to explode. Where did Senator Harry Reid get that from?

Before we take a look at the possible answer, it's important to share that the hottest member of the Senate is really a brunette staffer with terrific legs and wit to match. We met at the 2008 DNC Convention and that's all you need to know.

But Senator Reid's claim about Kirsten Gillibrand, made at a fundraiser New York Mayor Mayor Bloomberg hosted for Reid at his townhouse in New York City, is backed by this site which has her as the most sexiest woman in the Senate. The site is called...

The 10 Sexiest Women on Capitol Hill


...and Gillibrand is ranked number one. Okay.

Should Reid have made the statement? No. But he did.

Michael Vick Named Starting Quarterback Over Kevin Kolb! COOL!

Michael Vick was at a charity event this Tuesday evening when he got the news that he was starting at quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles over Kevin Kolb. According to ESPN's Sal Paolantonio, the reason for the decision was simple: Michael Vick's playing too well.

The switch wasn't made because Kolb's not healthy; Kevin reported ready for practice after missing the last six quarters with a concussion. Does Reid's announcement break my observed pattern regarding black quarterbacks being benched faster than their white counterparts? Yes, and this blogger could not be happier.

It really is massively cool.

To get the starting job Vick had to play lights-out football, and he has. Few quarterbacks can match the impact Vick has had on the Philadelphia Eagles this season.

Over two games, Vick has a 105.3 QB rating and has thrown for 459 yards and three touchdowns. Vick will start this Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Alex Smith's Amazing Drive Overcomes Doubts In Saints Loss

In Monday Night's Saints vs. 49ers game, San Francisco 49ers QB Alex Smith came of age and in one magical drive erased all of the doubts and errors of his NFL past. The 49ers may have lost the game, but Alex Smith grew as a player.

When Alex Smith was at the 2005 NFL Draft, this blogger was there. The San Francisco 49ers took Smith rather than local favorite Aaron Rogers from Cal. Since that rookie year and to last year, life in the NFL wasn't easy for Smith. He had not enjoyed the same offensive coordinator in more than one year, and his courage and will to win was constantly questioned.

In one drive in the 4th quarter of Monday Night Football last night, Alex Smith found a new level of courage.   With the 49ers trailing 22 to 14, and needing to score a touchdown and then a two-point conversion to possibly force overtime, and 82 yards to go, Smith, together with smart offensive play-calling by Offensive Coordinator Jimmy Raye, put together what may go down as the Niners best drive all year (Drive Chart by ESPN.com):

1st and 10 at SF 18 (Shotgun) A.Smith pass short middle to V.Davis to SF 34 for 16 yards (M.Jenkins; J.Vilma). Caught at SF 28.

1st and 10 at SF 34 (Shotgun) A.Smith scrambles left end pushed ob at SF 46 for 12 yards (J.Vilma).

1st and 10 at SF 46 (Shotgun) A.Smith pass short right to J.Morgan ran ob at NO 39 for 15 yards.

1st and 10 at NO 39 (Shotgun) A.Smith pass incomplete deep middle to V.Davis (M.Mitchell).

2nd and 10 at NO 39 (Shotgun) A.Smith pass short right to F.Gore pushed ob at NO 21 for 18 yards (L.Torrence). Caught at NO 42.

1st and 10 at NO 21 (Shotgun) A.Smith left end ran ob at NO 9 for 12 yards (W.Smith).

1st and 9 at NO 9 (Shotgun) A.Smith pass short left to D.Zeigler pushed ob at NO 7 for 2 yards (T.Porter).

2nd and 7 at NO 7 (Shotgun) F.Gore up the middle for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN. 22 20
TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. A.Smith pass to V.Davis is complete. ATTEMPT FAILS. The Replay Assistant challenged the runner broke the plane ruling, and the play was REVERSED.

TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. A.Smith pass to V.Davis is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS. 22 22
J.Nedney kicks 67 yards from SF 30 to NO 3. C.Roby to NO 30 for 27 yards (N.Bowman).
DRIVE TOTALS: NO 22, SF 22, 8 plays, 82 yards, 0:53 elapsed

The 49ers may have lost to the Saints 25 to 22, but they gained a leader in Alex Smith.

Godzilla 2012: Legendary Pictures Film Draws Internet Buzz

The introduction of the Zennie62.com blog post and video interview with Godzilla 2012 Producer Brian Rogers has caused quite a stir on the Internet, with several major blogs picking up the news, paced by Ain't It Cool News.

There is an obvious hunger to see a well-done Godzilla movie, and in 3D, but mostly to overcome the ghastly flick that was Roland Emmerich's version of Godzilla referred to as Godzilla 1998, or what Brian Rogers called an "Iguana Godzilla."

A New Godzilla

To recap, in our initial discussion Rogers said that he got involved in Godzilla several years ago and by meeting "two Japanese gentlemen," one of them being Yoshimitsu Banno.

Yoshimitsu Banno was banned from making Godzilla movies after the release of his Godzilla Versus The Smog Monster, which upset Toho's Tomoyuki Tanaka, because Banno had Godzilla fly and had scenes where people were being killed by Hedorah, The Smog Monster.

But now, Tomoyuki Tanaka has passed on and 3D is all the rage: enter Banno to work with Rogers. Their desire is to reboot the Godzilla franchise as was done with Legendary Pictures Batman.

More Godzilla Updates

Here's more news that didn't make it into the first post. First, Brian Rogers said they have not settled on a script but are in the process of reading one that may work. He did not say that script was "the one." Also, they've not selected a director as of this writing.

And the rumor that WETA, the famous special effects house best known for its work on Peter Jackson's Lord Of The Rings movies, was involved in the Godzilla movie is not true and was dispelled by both Rogers and WETA execs who I talked to at Comic Con 2010.

But that written, both parties found the idea of WETA's involvement in Godzilla exciting.

Godzilla 2012 Internet Buzz High

Many fans want to see Godzilla fight more than one monster, but Internet chatter reveals a good humber who just want Godzilla alone, and actually fighting the U.S. Army.

Stay tuned.

Bristol Palin is a Good Dancer on DWTS Premiere by Tina

Bristol Palin actually shocks viewers and did a good job dancing on the season premiere of Dancing With the Stars. Who was wondering - or even caring - if the daughter of the former vice presidential candidate had the moves to make it on the dance show?

Dancing to Three Dog Night's "Mama Told Me Not to Come," the 19-year-old single mom, who labeled herself a "public advocate for teen pregnancy prevention" on the show, appeared on stage wearing a power suit with her hair pulled back in a bun. Soon after, she let down her hair and ripped the costume off to reveal a short, fringed red dress.

Palin, who vowed during rehearsal that she is "just a regular girl," admitted that she has not always taken her mother's advice.

Well, Bristol proved she is so far more than just another pretty faced single teen mom. She has some nice legs, too.

I wonder what baby daddy Levi Johnston said when he watched her dance, because you know he just can't quit her. He is probably wondering how he can get some tickets and sneak in to the show. That would be fun to see, because I imagine Sarah or even Bristol herself would open up a can of whoop a$$ on him after the latest stunt he pulled.

Maybe Tom Bergeren would even like a piece of that beating. It might jack up the ratings on the show for its 11th season. Did you watch the show? Do you think Bristol can dance her way to the top or does someone else have the moves to beat her?

Open letter to Democratic Party from 99er Nation

This is an open letter to The Democratic Party from the 99er Nation:

The Democrats are in serious trouble and I believe I can help. 15 million votes (plus their friends and family) would assure a victory in November, but Democrats seem hell bent on ignoring this obvious solution.

I represent a vocal voter block of over 5 million Americans called the 99ers. We are determined to effect the election and are willing to put our energetic efforts, along with another 10 million unemployed Americans, plus our friends and families at the disposal of the Democratic Party to assure victory in November.

All it would take to motivate our group is to get our bill S3706 (the Americans Want to Work Act) to the Senate floor for a vote, before Congress adjourns on October 8, 2010, in time to pass this life saving legislation before the election. Unless this happens, we will vote against those who will not help the 99er cause and a great many of us likely will NOT vote at all. We will not help those who refuse to help us, period. We need this bill passed now and the Democrats need our help in November.

A Tier 5 unemployment extension for ALL STATES has the potential to inject a minimum of 1.5 billion dollars into the economy every week (based upon the avg. $300.00 weekly benefit X 5 million UI exhaustees). This is a win/win for our economy and translates into a Democratic win this November.

If each of the 15 million unemployed in our country only influenced 3 other voters, we are talking about nearly 50 million votes! And I assure you, we can influence far more than 3 voters each.

Time is running out for the Democrats and time has already run out for the 99ers. We are dying every day out here. Recession related suicides are up 75% and our ranks are going hungry and homeless every day. We are angry and desperate, but we intend to influence the election if it is the very last thing we do.

The question is, how bad do the Democrats really want to win, or do they intend to continue to ignore the obvious at their own political peril?

If you are as committed to a Democratic victory this November as I believe you are, please do not ignore this golden opportunity to get the job done. Our Country is in serious trouble and the Democrats cannot afford to continue to ignore tens of millions of American unemployed voters any longer.

Thank you for your attention to this crucial matter. And please read this press release from The American 99ers Union earlier this week: Finally 99er Factions Unite to Strengthen Political Clout - Push Senate on S3706

Feel free to copy and send this to any and all Democrats ASAP!

Paris Hilton Being Held in Japan Over Drug Charge by Tina

Paris Hilton is being held in Japan over her drug conviction yesterday. I'm not sure whether to laugh or shake my head at this, because the timing is just too perfect. You know someone over in passports and immigration was saying ooooh, just wait til Paris lands! It was pictured all over after her trial where she was boarding a private jet - AND it said her destination was Japan.

TMZ says:

A source close to Paris tells us she flew to Japan on business and was questioned by immigration authorities as she got off the plane. Immigration authorities are allowing Paris to stay at an airport hotel until the matter is resolved. For her part, Paris hasn't decided whether to stay or leave.

Paris' rep tells TMZ, "Paris Hilton was delayed by immigration authorities at a Japanese airport this evening after arriving for business obligations planned many months earlier. Paris was contractually bound to her business trip and didn't want to let down her brands and many Asian fans."

An employee at the Consulate-General of Japan in NYC tells TMZ ... Japan is strict about letting people into the country with recent drug convictions but these matters are handled "on a case by case basis."

We're told there was a conflict within the ranks of those who questioned Paris -- some of whom felt it was for show.

Oh, I'm thinking this was allllll for show. Who could resist the opportunity to smack Paris when she is down?

99ers Union: 24 hours until big push for S3706

Last week it was announced that over a dozen net groups full of 99ers united in one big voice to put the strength of their huge numbers into a concentrated push to pass S3706 (The Americans Want to Work Act).

On Wednesday, September 22, 2010 - between 9AM and 9PM they will flex their lobbying muscle in a gigantic fax, call and email campaign to urge the US Senate to bring S3706 to the floor for a vote.

In a show of unity, the various 99er Advocacy groups have coalesced into one large united force to lobby Washington for the Tier 5 Americans Want to Work Act. The Umbrella group will be known as The American 99ers' Union http://www.american99ersunion.com

All members of The American 99ers' Union acting as one will fax, email, and/or make phone calls to their own two Senators, urging them to immediately support and PASS The Americans Want To Work Act, S. 3706. [The exact letter to be sent can be downloaded at http://www.american99ersunion.com]

The recommended action is strategically designed to:

1. Show that we are united in a grassroots movement that is growing in strength and numbers to greatly impact the midterm elections.

2. Provide sound reason and fact as to why this is not only the right thing to do for 99ers, but also supports America's economic recovery by stimulating the economy

3. Inform our Senators that we are watching their votes very closely and we will vote against those who oppose this bill in the November election, encourage our friends and family to vote against them and use the internet and media to encourage the general public to vote against those who will not help Americans who are suffering without unemployment insurance during this national emergency

4. Demonstrate our commitment to use our combined influence to ensure millions of 99ers all across the nation perform the one job they still hold on November 2nd - VOTE for those who have represented and continue to represent our desperate need for extended unemployment insurance and jobs

S3706 is currently languishing in "Committee limbo" within the Senate Finance Committee. This bill MUST be brought to the Senate Floor immediately and passed in time to allow the House to do the same, prior to the next scheduled Congressional recess on October 8, 2010. Passage of this bill before the election is crucial in order to save the lives of millions of hurting Americans currently on the brink of complete financial disaster, hunger and homelessness.

So, now it is time for us to show our strength and numbers to the Senate!

With the midterm elections shaping up to be a tight race, for eventual control of both the House and Senate, unemployed Americans can easily be the deciding factor in who keeps their legislative jobs and which members of Congress join the unemployment lines in November.

To contact The American 99ers' Union call 202-579-9377
(99ERS)

ALL unemployed Americans, their friends and family members who have watched, first hand the devastating suffering 8 months without benefits can induce, are urged to participate in this big push for the survival of the 99er Nation by contacting as many lawmakers as possible.

Reggie Bush suffers broken leg By Nikky Raney

Credit: Robert Galbraith / Reuters

Reggie Bush, New Orleans Saints' running back, could miss six weeks of play after breaking his right fibular during September 20 Monday night's game where the Saints beat San Francisco 25-22.

The injury occurred during the fourth quarter after Bush's leg was hit as he dove in attempts to recover the ball. Trainers helped him off the field, and he was carted into the locker room.

Brian Allee-Walsh, reporter for NewOrleans.com, writes that after the game Bush left in crutches with an ice pack applied to his leg.

Braylon Edwards is arrested for drunk driving By Nikky Raney

Courtesy of AP

Braylon Edwards, receiver for the New York Jets, has been arrested and charged with drunk driving.

The 27-year-old was pulled over on the West Side of Manhattan September 21 at 5:15 a.m. for having excessively tinted windows; Edwards was given a Breathalyzer test which measured his blood alcohol at 0.16, double New York's legal limit.

Jets' General Manager, Mike Tannenbaum, released a statement which was posted on the New York Jets' web site:


"We are very disappointed in Braylon’s actions this morning. The Player Protect program is in place for our organization to prevent this situation. Braylon is aware of this program and showed poor judgment. We are reviewing the information with the league and will impose the appropriate disciplinary measures."