NFL Game in London Sells 40,000 Tickets
By Associated Press
LONDON -- The first regular season NFL game outside North America is shaping up as a hot ticket.
The first 40,000 tickets for the Oct. 28 game between the Miami Dolphins and New York Giants at the new Wembley Stadium sold in 90 minutes Wednesday.
"The speed in which such a large number of tickets were snapped up ... demonstrates the great excitement and appetite for the game in this country," said Alistair Kirkwood, managing director of NFL UK. "We know that the last few tickets available in this first batch will be gone very soon."
The first batch of tickets went to fans in Britain and the rest of Europe selected randomly from registered ticket requests.
Sales in the United States to Giants and Dolphins fans are expected to begin within a week. Further tickets will be released to fans in Britain next month.
About 10,000 fans are expected to travel from the United States, a fraction of the anticipated sellout crowd of 90,000.
Prices range from about US$90 (euro66.50) to US$180 (euro133), using a pricing structure similar to this weekend's FA Cup final between Manchester United and Chelsea.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Reggie Bush Eyes Football After Dining with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice- AP
Reggie Bush Eyes Football After Social Buzz
By BRETT MARTEL
AP Sports Writer
NEW ORLEANS -- Reggie Bush wanted to get away from football for a while to -- as he put it -- relax and be normal. Of course, when talking about a rising NFL star who has the looks, charisma and wealth to complement his mesmerizing talent, normal is a relative term.
For Bush, it meant appearing in one of R&B singer Ciara's music videos, dining with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice at a White House correspondent's dinner, filming a commercial with David Beckham in Spain, an appearance in Las Vegas during NBA All-Star weekend, partying at the Playboy mansion and otherwise enjoying life in his $5 million Hollywood home.
On Tuesday, the native Californian was back in New Orleans, where most of his teammates have been working out together for over a month.
The Saints gave their young star some leeway to enjoy the trappings of his first offseason as a pro, and Bush confidently predicted they wouldn't regret it.
"I expect to improve on last year," Bush said. "I don't have a number, but I definitely expect to be a lot better than last year and help my team get to the Super Bowl."
The Saints came one victory shy of reaching the Super Bowl last season, appearing in an NFC championship game for the first time in the franchise's four-decade history.
Bush played no small part in that. As both a running back and receiver, he gained over 1,300 yards from scrimmage in his rookie season. As he adapted to the speed and complexity of the NFL, the uncanny quickness and agility that helped him win the Heisman Trophy at Southern California began to show itself.
There was the 65-yard touchdown on a punt return against Tampa Bay in midseason, the 65-yard score on a screen pass at Dallas in December. And in the playoffs, there was the 88-yard touchdown in Chicago, during which he grabbed a short pass, outran numerous pursuers while cutting across the entire width of the field, pointed back triumphantly at linebacker Brian Urlacher, and then launched into a forward somersault across the goal line.
Performances like that only increased the attention he received during the past few months, and it wasn't always to his liking.
He said he enjoyed attending a party at the Playboy mansion, where it seemed to him that he was asked to be in more photos than many of the women there. Soon after, however, a Los Angeles publication reported he had been banned from the mansion for an unspecified conduct violation, which Bush denied.
"I don't even know where or what happened or why somebody would even ... write a story like that," Bush said. "I was at the Playboy mansion ... I had a great time and that's really all it was."
Bush chalked it up as a lesson of how difficult it can be for celebrities to control rumors.
"The story's already out there, so what are you going to do?" Bush said. "It's the way of the world and I've learned to just grow thick skin toward it and not play into it and just live my life the way I have been."
Bush, who first returned to New Orleans late last weekend, said he had one more short trip out of town planned this week before rejoining teammates here on Monday for offseason workouts leading up to minicamp in June.
It will mark the end of a lot of recent traveling. His trip to Spain also was his first trip to Europe.
Scheduling preventing him from seeing a soccer game, but he did catch a bull fight, which gave him a new perspective on showmanship and contact sports.
"Just seeing how close the bulls come to almost killing these guys, you know, it's a different type of sport," Bush said.
With a self-effacing laugh, Bush acknowledged the matadors, "didn't point at the bull."
As for the rest of his offseason, Bush said being in a music video is something he's glad he tried once, but won't be inclined to do again.
"That was a great experience but it's just something that's not for me," Bush said.
"I'm done with basketball, too," he added, a reference to his appearance in a celebrity game in Las Vegas, during which he twisted his ankle.
Bush said the ankle is fine now and he is in excellent shape because of a new workout regimen he began in Los Angeles last February. It's called fre flo do (pronounced FREE-flow-doe), which Bush described as a Chinese-inspired type of training that builds strength with exercises focused on flexibility, quickness and endurance.
Like a number of new-age physical fitness genres that seem to thrive in California, fre flo do also has a meditative and spiritual component.
Bush said he likes it because it plays to his strengths as an athlete.
"You know, some of my plays last longer than the average play, so I'm trying to simulate that ... going beyond the average time within a workout," he said.
Going into his second season, Bush already plays well beyond the level of an average running back. But when addressing his expectations for this season, he didn't want to talk about yardage and touchdowns.
"I've never been big on setting personal goals. The only thing I care about is Super Bowls," Bush said. "Your legacy is based on championships -- how many championships you win -- and you remember guys like Michael Jordan and Walter Payton and even a Tom Brady. That's the kind of caliber athlete I want to be remembered as. So that's what I shoot for when I'm training."
By BRETT MARTEL
AP Sports Writer
NEW ORLEANS -- Reggie Bush wanted to get away from football for a while to -- as he put it -- relax and be normal. Of course, when talking about a rising NFL star who has the looks, charisma and wealth to complement his mesmerizing talent, normal is a relative term.
For Bush, it meant appearing in one of R&B singer Ciara's music videos, dining with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice at a White House correspondent's dinner, filming a commercial with David Beckham in Spain, an appearance in Las Vegas during NBA All-Star weekend, partying at the Playboy mansion and otherwise enjoying life in his $5 million Hollywood home.
On Tuesday, the native Californian was back in New Orleans, where most of his teammates have been working out together for over a month.
The Saints gave their young star some leeway to enjoy the trappings of his first offseason as a pro, and Bush confidently predicted they wouldn't regret it.
"I expect to improve on last year," Bush said. "I don't have a number, but I definitely expect to be a lot better than last year and help my team get to the Super Bowl."
The Saints came one victory shy of reaching the Super Bowl last season, appearing in an NFC championship game for the first time in the franchise's four-decade history.
Bush played no small part in that. As both a running back and receiver, he gained over 1,300 yards from scrimmage in his rookie season. As he adapted to the speed and complexity of the NFL, the uncanny quickness and agility that helped him win the Heisman Trophy at Southern California began to show itself.
There was the 65-yard touchdown on a punt return against Tampa Bay in midseason, the 65-yard score on a screen pass at Dallas in December. And in the playoffs, there was the 88-yard touchdown in Chicago, during which he grabbed a short pass, outran numerous pursuers while cutting across the entire width of the field, pointed back triumphantly at linebacker Brian Urlacher, and then launched into a forward somersault across the goal line.
Performances like that only increased the attention he received during the past few months, and it wasn't always to his liking.
He said he enjoyed attending a party at the Playboy mansion, where it seemed to him that he was asked to be in more photos than many of the women there. Soon after, however, a Los Angeles publication reported he had been banned from the mansion for an unspecified conduct violation, which Bush denied.
"I don't even know where or what happened or why somebody would even ... write a story like that," Bush said. "I was at the Playboy mansion ... I had a great time and that's really all it was."
Bush chalked it up as a lesson of how difficult it can be for celebrities to control rumors.
"The story's already out there, so what are you going to do?" Bush said. "It's the way of the world and I've learned to just grow thick skin toward it and not play into it and just live my life the way I have been."
Bush, who first returned to New Orleans late last weekend, said he had one more short trip out of town planned this week before rejoining teammates here on Monday for offseason workouts leading up to minicamp in June.
It will mark the end of a lot of recent traveling. His trip to Spain also was his first trip to Europe.
Scheduling preventing him from seeing a soccer game, but he did catch a bull fight, which gave him a new perspective on showmanship and contact sports.
"Just seeing how close the bulls come to almost killing these guys, you know, it's a different type of sport," Bush said.
With a self-effacing laugh, Bush acknowledged the matadors, "didn't point at the bull."
As for the rest of his offseason, Bush said being in a music video is something he's glad he tried once, but won't be inclined to do again.
"That was a great experience but it's just something that's not for me," Bush said.
"I'm done with basketball, too," he added, a reference to his appearance in a celebrity game in Las Vegas, during which he twisted his ankle.
Bush said the ankle is fine now and he is in excellent shape because of a new workout regimen he began in Los Angeles last February. It's called fre flo do (pronounced FREE-flow-doe), which Bush described as a Chinese-inspired type of training that builds strength with exercises focused on flexibility, quickness and endurance.
Like a number of new-age physical fitness genres that seem to thrive in California, fre flo do also has a meditative and spiritual component.
Bush said he likes it because it plays to his strengths as an athlete.
"You know, some of my plays last longer than the average play, so I'm trying to simulate that ... going beyond the average time within a workout," he said.
Going into his second season, Bush already plays well beyond the level of an average running back. But when addressing his expectations for this season, he didn't want to talk about yardage and touchdowns.
"I've never been big on setting personal goals. The only thing I care about is Super Bowls," Bush said. "Your legacy is based on championships -- how many championships you win -- and you remember guys like Michael Jordan and Walter Payton and even a Tom Brady. That's the kind of caliber athlete I want to be remembered as. So that's what I shoot for when I'm training."
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Ron Paul Wins Poll Again - Takes Fox Poll After Debate
Rep. Ron Paul has done it again, confounding and even angering the conservative pundits who've focused on Rudy Giuliani and other front runners in the race for the Republican Presidential nomination.
Ron Paul made a statement that the U.S involvement in the Mid East was the reason for 9-11. Even though it's controversial, it's true.
Ron Paul made a statement that the U.S involvement in the Mid East was the reason for 9-11. Even though it's controversial, it's true.
Demand for NFL Game at Wembley Stadium is High
Demand for NFL Game at Wembley High
By DAVE SKRETTA
AP Sports Writer
NEW YORK -- The grousing by some NFL fans over the first regular-season game to be played overseas might not be limited to this side of the Atlantic.
More than half a million ticket requests poured in soon after commissioner Roger Goodell announced the New York Giants would play the Miami Dolphins at the new Wembley Stadium in London.
That outpouring of interest for the Oct. 28 contest means many die-hard fans -- not to mention the curious observers the game is intended to reach -- will be stuck watching on TV.
"This is a game for Europe and a game for hardcore fans of both teams," said Alistair Kirkwood, managing director of NFL UK.
"The challenge we've got is to keep all the various stakeholders happy."
Ticket preference will go to season ticket holders and members of fan clubs, particularly in the United Kingdom. About 10,000 fans are expected to travel from the United States, only a fraction of the anticipated sellout crowd of 90,000.
Tickets go on sale in Europe on Monday and within the next week in the United States, but fewer than half will be immediately available. The rest will go on sale once team and league officials weigh the amount of interest the game generates among American fans and those abroad.
Giants co-owner Jonathan Tisch said the club has received about 3,500 requests.
"Not only has there been that response for initial tickets, when you look at our fan base that come to every game, then consider we have 120,000 people on our waiting list ... they also want to travel overseas," Tisch said.
Both teams have done research on how best to appropriate tickets, but Kirkwood admits that it comes down to "best guessing." How many tickets are ultimately available will also depend on the number purchased by a business tier of 15,000 people who have rights to purchase seats for any game played in the sparkling new stadium.
"What we're not going to have is the risk of unsold tickets out there," Kirkwood said, adding that about 2,000 will be reserved for general sale in the U.S. and Europe in September.
For those lucky enough to get a ticket, the game won't be cheap. Prices range from about $90 to $180, using a pricing structure similar to this weekend's FA Cup final between Manchester United and Chelsea.
"When I was in Miami, one of the British journalists came up to me in the dour, sour way that most of the journalists have in Britain," London Mayor Ken Livingstone said. "He said, 'Wouldn't it be humiliating if there are a bunch of empty seats?' And I said, 'I suspect that won't be the case.'"
The game, which will kick off at 6 p.m. London time -- 1 p.m. on the East Coast of the United States -- comes after Arizona beat San Francisco in Mexico City in 2005. The league hopes to play regular-season games again in Mexico, as well as Canada and other cities in Europe in an effort to expand the game globally.
To accommodate the expansion, there has been increased discussion of replacing a preseason game with a regular-season game so that each team would play in a "foreign" market once a year without sacrificing a home game.
Tisch said that's an issue likely to come up at future owners meetings.
"We're all anxiously awaiting the start of the international games," Tisch said. "There is so much interest for this game that is emerging in lands far afield from the United States of America. We could easily add more international games to add to the fan base and the excitement of the NFL."
By DAVE SKRETTA
AP Sports Writer
NEW YORK -- The grousing by some NFL fans over the first regular-season game to be played overseas might not be limited to this side of the Atlantic.
More than half a million ticket requests poured in soon after commissioner Roger Goodell announced the New York Giants would play the Miami Dolphins at the new Wembley Stadium in London.
That outpouring of interest for the Oct. 28 contest means many die-hard fans -- not to mention the curious observers the game is intended to reach -- will be stuck watching on TV.
"This is a game for Europe and a game for hardcore fans of both teams," said Alistair Kirkwood, managing director of NFL UK.
"The challenge we've got is to keep all the various stakeholders happy."
Ticket preference will go to season ticket holders and members of fan clubs, particularly in the United Kingdom. About 10,000 fans are expected to travel from the United States, only a fraction of the anticipated sellout crowd of 90,000.
Tickets go on sale in Europe on Monday and within the next week in the United States, but fewer than half will be immediately available. The rest will go on sale once team and league officials weigh the amount of interest the game generates among American fans and those abroad.
Giants co-owner Jonathan Tisch said the club has received about 3,500 requests.
"Not only has there been that response for initial tickets, when you look at our fan base that come to every game, then consider we have 120,000 people on our waiting list ... they also want to travel overseas," Tisch said.
Both teams have done research on how best to appropriate tickets, but Kirkwood admits that it comes down to "best guessing." How many tickets are ultimately available will also depend on the number purchased by a business tier of 15,000 people who have rights to purchase seats for any game played in the sparkling new stadium.
"What we're not going to have is the risk of unsold tickets out there," Kirkwood said, adding that about 2,000 will be reserved for general sale in the U.S. and Europe in September.
For those lucky enough to get a ticket, the game won't be cheap. Prices range from about $90 to $180, using a pricing structure similar to this weekend's FA Cup final between Manchester United and Chelsea.
"When I was in Miami, one of the British journalists came up to me in the dour, sour way that most of the journalists have in Britain," London Mayor Ken Livingstone said. "He said, 'Wouldn't it be humiliating if there are a bunch of empty seats?' And I said, 'I suspect that won't be the case.'"
The game, which will kick off at 6 p.m. London time -- 1 p.m. on the East Coast of the United States -- comes after Arizona beat San Francisco in Mexico City in 2005. The league hopes to play regular-season games again in Mexico, as well as Canada and other cities in Europe in an effort to expand the game globally.
To accommodate the expansion, there has been increased discussion of replacing a preseason game with a regular-season game so that each team would play in a "foreign" market once a year without sacrificing a home game.
Tisch said that's an issue likely to come up at future owners meetings.
"We're all anxiously awaiting the start of the international games," Tisch said. "There is so much interest for this game that is emerging in lands far afield from the United States of America. We could easily add more international games to add to the fan base and the excitement of the NFL."
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Back In Action After A Mistaken Blogger Bot Block
That's right. This great blog system was the victim of a massive and mistaken block by Googlebots, thinking these were spam blogs. They're not. What Google must do is adjust it's bots so that they "see" mutliple writers and photos in posts.
Also, they should explain in detail what's triggering such behavior from the bots. As more and more of our economic activity moves online, it will be important for Google to make sure these errors occur less and less, if at all.
Also, they should explain in detail what's triggering such behavior from the bots. As more and more of our economic activity moves online, it will be important for Google to make sure these errors occur less and less, if at all.
Rev. Jerry Falwell Dies At 73 Of Heart Failure - Sad Day
I happened to see an Internet post that Jerry Falwell was admitted to the hospital and hoped that -- actually thought he was going to come out OK. I guess I'm so used to having him around as part of the American Culture that the idea he could pass on was foreign to me.
Well, Rev. Falwell passed on.
Now, I'm not a fan of his as he was a massive supporter of President Regan. Moreover, I at first saw him as anti-Black because of his rhetoric and the racist habits of the 80s in the South. But when I write that, I mean I wasn't a fan of his poltiics. I actually came to see him as a person that was actually someone I'd like to meet. This view was cemented when I saw him on a CNN roundtable of ministers, some Black and others White, with Al Sharpton as one of the others.
The discussions were not argumentative and indeed, interesting. And it was during that program that I came to see Rev. Falwell as actually quite right in that he had a powerful belief in the Lord.
It's quite apparent the Lord called him to Heaven.
Well, Rev. Falwell passed on.
Now, I'm not a fan of his as he was a massive supporter of President Regan. Moreover, I at first saw him as anti-Black because of his rhetoric and the racist habits of the 80s in the South. But when I write that, I mean I wasn't a fan of his poltiics. I actually came to see him as a person that was actually someone I'd like to meet. This view was cemented when I saw him on a CNN roundtable of ministers, some Black and others White, with Al Sharpton as one of the others.
The discussions were not argumentative and indeed, interesting. And it was during that program that I came to see Rev. Falwell as actually quite right in that he had a powerful belief in the Lord.
It's quite apparent the Lord called him to Heaven.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Goodell to NFL coaches: All access
Neil Best
SPORTS WATCH
Goodell to NFL coaches: All access
It's all but official now: Bill Parcells will not come out of retirement - ever.
Not if he reads a pointedly written memo in which the NFL updated media guidelines, tightening injury report rules, mandating regular access to assistants, liberalizing offseason access and much more.
Yikes! Call it Revenge of the Nerds MMVII.
The rules will most affect members of the paranoid Parcells/Bill Belichick coaching tree, two of whom happen to guide our local squads.
Tom Coughlin and Eric Mangini no longer will be permitted to bind and gag assistants when reporters are around. (Each had allowed severely limited access to assistants in the past; Coughlin was planning to open things up a bit in 2007 even before the directive.)
Fans and reporters can thank new commissioner Roger Goodell, a former Jets public relations intern who gets the concept that the news media is a conduit to paying customers, and that assistants can offer insights head coaches won't or can't.
The refined policy came out of meetings with the writers' association and was presented at the owners' meetings. NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said the commissioner "wanted more consistency and everybody operating at the same high level."
Any complaints from head coaches? "No," Aiello said.
Even Belichick? "No."
One rule seems aimed squarely at the Jets. It says a "credible" depth chart must be provided starting no later than the week of the preseason opener: "Listing players at each position on the depth chart in alphabetical order is prohibited."
SPORTS WATCH
Goodell to NFL coaches: All access
It's all but official now: Bill Parcells will not come out of retirement - ever.
Not if he reads a pointedly written memo in which the NFL updated media guidelines, tightening injury report rules, mandating regular access to assistants, liberalizing offseason access and much more.
Yikes! Call it Revenge of the Nerds MMVII.
The rules will most affect members of the paranoid Parcells/Bill Belichick coaching tree, two of whom happen to guide our local squads.
Tom Coughlin and Eric Mangini no longer will be permitted to bind and gag assistants when reporters are around. (Each had allowed severely limited access to assistants in the past; Coughlin was planning to open things up a bit in 2007 even before the directive.)
Fans and reporters can thank new commissioner Roger Goodell, a former Jets public relations intern who gets the concept that the news media is a conduit to paying customers, and that assistants can offer insights head coaches won't or can't.
The refined policy came out of meetings with the writers' association and was presented at the owners' meetings. NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said the commissioner "wanted more consistency and everybody operating at the same high level."
Any complaints from head coaches? "No," Aiello said.
Even Belichick? "No."
One rule seems aimed squarely at the Jets. It says a "credible" depth chart must be provided starting no later than the week of the preseason opener: "Listing players at each position on the depth chart in alphabetical order is prohibited."
Tommy Rowlands and Cole Konrad - Help wanted: Football background not required
Help wanted: Football background not required
Tom Rock
Football, apparently, is not a prerequisite for those trying to make the Jets this spring. Of the 30 players invited on a tryout basis to the three-day rookie minicamp, three of them did not play football in college and two of them have not played in nearly a decade.
NCAA heavyweight wrestling champions Tommy Rowlands from Ohio State and Cole Konrad from Minnesota, along with basketball player Jesse Pellot-Rosa from Virginia Commonwealth, found themselves on a football field for the first time in years yesterday. It's part of the Jets' no-stone-unturned philosophy when it comes to searching for talent.
"Whether it be wrestlers, basketball players, track athletes, Australian Rules football players, whoever it is, if they have core characteristics, good work ethic, intelligence, the things that we look for, then it's our job to teach them and their job to take advantage of the opportunity," Jets coach Eric Mangini said.
Pellot-Rosa, trying out as a wide receiver, was giving grief to his new teammates who had Duke in their NCAA bracket in March (VCU beat Duke in the first round). He last played football in prep school but was recruited by Tennessee, Alabama and Virginia.
The wrestlers, though, have not suited up for football since eighth or ninth grade. In fact, suiting up may be a problem; both admitted they aren't sure where all of the pads fit on a football uniform. Rowlands said his mind was on training for the world championship qualifiers in June when the Jets called three days ago to invite him for a tryout. "I was shocked," he said. "I thought it was a prank call."
Rowlands and Konrad, roommates this weekend, often have battled each other on the mat, most recently at the national championships in Las Vegas in April. Rowlands won to take the No. 1 ranking. Rowlands is trying out as an outside linebacker; Konrad is trying out as an offensive lineman even though he had to be instructed on how to take a three-point stance.
"It's hard to feel natural. I don't have much of a background," said Konrad, the NCAA champ in 2006 and 2007 and winner of 76 straight matches. "They're mainly seeing if I have potential."
Tom Rock
Football, apparently, is not a prerequisite for those trying to make the Jets this spring. Of the 30 players invited on a tryout basis to the three-day rookie minicamp, three of them did not play football in college and two of them have not played in nearly a decade.
NCAA heavyweight wrestling champions Tommy Rowlands from Ohio State and Cole Konrad from Minnesota, along with basketball player Jesse Pellot-Rosa from Virginia Commonwealth, found themselves on a football field for the first time in years yesterday. It's part of the Jets' no-stone-unturned philosophy when it comes to searching for talent.
"Whether it be wrestlers, basketball players, track athletes, Australian Rules football players, whoever it is, if they have core characteristics, good work ethic, intelligence, the things that we look for, then it's our job to teach them and their job to take advantage of the opportunity," Jets coach Eric Mangini said.
Pellot-Rosa, trying out as a wide receiver, was giving grief to his new teammates who had Duke in their NCAA bracket in March (VCU beat Duke in the first round). He last played football in prep school but was recruited by Tennessee, Alabama and Virginia.
The wrestlers, though, have not suited up for football since eighth or ninth grade. In fact, suiting up may be a problem; both admitted they aren't sure where all of the pads fit on a football uniform. Rowlands said his mind was on training for the world championship qualifiers in June when the Jets called three days ago to invite him for a tryout. "I was shocked," he said. "I thought it was a prank call."
Rowlands and Konrad, roommates this weekend, often have battled each other on the mat, most recently at the national championships in Las Vegas in April. Rowlands won to take the No. 1 ranking. Rowlands is trying out as an outside linebacker; Konrad is trying out as an offensive lineman even though he had to be instructed on how to take a three-point stance.
"It's hard to feel natural. I don't have much of a background," said Konrad, the NCAA champ in 2006 and 2007 and winner of 76 straight matches. "They're mainly seeing if I have potential."
Friday, May 11, 2007
Ricky Williams Tests Positive For Pot - Again!
This was just in from a phone call from Bill Chachkes and confirmed at ESPN: Ricky Williams tested positive for pot, and his doctors are recommending that his re-entry into the NFL be delayed.
I feel sorry for Ricky, as he apparently sees nothing wrong with taking a toke or two, but can't understand that the NFL does. If he wants to play in the NFL, he's going to have to stop taking his weed. It's that simple.
But then would he be able to hang with hot women? Well, I forgot, he has a significant other, ...who's that lady?
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Raiders Exec Mike Lombardi Fired; Raiders May Select Mike Mayock Or Pat Kirwan
This just happened on Wednesday:
Posted by Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer on Wednesday at 12:15 pm
Personnel executive Mike Lombardi is out in Oakland, which at this point is like reporting spring will give way to summer next month.
In other words, no surprises, and also no way to know how it affects the Raiders because of their method of operation.
Lombardi joined the Raiders personnel department in 1999, eventually ascending to "senior personnel executive." He took over some of the duties of senior assistant Bruce Allen upon Allen's departure to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, so it's clear he was a valued member of the organization by Al Davis.
Exactly how good Lombardi is as a personnel man is hard to determine because when it came to speaking on the record, he adhered to Oakland's in-house policy. There are those who believe Lombardi, along with now retired Chet Franklin, were at the core of Oakland's ability to land veteran free agents at bargain prices when the team won three consecutive division titles from 2000 through 2002.
But since he was never out front and open like the 49ers Scot McCloughan, or others in the league, the credit basically went to Davis and Jon Gruden. Davis, after all, makes the final call. Only he knows how much he leaned on Lombardi, and he's not saying.
Lombardi's slow exit began the moment Bobby Petrino turned down the job as Raiders head coach. It was Lombardi who gave Davis the hard sell, with Petrino even being offered the job.
Jerry also reports that the Raiders have considered hiring Mike Mayock and Pat Kirwan of the NFL Network and NFL.com, respectively. But the real burning question is what caused the Silver and Black to start looking around, first, then dump Lombardi?
Posted by Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer on Wednesday at 12:15 pm
Personnel executive Mike Lombardi is out in Oakland, which at this point is like reporting spring will give way to summer next month.
In other words, no surprises, and also no way to know how it affects the Raiders because of their method of operation.
Lombardi joined the Raiders personnel department in 1999, eventually ascending to "senior personnel executive." He took over some of the duties of senior assistant Bruce Allen upon Allen's departure to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, so it's clear he was a valued member of the organization by Al Davis.
Exactly how good Lombardi is as a personnel man is hard to determine because when it came to speaking on the record, he adhered to Oakland's in-house policy. There are those who believe Lombardi, along with now retired Chet Franklin, were at the core of Oakland's ability to land veteran free agents at bargain prices when the team won three consecutive division titles from 2000 through 2002.
But since he was never out front and open like the 49ers Scot McCloughan, or others in the league, the credit basically went to Davis and Jon Gruden. Davis, after all, makes the final call. Only he knows how much he leaned on Lombardi, and he's not saying.
Lombardi's slow exit began the moment Bobby Petrino turned down the job as Raiders head coach. It was Lombardi who gave Davis the hard sell, with Petrino even being offered the job.
Jerry also reports that the Raiders have considered hiring Mike Mayock and Pat Kirwan of the NFL Network and NFL.com, respectively. But the real burning question is what caused the Silver and Black to start looking around, first, then dump Lombardi?
Petaluma High School My Space Threats By East Coast Teen - SF Chron
This goes to show that you can't hide, even on the Internet. They got him.
Cops say East Coast teen admits MySpace threats
Warnings about shooting people at Petaluma High School keep 2/3 of students away
Jim Herron Zamora and Marisa Lagos, Chronicle Staff Writers
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
(05-09) 19:55 PDT PETALUMA -- Petaluma police said a 17-year-old boy from the East Coast admitted to posting prank MySpace messages -- threatening to shoot people at Petaluma High School -- that caused about two thirds of students to miss classes Wednesday.
Police said that the boy, who was not named, admitted using a stolen password to hack into the MySpace page of at least one Petaluma High School student and using the account to send prank messages on Tuesday night vowing to bring a gun to school Wednesday to shoot enough people to exceed the 33 deaths at Virginia Tech last month.
Late Tuesday, investigators traced the threats to a person 3,000 miles away, but police and school officials still took the matter seriously and warned parents. Educators decided not to cancel classes but they did beef up security and lock down the campus.
The message said:"Listen up you people, I'm sick of all your s -- . Tomorrow I'm going to school strapped and none of you can do anything to stop me. I'm beating the high score of 33 thanks to you f -- ."
Police said that the prankster, who was not arrested but will likely face criminal charges, is one of several internet users who have obtained passwords "for a variety of MySpace accounts." Police said the prankster told them that a number of other internet users have used the passwords to "post inappropriate and possibly criminal data" on the popular social networking site.
The prankster's threats were posted and re-posted to about 300 other Petaluma students with MySpace accounts, school administrators said.
The East Coast boy has no connection to Petaluma, police said in a statement, "and he had no intention of carrying out any violence."
Police declined to discuss what criminal charges the youth may face. He could possibly be prosecuted under federal or state law.
School administrators said they had to take the threats seriously and enacted an emergency plan.
"The police let us know (Tuesday) night that they had some leads that linked this to the East Coast, but we had to respect the police investigation and treat this as a potentially serious threat," said Dave Rose, head of student services for Petaluma City Schools. "Had this been clearly a threat we would have closed down the school totally."
Police and school officials posted several alerts on the school's web-site on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. Administrators also received nearly 400 phone calls from concerned parents before school Wednesday.
As a result, only about half of the 1,650 students showed up for first-period classes. That dwindled to about 35 percent by second period because many parents pulled their children out of school because of the threats.
Cops say East Coast teen admits MySpace threats
Warnings about shooting people at Petaluma High School keep 2/3 of students away
Jim Herron Zamora and Marisa Lagos, Chronicle Staff Writers
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
(05-09) 19:55 PDT PETALUMA -- Petaluma police said a 17-year-old boy from the East Coast admitted to posting prank MySpace messages -- threatening to shoot people at Petaluma High School -- that caused about two thirds of students to miss classes Wednesday.
Police said that the boy, who was not named, admitted using a stolen password to hack into the MySpace page of at least one Petaluma High School student and using the account to send prank messages on Tuesday night vowing to bring a gun to school Wednesday to shoot enough people to exceed the 33 deaths at Virginia Tech last month.
Late Tuesday, investigators traced the threats to a person 3,000 miles away, but police and school officials still took the matter seriously and warned parents. Educators decided not to cancel classes but they did beef up security and lock down the campus.
The message said:"Listen up you people, I'm sick of all your s -- . Tomorrow I'm going to school strapped and none of you can do anything to stop me. I'm beating the high score of 33 thanks to you f -- ."
Police said that the prankster, who was not arrested but will likely face criminal charges, is one of several internet users who have obtained passwords "for a variety of MySpace accounts." Police said the prankster told them that a number of other internet users have used the passwords to "post inappropriate and possibly criminal data" on the popular social networking site.
The prankster's threats were posted and re-posted to about 300 other Petaluma students with MySpace accounts, school administrators said.
The East Coast boy has no connection to Petaluma, police said in a statement, "and he had no intention of carrying out any violence."
Police declined to discuss what criminal charges the youth may face. He could possibly be prosecuted under federal or state law.
School administrators said they had to take the threats seriously and enacted an emergency plan.
"The police let us know (Tuesday) night that they had some leads that linked this to the East Coast, but we had to respect the police investigation and treat this as a potentially serious threat," said Dave Rose, head of student services for Petaluma City Schools. "Had this been clearly a threat we would have closed down the school totally."
Police and school officials posted several alerts on the school's web-site on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. Administrators also received nearly 400 phone calls from concerned parents before school Wednesday.
As a result, only about half of the 1,650 students showed up for first-period classes. That dwindled to about 35 percent by second period because many parents pulled their children out of school because of the threats.
Petaluma High School My Space Threats By East Coast Teen - SF Chron
This goes to show that you can't hide, even on the Internet. They got him.
Cops say East Coast teen admits MySpace threats
Warnings about shooting people at Petaluma High School keep 2/3 of students away
Jim Herron Zamora and Marisa Lagos, Chronicle Staff Writers
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
(05-09) 19:55 PDT PETALUMA -- Petaluma police said a 17-year-old boy from the East Coast admitted to posting prank MySpace messages -- threatening to shoot people at Petaluma High School -- that caused about two thirds of students to miss classes Wednesday.
Police said that the boy, who was not named, admitted using a stolen password to hack into the MySpace page of at least one Petaluma High School student and using the account to send prank messages on Tuesday night vowing to bring a gun to school Wednesday to shoot enough people to exceed the 33 deaths at Virginia Tech last month.
Late Tuesday, investigators traced the threats to a person 3,000 miles away, but police and school officials still took the matter seriously and warned parents. Educators decided not to cancel classes but they did beef up security and lock down the campus.
The message said:"Listen up you people, I'm sick of all your s -- . Tomorrow I'm going to school strapped and none of you can do anything to stop me. I'm beating the high score of 33 thanks to you f -- ."
Police said that the prankster, who was not arrested but will likely face criminal charges, is one of several internet users who have obtained passwords "for a variety of MySpace accounts." Police said the prankster told them that a number of other internet users have used the passwords to "post inappropriate and possibly criminal data" on the popular social networking site.
The prankster's threats were posted and re-posted to about 300 other Petaluma students with MySpace accounts, school administrators said.
The East Coast boy has no connection to Petaluma, police said in a statement, "and he had no intention of carrying out any violence."
Police declined to discuss what criminal charges the youth may face. He could possibly be prosecuted under federal or state law.
School administrators said they had to take the threats seriously and enacted an emergency plan.
"The police let us know (Tuesday) night that they had some leads that linked this to the East Coast, but we had to respect the police investigation and treat this as a potentially serious threat," said Dave Rose, head of student services for Petaluma City Schools. "Had this been clearly a threat we would have closed down the school totally."
Police and school officials posted several alerts on the school's web-site on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. Administrators also received nearly 400 phone calls from concerned parents before school Wednesday.
As a result, only about half of the 1,650 students showed up for first-period classes. That dwindled to about 35 percent by second period because many parents pulled their children out of school because of the threats.
Cops say East Coast teen admits MySpace threats
Warnings about shooting people at Petaluma High School keep 2/3 of students away
Jim Herron Zamora and Marisa Lagos, Chronicle Staff Writers
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
(05-09) 19:55 PDT PETALUMA -- Petaluma police said a 17-year-old boy from the East Coast admitted to posting prank MySpace messages -- threatening to shoot people at Petaluma High School -- that caused about two thirds of students to miss classes Wednesday.
Police said that the boy, who was not named, admitted using a stolen password to hack into the MySpace page of at least one Petaluma High School student and using the account to send prank messages on Tuesday night vowing to bring a gun to school Wednesday to shoot enough people to exceed the 33 deaths at Virginia Tech last month.
Late Tuesday, investigators traced the threats to a person 3,000 miles away, but police and school officials still took the matter seriously and warned parents. Educators decided not to cancel classes but they did beef up security and lock down the campus.
The message said:"Listen up you people, I'm sick of all your s -- . Tomorrow I'm going to school strapped and none of you can do anything to stop me. I'm beating the high score of 33 thanks to you f -- ."
Police said that the prankster, who was not arrested but will likely face criminal charges, is one of several internet users who have obtained passwords "for a variety of MySpace accounts." Police said the prankster told them that a number of other internet users have used the passwords to "post inappropriate and possibly criminal data" on the popular social networking site.
The prankster's threats were posted and re-posted to about 300 other Petaluma students with MySpace accounts, school administrators said.
The East Coast boy has no connection to Petaluma, police said in a statement, "and he had no intention of carrying out any violence."
Police declined to discuss what criminal charges the youth may face. He could possibly be prosecuted under federal or state law.
School administrators said they had to take the threats seriously and enacted an emergency plan.
"The police let us know (Tuesday) night that they had some leads that linked this to the East Coast, but we had to respect the police investigation and treat this as a potentially serious threat," said Dave Rose, head of student services for Petaluma City Schools. "Had this been clearly a threat we would have closed down the school totally."
Police and school officials posted several alerts on the school's web-site on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. Administrators also received nearly 400 phone calls from concerned parents before school Wednesday.
As a result, only about half of the 1,650 students showed up for first-period classes. That dwindled to about 35 percent by second period because many parents pulled their children out of school because of the threats.
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Peter Chernin (COO News Corp.) and Jeff Zucker (CEO NBC Universal) Can't Sink YouTube
I saw this bit of news at TechCrunch:
The rumors of a joint venture to counter the perceived Google-YouTube threat, dubbed “Clown Co.” by Google executives, are now confirmed, although the name of the new company is not yet available. In a press release, Peter Chernin (COO News Corp.) and Jeff Zucker (CEO NBC Universal) are announcing “launch the largest Internet video distribution network ever assembled with the most sought-after content from television and film.” Content from at least a dozen TV networks and two major film studios is promised. Initial distribution partners include AOL, MSN, MySpace and Yahoo.
Chernin says they will have access to “the entire U.S. audience” at launch. The service is promised for this summer, with “thousands of hours” of full length televisions shows and movies, as well as shorter clips. Users will have unlimited and free access to content on the site.
Good content lineup:
At launch, full episodes and clips from current hit shows, including Heroes, 24, House, My Name Is Earl, Saturday Night Live, Friday Night Lights, The Riches, 30 Rock, The Simpsons, The Tonight Show, Prison Break, Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader and Top Chef, plus hits from the studios’ vast television libraries, will be available free, on an ad-supported basis, within a rich consumer experience featuring personalized video playlists, mashups, online communities and video search. Plus, the extensive programming lineup will include fan favorite films like Borat, Little Miss Sunshine, Devil Wears Prada, The Bourne Identity and Bourne Supremacy with bonus materials and movie trailers. Post-launch, plans will be considered for acquiring additional content as well as producing and licensing original programming for the new site’s audience.
The content will be provided through distribution partners through a customized embeddable player.
I'm gong to call it "Clown Co" too, because these bozos think that people -- the YouTube demographic -- are going to flock to this new venture just because it exists and has TV content.
Hell no. And the simple fact that they think this is an example of how the control culture thinks. In other words, they believe you want their content so bad, you're going to avoid visting YouTube to get it. The reason this is wrong in embeded in why YouTube was started in the first place -- as a way to get personal videos -- not TV shows -- distributed.
What Clown Co's doing is fitting old wine in a new bottle and it will not sell. The reason is that the novelty and ease of user-generated content will not end. Plus, with Apple TV and its competitors, people have better ways to see their self-made TV shows, and do that as much or more than looking at Clown Co's site.
Watch. This is going to be a major embarassment for the founders of Clown Co.
The rumors of a joint venture to counter the perceived Google-YouTube threat, dubbed “Clown Co.” by Google executives, are now confirmed, although the name of the new company is not yet available. In a press release, Peter Chernin (COO News Corp.) and Jeff Zucker (CEO NBC Universal) are announcing “launch the largest Internet video distribution network ever assembled with the most sought-after content from television and film.” Content from at least a dozen TV networks and two major film studios is promised. Initial distribution partners include AOL, MSN, MySpace and Yahoo.
Chernin says they will have access to “the entire U.S. audience” at launch. The service is promised for this summer, with “thousands of hours” of full length televisions shows and movies, as well as shorter clips. Users will have unlimited and free access to content on the site.
Good content lineup:
At launch, full episodes and clips from current hit shows, including Heroes, 24, House, My Name Is Earl, Saturday Night Live, Friday Night Lights, The Riches, 30 Rock, The Simpsons, The Tonight Show, Prison Break, Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader and Top Chef, plus hits from the studios’ vast television libraries, will be available free, on an ad-supported basis, within a rich consumer experience featuring personalized video playlists, mashups, online communities and video search. Plus, the extensive programming lineup will include fan favorite films like Borat, Little Miss Sunshine, Devil Wears Prada, The Bourne Identity and Bourne Supremacy with bonus materials and movie trailers. Post-launch, plans will be considered for acquiring additional content as well as producing and licensing original programming for the new site’s audience.
The content will be provided through distribution partners through a customized embeddable player.
I'm gong to call it "Clown Co" too, because these bozos think that people -- the YouTube demographic -- are going to flock to this new venture just because it exists and has TV content.
Hell no. And the simple fact that they think this is an example of how the control culture thinks. In other words, they believe you want their content so bad, you're going to avoid visting YouTube to get it. The reason this is wrong in embeded in why YouTube was started in the first place -- as a way to get personal videos -- not TV shows -- distributed.
What Clown Co's doing is fitting old wine in a new bottle and it will not sell. The reason is that the novelty and ease of user-generated content will not end. Plus, with Apple TV and its competitors, people have better ways to see their self-made TV shows, and do that as much or more than looking at Clown Co's site.
Watch. This is going to be a major embarassment for the founders of Clown Co.
Petaluma High Students Get Death Threat On MySpace
This is scary, and an example of just how sick our society has become. Virginia Tech, combined with our communications system, has produced copycats. Sick.
MySpace hacker posts menacing statements to Petaluma High students
Marisa Lagos, Chronicle Staff Writer
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
(05-09) 09:18 PDT PETALUMA -- Someone hacked into the MySpace pages of several Petaluma High School students Tuesday night and posted statements on the networking Web site threatening to bring a gun to school today and kill people.
Police are asking parents, students and officials at Petaluma High School to help them identify the suspect today. Education officials said school remains in session, and there is extra police presence on campus.
The threats referenced April's deadly shootings at Virginia Tech, and warned students to stay home from school today.
Petaluma Police Sgt. Marty Frye said police sent out a "school alert" to employees and parents detailing the threats and stating that investigators do not know if it is valid.
According to the alert, the suspect wrote, "Listen up you people, I'm sick of all your s -- . Tomorrow I'm going to school strapped and none of you can do anything to stop me. I'm beating the high score of 33 thanks to you f -- ."
The person also went on to make additional statements in which they threatened to bring a gun to school and repeatedly referenced the Virginia Tech shootings, which left 33 people, including the shooter, dead.
Frye said it appears the suspect gained access to several Petaluma High School students' MySpace pages by hacking into the accounts and sent the messages without those people's knowledge.
Internet providers are cooperating with detectives and working to track down the origin of the messages, he added.
Petaluma City Schools deputy superintendent Steve Bolman said classes are continuing as normal.
"School is in session," he said. "We do have officers on campus, and students are being encouraged to stay in class."
MySpace hacker posts menacing statements to Petaluma High students
Marisa Lagos, Chronicle Staff Writer
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
(05-09) 09:18 PDT PETALUMA -- Someone hacked into the MySpace pages of several Petaluma High School students Tuesday night and posted statements on the networking Web site threatening to bring a gun to school today and kill people.
Police are asking parents, students and officials at Petaluma High School to help them identify the suspect today. Education officials said school remains in session, and there is extra police presence on campus.
The threats referenced April's deadly shootings at Virginia Tech, and warned students to stay home from school today.
Petaluma Police Sgt. Marty Frye said police sent out a "school alert" to employees and parents detailing the threats and stating that investigators do not know if it is valid.
According to the alert, the suspect wrote, "Listen up you people, I'm sick of all your s -- . Tomorrow I'm going to school strapped and none of you can do anything to stop me. I'm beating the high score of 33 thanks to you f -- ."
The person also went on to make additional statements in which they threatened to bring a gun to school and repeatedly referenced the Virginia Tech shootings, which left 33 people, including the shooter, dead.
Frye said it appears the suspect gained access to several Petaluma High School students' MySpace pages by hacking into the accounts and sent the messages without those people's knowledge.
Internet providers are cooperating with detectives and working to track down the origin of the messages, he added.
Petaluma City Schools deputy superintendent Steve Bolman said classes are continuing as normal.
"School is in session," he said. "We do have officers on campus, and students are being encouraged to stay in class."
Visit To Ground Zero - New York City
My good friend Bill Chachkes gave me an impromptu first-time tour of Ground Zero in New York City. The site is right next to the building that employed his father for 21 of his 34 years with the New York police force.
Bill's tour is a personal one- he lost two friends in the 9/11 disaster and saw a building his father said would never come down, come down.
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Panthers Sign WR Steve Smith to 3-Year Extension
Panthers Sign Smith to 3-Year Extension
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Receiver Steve Smith agreed to a three-year contract extension with the Carolina Panthers on Tuesday in a deal that will keep him with the team through the 2012 season.
His agent, Derrick Fox, said he wasn't authorized to release exact figures, but said Smith's new deal makes him among the five highest-paid receivers in the NFL.
"Steve wanted to complete his career with the Panthers and bring Carolina a Super Bowl," Fox said. "This gives him peace of mind."
The 28-year-old Smith had three years left on a six-year, $27 million contract. He was scheduled to make $3.l, $3.6 and $4.2 million over the next three seasons, but now will make significantly more.
Smith had been hoping to get a new deal for some time and the Panthers had made a long-term deal one of their top priorities after they released veteran receiver Keyshawn Johnson last week.
Smith, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, led the NFL with 103 catches for 1,563 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2005. Fox said negotiations with general manager Marty Hurney began after that season.
"When he had the Triple Crown season, Marty came to us and said he had outplayed his contract," Fox said. "But it was a hard process, because he was just two years in (to a six-year contract)."
Smith's numbers declined last season. He missed the first two games with a hamstring injury, and finished with 20 fewer catches, 400 fewer receiving yards and four fewer touchdowns and Carolina finished a disappointing 8-8.
Offensive coordinator Dan Henning was fired, and Smith said at last weekend's minicamp that he was pleased with new coordinator Jeff Davidson's offense. Davidson had said he wanted to find new ways to get Smith the ball.
Smith was Carolina's third-round pick in 2001. Used primarily as a kick returner as a rookie, Smith became Carolina's go-to receiver in their Super Bowl season in 2003.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Receiver Steve Smith agreed to a three-year contract extension with the Carolina Panthers on Tuesday in a deal that will keep him with the team through the 2012 season.
His agent, Derrick Fox, said he wasn't authorized to release exact figures, but said Smith's new deal makes him among the five highest-paid receivers in the NFL.
"Steve wanted to complete his career with the Panthers and bring Carolina a Super Bowl," Fox said. "This gives him peace of mind."
The 28-year-old Smith had three years left on a six-year, $27 million contract. He was scheduled to make $3.l, $3.6 and $4.2 million over the next three seasons, but now will make significantly more.
Smith had been hoping to get a new deal for some time and the Panthers had made a long-term deal one of their top priorities after they released veteran receiver Keyshawn Johnson last week.
Smith, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, led the NFL with 103 catches for 1,563 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2005. Fox said negotiations with general manager Marty Hurney began after that season.
"When he had the Triple Crown season, Marty came to us and said he had outplayed his contract," Fox said. "But it was a hard process, because he was just two years in (to a six-year contract)."
Smith's numbers declined last season. He missed the first two games with a hamstring injury, and finished with 20 fewer catches, 400 fewer receiving yards and four fewer touchdowns and Carolina finished a disappointing 8-8.
Offensive coordinator Dan Henning was fired, and Smith said at last weekend's minicamp that he was pleased with new coordinator Jeff Davidson's offense. Davidson had said he wanted to find new ways to get Smith the ball.
Smith was Carolina's third-round pick in 2001. Used primarily as a kick returner as a rookie, Smith became Carolina's go-to receiver in their Super Bowl season in 2003.
Sunday, May 06, 2007
Paris Hilton Supporters Have Petition To Protest Jail Term
As you may know, Paris Hilton was sentenced to 45-days in jail for violating probation. She's to appear at the LA County facility before June 5th, which gives her about a month or so.
A group of supporters is circulating an online petition to keep her out of jail. I'd wish they'd do the same for others who have less money.
You think Akon will get 45-days for what he did? Nope. Just shows you how screwed up society is.
A group of supporters is circulating an online petition to keep her out of jail. I'd wish they'd do the same for others who have less money.
You think Akon will get 45-days for what he did? Nope. Just shows you how screwed up society is.
Video - Akon Dry Humps Underage Girl In Trinidad - Acts Stupidly; Crowd Eggs Him On
There's much being made of the video that captures rapper Akon -- who I'd never heard of until now -- forceably dry humping a woman later to be identified as underage. If you've not seen the video, it's presented below. Apparently, it was on YouTube, but taken down for "copywrite violations" -- any company that would claim protection of this is nuts to begin with.
For YouTube's part, they should fight back with the claim that this is public information about a public figure and thus falls outside the copywrite argument. As to the video itself, it's caused another attack on rap, but this time I think people are missing the point. What's on display here is a mob mentality and the pornification of American culture.
Look, while Akon was certainly criminal in his behavior it's not like the young lady ran off the stage, which she should have done at first. But she would not; in the video she just lays there waiting for him at first. Both are to blame here; it's like she wanted to see how far he would go, and he decided to go as far as he thought could.
I took a video at the LL Cool J concert at the ESPN Super Bowl Party, and got a stream of emails from women who claimed they were on stage and wanted a copy of the clip. The point being they want to be seen up there, and thus put up with whatever behavior the celebrity pushes on them, which is certainly what Akon did.
Now in the video, Akon does not really dry hump the woman at first -- he's actually over her as if he's doing pushups -- but as the crowd gets excited, then he goes nuts and too far with the act, when he should have stopped a long time ago.
To the young lady's defense, she had no idea of what was about to happen. She qas quoted as saying "This whole hip hop thing is a guise and I don't want any part of it. I don't want any part of it. Look at what I have to go through with one mistake that I made. My dad warned me every time and I didn't listen. I am sorry."
She accepts that she made a mistake. But Akon has not. That's terrible.
It's Akon's responsibility to be a gentleman due to his "power position" -- but instead, he violated that rule. Moreover, the crowd itself seemed to want it. Look for yourself. But what's even more disturbing is that he just ran off stage as if he knew that what he did was wrong. He does not see to her comfort; it looks like a complete rape, so that's what we'll call it.
But my question is if he's going to be prosecuted, it's not going to change the crowd. No one. Not the handlers of Akon. Not the spectators. No one stopped him. I think everyone on stage should be sued, not just Akon.
For YouTube's part, they should fight back with the claim that this is public information about a public figure and thus falls outside the copywrite argument. As to the video itself, it's caused another attack on rap, but this time I think people are missing the point. What's on display here is a mob mentality and the pornification of American culture.
Look, while Akon was certainly criminal in his behavior it's not like the young lady ran off the stage, which she should have done at first. But she would not; in the video she just lays there waiting for him at first. Both are to blame here; it's like she wanted to see how far he would go, and he decided to go as far as he thought could.
I took a video at the LL Cool J concert at the ESPN Super Bowl Party, and got a stream of emails from women who claimed they were on stage and wanted a copy of the clip. The point being they want to be seen up there, and thus put up with whatever behavior the celebrity pushes on them, which is certainly what Akon did.
Now in the video, Akon does not really dry hump the woman at first -- he's actually over her as if he's doing pushups -- but as the crowd gets excited, then he goes nuts and too far with the act, when he should have stopped a long time ago.
To the young lady's defense, she had no idea of what was about to happen. She qas quoted as saying "This whole hip hop thing is a guise and I don't want any part of it. I don't want any part of it. Look at what I have to go through with one mistake that I made. My dad warned me every time and I didn't listen. I am sorry."
She accepts that she made a mistake. But Akon has not. That's terrible.
It's Akon's responsibility to be a gentleman due to his "power position" -- but instead, he violated that rule. Moreover, the crowd itself seemed to want it. Look for yourself. But what's even more disturbing is that he just ran off stage as if he knew that what he did was wrong. He does not see to her comfort; it looks like a complete rape, so that's what we'll call it.
But my question is if he's going to be prosecuted, it's not going to change the crowd. No one. Not the handlers of Akon. Not the spectators. No one stopped him. I think everyone on stage should be sued, not just Akon.
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Paris Hilton gets 45 days in jail -- Why? - BBC News
I think the judge was sending Paris a message, as she's had not one, but two chances. The judge apparently thinks that Paris is under the idea that she's above the law. Perhaps this will change things, but considering that Paris is a celebrity, placing her in the condition of a standard jail could be considered a death sentence.
That's not right at all.
Paris Hilton gets 45 days in jail
Ms Hilton must start her jail term next month
A Los Angeles judge ruled she must start her sentence on 5 June and has no prospect of an early release.
Ms Hilton told the judge she was very sorry and that she would "pay complete attention to everything" from now on.
The socialite said she did not know her licence had been suspended when caught driving without headlights in February.
According to papers filed in Los Angeles' Superior Court, Ms Hilton was stopped by California Highway Patrol officers on 15 January and informed she was driving on a suspended licence.
The 26-year-old then reportedly signed a document acknowledging she was not allowed to drive.
I'm very sorry and from now on I'm going to pay complete attention to everything
Paris Hilton
On 27 February, she was stopped by Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department for speeding on Sunset Boulevard with her car's headlights off and charged with violating her probation.
Although Ms Hilton maintained she was not aware her licence had been suspended, court papers said the document she signed in January was found in her car's glove compartment.
She was also accused of failing to enrol in an alcohol education programme by a court-ordered deadline.
Late entrance
Ms Hilton was sentenced to three years' probation, fined $1,150 (£582), and lost her licence at the end of January after pleading no contest to a drink driving charge in September.
Despite prosecutors saying the heiress deserved a jail sentence prior to Friday's hearing, Ms Hilton arrived at the court at least 10 minutes late.
Hilton first gained notoriety for her constant partying as a teenager
One of the world's most photographed women, her arrival attracted a swarm of paparazzi at a courthouse whose most glamorous work usually consists of dealing with parking fines.
Her mother, Kathy, laughed when the demand for a custodial sentence was made during the prosecution's closing argument and asked Judge Michael Sauer for his autograph.
"I'm very sorry and from now on I'm going to pay complete attention to everything," Ms Hilton told the court before she was sentenced.
"I'm sorry and I did not do it on purpose at all," she said. But the judge was unmoved.
The 26-year-old heiress wept when the ruling was announced, and her mother shouted at the prosecutor: "You're pathetic."
One of Ms Hilton's lawyers said the jail sentence was unfair.
"To sentence Paris Hilton to 45 days in jail to me was uncalled for, inappropriate and bordered on the ludicrous. I think she was singled out because she's who she is," Howard Weitzman said.
If Ms Hilton does not report to jail on 5 June she will face 90 days behind bars.
Ms Hilton, heiress to the Hilton Hotel fortune, first gained notoriety for her constant partying as a teenager.
The BBC's David Willis says the austere surrounding of the all-women's detention centre will be a far cry from the five-star luxury the hotel heiress has become used to.
What her fellow inmates will make of her, and she of them, remains to be seen, our correspondent says.
That's not right at all.
Paris Hilton gets 45 days in jail
Ms Hilton must start her jail term next month
A Los Angeles judge ruled she must start her sentence on 5 June and has no prospect of an early release.
Ms Hilton told the judge she was very sorry and that she would "pay complete attention to everything" from now on.
The socialite said she did not know her licence had been suspended when caught driving without headlights in February.
According to papers filed in Los Angeles' Superior Court, Ms Hilton was stopped by California Highway Patrol officers on 15 January and informed she was driving on a suspended licence.
The 26-year-old then reportedly signed a document acknowledging she was not allowed to drive.
I'm very sorry and from now on I'm going to pay complete attention to everything
Paris Hilton
On 27 February, she was stopped by Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department for speeding on Sunset Boulevard with her car's headlights off and charged with violating her probation.
Although Ms Hilton maintained she was not aware her licence had been suspended, court papers said the document she signed in January was found in her car's glove compartment.
She was also accused of failing to enrol in an alcohol education programme by a court-ordered deadline.
Late entrance
Ms Hilton was sentenced to three years' probation, fined $1,150 (£582), and lost her licence at the end of January after pleading no contest to a drink driving charge in September.
Despite prosecutors saying the heiress deserved a jail sentence prior to Friday's hearing, Ms Hilton arrived at the court at least 10 minutes late.
Hilton first gained notoriety for her constant partying as a teenager
One of the world's most photographed women, her arrival attracted a swarm of paparazzi at a courthouse whose most glamorous work usually consists of dealing with parking fines.
Her mother, Kathy, laughed when the demand for a custodial sentence was made during the prosecution's closing argument and asked Judge Michael Sauer for his autograph.
"I'm very sorry and from now on I'm going to pay complete attention to everything," Ms Hilton told the court before she was sentenced.
"I'm sorry and I did not do it on purpose at all," she said. But the judge was unmoved.
The 26-year-old heiress wept when the ruling was announced, and her mother shouted at the prosecutor: "You're pathetic."
One of Ms Hilton's lawyers said the jail sentence was unfair.
"To sentence Paris Hilton to 45 days in jail to me was uncalled for, inappropriate and bordered on the ludicrous. I think she was singled out because she's who she is," Howard Weitzman said.
If Ms Hilton does not report to jail on 5 June she will face 90 days behind bars.
Ms Hilton, heiress to the Hilton Hotel fortune, first gained notoriety for her constant partying as a teenager.
The BBC's David Willis says the austere surrounding of the all-women's detention centre will be a far cry from the five-star luxury the hotel heiress has become used to.
What her fellow inmates will make of her, and she of them, remains to be seen, our correspondent says.
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Barack Obama Placed Under Secret Service Watch - CNN.com
This is an example of how sick American Society is. To my knoweldge, for the first time, an American Presidential candidate has been placed under Secret Service watch, reportedly due to a threat on his life. The news came from CNN.
This is more proof that we as a society have a lot of work to do in correcting our course; it just makes me work harder to gt him elected.
This is more proof that we as a society have a lot of work to do in correcting our course; it just makes me work harder to gt him elected.
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