(This is an update on an earlier blog post called "Snow in Atlanta".)
The Atlanta, Georgia area is getting a healthy dose of snow, and this blogger, taking care of his mother's home in suburban Atlanta, is in the middle of it. The snow is coming down fast and here's the video of it all:
To think. Exactly one week ago on Friday, I was in balmy South Beach, Miami, Florida for the Super Bowl festivities...
Now I'm here.
The snowy conditions have forced thousands of flight cancellations at Atlanta-Harsfield-Jackson Airport. But flying in the snow is one thing; driving in it something else. For those of us trained by their fathers to drive in midwestern snow, this is not a problem. But then, it's the other Southern drivers that really concern me.
Reportedly, this is supposed to go on all day long, and it has done that and is still snowing albeit at a really slow rate, then we reportedly get a break on Saturday, and it starts up again Sunday.
That trip into Atlanta I planned never happened; I've got snow to shovel.
Stay tuned.
Friday, February 12, 2010
University shooting at Alabama-Huntsville: Dr. Amy Bishop is suspect
A university shooting at Alabama-Huntsville University has neuroscientist Dr. Amy Bishop as the key suspect (the Huntsville Times reports Bishop's Harvard-trained but what relevance that is to the story is a mystery). Bishop's being held, along with her husband, but has not been charged with a crime as of this writing. Three people, all Alabama-Huntsville faculty members, are dead.
Amy Bishop joined the UAH faculty in 2003. With her husband, Jim Anderson, Bishop created a portable cell-incubator called "InQ" which won the couple an award in a state competition and won $25,000 of seed money in a business competition, money they could use to start a company around the invention.
A search for the name "Amy Bishop" revealed a web page that had this text, instead of Bishop's profile:
Dr. Bishop was also working on a cybernetics project called The Neuristor, using neurons as we use integrated circuits in a living computer. Bishop wrote:
Amy Bishop was reportedly denied tenure. What happened after that, a hypothesis, may be that Bishop went off when she perceived the University as trying to take and profit off of an idea she developed, just as they were getting rid of her. At that point, Bishop may have went berserk.
Stay tuned.
Amy Bishop joined the UAH faculty in 2003. With her husband, Jim Anderson, Bishop created a portable cell-incubator called "InQ" which won the couple an award in a state competition and won $25,000 of seed money in a business competition, money they could use to start a company around the invention.
Amy Bishop
A search for the name "Amy Bishop" revealed a web page that had this text, instead of Bishop's profile:
There has been a shooting on campus. The shooter has been apprehended. The campus is closed tonight. Everyone is encouraged to go home. Classes are cancelled for tonight. Any additional cancellations or changes will be announced as they become available. There is a Command Center set up at Madison Hall Room 109. Counselors are available in University Center Rooms 125, 126 and 127 for anyone who wishes to speak with a counselor.
Dr. Bishop was also working on a cybernetics project called The Neuristor, using neurons as we use integrated circuits in a living computer. Bishop wrote:
Neuroengineering
My laboratory's goal will be to continue in our effort to develop a neural computer, the Neuristor™, using living neurons. This computer will exploit all of the advantages of neurons. Specifically, neurons rich with the nitric oxide NO dependent learning receptor, N Methyl D Aspartate receptor NMDAR, will be utilized. These have previously been studied in the context of induced adaptive resistance to NO IAR. For the Neuristor™ we will take advantage of the IAR phenomena since it has been demonstrated that IAR neurons express more learning and memory receptors NMDAR as well as increased neurite outgrowth. The neurons that we are currently using are mammalian motor neurons. We are exploring the possibility of using neurons derived from adult stem cells, and from bony fishes provided by Bruce Stallsmith Ph.D. This laboratory has created a portable cell culture incubator, the Cell Drive™ that is an ideal support structure for the Neuristor".
Amy Bishop was reportedly denied tenure. What happened after that, a hypothesis, may be that Bishop went off when she perceived the University as trying to take and profit off of an idea she developed, just as they were getting rid of her. At that point, Bishop may have went berserk.
Stay tuned.
Bill Clinton out of hospital and back to work today
Former President Bill Clinton is out of the hospital in New York City and back to the same schedule he maintained before he complained of a "discomfort" in his chest on Thursday.
The 42nd President of the United States walked out of New York Presbyterian Hospital Friday after an overnight stay to have two stents installed to restore healthly blood flow. President Clinton had quadruple bypass surgery for four blocked arteries in 2004.
President Clinton was joined by his wife, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and his daughter Chelsea Clinton at the hospital.
As I said in this video, Clinton needs to take time from his Bush - Clinton - Haiti work to get some rest:
Stay tuned.
The 42nd President of the United States walked out of New York Presbyterian Hospital Friday after an overnight stay to have two stents installed to restore healthly blood flow. President Clinton had quadruple bypass surgery for four blocked arteries in 2004.
President Clinton was joined by his wife, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and his daughter Chelsea Clinton at the hospital.
As I said in this video, Clinton needs to take time from his Bush - Clinton - Haiti work to get some rest:
Stay tuned.
Tim Wise speaks in Oakland: anti-racist activist
Even with the election of President Barack Obama, America is still plagued by racism, according to author Tim Wise. The anti-racist activist was in Oakland last week discussing his most recent book, "Between Barack and a Hard Place: Racism and White Denial in the Age of Obama."Students packed a Laney College classroom Wednesday, Feb. 3 Tim Wise lecture, part of the campus' Black History Month lecture program.
Wise -- who is white -- said the recent economic downturn, fear over health care reform, the changing demographics of America, and the election of the first African American president in the U.S. has caused great anxiety for white people in America. The rise of the “Tea Party” demonstrations and much of the backlash against the Obama administration is due to a perceived loss of “white privilege.”
"For the first time you actually have to realize that America’s not just about white folks,” Wise said, referring to the luxury of America being seen as a nation for white people. “When all of a sudden that changes, an awful lot of people aren’t ready.”
“All of a sudden you have a white America” no longer “totally convinced that everything’s going to be okay. He added that the economic collapse has caused many white people to feel as if they are “losing” the country and wanting “their” country back. “They’re talking about going back to the day when they were the norm. They could take it for granted that they were the norm.”
During the question and answer period, his advice on confronting subtle or subconscious racism was confrontation, critically. He said some whites may not be conscious of their racism, but by asking questions or critiquing racist remarks and statements, people who are not overtly or intentionally racist, will improve.
“You don’t want to just jump on them, you want them to think,” Wise suggests.
Read the complete article or watch a video recording on TheBlackHour.com.
Snow in Atlanta, Georgia coming down fast
The Atlanta, Georgia area is getting a healthy dose of snow, and this blogger, taking care of his mother's home in suburban Atlanta, is in the middle of it. The snow is coming down fast and a video of it all is coming soon.
The snowy conditions have forced thousands of flight cancellations at Atlanta-Harsfield-Jackson Airport. But flying in the snow is one thing; driving in it something else. For those of us trained by their fathers to drive in midwestern snow, this is not a problem. But then, it's the other Southern drivers that really concern me.
Reportedly, this is supposed to go on all day long, then we get a break on Saturday, and it starts up again Sunday.
That trip into Atlanta's looking all the more risky.
Stay tuned. Video coming.
The snowy conditions have forced thousands of flight cancellations at Atlanta-Harsfield-Jackson Airport. But flying in the snow is one thing; driving in it something else. For those of us trained by their fathers to drive in midwestern snow, this is not a problem. But then, it's the other Southern drivers that really concern me.
Reportedly, this is supposed to go on all day long, then we get a break on Saturday, and it starts up again Sunday.
That trip into Atlanta's looking all the more risky.
Stay tuned. Video coming.
DC Metro train Red Line derailment is second incident in one year
DC Metro train Red Line derailment is second incident in one year
A DC Metro train derailed for the second time in the young 21st Century. On Friday, the first two cars of the DC Metro Red Line train derailed at 10:13 am EST, as it was leaving the Farragut North Station. There were 345 passengers, but only three were injured.
Here's the Associated Press video:
While some passengers reported they didn't feel the train derailment, the incident marks the second major DC Metro accident in less than a year. During the Monday evening rush hour of June 22nd of 2009 a DC Metro train crashed into another one right in front of it, killing nine people. It was the worst accident in the DC Metro rail system's 33 year history.
DC Metro crash video from YouTube:
DC Metro crash video from AP:
The DC Metro, MARTA in Atlanta, and BART in the San Francisco Bay Area, were all developed and built in the 70s by Westinghouse, which created the ROHR cars (see here and here). Now, with the DC Metro's two accidents, it's time to ask if these systems are in need of a major overhaul.
A DC Metro train derailed for the second time in the young 21st Century. On Friday, the first two cars of the DC Metro Red Line train derailed at 10:13 am EST, as it was leaving the Farragut North Station. There were 345 passengers, but only three were injured.
Here's the Associated Press video:
While some passengers reported they didn't feel the train derailment, the incident marks the second major DC Metro accident in less than a year. During the Monday evening rush hour of June 22nd of 2009 a DC Metro train crashed into another one right in front of it, killing nine people. It was the worst accident in the DC Metro rail system's 33 year history.
DC Metro crash video from YouTube:
DC Metro crash video from AP:
The DC Metro, MARTA in Atlanta, and BART in the San Francisco Bay Area, were all developed and built in the 70s by Westinghouse, which created the ROHR cars (see here and here). Now, with the DC Metro's two accidents, it's time to ask if these systems are in need of a major overhaul.
Dan Abrams on NBC; expands Mediaite with Geekosystem
Dan Abrams (in photo), who at one point had his own show on MSNBC, was on NBC again Friday after a bit of a television hiatus to start the media news website Mediaite. Now, TechCrunch has taken note of Publisher and founder: Dan Abrams's new site called Geekosystem.
This young, black, bald, geek blogger was totally underwhelmed by Geekosystem because it seems to reflect what Geek culture looks like from a young, white, frat boy perspective. (Not that Dan Abrams is such a person). Not the term "Geek" wasn't used to describe that view. Geekosystem, to the extent such a thing really exists - and it does - contains blacks, whites, Asians, Latinos and Latinas, Indians, and a large number of people of color.
The Geekosystem also contains a large number of women that aren't represented in Dan Abrams' version of The Geekosystem.
One woman that Dan Abrams should be aware of is Jane McGonigal at The Institute for The Future, who spends much of her time not only playing games, but making games and studying how people interact within a game structure, which could be anything from a board game to, well, the whole World. Yet, there's nothing about, say, the top 10 female programmers or game developers.
But on that note, Geekosystem's "Top 10 Programmers" does include one woman, indicating the influence of Dan Abrams associate Rachel Sklar, maybe? One can only hope.
In fact, that's the problem. Geekosystem's Editor-At-Large is not Rachel Sklar, but Andrew Cedotal. Nothing against Andrew, but Dan was better off having Rachel fill that role. Of course, the bias here is that Rachel's a friend of this blogger, and this blogger is a contributor to Mediaite, but the overarching issue is the theme, message, and direction of Geekosystem: it's a mess that does not live up to its mission:
It's the in the "oft-overlooked personalities" that Dan Abrams new venture fails. More often than not, the "oft-overlooked personalities" are geeks who women and people of color. A token mention does not solve the problem; a total Geekosystem overhaul is necessary.
This young, black, bald, geek blogger was totally underwhelmed by Geekosystem because it seems to reflect what Geek culture looks like from a young, white, frat boy perspective. (Not that Dan Abrams is such a person). Not the term "Geek" wasn't used to describe that view. Geekosystem, to the extent such a thing really exists - and it does - contains blacks, whites, Asians, Latinos and Latinas, Indians, and a large number of people of color.
The Geekosystem also contains a large number of women that aren't represented in Dan Abrams' version of The Geekosystem.
One woman that Dan Abrams should be aware of is Jane McGonigal at The Institute for The Future, who spends much of her time not only playing games, but making games and studying how people interact within a game structure, which could be anything from a board game to, well, the whole World. Yet, there's nothing about, say, the top 10 female programmers or game developers.
But on that note, Geekosystem's "Top 10 Programmers" does include one woman, indicating the influence of Dan Abrams associate Rachel Sklar, maybe? One can only hope.
In fact, that's the problem. Geekosystem's Editor-At-Large is not Rachel Sklar, but Andrew Cedotal. Nothing against Andrew, but Dan was better off having Rachel fill that role. Of course, the bias here is that Rachel's a friend of this blogger, and this blogger is a contributor to Mediaite, but the overarching issue is the theme, message, and direction of Geekosystem: it's a mess that does not live up to its mission:
The mission of Geekosystem is to unite all the tribes of geekdom under one common banner. There’s a lot of overlap between the different families of geekery: The geeks who are into gadgets and computers are often one and the same as the geeks who are into comics and sci-fi are often just the same as the geeks who are fueling the culture of the Web — one forum or imageboard at a time. As the site’s name suggests, Geekosystem recognizes and celebrates these interconnections and the oft-overlooked personalities that hold it all together.
It's the in the "oft-overlooked personalities" that Dan Abrams new venture fails. More often than not, the "oft-overlooked personalities" are geeks who women and people of color. A token mention does not solve the problem; a total Geekosystem overhaul is necessary.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Skinny Girl Margarita!
So if you've watched either The Real Housewives of Orange County of New York City, you've heard of the Skinny Girl Margarita. This is really one of the most basic drinks to make! (and this blogger has made many a drinks after a few years in the bar industry). One of the NYC housewives, Bethenny Frankel took the recipe that can at times be filled with calories and simplified it. Good for our taste buds and good for our waist line!
Bethenny's recipe is straight forward.
-2 oz. of Clear Premium Tequila
- Tiny splash of Orange Liquor
-Juice of 4 lime wedges.
-Combine all ingredients over a glass of ice and garnish with a lime wedge
-Enjoy!
Bill Clinton hospitalized, heart needs rest to recover
President Clinton has been on a healthier diet since his 2004 operation, but maintains a busy schedule that has seen him go from the Davos World Economic Forum last week, to New York, and eventually to Haiti and back in one day. For a man who has heart disease and high blood pressure, Clinton has not appeared to maintain a schedule that allows him significant "down time".
With that kind of pressure comes stress, a good friend of high blood pressure. A good enemy is athletic activity, like running or at least a brisk walk. To what extent Clinton is maintaining his once-common running schedule is not clear from available reports as of this writing.
GOP bid for earmark backfires, Shelby embarasses Congressional Republicans
It was amazing to many to learn recently that it was one Senator, Alabama's Richard Shelby, on a quest for a 
massive earmark for his home state, that was able to suspend all progress in filling key leadership roles in many government agencies.
No wonder some in the GOP lament government effectiveness as unattainable: their own party is preventing many key agencies from having leaders. Americans were stunned to learn that the objections weren't based on qualifications, or even philosophical differences, but were simply a partisan ploy that amounted to demanding a kick-back for Alabama.
There's nothing inherently wrong about earmarks. They allow for quick resolutions to funding decisions that don't require much, if any, debate. They can be used to replace a fallen bridge, or abused to fund a pork-barrel project that benefits a key constituent or city... but Shelby's audacity has backfired, and he's walking back from his stand after embarrassing his party -- later claiming it was just to get attention.
Well done, Senator; you've drawn attention. The President threatened to take a page out of the former administration's strategy book. Your bluff has been called, and people around the country are starting to call your petulant, obstructionist Grand Old Party the Republi-can'ts.
President Obama's statement following action by the Senate to confirm twenty-seven nominees reveals he's getting tougher dealing with Republicans playing political games at the expense of the citizens of the USA:
Thomas Hayes is an entrepreneur, journalist, and political analyst who contributes regularly to a host of web sites on topics ranging from economics and politics to culture and community.
massive earmark for his home state, that was able to suspend all progress in filling key leadership roles in many government agencies.No wonder some in the GOP lament government effectiveness as unattainable: their own party is preventing many key agencies from having leaders. Americans were stunned to learn that the objections weren't based on qualifications, or even philosophical differences, but were simply a partisan ploy that amounted to demanding a kick-back for Alabama.
There's nothing inherently wrong about earmarks. They allow for quick resolutions to funding decisions that don't require much, if any, debate. They can be used to replace a fallen bridge, or abused to fund a pork-barrel project that benefits a key constituent or city... but Shelby's audacity has backfired, and he's walking back from his stand after embarrassing his party -- later claiming it was just to get attention.
Well done, Senator; you've drawn attention. The President threatened to take a page out of the former administration's strategy book. Your bluff has been called, and people around the country are starting to call your petulant, obstructionist Grand Old Party the Republi-can'ts.
President Obama's statement following action by the Senate to confirm twenty-seven nominees reveals he's getting tougher dealing with Republicans playing political games at the expense of the citizens of the USA:"Today, the United States Senate confirmed 27 of my high-level nominees, many of whom had been awaiting a vote for months.At the beginning of the week, a staggering 63 nominees had been stalled in the Senate because one or more senators placed a hold on their nomination. In most cases, these holds have had nothing to do with the nominee’s qualifications or even political views, and these nominees have already received broad, bipartisan support in the committee process.
Instead, many holds were motivated by a desire to leverage projects for a Senator’s state or simply to frustrate progress. It is precisely these kinds of tactics that enrage the American people.
And so on Tuesday, I told Senator McConnell that if Republican senators did not release these holds, I would exercise my authority to fill critically-needed positions in the federal government temporarily through the use of recess appointments. This is a rare but not unprecedented step that many other presidents have taken. Since that meeting, I am gratified that Republican senators have responded by releasing many of these holds and allowing 29 nominees to receive a vote in the Senate.
While this is a good first step, there are still dozens of nominees on hold who deserve a similar vote, and I will be looking for action from the Senate when it returns from recess. If they do not act, I reserve the right to use my recess appointment authority in the future."
Thomas Hayes is an entrepreneur, journalist, and political analyst who contributes regularly to a host of web sites on topics ranging from economics and politics to culture and community.
Save the Oakland A's - send an email to MLB Commissioner Selig
On the matter of retaining the Oakland A's in Oakland, an email was just released as part of an effort to have Oakland A's supporters contact MLB Commissioner Bud Selig. Here's what it reads:
The next step? Click here - Save the Oakland A's - and get started.
My one question is why isn't Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums' name on this? What about any of the other Oakland City Councilmembers? Where's the Oakland leadership? What about the Oakland Chamber of Commerce?
Hello?
It looks like the Super Bowl: Oakland effort all over again but worse: at least we had some elected officials willing to put their name on something. This ...it is terrible. But sign the petition, anyway. Please.
Go Oakland! Do something.
We're at a critical point in our fight to keep the A's in Oakland.
Very soon, Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig will review the City of Oakland's proposal to partner with the Oakland A's to build a world class baseball-only ballpark near Jack London Square. In the coming days or weeks, the Commissioner will decide whether to keep the A's in Oakland.
At this crucial time, we need to make sure that Commissioner Selig sees and understands the incredible level of support of tens of thousands of fans like you who have signed our online petition or joined us on Facebook
Can you take just a few seconds, right now, to help?
Click here to forward Commissioner Selig an email today: Tell him you want him to keep the A's in Oakland and that you would support the team at their new waterfront stadium!
We all know that a new waterfront ballpark in Oakland would be a boon for the city, for the team, and for the fans -- further revitalizing the neighborhoods around Jack London Square by drawing fans and business support from all over the region.
This is our chance to stand up and show the Commissioner our commitment to getting this done. Please speak out now.
Click here to send your message to Commissioner Selig now!
This week, we are sending the Commissioner a copy of the Let's Go Oakland! online petition, signed by more than 9,300 A's fans. But we hope you'll take a moment, right now, to send your own personal message directly to Commissioner Selig, too.
By sharing your thoughts, you can help us demonstrate the depth of support for the A's here in Oakland.
The time for action is now. We appreciate and need your support.
Best,
Doug Boxer & Marty Glick
Lets Go Oakland!
The next step? Click here - Save the Oakland A's - and get started.
My one question is why isn't Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums' name on this? What about any of the other Oakland City Councilmembers? Where's the Oakland leadership? What about the Oakland Chamber of Commerce?
Hello?
It looks like the Super Bowl: Oakland effort all over again but worse: at least we had some elected officials willing to put their name on something. This ...it is terrible. But sign the petition, anyway. Please.
Go Oakland! Do something.
Brooklyn Decker photos move over for Megan Avalon photos
Brooklyn Decker is the 2010 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition Cover Girl, and Brooklyn Decker photos are the Internet's hot item as of this writing. It's an amazing step for someone not known to the general public as anyone but the girlfriend and now wife of Tennis Star Andy Roddick.
Now, Brooklyn Decker has come into her own. As S.I.'s cover model, Decker has been on The David Letterman show and Dan Patrick can't get enough of her.
But Brooklyn Decker represents the classic Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition look: tall, blonde, skinny, and white. (And since all of the 2010 ports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition models look like Brooklyn Decker, it's time to ask why not have black, white, Asian, and Hispanic Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition models?)
After decades of the same look, with a break to fit in the lovely Tyra Banks, in the 21st Century it's time for a change: presenting Megan Avalon and Megan Avalon photos for consideration in the 2011 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition.
Unlike the rail thin Brooklyn Decker, Megan Avalon presents a new look: fit, athletic, and buffed. In an era where the strong woman is prized and it's considered sexy for women to have toned or muscular arms, Megan Avalon has all of that in a package right for Sports Illustrated. Here's a video interview with Megan Avalon:
Sports Illustrated has to come into the 21st Century. It's a time where top modeling agencies like Wilhelmina are hiring women who look more like Megan Avalon than Brooklyn Decker. It's also time to stop sending young women the message that they have to be so thin that they take on unhealthy eating practices can be fatal. It's time for a change, and Megan Avalon represents the future.
Now, Brooklyn Decker has come into her own. As S.I.'s cover model, Decker has been on The David Letterman show and Dan Patrick can't get enough of her.
But Brooklyn Decker represents the classic Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition look: tall, blonde, skinny, and white. (And since all of the 2010 ports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition models look like Brooklyn Decker, it's time to ask why not have black, white, Asian, and Hispanic Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition models?)
After decades of the same look, with a break to fit in the lovely Tyra Banks, in the 21st Century it's time for a change: presenting Megan Avalon and Megan Avalon photos for consideration in the 2011 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition.
Unlike the rail thin Brooklyn Decker, Megan Avalon presents a new look: fit, athletic, and buffed. In an era where the strong woman is prized and it's considered sexy for women to have toned or muscular arms, Megan Avalon has all of that in a package right for Sports Illustrated. Here's a video interview with Megan Avalon:
Sports Illustrated has to come into the 21st Century. It's a time where top modeling agencies like Wilhelmina are hiring women who look more like Megan Avalon than Brooklyn Decker. It's also time to stop sending young women the message that they have to be so thin that they take on unhealthy eating practices can be fatal. It's time for a change, and Megan Avalon represents the future.
Alexander McQueen dead at 40 - celebration of genius
Alexander McQueen, the famous British fashion designer who's creations were worn by Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Cameron Diaz, Sandra Bullock, and others, apparently committed suicide in London, on the same day that Fashion Week started in New York.
Alexander McQueen's website has this statement:
On February 2nd, just 9 days ago, Alexander McQueen's mother passed way.
Alexander McQueen, at just 40 years old, was described as a fashion design "genius". McQueen won the award of British Fashion Designer of the year four times between 1996 and 2003. In 2000 Alexander became 51 percent owner of Gucci Group. The Gucci Group's role was to "provide the managerial talent and infrastructure necessary to develop the brand" of Alexander McQueen.
By 2005, Alexander McQueen, the brand, extended to stores in the World Cities of New York, London, Los Angeles, Milan, and Las Vegas. McQueen had perfume lines and even worked with Puma to design and develop an athletic training shoe.
Rather than dwell on McQueen's unfortunate losses, it's best to celebrate his terrific achievements in video:
Alexander McQueen Spring 2010, Lady Gaga - Bad Romance Atlantis Show Part 1:
Alexander McQueen: Fall 2009 RTW
Alexander McQueen Retrospective - 2009
Alexander McQueen's website has this statement:
ON BEHALF OF LEE MCQUEEN'S FAMILY, ALEXANDER MCQUEEN TODAY ANNOUNCES THE TRAGIC NEWS THAT LEE MCQUEEN, THE FOUNDER AND DESIGNER OF THE ALEXANDER MCQUEEN BRAND HAS BEEN FOUND DEAD AT HIS HOME. AT THIS STAGE IT IS INAPPROPRIATE TO COMMENT ON THIS TRAGIC NEWS BEYOND SAYING THAT WE ARE DEVASTATED AND ARE SHARING A SENSE OF SHOCK AND GRIEF WITH LEE'S FAMILY.
LEE'S FAMILY HAS ASKED FOR PRIVACY IN ORDER TO COME TO TERMS WITH THIS TERRIBLE NEWS AND WE HOPE THE MEDIA WILL RESPECT THIS.
On February 2nd, just 9 days ago, Alexander McQueen's mother passed way.
Alexander McQueen, at just 40 years old, was described as a fashion design "genius". McQueen won the award of British Fashion Designer of the year four times between 1996 and 2003. In 2000 Alexander became 51 percent owner of Gucci Group. The Gucci Group's role was to "provide the managerial talent and infrastructure necessary to develop the brand" of Alexander McQueen.
By 2005, Alexander McQueen, the brand, extended to stores in the World Cities of New York, London, Los Angeles, Milan, and Las Vegas. McQueen had perfume lines and even worked with Puma to design and develop an athletic training shoe.
Rather than dwell on McQueen's unfortunate losses, it's best to celebrate his terrific achievements in video:
Alexander McQueen Spring 2010, Lady Gaga - Bad Romance Atlantis Show Part 1:
Alexander McQueen: Fall 2009 RTW
Alexander McQueen Retrospective - 2009
Draeger Construction FBI Haiti Program
Draeger Construction with Zennie62 launch an initiative called Draeger Construction FBI Haiti Program for education on the need for quake-safe construction worldwide.
This video from Marc Zboch (not affiliated with Draeger) shows how Haiti buildings were built and why so much quake damage happened:
This video from Marc Zboch (not affiliated with Draeger) shows how Haiti buildings were built and why so much quake damage happened:
Private companies look to Haiti for opportunities
In the wake of the Haiti Earthquake, there are opportunities for private construction companies. As this YouTube video explains...
Private companies are looking to Haiti for upcoming job opportunities. These organizations are offering a range of services, from rapid housing construction to emergency relief shelters and even transportation. After the 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti, several companies posted websites for future clients. Private organizations in Afghanistan and Iraq are also seeing dollar signs in the catastrophe. RTs Lauren Lyster talked with investigation journalist, Wayne Madsen about this issue facing Haiti.
Taylor Lautner turns 18, jail-bait no more, Happy Birthday
Taylor Lautner, who hit mega-stardom fast with his role in Twilight: New Moon, and has a giant entourage of young women following his every move (should have seen them at the Super Bowl Celebrity Beach Volleyball game) turns 18 today.
The Twitterverse (that's Twitter account holders) celebrated Taylor Lautner's coming-of-age by stating..
When Taylor Lautner was dating or hanging-out with Taylor Swift, much was made of their age difference: Taylor Swift at 20 and Taylor Lautner at 17. Now that Lautner's 18, he can be assured that such issues will be a thing of the past because he's "legal"...
Yes, Happy Birthday to Taylor Lautner, who reminds us all of the joy of turning 18.. And all the crap that comes after it.
Stay tuned.
The Twitterverse (that's Twitter account holders) celebrated Taylor Lautner's coming-of-age by stating..
SuzyVolturi LMAOOO, happy birthday Taylor Lautner, how old is he again? xDD
less than 10 seconds ago from web
jennykate77 Jacob is no longer jail-bait! WOOT! Happy 18th Birthday to Taylor Lautner!!
less than 20 seconds ago from web
AdoringRPattz LMAO RT @UntrueTweets: Taylor Lautner's birthday wish is for Catherine Hardwicke to stop calling him and go back to Rob.
less than 20 seconds ago from UberTwitter
Esmeralda16 HAPPY BIRTHDAY TAYLOR LAUTNER = P
less than 20 seconds ago from Sidekick
analuisabilega #HappyBDayTaylor Taylor Lautner!!
half a minute ago from web
leeannie12 @msgedang but it's Taylor Lautner's birthday! That should be motivation! ;)
half a minute ago from TweetDeck
When Taylor Lautner was dating or hanging-out with Taylor Swift, much was made of their age difference: Taylor Swift at 20 and Taylor Lautner at 17. Now that Lautner's 18, he can be assured that such issues will be a thing of the past because he's "legal"...
ItsStephannie YAY! TAYLOR LAUTNER IS LEGAL TODAY!!!! HAPPY 18TH BIRTHDAY BABY!
half a minute ago from web
Yes, Happy Birthday to Taylor Lautner, who reminds us all of the joy of turning 18.. And all the crap that comes after it.
Stay tuned.
Snowing in Dallas, Delaware state of emergency
The snowy winter weather is terrible. According to Twitter, it's snowing in Dallas; meanwhile Delaware is in a state of emergency. The National Weather Service reports this for Dallas, Texas:
Dallas is known for many things, including hosting the 2011 Super Bowl, but snow? Moreover, this report calls into question Dallas Super Bowl preparations in case it snows next year. The balmy Florida weather is ideal for getting around Super Bowl parties. But if snow plows are needed for the 2011 Super Bowl, NFL owners will not be happy.
Meanwhile, Delaware is in a state of emergency and has been since Wednesday. Roofs and trees are covered with snow and some roads are almost impassible. It's reported to be the worst snowfall since 1976, with over 21 inches of snow.
Stay tuned.
Issued by The National Weather Service
Dallas/Fort Worth, TX
7:41 am CST, Thu., Feb. 11, 2010
... WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT CST TONIGHT... ... WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY NO LONGER IN EFFECT...
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN FORT WORTH HAS ISSUED A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW... WHICH IS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT CST TONIGHT. THE WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT.
AREAS OF SNOW ARE EXPECTED TO CONTINUE ACROSS NORTH TEXAS TODAY AS A SLOW MOVING UPPER LEVEL STORM SYSTEM APPROACHES FROM THE WEST. SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS OF 4 TO 6 INCHES ARE POSSIBLE BY THIS EVENING... WITH LOCALLY HIGHER AMOUNTS. THE PRECIPITATION WILL END FROM WEST TO EAST OVERNIGHT.
ROAD CONDITIONS WILL REMAIN SLICK AND HAZARDOUS THROUGH THE DAY AS TEMPERATURES REMAIN NEAR OR JUST BELOW FREEZING AND SNOW CONTINUES TO FALL. SIGNIFICANT TRAVEL IMPACTS ARE EXPECTED TO CONTINUE AFTER THE PRECIPITATION ENDS AND INTO EARLY FRIDAY MORNING AS TEMPERATURES FALL INTO THE UPPER 20S TO AROUND 30.
Dallas is known for many things, including hosting the 2011 Super Bowl, but snow? Moreover, this report calls into question Dallas Super Bowl preparations in case it snows next year. The balmy Florida weather is ideal for getting around Super Bowl parties. But if snow plows are needed for the 2011 Super Bowl, NFL owners will not be happy.
Meanwhile, Delaware is in a state of emergency and has been since Wednesday. Roofs and trees are covered with snow and some roads are almost impassible. It's reported to be the worst snowfall since 1976, with over 21 inches of snow.
Stay tuned.
John Mayer Twitter account silent after Playboy N-word controversy
Singer John Mayer, who's racist, racially and sexually-charged Playboy Interview was posted yesterday and caused a Twitter explosion, has not issued any more tweets as of this writing, beyond those which formed his apology yesterday:
It may be a good thing. John Mayer's fans, haters, and observers are calling for him to, as this blogger put it, "keep his mouth shut":
How long will that last with John Mayer? Time will tell; stay tuned.
Re: using the 'N word' in an interview: I am sorry that I used the word. And it's such a shame that I did because the point I was trying to make was in the exact opposite spirit of the word itself. It was arrogant of me to think I could intellectualize using it,because I realize that there's no intellectualizing a word that is so emotionally charged.
And while I'm using today for looking at myself under harsh light, I think it's time to stop trying to be so raw in interviews...It started as an attempt to not let the waves of criticism get to me, but it's gotten out of hand and I've created somewhat of a monster.
I wanted to be a blues guitar player. And a singer. And a songwriter. Not a shock jock. I don't have the stomach for it. Again, because I don't want anyone to think I'm equivocating: I should have never said the word and I will never say it again. about 2 hours ago from web
It may be a good thing. John Mayer's fans, haters, and observers are calling for him to, as this blogger put it, "keep his mouth shut":
I support relationships and dating and whether you use the terms 'slut' or 'manwhore' I don't care. If someone wishes to use labels, fine. But I am not placing that on John Mayer. I am simply saying keep your mouth shut. I think he is a good guy in his core, but please, leave the gossiping about women for between you and your guy friends in the krav maga locker room, not national publications.
How long will that last with John Mayer? Time will tell; stay tuned.
Iran protests news - Google to be blocked, Twitter next?
In Iran protests news, Iran is hot with the activity of protests against the government. The Tehran rally is led by Opposition leader Mehdi Karroubi. Karroubi was to attend a rally near Saddeqiya Square but his bodyguards were attacked by the Iranian Government's Basij militia.
Meanwhile Iran has stated its intention to block Google mail permanently. How Iran can do this and block every kind of proxy system is a question. Moreover, it's not working perfectly. While an email usage drop has been experienced, Google's network is reported to be working perfectly.
There's no word on Iran's actions against Twitter, if any.
And finally for this Iran news post, the video below shows a poster of Ayatollah Khamenei and Ayatollah Khomeini, (or Grand Ayatollah Sayyed Ruhollah Mousavi Khomeini, whom you know as Ayatollah Khomeini) being ripped up during Iran protests:
Stay tuned.
Meanwhile Iran has stated its intention to block Google mail permanently. How Iran can do this and block every kind of proxy system is a question. Moreover, it's not working perfectly. While an email usage drop has been experienced, Google's network is reported to be working perfectly.
There's no word on Iran's actions against Twitter, if any.
And finally for this Iran news post, the video below shows a poster of Ayatollah Khamenei and Ayatollah Khomeini, (or Grand Ayatollah Sayyed Ruhollah Mousavi Khomeini, whom you know as Ayatollah Khomeini) being ripped up during Iran protests:
Stay tuned.
2006 Twitter (Twttr) promotion video by Biz Stone a hoot
In 2006, a then unknown Biz Stone, the founder of Twitter, put on big thick glasses and a kind of professorial get-up to promote what is now called Twitter, only then he called it Twttr.
Now, thanks to Say OMG, that video has been unearthed and presented for view on YouTube. The video is here:
At the time Twitter was pitched by Biz Stone not as a microblogging service but a "social texting" system. But it's interesting that a short, funny video about a new system spawned something that's directly impacted the Iran protests. Wild.
It's always the simple and elegant inventions that are the most effective at cultural change.
Now, thanks to Say OMG, that video has been unearthed and presented for view on YouTube. The video is here:
At the time Twitter was pitched by Biz Stone not as a microblogging service but a "social texting" system. But it's interesting that a short, funny video about a new system spawned something that's directly impacted the Iran protests. Wild.
It's always the simple and elegant inventions that are the most effective at cultural change.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
John Mayer Playboy Interview - by Cat
In the Playboy interview, John Mayer expresses how in his attempt to be so open and funny in interviews, he has become known as a “shock jock”. Sure that’s fine, make your sordid comments on money and how you had zits as a 16 year old. But, as a woman, I have to speak up for the constant stream of ladies that pepper his interviews. Of his ex- girlfriend Jessica Simpson, he said “That girl, for me, is a drug. And drugs aren't good for you if you do lots of them. Yeah, that girl is like crack cocaine to me... Sexually it was crazy. That's all I'll say. It was like napalm, sexual napalm... “
It seems that some semblance of a conscience springs forth when he interrupts the interviewer to express his love of Jen (Jennifer Aniston for those under a rock and are unaware that they dated on and off for the past two years). “Pardon me for interrupting. I love Jen so much that I’m now thinking about how bad I would feel if she read this and was like, “Why are you putting me in an article where you’re talking about someone else? I don’t want to be in your lineage of kiss-and-tells.” But, bare with me, why is he doing this? If she has expressed her unhappiness then why does he continue to do it?
Well, for whatever reason, he is still talking. And the crass comments that he makes about women, specifically women that he has supposedly been in committed relationships with, only adds to why his reputation has taken a downturn in recent years.
I support relationships and dating and whether you use the terms 'slut' or 'manwhore' I don't care. If someone wishes to use labels, fine. But I am not placing that on John Mayer. I am simply saying keep your mouth shut. I think he is a good guy in his core, but please, leave the gossiping about women for between you and your guy friends in the krav maga locker room, not national publications. Now, I have a lot to do and a midnight bedtime to catch.
Written by Cat of SomeRedCat.tumblr.com
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt sue Rupert Murdoch owned paper
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt sue Rupert Murdoch-owned paper News Of The World in the wake of the breakup news that organ published earlier this year.
In a story that ran January 24th, News Of The World had the popular pair called Bran and Angelina or "Brangelina" or "Bradgelina" all but divorced and reported that an agreement to split their wealth, estimated at north of $200 million, was being negotiated.
According to the BBC, the lawuit targets the Rupert Murdoch-owned News of The World. The published allegations were "false and intrusive" and the BBC reports the couple claims the organization failed to meet reasonable demands" for an apology.
For its part, News Of The World has removed the story from its online archives.
The lawyer for "Brangelina" said "The News of the World has failed to meet our clients' reasonable demands for a retraction of and apology for these false and intrusive allegations which have now been widely republished by mainstream news outlets. We have advised them to bring proceedings which they have now done."
In a story that ran January 24th, News Of The World had the popular pair called Bran and Angelina or "Brangelina" or "Bradgelina" all but divorced and reported that an agreement to split their wealth, estimated at north of $200 million, was being negotiated.
According to the BBC, the lawuit targets the Rupert Murdoch-owned News of The World. The published allegations were "false and intrusive" and the BBC reports the couple claims the organization failed to meet reasonable demands" for an apology.
For its part, News Of The World has removed the story from its online archives.
The lawyer for "Brangelina" said "The News of the World has failed to meet our clients' reasonable demands for a retraction of and apology for these false and intrusive allegations which have now been widely republished by mainstream news outlets. We have advised them to bring proceedings which they have now done."
Green Party candidate Don MacLeay running for Oakland Mayor
In a day filled with John Mayer, Megan Fox, snow storms in New York and DC, and new 9-11 photos, it's important to stop and take a look at local citizens who want to make Oakland better. Don MacLeay is one, and he's the Green Party candidate for Mayor of Oakland.
In the video above, created two weeks ago, Don and this blogger met at Merritt Station Cafe across from Lake Merritt and talked - really his platform - for 35 minutes, and 21 of that on the video above. What follows is a summary of a long, uncut talk.
Don MacLeay is a computer consultant who does "small office networking" and a volunteer in a number of Oakland government activism activities. It was at that point that Don MacLeay first determined something wasn't right with Oakland, "I decided I was not in tune with where the Oakland Council and Jerry Brown were going," he said.
When Ron Dellums became Mayor of Oakland in 2006, Don MacLeay became concerned again after Dellums said his job wasn't to fix potholes. "I just couldn't disagree more," Don MacLeay said. "I'd like to be a mayor who's interested in potholes. Who's interested in a lot of those details."
Military versus a Civilian
Why should we vote for Don MacLeay, the new person, for Oakland Mayor over Don Perata or Oakland Councilmember Jean Quan (District 4), the two current front runners? For Don MacLeay, it's like the choice between those in the military or a civilian to run the military. (Interesting take.) "Some people treat it sort of like that", Don says. "It's a leadership job." And Don says someone representing the community should be mayor rather than the "military generals" Oakland's had to date.
What would Don do in a situation like that after the Oscar Grant Murder? "We have accountability to the civil society that is immediate. I would start by taking personal responsibility. It doesn't matter whether or not you gave orders or made mistakes or what it is, if you have a leadership job, you've got to get out there and take responsibility."
Don MacLeay says that Oakland's crime problem is part media creation and part real. Oakland has 25,000 reported crimes a year, he says, in a city of 400,000 people. "Now that's reported crimes, he says, "Every body who lives in Oakland feels it."
At the time of the interview, MacLeay was just three weeks into being a politician and said he was learning a lot and had "fire in the belly" for the job. He's done a lot of listening to the concerns of Oaklanders.
On the matter of sports stadiums for the Oakland A's and the Oakland Raiders, Don MacLeay reminds us that we're in a recession (technically, two quarters out of one), and while opposed to using general fund money for sports stadiums, feels that redevelopment dollars are the source for such an expenditure but it must be well-considered, first.
What kind of Mayor's staff?
One aspect of being a mayor that's lost in the campaign conversation is what kind of organization the candidate is considering. With Oakland Mayor Elihu Harris, the design was to have policy advisors that were a liason between he and the City of Oakland's staff.
When Measure X was passed and Oakland's government went from council-manager to strong mayor, Jerry Brown paired down his staff to just a few people and let the City Administrator's staff serve as his own. Ron Dellums approach was more like Brown's. What will MacLeay have? "I'm very concerned with the day-to-day function of management...there's way too much micromanagement." Don MacLeay thinks the City Council is far too involved in the management decisions of City Staff.
MacLeay observes that Oakland's City Council forced City Attorney John Russo's staff cuts such that Russo had to hire outside lawyers, which are more expensive.
In short Don MacLeay's administration will pay more attention to details, but avoid micromanaging City of Oakland's staffers. The word "attention to detail" came up a lot in our talk. MacLeay is very much interested in being a mayor that makes Oakland government work at the consumer level. Don doesn't want to throw out Oakland employees and start over because he doesn't think it's necessary to do. He wants to work with the staffers to make a better government.
A time for debate
"I see the election as a time where we argue about it. Do you want to do it Jean's way or Don's way or my way?" Don MacLeay says that Quan's policies are more clearly outlined that Perata's and that Perata has not made his direction clear as of this writing.
The race for Mayor of Oakland: a note
Don's website is www.macleay4mayor.org - visit the site and watch the video for more information. And as a note, I'm not backing any candidate as of this writing. Don and I have worked together on an Oakland Parking Initiative, which is where the idea for this video came from after I learned he was running long before any other media news.
Long before I talked to Don, I emailed Councilmember Jean Quan to request an interview and I expressed my desire to interview Don Perata months ago when we talked in public. In Quan's case, she wrote that I had "negative" things to say about her, which isn't true.
The truth is I had negative takes on how Quan handled running for Mayor of Oakland at the time, and believed that if she followed my advise she would be a better candidate. But it wasn't personal. I simply reserve the right to criticize any elected official in a constructive way. If anything, Jean's the front-runner and not because she's got more money than Perata, but because she's a woman and Asian.
Women political candidates are generally more popular than their male counterparts in Oakland. Plus, Oakland's not had an abundance of Asian female political candidates in its history; it's great to see Jean Quan run for that reason.
In Don Perata's case, Don's my friend; I've said on video that I believed Don's next political place should be as U.S. Senator and that's not taking anything away from California's Senator Barbara Boxer. It's just a very hard, very cold look at Don's political trajectory, which points to Washington D.C. in my view.
Mayor of Oakland just seems too small for Don Perata.
In the case of Oakland's Mayor Ron Dellums, I simply don't want to see him run and lose. If there are those who believe Oakland needs a "black candidate", they should run themselves rather than waste time with any silly analysis of what are my feelings or picking "the Golden Brother". (Why not a woman?)
Moreover, if those persons are really serious about having blacks in Oakland politics, they should establish an organization that funds political campaigns for Oaklanders of color. That's an idea who's time came long ago and one I would support with all my heart.
John Mayer on Twitter apologizes for N-word use in Playboy
After being silent on Twitter for most of Wednesday, John Mayer took to his Twitter page to issue an apology for using the N-word during his now much talked about Playboy interview. Mayer wrote beyond the 140-character-per-tweet limit, so what appears is segments. Here's what it looks like put together in order and in paragraphs:
John Mayer just lost his short-lived Andrew Dice Clay award. Still, it's not clear everyone's fast to forget as these tweets on John Mayer's page show:
This is far from over. Stay tuned.
Re: using the 'N word' in an interview: I am sorry that I used the word. And it's such a shame that I did because the point I was trying to make was in the exact opposite spirit of the word itself. It was arrogant of me to think I could intellectualize using it,because I realize that there's no intellectualizing a word that is so emotionally charged.
And while I'm using today for looking at myself under harsh light, I think it's time to stop trying to be so raw in interviews...It started as an attempt to not let the waves of criticism get to me, but it's gotten out of hand and I've created somewhat of a monster.
I wanted to be a blues guitar player. And a singer. And a songwriter. Not a shock jock. I don't have the stomach for it. Again, because I don't want anyone to think I'm equivocating: I should have never said the word and I will never say it again.
about 2 hours ago from web
John Mayer just lost his short-lived Andrew Dice Clay award. Still, it's not clear everyone's fast to forget as these tweets on John Mayer's page show:
@adilla They don't make rehab centers for being an a-hole.
about 1 hour ago from web in reply to adilla
@CRHines17 True. But some mistakes are hard to pinpoint because they happen slowly and over long periods of time...
This is far from over. Stay tuned.
John Mayer drops f-bomb on Perez Hilton Kiss
John Mayer drops f-bomb on Perez Hilton Kiss? In the words of Sarah Palin, "You betcha!" More from John Mayer's Playboy Interview that's causing such a mess, with Meyer's racist comments on blacks, and a homophobic blast on blogger Perez Hilton, that goes back to an encounter that John Meyer himself explains in this video of his standup comic routine at an unreported night club:
And here's the part of the Playboy interview where Meyer gets off his f-bomb on Perez Hilton:
I present this to build the point that John Meyer is the Andrew Dice Clay of the 21st Century. Now, if you're wondering who Andrew Dice Clay is, this video is a small, and tame clue:
Stay tuned.
And here's the part of the Playboy interview where Meyer gets off his f-bomb on Perez Hilton:
PLAYBOY: Among the things we’ve read about you online is this: You’re gay. Have you ever kissed a man?
MAYER: The only man I’ve kissed is Perez Hilton. It was New Year’s Eve and I decided to go out and destroy myself. I was dating Jessica at the time, and I remember seeing Perez Hilton flitting about this club and acting as though he had just invented homosexuality. All of a sudden I thought, I can outgay this guy right now. I grabbed him and gave him the dirtiest, tongue-iest kiss I have ever put on anybody—almost as if I hated fags. I don’t think my mouth was even touching when I was tongue kissing him, that’s how disgusting this kiss was. I’m a little ashamed. I think it lasted about half a minute. I really think it went on too long.
PLAYBOY: Perez describes you on his site as a womanizer, a word you don’t like. Is it fair to say you have a love-hate relationship with him?
MAYER: I used to. Now I believe we’re fully into fighting with breakaway chairs. I think he’s pretty much inert at this point. Perez is to hating as Richard Simmons is to health and well-being. [laughs] You can print that. Perez is so authentically off his rocker he will not let you finish a sentence. I think he has some dark things in his past. I think he comes from a little bit of hurt, and I say that with an understated tone. At the end of the day I go to his site, but I don’t see him as a threat. The impact of his tone is beginning to wane. I give a lot more credit to Harvey Levin at TMZ.
PLAYBOY: Would you kiss Harvey Levin?
MAYER: I would rim him, probably. I can’t just repeat the kissing trick.
I present this to build the point that John Meyer is the Andrew Dice Clay of the 21st Century. Now, if you're wondering who Andrew Dice Clay is, this video is a small, and tame clue:
Stay tuned.
New 9-11 photos by ABC News show destruction of WTC
Forgetting John Mayer's battle with racist demons for a moment, we turn to the new 9-11 photos by ABC News and which show the destruction of The World Trade Center complex on the morning of September 11 2001.
After ABC News filed a Freedom of Information act order in 2009, the New York Police Department finally released thousands of photos for public view.
The 9-11 photos shown by ABC News are overhead but there are only 13 of the many reportedly released. Here are two of them:
After ABC News filed a Freedom of Information act order in 2009, the New York Police Department finally released thousands of photos for public view.
The 9-11 photos shown by ABC News are overhead but there are only 13 of the many reportedly released. Here are two of them:
John Mayer's racist comments in Playboy on blacks ignite Twitter
Singer and celeb John Mayer's now branded a racist on blogosphere and on Twitter. Singer John Mayer has over 3 million followers on Twitter; few of them are amused with his partially-scotch-fueled Playboy interview. In the interview, which this blogger read before blogging, Mayer talks with Playboy contributing editor Rob Tannenbaum, who obviously got the real John Mayer because they were talking after Mayer "poured glasses of 16-year-old Lagavulin neat."
If you don't know what Lagavulin is, it's a great brand of scotch also preferred by this blogger. However, not consumed with food, Lagavulin can cause one to say things they want to take back later. It's no wonder that as of this writing, John Mayer's normally active Twitter account is silent today (February 10th, 2010)
John Mayer has set off everyone. And while it's not the first time he's got the "racist" tag applied to him (see below with Kumail Nahjiani), this time the reaction's lot more intense than the "accidental racist" label Nahjiani gave Mayer. Perez Hilton told Mayer to "go to Hell." PopEater accused Mayer of "oversharing" but also used the term racist.
But what did John Mayer say, exactly?
Here are the Playboy interview comments that ignited Twitter and the blogosphere:
My take on this is it's one thing to be "race aware" - say if Mayer had made a comment about African American's still not sharing the American dream in full. That's ok. But Mayer used the N-word, which I have never allowed, even as a small boy. Then he basically religated blacks to what he sees as a permanent second class status, and calls himself a White Supremacist, even if he was referring to a part of his body.
And Mayer thinks black folks love him.
I don't. But what I do see in the Twitter tweets is that some blacks are just a bit more forgiving of Mayer than we should be as a whole. It's like this: Mayer had scotch and said what was on his mind, which was racist.
The fact that he did and he's a celebrity entertainer and not Rush Limbaugh makes it OK for some who are black. Moreover because Mayer was bold enough to say it, some blacks think it's OK. Thus, they give him power and maintain whatever second-class status exists for us.
If Jamie Foxx made negative comments about whites there would be a white and black and everyone in between backlash. Foxx may find his business opportunities fewer. Now I use Foxx only as an example, and not to imply anything negative about a great entertainer. But given that Foxx is as well-known as Mayer, and Foxx is black, I think you see the point. People would have said Foxx has a problem, just as they're saying John Mayer has one and Mayer's got a pattern that goes back to Kumail Nahjiani.
In New York Magazine's Vulture section of December 2009, Comedian Kumail Nanjiani was heckled by Mayer at Slipper Room in New York, calling the Pakistan-born Kumail "Kabul" and then saying "he looked like a brown guy but sounded like a white guy."
In this video below, Kumail Nanjiani and Eugene Mirman call Mayer a "racist" and an "accidental racist" at the 4:25 time mark:
To be fair, Mayer felt bad about it, and makes me wonder if he had scotch that night, too.
All of this has to be placed in the view that, in the Playboy interview, John Mayer says he wants to be liked. If that's the case, he must be reviewing what's going on in his head. My advice: watch the scotch, review what you think about people, and date black women.
Stay tuned.
If you don't know what Lagavulin is, it's a great brand of scotch also preferred by this blogger. However, not consumed with food, Lagavulin can cause one to say things they want to take back later. It's no wonder that as of this writing, John Mayer's normally active Twitter account is silent today (February 10th, 2010)
John Mayer has set off everyone. And while it's not the first time he's got the "racist" tag applied to him (see below with Kumail Nahjiani), this time the reaction's lot more intense than the "accidental racist" label Nahjiani gave Mayer. Perez Hilton told Mayer to "go to Hell." PopEater accused Mayer of "oversharing" but also used the term racist.
But what did John Mayer say, exactly?
Here are the Playboy interview comments that ignited Twitter and the blogosphere:
PLAYBOY: If you didn’t know you, would you think you’re a douche bag?
MAYER: It depends on what I picked up. My two biggest hits are “Your Body Is a Wonderland” and “Daughters.” If you think those songs are pandering, then you’ll think I’m a douche bag. It’s like I come on very strong. I am a very…I’m just very. V-E-R-Y. And if you can’t handle very, then I’m a douche bag. But I think the world needs a little very. That’s why black people love me.
PLAYBOY: Because you’re very?
MAYER: Someone asked me the other day, “What does it feel like now to have a hood pass?” And by the way, it’s sort of a contradiction in terms, because if you really had a hood pass, you could call it a nigger pass. Why are you pulling a punch and calling it a hood pass if you really have a hood pass? But I said, “I can’t really have a hood pass. I’ve never walked into a restaurant, asked for a table and been told, ‘We’re full.’"
PLAYBOY: It is true; a lot of rappers love you. You recorded with Common and Kanye West, played live with Jay-Z.
MAYER: What is being black? It’s making the most of your life, not taking a single moment for granted. Taking something that’s seen as a struggle and making it work for you, or you’ll die inside. Not to say that my struggle is like the collective struggle of black America. But maybe my struggle is similar to one black dude’s.
PLAYBOY: Do black women throw themselves at you?
MAYER: I don’t think I open myself to it. My dick is sort of like a white supremacist. I’ve got a Benetton heart and a fuckin’ David Duke cock. I’m going to start dating separately from my dick.
My take on this is it's one thing to be "race aware" - say if Mayer had made a comment about African American's still not sharing the American dream in full. That's ok. But Mayer used the N-word, which I have never allowed, even as a small boy. Then he basically religated blacks to what he sees as a permanent second class status, and calls himself a White Supremacist, even if he was referring to a part of his body.
And Mayer thinks black folks love him.
I don't. But what I do see in the Twitter tweets is that some blacks are just a bit more forgiving of Mayer than we should be as a whole. It's like this: Mayer had scotch and said what was on his mind, which was racist.
The fact that he did and he's a celebrity entertainer and not Rush Limbaugh makes it OK for some who are black. Moreover because Mayer was bold enough to say it, some blacks think it's OK. Thus, they give him power and maintain whatever second-class status exists for us.
If Jamie Foxx made negative comments about whites there would be a white and black and everyone in between backlash. Foxx may find his business opportunities fewer. Now I use Foxx only as an example, and not to imply anything negative about a great entertainer. But given that Foxx is as well-known as Mayer, and Foxx is black, I think you see the point. People would have said Foxx has a problem, just as they're saying John Mayer has one and Mayer's got a pattern that goes back to Kumail Nahjiani.
In New York Magazine's Vulture section of December 2009, Comedian Kumail Nanjiani was heckled by Mayer at Slipper Room in New York, calling the Pakistan-born Kumail "Kabul" and then saying "he looked like a brown guy but sounded like a white guy."
In this video below, Kumail Nanjiani and Eugene Mirman call Mayer a "racist" and an "accidental racist" at the 4:25 time mark:
To be fair, Mayer felt bad about it, and makes me wonder if he had scotch that night, too.
All of this has to be placed in the view that, in the Playboy interview, John Mayer says he wants to be liked. If that's the case, he must be reviewing what's going on in his head. My advice: watch the scotch, review what you think about people, and date black women.
Stay tuned.
Illinois 4.3 earthquake shakes up Wisconsin, Iowa, and Twitter
The Illinois 4.3 earthquake was felt not just north of Chicago and in Wisconsin and Iowa, but on Twitter. The USGS reports "a magnitude 4.0 eastern U.S. earthquake typically can be felt at many places as far as 60 miles from where it occurred, and it infrequently causes damage near its source. A magnitude 5.5 eastern U.S. earthquake usually can be felt as far as 300 miles from where it occurred, and sometimes causes damage as far away as 25 miles."
Twitter is the place to go to determine how people were impacted. Illinois is one of the top hashtags as of this writing. Here are some selected tweets:
While earthquakes do occur all the time, anecdotally there does seem to be a large number of major quakes within the past month and a half and in Haiti, Argentina, Venezuela, Eureka, CA, and Illinois.
Stay tuned.
Twitter is the place to go to determine how people were impacted. Illinois is one of the top hashtags as of this writing. Here are some selected tweets:
ellenzar Snow, we can live with it..it's only a foot so no closings EARTHQUAKE!?!?!This is Illinois NOT California..woke me up..drove the cats nuts
half a minute ago from web
flubdubs DAMNIT this is the second Illinois earthquake I've slept through.
less than a minute ago from web
lisamarieyonke 4 a.m. earthquake wake anyone up? I thought it was a dream...we're not supposed to have earthquakes in Illinois!!
1 minute ago from web
geraldinecols @nbczoraida hear this... Around the same time of the Illinois earthquake, Ecuador had one of 3.9 magnitude. Crazy. Is the world ending?
2 minutes ago from TweetDeck
DainasaurRoar So it was definitely an earhquake. 4.3 at 4 am. Second one i've felt in illinois recently
2 minutes ago from web
While earthquakes do occur all the time, anecdotally there does seem to be a large number of major quakes within the past month and a half and in Haiti, Argentina, Venezuela, Eureka, CA, and Illinois.
Stay tuned.
Illinois 4.3 earthquake north of Chicago felt in Iowa, Wisconsin
The Chicago Tribune reports a medium-sized Illinois earthquake of 4.3 on the Richter Scale hit 48 miles north of Chicago near DeKalb, and was felt by residents in Southern Wisconsin and Iowa early Wednesday.
The USGS reports "a magnitude 4.0 eastern U.S. earthquake typically can be felt at many places as far as 60 miles from where it occurred, and it infrequently causes damage near its source. A magnitude 5.5 eastern U.S. earthquake usually can be felt as far as 300 miles from where it occurred, and sometimes causes damage as far away as 25 miles."
Earthquakes are rare in the midwest, but do happen. The strongest reported one was 7 on the Richter scale below St. Louis 200 years ago.
Other than shaking dishes in homes, there's no word of major damage.
Stay tuned.
The USGS reports "a magnitude 4.0 eastern U.S. earthquake typically can be felt at many places as far as 60 miles from where it occurred, and it infrequently causes damage near its source. A magnitude 5.5 eastern U.S. earthquake usually can be felt as far as 300 miles from where it occurred, and sometimes causes damage as far away as 25 miles."
Earthquakes are rare in the midwest, but do happen. The strongest reported one was 7 on the Richter scale below St. Louis 200 years ago.
Other than shaking dishes in homes, there's no word of major damage.
Stay tuned.
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
Megan Fox's thumb in Motorola Super Bowl Commercial causes buzz
Megan Fox is an even bigger star after starring in her first Super Bowl commercial, this one for Motorola. If you haven't seen it, the Super Bowl commercial has Megan Fox playing herself in an outdoor tub filled with bubble water. She uses her thumb to work a Motorola phone, and wonders what would happen if she sent out a picture of herself using the phone's "Motoblur" feature. The result is funny (and you can vote on it too)
But some contend the thumb in the video does not belong to Megan Fox. This blog Pinay Chicken has the explanation:
Is it her thumb? Or was it planned that way to gain more Internet buzz? After the whole Emma Watson hidden leg deal, only time and tide will tell.
But some contend the thumb in the video does not belong to Megan Fox. This blog Pinay Chicken has the explanation:
It seems that Fox has a condition known as brachydactyly, the condition of having too short fingers and toes. Now, Megan Fox's thumb is again in the news because of the Motorola commercial she did, apparently there was a thumb switch that happened, what i mean is that someone else's hand was used in the close up shot of the Motorola phone as it is being used. Watch the video below and see the commercial, see if you notice the "thumb switch". There are also still pictures below (the video) which shows clearly a sexy thumb, which do not look like Megan Fox's thumb.
Is it her thumb? Or was it planned that way to gain more Internet buzz? After the whole Emma Watson hidden leg deal, only time and tide will tell.
American Idol has Ellen DeGeneres debut
American Idol has Ellen DeGeneres tonight and from the looks of things, she's just what the doctor ordered to replace Former Judge Paula Abdul. 66 percent of those surveyed at the blog Idol Chatter said they are excited to see Ellen DeGeneres.
How did she do?
The Chicago Tribune describes Ellen's debut as "low key":
Ellen's debut was not without notice on Twitter, and with Ellen herself getting the Twitterverse going with a new hashtag #EllenOnIdol and this tweet:
Here's a video clip of American Idol with Ellen DeGeneres:
With her eyeglasses and long-sleave blouses, Ellen will be more of a clinical judge than an emotional one because she's learning. What's changing about American Idol is looking at judges who don't sing or aren't in the music business. I don't think that's a good idea because it ruins the quality of the evaluation.
Stay tuned.
How did she do?
The Chicago Tribune describes Ellen's debut as "low key":
DeGeneres did provide a little humor when she was informing one group of nervous contestants whether they had made it through to the next round. She had been telling hopefuls to "step forward" or "step back," and those who were either in the front or the back of the stage were told they'd made the cut. DeGeneres told one group to move from side to side and back and forth -- then told the entire group that they'd made it through.
Ellen's debut was not without notice on Twitter, and with Ellen herself getting the Twitterverse going with a new hashtag #EllenOnIdol and this tweet:
Tonight I start my job on Idol. Please watch! (On Fox!) #EllenOnIdol
about 6 hours ago from web
Here's a video clip of American Idol with Ellen DeGeneres:
With her eyeglasses and long-sleave blouses, Ellen will be more of a clinical judge than an emotional one because she's learning. What's changing about American Idol is looking at judges who don't sing or aren't in the music business. I don't think that's a good idea because it ruins the quality of the evaluation.
Stay tuned.
Chevron: Ecuador economist will be paid by Ecuador from judgement
The latest twist in the ongoing Chevron Ecuador case finds Chevron claiming that Ecuador's court-appointed economist Richard Cabrera will be paid by Ecuador from a judgement against Chevron, should the American oil company lose its case. According to CBS Marketwatch:
In a press release, Chevron Vice President and General Counsel Hewitt Pate said, "For three years, Mr. Cabrera has concealed clear financial conflicts of interest that disqualify him from acting as an independent and objective evaluator of the evidence in the case. While Mr. Cabrera's financial interests alone are sufficient grounds for his report to be rejected, his intentional concealment of those interests further demonstrates that the entirety of his work lacks honesty, integrity, or credibility."
Ecuador is suing Chevron for $27 billion and for claims that between 1968 and 1992 Chevron / Texaco failed to clean up the Amazon Delta during and after its period of oil production, which stopped in 1992. Chevron asserts that it did clean up the area it was within and that since 1992, the state-run Petroecuador Company, which took over production from Chevron, has been responsible for the oil damage.
But the real, untold story is a messy and complex one, and has U.S. nonprofit organizations working as the "rabble rousers" for trail lawyers who claim to be concerned about the people of the Amazon, but have not sued the Government of Ecuador on that basis. An Ecuadorian judge, Judge Juan Nunez (who has since stepped down) and the government itself angling to make money from the Chevron lawsuit. And charges that the line of graft extends all the way to President Rafael Correa himself.
The real story is of a country that is just trying to nationalize its oil production. Ecuador has no real interest in cleaning up the Amazon, otherwise it would have changed the zoning to prohibit oil production long ago. The Ecuadorian Amazon has seen over 118 oil spills since Chevron left the region, yet Ecuador focuses on not just Chevron, but American Oil because it believes they have the resources and the cash such that they can be sued. The objective is simply to trap petrodollars for Ecuador's rich.
One of those who was allegedly working to gain a part of a $27 billion award was the man who came up with the number, Richard Cabrera. Chevron has been after Cabrera for over two years and with good reason. They simply feel he's not competent and attacked the methodology behind his initial findings of a $16 billion damage award, then went ape when he upped it to $27 billion without solid justification, accusing him of "Voodoo Economics."
The one fact that has long made Cabrera's estimates something from a cartoon is that Chevron has not operated in the region for 18 years, and the soil that Cabrera has looked at is not part of embargoed property; it's still used for oil production by Petroecuador and by Brazil, to name some of the organizations that have been active.
That economist Richard Cabrera has financial ties to Petroecuador explains how he could write an economic report that skips over almost 20 years of oil operations by Petroecuador, non-American oil firms and Brazil, and somehow point the finger at Chevron. Again, Ecuador believes America's companies are rich.
Ecuador has spent the better part of the Correa regime trying to scheme or outright take the means of oil production away from American companies. The greatest example of this being the ouster of Occidental Petroleum, and Ecuadorian workers getting into fist-fights over the left over luxury cars.
What would Richard Cabrera's ouster from the Chevron case mean? That the $27 billion damage claim was invalid. This news brought out Ecuador's lawyer Pablo Fajardo, who, according to the "It's getting hot in here" blog, said the following:
Here, Pablo Fajardo is not telling the right tale and he's got paid bloggers helping him advance a mistruth. Ecuador is party to the case by its attorney general's own admission, and since Petroecuador is owned by Ecuador and is an oil company that too makes it a party to the case. That was settled long ago and by this blogger in this space. The best move for Cabrera is to step out of the matter.
If the organizations and bloggers attacking American oil companies really care about the poor of Ecuador, why don't they sue Ecuador? Hello? Answer?
Still don't have one.
Stay tuned.
Recently uncovered records, from 2003 through 2008, show from 2003 through 2008, show Cabrera is co-founder, general manager, majority stockholder, and legal representative of an oilfield remediation company, Compania Ambiental Minera-Petrolera S.A. ("CAMPET"), which is registered to perform oilfield remediation and other services for Petroecuador.
In a press release, Chevron Vice President and General Counsel Hewitt Pate said, "For three years, Mr. Cabrera has concealed clear financial conflicts of interest that disqualify him from acting as an independent and objective evaluator of the evidence in the case. While Mr. Cabrera's financial interests alone are sufficient grounds for his report to be rejected, his intentional concealment of those interests further demonstrates that the entirety of his work lacks honesty, integrity, or credibility."
Ecuador is suing Chevron for $27 billion and for claims that between 1968 and 1992 Chevron / Texaco failed to clean up the Amazon Delta during and after its period of oil production, which stopped in 1992. Chevron asserts that it did clean up the area it was within and that since 1992, the state-run Petroecuador Company, which took over production from Chevron, has been responsible for the oil damage.
But the real, untold story is a messy and complex one, and has U.S. nonprofit organizations working as the "rabble rousers" for trail lawyers who claim to be concerned about the people of the Amazon, but have not sued the Government of Ecuador on that basis. An Ecuadorian judge, Judge Juan Nunez (who has since stepped down) and the government itself angling to make money from the Chevron lawsuit. And charges that the line of graft extends all the way to President Rafael Correa himself.
The real story is of a country that is just trying to nationalize its oil production. Ecuador has no real interest in cleaning up the Amazon, otherwise it would have changed the zoning to prohibit oil production long ago. The Ecuadorian Amazon has seen over 118 oil spills since Chevron left the region, yet Ecuador focuses on not just Chevron, but American Oil because it believes they have the resources and the cash such that they can be sued. The objective is simply to trap petrodollars for Ecuador's rich.
One of those who was allegedly working to gain a part of a $27 billion award was the man who came up with the number, Richard Cabrera. Chevron has been after Cabrera for over two years and with good reason. They simply feel he's not competent and attacked the methodology behind his initial findings of a $16 billion damage award, then went ape when he upped it to $27 billion without solid justification, accusing him of "Voodoo Economics."
The one fact that has long made Cabrera's estimates something from a cartoon is that Chevron has not operated in the region for 18 years, and the soil that Cabrera has looked at is not part of embargoed property; it's still used for oil production by Petroecuador and by Brazil, to name some of the organizations that have been active.
That economist Richard Cabrera has financial ties to Petroecuador explains how he could write an economic report that skips over almost 20 years of oil operations by Petroecuador, non-American oil firms and Brazil, and somehow point the finger at Chevron. Again, Ecuador believes America's companies are rich.
Ecuador has spent the better part of the Correa regime trying to scheme or outright take the means of oil production away from American companies. The greatest example of this being the ouster of Occidental Petroleum, and Ecuadorian workers getting into fist-fights over the left over luxury cars.
What would Richard Cabrera's ouster from the Chevron case mean? That the $27 billion damage claim was invalid. This news brought out Ecuador's lawyer Pablo Fajardo, who, according to the "It's getting hot in here" blog, said the following:
Cabrera disclosed to the court that he owned a clean-up company beforehis appointment as Special Master. This fact was properly cited by the court as one of the reasons he was qualified to do the damages assessment.
Chevron thought so highly of Cabrera’s qualifications that it accepted him as a court-appointed expert in an earlier part of the case and paid his fees as required by court rules.
The fact Cabrera’s company is qualified to bid on clean-up contracts offered by Ecuador’s state-owned oil company is irrelevant. That company, Petroecuador, is not a party to the case against Chevron and would have no role in any eventual cleanup.
Cabrera by virtue of his role in the case would be barred from having a role in a future clean-up.
Here, Pablo Fajardo is not telling the right tale and he's got paid bloggers helping him advance a mistruth. Ecuador is party to the case by its attorney general's own admission, and since Petroecuador is owned by Ecuador and is an oil company that too makes it a party to the case. That was settled long ago and by this blogger in this space. The best move for Cabrera is to step out of the matter.
If the organizations and bloggers attacking American oil companies really care about the poor of Ecuador, why don't they sue Ecuador? Hello? Answer?
Still don't have one.
Stay tuned.
Gmail buzz or Google Buzz is up, but for corporate accounts?
Gmail buzz or Google Buzz is up and active today, but the news and information put out by Google doesn't include anything regarding corporate accounts. When one such as this blogger clicks on Google Buzz to try it, he's taken to his personal Gmail account, which is seldom used.
Meanwhile, Gmail buzz or Google Buzz or GBuzz is a novell idea. Perhaps it came as a serendipity, but making email, which is already a kind of social networking device, into a real social networking system does transform Google from a potential buyer of Twitter to a competitor of Twitter and Facebook.
One can share videos and photos, and update their activity with friends. But Google Buzz isn't going to be a replacement for Twitter or Facebook, but another social network to be on,that many already are on. For internet marketers the best addition would be the ability to transfer, well, what do we call them..can't call them tweets...geets...to Twitter and then to Facebook as updates.
But the bottom line is when will corporate accounts be able to use the feature. That's the unanswered question.
For a comprehensive review of Google Buzz right from the presentation at Google Headquarters, read this TechCrunch post: Google Buzz.
Meanwhile, Gmail buzz or Google Buzz or GBuzz is a novell idea. Perhaps it came as a serendipity, but making email, which is already a kind of social networking device, into a real social networking system does transform Google from a potential buyer of Twitter to a competitor of Twitter and Facebook.
One can share videos and photos, and update their activity with friends. But Google Buzz isn't going to be a replacement for Twitter or Facebook, but another social network to be on,that many already are on. For internet marketers the best addition would be the ability to transfer, well, what do we call them..can't call them tweets...geets...to Twitter and then to Facebook as updates.
But the bottom line is when will corporate accounts be able to use the feature. That's the unanswered question.
For a comprehensive review of Google Buzz right from the presentation at Google Headquarters, read this TechCrunch post: Google Buzz.
Brooklyn Decker's sexy photos in S.I; Decker on David Letterman
Brooklyn Decker, who's claim to fame is being married to tennis star Andy Roddick, is coming into her own celeb space today, with sexy photos in S.I. (that's Sports Illustrated) where she's the 2010 Sports Illustrated Cover Girl. And with that, Brooklyn Decker's on David Letterman tonight.
Brooklyn (who needs a little more muscle, but that's my taste) tweeted that she's in the makeup room (as this is being written) getting ready for the 5 PM tapped show (that comes on at 11:30 PM). In fact, here's a photo from Twtpic:
Where Brooklyn tweets:With Vicki Steckle, Peter butler and chris getting ready in the letterman dressing room!"
Hey, I know Brooklyn's cool because she's hanging with my friend Darren Rovell!
Brooklyn (who needs a little more muscle, but that's my taste) tweeted that she's in the makeup room (as this is being written) getting ready for the 5 PM tapped show (that comes on at 11:30 PM). In fact, here's a photo from Twtpic:
Where Brooklyn tweets:With Vicki Steckle, Peter butler and chris getting ready in the letterman dressing room!"
Hey, I know Brooklyn's cool because she's hanging with my friend Darren Rovell!
NYC and DC Public Schools closed due to snow
The massive winter snow storm pummeling the Eastern Seaboard is causing NYC and DC Public School closures.
New York City Department of Education Chancellor Joel Klein said this in an e-mailed statement reported by Bloomberg: "While travel conditions to school in the morning may not be difficult, the weather is expected to worsen as the day progresses, complicating dismissal. We are making this decision today to give parents as much time as possible to make alternative plans for tomorrow."
Meanwhile, Washington DC is "snowed under" according to CNN. For the second day, businesses and schools were closed and the National Weather Service predicted another 10 to 20 inches of snow to be dumped on the Nation's Capital Wednesday.
Related searches:
nyc public schools closed, are nyc public schools closed tomorrow, nyc public schools closings, school closings nyc, public schools
New York City Department of Education Chancellor Joel Klein said this in an e-mailed statement reported by Bloomberg: "While travel conditions to school in the morning may not be difficult, the weather is expected to worsen as the day progresses, complicating dismissal. We are making this decision today to give parents as much time as possible to make alternative plans for tomorrow."
Meanwhile, Washington DC is "snowed under" according to CNN. For the second day, businesses and schools were closed and the National Weather Service predicted another 10 to 20 inches of snow to be dumped on the Nation's Capital Wednesday.
Related searches:
nyc public schools closed, are nyc public schools closed tomorrow, nyc public schools closings, school closings nyc, public schools
Saints Parade in New Orleans starts at 5 PM Tuesday
Saints Parade in New Orleans starts at 5 PM Tuesday. The parade for the Super Bowl XLIV Champion New Orleans Saints, with general admission tickets at $25 for the viewing stands and VIP tickets at $100, promises to be "over the top" as one parade organizer said to WDSU.com in New Orleans.
Businesses will close and schools will be shut down for the giant event.
The parade was planned regardless of the Super Bowl XLIV outcome, meaning New Orleans will create any reason to party, but with the Saints victory over the Indianapolis Colts, it takes on more importance.
On CNN:
Also, CNN and the NFL Network have announced they will cover the parade live, and CBS News on USTREAM is going to have a live feed from the parade, which you can see here in this embed:
Video streaming by Ustream
Stay tuned.
Businesses will close and schools will be shut down for the giant event.
The parade was planned regardless of the Super Bowl XLIV outcome, meaning New Orleans will create any reason to party, but with the Saints victory over the Indianapolis Colts, it takes on more importance.
On CNN:
Also, CNN and the NFL Network have announced they will cover the parade live, and CBS News on USTREAM is going to have a live feed from the parade, which you can see here in this embed:
Video streaming by Ustream
Stay tuned.
Miley Cyrus charity auction for Haiti at Ebay.com/Miley
Miley Cyrus takes on a serious cause: providing relief for Haiti after the horror of the 7.0 Haiti Earthquake.
Miley Cyrus has joined with Nicole Richie, Britney Spears, Hugh Jackman, Demi Lovato, Ellen DeGeneres, Julianne Moore, and Whoopi Goldberg for the online event that runs through February 18th at www.auctioncause.com. Here's Miley Cyrus on the charity auction:
You can go to Ebay.com/Miley to bid on the Herve Leger dress Miley wore at the Grammy Awards as well as win two tickets to the premiere of her next movie, The Last Song.
Miley Cyrus has also teamed up with Leona Lewis, Mariah Carey, Susan Boyle, Alexandra Burke from The X-Factor, Rod Stewart, and Michael Buble, for a remake of REM's "Everybody Hurts" which will also benefit Haiti.
This should answer one emailers concern that I had "something against" Miley Cyrus. I don't. I'm glad to see she's out there helping.
Stay tuned.
Miley Cyrus has joined with Nicole Richie, Britney Spears, Hugh Jackman, Demi Lovato, Ellen DeGeneres, Julianne Moore, and Whoopi Goldberg for the online event that runs through February 18th at www.auctioncause.com. Here's Miley Cyrus on the charity auction:
You can go to Ebay.com/Miley to bid on the Herve Leger dress Miley wore at the Grammy Awards as well as win two tickets to the premiere of her next movie, The Last Song.
Miley Cyrus has also teamed up with Leona Lewis, Mariah Carey, Susan Boyle, Alexandra Burke from The X-Factor, Rod Stewart, and Michael Buble, for a remake of REM's "Everybody Hurts" which will also benefit Haiti.
This should answer one emailers concern that I had "something against" Miley Cyrus. I don't. I'm glad to see she's out there helping.
Stay tuned.
Superbowl commercials 2010 - YouTube AdBlitz ends Valentines Day
Super Bowl XLIV is history, but the conversation about 2010 Superbowl commercials is ongoing, it seems. Especially with YouTube AdBlitz.
YouTube has ran a voting contest called YouTube AdBlitz, where you can vote for your favorite commercials from the most watched Super Bowl and most watched television program in history.
YouTube AdBlitz is still going, and runs through Valentines Day.
Check out YouTube AdBlitz here: YouTube.com/AdBlitz and cast your vote for commercials like this one for The Wolfman:
Or this one for "Stranded": a BudLight Super Bowl commercial (one of my favorites):
YouTube has ran a voting contest called YouTube AdBlitz, where you can vote for your favorite commercials from the most watched Super Bowl and most watched television program in history.
YouTube AdBlitz is still going, and runs through Valentines Day.
Check out YouTube AdBlitz here: YouTube.com/AdBlitz and cast your vote for commercials like this one for The Wolfman:
Or this one for "Stranded": a BudLight Super Bowl commercial (one of my favorites):
Craig Ferguson joins Twitter as @CraigyFerg
Late night talk show host Craig Ferguson of The Craig Ferguson Show has discovered Twitter. His name is called @CraigyFerg and his first set of tweets are a doozy. Craig Ferguson let go with a bunch of sentences that mirror his monologues in their go-for-broke style. Here's a sample:
Craig Ferguson says he's not going to follow a lot of people. Here's hoping he changes his tune.
I follow no one. Except Dave I suppose. Or the local news. Or the smell of ham
about 6 hours ago from mobile web
Twitter has better lighting than my show.
about 6 hours ago from mobile web
Oh this is too awesome. Fuckity fuckity heck. (don't want to go too far)
about 6 hours ago from mobile web
Can I say fuck on this thing?
about 6 hours ago from mobile web
Join me followers. Join my robot skeleton army hargggggharggetc.
about 6 hours ago from mobile web
I'm concerned I watch too much Mythbusters. I may need geek rehab
about 7 hours ago from mobile web
More rain comin to LA.it's starting to look like Scotland with teeth
about 7 hours ago from mobile web
The fact that i am on twitter probably means its on the way out.
about 14 hours ago from web
Watching the who @ the superbowl made me sad. Like watching my grampa play the spoons
about 15 hours ago from mobile web
I have 3 dogs. I like 2 of them The one I dont like takes a shite on the kitchen floor every morning. It's French. The dog, not the shite.
about 16 hours ago from web
Craig Ferguson says he's not going to follow a lot of people. Here's hoping he changes his tune.
Rick Perry gets Sarah Palin's help against GOPs Kay Bailey Hutchison
Sarah Palin's on the GOP campaign trail. Palin's giving Texas Governor Rick Perry help by showing up at his event held in Cypress, Texas (a Houston suburb) on Super Bowl Sunday. According to the Austin American Statesman, Palin is supporting a man - Perry - against the legendary Kay Bailey Hutchison in the March GOP Primary.
That should be a wake-up call to women in politics: Sarah Palin does not support a woman, even if she's in the GOP and unless she's a Couch Potato Conservative. But even then, there's no evidence that Sarah Palin will go the extra mile for a woman conservative candidate.
Sarah Palin's backing of Governor Rick Perry will be a sign of her pattern for the future: Republican men get her help; Republican women gain her wrath.
No word on Palin's use of her hand; she's wasn't getting paid this time:
That should be a wake-up call to women in politics: Sarah Palin does not support a woman, even if she's in the GOP and unless she's a Couch Potato Conservative. But even then, there's no evidence that Sarah Palin will go the extra mile for a woman conservative candidate.
Sarah Palin's backing of Governor Rick Perry will be a sign of her pattern for the future: Republican men get her help; Republican women gain her wrath.
No word on Palin's use of her hand; she's wasn't getting paid this time:
Monday, February 08, 2010
The Bachelor Drama
The Bachelor season is coming to a close! With the swift and sudden departure of Ali (the front runner, in my opinion), We are left with Vienna, Tenley, and Gia. But given the scenes from next week and this bloggers reality TV intuition, this wasn't the last time we'll be seeing Ali... Keep your eyes and remote set to The Bachelor next Monday night.
Saints Tracy Porter pick-six has missed illegal block-in-back of Manning
Profootballtalk.com reports that missed amid the celebration after and the speed of New Orleans Saints Defensive Back Tracy Porter's interception of Indy Colts' QB Peyton Manning's pass, and the 74 yard touchdown return was an illegal block-in-the-back committed by Saints Defensive End Will Smith on Manning.
In this video below, we can see Smith (91) running toward Manning who had a chance to catch Porter. Smith clearly hit Manning in the back, but it wasn't called.
Mike David Smith is correct. Someone needs to explain this missed call. As Smith observes:
Wow. I can't believe Colts Nation missed this.
It's not over. Stay tuned.
In this video below, we can see Smith (91) running toward Manning who had a chance to catch Porter. Smith clearly hit Manning in the back, but it wasn't called.
Mike David Smith is correct. Someone needs to explain this missed call. As Smith observes:
If Smith had been flagged, it would have significantly changed the game. Instead of being ahead 31-17, the Saints would have been up just 24-17, with the ball on their own 40-yard line and the Colts having all three timeouts. If the Colts had been able to stop the Saints there, they could have gotten the ball back down just seven points with more than two minutes left in the game.
Instead, Porter's touchdown stood, and the Saints won 31-17.
Wow. I can't believe Colts Nation missed this.
It's not over. Stay tuned.
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