Oakland Downtown to pipe-in Muzac at 13th and Broadway?

Image via Wikipedia

Downtown Oakland, CA 

Apparently, the City of Oakland's going to great lengths, almost neurotic, to alter the street culture of Downtown Oakland, but this bit of news is really disturbing. It rests in a Facebook message I just received, and part of which is posted here:

have you heard about some of the ambitious plans of the Downtown and Lake Merritt Business Improvements District boards? Take a look, they want to pipe in shitty soft country musak 24 hours a day at all the corners of 13th and Broadway to drive away "undesireables"

So a visit to this link reveals a Wikepedia page which reads:

In July 2008, landlords in the district voted a parcel tax upon themselves to fund the "Downtown Oakland and Lake Merritt/Uptown Community Benefit Districts" to provide "special security services, cleaning of sidewalks, beautification, marketing and improvement of district identity and organizational services for businesses in the downtown Oakland and Lake Merritt/Uptown neighborhoods." Since early 2009, the districts have provided roving private security “ambassadors” to sweep up litter, help visitors with directions, and provide security support in Oakland’s downtown.[49]
The districts are governed by advisory boards which have discussed plans and desires to displace political demonstrations following the BART Police shooting of Oscar Grant away from Oakland's downtown center of civic life, and an actual change of venue for the murder trial of former BART police officer Johannes Meserle.[50] The board has also discussed plans to spend district treasury funds to erect a permanent memorial for four slain Oakland police officers at 14th and Broadway, and $10,000 dollars per year for a subscription to "round the clock" Muzak to "immediately drive away undesirable people from" three street corners at 13th and Broadway.
The district boards have public relations committees to "feed stories to the press." The committees have recommended "pitching stories to entertainment, business, and real estate journalist (sic), that way crime would not even be part of the scope." The committee also recommended "inviting select reporters to cover the story" of the "Uptown Unveiled" street festival.[50]
[edit]

OK. "$10,000 dollars per year for a subscription to "round the clock" Muzak to "immediately drive away undesirable people from" three street corners at 13th and Broadway."

What?

That's the idea of a racist. That point of view is that, the "undesirables" are the black teenagers who hang out down there, who, because they're black teenagers can't possible enjoy Muzak, so they would not hang out there.

Stupid.

Some of the Downtown Oakland kids are so creative, they'd sample the Muzak with their iPhones, fuse it with E-40 or Eminem, and create a new Oakland music sound. After a time, that part of Downtown Oakland would be a hip place to hang.

Whoever allowed that idea to get out into the open should be fired. Well, on second thought, they should be made to hang out on the corner overnight. It's not as bad as people think; I catch cabs there frequently.

Rather than "chasing away" so-called undesirables, Oakland should spend time getting to know its talented youth culture.

NFL Preseason Football: Raiders at Cowboys, Seattle hosts Titans

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity since Super Bowl XLIV, the 2010 NFL Football Season is here. The teams this space is watching for this week are the Oakland Raiders, Seattle Seahawks, Atlanta Falcons, and Tennessee Titans.

(Well, in truth, this space is going to watch them all to some degree.)

The Oakland Raiders come into the 2010 NFL Season a completely new team. Gone is Jamarcus Russell, who was such a promising talent at quarterback, but for a host of reasons, just didn't make it happen.

Instead, we have new Offensive Coordinator Hue Jackson, who this blogger's a big fan of. Jackson is an excellent teacher, who's focus on football basics is well-meshed with his understanding of the best passing attacks ever. Hue Jackson may be the best teacher of the passing game, other than Andy Reid in Philadelphia, Mike Martz at Chicago and the Colts Peyton Manning and Tom Moore, in the NFL. It's going to be exciting to see what Jackson does with new Raiders Quarterback Jason Campbell.

In Seattle, former USC Head Coach Pete Carroll steps onto the field to coach the Seattle Seahawks. Say what you will about Coach Carroll, he's a legend, and what he does in the NFL at every facet of the game will be studied.

Mike Martz in Chicago

What will Mike Martz do for the Chicago Bears, is the other question of interest to this blogger. Of late, Martz has become a bit lazy in scheme development. His shifting of the tight end and flanker from one side of the formation to the other is expected. The misdirection routes are nothing new, any more.

But that's to this blogger; will NFL defenses be ready for the routine at Martz level? And has Martz been able to end some of Bears Quarterback Jay Cutler's bad habits, like aiming his long passes to a spot, thus always overthrowing his receivers? We shall see.

NFL Media has provided a great press release of the action to look forward to, starting tonight:

PRESEASON IN FULL SWING AS ALL CLUBS SEE ACTION THIS WEEK;
SEVEN GAMES ON NATIONAL TV

NEW MEADOWLANDS STADIUM OPENS MONDAY NIGHT WITH GIANTS FACING JETS (That's huge)

(Here's the rest from the NFL..)

PRESEASON IN FULL SWING AS ALL CLUBS SEE ACTION THIS WEEK;
SEVEN GAMES ON NATIONAL TV

-- NEW MEADOWLANDS STADIUM OPENS MONDAY NIGHT WITH GIANTS FACING JETS --

Everybody's playing!

All 32 NFL clubs will hit the field this week as the first full slate of NFL preseason action takes place, bookended by nationally televised games on ESPN on Thursday and Monday nights and five nationally televised games on Friday, Saturday and Sunday on NFL Network.

"The preseason is an important time for us to evaluate players," says head coach SEAN PAYTON of the Super Bowl XLIV champion New Orleans Saints. "We have a lot of players that we need to see in live action, so number one is evaluation. The number two thing is that it’s the first chance we get to play a game against another opponent. That carries a lot of weight."

A look at a few of the matchups in Preseason Week 1:

NEW YORK GIANTS AT NEW YORK JETS (Monday, ESPN, 8:00 PM ET): New Meadowlands Stadium will host its first football game when the stadium's two tenants - the New York Giants and New York Jets - face one another on Monday night, August 16, on ESPN.

Covering 13.5 acres, the 82,500-seat stadium is the only current facility to house two NFL teams. It offers an impressive array of amenities, including four massive HD video display boards, wider concourses, a myriad of food and shopping options, and the closest seats to the action in the entire NFL. The exterior of the stadium bowl, comprised of louvers and lights, will have the capability to change colors to reflect the home teams’ colors on gameday.

"With this stadium, we think that those on the field, and in the stands, will have the greatest place to play and watch the game in the country," says Giants President and CEO JOHN MARA. "It will be an extraordinary facility with a stadium design that will reward our fans for their enthusiasm, support and loyalty."

"Every aspect of a Sunday at the stadium will be radically different before fans even step foot inside," says Jets Chairman and CEO WOODY JOHNSON. "Once at the stadium, fans will enjoy enhanced tailgating opportunities and a new plaza filled with activities for fans of all ages."

The Giants and Jets will meet for the 42nd consecutive preseason. Last season, the Jets, who advanced to the AFC Championship Game, defeated the Giants 27-25.

This year's contest will feature the New York debuts of several players from both teams, including the Jets' LA DAINIAN TOMLINSON, SANTONIO HOLMES, ANTONIO CROMARTIE and JASON TAYLOR and the Giants’ ANTREL ROLLE and KEITH BULLUCK.

"I always wanted to live in New York and have the opportunity to play on this wonderful stage," says Tomlinson. "Obviously, now I have the opportunity and I’m excited about it."

CAROLINA at BALTIMORE (Thursday, ESPN, 8:00 PM ET): ESPN’s preseason schedule will kick off on Thursday night, August 12, when the Baltimore Ravens host the Carolina Panthers in a contest featuring two teams that love to pound the ball on the ground.
Last year, the Panthers led the NFC and ranked third in the NFL averaging 156.1 rushing yards per game. Led by running backs JONATHAN STEWART (1,133 yards) and All - Star DE ANGELO WILLIAMS (1,117), the team became the first in NFL history with two 1,100-yard rushers in the same season.

"There are a lot of football teams in the National Football League that would love to have the luxury that we have," says Williams. "Having two guys puts pressure on defenses and keeps them from knowing what to expect. The ability to keep defenses on their heels is something everyone wants."

The Ravens, who finished 9-7 and advanced to the AFC Divisional Playoffs a year ago, have also enjoyed success using multiple running backs. In 2009, Pro Bowl running back RAY RICE rushed for a career-high 1,339 yards and WILLIS MC GAHEE led the club with 12 rushing touchdowns. Led by All-Star fullback LE’RON MC CLAIN’s blocking, the Ravens ranked fifth in the NFL with 137.5 rushing yards per game.

"Willis, Le'Ron and I are not identical runners," says Rice. "We can all do things but we're different. The more good guys you have, the better it is."

NEW ORLEANS at NEW ENGLAND (Thursday, 7:30 PM ET): The New Orleans Saints take the field for the first time as Super Bowl champions when they visit the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Thursday.
"Each year you always look to improve," says Payton about the upcoming 2010 season. "There are benchmarks you look to accomplish and certainly all of us want to win another Super Bowl title. Those are goals that you set. You set those for your team. You also recognize how difficult the challenge is, especially having gone through that experience in the playoffs and Super Bowl. The goal is always to win."

Success has been no stranger to the Patriots, who won the AFC East last year. The club has won 112 regular-season games since 2000, the second-most in the NFL, and leads the league with four Super Bowl berths and three Super Bowl championships in the past decade.

"The Patriots are one of the teams of the decade," says Saints quarterback DREW BREES. "They've won three Super Bowls and they've been to the playoffs just about every year. Some would say they're a dynasty. That’s the type of organization that we're aspiring to be. We want to be a championship contender every year."
BUFFALO AT WASHINGTON (Friday, NFL Network, 7:30 PM ET): Head coach MIKE SHANAHAN and quarterback DONOVAN MC NABB will make their Redskins debuts on Friday night when Washington hosts the Buffalo Bills at FedExField.

"I'm looking forward to getting started, that's for sure." says Shanahan. "After being here for over six months and putting a football team together, you've got the draft, you've got free agency, evaluating your own football team, you're always waiting for the season. And now it's time to go."

For Buffalo, it will mark the first game as a Bill for head coach CHAN GAILEY.

"He's won everywhere he's been, and there's a good chance he'll do it again," says Buffalo general manager BUDDY NIX of Gailey. "This guy is the guy to get us back to winning and get us where we want to go."

AMONG OTHER INTERESTING GAMES THIS WEEK:

TAMPA BAY at MIAMI (Saturday, NFL Network, 7:00 PM ET): DT GERALD MC COY, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2010 draft, will see his first NFL action as part of the Bucs defense, facing off against a Miami offense led by QB CHAD HENNE and WR BRANDON MARSHALL, who was acquired via trade this offseason.

TENNESSEE at SEATTLE (Saturday, NFL Network, 10:00 PM ET): PETE CARROLL returns to the NFL sidelines as Seahawks head coach, hosting QB VINCE YOUNG and the Tennessee Titans, who won eight of their last 10 games to close out the 2009 season.

SAN FRANCISCO at INDIANAPOLIS (Sunday, NFL Network, 1:00 PM ET): MIKE SINGLETARY and JIM CALDWELL begin their sophomore seasons with their respective teams. Singletary's 49ers feature a talented defense including All - Star LB PATRICK WILLIS and rookie S TAYLOR MAYS, while four - time AP NFL MVP QB PEYTON MANNING begins his 13th season with the defending AFC champion Colts.

DENVER at CINCINNATI (Sunday, NFL Network, 7:00 PM ET): Broncos head coach JOSH
MC DANIELS will continue to evaluate his trio of young QBs as KYLE ORTON, BRADY QUINN and rookie TIM TEBOW battle for a starting job against the Bengals defense (fourth in the NFL in 2009).

Kings Inn Hotel San Diego The Waffle House Breakfast before Comic Con Day 2

All I can say is YUMM! I really enjoyed the Kings Inn Hotel San Diego, and The Waffle House Breakfast this blogger had before Comic Con Day 2.

Thanks to Kate, who worked as my waitress and actress for the video. Frankly, Kate's a ham; she only needed a little coaxing to do the video with this blogger.

If you're ever in San Diego, The Kings Inn Hotel San Diego is worth the stay just for the food at The Waffle Spot. Also make sure you have the Waffles Benedict.

And look out for Sir Wafflelot.

SF Transbay Terminal Ground Breaking marks new beginning

If you follow this space, you recall the long process of working to get a final design for the new San Francisco Transbay Terminal.

The old terminal, slated for demolition, was the hub of trains into San Francisco from the East Bay and using the San Francisco / Oakland Bay Bridge. Then, after trains gave way to cars and buses, it was the terminus of AC Transit Bus Service and San Mateo Transit Service for the East Bay and the North Bay. But with all of that, it had still fallen into a state of deterioration such that it became a blight in the South of Market area of downtown San Francisco.

After the establishment of the Redevelopment Plan in 2005 and a competition, a design created by Pelli Clarke Pelli emerged as the unanimous winner. Here's this blogger's video from the competition and the presentation in San Francisco City Hall in 2007:



Ground breaking marks new beginning

The plan is to take shape over the next seven years and be complete in 2017. I'm certain the vast majority of San Franciscans, let alone people in the Bay Area, have no idea what dramatic change is about to take place in what was once the place that was known as the unofficial parking and transit hub for SOMA's nightlife.

It will consist of a large, 1,000 ft skyscraper, 2,600 housing units, and a giant, elevated urban park unlike anything experienced in America. Indeed, the six-acre park is so large given where it's located, it's more like a much smaller version of Golden Gate Park, but for Downtown San Francisco.

The structure that supports the park will also serve to connect various forms of transit, including the planned extension of CalTrain from next to AT&T Park, and become - this space' prediction - the new place for Bay Area teenagers to hang out. (Try taking a cyber walk around to see what I mean.)

Grand Central Station

"Today, in breaking ground on the Transbay Transit Center, we are opening a new chapter in that history of progress," Speaker Nancy Pelosi said. "We are coming together to create jobs and revitalize our economy, and we are laying the first building blocks of a new 'Grand Central Station of the West.'"

Speaker Pelosi's right. The SF Transbay Terminal project will create 48,000 new jobs during its construction phase, but once finished, will transform Downtown San Francisco in a way that perhaps has not been fully considered.

"This is one of the most important and transformational public transportation projects in America. Once the dust has settled, San Francisco’s skyline will be transformed - as will transportation, housing, and employment choices for people across the Bay area and beyond," said United States Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood. The U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Railroad Administration are proud to contribute to the first phase of this effort."

"This is a historic day for San Francisco and for the entire State," said San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom. "History will write that High-Speed Rail and a new engine for job creation and economic growth in California began today, with the groundbreaking of this project. It is a culmination of decades of planning to fulfill our City's vision of leading the nation as a transit - first City and a hub of a modern High - Speed Rail system."

Jamarcus Russell - former Oakland Raiders QB in court

Image via Wikipedia

The sad story of Oakland Raiders 2007 NFL 1st Round Draft Pick Quarterback Jamarcus Russell continues. Jamarcus Russell appeared in court Wednesday, in Mobile, Alabama. According to WKRG via Pro Football Talk, a friend, Marcus Stevenson, tried to take the fall for Russell.

When he did that, Stevenson was arrested on a charge of possession of a controlled substance, as PFT reports. But the WKRG report is more interesting:

Stevenson, when questioned by prosecutors, said he and Russell had partied at clubs the night before and returned home around 7:00 am on July 5th. "We were still hanging out," said Stevenson, who told the judge that Russell took a woman to his bedroom when he went to sleep in the early hours of the morning. The woman was gone before police arrived that afternoon, according to the testimony.

If you're reading that, are you thinking perhaps the woman had something to do with the police bust? Also, it's obvious Jamarcus Russell was in a state of denial about his future, electing to party like a rock star after his ouster by the Oakland Raiders.


WKRG.com News

Additionally, Jamarcus Russell seems to have talked one of his friends into taking the fall for him. Jamarcus Russell pleaded not guilty last month to one count of possession of a controlled substance.

And regarding his NFL and pro football career, Russell rejected an offer from the UFL to join a team in that league. Instead, another former Raider Jeff Garcia, will join the UFL.

American Idol News - Jennifer Lopez out as judge, Asia'h Epperson in jail

Jennifer Lopez via last.fm

In American Idol News, Jennifer Lopez, who was in the running, really a front-runner, to be a judge on American Idol, is out of the picture. According to The New York Daily News, J-Lo's demands became too much for The Fox Television Network to deal with.

And American Idol contestant Asia'h Epperson is in jail as this is written, for allegedly beating up a woman in a club in Hollywood called Colony Club. That's on the heels of Fantasia Barrino, the American Idol winner who suffered from an overdose on Monday.

Jennifer Lopez called Diva

Reportedly, Jennifer Lopez was being too much the bitch diva for Fox, so not wanting to deal with a formula that may have worked for the show, she was written off. A source told People Magazine Her demands got out of hand. Fox had just had enough."

What those "damands" were is not known, but it's too bad. J-Lo would have been fun to watch. But one thing's for sure, American Idol's still in a state of flux that should have sponsors very concerned.

Asia'h Epperson in jail

According to TMZ.com, which broke the story, Asia'h Epperson, who should spend more time on her blog as it showed promise, was the focus of a citizen's arrest at the club by the beating victim.

That's sad news because, in just reading her few blog posts about Google SERP, she's obviously really bright. Whatever happened, it's a sure bet alcohol was involved in it.

Jennifer Freeman - Earl Watson says My Wife and Kids wife bit him

Actress Jennifer Freeman who plays Claire Kyle in the ABC sitcom My Wife and Kids is accused of biting her husband, Indiana Pacers NBA Star Earl Watson, who first said he was going to file for divorce and seek custody of their 10-month-old daughter, but now has a change of heart and is going to try and work out their issues.

But that was after Earl Watson filed papers in LA County Superior Court.

Earl Watson reported, according to TMZ, that the 24-year-old My Wife and Kids star bit him in a rage after he tried to check her cell phone after she received a call at 11 PM. (Er, that reads like a booty call to this blogger.)

Watson said that Jennifer Freeman bit him at night on August 1st.

Jennifer Freeman and Earl Watson got married on May 17, 2009.