Bill Cosby fights the good fight - 10.31.2006.1

Sometimes I get the joy of speaking about things that entertainers are doing, especially when those entertainers are African American or Hispanic/Latino. In particular I am glad that Mr. Bill Cosby continues his efforts to highlight areas of problems in the Black culture and community. Better yet, unlike many Mr. Cosby is taking an active role in correcting those problems. That may draw the ire of some, but like Mr. Malcolm X once said (as I recall) ‘It’s the squeaky door that gets the fix.’ The fix in this case is desperately needed as dropout rates hit highs unseen before and single parent families are predominant in the Black community.

Recently Mr. Cosby has gone to Los Angeles and took to task the educators and parents of young African American students. As well he should, because it is the responsibility of both these groups to do more than just provide the minimum to children. It is not enough to expect rote memorization to provide the knowledge needed to do well in life. It is not enough to promote a dream of athletic prowess, without any thought of a back-up plan. It is far too little to believe that stardom in a mostly talentless industry will be the cure to all ills. Worse yet, acceptance of underperforming and allowance of a lifestyle that involves drug-use and misogyny and lack of self-responsibility are a plague in my view.

While some feel the comments made by Mr. Cosby are controversial, the fact is they are not. The controversy is really that there is something so critical to speak about. The fact that African Americans are failing to do well is not completely a white or governmental thing. To lay the blame just on their lap is to excuse the failures that have nothing to do with either. Bringing this fact to life is a benefit, one that should not be dismissed. If what Mr. Cosby has said is so wrong, I must ask why the problems are so severe today. If everything is ok, why are there so many that are dying and in jail and uneducated? The time to whisper has past decades ago, and action is needed. Thus I’m glad to hear Mr. Bill Cosby make waves, and I hope to add a few as well.

Along similar lines is news about Oprah. Ms. Winfrey recently gave away debit cards with $1000 each on them; the catch was that they could not be used on the recipients. It’s a nice idea. Similar to the one in the movie Pass It On. The $300,000 give away was sponsored by a bank, not by Ms. Winfrey, and it would be nice to see if the audience really helps communities and not just themselves in an extended manner.

There is no question that Ms. Winfrey does a great deal to help many world-wide. While I may fault her for not more visibly helping people in the United States, there is no question that she does. Yet with the direct connection to corporate sponsors, high visibility and wealth that she commands I have to wonder why she doesn’t have several episodes where communities get the same kind of aid.

But that is nit-picking on my part. The efforts that Ms. Winfrey has shown are extraordinary and like Mr. Cosby make a statement. Sadly few seem to heed the call, and they should. Instead of waiting for someone to claim they are a leader and hand a path to salvation to the Black community should take what has already been given. I can’t help but think that the efforts of African American entertainers and celebrities of the past are being squandered today.

Yes, Mr. Nat King Cole, Mr. Flip Wilson, Mr. Freddie Pinze, Mr. Sidney Poitier, and many others created the opportunity found now. Without Jackie Robinson there is no Michael Jordan, without Ray Charles there is no Wu Tan Clan. And without Malcolm X and Martin Luther King there is no Condelezza Rice or Colin Powell. But why is there at the same time such a rush to be criminals – or ‘thugs’ by popular terms? Why are women in the black community objects to be paraded in music videos, African American men striving to be plagues on the system as drug dealers? Why is the pursuit of a mind worth less today than perhaps ever before?

Of the centuries that our ancestors struggled to gain the right to read and be treated as equals, is the only benefit our chance to compete in games for the selfish monetary return it provides? I cannot agree that the only benefit of the past efforts is our increased ability to entertain the masses. Dr. Martin Luther King did not dream of an equal chance to ‘shake dat ass’ on an iPod. Mr. Malcolm X did not want to defend his life and family “by any means” so that his children could sell drugs, or have ‘baby-mama drama.’ Mr. Jackie Robinson did not endure the stresses of proving his abilities to hostile crowds so that drop-outs would have the inability to read about his challenges; and Mr. Richard Pryor didn’t make us laugh and think about what was inadequate so that the youth could use a term that is the single most offensive term in the English language as a greeting because they haven’t learned enough to know the words meaning and history.

Perhaps I’m too sensitive. Or perhaps I paid attention and remember the old NAACP ad “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”

This is what I think, what do you think?

Houdini still escaping death in our minds - 10.29.2006.1

Well It’s been a quiet weekend overall. But there was some interesting news about Mr. Harry Houdini that recently appeared. A new book, The Secret Life of Houdini: The Making of America's First Superhero, makes an interesting claim. That Houdini was not only a great escape artist, but also was a spy for England and the United States. Now that is an interesting thought. Considering all things I can surmise that it is quite possible that he was in fact a spy to some degree. It makes sense as he was allowed place and met people few others could at that time in the world.

It also makes me think of the movies that are out recently, displaying period magicians that seem to be reflections of the mythos of Houdini. As much as I enjoy Mr. David Blaine, Penn & Teller and other current magicians none capture my attention as much as Houdini. There is just something about him that is inspirational. Overcoming odds that seem insurmountable.

And it’s interesting how so few entertainers today can reach the levels that those of the past have touched. While Mr. Michael Jordan and Mr. Tiger Woods are world-renown they do not touch the impact of Mr. Muhammad Ali, Houdini, Babe Ruth, and a few others. One would think that celebrities like Jay-Z, 50 cent (I still think the name is dumb) and other ‘superstars’ would be more famous or at least one or two would be at a similar level as those of the past.

With the internet making stars more connected to people world-wide, in virtually no time, it would seem that fame would equate to levels of universal acceptance never before seen. Yet it hasn’t happened. Perhaps Mr. Jackie Chan, Mr. Woods and Mr. Jordan are the only ones that do apply to this ultimate category but I can’t think of anyone else that does. Of the recent truly world-wide celebrities I think Mr. Bruce Lee was the last. True fame seems only possible without the interconnectivity of the internet. When real interest creates the drive to know more about a celebrity. That is opposed to the media glut that is forced on us by the corporations profiting of the stars of today.

I mean how many of the stars of today are really talented? There is but a handful of the top A-list actors that can sing, play an instrument and/or have been successful on the stage. Few singers can actually compose music or play an instrument or even write their own songs. Far too many athletes today have little education and few outside career options. And so the names of true greats like Houdini continue to mesmerize the masses.

Perhaps the speed and near instant contact has been a bane as opposed to a boon. In propping up the most recent new thing, we have lost out on the best thing. Rather than getting the best entertainers we are coming to learn to accept just the most recent. Maybe that’s why so few stand out for more than a moment in the growing crowd of just better than average. And maybe that’s why the lowest common denominator seems to reach just a bit lower each year. Or so it seems to me.

This is what I think, what do you think?

Please take this survey - 10.27.2006.1

I have created a new survey for the site. I'm looking forward to your thoughts.

There are few things that are as important to me as being able to expand the reach of this site, sharing my thoughts and your comments with as many people as possible. As part of this growth I have created a way for you to contact me and let me know what you think. From time to time I will be changing the questions on the survey, fine tuning the things that you may want to let me know.

I am happy to provide you with ways to get more of what you want. Please take a moment to answer the survey. Thank you for your support, and tell your friends :)

Check here for the survey

Sexomniacs and Jesse Martin of Law&Order - 10.26.2006.4

Some things I just can’t make up. I’ve heard all kinds of stories used for defenses in court cases. From the odd to the downright bizarre there are all kinds. Anyone who has been to a bar has heard or made propositions. And I’m sure couples have heard the same or worse. Now imagine something that combines all 3. Are you ready for this… sexsomniacs.

Now I’m sure almost everyone has no clue what this is. Neither did I until I just read about it. It’s a rare condition that is similar to sleep walking. Except in this case ‘sufferers’ make advances, and follow through, while completely asleep. While first thought to be very rare, some researchers think its more common than that.

This condition generally affects couples it seems. The responses range from annoyance to coping to exhilaration. Yes, some think it’s the best thing they’ve ever done. My mind boggles. Of course there is at least one researcher looking into this as a defense for certain sexual assault cases. Again my mind boggles.

While I can accept that some people can, on occasion, have severe sleep walking that allows them to function seemingly normally I have trouble buying this one. On one hand it sounds like a convenient excuse to act in a manner without owning up to what is really wanted. “I never would ask you to do that! I had to be asleep.” On the other hand it give creeps an excuse for boorish or worse behavior. I’d love to hear from anyone ‘afflicted’ with this.

On a more ironic note, there is news that a cop needs a cop. Well I should say and actor who plays a cop needs a real police officer. This is what Mr. Jesse L. Martin, of Law & Order and Rent fame, happens to need. Now before anyone goes and says “well he works and lives in New York City, lots of people get robbed all the time,” it happened in his hometown of Albany.

Mr. Martin was back home to do some work on a new film, and took out some time to sign autographs, talk with folks and help out the local cook with entertainment industry advice. Now that’s a nice guy, and somewhat rare for popular entertainers these days. Part of why may be the fact that while he was doing this someone broke into his SUV and stole his clothes, iPod and other items. Now that’s just rude.

I finally get some decent news on an African American male entertainer that isn’t in trouble with the law, his significant other or anyone. In fact its news about them being open and courteous, a fans’ dream, and someone spoils the whole thing with negative feedback. Some days you just can’t win. I bet the crook didn’t even know who’s stuff they took.

Well Mr. Martin is back in NYC, where he has lived for 20 years without incident, sans his stuff. I hope this doesn’t jade him to being a courteous entertainer when in the public in the future. Hearing how much of a nice guy he can be I’d love to meet him and do an interview for the blog. Well I suppose I can still hope.

This is what I think, what do you think?

To be able to hear the Audio MP3 file of this post click the link.

What do you see - 10.26.2006.2

Here is something that sparked my mind. Before I go on let me ask a question. What color is God? Don’t look further, and don’t do anything else yet. Write down that answer for a second.

Now the next thing I will ask is for the Christians out there. I suppose it applies, in a manner, to those who are Jewish or Muslim as well. What color/race is Jesus? Again, before you go further write down your answer, please.

I am not a religious person, though I was raised in a religious background. This is not about religion, so don’t get fanatical on me. Now look at your answers and then at the back of your hand. Predominantly the color/race of the person reflects how they view God. This is true throughout the world, except in America for the most part. In America Jesus, in particular, is viewed as looking like Mr. James Cavievel more than anything else. I won’t get into the description found in the Bible [other than to say that the proper description is ‘a man of olive skin and hair of wool’ as I recall] but this is an interesting view found in America.

The reason I mention this is that a new film is coming out about the last 2 days of Jesus. The theatrical film is called Color of the Cross. The story is the same as that found in Passion of the Christ for the most part as I understand. The difference is that Jesus, and I would assume the apostles and others, is African. This will be the first American film that directly portrays Jesus as an African.

Personally I think it’s an obvious call as the region that this story is supposed to take place in is predominantly Negroid in background. Yet it’s hard to find any image in this nation that does not depict a singular view of a European image. Honestly the only Europeans should be the Romans, and they were the bad guys. So given this I have to wonder how this movie will do in theatres. Will it get the same support that Passion of the Christ received from the conservative Christians? Will there be the same kind of interest in the story? Will other religious groups be as upset?

The answer should be yes. There should be a similar response since the story, as I understand, has not been changed and perhaps more because the story is not in Aramaic. But somehow I doubt it. In discussing this with a friend yesterday, this caused a revelation. My friend had never considered the question. It was firmly understood that the answer to the second question I asked at the beginning was white; the answer to the first was more difficult as God is beyond color or human form.

This lead to the fact that television, like religion in America, presumse to tell the citizenry that the world is not what we see in our daily lives. What I mean is that of the 100 – 120 broadcast television programs on primetime during a given week (assuming 7pm to 10pm, with 3 hour long shows and 2 half-hour shows, for 4 networks, 5 days a week) my friend and I were able to name 10 leading or main characters that were Black African American, Hispanic or Asian out of 500 – 600 main characters on television (assuming 5 main characters per show). That’s 2% of the main broadcast television population.

The conclusion would seem to be that minorities don’t exist in this nation. That we are not involved. It’s subtle, and like with the visage of a European Jesus it implies that those Black, Latino, Asian Americans similar to me are invisible. Perhaps that’s why cable network television programs are more interesting to me. Shows like Blade, the Shield, Thief and others connect with the rest of this nation that broadcast television ignores. This is a hard thing to do since 1/3 of the nation is one minority or another. Perhaps it’s why I cannot connect to many programs, because it does not reflect the reality I see outside my door – even in a predominantly white town like Binghamton.

So considering the importance given to ignoring the diversity of the nation, I really wonder how this movie will be received. I have to think that some will complain and be uncomfortable with this vison, and not all of them will be white. And I have to wonder why the color of a persons’ skin matters in telling a story. I want to see this movie, Color of the Cross, and review it. If the acting or directing is horrible, that’s one thing. But if it isn’t, the reaction will make a strong statement about what America thinks when we aren’t actively thinking. That is important.

And if nothing is said about it at all, if it becomes invisible, that says something too.

This is what I think, what do you think?

You can find the audio for this post on this page Audio MP3 recording.

Ella Fitzgerald, James Stewart and Vampires - 10.26.2006.1

On the lighter side of things these days, there has been news that affects all the Goths out there. A physics professor has delved into the mystery of Vampires, and in a crushing blow that Blade wished he could do, removing their existence. Yes the vampire hunter in question is a professor at University of Central Florida, and he used an unknown weapon that vampires have a weakness to – Math. If only Van Helsing knew this.

It seems that the professor crunched the numbers and proved that if vampires existed since the 1600’s they would have over-run the planet long ago. Of course those with a conspiracy theory bent could always argue that the vampires are using this theorem to help hide their existence among us. Perhaps Anne Rice’s Lestat and professor Efthimiou could get together and debate the issue on Fox News. They say they are ‘fair and balanced’ so it should be the perfect forum. And since they are on 24/7 it can be done at night.

In news that’s easier to lick (yes a bad pun and only effective for the older among us) new stamps have been release. This series is dedicated to greats in entertainment. Mr. James Stewart, know for his roles in It’s a Wonderful Life and Harvey [great classic films that you should see if you haven’t yet] and his time in fighting WW II, now graces a stamp. Mr. Stewart is joined with the great Ms. Ella Fitzgerald, jazz vocalist supreme, 13 time Grammy Award winner, and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Honor. Other items of interest to philatelist are the release of the Aladdin and Genie, Dumbo and Timothy Mouse, Peter Pan and Tinkerbell stamps. Not to be outdone, a mix of Marvel characters will be out including Spider-Man, the Hulk, Wolverine, Electra and Captain America. It’s a nice time to be a collector I think.

This is what I think, what do you think?

Expanding Black Entertainment USA - 10.25.2006.3

I wanted to take a moment to remind everyone that I am still seeking out a few people to help me expand and develop various ideas for this site and www.mvass.com. I’ve mentioned in the past that I am looking for a couple of additional graphic designers to help with the different t-shirt, mug, mousepad, poster and other consumer goods I sell via my online store found at www.cafepress.com/nova68.

In addition I continue to seek out illustrators and pencilists that can bring to life the graphic novel I am developing. Samples of a scene from the portion of the storyline found in the comic section of this site will help me select what gets to be the final vision.

There is also my desire to find a musician or group that can bring to life my poetry. I am seeking new visions and interpretations of the words I’ve written. I think it would be inspiring and fun.

I have no fixed version of how these items can be expressed. I’m looking to see how others are motivated by my words and ideas. Send in your samples, with a way to contact you, and I will let you know my thoughts. (You can reach me via the contact information, just click the link in the menu) I must mention that any items submitted to me will be the property of my corporation M V Consulting, Inc. For those that are selected I will go into detail on how we can work best on expanding my thoughts.

I try to be a fair man, though I’m not rich today. Spread the word. I’ll present the new formats as soon as I can.

Thank you for your support in this matter.

Michael J. Fox, Snoop Dogg - 10.25.2006.2

I’ve talked about Mr. Michael J. Fox and his support of candidates that support stem-cell research. While I have my own reservations on the ultimate uses of such research, I have no problem with his actions. I like when people of sincere conviction stand up and hold themselves accountable. Of course this is not how everyone feels. Some chose to counter the ads of Mr. Fox with celebrity and entertainer ads that oppose stem-cell research. That’s a fantastic idea. Being involved in the issues that affect us all, as Mr. Fox states “…all politics is local, but it's not always the case” , is a great thing. But when some criticize people and not the issue they are wrong, in my opinion.

I mean Mr. Rush Limbaugh. I’ve taken Mr. Limbaugh to task before, and sadly I may need to again it seems. I agree with many that when anyone puts their political views out to the public, actually any view, they are open to criticism. I myself disagree with Mr. Fox’s position. But to attack him personally, to question the severity of his illness is rude and disgusting. To say that anyone would fake an illness, without proof or supposition of proof, or the degree of an illness is to belittle those afflicted. Mr. Limbaugh offends those who suffer like Mr. Fox in saying he is acting. For a man who is called intelligent by some, his words seem unthinking and base in the manner of someone without intelligence. Especially when one considers that such comments are anything but uncommon for him to say as his history shows. Vote your opinion, debate the issues but can we please leave the personal attacks in the gutter where they belong.

Now speaking of repeat offenders, guess who is back up to his seemingly old tricks. I am speaking of Mr. Calvin Broadus, aka Snoop Dogg. Like many rappers of the last decade or more, Mr. Broadus appears to draw charges like a light bulb. A growing favorite of his looks like potential criminal actions in airports. In this case his entourage was not involved, but Snoop Dogg did cause a stir trying to bring a police baton onto a plane.

The claim of Mr. Broadus, that he was unaware that such a weapon was banned rings false in my ears. In this day and age of enhanced paranoia at airports, where liquids are banned from flights, how does a reasonably intelligent person think a weapon is not banned. Equally tin sounding is the claim that this was a needed prop for a music video shoot. As if there is no prop manager in New York that could provide such an item for a video shoot. This is merely the hollow efforts of an entertainer to shift the blame from their own actions and to avoid punishment, as I see it.

Yet this belies the true question I have asked before. Why do rappers generate so many conflicts, violence and death? In this year I am sure I have mentioned a dozen times that one or another rapper was arrested for one thing or another. There have been several involved with deaths of individuals, and virtually all have involved weapons and/or violence not to mention drugs. And these entertainers are seen, especially in the Black culture and specifically by young African American males, as figures to be looked up to. I can’t understand why. Why would anyone want their child to follow in the footsteps of criminals and near-criminals. Who would want their child to grow up disrespecting all women and men. To be uneducated, apathetic, addicts, with multiple children and no hope of supporting or properly raising any of them.

Some may dispute this. But the truth is that all public figures are role models. Of all public figures, entertainers are where there is the largest concentration of African Americans. When those individuals promote base actions, subjective youth learn and follow this lead. It’s little different than when babies watch those around them to learn how to speak, learning language and accent. I see no argument that disputes this, but I’ve heard many that excuse it. Perhaps its time to stop excusing the poor actions of various segments of the Black community, and re-enforcing better actions.

This is what I think, what do you think?

Click here for an audio MP3 of this post.

Is what Madonna did really that bad? - 10.25.2006.1

I’m back. Not much of real interest is going on right now. Though I did have an interesting conversation with my best friend about the Madonna situation. He brought up a good point. He mentioned that there isn’t much to be concerned with. The little boy is going to have a far better life with Madonna than without. With her he will have a good education, proper medical and dental treatment, and no worries on food. Another point was made about the rules that were broken. Does it matter since no matter the time it took the outcome is still better for the boy. To paraphrase my buddy “Would you prefer the Madonna didn’t spend the 3 million to ‘get’ the kid and his life was unchanged and miserable?” It’s hard to argue that point.

And of course the last thing he mentioned is that if the Black community is upset, which it doesn’t appear to be, then of course adopting kids is the answer. In truth the whole thing does give me an odd feeling, like the kid was bought. But I can’t argue the fact that his life will be far better. Still I wouldn’t want this to become a trend.

I am glad though if all of this attention turns to help the various African nations. There is some serious need there. When you consider that the average person at or below poverty in the U.S. is still living a better life than most in Africa, that is sad. Of course improving things here wouldn’t hurt either. While self-help is the primary means for help in America, the attention that entertainers and celebrities bring can be wonderful too.

This is what I think, what do you think?

Oprah at college, Stevie Wonder gets Award - 10.21.2006.1

Here is some nice news from earlier in the week. Mr. Stevie Wonder was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Civil Rights Museum. Mr. Wonder is a great example of the human spirit. He has overcome not only racism but also blindness. Mr. Wonder is someone I think of whenever I think that I am overcome with burdens. His career started as a young child playing the harmonica in various movies and grew from there. I can only imagine the hurdles he had to overcome, and the things that he may have been told throughout his life. Yet he has not only survived, he has excelled. Congratulations on this Award Mr. Wonder, you deserve it.

Also I want to send a cheer to Ms. Oprah Winfrey. She spoke at a fundraiser for Bennett College, a private college for Black women. Along with Ms. Winfrey were other notable attendees such as Ms. Maya Angelou and Ms. Shirley Caesar. It’s always a good thing to see entertainers and celebrities contributing to higher education, especially when it directly involves African Americans. Of course I would prefer to hear about Ms. Winfrey founding a leadership academy in the United States as opposed to South Africa, but that is me nit picking.

And I wonder why there aren’t more entertainers and celebrities stepping up and speaking about Black men going to and finishing college. I would love to see several rappers together promoting the need for black African American males staying in school and being responsible for their own actions. The initiatives that are in place to help Black women are needed, but I think we have forgotten about the men. Moreso, entertainers today seem to promote anything but self-responsibility and higher education for Black African American males. That really needs to change. I’m not saying this is the cause of drop-out rates in high school of between 50 and 70%, but it’s not helping to turn the tide.

This is what I think, what do you think?

Jay-Z goes for Beer - 10.20.2006.3

With it being Friday it seems timely to mention something about beer. In this case it’s rap and beer combined. I’m speaking of Mr. Shawn Carter, known commonly as Jay-Z, and Budweiser. It seems that Budweiser feels that Jay-z can be instrumental in marketing their new beer, Budweiser Select. Considering what was done for Cristal, they may be correct. Of course Cristal may have the price and popularity but I don’t think it’s a superior champagne. Based on that you can get a mixed message on how good this new beer may be. Still a celebrity that is followed so closely should boost sales.

The thing that I don’t like is that this will be promoting more alcohol to the Black community. As if that was needed. From malt liquor to gin-n-juice, the Black community is swamped with liquor ads. Its so common to see ads for liquor in a Black neighborhood that I don’t notice it when I go back to the Bronx. There are ads posted on billboards and on the trains and buses. Of course I barely see any when I’m in Manhattan, at least below 96th on the east side.

So hearing that a popular African American rapper, is promoting another drink, I’m not enthused. Rappers promote more alcohols than any other entertainer promoting anything else, I believe. And that promotion is directly targeted, disproportionately, to African Americans. The last thing young African American men need is another distraction, especially one of such a low cost and easy consumption, from gaining an education and taking control of their lives. It may not be the fault of Mr. Carter, nor Budweiser, that alcohol is so tightly interwoven with social activities in Black culture but they are not helping either. I’d enjoy seeing this man do more like his clean drinking water project than his promotion of potentially damaging items that already flood the Black community and culture.

This is what I think, what do you think?

Hello to Namibia and Wesley Snipes - 10.20.2006.2

So it seems that the various talking heads need to tone down their rhetoric. I’m speaking about comments that I have heard in regards to Mr. Wesley Snipes. While Mr. Snipes has been indited by the government, the hoopla that has been brewing seems to be misplaced. You may have seem comments like ‘where is Welsely Snipes’ or comments like ‘no one can find Mr. Snipes’ and each comment made no mention that perhaps Mr. Snipes was working out of the country.

In my post Where is Wesley Snipes? - 10.18.2006.1 I speculated that Mr. Snipes might just be out of the country. Like many entertainers in the movie acting industry, Mr. Snipes does travel out of the country to film projects on location. In many cases an on location shoot can take months, occasionally taking years, to film. Knowing this, without the help of a journalism degree or an entire news division, I guessed that Mr. Snipes could not be reached due to work. And now we know that this was just the case.

I wonder though why not one news agency that I saw, and not one article I read, mentioned this possibility. Rather they just inferred that Mr. Snipes was in hiding. Why? I’ve seen anchors defend and minimize actions of dozens of entertainers. I’ve heard them brush off gun charges and violence by rappers, barely mention potential criminal actions of actors, and breeze past arrests of musicians and singers on drug charges. Yet, there has been a direct implication of Mr. Snipes being guilty and hiding. Why the difference? What is so different about this one actor as opposed to these other entertainers? Tell me what you think it is, or if you disagree.

This is what I think, what do you think?

Quick comment on Stephen Hawking - 10.20.2006.1

Just a short thought here in passin.

I noticed that Mr. Stephen Hawking will not only be in a movie, but is also getting a divorce. I normally don’t discuss intimate matters such as this, but I must say that this did get me wondering. When I first saw this I thought that perhaps Mr. Hawking was deteriorating, but the film role seems to dispute that. Whatever the reason, I commend both of his wives in dealing with the emotional difficulty that the condition he has must cause. Mr. Hawking is a strong man and his wives strong women, all of them perhaps stronger than me were I in that situation. I hope that, whatever the reason, this new event passes quickly without difficulty.

Interactive video games and advertising - 10.19.2006.1

Now this sucks. I’m sure there are many other men like myself that have grown up with video games. At 38 I’ve seen quite a few games come along. Perhaps not all will remember Pong, Atari, Colecovision, Donkey Kong, and other early games. Still the interactive gaming industry generates 30 billion dollars a year, and teens aren’t getting all that from mom and dad.

While it’s nice to know that video games can appeal to a wide range of people, there have been changes over the years. The trend in creating open ended games was a good one (like Elder Scrolls), the greater graphics look fantastic, and real time strategy can be intense. On the other end there is the growth in violent games, violent without any cause like Maniac, or others that I find insulting, like Grand Theft Auto. Even so there is one trend that really irritates me. Ads.

The growth of advertising in video games has grown quite a bit in recent years. At this point you can find dozens of ads filling sports, racing and other games. It’s annoying, and not a reason I buy a game for. I don’t find the inclusion to be subtle or add to the atmosphere. I don’t know of anyone who thinks they do. And any game that features an ad prominent enough for me to notice is a distraction to what I am doing. Yet the money that an ad can provide is too lucrative for a video game company to pass by.

It’s similar to ads at the movie theatre. No one likes to arrive and watch an ad for anything in-between future movie clips and the show itself. Whoever thought that up was brilliant, in a sadistic kind of way. But there is too much money to turn them down, and now its just gone too far to stop.

The same applies to interactive gaming. If you thought it wasn’t too bad then you are unaware that Nielsen Media Research will start giving ratings on games. This is so advertisers can be charged more money to include ads, and to target the ads demographically. And in that one move the floodgates have been opened. Like to drive? Hope you like passing unlimited miles of Pepsi and Coke-a-Cola billboards. Basketball your passion? Expect to watch Adidas and Nike ads in that slow motion replay. Yeah, that sounds appealing.

Like advertisers think that this will get me, or anyone playing a game to stop, run out and get their product. More likely it will stop me from doing so. With potentially up to 3 billion dollars in ad revenue though, games will be built around the ads and not the other way around. Just like how ads are even in DVD’s especially the ones you can’t fast forward past.

I hate this idea. I don’t see it helping to get any innovation. It will probably go the other way if you think about it. Wait and see. One game will sell well, and advertisers will love how their ads did. They will pay enough money that there will be a cheap knock-off sequel made. Not to be outdone, competing companies will see how much money was ponied up by the advertising companies and make their own crappy knock-offs. Before you know it all the innovation and imagination of the industry will go the way of Hollywood movies and broadcast network television.
The future has rarely looked so dim.

This is what I think, what do you think?

Where is Wesley Snipes? - 10.18.2006.1

Ok, I’m tired of having to wonder about Madonna and her quest to seemingly buy children from Malawi. I’ve heard reports that she now intends to get a girl as well. It’s just too much for me.

But something that is gaining interest is news about Mr. Wesley Snipes. It seems that Mr. Snipes amended a claim to the IRS and got a return of 7 million dollars. On that same return he claimed 0 income, which is why the government gave him the money back. Now, 6 years later the government has issued a warrant for Mr. Snipes.

I have some issues with this whole thing. First is the fact that the government accepted an amended claim of 0 income and made a refund of $7,000,000 without a red flag popping up is not Mr. Snipes fault. I would think someone would have noticed before now. And to suddenly issue a warrant without contacting an individual that has international travel as a normal course of business seems extreme. So far as has been reported no attempt to contact Mr. Snipes has been done.

Second is the fact that the business preparing the taxes is considered a “tax protest organization” should have drawn some interest. It makes this less a question of deception and one of a political statement. This part of course is not being mentioned in the news, in any real degree.

A third though is that I agree with the zero income statement. It was claimed, as reports say so far, that the funds are not available for taxation as the funds were from overseas. I do not think that funds paid out in a foreign nation, for services in a foreign land, should be taxed by the government. I’ve lived overseas, where I worked, for an extended period of time. I cannot agree with paying taxes in the U.S. when I am not home for a year. If I live abroad, spend my income abroad, and work there why do I need to pay taxes back home? It seems harsh. Were I in-nation for part of the year, then I can see making a portion of that income available, but not all of it.

The last thing is why are the talking heads (in this case the ones at Fox News cable network) making such a fuss over the fact that no one is aware of where Mr. Wesley Snipes is. As a celebrity it would not be unusual for him to be on vacation, or on a trip, outside the country or in seclusion. It would not be strange for Mr. Snipes to be working on a film somewhere in the world, and not immediately aware of what is going on here in the United States. To hear the talking heads speak, it sounds as if Mr. Snipes is actively avoiding contact, which may well be inaccurate. I dislike when these television programs make assumptions or present news in a manner as to imply something that they have no idea about. But perhaps that’s just me.

This is what I think, what do you think?

Malawi Modanna, and sports announcers strike out - 10.17.2006.1

So more news has come out about Madonna and the adoption of a child from Malawi. And I find it more troubling as I hear about it. Madonna has a charity called raising Malawi by the way. Recently she donated $3 million, as I understand, to help the children of the country. These are great things. But she was granted this adoption immediately after that. Sounds bad right? Then you must understand that it’s also quite odd that she took the child out of the country. That’s odd because the law states that any child adopted cannot leave the country for 1 year. It is also a law, as stated by Fox news, that this child is not eligible for adoption. So given these facts, the sudden and publicized adoption of this child is even more troubling than I first though [in post Michael Fox and Madonna - 10.15.2006.1]. It feels like Madonna essentially bought herself a child. If that is the case it’s wrong on a dozen different levels.

In sports news there are 2 stories that are somewhat similar. One was brought to my attention by a colleague. The other I just ran into. The story I found was about an announcer, Lamar Thomas, who was fired by Comcast Sports SouthEast. Like in the case to follow it was his own fault. Mr. Thomas seemed to believe that cheering on a fight between Miami and FIU was appropriate. Not only that, but he suggested continued aggressions after the game, potentially inciting a riot. I would think a grown man would be more responsible. I would expect anyone who’s career involves sports would prefer to see sportsman like conduct rather than a free-for-all. Since this was not the case, I’m glad to see that Mr. Thomas was duly punished. For too long we see these incidents taking place and those that would promote or reinforce it have been given a pass.


In a separate incident, also containing an announcer, it seems that Steve Lyons was fired Friday by Fox Sports. What caused this sudden reaction? On its face it would seem that his comments to Lou Piniella were the cause. They were crude comments, base and insulting to anyone of Latino/Hispanic heritage. Comments like Mr. Lyons perpetuate a mistrust of Latinos, reveal Mr. Lyons dull wit, and his disrespect for the 2nd most popular language in the world.

Even with this affront, I would agree with my colleague that firing Mr. Lyons would be an overreaction. A fine or suspension along with Mr. Lyons publicly apologizing would be more proportionate. But it wasn’t the first thing that he has done. Just one month ago this crude individual took on a blind man, and in the past he has questioned the religion of baseball player Shawn Green. Given the intolerance that he has spewed on the airwaves for some time, this final act of disrespect to Latinos and Mr. Piniella was the straw that broke the camel’s back. And knowing that background information, I agree that he needed to be fired, hopefully to never be employed where his voice can reach no further than he can shout. At least that’s how I feel.

My conversation with my colleague will be discussed in a future post at Vass.

This is what I think, what do you think?

Michael Fox and Madonna - 10.15.2006.1

Sorry for the delay dear readers. The crazy weather gave me a cold I couldn’t get rid of. I haven’t been keeping up with the major news stories, but I have seen a few things that caught my attention. One of those items is about