Taking a look at the past and present race relations - 10.31.2007.1

** This can also be seen at Black & White Blog, where I am a co-author. You can comment either here or at that site, which is a forum for views on race issues from many sides. **

I was going through some of my favorites at YouTube yesterday and I ran across an old Saturday Night Live skit that is classic and funny on so many levels. But it’s more than that as well. It features Chevy Chase and Richard Pryor, from the 70’s when SNL was at its best and most biting social commentary.

I’m sure everyone my age and older have had the joy of seeing this long ago. For those who are younger, check out the clip.



Now the point is this. What really has changed since then? While there is PC this and that, and Blacks have gone from being “Black and Proud” to ‘Forshizille my nizzelle’, has anything become better?

Yes there is more interracial dating, yet it is still shunned as the recent death threat against the Boise State player that asked his girlfriend to marry him on national television proved. Yes there are Black doctors, lawyers, and even Secretaries of State yet Blacks still have disproportionate poverty and unemployment levels. While Senator Obama is running for President of the United States, the number of CEO’s of major corporations (on the stock market) can be counted on 1 hand.

In the 70’s the N-word was understood to be a negative term, and even this video showing its use to evoke humor recognizes the absolute anger attached to the word. Today kids, of all races, routinely play on pronunciation and use the term daily as a greeting. Yet its use has not changed its meaning as we have seen in the Jena, West Virginia and Lititz cases.

The KKK, and neo-nazi groups still exist. Cops still beat and kill Blacks (name one year where there have not been several unjustified explosions of police abuse since 1980, whether or not it got national media attention). The legal system (the word Justice is unwarranted in describing the system we have) routinely continues to convict innocent Blacks, and invoke penalties so harsh as to be ludicrous to compare on those Blacks convicted of crimes, as with the Jena 6 and Genarlow Wilson.

While the surface of the nation may seem like calm waters, it’s not. There is as much or more racial tension in this nation than ever before. Political Correctness may prevent hearing all the tension, but it’s doing little to nothing to prevent the action itself. The media, without uttering a single slur, has never stopped presenting slurs or negatively portraying African Americans.

In 1977, the year Roots was on television (I haven’t seen it on ever since), there were 24 Black, Hispanic/Latino, Asian characters on all of television (not less than 69 shows). That number includes 5 shows where the characters had starring roles, but does not include a cartoon (Fat Albert) or a dance show (Soul Train) which was only on Saturdays. It also includes 2 programs that ended that year, Sanford & Son and Electric Company, and one star (Freddie Prinze) that died.

While it’s harder to define all the shows on television today, including cable and reruns, looking at the top 100 first-run programs I get an estimate of 18 African Americans. I’m sure I’m missing a few characters (only counting leading and featured support characters) and television shows. My previous efforts, including reruns, came to less than 2% of all characters are African Americans and less for other minorities. That’s sad when there has been an increase of 1000% in television channels since 1977.

So what has really gotten better? Yes some individuals are doing better, but not society. The realization is pitiful. At least in 1977 we were honest, but the main thing I see that improved the most is our ability to hide the anger that exists.

Do you agree?

Discussing 50 cent interview on Fox News

It’s amazing what money will make some people do. Some have sex for it; others sell poison (drugs) to children. The prisons are filled with thieves and petty robbers, and sometimes there are those willing to prostitute themselves just for a buck. In this case I’m referring to 50 cent (Curtis Jackson) appearing on Fox News with Neil Cavuto at 4:50pm Monday, to market a new line of Pontiac cars that he was involved in creating (in other words he put his name on it).

Considering the broad net cast upon Fox News, and the general mood in the gangsta rap industry for the channel I found it amusing that Jackson would appear. But then again, trying to sell the new Pontiac on BET wouldn’t really be possible.

1. There is no news program for him to be on
2. Gangsta rap targets young poorer African Americans
3. The rating suck as few really watch the channel compared to most other cable network programs (though I think they exceed CNN)

So I find it interesting that Jackson went on the channel to pitch the new car essentially to a more conservative, generally White, predominantly Republican, basically older audience. But since he is getting paid (no doubt a licensing deal and or record company perks I imagine) he goes where he is told. But don’t confuse gangsta rappers with sell-outs! That’s just not fair or Black, so I’ve been told.

For those that missed the interview, it was no hatchet job. It was fair and generally stayed on point about this promotion. I found it interesting that for a guy ranking #2 on the Forbes list of top rapper incomes, he only has 3 cars (he never mentioned if any were the car he was pitching). The modesty seems far from the persona he markets on stage, video games and that movie flop.

Which lead to a question about his film coming out next year, April 12th. Sadly I will find something more interesting to do than see him in the film, like take a nap, but I was shocked to hear that Mr. Robert DeNiro and Mr. Al Pacino are in the film. How did he pull that? It’s not like he has talent, nor is he having sex with the director (I presume) so I don’t know what got him the role. I am going to guess it’s a very minor role that will be marketed and hyped as if he were the lead in a $100 million film. No matter what you think of the guy, the fact is he is no Will Smith, or even an Ice Cube.

While this was ongoing, Neil Cavuto referred to a conversation he had with Mr. Sean Combs. They showed a brief clip and the difference in the style between Mr. Combs and Jackson was stark. Mr. Combs looked professional, sharp, casual and wealthy in his suit. Jackson looked like he was just at the gym and paid too much for the quality he had on.

But I digress. Neil Cavuto asked a question of interest about how gangsta rappers are all trying to go mainstream, getting into movies and pretending to be actors. The question was, and I paraphrase both the question and answer,

“I notice that there seems to be a move away from the violence and more to the mainstream. Are you moving away from the violence?

[50 cent] It’s not a move away from aggressive content. Success removes us from the environment, we aren’t writing about those things as much. That doesn’t mean they aren’t there or that someone isn’t writing about it. We’re just not around it.”

Again, I am paraphrasing. If anyone can show me an official transcript I will gladly correct the wording, but the essence has not been changed. And “aggressive content” was exactly the term Jackson used. He was coached very well by his PR people. I was almost impressed by the ex-convict. The subtle change in terminology changing violence, which is what, is advocated and accurately describing the actions described in gangsta rap, to aggressive content implies that his lyrics are no worse than a game of touch football. Talk about spinning a scenario in your favor.

And it’s interesting to note that for the most successful rappers, the ones most in favor of the n-word, being ghetto fabulous, and living the thug-life, (in general) are the ones that have left the ghetto, and lead lives mostly without any connection to the actions they continue to promote. From what I interpreted from Jackson’s words, he believes that essentially the top and longest running rappers are fakes since they have no connection to the events they proclaim rap is meant to ‘keep real’.

[Why do people keep saying that? What does it mean? Keep it real. Like you can fake life. Like there is a choice in being alive. This isn’t the Matrix, when stuff happens it happens. The statement is ignorant, a result of minds refusing to stretch to find the words that actually convey the thought in their head.]

Now add to all this the fact that Jackson likes Senator Hillary Clinton, because he liked her husband. What President Clinton has to do with her holding the Presidency makes no sense to me. She did not gain experience in running the government by osmosis, nor did she have a real power or position when she was First Lady. And her policies, if you can figure out what they are, seem to not match his.

Of course, like most I’ve noticed in support of Senator Clinton, Jackson is strongly against President Bush. When you call the sitting President “without compassion” you clearly state your reasoning. This is not a good reason to pick the next President though. President Bush is not going to run again. He is not going to be elected again. The logic runs false.

And how dare he call any sitting President “without compassion”. I may not agree with all the actions of President Bush, but that is not the same thing as to insult the leader of our nation. I can respect that Jackson may want to bring the troops home, but I also realize that this ex-convict is hardly the most astute political thinker.

While President Bush may be slightly more articulate than 50 cent, he is advised by far greater minds, and has always acted in a manner that seems to be guided by a belief that his actions are in the best interest of the nation. Disagree if you wish, but there has not been a successful terrorist attack in this nation to date, several attempts have been made but all were thwarted. And the economy, while not perfect is good.

All in all I found the interview interesting. Curtis Jackson left me unimpressed, his efforts to sell whatever increases his personal wealth left me unfazed. I was amazed that he found himself in a film with quality actors, and learning his political beliefs just makes me hope he keeps them to himself in the future. But it was a fair and mild interview.

Free speech or is it - 10.30.2007.1

Sometimes you just run into things that hit a note. I was looking for something to write for Real Simple Blog and I found this. Perhaps the most important part of the entire clip is the last portion. I suggest that ALL college students reflect on those final statements.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on it.
**Some might find language in this video objectionable. Be aware of that prior to playing it.**

Don Cheadle movie coming out in November - 10.30.2007.1

**This can also be seen at All American Blog, where I am a contributing author.**

In the list of things that many may not see in movie theaters there is one movie coming out that deserves more attention. This one movie needs to be seen in wide release. This one movie needs to get publicity and critical commentary. This one movie deserves the media hype and sales pitch given to forgettable films like 30 Days of Night or Transformers, but it won’t get it.

The movie is Darfur Now. A simple title and statement. And I would ask, do you even know where Darfur is or what has been happening there for years? Are you aware of what our government is doing about Darfur? If not, why?

But as for the movie, it details 6 lives that are trying to make an impact and those that work with them in this endeavor. In my humble opinion, all those fighting to bring attention and resolution in Darfur deserved the Nobel Peace Prize far more than Mr. Al Gore and his questionable movie. That’s the real intent of the Prize I always thought. The Nobel goes to people like Mother Theresa, Gandhi, Dr. Martin Luther King and such. Not an overly politicized, overly glorified, politician that has not, to my knowledge, even publicly acknowledged Darfur.

Over a million people have been allowed to die without more than a glance by the major news media. Even with the attention major stars like Mr. Don Cheadle (who is featured in the movie), Mr. George Clooney, Mr. Brad Pitt and several others the media and Congress placed this story on the back burner.

For all the movies and news out about wars and conflicts in the world, most discuss the past. This movie discusses the on-going genocide of a people in Darfur. I say that again, on-going. Yet the major news media feels that Ellen Degeneres crying about a puppy deserves 2 day+ of news coverage. Years of murders, with approximately 1 million dead and a puppy going to a different family than where Ms. Degeneres wanted gets 2 days of coverage.

This movie deserves a wide release. It needs coverage. It’s a story that should be told in a big way, even if the studios don’t make a ton of money. Underdog was a complete flop, but they put that out nationally and made a big deal of it. If they could right of that loss, why not take a loss for something that matters and could have an effect of saving hundreds of thousands of lives, literally.

Suffice to say, I suggest seeing the movie. There are plenty of other films coming out by the end of the year to get you into the holiday spirit (not that I think Fred Claus is going to do well or be a good movie) or just thrill you (Mr. Will Smith has a remake that should be quite good out in December). Why not take one day [actually slightly more than 1 ½ hours of one day] to see what is happening in the world, which the major media seems to think you aren’t adult or mature enough to handle.

Can you recognize me? - 10.28.2007.1

With Halloween fast approaching I thought I would share my recent costume I wore at a party over the weekend. Don't be shy about telling me what you think. Do you think it looks like me?

Can the Wayans make it on VH1

**This post can also be seen at All American Blog, where I am a contributing author.**

Do we need another celebrity reality series? Is there any reason for another ‘reality’ program of any sort? Obviously network television executives think so. And one of the upcoming programs has potential. That is the potential to by abysmally bad, or astoundingly good. My bet is towards the bad, and mark my words, there is no middle ground.

Why are there so many ‘reality’ programs? They are cheap. They are dumb. They embarrass, in general, individuals and more commonly these days’ celebrities. The first 2 reasons are attractive to networks because it means they are easy to profit off of. No real sets, smaller crews, no writers (sort of), and no debates on renewing contracts. But all the profits of a successful show even if it’s only in the lower half of all programs on television.

The last reason is self-defining. The public loves to watch entertainers and celebrities fall. Add into the mix the fact that these shows tend to emphasize the bottom tier of notables, those with lesser or barely existent talents and the envy gives way to mean spirited laughter at their expense. That’s the honest answer why most watch these things. It’s not humor with, but at those on the program. It’s the most base and scraping the bottom of the barrel common denominator in television since it was invented.

This reminds me of what Senior Drill Instructor Sgt. Williams used to call television, ITV. Meaning idiot television. 20 years after the fact he is more correct than ever before.

But there are moments of real human interest. Like when Flava Flav would up in a relationship with Bridgette Nielsen, who would have guessed that? Or that Christopher Knight would wind up marrying model Adrianne Curry. But such real and warm moments are fleeting.

Then there are the programs made to emulate the reality of life, with a twist. Like the show Entourage. I’ve never seen it, so I have no clue on its appeal or quality. But I trust the multiple sources that state it’s wonderful. Even moreso because it seems that the Wayans’ family will be involved with a similar (possibly rip-off) version of the program. You know you are doing well in Hollywood when others copy what you are doing.

Now the word is that this will be on VH1. And thus we see how it could be great or horrendous and nothing in-between. VH1 LOVES celebrity ‘reality’ programs. They love to talk about anything involving un-scripted celebrity life. Entourage is right in that vain. And as one blogger mentioned (Whudat.com) if it’s about the lives of the various Wayans clan that could be interesting.

But on the other side are the issues. VH1 is owned by Viacom, the company responsible for the programming at Black Entertainment Television (BET) for years. VH1 is home of the various Flava Flav programs like Flava of Love. To say it succinctly, Viacom has shown a repeated, company wide, ideology of portraying African Americans in the worst light possible.

Add to that that the last several project headed by Shawn Wayans, Lil Man and White Chicks, have neither been the most successful or highest quality to come out of the family. While there is a relationship with Viacom (the old WB program headed by Shawn and Marlon is shown regularly on BET) that is not to say it’s a great one. And if this Entourage-esque program is just their written work, given the standards and expectations of Viacom, horror seems a big potential.

Now I have nothing against the probably most successful Black family in television and movies. I like the work that Keenan and Damon have done, generally. There’s even been one or 2 things that Shawn and Marlon have done that was of some interest. And I love the fact that they provide more work for more African Americans and minorities than roughly a dozen other programs or films, in front of the camera and behind it.

But I still have reservations. Will I see what the program is like when it’s announced? Surely. Will I be happy to know that they are employing so many that every other studio and Production Company seems to be oblivious to, definitely. Would I look at the minor characters and sideline people for up and coming stars? Without doubt, as the family has a knack for finding and developing talent everyone else ignores. [Where did Jim Carrey, Jennifer Lopez, Tommy Davidson, and Jamie Foxx all come from?]

So I will wait and see what VH1 goes with. I hope for a great show, which is quite possible. But I also will steady myself if Viacom is true to its unspoken corporate policy and the program is horrendous. At least we know what the odds are.

The March for Megan Williams on Saturday - 10.26.2007.1

I want to remind everyone that tomorrow there will be a march in Charleston West Virginia on behalf of Ms. Megan Williams. The march is planned to start at 12 noon.

The purpose of the march is to draw national attention. This crime has been largely ignored to this point, on the horrendous and obvious hate crime that was committed there. 6 Whites (men and women) kidnapped and tortured Ms. Williams for over a week. The major news media has turned a blind eye to this event, and it cannot be allowed.

Go here to be able to see a video of Ms. Williams describing what she had to endure. http://video.ap.org/v/Legacy.aspx?g=97224454-cfa0-4fda-8b5f-a1dc25ebce27&f=wvchg&fg=email&partner=en-ap
After hearing that, realize that this is still only being covered in local news and that information is difficult to receive. Then think of how much attention this would garner if only half of this was done to a White woman by Blacks.

You can see details for this march at http://www.blacklawyersforjustice.org/ . I strongly suggest visiting this site for details on the march. You can find multiple posts concerning this case by clicking Megan Williams at the bottom of this post.

In addition you may want to consider a donation to the fund for Ms. Williams to help her cover her medical and legal bills. Were it your child you’d want them to be returned to health, and see their attackers punished to the full extent of the law.

We cannot let acts like this get pushed to the wayside. If the major media can discuss Ellen Degeneres’ dog for 2 days, they certainly can discuss this case. If they can waste my time, and kill my brain cells, discussing the endless saga of Britney Spears and her multiple acts of absolute idiocy, then how dare they not discuss this case.

They must. We must remind the media and the legal system that no matter the everyday bias, there is a line and this crossed it. Justice must be for all if it is to be for anyone.

Welcome My Nephew to the world - 10.25.2007.2

Say hello to the latest addition to the human race, my nephew Mark Dontae Santiago M.



Yes I know the picture is small, I'll update it shortly.Congratulations to my sister and her husband.

Mark was born Oct 24th. He was 6lb 10oz and 20 inches.

What would you do? - 10.25.2007.1

Just a note on something interesting that happened to me recently. It happened while I was at a pool tournament this week. [If you don’t know I’ve been playing pool for 26 years and I’m not shabby.]Like many enthusiasts I have my own stick. When I was putting it together I was asked a question.

It seems that my pool stick is a Palmer Custom Cue. I’ve known this for some time, but never thought much of it. I got the stick at a garage sale, and as I recall I believe it cost me nothing. That was over a decade ago.

“Palmer cues were made by Eugene Balner at his shop in Elizabeth NJ. Balner emigrated to the US after fleeing communist Hungary in 1956. Balner partnered with Paradise and his Paradise Custom Cue Company. Eventually Balner and Paradise had a parting of the ways and Balner founded his own company: Palmer Cues. Eugene Balner passed away in January 1972 just when he had reached the height of his skills.

Palmers are one of the most affordable collectible cues.”

What I was asked was if I would be willing to sell my stick, for $500. It is possible that my stick is a classic collectible and worth potentially $1500. From what I can tell this is not an imitation cue but an original, made some time around the 70’s. Not bad for a garage sale item.

Now here is a question. What would you do? Sell the pool cue? If so for how much? It’s in excellent condition, and I use it somewhat regularly when I play pool. It’s a good stick and everything is original to my knowledge. Would you sell it, put it on Ebay or just keep it? I really would like to hear what everyone else would do.

From foolish to fools, in the news

So for a collection of events that range from the useless to abominably stupid I give you the following things I’ve noticed in the news. And I do mean that these stories are in that range. Why such attention is paid to these items I can’t imagine.

That said, here we go.

Possibly the one thing that will get the most attention deals with a revelation from J.K. Rowling revealing that one of the critical characters of her Harry Potter series, Dumbledore, is gay. Surprising to most I suppose, I just don’t understand why this came out. It’s obviously not relevant to the character or it would have been in the book. It doesn’t change the storyline, or the manner of how all the characters act. And it’s not like there is another book to go. What’s the use of giving a background that the writer didn’t feel was important enough to write about? It seems like gratuitous marketing to me.

On a note that just brings me cheer, there is Paris Hilton and the Spike Awards show. Paris was a presenter for an award along with actors from her current show Repo! The Genetic Opera. [I have to say the website makes this look as bad as it sounds. A supposed Rocky Horror-esque show, I’m just not sure what to think. Only something that seems this bad would want to have Paris Hilton as part of the cast.] As Hilton took the stage she got the kind of attention her apparently mindless, irresponsible lifestyle deserves, boos. Non-stop until she left the stage. I get giddy knowing that there are more than a few people out there with taste.

And last in the list of the bizarre comes news that Amy Winehouse refuses to stop taking drugs and drinking. An overdose from earlier in the year seems not to have fazed this woman. Her excuse for this perhaps thinly veiled display of extended suicide in slow motion? Life is too short, and

"I’m quite an insecure person. I’m very insecure about the way I look. I mean, I’m a musician I’m not a model. The more insecure I feel the more I drink.”

I have heard crackheads with better reasons for what they do. Obviously I think Winehouse has a problem. It could be said that sadly this may not be a long-term issue. But I find it hard to feel sad to someone that knows what they are doing, and chooses to go headlong into actions that will inevitably kill themselves. Perhaps this is just another act of genetics improving the gene pool in action?

Can you handle the Eye of Judgement?

**This was originally posted by me at Video Gaming Blog, where I am a contributing author.**

Well if you are looking for a unique game that is different and challenging, I think I have just seen the right thing for you. Eye of Judgement.



Now I know some of you say that you are too old for collectible card games. Some may have missed out on the Magic: The Gathering crazy of the 90’s. But it’s not too late for either group.

Strategy is the heart of any card game. It just isn’t as simple as checkers, but it’s easier to learn than chess and you can be good faster than you can master Guitar Hero. You can play against kids or friends. And it just looks cool.

The downside, if it can be called that, is that this needs the PS3 and the Eye Toy. The online play is a bit quirky. Plus it’s nowhere near as fun or interesting playing alone. The benefit is that the Eye Toy comes included in the price, and of course having a PS3 is worth it anyway. Plus you get to watch the well done animations of blasting your opponents creatures to the netherworld, or wherever they came from. And the creatures react to your actions to a degree.

This may be the start of a large genre, and I think it may be one of the early winners in this holiday season. I think parents will love it, and gamers looking for something new will be quite happy. As a friend of mine said,

“I don’t want the kids to just play a mindless shoot ‘em up. It doesn’t take any thought to just shoot everything in sight. I want them to have to think”

Now I like a good blast them all til their dead game as much as the next guy. But sometimes a little thought is great as well. Fans of Culdcept, Resident Evil or Disgaea should enjoy this. If you own a card game, you really will enjoy this.

Try it and let me know if you like it as well.

Why is the major media afraid of racial news stories? Part 2 - 10.22.2007.2

Continued from Why is the major media afraid of racial news stories? Part 1...

"Last year, there was a little bit of racism, but it didn't surface as much because there weren't as many minorities. I never thought I was in danger or anything, but this year it's starting to escalate more, so now I'm starting to get kind of worried." - Jasmine Whaley a 15-year-old sophomore.

Does that sound like a place immune to racism, or where the predominant racial majority chose to ignore their own actions against others? I mean one of the greatest points of racism that is never addressed is the fact that many Whites don’t see any racism ever. The Superintendent seemed to think there was none until this event, while at least one student interviewed has seen it grow over a little more than a year. And this is hardly an isolated event.

I plan to delve into a case of racism that has been brought to my attention, in a vocational college in Pennsylvania, in the near term. But where is the insight from the major media that has far more resources and personnel than I do? Why do they fear addressing this issue?

I know that this isn’t the 1960’s, and racial conflict stories aren’t popular. That doesn’t mean they are irrelevant. More importantly as nooses, guns and racial slurs are being noted in schools, and kidnapping and torture occurs virtually without any media coverage, we are being told that there is one problem in our nation.

Perhaps if the nation is defined as Whites only. I won’t say that every White American thinks like that. But when I see nooses in Long Island police stations, Jena, and a dozen other locations, when I read about the rape, torture and kidnapping of a woman, and more cases of violence against Blacks and other minorities it seems obvious that there are more than a few that do think like that. And as Superintendent George presents, many more that just won’t see this racism before them.

Some thing needs to be done. The issues need to be addressed. Because I think if you closed your eyes and imagined that 6 black men and women repeatedly raped a White woman, poured boiling water on her, stabbed her, chocked her with a noose, and ripped her hair out that there would be national media attention that would be covered from dawn to dawn until the offenders were found guilty and sentenced to life in jail. If you doubt that, just count the hours of coverage on the Bobby Cutts case.

The question should be asked. Why is there such a disparity in justice in America today? Why is the major media terrified to present that disparity? Who benefits from this lopsided presentation of the nation?

Why is the major media afraid of racial news stories? - 10.22.2007.1

I find it interesting how the media works. Months after everything happened in Jena; the media pops up and gets involved as if this were a new thing. But, since this is an obvious example of prejudice and legal bias in the 21st century, the media felt it necessary to ignore the Megan Williams case in West Virginia. As if the quota were filled for the racial injustice for the month.

But that’s not all. The media seemed to feel a need to prove that such injustice was not one-sided. Thus there was a big splash made when a young White teen was assaulted in Virginia by 6 Black teens. But in day 2 of the building coverage that was describing how horrible this racial incident was, and cries of justice were coming from media pundits, they were let down. Let down by facts like the police stating live on-air that this was not a racial act. In fact this was a provoked incident, one that the White teen caused prior to the “sudden attack” which just happened to occur on tape made by his friend who did nothing to prevent the fight, nor defend his friend.

Can’t you hear the major media executives groaning at the loss of that story? Because they killed it right after that announcement. Not another mention of the story since that utterance by the Norfolk police.

Yet throughout all this searching for equality in ratings, and a diminishment of guilt there has been a blind eye turned to the obvious and recurrent. Sure there has been a special about the increase in nooses in the news. But no one asked if it’s an increase of the major media just paying attention. And at the same time we saw that Ellen Degeneris whining about a dog was worth of 2 days of coverage as opposed to an extra 5 minutes about Megan Williams, or the emergence of problems at Warwick High School in Lititz, PA.

Haven’t heard about that have you? I imagine not.

To give you a breakdown, possibly some time in the first week of October 3 White teens, possibly members of the known and allowed “redneck row” verbally attacked 3 non-White students and threw paper at them. While it may sound innocuous, this incident lead to rumors that same day that the next day guns would be brought in and riots were planned. What fun.

And this pastime was a shock to local residents.

"Perhaps we were lulled into a false sense that our school district was immune to racism and bigotry." - Superintendent John George

Imagine that. In a town of 9,000 that has 3 percent Hispanics and Blacks represent 2 percent in the high school. No racism or bigotry. Never mind the confederate flags and “redneck row”. Suddenly they have a race issue.

Continued in part 2...

10 questions by Bernard Pivo - 10.20.2007.1

I was watching Inside the Actor’s Studio today and I decided to take a look at the website as well. I’m happy to say that the interview with Mr. Dave Chappelle is available on DVD for $11.99 and I recommend it to everyone. I found that conversation to be inspirational and eye opening. It opened my eyes to aspects of me, and I hope I can say that it has improved the writing I have done on this blog.

But in watching the program and visiting the site I thought about the questions, created originally by Bernard Pivo, that Mr. James Lipton asks of every guest. Considering I have no ability as an actor, professional dancing is out, and I prefer not to make peoples ears bleed from my feeble attempts at singing, my chances of being on the program are little better than nil. So, taking that into account, I present my answers to those questions.

• What is your favorite word?
  This is a tough one, since I love thoughts more than words. Add to that the fact that I am gregarious. But one word? Gooniegoogoo. It just rolls, and fits most any situation.



• What is your least favorite word?
  N-word



• What turns you on [creatively, spiritually or emotionally]?
  Hmm. Ultimately its intelligence. Curves are nice, as are good looks, but that all fades. I like to say, “Looks may get me to cross a room, but what comes out of the mouth determines if I stay or cross back.”



• What turns you off?
  Ignorance in all forms.



• What sound or noise do you love?
  Explosions. It’s just so pleasant, not the violence that goes with some of them. Like in movies or blowing something up in the backyard.



• What sound or noise do you hate?
  Gangsta rap and country music (except Patsy Klein and Johnny Cash). Actaully, as I think about it, Ebonics is really even more grating. I just hate it.



• What is your favorite curse word?
  Ne Pizde. It’s Russian and doesn’t really translate how powerful a curse that is. But it’s only good for men. Frell is a general curse that I like for everything else. It comes from Farscape; a sci-fi television show that I think was some of the best work on TV ever.



• What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
  I’ve had over 200 so far, with 100 promotions so there isn’t a lot left. Probably a scientist. That was the idea I had going into college.



• What profession would you not like to do?
  Any kind of Accountant or where I do the same thing every day. I’d lose my mind.



• If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
  More good than bad, you made it.

Everquest the movie

**this can also be seen at Video Gaming Blog, where I am a contributing author.

Age has its benefits. Besides the wisdom, experience, and more than a few grey hairs there is the chance of plans working out. This is true in life and apparently in virtual life as well. When I say virtual life I mean MMO (massively multiplayer online), and in this case in particular I mean the granddaddy of the modern gaming systems, Everquest.

Now I’m sure that most any casual gamer has heard of Everquest. The first to create a stable, visual MMO which spawned a whole genre in video gaming. There were issues of course, dial-up was horrendous, you had to cue to kill virtually anything, trains were plentiful and devastating. Not to mention the occasional crash. But there was nothing else like it and millions had to play this new wonder.

Of course the genre matured, technology improved, and new themes were introduced. Books, comic books, and movies have all lead to newer MMO’s and several are planned for the near future. The leadership has changed from the original to the latest big thing, WoW (World of Warcraft). And a huge amount of respect has been garnered with this growth in interest and viability.

One of the benefits of this maturity is that other entertainment formats are now available. Rather than movies inspiring MMO’s the process is now going towards MMO’s inspiring a movie. And of course if there is going to be a movie, which game would be better to feature than… Everquest. Yep, not WoW but the granddaddy.

Sony seems to finally be looking seriously at developing an Everquest movie, targeting a 2009 or 2010 release date. They even have, reportedly, Avi Arad to produce. That would be