Review of Maxwell & Dunnes

I had the chance to enjoy a wonderful meal recently at Maxwell & Dunnes in Plainview Long Island with 2 friends of mine. My friends had been to the restaurant previously and assured me of the quality of the restaurant. I was somewhat skeptical, not because of my friends tastes but because of my particular preferences when it comes to steakhouses. Few ever get my approval, even if others find them to be quite good.

Walking into the hotel where the restaurant is found you might be a bit thrown off. Upon entering you will see a bar directly in front of you and stairs leading to horserace betting on your left. For many the horse racing is the only reason to be here, and I am told that the sports book there is on par with most in Vegas or Atlantic City. But the reason my friends and I had gone there took us into the bar and immediately to our right.

Once you enter the restaurant proper, you get an immediate feeling of 1930’s New York City. The tall ceilings and wide space accentuate the area. There is amble elbow room at each table, which is a nice change from the often crowded conditions in many NYC restaurants. The whole dining area is done in a tan and dark brown, which combined with the soft low lighting give a comfortable feel to the restaurant. Even at 6:30, just prior to the Christmas holiday, with office parties and revelers in the bar, the restaurant is quite calm and subdued.

While the impending holiday may have been a factor, the crowd never filled the restaurant. In fact during my meal there was never more than 1/3 of capacity in the area, and my friends mentioned this is not overly unusual. The difference compared to say Smith & Wolensky or Peter Lugers is both dramatic and welcome.

There isn’t much to say about the dinnerware, seats, tablecloth or much else aside from the meal. It’s all somewhat plain and common. The money was not spent on these items, as can be seen at a glance. Again I found that to be good things as far too many establishments seek to gratify the eyes of diners and fail miserably in the real reason for being there, the food. I will note that one thing did annoy me a bit. That is the base of the tables themselves. They are somewhat awkward, being raised slightly and wider than the single column supporting the table. It’s also worth noting that nothing in the restaurant is cheap. Lifting the table cloth and looking at the tabletop you will not the marble top and decent wood work. It’s just the base I found mildly annoying.

Moving on to the wait staff, I am pleased to say they are personable and knowledgeable. All tended to be quite younger than what you might expect at many other establishments of similar nature. This is not a negative though, other than the designer glasses that one waiter wore. They were quite glaring and gaudy to me, but I have noticed they are quite popular among young men and women. But that’s a personal preference, and in no way impeded the ability of our waiter in attending to our needs.

The selection at Maxwell & Dunnes includes several types of steaks and seafood. We had a choice that night that included Swordfish, lobster tail, and several other seafood choices. For my friends and me, we focused on the steak selections.

As for the main meal, any reservations and imperfections were more than made up for. My friends and I are all fans of good steaks. We ordered the King Filet Mingon, and the “Cowboy Cut” Prime Rib Eye. My rib eye was medium-rare. We had a Praxis merlot with the meal.

The first thing you notice when your meal arrives at the table is the portion size. It is ample. In fact I would say a large and generous cut. Compared to the more widely known New York steakhouses you will note that you are receiving more for the money.

Now you might question that this is because you are being given a lower quality of meat. Thankfully that is not the case. This cut easily compares to that found in Ben Benson’s and the other Manhattan restaurants. Beyond the size of the cuts of meat is the question of taste. This is the ultimate determination of quality and where any meal is worth finishing, or the restaurant is worth returning too.

My rib eye was tender, cutting quite easily. The steak was cooked exactly to my standards, which is a nice change as often medium-rare steaks can be a bit overcooked. The seared steaks were lightly spiced, but enough to catch the flavor on the tongue immediately. But as I mentioned it was a light flavor, not taking away from the steak but enhancing it. This combination of flavors required no steak sauce, or other addition or cover to the taste. I can think of little better description or compliment than to say the steak itself needed nothing more.

In fairness I will note that while the portion size, was generous, the sides were not. To give you an idea, I can easily finish a 24 oz Prime Rib steak and have room to spare for a baked potatoe, dessert, and of course wine with the meal. The “Cowboy Cut” was enough to fill me up, and that is a good thing as the mashed potatoes, and broccoli rabe we had as side dishes were barely enough to color the plates, in my opinion. Obviously they were not intended to be the focus of the meal, but if you preferred the smaller Kansas rib eye or any of the fish based meals, you may well be disappointed in the sides.

Once the meal was over, another benefit of Maxwell & Dunnes was available. That is the fact that there is a cigar room on premises. Merely crossing the restaurant, and through the bar area again to the other side and you enter the cigar room. In there you will find several tables (without the tablecloths) and multiple television screens. Most of the televisions will be set on horse racing, for the sports book that was mentioned beforehand. But there are 2 massage chairs available, and a selection of cigars.

I am not knowledgeable about cigars, so I will not try to ascertain how good the selection is. I will note that there are several available. And smoking on premises, in the cigar room is allowed. For those that HATE going outside in the winter to smoke, and wish to sit back with a good scotch while smoking after a good meal this is a huge benefit. Virtually no other place in NYC or the state now allow this, so I’m sure many will find that option palatable.

The last item to note is the cost. The dining experience is completely comparable to some of the top steakhouses found in Manhattan. The price though is lower. While the sides seems to be universally about $7 each no matter where you go, at Maxwell & Dunnes you will be able to get a better portion steak for just under $50. Add to that the décor, room to dine with comfort, lack of crowds, quality and the cigar room and that price is beyond paltry.

I recommend this restaurant to anyone that might find themselves in the Plainview, Long Island area, or just looking for a change from the bustle of NYC.

Success in 2007 - Thank You

As the year is coming to an end I wanted to take a moment to reflect on some of the reasons why I have had a successful and prosperous year. I would love to say it was merely my efforts and quality of my writing that has grown all my blogs and M V Consulting, Inc. But to say that would be a lie.

In the past year I have spoken with, read blogs and articles by, and debated with multiple bloggers, programmers, graphic artists, lawyers, friends and associates. It is because of this multitude of people I have had the ideas, and comments I have shared with you all, and it has shaped in part or in whole the look of all my sites. I can only hope I will always be aware enough to pay attention to such good advice and insight, and thus provide the caliber of posts you have all come to expect.

In particular there are several that stand out and I want to thank directly. I invite you to review their sites and blogs as well.

Top blogs

http://www.Buzzologysurveys.blogspot.com – A long time supporter of my blogs and efforts. I’m always happy to work with this blogger.

http://caseylartigue.blogspot.com - One of the bloggers that joined me in the TV One sponsored live commentary on the Heartland Presidential Forum.

http://www.polichicksonline.com - Another of the bloggers that joined me in the TV One sponsored live commentary on the Heartland Presidential Forum.

http://www.africanamericanopinion.com – A site I cross-blog at that also occasionally provides me thoughts to post on. Filled with multiple views that cross the spectrum.

http://www.1800blogger.com – I am a contributing author to multiple blogs here and work closely with this company.

Sites

http://www.tvoneonline.com/presidentialforum.asp - TV One selected my blog and several other bloggers to comment live on the Heartland Presidential Forum. You can see the Forum at this site, and also get to view the 5 bloggers invited to be involved in this event.

http://www.theaddesignguys.com - Graphic Design Services – My graphic designer, who takes my jumbled ideas and turns them into the polished t-shirt, mug, Teddy bear, and site graphics you see.

http://www.authorsontheweb.com – They selected my blog to review the Robin Roberts book, From the Heart, and worked with me in providing my first give away contest.

http://www.prweb.com – The media outlet that I use to distribute my press releases. Affordable, and effective in reaching the world.

http://www.cafepress.com – The basis on which my online store functions. Making it possible for even new entrepreneurs to be in business for themselves.

Guest Writers and Friends

Each of these individuals has helped me consistently provide quality posts. Several have directly or indirectly created posts found at Black Entertainment USA or Vass

Michael H.

Audrey B.

Claudia M.

Jennifer V.

Special note

Mr. Malik Shabazz – the attorney for Ms. Megan Williams in West Virginia. I’ve spoken with him several times, and supported his efforts at the rally to draw national attention to the horrendous kidnapping, torture, and rape of Ms. Williams.

It is in part due to the efforts and help of the above mentioned sites and people that I have been able to have the success that 2007 has been. I look forward to continuing the relationships I have, and growing to include others in 2008.

To those I have mentioned, and most importantly you my readers, I say thank you. None of my efforts would matter with out you.

What's better a laptop or food? 12.27.2007.1

Sometimes there are good intentions, sometimes there are good intentions that serve no purpose other than to makes people feel good about themselves. I think it’s important to know the difference between the 2.

You might have noticed a television commercial recently for Laptopgiving.org. It features one of the entertainers from the television show Heroes. In that commercial the theme of the organization is mentioned, they want to give a laptop computer to every child. The goal is to ensure a proper education to every child in the developing nations of the world. I feel its time and intentions wasted on a stupid idea.

Now I am not saying that the people behind this are out to make money, or deceptive. I do not question the conviction of anyone who is involved or making donations. I just think it’s stupid.

According to the official website nearly 2 billion children in the developing world receive little or no education, or are poorly educated. It states that 1 in 3 does not complete 5th grade. They state that in some countries less than $20 per year per pupil is spent on education. I don’t dispute any of these claims.

Intel, Norton, Wikipedia, eBay, Peru, Libya, Uruguay, Nigeria and many other countries and companies are all involved in this organization. This is a huge accomplishment and is well worth noting. Again I do not dispute the intentions.

My problem is that of the estimated 850 million people in the world that are hungry, 146 million are children that are under the age of 5 and underweight. That roughly 5 million children under the age of 5 die from hunger every year. That there is enough food in the world to feed every person a meal every day, and probably much more if much of that food was focus solely on children.

I have a problem when I realize that children are being made to be soldiers in many parts of the world. I have a problem with the U.N. and the United States in their progress on the Child Soldiers Act (and related Acts). I have a problem with the U.S. on the speed and attention given to the genocide of the Darfur Accountibility Act (HR 180 I.H.).

I have a problem when I realize that virtually all the developing nations have rudimentary (at best) landline capabilities. That the cost of wireless connectivity services is still far beyond the means of perhaps 40% of the world, and the lack of terrestrial repeaters make wireless options infeasible at best for most of the world.

Would I sleep well knowing that children are being educated properly around the world? Of course. But I am not naïve enough to believe that the lack of income, or religious persecution, or lack of technology is surmountable simply by buying a laptop for a child. I am perceptive enough to realize that hunger is a far more important basic human need and without it innate brilliance or learned knowledge is useless. That the dangers of war and lack of safe drinking water supersede an electronic box.

Is an education important? Absolutely. But if there is something that you want to do to help children, education far lower on the totem pole than improving life expectancy and quality.

Perhaps buying a kid in a poverty stricken nation a box of electronics is going to help some sleep at night. But when I think about the kids living in shanty towns in Brazil, or selling their bodies in Southeast Asia, or being killed for being born to the wrong tribe/religion/place/parents, or other parts of the world I just can’t see the internet as the answer. Maybe it’s just me.

Trying to improve the lives of children is important, and I’m glad there are many trying to do so. I just think all that effort and money can be better used than providing a product with limited uses that does not address the essential basic needs of children.

What do you think? What if it was your child?

Allegations against Will Smith - 12.26.2007.1

So I’ve read the response of Will Smith on the allegation that he claimed “Hitler was a good guy”. It is complete idiocy. How someone can come to that conclusion is beyond comprehension to me.

Let’s take the actual quote made by Will Smith.

“Even Hitler didn't wake up going, 'let me do the most evil thing I can do today.' I think he woke up in the morning and using a twisted, backwards logic, he set out to do what he thought was 'good.’”

Now when you think about that, I find it hard to see that as an endorsement. You really have to reach to come to any conclusion that is positive about Hitler. Add to that fact that Mr. Smith is an actor, and a very good one.

I do not know how many times I’ve heard actors discuss the motivations of their characters. From Forest Whitaker discussing playing Idi Amin, to Denzel Washington discussing his crooked cop in Training Day, to Gary Oldman in the Fifth Element or The Professional. You can go on and on, but the consistent thought has always been that an actor needs to find what motivates their character. And for the bad guys it’s often that the character does not see their actions as bad or evil. Often that character views their actions as a positive, either for themselves or the world at large.

This applies to the Will Smith lead character Neville in I am Legend. For those that are not familiar with the original book, or the prior 3 movies, Neville is the bad guy. He is the monster in the night that kills people in their sleep. He is the Dracula, or Frankenstein’s monster. He is the thing under the bed. Net result, he is the bad guy that the people of the world fear, and speak of in legends and ghost stories late at night.

But Neville does not realize this, and the audience is not given that perspective until the end of the movie and book. It’s a perspective few films take on, and it changes the view of the world and our traditional views of it.

Thus in looking at the motivation of the character, and preparation of the role the actor must look at it in a manner where you would say “he set out to do what is good.” And there are far too many real life figures that did the same. Vlad the Impaler (who is a positive figure in his native land), Genghis Khan, the first emperor of China, Idi Amin, Alexander the Great, and yes Hitler all thought they were improving the world. That fact that they were repulsive, to at least parts of the world if not all the world, does not change their motivations. To say this is not to endorse their actions but to state a truth of their mind set, and a motivation for actors portraying them.

So when a writer states, immediately before Mr. Smith’s quote,

“Remarkably, Will believes everyone is basically good.”

That is out of context and an insult to Mr. Smith. It’s an attempt to sensationalize a common acting tool and a historical truth. It’s a twisting of words for the monetary gain, and an attempt at international fame for the gratification of the Daily Record writer. And it offends me.

There is no reason to slap the image and personal character of Will Smith. It’s an affront I have never seen made of any other actor. I have heard dozens of actors of note that have made similar statements when portraying questionable or reviled characters. None have ever been accused of promoting the base nature of the character they portray.

You have never heard say Kevin Kline advocating animal cruelty or violence (Fish Called Wanda), or Al Pacino advocating devil worship (The Devil’s Advocate). How about Al Pacino being a role model for cocaine use (Scarface), Sir Anthony Hopkins being Hannibal Lecter (Silence of the Lambs), or Henry Fonda as an assassin for hire (Once Upon a Time in the West). Of course not. To claim such a thing is ridiculous. But if you look at each character you can see where they have a motivation that is positive (from the bad guys perspective) and that makes the character engaging and deeper.

Some might say this is a racial thing. I feel it’s more an American thing, and a rich thing. Will Smith is a successful American, and Black. Overseas there are many that would love to poke at Americans, and the wealthy. The additional fact that Mr. Smith is African American is just another bonus. It’s a trifecta for a mean-spirited and self-aggrandizing writer. And it has no place in fact or criticism of Mr. Smith and his acting ability.

If anyone believes that Will Smith advocates or excuses the actions of Hitler, they are far too small minded to understand actors portraying roles or the difference of a personal motivation and the actual effect of those actions. It would appear that the Daily Record employs such a writer. I feel bad for the readers of that publication as they are being given a disservice.

I can only hope that the American major media stand by Will Smith, and recognize the insulting and defamatory nature of this writing in the Daily Record. And I ask the Daily Record print an apology to Mr. Smith for the actions their writer and editor allowed to appear in their publication. It’s the least they can do.

Thank you and Merry Christmas - 12.24.2007.1

As the Holiday spirit descends on the billions across the planet I want to take a moment to recognize those not here. Whether it was entertainers and celebrities we lost like James Brown and Washington Redskin Sean Taylor. Or those brave souls in our Armed Forces that are in harm’s way every day, fighting and dying for us in places like Iraq, Afghanistan, and all the far corners of the Earth. Even those that find themselves incarcerated or those without homes. All of them and so many more have someone who loves and misses them, if not dozens.

Too often the world seems to speed by and too many seem to be forgotten. So for whomever it is you miss and whatever reason, I want to express my condolences, pride, thanks and love. I, among multitudes, have not forgotten.

I especially want to thank, remember, and give my heartfelt best wishes to those who are serving in our Marines, Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard. Without your sacrifices and efforts I know that I could not sit comfortably and write to the blogs I do. Thank you for the freedom you ensure for me and America.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Feliz Navidad, and may the New Year bring everyone peace, prosperity and joy.

Sincerely,

Michael Vass

Holiday Contest Winner Photo - 12.20.2007.1

I received a photo and comment from the $1000 Holiday Contest winner Cheryl W. from New York State. I want to share her thoughts and photo with you.

"I used to believe in Santa Claus, but now I'm older. Thank you for giving me a reason to believe in people. This helps me so much, thank you."

I'm glad this has had an impact in a positive way in someones life. I hope all my future contests can do the same.

Sincerely,

Michael Vass
President - M V Consulting, Inc.

The uplifting theme of 2007

I wanted to try and find something that could sum up 2007 in a visual and vocal manner. Something that could express the world and its current status. So YouTube was one of my eventual stops. And there were many choices.

I threw out all the fights and stupid human tricks. Out went anything that had to do with Britney Spears, Lindsey Lohan, Paris Hilton, and the other dregs of humanity. Out went the political gaffes and posturing.

In the end I found a simple man, who works like everyone else, with ordinary looks. A guy that you wouldn’t notice on the street, and a manner that is best described as shy. He, Paul Potts, is my reminder that with all the turmoil and strife and idiocy in the world the human spirit can attain far more than what we see on the major news media everyday.

I share this with you and wish you a happy holiday.

The anti-Wesley Snipes movement continues on Part 2 - 12.18.2007.2

Continued from The anti-Wesley Snipes movement continues on Part 1...

Perhaps one of the most important items I was able to understand throughout this whole drama occurred June of 2007. Again this was after further comments on the case Wesley Snipes is defending himself against went without coverage amongst the major news media.

“In piecing together the facts as they appear to be I gather that Mr. Rosile and Mr. Khan have not been charged, though they have 2000 clients that have allegedly made false claims with the IRS, exactly the same as Mr. Snipes though for less money. Yet only Mr. Snipes has been singled out as a ‘co-conspirator’.”

And

“The government apparently indicted Mr. Snipes while he was away working, without bothering to ask his publicist or manager if he was working. He was picked out of 2000 clients to be the poster child of government acting tough on taxes. When Mr. Snipes arranged to meet the cops to be taken on the charges made when he had no voice in the country (nor knowledge that he needed one) the media jumped on the story as if he were a fugitive, like he was a crackhead running from the police with 2 strikes over their head.”

Considering the long-term, dubious nature of the U.S. governments case and the overtly biased near yellow journalism tactics of the major news media, I find no surprise that there is news no one has heard.

As I stated at the beginning, an A-list actor has made a statement and there has been a media blackout. When Rosie O’Donnell and Charlie Sheen claim that the Government was in fact the reason for the 9/11 attacks, everyone covers it. But when Wesley Snipes states that

"It was easy for people to jump on the 'Wesley's the bad guy' bandwagon," he says. "That's where I think the systematic racism comes in. We're conditioned in this country to believe that if there's a problem, the black man is the culprit."

Media acts like his words are the plague. That last quote was from December 17th. Did you hear that from any news source besides EURweb or me? More importantly, did you hear any coverage from the major mainstream media? I didn’t, not then nor today.

So again I have to say that this does have racist elements. I have to say that I believe Wesley Snipes. And I believe there is a major issue that the major news media will take advantage of when it benefits the image they want to promote, and ignore when a mirror is held up.

Pay attention, and make some noise on this. Because if the fame of Wesley Snipes (or Al Sharpton recently) isn’t protecting him, what will happen if the Government turns on you?

The anti-Wesley Snipes movement continues on - 12.18.2007.1

If I told you that an A-list American actor made a public announcement about the government and its injustice, and no one covered it, would you believe me. Think about that.

When Ellen DeGeneres cried about a puppy, it was news for 2+ days. When Rosie O’Donnell got into a battle of name calling with Donald Trump, it was news for over a month. When Anna Nicole Smith died, 3 months. And Paris Hilton has been a week each incident. And that’s just off the top of my head.

How much news did Hanoi Jane Fonda get in her various anti-America rants? Or Sean Penn? Bill Maher? The major news media seems to salivate any time that a celebrity or entertainer makes an announcement or is in the news.

But there is a difference. Even in the worst cases of the news that was apparently targeting bad behavior there is a difference. At the worst of news on David Hasselhoff, Lindsey Lohan, Alec Baldwin, or Don Imus there was a sense of sympathy.

But when the A-lister is African American things change. Compare any of the coverage I’ve mentioned above with the coverage of James Brown’s death, OJ Simpson, Al Sharpton, Michael Vick, or Wesley Snipes as an example. Particularly Wesley Snipes at this moment.

Back in late 2006 there was an onslaught of news about charges made by the Government against Mr. Snipes. There were quick and deliberate statements made, while Mr. Snipes was out of the country working (which I think the Government knew considering the resources available to them).

I stated in October 2006

“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.”

I then went on to say in that same post

“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 my knowledge there was not a single major news media organization, nor the U.S. government, that stated the abovementioned thought. 2 days later I was proven correct.

“Well I’m not sure if Mr. Snipes is exactly innocent, but I do agree that he is being railroaded. The media has worked hard to portray him negatively, though there have been no facts to go on.”

Continued in Part 2...

My personal challenge for 2008

There is nothing like getting older. There are as many benefits as there are challenges. And in this one instance I will be taking on a new endeavor, one that many of my friends have already started to do. I’m going to start working out again.

Yes, I am finally going to admit that I’m not 20 any more. I am older, my bones creak on occasion, and my endurance is not what it once was. Such is the fact of being 39+.

Now mind you, I’m in good health. According to my last physical exam my cholesterol count is virtually at the bottom of the scale, my heart rate and blood pressure are still in ideal ranges, and I do not suffer from any affliction. Considering that I smoke, work under a lot of stress, don’t eat vegetables, and have not worked out since I was 23, I’m pretty pleased actually.

But, as I mentioned I’m not exactly I peak condition. So I am going to try to change that. I have decided to include the blogosphere in my effort as well. Perhaps others will take inspiration from my efforts.

As you can see I have included a photo of myself sans shirt. Now I may not be a bodybuilder, but I think I look pretty decent for my age. But the goal is to get rid of the love handles that have slowly grown, and try to get a six pack set of abs. Even a 4 pack would be good.

To that end I have joined a gym, and plan to get there to work out at least once a week if not more. At the end of every month I will take another photo. You will be able to see my progress and can comment on it as you wish.

Now here are my goals.

• 1. Tone up


• 2. 6-pack abs


• 3. increase endurance


• 4. increase strength


• 5. lose the weight in the middle

Not a huge list, and probably not that hard. To give you a relative idea of where I am starting at, I’m 5’10” and according to the gym scale I weigh 169 pounds. That is the most I’ve weighed since I left the military.

Well, now you know. Let’s see what happens.

Congradulations to the Winner of the $1000 Holiday contest - 12.16.2007.1

I want to thank the many readers that responded to the $1000 Holiday Contest. I must say that I am quite pleased by the response.

While I had hoped to see a greater response by institutions and corporations, these things take time. Nonetheless I will be adding $100 to the total winning prize, for a grand total of $1,100. This extra amount was from the profits derived from sales at the online store found at www.cafepress.com/nova68.

If you have not seen the various t-shirts, mugs, Teddy bears, sweatshirts, journals, jewlery boxes, posters, stamps, and other items at the store I invite you to take a look. With over 200 different items, and over 10 unique clothing lines for men and women, I think there is something there for everyone.

As I have mentioned before, you can look forward to another free cash give away contest in 2008, among other contests. I can only hope that the future contest is as helpful and well recieved as this contest has been.

But don't let the various contests offered by M V Consulting be your only reason for visiting my sites. I believe that long-time readers know that the various sites have unique insight on subjects ranging from politics, entertainment, social issues, and more. All of them presented from the viewpoint of this Black Puerto Rican from the Bronx.

Again I congratulate the winner of the contest, Chyrl W. of New York State, and thank everyone who participated in the contest.

Repost - Pros and Cons of Republican Presidential candidates

This is a repost that can be found at Vass

Not long ago I created a list of Pros and Cons of the leading Democratic Presidential candidates. To be fair and to see the differences I have complied a Pros and Con list for the leading major Republican candidates.

I do not presume that this list is all-encompassing. I recognize that while I have tried to be neutral, just as I was with the Democrats, I’m sure there are areas where my personal views entered. I do not claim my list is complete or how everyone feels. But I believe it is accurate.

Some issues may fall on both sides, because depending on personal views it is a positive or negative. Most are far more easily categorized. If you disagree, please make a comment and give your reasons why. You may be right, so why not share your thoughts?

You can see some of my source information at On The Issues and 2008 Election ProCon.

Now for the breakdowns (in alphabetical order):

Rudy Giuliani

Pros –


• 9/11
  
• For the Death Penalty
  
• Finish Iraq war
  
• No Nuke Iran
  
• Waterboarding (Torture ok)
  
• Mayor of largest U.S. City
  
• Lower taxes
  
  Cons –
  
  
• Mixed on Gun Control
  
• No International experience
  
• Flipped on gay marriage
  
• Mayor was highest level of public service experience
  
• Relies heavily on 9/11
  
• Flipped on Immigration policies
  
• Horrendous Civil Liberties (Amidou Diallo, Patrick Dorismond, ect)
  
• Sold out 42nd Street to corporations
  

Continued in Part 2...

Real confidence in a product

I saw this live on Fox News and had to find the YouTube of it. This is the ultimate example of a guy who believes in his product. He is so confident that Mark Littell took a 90 mile an hour baseball to the family jewels on live TV. He didn't even blink because of his NuttyBuddy. That's a product that works. See for yourself.

Criminals Gone Wild, the DVD - 12.12.2007.3

There was something I heard this morning that took me aback. I was shocked by a display of vulgar, unrepentant, ignorant, money-grubbing via the glorification of the most base and illegal activities in the Black Community. I am being serious.

What got me so upset? Criminals Gone Wild. The name itself conveys images of stupid and petty actions performed for the monetary benefit of the videographer. But unlike the exploitation of drunken minors and misguided young women that is Girls Gone Wild; this DVD is a compilation of violent petty uneducated thugs in the pursuit of a dollar. There is no superficial and misguided level of cheer or fun. There is no veneer of happiness or joy.

Criminals Gone Wild is simply a Black guy videotaping felons, and soon-to-be felons, in the act of committing crimes so he can make money. It’s exploitative, a crime, and base on every level. I am looking forward to the owner/creator of this DVD being arrested and serving a long sentence.

I expect this guy to be arrested because he has captured the murder and attempted murder of African Americans. He has captured on film the robbery at gunpoint of African Americans. He recorded the planning and commission of carjackings and assaults of every nature. And he did not report a single event. Rather he scurried off to a corner and made a DVD. It makes me sick.

I’m not sure what is worse; the fact that this individual was able to make this DVD or that so many criminals thought this was their chance at 15 minutes of fame. Actually perhaps the fact that criminals feel like they are superstars is the greatest crime and source of disgust I have.

The Black culture has become a commodity, and criminals have become the oil that is most valued to trade upon. Call them thugs, pimps, ghettofabulous, rappers or uneducated, small-minded, petty, cowardly, slow-witted, buffoons who derive their delusion of self-importance from the misery and suffering they impose on their own people. They are parasites and I have no pity, remorse or forgiveness for them.

And as for the creator of this enterprise, he is best described as a parasite that feeds on parasites. A low creature feeding of the scum of the earth for no reason other than the selfish gain of money. His only excuse for his actions was in fact,

“What do you want me to do? Mop floors for $5 and hour? This is what I do.” – As shown on Fox News at 9:56am

To answer the question asked, yes I expect you to mop floors. Why not. When I started working, back when I was 13 and still in school, I swept floors. I also had a jo