Career choices - play Guitar Hero or be a comatose lemming

In-between the latest bit of ambulance chasing news of Greta Van Sustern (in my opinion), and the various spills of the Olympics I ran across the possibly most idiotic piece of new of the year (to date anyway). What could be worse than Greta reporting endlessly on news events that the majority of people no longer want to hear about, or the endless discussions of which group of Olympic athletes look best? Simply this, a kid quit school to play Guitar Hero.

It can’t be said enough, a 16 year old boy (that I’m willing to bet money is White – just because I cannot imagine a Black mother going along with this kind of idea) gave up on going to school to pursue a dream of playing video games, Guitar Hero in particular, for a living. This is not being a play tester for a gaming company – which is a career – just playing for competition.

The parents of this kid need to be slapped. Then the kid needs to be knocked about a bit, and then the parents again.

Now the fact the kid was an idiot, and could not do well in high school, and was not liked or popular is beside the point. That is not an excuse to just give up. And I realize that the kid is now getting tutored which has improved his learning. This is still not the same as getting a high school education. Part of high school is learning to interact with people, not all of which will like or value this individual or that one. Such is life.

This kid is hoping that Guitar Hero will remain popular, for his lifetime, in order to earn a living. The best in the industry – of which there are few – generally earn $25,000 which isn’t much. And I dare anyone to name a video game that is as popular 10 years after the first version of the game as the first. I’m a gamer and I can only think of one, Resident Evil. And it has its own ups and downs.

The parents of this kid have decided to ruin their child’s chances of earning a living, ever. If the kid was learning to program games, cool. If the kid had a real job as a back up, great. But this loser has 1 thing he can do. Play Guitar Hero. He might as well as commit suicide (I’m not being exactly literal) and save himself the anguish of life as a peon without social skills or marketable job qualifications.

This loser might even capture a few pre-teen girlfriends that he can wine and dine with his winnings of fast food gift certificates. But somehow I doubt that anyone else would be the least bit interested.

What bout of brain dead malfunctioning would allow parents to ok such an act? I have nothing against video games, they are a fun distraction. And I respect those that worked hard to learn the skills to create this impressive graphic computer marvels. But playing a video game is not training for the Olympics, or even viably planning for the future.

What happens when a new harder version of the game comes out? What if the game becomes unpopular? What if the supposed skill he has at this game is non-transferable to any other future game? The kid will be lucky to get a job hauling manure (and I really don’t mean it insult the people who haul manure, they at least do an honest days work unlike this kid). And sadly that means that both the parents and inevitably the Government will have to support this anti-social half-wit. My taxes are worth more.

I really cannot impress upon you my disgust at hearing this news. Yes I am upset that this kid believes his only claim for existence is that he can PLAY a game better than most (not even best). But I am insanely more pissed off that these parents have such little faith in their child’s abilities, and their own obviously detrimental parenting skills, as to destine this child to a life of poverty, ridicule, and about as much intellectual growth as a comatose lemming.

Please, do not do this to your children.

Woodworking for Wii

In America one of the biggest concerns that few are speaking about is the loss of creativity in our students. Cutbacks in school funding across the nation has caused the end of band, art and shop programs. Add to this failure to stimulate the minds and hands of our youth the invasive predominance to play video games over other social or creative activities and the future innovators in America look scares and bleak.

Of course this is hardly an event that is isolated to America alone. Across Europe and in England similar combinations of obsessive game play and re-orienting of curricular schedules is becoming the norm, though in far lesser degrees. But unlike in America some educators and creative competitions are not giving up the ghost yet.

This is something that I think we need to pay attention to. One of the best solutions I’ve heard in some time hails from Britain. It is a combination of providing the youth with a creative spirit and feeding their need to be digital.

In Neath and Port Talbot there is the Fitchett and Woollacott Student Woodworking Competition. This competition is open to teenagers from 11 to 18 that have made woodworking projects.

Teachers are able to submit the handicraft of the labor of these nimble minds, and the students are the one that can gain the double bonus of winning. The winners’ school will be the recipient of specialized woodworking tools to further enhance their creative outlet, and those of future generations. But that is not the only prize. The winning students will also gain something as grand as being acknowledged for their efforts. They stand to win a popular and oh so must have iPod or Wii gaming console.

I love this idea. The children are getting what they want while gaining something far more important and life changing in the process. This is the kind of stimulus our children in America need. It’s the kind of education that America must have, and in a decade or less will be screaming for. So let’s be proactive.

No Child Left Behind is a failure. Rote memorization is fantastic for zombies and robots, but does nothing for the inventive spirit that has led America to lead the world in technology and economics, to say nothing of freedom. Britain has given America many things over the years, from items to intangible ideas. I think this idea is just one more that I feel we need to integrate.

Do you agree? Is this the kind of education you want your child to get? Or can you improve on the Brits?

Another reaction to 'Average American' comments Part 2 - 10.2.2007.4

Continued from Another reaction to 'Average American' comments Part 1...

So when some say things like

“I also didn’t grow up in an area where there were drug dealers on the corner. I didn’t grow up in an area where there were gun shots nightly. But why do these things happen in black communities throughout America. Is that White America’s fault?”

Blacks understand that we didn’t choose to have drugs in our neighborhoods. They were brought there to us, and integrated into or communities decades ago. They were allowed to flourish, so long as it was not in the more affluent and ‘White’ communities, though Whites were given carte blanche to go in and out making their purchases.

Drugs promote violence, guns being one symptom of that. Were police truly interested in removing that violence, decades ago they could have stopped, or lessened this. They chose not to, because it’s ‘not their people’ affected. Even if you do not agree, that is the impression we grow up learning.

How can any White American understand all of this? That Black on White crime is debatably 60% more likely to end up with a Black conviction. That Blacks convicted are 3x more likely to have longer sentences on equivalent charges. That the media routinely presumes Black guilt at every instance.

Imagine, if you are not African American, how you might feel knowing that you’re that great-grandfather was lynched, your grandfather was not allowed an education, that your parents were refused a place to live all because of their color.

That your mother was paid less money than her peers, that your grandmother was only allowed to wash other peoples clothing, and your great-grandmother could only get work as a maid by people who routinely referred to her as a racial slur.

Are these absolute facts? No, but they are common enough history that most have multiple elements of this in their background.

Yet for all this, the average African American goes to work everyday. Children grow up getting as good an education as possible and overwhelmingly most are not into drugs. And nearly all deal with the fact that America fears them without issue.

Conversely, White women hold purses tight when Blacks pass by. Security in malls and stores follow Blacks, ignoring actual criminals that happen to not be Black. Police act with a presumption of impending violence even at routine traffic stops. The media constantly portrays every image of poverty and criminality with a Black face, though the quantity of Whites with these issues outnumbers Blacks.

Imagine that life. Imagine living under that pressure everyday. Imagine that you were me. And then tell me you could go to college, own a business, and never be an addict. Tell me that your friends and family would go to college and raise families without drugs. Tell me that you could not just survive but thrive in that environment.

I do, my family does. So do the families of my friends. But how many “Average Americans” could survive a day under this scrutiny and pressure. How many fail to have prosperous lives without any of these obstacles?

It’s not about who is better. It’s about understanding what the facts are, and how we all can get closer to a world that these things are no longer happening. The first step is comprehension. Not the denial that “Average American” posed. From that point we can move forward. At least I think so.

This is what I think, what do you think?

Ramblings of Michael Vass Part 2 - 8.7.2007.4

Continued from Ramblings of Michael Vass Part 1...

Some say it’s because of racism. While it exists, I know that first hand and recently as well, there is no comparison to what existed in the 50’s and earlier. There were no television channels featuring Blacks, nor African American characters of note. There were no African American political candidates, or mayors. Being in the wrong place or looking at the wrong person easily led to attacks and in many cases lynchings. Even with the far too common police or mob actions of today, there is no comparison.

Some of the more dim say it’s because that is ‘being real’. First reality is real, to have to say that is both redundant and an indication of the limits of the mind that spoke such a statement. Secondly the reality is not what various marketing systems portray on a daily basis. Music videos, songs, television programs and that ilk are merely means by which to separate a consumer from their income. They are exaggerations and excerpts of reality and no more accurate than the world of JRR Tolkein or Issac Asimov.

The media, in all its forms including entertainment, may state that EVERY African American uses drugs, has 5 kids that they don’t see, never graduated high school, and is involved in some form of criminal activity but even casual observation in the worst of neighborhoods prove this wrong. The overwhelming average of African Americans are people that work, raise families, have sought and gained basic and the highest levels of education, without a single criminal incident (many without even so much as a parking ticket). But that reality just seems to escape the major media, and often the blogosphere.

Where are the posts celebrating the contributions being made every day? Celebrity donations are always decent news, but how often do you hear about something being done by a Black or Hispanic entertainer/celebrity? There are many of them, and more than just Ms. Oprah Winfrey is out there doing things. How about the efforts of Mr. Don Cheadle, or the work of Mr. Montel Williams in providing 4 million people with free or nearly free medication. Doesn’t that deserve a bit more than just the mere soundbites they get now?

So yes, I get tired. It’s hard to write to all the blogs everyday. But I do, and I look out for the positives. I’m not perfect; I miss stuff I should write about. I get caught up in an issue and don’t have the time to get to other issues. It happens.

But there are positives out there. There are alternatives. Leadership is the act of leading, and I like other bloggers are trying to lead to a better path than what is out there now. I just felt like mentioning that. Thank you for reading and your patronage.

This is what I think, what do you think?

Interview with Mo Taylor, Radio DJ and more - 7.10.2007.2

Today I want to take the opportunity to introduce Mr. Mo "Reese" Taylor, Assistant Program Director of AM Stations at Citadel Binghamton. Mr. Taylor is an individual I have interviewed in my attempt to present not only entertainers, but those individuals that don’t make the headlines at TMZ.com or CNN. It is these people that make modern entertainment possible. Not only essential parts of entertainment, but I feel that these are individuals that have interesting and important insights that don’t get to be heard often enough.


Some may recall my interview with a veteran of the Iraq war, and Mr. RM Johnson. I will continue to seek out unique individuals, some famous others not, that have something to say. I hope you enjoy this interview and look forward to future interviews. If there is a person of note that you believe would be an interesting interviewee, please contact me at info@vassconsult.com .

Mo, if you can say, where is it that you work and what is your title?

Mo Taylor: Well, It’s funny that you ask that because I actually have a few places of employment. My main job is Assistant Program Director of AM Stations at Citadel Binghamton. I am also the Music Director for the Binghamton Senators Professional Hockey team, Pep Band Director at Binghamton University. In addition to that I work for a Mobile DJing company as well as having my own Mobile DJing company, finally yet foremost I am a freelance musician. All of my other jobs are what I do. Being a musician is who I am.

How did you get into working on radio?

Mo Taylor: It was kind of a natural progression from being a musician to wanting to entertain and play music. Aside from that, it was passed down from my older brothers (I am the youngest of 6 kids, 3 brothers 2 sisters).

In my neighborhood, my brothers were the only ones with a true DJ system (2 turntables, a tape player, microphone and mixer), so they were always asked to DJ parties for people. With that said, my brother (that is next to me in age, 5 years older) would have his setup in his bedroom and I would sneak in and goof around with it making tapes, just learning how to mix. He would get pissed at me and tell mom. I really think my mom saw something there that the rest of the family didn’t because, as much of a disciplinarian as she was, she always let my music flourish and grow. Sorry to make a short story long, throughout Junior High School and High School I became one of the most sought after party DJ’s in Binghamton [in New York State]. When I was a senior, a friend of mine told me that there was a community ran radio station was opening and that I should try out for it and then, after being my normal long winded self, as they say, the rest is history!

How long have you worked in broadcast radio?

Mo Taylor: I have been a radio DJ for 22 years, a professional musician for 23 years, and a mobile DJ for 28 years.

What would you say is the nature of your work? Could you describe some of it for those who are unfamiliar with this work?

Mo Taylor: I produce a talk show every morning. After the talk show, I basically assist in the day to day running of the station. It doesn’t sound like much, however there is so much that can go wrong with 2 talk stations. When you are dealing with hundreds of computers & satellites that must work together in different locations, a lot can happen. Basically I am a firefighter for the 2 AM stations.

LOL…Assistant Fire Chief “Mo”...LOLOLOL

What is the most constant comment that you hear from listeners?

Mo Taylor: In the talk radio format, the conversations (comments) deal with life in general. It deals with every aspect of your life. Your government, your home, how are you going to afford to fill up the gas tank in your car. How are you going to send your children to college? How are you going to just live life as a whole! That is what talk radio can do for you, regardless of what your political affiliation may be.

One of the biggest problems of my job, is to explain to the average listener how a music station is formatted. This has led to some heated discussions with some Black listeners. Most people can’t understand if they hear the latest song by Beyonce on a particular station, why can’t they hear the latest Jay Z or 50 Cent. Most don’t understand formatting and advertising or trying to understand and go after a particular demographic.

Since you work in radio, do you think that DJ's have a responsibility for the content they put on the air?

Mo Taylor: Well, first and foremost, DJ’s have to be true to themselves. With that said, yes, they do have a direct responsibility for their content. The funny thing about this business is when a broadcaster calls another person some kind of derogatory term, then the broadcaster acts surprised, then becomes defiant when they are called on the carpet about it.

What works for me is if my mother would get offended don’t say it!! Now, here’s the rub in that comment. My mother is not the old fashioned June Cleaver type mother. She is pretty progressive and has a great sense of humor. So that gauge in my DJing works for me!!

So Mo did you notice a change in the industry or your work since the Don Imus and Opie & Anthony events?

Mo Taylor: Yes I have Mike! The funny (peculiar) thing about Imus is that he and his producer Bernie have been doing this type of humor for many years and sometimes they tipped over edge between humor, good taste, and plain and simply offending someone or a group of people. The problem is that the women from Rutgers didn’t deserve to be the brunt of a joke a day after their championship game. When they had their press conference to talk about the Imus situation, they handled themselves with grace, eloquence and class. It made me proud to be Black.

This whole Imus and Opie & Anthony situation made the radio industry take notice just like when Janet had her ‘wardrobe malfunction’. It made it far too easy for people that want to shut people [in radio] up permanently, to do their bidding. I am not one that wants to censor anybody. However, personalities have to realize that people DO listen to what you say and that some might not agree with what you say or more importantly HOW you say it.

Also with that, advertisers also have the right to let their voice be heard. And it seems more and more these days, when the advertisers talk, they have the loudest voice in radio. For better or worse.

Have you noticed if record companies have any influence on what gets played?

Mo Taylor: Well not as much as they used to. Record companies used to be able to really wine and dine radio Station Managers to play their music. However, now there are federal laws in place that prohibit record companies from anything over just calling to promo their artists and songs. Also there are heavy fines that can be levied on broadcasters that take favors from record companies.


Mo, now that we know a bit about your work let’s find out about you. How much has your education affected your career?

Mo Taylor: Education unfortunately has been my only regret in life. I barely got out of high school. I have one year of college under my belt. I hated college and didn’t have the discipline or foresight to stick it out. What that has meant is that I couldn’t follow my true dream and be a music teacher. Radio and being a musician were my fall back plan and have been my career.

Have you had the chance to meet any personalities of note?

Mo Taylor: My family used to own a Karate School. I was an instructor in the school. I am also a certified security guard. In the summer, the radio station that I work for does a summer festival and I do the security for it. I have looked after Hulk Hogan and his daughter Brooke, Kimberly Locke, Constantine, the classic rock group Kansas, Lou Graham (from the group Foreigner), and Rupert (from the TV show “Survivor”) among others.

So do you have any funny/important stories you could share with us?

Mo Taylor: Funny…Yeah, a couple of years ago Aaron Carter was at a festival. Aaron was actually a security person’s nightmare. One minute he would be sitting down chilling, the next he would be in a full sprint to meet some fans. Yes, it was a security person’s nightmare, but it was refreshing to see someone that welcomed meeting and greeting his fans. Throughout the day he had been playing, punching and kicking at me [not seriously]. However, I just maintained my professional attitude.

Finally, I had enough! I squared off with him and got into a fighting position. He took a kick at me, I blocked the kick and charged him. (OK at this point, I will explain that I am 400+ pounds.) Aaron didn’t expect for someone my size to be that close, that quick. He turned around and started running in a full sprint. When he stopped he looked back and said “Holy S*&T you can move.”

As for an important story, a number of years ago Joe Frazier was training a boxer that had a bout in Binghamton. My brother and I did his security. Just to be around such greatness was a true honor!

So what kind of music did you grow up with?

Mo Taylor: OH MAN! I am so fortunate to my family for giving me access to ALL types of music. From Led Zepplin to Aretha Franklin my family had it. When I started off learning to play music, I got my appreciation for Show Tunes & Classical music. (I started off playing drums in 5th grade then I switched to trombone in 7th grade). However, R&B, Soul and Jazz was the main music around my house as I was growing up.

What then is your favorite music genre?

Mo Taylor: Classic Soul, Smooth R&B, Smooth Jazz, Jazz

What do you think of rap music?

Mo Taylor: Along with any style of music, there is some real good stuff out there along with some real crap.

How about gangsta rap? I make the distinction as it was originally a sub-genre of rap music.

Well, some of the music and beats are cool (the musician side of me shines through!). However, the message is not for me! Also, I am not one of those that thinks that it should be shut down and swept under the carpet. I think there should be a way to have a rating system to keep this music out of our youth’s hands and ears. But there will always be a problem with this because of the internet and people being able to burn songs and CD’s. This is where parents come in. The parents really need to guide their children as my mom and family did. They never once said to not listen to any style of music. But they would tell me that the message is wrong, and there are better, legal ways to achieve your goals in life. Also, they stressed that I would be a better person for achieving my goals the “Right” way!

What do you see as the biggest challenges for the next President?

Mo Taylor: As Americans in this day and age, we are more separated then ever. We are separated by race, financial class and by political affiliation. The next President has to find a way to get us back to how America’s attitude was after WWII or even after 9/11. Those 2 periods of time were when people looked after each other like they were family. As for the 9/11 period, look how many flags you saw on peoples cars. Fast forward to now, look how many of the same flags you have now. We as Americans have a problem of taking up a good cause then letting it go when it is not the “fad” or the “cause of choice”. So I think the biggest challenge for the next American President is to find a way to bond Americans.

What about the Nation?

Mo Taylor: Obviously the nations dependency on oil is one challenge. Primary public education is another. Health care and sky rocketing health insurance is another HUGE problem.

I think we (The US) are vulnerable to be attacked again. Not because of any security lapse or anything like that. We are vulnerable because our politicians and government can’t agree to disagree.

Also Mike, it is very tough for people (let alone politicians) to look at another person and say, “OK….this is how I feel about my life and politics. And I don’t agree with your political views. But I respect the choices that you make for your life and for your family.” People these days seem to think, well if you are not making a certain amount of money and you don’t have this amount of education, that you are useless as a person in our society.

And Black Americans?

Mo Taylor: Hmmm…I think that we need to get the Black family unit back to square one, with God being at the head of the family. I was raised in a single parent home. However, between my 3 brothers and very strong women (my Mother and 2 sisters) I still had a very strong family unit. I truly get tired when the media and/or society as a whole, says that unless the Black family has a mother and a father that you can’t succeed in life. Don’t get me wrong, I think the traditional family aspect is a beautiful thing. But don’t lump all kids with a single parent into some imaginary category labeled “Doomed From The Get-Go”!

How about entertainers? Do you think entertainers have a role model responsibility?

Mo Taylor: Absolutely! Sports figures and entertainers have more power and status than ever before. Like Charles Barkley said “I am not a role model.” However, you do have a responsibly to be a positive contributing member of society.

Growing up, did your family emphasize education?

Mo Taylor: Yes they did! I have a brother that is a pilot. He was an Academic All-American that also went to the Air Force Academy. I have another brother that has a Business Degree from Niagara University. So yes, they did stress and emphasize it.

But all I wanted to do was be a musician (from 5th grade on). So I didn’t hit the books as hard as I should have. Listen, I wouldn’t advise taking the same path that I did. Get that piece of paper at ALL COST! It puts you in a far better position to achieve your goals in life! My one brother used to call me “The Good Hustler” because I always needed to hustle to make a buck. But it was always on the up and up and 9 times out of 10 it had to deal with music. For instance, I once made a soundtrack for a body builder. After that I got calls from other body builders that wanted me to hook up their music.

What is more important for a good life in your opinion - economics or image?

Mo Taylor: That depends on what you mean by a good life. Image is something that you have obtained from your surroundings and upbringing. If your image is straight, your economics should follow!

How would you suggest someone get into work in radio?

Mo Taylor: Try to intern at any station. If you are around when something happens with the station and they need someone to fill in quickly, you might get your shot! Otherwise, listen to your favorite station or any station, really listen to the DJ! Listen how he (or she) introduces the music. Even more importantly, listen to how the broadcaster talks in and out of commercials. Always remember, people always remember the first thing and the last thing you say.

Have you ever seen/had race affect your career or life?

Mo Taylor: Truthfully I have never experienced racism in the format that I work in (talk radio). Because my bosses look at the bottom line. How am I doing my job? With that said, being a very large person I think that situations have passed me and some of my big friends, because of people in charge have narrow minds about people that are big. Discrimination of fat people is far worse and far out numbers racism.

Do you think the youth of today will experience racism?

Mo Taylor: Yes, there will always be people that will look at you differently because of your creed, color, religion or size as I stated above.

If so would you think it to be more or less than you experienced or are aware of?

Mo Taylor: It seems these days the racism gauntlet is laid squarely on what you are wearing (the baggy pants, .loud music, ect.) also that people don’t communicate anymore. So the answer to your question is about the same. The difference is that we don’t have the firehose or the dogs attacking us as they did just a generation ago. The racism is stealthy now than it was “back in the day”. But once again, education & communication are the keys to combat racism.

Do you feel that African Americans are held back today?

Mo Taylor: Yes, Somewhat.

What do you think it is holding them back?

Mo Taylor: Well, there have been advances made from a generation ago. However, until there are more minorities at top positions either in government or private sector, the playing field will not be level for us.

Do you think the media fairly portrays African Americans?

Mo Taylor: No. 9 out of 10 times that you see or hear a story about African Americans it is negative. For instance, on your blog page, you did the story about 23 year old Barrington Irving and his record setting flight around the world. There was very little media coverage on this. Ask yourself this, how come anytime a non-black guy in a balloon or a person in a yacht tries this feat you get minute by minute updates about it? You always are hearing about Blacks doing a murder or drug bust. Don’t get me wrong. Yes, these are news items that need to be covered. But there are positive things that Blacks are doing everyday. Let’s hear about those also!

What about how the media portrays minorities in general?

Mo Taylor: Yes, they are getting the same negative versus positives that Blacks are getting.

Mo, how important is education for children in your opinion?

Mo Taylor: Mike, education is the single most important issue that faces our children. I was very lucky to have made some good decisions in my life. However, one of the bad decisions that I made was to not continue my education. Being a Black man, if I would have obtained my degree I could have written my ticket to teach music.

Minorities are desperately needed in our education [system]. As I am still very active in our community schools, it seems that a lot of our non-minority teachers are a bit out of touch with the minority youth of today. With that said, I feel that some of our youth forget that school is not a fashion show, or a just a hangout to meet with your friends. If you put your time in school you will get your return back ten-fold on the other side. I see this now and wish that I could turn back time and get that college piece of paper.

Let me ask you a different question. Would you let children see music videos?

Mo Taylor: Well, some videos, like some music on radio are now what are called dayparted. What that means is, that some music or videos that are either too violent or overtly sexual they play later at night. So with that said they would be able to watch during the day. Though I would still keep and eye on the content. However, to watch videos at anytime? No, not until they are 14-16 depending on their maturity.

Jumping to another though, if you could change one thing in America today, what would it be?

Mo Taylor: As stated earlier, America is separated more then ever. I would like to find a way for people to get along!


And finally Mo, what message do you think kids need to hear more?

Mo Taylor: To quote Ossie Davis in the Spike Lee movie of the same name “Always Do The Right Thing!!”

I want to thank Mr. Taylor for this interview and his time. I hope that this will be a positive motivation for those considering working in broadcast radio, or other forms of entertainment. I equally wish that everyone was capable of enjoying and drawing some inspiration from these questions and comments.