New story

This was a news item on imdb.com earlier today:
"Report: O'Reilly Was "Unleashed" Against NBC, GE
Fox News Chairman Roger Ailes phoned NBC chief Jeff Zucker last summer and threatened to "unleash" Bill O'Reilly against NBC and its parent, General Electric, unless Zucker reigned in MSNBC host Keith Olbermann, who was regularly attacking O'Reilly (as "the worst person in the world") and Ailes himself, the Washington Post reported today (Monday). The complaints were later echoed in phone calls to Zucker from Rupert Murdoch, chairman of News Corp, which owns Fox News, the Post said. After the appeals failed, O'Reilly began an assault on GE chief Jeffrey Immelt, accusing him and his company of supporting the Iranian government. "If my child were killed in Iraq, I would blame the likes of Jeffrey Immelt," O'Reilly said during one broadcast. GE spokesman Gary Sheffer insisted that "nothing we supply ... to Iran is in any way endangering U.S. troops." He said that News Corp execs "tell us if the attacks on O'Reilly end, the attacks on GE will end."

This riles me up so terribly. You know these Evangelists are constantly claiming the Rapture is coming. Alright, when and if America starts muting its outspoken citizens, the end may be near. My brother once taught me, "Dissent is the highest form of patriotism." There has never been a truer statement in our brave new world.

Seriously, if no one takes our news distributors to task you end up with the same situation that followed 9/11. We cannot allow certain companies to continue 'Rule by Fear' approaches without others distributing information about 'the truth' (as I see it). I cannot speak to the radical approach Keith Olbermann takes because I am too busy watching baseball (j/k).

When I do watch The Countdown, I know some of what is said is propaganda. At the same time, when I am stuck watching The No-Spin Zone or whatever, I take the same approach. I don't really know where to go with this except to say if Americans can no longer read between the lines, what does that say about the state of our union? I love America. I hate stupid people. I guess we saw the failed 'War on Drugs', the failed 'War in Iraq', etc... and now we can see the ongoing 'War of the Cable News'. Bring it and the results will show in November.

A Quick Thought

It seems today that the talking heads want Hilary Clinton to drop out of the race. Did we give up on 'Casey at the plate'? You know Kirk Gibson would hope not. Has America lost Horatio Alger? I hope not.
I am not trying to say Hilary is not an elitist or anything like that. I just thought that Mike Huckabee left the race too soon. I thought that those who voted for Romney would have also voted for Huckabee. Where do those delegates go? I mean, is it impossible to think that a majority of Romney's delegates would have backed Huckabee if they had......a choice.
Obviously, I am not all that concerned about what this is doing to the Democratic Party. I love what Hilary is doing for the democratic process. That is something that has been lost within my lifetime. Thinking on the last 2 elections and the steps that took us into the Afghan/Iraq wars right now, America might have lost its true respect for democracy. What is so wrong with letting every vote get heard? Come on now people.

My Big Problem

Well, I have said for a long time that I cannot believe how many people are given a voice these days. I may be a big hypocrite. I just formed another blog (http://www.3stoogemovies.blogspot.com/) I have always wanted to talk about movies, but I considered it quite silly to sound off with no one to bounce it off of. Seriously, most people have an opinion and a lot of them stink. At least I have some education in the field.

Goodbye Yellowbrick Road

Different election year, same story it appears. John Edwards has once again dropped out of the race. He will also probably endorse and eventually run with one of the other candidates. It isn't really a surprise, but I must say he is starting to feel like the Buffalo Bills of the early 90s. I like the guy, don't get me wrong. I just think that if, say, he is a running mate of the eventual winner, won't he run again next election. I mean, even Dan Quayle's silly behind ran for the presidency.
What is it about John that doesn't quite click with voters? Is it that the whole JFK, young, new direction candidate thing is old? Probably not. Is it that someone who champions the middle class shouldn't get thousand dollar hair cuts? Maybe so. Or maybe America, speaking for the Democrats, really want a black president. He doesn't even blip the radar in the whole 'who is the more black candidate' debate. That is probably it.
Regardless, I suppose that the Democratic Party is putting its best foot forward. I must say that Huckabee has really garnered my respect. The man has as many one-liners as Rodney Dangerfield. If he runs with McCain, I would have to take a second look at the Republican ticket. That being said, I like Edwards with either of the Dems front runners. It would be quite a change to have a VP who is trying to put money back in the pockets of the impoverished. And he would have a nice haircut to boot.

Quick thoughts on football and the media

1) I don't know how to create a blog with indentations at the begining of each paragraph.
2) People expect a drop off because Keller is the Nebraska quarterback. Umm...did everyone forget that ASU is no good and he still put up killer numbers. And, he is a 5th year senior. And, we have been recruiting really well. And, Missouri is still Missouri. Get real, we are getting better.
3) Either the end of the world is coming or media coverage is just crazy. Minnesota alone has had a bridge collapse, a natural disaster, and a political scandal in the last month or so. Media is out of control. But then again, if I'm thinking about, I guess rule by fear is working.
4) Preseason football polls are the greatest. I mean why wouldn't Ohio State be number two after they lost their quarterback, halfback, and two leading receivers. Actually, the only thing that makes sense about this year's rankings is not ranking Notre-stinkin'-Dame. They are going to lose. The further back they fall, the less likely they are to get a free bid to the BCS.
5) I know that American culture started in the east and spread westward. I am just wondering when east coast bias in culture is going to find it's balance. It bothers me that networks like ESPN know USC so well but that is the end of the Pac 10. I mean, even though the polls don't rank the Fighting Irish, they are covered every day. Even though Rutgers has been good for all of one year, they still get more coverage than TCU or Boise State. Just a thought...

Hip-hop Lives

Lizzie and I celebrated our 8th anniversary on the 28th of August. Odd enough, we both bought tickets to hot tickets in the Twin Cities and called them gifts. Her tickets were to the "Blues Festival" @ the Minnesota State Fair featuring B.B., Etta James, and Al Green. My tickets were more my speed (maybe a bit selfish in that regard). The Rock the Bells Summer Concert Tour rolled through the Cities. I had to go.
Let me just say, I was disappointed when the first three acts were cancelled due to time restraints. For anyone who has ever been to a rap concert, it is glaringly obvious that set-up and quick turnover from set to set is not the most important thing. So, from the start, we didn't have the chance to see David Banner, Slum Village, and MF Doom. Actually, I was really looking forward to seeing MF. I don't know that his dense rhymes would translate to a live show, but they can't be worse than the density of Immortal Technique or the Rza's spit.
Okay, so we show up @ 2pm for a 1pm to 10pm festival. The first act had just started (even though the doors opened at noon, RIDICULOUS). They were Jedi Mind Tricks (see photo above). First off, I have never heard them before. Doesn't everyone remember when car stereos became popular in the early 90s and there were groups who made bass tracks? That is what this sounded like to me. Also, these clowns talked to all these young, mainly white kids about what it's like to be 'gangster'. Surreal moment of the night: Jedi Mind Tricks making all these kid repeat, "I want that gangster,gangster shit, That real murda, murda shit." Anyway, they were kinda weak.
Then we saw, between sets, the freestyle world record holder (9 and 1/2 hours) MC Supernatural. This guy was amazing. He, despite Kweli, Nas, etc..., was the best part of the night. I am impressed by the ability to rhyme off the top of one's head, especially when it's on point. At one point, Supernat walked across the front row of the crowd and rapped about things the audience members handed him. He brought the house down when a girl handed him her panties. As one of the Wu members put it, " Supernat is bad, girl's don't even give up their panties for the Wu. "
Next to the stage was Immortal Technique. Again, I have never seen this fella or heard any of his stuff. When Lizzie returned from an emergency trip to the car for her inhaler, I summed up pretty much what Immortal's set was going to be. He's shocking. He's uber-political. He says jaw-dropping rhymes that are on point for the most part. Occasionally, he gets to deep for a concert or talks about social issues that yuppies in St. Paul might not feel. But, it was good.
Then my man and personal favorite of the night took the stage. I often forget that Pharoah Monche comes from a singing background and that straight hip-hop isn't his style. He took the stage with a band and two extremely talented backup singers. Truthfully, the mixing of the sound system was whack the entire night. When two or more mics were on at the same time, the loudest mic took the lead on the speakers. So, when Pharoah had a verse to spit, sometimes you couldn't hear him until the 2nd or 3rd bar. It was quite odd. And his new album, which grows on me the more I hear it, is a lot more singing and soulful than Infernal Affairs. He, of course, shook everyone with Simon Says but for the most part it was only okay (Lizzie loved it).
Taleb Kweli took the stage next. Honestly, his set was forgettable. It is probably because I was still in awe of what Supernatural performed between sets. Kweli was exactly how hip-hop should be though. One man and a dj. Two turntables. Just keep dropping beats. None of this, I need another cat on stage helping my rap to create an echo or fill in the bass cuz my voice is like a teenage when I'm live. And by the by, how come rumors of Fugees and Black Star are persistent, but Rage Against the Machine is on tour and Mos Def and Kwali are on this tour and don't get on stage at the same time? Mos wasn't in the Twin Cities (neither was Rage), but that's beside the point.
I guess I was most excited about the Nas set when I thought about it. He is so awesome in portions. So, he took the stage (oddly enough with about 10 people on the side of the stage doing nothing). He had no dj. He started with the title track from Hip-hop is Dead. Then he went though his hits in a chronological order. It was awesome. Nas' set contained many moments that made me realize the irony of his latest album titles. He had a few audience response rifts about loving hip-hop. I guess what he's been saying is that weak rap is killing groups like the ones in this tour and making it hard to keep hip-hop what it should be. That is to say, his set reminded me of L.L. Cool J. Unplugged. And that, for those who know, is what hip-hop was, is and should be. Minus the deodorant.
Finally, after a hour or so of nothing (I think Supernat did some things but there is only so much one man can do) Wu Tang finally took the stage. I told Lizzie, whether it's that they are all high as fuck, there are so many of them (there are more now than ever, who is Streetlife?why do they call him a member?), or there is someone parked in the bus loading zone, they are going to be late. My brother, Christian, and I witnessed this in Omaha. He also witnessed this in the late 90s in Kansas City. The Wu are notorious........for being fuckin' late.
I also told Eizzil (pronounced Izzl, aka Lizzie) Method Man went crazy @ the Sokol when we saw the Wu in Omaha. He climbed a speaker to the balcony. Well, yet again, in St. Paul, it seemed liked the set was going no where and Meth took over. He crowd surfed, twice. He worked the crowd. He got everyone hype. That is until ODB's son led the crowd in a rendition of Shimmy Shimmy Ya in remembrance of his dad. That was mind boggling. The set, as always, was worth the wait. Every member got his shine, and for those who like the solo project and the group project, there was plenty to rap along to.
For Lizzie's first rap concert, it might have been a bit much. For me, it was the most rewarding concert I've been to in years. It reminded me, hip-hop really isn't dead. The industry can't kill it no matter how hard they try.

I can't believe I thought I could beat Mike Tyson

Last Sunday, Elizabeth and I had the privilege of attending the regional Junior Olympics finals races here in St. Paul. My young cousin Darian Brown was participating in the 100 and 200 meter races. After finishing second in both races, we had the opportunity to spend time with Amy, Brennan, Kierra, and the young athlete Darian. He is only 11. He races against other 11 and 12 year olds. His demeanor, after qualifying for national Junior Olympics, reminded me what is great about sports. At its best, sports serve its participants with a self value, a sense of accomplishment, and a sense of camaraderie with the other competitors.
I find myself waiting with baited breath for a sports outing this weekend. My father and I are meeting in Iowa City. We are hoping to go golfing. Over the years, I have found great solace in the few chances I have had to golf with dad. You see, dad is usually one of short temper. He once canceled a stick shift driving lesson mid-lesson on account of his inability to control his rage (in retrospect, I probably would have killed the truck's engine before that day ended). With that in mind, it is amazing to see that when I am out with my father and I consistently mis-hit or shank or hook or whatever, he is a calming force who shows me exactly what I am doing wrong. Another golf adventure began this week. I am not sure how successful this adventure is going to be, but Tuesday evening I began teaching Lizzie how to golf. We started with the pitching wedge. I hope that by the end of the summer we will be out on the course, knocking the ball around. Even if we aren't, I can honestly say that besides an occasional movie recommendation or football pick, I don't normally find my guidance in high demand. Additionally, I hope that I can muster some of my father's mojo and be a calming force when the inevitable golf frustrations arise.
Many years ago I told my brother I wanted to be a boxer. He told me to put up my dukes. As I raised my hands, he motioned in my direction. This forced one of my raised hands to bonk my nose causing both of my eyes to tear up. Either right then or sometime near then, I realized that watching Ali, Roy Jones, Sugar Ray, and others was the closest I ever wanted to get to the ring. Furthermore, I probably would never walk-on to a NFL team or be noticed by a NBA franchise while playing pick-up hoops at the park. While it’s a hard dream to give up, and sometimes I imagine that if I spent the whole summer golfing, Tiger should watch out, I have grown to realize that Darian Brown, Doyle Trout, and other little cousins of mine are great outlets for what I have learned in sports.
Finally, with the Cubs finally turning around their season and football starting in a few weeks, I want to make one more observation. Hope is always there for the true fan. Honestly, I think the Cubs can win their division. I watch every time I can to see proof that my hope is justified. I don't know much about the Huskers this fall, but for some reason, until they lose a game I think they are 'arguably' national title bound every year. That’s what keeps me interested. I hope that I am involved with a champion. I never was one personally. As a part of Husker Nation and someday as a lifelong Cubs fan, I can be part of a championship (and there is always next year).