A Take on Martin Slaying

Even if one tried it is hard to get away from the news of Travon Martin and his killer. This story is so sad yet I also find something almost comical in the situation. For years as I black man I among many others in the US of A are told over and over to take care to not even provoke police because it can lead to us being shot and imprisoned. Yet here is a situation that shows us it is not just police we need to fear but any guy with a gun. The situation is humorous in our society because whenever we state the fact that we, African Americans are not equal in this society so many are quick to tell us to not hold grudges and that things are far better since the civil rights era.

Yet, this brazen shooting of a child and the law's act of inaction proves that status of equals is not the case. Even the public outcry has not lead to the man being held by police much less arrested. I've known men who merely walk down the street and end being harassed more by local law enforcement. I hope with all the attention that this case has gained that people realize and remember that this situation is not an exception. As one visitor from South Africa said recently: "I feel sorry for you Black men in America."

Anyway the situation reminded me of a song by Pharoahe Monch:

Another look at Kony

A friend referred me to this great article- reaction-solution-kony-2012 As much of an injustice the whole Joseph Kony situation is I have my own problem with the invisible children campaign. These center around the fact that facts are tweaked and a few logical fallacies being utilized. These are not discussed in this article but it does have some solid points about how there are even worst injustices going on in the world that are not being mentioned.

What Happen to My Sports?

Okay so the NFL (that's football for those not into sports) has had a strike between players and owners. That has basically killed their season- it's over halfway gone. I wonder if there will even be a Superbowl. Now, the NBA (Basketball) has a lockout as well. I knew there was talks but I was sure it wouldn't happen.

I'm not a major sports enthusiast. I only watch a handful of teams occasionally but sports are a nice distraction to have around. I refuse to watch hockey as I find it boring and a bit pointless and baseball even more so.

I'm just going to have to find an alternative. I guess I still have soccer matches, though I always have to cruise the Spanish stations to find a game and everyone I know knows that my Spanish can use a bit of help. Hopefully I'll be able to hold onto high-school and college games for a while though they don't provide the comfort of watching from home.

The French in the news

The French Republic has banned the use of the words "facebook" and "twitter" on television and radio unless they are being directly mentioned. They claim it acts as advertising for the sites. I find this interesting as I agree and believe the continual reference of people in media does serve as a form of support. I never thought of this concerning things especially social networks before. I know some have criticized the act as a way to lessen Western influence or just nonsense but I can see the logic in it.

Here is an article on the topic for more info: huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/03/french-ban-twitter-facebook_n_871153.html

Wait

It worries me some that people are celebrating Osama Bin Laden's death. I understand this gives a sense of release for some, some are angry after the attacks and his calls for American deaths, and some saw him as an enemy so his death as a victory.

I do see his death as a necessary step as I doubt that he would ever stop calling for the deaths of others. The celebration of a person being killed strikes me as wrong however. I have my issues with strict non-violence however I believe it is also wrong to celebrate death. This mass celebration of people dying is the same thing many of us people of the US have criticized others for before. Let's not devalue our own convictions by reveling in the blood of opponents.
This is put well in this quote, "I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that."

Friend's New Blog

My friend had an idea for an interesting chapbook a while ago. I thought it was just a joke but she has made it into an impressive reality. There is more info on it on her new blog: veryimportantpolymers.blogspot.com
Meanwhile, it seems her dog has started his own blog. I features his unique um...artwork. He's not limiting himself to working with art though. Check out his business card on the site to see his services. I am considering using his Document Management service, it is an all natural way of recycling after all. You can check it out here: snoopyhofmann.blogspot.com

Article on Homeboy Industries

Hey my first Campus Circle article, "Home Boy Industries: A Place of Healing" is being published in this week's paper. You can check it out here: campuscircle.com/review.cfm?r=12859

Ching Chong (it Means I Love You) - Single Jimmy Wong

A friend shared this with me. Since listening to her actual post I think Wallace's comments are being made into a much bigger thing than it actually was but this song is catchy and entertaining. I might even buy it off iTunes...or just listen to the Youtube version a few times.

Wow

Odd how things can give you hope or make you weep.
Many have empathy and understanding for others such as people here: kizuna311.com (site is in Japanese and English)

On the other hand this is the type of stuff that makes me ashamed to be an American
Heartless

This is Sick and Inhuman

It is a known fact that the smaller babies have a higher risk of death. Even if they avoid death this is something that can affect a person's whole life.Preemies, are much smaller than babies who come full term and are not being able to have their organs develop lending to health problems.

A shot,progesterone, has been available for about $10-$20 per injection to help mothers who are at risk prevent premature births. Now it's price has increased over 100% to $1,500 per dose. Keep in mind this is per shot, mothers will need to take several shots during and after their pregnancy. (I think a total of about 20 but I'm not an expert) Why has the price increased? The FDA has allowed KV Pharmaceuticals to gain exclusive rights to produce the drug. The company, apparently does not realize that just because you can charge high prices doesn't mean you should.

I have heard that they have plans to help low-income mothers get the drug but we all know that will not help everyone and not everyone who can't afford it will receive help. The fact that they will endanger the lives of unborn children and their mothers is just inhuman. I only hope I will not need to depend on this drug for the survival of my future children.

An article on the subject: abcnews.go.com/Health/WomensHealth/

Libya

The American news has embarrassed me again. How in the world can we keep complaining about and worrying about how the uprising in Libya is increasing the price of gas? It may be a pain and a financial burden but the people in Libya are facing danger everyday. Danger to their lives not to their pocketbooks.

Interesting note-A few years ago I actually liked Gaddafi. Yes, he was eccentric and was a dictator but being eccentric equals looking outside the box and let's face it, a dictatorship is the most efficient way to get things done when running a country.
(A dictatorship is not the most civil or best in the long term but at least you don't have bills wait around for years the way we do in U.S. politics.) The man had his own style with the safari suits and sunglasses and was against Imperialism. He has shown himself to be off his rocker however with ordering the murders of his own people.

My Childhood

Brian Jacques died on the 5th. The author of the Redwall series was a favorite author of mine when I was younger. In fact he is still a favorite, his works may have been written for children but they were timeless. It seems like a part of my childhood is gone now. He is one of the people who inspired me to write. I am thankful that I was able to enjoy the experience of reading his books.

I wish the best for his family.

Blogs

Blogging is a big part of self-expression now. Some blogs generate business, some express viewpoints, some are just like journals, and some are private- a friend of mine for instance has hers set up where you must sign in to read it so not everyone can check it out.

I didn't realize how big blogging was until recently when I was reading another blog. The viewpoint of the blogger was that bloggers should be more respected and noted. How blogs reach every kind of interest and generate pixels. Pixels generate interest and higher rankings on Google and other search engines which show the relevance of topics to citizens creating good business.

One thing though. The posting mentioned that there are more than 150 million daily active bloggers around the world.
Wow! That many daily postings. The internet must be crowded. I just post occasionally and my blog seems full to me.

Don't What?

I'm glad to see this Don't Ask Don't Tell thing has finally ended. Yes, it was signed by the Senate and the House and is waiting to be signed by the president. This will help end persecution of people who are giving their lives for their country. This is the only thing that made sense. I remember when I first heard the term "don't ask don't tell" and I though it meant that homosexuals did not have to tell if they wanted and that others weren't allowed to ask. In other words I though it was to protect these individuals who are serving their country, not alienate them.

The more this has been discussed the more I was convinced that this policy was a gross injustice that should end as quickly as possible. I do listen to more than one side of arguments but no matter what I don't see how you can have someone endanger their life for you and fire or not hire them if they are honest about themselves. In every other sector that would be um....illegal. This should not be surprising as the US military has always been behind the times with human rights- segregating black until after WW2, having Japanese American troops even as they held other Japanese American citizens in concentration camps, and still holds a reputation for exciting racial division, but sexual orientation is a private matter and never needed to be involved in the military's process.

I admit that when I was a child I would not play with the guy who hung out with the girls and acted a bit too feminine, but as you grow you put aside childish behavior. This conflict makes me wonder about the scale of homophobia in the America. How would a person being honest about their relationships, marriages or other family "create an unacceptable risk to the high standards of morale, good order and discipline, and unit cohesion that are the essence of military capability."? Really what did people think was going to happen? A soldier will find out the guy he works with likes guys and will run into enemy gunfire in order to get away?

Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt

Yes,you read the title right, Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt. "Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt" is the name of a new anime. I don't know what it's about and to be honest though I am curious I'm not sure if I want to know. More importantly-at least to me- is the fact that m-flo's Taku Takahashi produced the soundtrack for the show and the talented, Emyli sings in one of the songs.
Those interested, can check out more info here

Maybe I was Wrong

Well there is a first time for everything. As the idea of my being wrong is so shocking I suggest taking sitting down in case you faint. I'm sure you want all the facts. This concerns Antonie Dodson of the Bed intruder song fame. The first time I saw the news segment where he gave his rant I thought 'What an idiot. Why does the news bother giving him so much face time.' and seeing him as an embarrassment to the black community I quickly tried to put him out my mind.
The bad dream did not end there however, as not long afterward I found out about the song that was growing in popularity. I even found out people I considered intelligent friends were lapping up the ridiculous rhyme. I tried to not mention how stupid it was for people to light of an attempted rape as I learned like Rome that people do not like to be interrupted from their circus.
I read an article recently that has led me to change my mind-somewhat. While I usually dislike those profiting off the perceived stupidity of black people I may make an exception on the part of Mr. Dodson. He did not just enjoy the fame for two seconds but instead is selling the song on itunes and shirts to make enough profits according to the article to allow him to move his family from the project where the incident occurred while continuing his college education. Either way I do wish him and his family the best and hope the assailant is brought to justice.
Source: news.yahoo.com,blacksnob.com

Kudos Anne Rice

I just want to say I understand Anne Rice's decision. I think it is something that she decided after soul searching and thought. I like several friends have seen problems with organized religion. I think it is most regrettable that the most vocal "Christians" out there are usually also seem to be the most hateful and small-minded. I think it is also a shame that people will judge Rice without considering her point of view. I myself have not made any final determinations as far as religion goes but I understand, support, and respect Rice's decision.

FIFA Wold Cup!!!!

I watched the FIFA opening ceremonies and kick-off celebration today. Thanks Univision. It was quite something. I heard some favorite artist and found some new ones to check out. I am pretty hyped about the games. This is partly because I wasn't able to watch last year and partly because this is historic: the first games in Africa! Yes, That means I will be up tomorrow at 6am to watch the first game.

Speaking of which, I wish I could find a simple schedule to know when all the games are though. It seems there should be something online with the info. If anyone knows a website with the schedule in PST tell me. If I can't find one I guess I'll have to register on the FIFA site but I rather not make another account I'll just forget. Anyway here is a new favorite song, "Wavin' Flags" that I heard today at the Kick-off. It's one of the official songs for the 2010 World Cup.

Now wave your flag!

The More things change....

Living in America I can not help but to notice the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The daily news coverage and conversations continually bring it up. In truth I'm not angry at the company, though I know their mistake will mess up the environment. I'm merely reminded of the mantra that the more things change, the more they stay the same. People get complacent and mess up. It's a pattern of our lives. It happens on all levels; companies, regions, even the workers who are at risk. I have seen it in others and even in myself as I don't back up a computer or don't make sure I keep in touch with a friend.

The news coverage of the oil spill is also a laugh though. When it first happened there was less coverage. While I understand that as the number of gallons grows it becomes more interesting this is also unique because the solutions are getting more desperate. By desperate I really mean random and seemingly pulled out a very worn hat. We have gone from robots to chemicals to a big box and finally to throwing garbage at it! This would be hilarious if it wasn't true. It reminds me of a child who throws their project on the floor believing that it will somehow make things easier. I guess no matter how advanced we get we can't help but to just throw our hands up when things get rough.

Food Truck

No! Another food truck has closed.I never did get to try the "yaki yaki" dish from Soul Food Bento.