The Pink Elephant “Called” 911

Obama to meet with Crowley and Gates

No, I am not calling the nice lady who noticed a disturbance at a neighbor’s house a pink elephant, but it’s that pink elephant that has us all talking sparking up much debate over the last coupleweeks that has landed on the steps and into the White House.  It’s likely at the root of the Gates/Crowley story that was exclaimed by the arrestee from the start. 

“Racism,” is what according to Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates Jr., started this whole thing on the behalf of Sgt. James Crowley and eventually led to his arrest at his home.  But it wasn’t racism that prompted 911 caller Lucia Whalen to be on the alert.  She just simply saw “two large men, one of them looked kind of Hispanic, but (Whalen) not sure, and the other one entered, and (Whalen) didn’t see what he looked like at all.”

Well that was in a bit of a contrast to what Sgt. Crowley has said and put on the police report.  In fact, Crowley was said to have met with Crowley at the scene, but now it appears that didn’t happen.  In another discreptancy, it would appear that the term “black men” did not come from her at all.  Well, naturally this isn’t congruent to Sgt. Crowley’s story of the events.  But we could be well beyond that now.

The President of the United States is involved and it is unfortunate that he’s the closest one to have issued some sort of an apology in this drama.  In his own admission, Obama said he could have chose more proper words to use when speaking on the events that launched a national discussion.  But as the trio of Gates, Crowley and Obama prepare for their own private discussion over a beer at the White House, the country awaits the outcome.  Will Sgt. Crowley apologize for arresting a man trying to get into his home?  Will Gates admit that he was way out of line in his rant and racist accusations that would escalate to his arrest?  Will this open a can of worms a new can of worms as the racial divide in America is examined in our cities yet once more?

Incidents like this put everyone in a precarious position.  No one likes to be labeled a racist, and it seems an easy out to call someone racist.  It’s hard to defend yourself from an accusation.  No should never have to defend themselves of that, but then again others should never have to bear the thought that his or her race was a deciding factor in how they are approached.  It’s the ongoing dispute but the fact is, we can never know what is truly on a person’s mind. 

Not for nothin’, but let’s just hope this is happiest of happy hours for Obama, Gates, and Crowley so that we can put this pink elephant back in the closet and move on.  Because no matter how much it comes out, it’ll never go away, so closing this chapter until next is likely the best possible solution.

A Presidential Double Take?

Obama caught staring?

A picture is worth a thousand words…you have to see it to believe it…if it’s hard to believe, watch…Well if we are to take what we saw in a picture taken at the G8 conference in Italy, then I guess we have to say that President Obama was caught checking out the rear-end of a nice young lady just before a photo opportunity.  Or was he?

So we all know the stereotype that comes attached to most black men nowadays.  Thanks to Sir Mix-a-lot’s 1992 hit Baby Got Back, the notion that all black males are attracted to a nice voluptuous butt have been attached to the culture for years.  It’s not necessarily based on fiction either, many black men are attracted to a woman’s bottom, and so are a lot of other men of every race.  But, that’s nice exactly excusing President Obama, he apparently did give a quick glance at the butt of a Brazilian teen.  Should we blame him?  Many of guys have been caught staring at a woman’s back-end, particularly if it was something worth looking at.  Should we start making the comparisons to President Clinton?  Does this make him any less of a president?  Any less of a man?  Afterall, he is just that, a man.

But after further review and looking at the big picture or video and not just a snapshot, we could see what was actually going on.  As the crowd got together, including French President Sarkozy and Brazillian President Inacio Lula da Silva, to take a picture, the Brazilian beauty, a junior delegate walking up a staircase next to Obama, but at the same time the president decided to be chivalrous and help out another young lady down the same staircase.  Its just that at the time he turned to give his hand his head just happened to be turned toward the bum of the young Brazilian.  A case of mistaken picture taking.  No harm, no foul.

Not for nothin’, but I used to use the same misdirection techniques to check someone out when with another.  Does the phrase, “hey honey, don’t you have a dress just like that?” sound familiar to anyone?

And In Our Post Michael Jackson Death Coverage…

Michael Jackson's Memorial

So here we are, two weeks removed from the untimely death of one of the greatest musical acts of all time, and he is probably getting as much media attention as he would if he was still alive, seeing that his “This is it” tour was to kick off around this time.  But the “King of Pop” has passed on and so goes on life and naturally the coverage of life after Michael.  But is this coverage taking on a life of its own?  And what do we make of it?  While its easy for anyone to say that the death of one of the best music performers warrants media coverage, there is certainly a varied opinion on how it gets covered.

The first question we have to ask ourselves, “how much is too much?”  And that leads us to what’s on the mind of many of the news watchers of America, “why all the hype and the ‘Michael Jackson Death’ coverage, can we move on now!”  And in our haste to find someone to blame for no other news of the day, or the countless interruptions of the regularly scheduled programming, we find it common to blame the mass media for publicizing the death of someone more so than what many of us have seen before.  But what exactly is it that the media is reporting?

Well it was widely assumed that daytime television would get a good interruption early Tuesday afternoon as networks all over broadcast the Michael Jackson Memorial event.  But that’s not all the media has brought to us.  In the past two weeks there has been wall-to-wall coverage, commentators making light of it, tributes, and etc.  But two specific things come to mind that the media has brought to our attention.  One, the comments that Republican congressman Peter King said as far as his views on the “Michael Jackson Death” coverage.  Pervert and child molester were just two of the colorful terms King used in saying that there’s something wrong with our country when we’re “glorifying” his death.  Excuse the slanted reference, but over 90,000 foxnews.com viewers agreed with him.  But speaking of Fox News, that brings me to my second point over recent comments made by Fox News flagship program’s host, Bill O’Reilly.  O’Reilly spent a lengthy segment ripping into Jackson’s lifestyle, spending habits, children, and it would seem natural that the topic of race would be paramount for him to get into in regards to the singer, but of course it would come with the O’Reilly twist has he denounced Jackson as not being a black icon.

Not for nothin’, I don’t consider myself to be one of Michael Jackson’s biggest or most loyal fans by far, but this is the second time this week I found myself defending him and/or the “media coverage” from his death.  It’s easy to blame the media as the scapegoat in force-feeding us the “Michael Jackson Death” coverage, saying that they are just after the ratings but ratings are there for a reason people…that means that actually what people are tuning in to watch!  There is so much media and other options out there, for us to make a choice, but time after time we chooseto watch what the media is “force-feeding” us.  Tell that to Mr. King who coincidentally is feeding the “Michael Jackson Death coverage” demon that he so desires to blast, and to Mr. O’Reilly who is apparently fed up with the excessive praise.

Michael Jackson is and will likely remain the model for what any musician strives to be.  Until someone sells more records than him (which likely won’t happen) then he deserves to be what he is, the best selling musical act ever.  His concerts didn’t sell out for nothing.  He’s probably not getting enough coverage, but then again there’s nothing or no one else we can compare this event to.  It doesn’t matter what he did in the past 15 years, its all irrelevant when you look at his career, what he’s done for people, what he’s meant to so many.  His legacy goes beyond music.

No More Sarah Palin?

Sarah Palin to step down as Governor

We could only wish.  But as for ‘No More Sarah Palin’ as governor of the state of Alaska, our wish has come true.  Sarah Palin made a surprise announcement today that she will be stepping down as the governor of Alaska at the end of this month.  She made a brief statement and took no questions afterwards.  Of course no one expected this to come, as she would be up for re-election next year, but the time spent after being on the John McCain ticket as the vice-presidential nominee has been tumultuous at best and this move would also free up time as 2012 rolls around.

Sarah Palin stepped up on the national scene almost a year ago when the GOP candidate for president, John McCain, choose the first term governor of Alaska as his runningmate.  Every since then America has seen nearly day to day coverage of the darling of the Republican party.  Election day came and went, they lost the nomination, but she did not lose her limelight.  After November there was several instances of Palin-mania rearing its head, whether it was rejecting stimulus money, ethics complaints, or some personal Palin family drama.  We were even treated to more Palin when just a few days ago some new information of McCain campaign infighting show how frustrated she was back during the campaign.

So now with Palin resigning, what does that mean for her political future?  Well she says she’s doing this for the state of Alaska to avoid the “politics as usual,” because nothing is more important to her outside of her family and faith.  We all know of the talk that’s been rumored of a possible bid for president in 2012, but does this hurt her chances or increase it?  It certainly gives her room to campaign in the early primary states in 2011.  But this latest move has some worried.  What if we had elected her vice-president.  Would she have quit early in that position as well?  What if she gets elected as the nominee in 2012, are we to expect her to step down early then too? 

Not for nothin’, but a year ago, I like a million other people would have said that the chances of Sarah Palin becoming president are just as good as us getting a black president.  Crazier things have happened, I mean Bush got elected twice.  In four years if we’re saying President Palin, can’t say I didn’t warn you.

The Day The (Pop) Music Died

Michael Jackson dead at 50

In the late afternoon hours , several media outlets began to confirm that pop music icon Michael Jackson has passed away.  In the early afternoon paramedics responded to his residence in Los Angeles and found him not breathing in cardiac arrest.  He was rushed to the hospital where he would later be pronounced dead.  Michael Jackson was 50 years old. 

Widely recognized as the “King of Pop,” Jackson could arguably be the most recognized person in the world, as he has been in the public eye for most of his whole life.  Millions of people from around the world could identify with Michael Jackson, and his music has had an impact upon almost every living generation.  From the 1960s when Jackson performed with his brothers as apart of the Jackson 5 to the 2000’s where he’d collaborate with the likes of R. Kelly and Ne-Yo, and then of course what he was primarily known for back to back to back albums in the late 70s through to the late 80s when albums of Off The Wall, Thiller, and Bad were release and music records all over were shatter, his music career would become the soundtrack to the world. 

Later in his life Jackson would become known for his scandals and misfortune.  His image was threatened by mysterious public appearances, plastic surgery, and criminal allegations.  As much of a punchline he became to many he still had a fan-base around the world that could likely triple the base of any other entertainment act ever to grace a stage.  Jackson transcended so much through his music, his dancing, his words, his acts that it would not be an understatement to say the world is a better place because of him.  He preached of a change before Obama, he encompassed a musical legend to rival Elvis, he commanded more power than all of the Rat Pack, more recognizable than Tom Cruise, he meant so much to a lot of people.

Not for nothin’, but to say a person was the best there is, the best there was and the best there ever will be in their particular activity of choice is saying a lot enough to make a person an icon of the present, a legend of the past and a dream of the future.  Truly, the day when the pop music died.

Oh Maria, Maria…

Governor Sanford confesses in press conference

Or should we say, “Oh Mark, Mark…”  South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford finally came clean about his behavior over the past week.  The Governor apparently went missing for a number of days, to the point that no one knew his whereabouts.  His office would finally find some excuse, of him being on hiking excursion on the Appalachian trail, that they were forced to come up with even after they had not contact with him.  After hearing calls and pleas from the masses, from state legislators to the media, Governor Sanford, emerged back into the public eye, first at the Atlanta International Airport.  Just the next day the country learned of Sanford was up to…”Oh Maria, Maria.”

Mark Sanford admitted in a press conference that he was on a different kind of a wilderness experience.  This wilderness was much closer to the Andes mountain range rather than the Appalachian.  And this trail was probably the streets along a nice Buenos Aires neighborhood that led him to the residence of his mistress that we found out he’s in love with…”Oh Maria, Maria.”

Governor Sanford was rather open and honest during the briefing with media.  He described where he had been, the type of relationship the two have had and the impact it has had with his family.  He said that the two were familiar with one another for years, but only got intimate over the past year.  It is said that his wife was aware of the extramarital affair and that she asked him to move out in a trial separation.  It would only be hours after the press conference that we’d find out about the extent of several emails that were sent from Sanford that spoke of an “hopelessly impossible situation of love.”

Now comes to light the questions of should he resign and how were these trips to Argentina paid for?  Were they paid from Sanford’s own pocket, or was it on the tax payer’s expense.  It was uncovered that the his first trip to South America was state funded and legit, but were there any times where he provided some convenient excuse to get a free trip to see his lover?  If so, then it’s quite evident that his ability to govern is clouded.  He was one of the ones that made a big deal over President Clinton’s extramarital affairs and his ability to lead because of it.  Well by that rationale, we should do the same with him right?  Does he put a love affair over his position as governor of South Carolina?

Not for nothin’, but he was gone without a word and no contact whatsoever for almost a whole week.  Who was running the state then?

Caylee Autopsy Answers Some Questions, Leaves Others

Autopsy report of Caylee Anthony

Two significant releases in the case of slain toddler Caylee Altnthony came out Friday.  The Orange-Osceola State Attorney’s Office released the official autopsy report from the death and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee released additional forensic material.  The autopsy report that a judge ruled to have released brought to light some answers that many saw coming as far as the death of little Caylee and the manner in which the body was found.  The other report released Friday addressed the matter of what was supposedly in the trunk of Casey’s car before she was arrested.  Although they help, neither report comes as a slam dunk for the prosecution as the continue to build their case against Casey Anthony.

Since the discovery of the body in December, there have been several reports of where and how Caylee Anthony’s remains were found.  The autopsy report confirms much of that.  The remains were found with two plastic bags and another laundry bag.  Over the span that crime scene investigators spent in the wooded area, they were able to collect most of the child’s remains, save multiple small bones from the wrist, hands, fingers, and ankles.  The tales of decomposition were essentially true, including the fact about the duct tape that was found on the child’s mandible region, evidently place there before the decomposition process started.  And after all of this, they can only say that the child was indeed killed, but because they couldn’t detect any drugs in the system or see any trauma to the bones, how she was killed is still unsolved and will likely remain that way.

Something that does become a bit clearer is exactly what was in the trunk of the car, or specifically who.  The defense has been taking the side for months that a certain foul odor from the trunk of the car could possibly be explained due to decomposing pizza or a dead animal.  Something was definitely decomposing, but test show that it likely wasn’t pizza nor a dead squirrel.  Approximately 80 percent of the 51 chemicals found in a sample of the carpet were consistent with decomposition.  But was that decomposing material that of which was found in the woods less than a mile from the Anthony home?

Not for nothin’, but looks can be deceiving.  It’s not hard to try and figure out what went out and form your own opinion, but unforetunately our opinions don’t count.  As I said before, this is not a slam dunk, not a chip shot, nor is it a routine fly.  Any professional can tell you that there’s almost no easy out anywhere.  Just too many varibles to be considered.  Same applies here.  This time varibles could be the difference between a murderer going free or the life of an innocent lady in jeopardy.

NBA: Not Bad at All

Kobe Bryant and Lakers celebrate victory in NBA Finals

The National Basketball Association crowned a new champion Sunday night.  The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Orlando Magic 99 – 86, in game five of the NBA Finals, to seal the 15th championship for the franchise.  It was fun while it lasted and really made it the point to the exclamation of this year’s playoff excitement.  Throughout the last couple months, the two teams found themselves competing to get to this level, but on two separate roads.  Neither road was a cakewalk, but both proved to be interesting enough to favor them to get in the championship.

Los Angeles Lakers started off the playoffs as the league’s third best team, record-wise, but first in the Western Conference.  And of course, lets not forget the back story that led them to the Finals.  Coach Phil Jackson going after the record for most championships, Kobe Bryant going for his fourth title, but first Shaquille O’neil-less title.  A Laker team without Shaq would of course mean something because they haven’t won in the last two trips to the Finals without him.  So a win this time around for the Lakers would mean the world.  Well actually it’ll mean the world for anyone to make it to the top of the mountain, including the Orlando Magic.  The Magic earned the right to play for the title more than any other team.  In the Eastern Conference, they had the third best record behind the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics.  As it would end up, the Magic had to play both of those teams.  And play, or outplay they did.  First beating the defending champs Celtics in seven games and then beating the NBA’s best Cavaliers in six. 

So there we had the two teams in the NBA Finals, going at it to decide who will be the last team standing.  Well as a citizen of one of the hometown’s of the teams involved, I would have to say I wasn’t as “third-party observer” as a journalist should be.  So admitting my allegiance to the Magic, I’d have to say game one was not that exciting, as the Magic saw the Lakers coast to a 25-point victory.  Game two gave us hope, a failed last second shot sent the game into overtime and the Lakers would eventually take a 2-1 lead in the series.  For game three they moved to Orlando and the Magic would take their first and only victory.  Things started to look up, especially when the Magic had a five-point lead  with seconds to go in game four.  But it would take some incredible missteps and luck for the Lakers to win that one, and they did.  Any hope that Orlando had was taken away by a 2nd quarter run by the Lakers in game five.  The Lakers celebrated the victory.

Not for nothin’, but no football and no more basketball, what am I suppose to watch on TV now?  America’s Got Talent?  Big Brother?  C’mon…

Who Killed Bill?

David Carradine killed

Actor David Carradine was found dead in a hotel in Tailand last Wednesday.  His death has yet to be fully explained but many believe it to be accidental, some others say it was suicide, but there is still that claim out there that says it could have been murder.  In any event the manner in which the actor’s death happened came at a shocking surprise to many.  Bangkok authorities say he was found hanging in a hotel room closet with his wrist bound with rope wearing fishnet stockings.  While the family of Carradine insist that there is no way he could have committed suicide, police say that there were no other people present in the hotel room so an accidental death from a sex act appears to be the most likely theory.

That still doesn’t sit well with a select few.  A select few such as Carradine family lawyer Mark Geragos.  He’s leading the charge that is under the assumption that it was possible that Carradine could have been assassinated by a secret underworld kung-fu society that he was investigating in an attempt to expose.  Yeah, that may sound a little far fetched but it was no secret that Carradine had an unusual interest in Chinese culture and philosophy. 

We all know that David Carradine landed among his first major starring roles as Kwai Chang Caine in the hit television series of the 1970’s, Kung Fu.  It was that role that probably started his interest in the martial arts culture.  The rest is history as he became an icon in martial arts landing various similar roles where he’d have the opportunity to display his knowledge and kills in the martial arts in such movies as Lone Wolf McQuade, a few more television movies of Kung Fu the series and the Kill Bill series. 

Not for nothin’, but all of the above is evidence that he did have an interest in the culture.  That same interest led him to land a successful career in the entertainment industry.  Well it also could have been that same interest that could have led to his demise.  But let’s be real, speaking of interest, there was an interest the actor had in unique sexual behavior, which brings it back around to an accidental death.

Kumar Goes To White House

"Kumar" goes to White House

Not exactly the latest installment of the Herald and Kumar series, but could be just as a comical misadventure by one of the film’s co-stars.  Actor Kal Penn, who is probably best known as one half of the fictional comedic duo from the film Herald and Kumar Go To White Castle and its sequel, has a new job with the government.  Penn will now be working in the Obama administration as the associate director of the White House Office of Public Liaison.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Penn addressed his leaving his showbiz career for a career in politics.  As the associate director of the White House Office of Public Liaison, he will help with outreach to the American public and various other organizations.  Penn, who was also instrumental during the Obama campaign for president, held similar responsibilities for Obama.  In the interview he told the publication of his new status, “the opportunity to serve in a capacity like this is an incredible honor.”

Kal Penn has had quite a productive career as an actor in Hollywood, particularly with the afore mention Herald and Kumar series and he has also found success as of late as Dr. Lawrence Kutner in Fox’s hit series House. 

Not for nothin’, but with the hiring of “Kumar” to a White House staff job, it would seem that just anyone could get a job with the Obama administration.  Well, that’s not exactly the case.  If anyone put the work in and paid their dues, it would be Kal Penn.  But trust me, if anyone could get in the administration, I’d been there already.

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