Eccentric Erykah

Don't know what to make of Erykah Badu's Window Seat video that is generating attention for its allusion to the assassination of John F. Kennedy and the singer revealing his nakedness in the closing scenes of the piece. Badu apparently aspires to make a profound statement against group think and how it assassinates individuality but it is hard to view this exercise as nothing more than self-indulgence and tastelessness.

Onward Christian Warriors

About ten members of this militia were arrested by the FBI for conspiracy to kill policemen in an effort to foment violence against the federal government. This is yet another reminder of the threat posed by domestic terrorism, represented by folks who haven't quite come to the terms with the results of the 2008 presidential election and the frightening sense of privilege conferred by the color of one's skin growing increasingly tenuous.

Meltdown

The inaptly named Jim Playfair (that's the gentleman's name), Abbotsford Heat head coach of the American Hockey League, brings new meaning to the expression "going ballistic" and, as a result, in the era of the 24-hour news cycle will garner far more attention for his anger management issues as opposed to his coaching ability. Mr. Playfair's intemperance was provoked by a 5-minute charging call and game misconduct assessed against one of his players. For this spectacular display of misguided passion, the League fined Mr. Playfair an undisclosed amount of money.

Armageddon

At the conclusion of this mindless rant about health care reform, Rep. John Boehnner, the Republican leader in the House of Representatives, was admonished to remember the dignity of the House. Too late, that cow already left the barn and with it any semblance of civil discourse.

Arenas Escapes Jail Time

Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas lucked out today, being sentenced to 2 years probation, 30 days in a halfway house, 400 hours of community service, and a $5,000 contribution to a victim's fund.

The Myths Will Persist

Brendan Nyhan, political scientist and health policy researcher, in a New York Times op-ed makes some interesting points about the interminable debate about health care reform and the inability to achieve consensus:

Studies have shown that people tend to seek out information that is consistent with their views; think of liberal fans of MSNBC and conservative devotees of Fox News. Liberals and conservatives also tend to process the information that they receive with a bias toward their pre-existing opinions, accepting claims that are consistent with their point of view and rejecting those that are not. As a result, information that contradicts their prior attitudes or beliefs is often disregarded, especially if those beliefs are strongly held.

The Recommendation

Federal prosecutors are recommending that Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas serve 3 months behind bars for carrying four unloaded guns into the team's locker room. What is most damning about this situation is that Arenas went to extreme lengths in trying to cover-up the situation and misled the investigation.

Blatche Sits

After the Washington Wizards decided to clean house by trading Brendan Hayward, Caron Butler, Antawn Jamison, and DeShawn Stevenson, forward Andray Blatche became the team's most consistent player, averaging 23.2 points and 9.4 rebounds per game. Last night Blatche, in a game against the Charlotte Hornets, was benched after 7 minutes, 31 seconds by Coach Flip Saunders for failure to get back on defense. Blatche, who is known for his immaturity and lack of a work ethic, unilaterally decided that he had had it for night and refused to reenter the game. If the Wizards organization has any substance and credibility, it would immediately suspend Blatche for the remainder of the season for insubordination.

Robert Culp 1930 - 2010

Actor Robert Culp, who apparently died of a heart attack, was widely known for starring in the ground breaking television series I Spy, where he teamed up with then stand up comic Bill Cosby.

Obama's Victory

With the passage of the health care bill, something that eluded many of predecessors for nearly a century, Obama displayed a toughness, resolve, and determination that belie his air of detachment and professorial cool.

Limbaugh's Promise

Rush Limbaugh is a pusshead fraud because he makes promises that he doesn't keep. During the debate over health care reform, he declared:

"I don't know. I'll just tell you this, if this passes and it's five years from now and all that stuff gets implemented — I am leaving the country. I'll go to Costa Rica."

With the passage of bill Sunday by the House of Representatives and President Obama's signing today in the White House, Limbaugh's fat ass should be on an aircraft bound for Costa Rica.

Tiger's Interview

This is the text of Tiger Woods' interview with ESPN. And what is clear is that the control freak is resolute as ever in claiming that his transgressions are strictly a matter between he and his wife. It is curious that, despite being in therapy, he has never uttered the words "sexual addiction."

Back to the Future

Members of the Congressional Black Caucus were once again reminded that race isn't that far from the surface regardless of the issue as opponents of health care reform, exercising their 1st amendment rights, greeted them with racial epithets - the dreaded nigger - and even spat on at least one member of the group. Perhaps the notion of a post-racial America is somewhat premature, at least in some places.

Obama's Moment of Truth

Obama has staked his presidency on final passage of the Health Care Reform Bill. Whether the Democratic majorities in both houses of congress will rise to the challenge and make it happen, frankly, remains to be seen. A victory will galvanize an administration in dealing with other thorny issues; a defeat would be a crippling blow to its effectiveness. What is clear is that the Republicans remain resolute and unshakably united in their opposition and, as such, making appeals for bipartisanship are exercises in futility.

Anniversary

Today March 19th marks the 7th anniversary of the United States invasion of Iraq under the pretext that the dictator Saddam Hussein possessed weapons of mass destruction. Dubbed "shock and awe", the invasion's proponents foresaw a quick campaign in reaching its objectives. After 4,386 deaths of military personnel (not to mention the incalculable number of Iraqis) and the expenditure of $712 billion, we now know that this was anything but a cakewalk. The question is, was the sacrifice in US lives and treasury worth it?

Spring

Spring is traditionally viewed as the season of hope and renewal. But it is Betty Carter's reading of the Fran Landesman-Tommy Wolf jazz standard Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most (1955) that captures the often melancholic, poignant nature of the season.

Edwards' Soulmate

John Edwards always struck me as too slick by half. And going head to head with Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton in the contest for the Democratic presidential nomination, he sounded the right themes but something seemed to be lacking at his core. With the stellar investigative reporting of the National Enquirer (what an oxymoron!), we now know that Edwards was the consummate fraud who cavorted with and impregnated a woman of dubious emotional stability (what's up with posing sexually provocatively with stuffed animals?). All I can say for Edwards is that I hope he derived satisfaction from leading with his little head.

Tiger Returns

Tiger Woods announced that he will return to competitive golf in April in Augusta, Georgia at the Masters. This should not surprise anyone. Perhaps the one thing that surpasses his apparent obsession for bedding assorted 'hos and bimbos is the pursuit of Jack Nicklaus's hallowed record of 18 victories in majors. Augusta is not only a course where Woods has a history of success but more importantly it provides a controlled environment that will shield him from paparazzi and the tabloid and celebrity press. A perfect situation for a control freak trying to resurrect his tarnished image.

Beck Overreaches

The simpleton Glenn Beck urges Christians to abandon their churches if they hear the words "social justice" or economic justice" - terms he regards as code words for Communism and Nazism. "Am I advising people to leave their church? Yes! If I am going to Jeremiah Wright's church," this numbnut said. "If I have a priest that is pushing social justice, go find another parish. Go alert your bishop." Beck's little proclamation has aroused opposition from Protestants, Roman Catholics, black congregations, Hispanic congregations, and evangelicals.

A Forgotten Trailblazer

Juanita W. Goggins was a civil rights trailblazer, having been the first black woman elected to the South Carolina legislature in 1974. Ms. Goggins, 75, was found frozen to death by police in her home several weeks ago.

The Changing Face of Islamic Terrorism

News that Colleen Renee LaRose, a blonde-haired, blue-eyed white woman, has been held in U.S. custody since last October on grounds that she provided support to terrorists and conspired to launch attacks represents a disturbing development in the ongoing threat of Islamic terrorism. Profiling as an effective tactic just got undermined.

Inquiring Minds

That the National Enquirer is even mentioned in the same sentence with the Pulitzer Prize, much less under serious consideration, for its investigative reporting of the John Edwards sex scandal is further testament to the tabloidization of the mainstream media.

Get Well, Phoebe

I haven't seen any reports in the general media but singer Phoebe Snow suffered a stroke in January and subsequently underwent brain surgery. According to a statement posted on her website, Phoebe's doctors are optimistic about her recovery:

Phoebe Announcement, February 28, 2010:

On Jan. 19 Phoebe had a hemorrhagic stroke. She had emergency brain surgery that saved her life. She is out of ICU and in intermediate care. Recovery from a stroke is a long process, but her outlook is good. Doctors are very hopeful. She just finished recording two new songs and was ready to start touring on March 23rd. That is simply on hold until she's ready. PLEASE GO TO REAL PHOEBE SNOW on Facebook for continued updates. You may send emails to her at: phoebe12@sbcglobal.net. I read them to her constantly. We are grateful for all your prayers.

Thank you--
Sue Cameron
Phoebe's Manager

The Pathetic Marion Barry

The District of Columbia City Council censured former mayor and Ward 8 councilman Marion Barry in a 12 - 0 vote for among other things public corruption. Barry, who is drawn to scandal like a moth to a flame, cast an uncustomary pathetic tone as he pled to his colleagues for compassion, understanding, and forgiveness. This is a pathetic development in a 40 year career of public service, in which the misdeeds unfortunately overshadow positive contributions.

Sorry Charlie

New York Congressman Charlie Rangel decided to temporarily step down from chairmanship of the powerful House Ways and Means committee amid findings by the House ethics committee that he had accepted corporate-sponsored trips to the Caribbean. The back story is that Rangel's move was prompted by the withdrawal of support by his House Democratic colleagues and that relinquishment of the chairmanship is, in all likelihood, permanent.

O.J.'s Suit

The Smithsonian has wisely rejected the offer of the tan suit O.J. Simpson wore when acquitted in the 1995 murder trial of the century. Only Simpson and his equally delusional enablers could believe such a gesture deserving of an exhibit.

Numbers

Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James has declared his intention of relinquishing jersey number 23 in homage to Michael Jordan. James, whose modest ambition is to follow in MJ's footsteps by becoming a worldwide icon, will revert to number 6, which he wore as a high school star in Ohio. James' move is further evidence of how ignorant present day athletes are of their game's history and traditions for number 6 was worn by two equally legendary figures: Julius Erving and Bill Russell, who won two NCAA championships, an Olympic gold medal, and an unprecedented 11 world championships with the Boston Celtics.

The Owner MJ

Michael Jordan's stints as NBA executive with the Washington Wizards and the Charlotte Bobcats were less than overwhelming, so there is nothing in recent history that suggests he will fare any better as the principal owner of the Charlotte Bobcats. It is said of Jordan that the singleness of purpose and focus that so characterized him as a player are qualities noticeably absent from his front office roles.

Tough Shit Bunning

Republican Senator Jim Bunning, who single-handedly blocked funding legislation for extension of unemployment benefits and transportation projects, has agreed to end his one-man filibuster. Bunning's actions as well as attitude - he callously dismissed a colleague's concerns about the negative impact as "tough shit" -has not endeared him to the public or senators on both sides of the aisle. That said, Bunning is not totally to blame because the United States Senate arcane rules, under the conceit of being a great deliberative body, make it possible for one individual to stymie legislation and thwart the will of the majority.