Lawsuits Against Bloggers Seen Rising

If bloggers aren't really journalists, I can see how this could be a problem. Some stories don't have any credibility so if they are posted without consideration, I can conceive someone filing a lawsuit. But if this becomes frequent...then free speech may be under attack. I do wonder how some of the gossip blogs escape the fate of the National Enquirer. Although, today's celebrity likes the limelight so they don't seem to care as much about made up stuff as the celebrities of yesteryear.

The blogging community increasingly is subject to lawsuits and threats of legal action running the gamut from subpoenas to cease-and-desist notices. Bloggers faced with legal threats often deem it easier to remove potentially offensive content rather than undertake the difficulty and expense of defending themselves

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Anderson Silva Houses James Irvin in Round 1

I love MMA, specifically the UFC -- I've mentioned that before. When I find adequate video, I'll post the Silva-Irvin fight. I saw James Irvin destroy Houston Alexander so I thought this one might have some length to it, but no. Spiker knocked the crap outta the Sandman and he was on the mat in no time. Right now I'd rank Anderson Silva behind only Albert Pujols and Tiger Woods as my favorite athletes who are currently dominating their sport. I like him more every time I watch him fight. He is awesome.

Random Spin: Van Hunt -- Down Here in Hell

Dude doesn't even have a record deal now. There's an injustice to that.

Random Spin: Van Halen -- Hot for Teacher

This is one of my favorite videos of all time. The 80's were awesome. So politically incorrect. Who knew that the teachers would eventually start really being like this with their kids just 20 years later.

The New Batman

My nephew, from the birthday post on the 17th, called me at 2 a.m. to tell me how great Heath Ledger is in the new Batman movie. That is both good and sad news. But, for those of you who like word of mouth, there you have it.

Digg: 'Two oil men' to blame for high gas prices, Pelosi says

File this under no shit...

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi Thursday blamed the "two oil men in the White House," President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney, and their Republican allies in Congress for gas prices exceeding $4 a gallon.

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Remember When: Prince -- Automatic

Since I'm feeling all Prince-ish -- this was another one of my jams. In this video, you can see that Prince is rocking some pretty high heels. I wonder if his arches are bad now...

Remember When: Prince -- Anotherloverholeinyohead

This was my joint!

Happy Birthday, Jeremy!

Today is my nephew's 24th birthday. It's terrifying because I remember going to the hospital to see him. Actually, I remember annoying the crap out of my mom because I kept making her drive me back and forth to the hospital -- I had no idea it could take ALL DAY. I didn't have my license and you know how teenagers get bored very quickly. Finally, he was born at some point in the evening and I went to see him the next day. Yeah, my mother eventually told me to just wait at home. Ahh, and that was twenty four years ago. Damn. He's really getting up there :)

McCain: Another Faux-Pro Education President?

I'm no fan of Senator McCain and this article is just one example why. I think he's a flip-flopper. Yeah, I know, that's their term for Kerry, but McCain really is. In 2000 he was too liberal for the Republicans to stand behind and now he's their man. Personally, after what Karl Rove did to him in South Carolina eight years ago, I never understood how he could befriend George W. Bush after that. It really is time for a change and this old dude ain't it!

Project Runway is Back!

This look won. And when you consider it's made out of grocery store items, it is impressive.

I thought this one was the best, but I'm no Nina Garcia.

I thought this one was the worst! But he stayed.

And this is a wild bunch. Two Columbus, OH contestants so I'm rooting for them. However, as KNM and I noted last night, this group has a LOT of personal style. Many of them have signature looks that are quite entertaining. Should be a good season!

Rihanna -- Take a Bow

I really like this song. Why am I embarrassed to admit it?

Theme for the Day: Public Enemy -- Shut 'Em Down

This song always hits the spot.

Digg: Jim Rogers Calls Fannie Plan - "unmitigated disaster''

Where is the punishment for the predatory lenders who were the primary catalyst of all of this? When you apply for a loan, all of your financial information is on display and quite clear. The lender knows whether or not you can pay the mortgage but many people got approved anyway. And again, it just looks like nobody will get punished for creating such havoc. Another calling card of this administration.

The U.S. Treasury Department's plan to shore up Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac is an ``unmitigated disaster'' and the largest U.S. mortgage lenders are ``basically insolvent,'' according to investor Jim Rogers. Goldman Sachs says shares my fall another 30%

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Digg: Bud's New World

As a St. Louisan, I think this sucks.

Having just created the world's largest brewer, InBev and Anheuser-Busch now say they are going to turn Budweiser beer into a name that is recognized from the United States to Europe to Asia.

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What I'm Listening To: Fugees -- Ready or Not

The Fugees niced my Sunday. I started with gospel but now that I'm into the evening, I'm feeling a little like a head nod.

Have a Feel Good Week

The Gorillaz and justjudith wish you a prosperous and phenomenal week!

All Must Be Well in the World...

At least my part of the world must be okay because I started a screenplay today and it is good. Ah, my mojo is back! Cool.

bonus thoughts:

Seriously, I'm so over Jesse Jackson and his nut-cuttin' ways. I truly hope this is the dawn of some new voices in the Black community. For real -- what kind of reverend talks like that whether the mic is live or not?

Yeah...

Still chillin'. Went to the Short North today. Very cute. In StL -- it's called the Central West End. Short North is bigger and has more traffic I think but it's a lot like CWE.

I still love Columbus, in case anybody was wondering.

Maybe It's the Heat...

I haven't felt much like blogging. And it's not all that hot so that's no excuse -- just the summer doldrums, I guess. Sometimes blogging seems like work. And when that happens, I usually take a break. I'll be back soon with some new ideas. I did read that Michael Vick is filing bankruptcy. Sports radio ripped him for that yesterday. But let's be real, Mr. Vick has spent a large amount of money on attorneys -- that had to be a significant chunk of change right there. And we already know some of his investments weren't great ideas. Everybody isn't good with money...and I bet most of us would to see for ourselves what 70 million dollars is like. Me -- I'd make a buncha movies.

Happy July -- Blogging Break

Hola. I am taking a much needed blogging break. This weekend I'm going to StL -- for the holiday and not a funeral. Hoorah!

Last night I watched The Matrix -- the good one. It is so much better than the other two; rewatch it and you'll remember how awesome it was. Plus, the main theme about your life being a reflection of what you believe is so true. So, as Independence Day approaches, make sure you free your mind.

Be safe!

U.S. is stepping up operations in Iran

I was afraid that this might happen. There will be no public or international support for this so let's hope that is enough to deter it. I honestly don't see how invading Iran helps matters.

In Rotation: Branford Marsalis Quartet -- Requiem

This is Kenny Kirkland's last recording. 'Nough said...

Suvivorman

Wow. Has anybody ever caught this show? Why is this dude putting himself in these situations? I know he says it's to show us how to survive (though he didn't mention it nearly as much as Bear Grylls does during one of his shows), but why? Plus this guy has to work his own cameras and he complains about it, lol. I was like -- GO HOME! I don't get it -- is this what entertainment has come to?

Is Ralph Nader Relevant?

Nader is in the news for saying Senator Obama is "acting white" and utilizing white guilt. Mmkay. Is this dude relevant? Sounds like a guy who wants some press taking aim at the biggest target. Stop giving him headlines and maybe he'll go away. I'm not saying his political beliefs aren't valid, but he's not going to win. So if you're not helping, you're hurting the process. Use your powers for good or bounce.

Uncle L Nices Our Friday

Phenomenon -- I love this one. And Paul Hunter directed some of my favorite videos.



Hey Lover -- this was a great blend of r&b and hip hop.



Loungin' Remix -- this one was one of my faves!




Doin' It -- there's a Grace Jones sample underneath that makes this one an instant classic. The lyrics are crazy dirty for 1996.

Time Magazine: Are the floods man-made?

Nothing is shocking really. So, it's not a huge stretch to think something we've done has created all of this flooding. Just look at New Orleans.

Maxwell @ the BET Awards

I was almost asleep when my phone kept blowing up Tuesday night. My friends and family know I love Maxwell and he was on the BET Awards. It was cool to see him, but I'm ready for the new cd. The one that was supposed to come out LAST year. So, while I enjoyed his performance, I am looking for the new joint to hit the stores!

Senator Obama Asks His Supporters to Help Senator Clinton Out

Today's hhmm moment goes to: Helping Hillary Clinton with her debt. I suppose it's the gracious thing to do, but she saw the writing on the wall and kept loaning herself money. You're telling me the Clintons can't raise $22 million?

Hell's Kitchen

I'm not convinced any of these people can cook. Top Chef makes this group look like fry cooks at Burger King. But, I found out Christina is from Maplewood -- which is a suburb of St. Louis. It also houses one of my favorite restaurants, Schlafly Bottleworks. It is the only restaurant I went to when I was in St. Louis the last time. It's so yummy. So, good luck, Christina!

Gas Prices

I believe gas prices are artificially inflated to create profits for this administration's oil buddies. It's not inconceivable. Enron created phony energy crises in California to increase its profits. Anyway, something needs to give, gas is ridiculously high!

In Memoriam: George Carlin

George Carlin died yesterday, continuing 2008's streak of untimely deaths. I always enjoyed his comedy but I never went out of my way to find it. However, I always laughed when he was a guest on a show or on his HBO specials. He was a comedy icon.

New Week, New Life

Here's some good music to nice your new week:

Soul II Soul -- Back to Life.

Cardinals Beating Up BoSox

I love that the Cards have whupped up on the BoSox (without Pujols, btw) and landed right behind the cubs this morning on SportsCenter. Jim Edmonds, who was always awesome in Wrigley, is on fire. I suspect an injury will slow him down though. If he was ship-shape, he'd still be a Redbird.

GO CARDS!

Friday Joint: Raphael Saadiq & D'Angelo -- Be Here

I'm sad the Cardinals got swept by the Royals but I'm glad it's Friday.

I love this one!

R. Kelly Is Not Guilty...

Tom Joyner clearly doesn't agree with the verdict. A six year delay and a relatively quick trial and R. Kelly is seemingly unscathed. Are we looking at Michael Jackson pt. 2 or was he really being set up? Time will tell. I personally think he has a history of this behavior and it probably hasn't stopped. I could be wrong, but I don't think I am. I want to be way wrong because grown men having sexual relationships with little girls is petrifying. No girl is ready to deal with a grown man. Her brain isn't even fully functional at 15 -- but, I suppose men who pursue girls aren't interested in how immature their brains are...

DVD: The Corporation

This one will blow your mind. It's about the origins of the corporation and how they've come to dominate everything in America. Like anything else, when moderation goes, so does justice. Crazy.

DVD: Any Given Sunday

I watched this on basic cable last night. I love this movie. It is my favorite professional sports movie after Jerry Maguire. And I believed Jamie Foxx would be a star after this film. I didn't know about the Oscar part but I knew he could act.

Congrats, KG

I was so happy for Kevin Garnett when he got out of Minnesota. He seems like one of the NBA's good guys and I'm really happy for him to go from never winning anything to the championship. I'm no Celtic fan but it's hard for me to root against KG, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce. Congrats!!!!!

DVD: Love and Basketball

I just caught this on HBO and I still love it. I think Sanaa Lathan is one of the best actresses out there and I hope she keeps working! Where'd Gina Prince-Bythewood go? I should IMDB her but Thembi or Invisible Woman will tell me, I'm sure :)




In the scene where Monica plays Quincy for his love, Fool of Me by Me'Shell N'Degocello plays underneath. That song is from the Bitter cd which I found to be the perfect soundtrack for a break up or a loss. It's a sophisticated work that seemed to go underappreciated so I was elated to hear it in one of my favorite movies. And I was just as elated almost ten years later. Gotta go fish that one out!

Ted Washington and Puna Press

My cousin,Ted Washington, is a really phenomenal artist. Check out some of his work. And if you're so inspired, go ahead buy some.

The New Joint pt II

My new blog is expanding beyond insurance. There's some interesting discussion going on over there, too!

Random Spin: Shalamar -- Second Time Around

Used to skate to this one ;) Jody Watley and Jeffrey Daniel are really working those choreographed moves lol.

TV: Weeds

The weather here yesterday was perfect -- I sat out on a patio after work for about four hours. I then got home in time to watch the new season of Weeds. Hhmm...with all of this "moving" it just looks like all of the characters I liked are gone. Heylia and Conrad were hilarious -- will they not be on the show anymore now that the Botwins have relocated?

Geoffrey Holder: 7UP

Wow, referencing Mr. Holder's commercials in a previous post made me search for him on YouTube. Dude made a TON of 7UP commercials. It used to be my favorite pop as a kid. A bottle of 7UP would make my day!

Katt Williams: Michael Jackson

I know I was late to the Katt Williams phenomenon, but he finally has made me laugh. I think it's his honesty that has struck a chord with me. The language is rough...so put some headphones on, but if you haven't seen this clip, you gotta watch it.

Still Great: Undercover Black Man's Blog

Check out the Undercover Black Man's blog. I am almost too busy to post so reading has been difficult lately. But after some time away, I headed over to his blog and it's still fresh and insightful. To quote Geoffrey Holder's 7Up commercials -- refreshing!

Happy Father's Day

I hope it's a wonderful day for everyone. Celebrate your father if you have one and honor his memory if he is no longer with us. And in some cases, if he never was there -- celebrate the person that filled in for him. I don't know about you, but I need a day of joy...


Happy Father's Day!!!