And the little man said, "You will all die." So God sent a group of elderly gay men and women on a bus. And suddenly God was filled with a great happiness, for the little angry man had finally voiced the one certainty in life, the one certainty that life will eventually end, the one certainty that all men and women will inevitably face. And God wished in all His heart that the little man would understand that life was meant to be lived, that life was meant to be celebrated.
And then the little man said, "God hates all of you."
So God replied, "Fuck off, asshole," and sent the cops to take the little man away.
I still haven't really thought about the recent Supreme Court rulings on Affirmative Action. But J. at Silver Rights pretty much sums up my thoughts on the entire issue:
I don't believe really significant change in race relations, particularly in regard to African-Americans and Indians, can occur without confronting the vestiges of slavery and genocide. Limited reforms can be achieved by focusing on diversity in education and employment. However, half and sometimes more of those populations are not even in a position to take advantage of admission to a good college or to apply for a job that requires competitive skills. By looking away from the realities of race and American history, the courts, and society, look away from remedying the contemporary effects of that history.
And as far as the Texas Sodomy ruling, I'm still collecting my thoughts on those Black idiots perpretrating the ex-gay ideology.
There's a fat girl in all of us.
[ from karsh, a new link on my soon-to-be-updated bloglist ]
Our friends at MacRumors update with an unconfirmed timeframe for the future of the new Mac platform. Summary: G5 PowerBooks by Feb 2004; G5 xServes by the end of 2003; G5 iMacs by July 2004 and 20-25GHz PPC 9900s by 2008.
Not really.
Just don't have the time, nor the motivation to really update here for the time being. Which is crazy considering some of my recent doings.
Back ???
Anti-gay incident at Morehouse leads to arrests
Two Morehouse College students were arrested June 23 following an alleged anti-gay incident in front of the school’s cafeteria.
Justin Dolly, 20, and Juan Smith, 22, were both charged with disorderly conduct, according to campus police reports. Smith, who is gay, was also charged with making terroristic threats.
The incident comes on the heels of Georgia’s first hate crimes trial, in which former Morehouse student Aaron Price was accused of beating a classmate he perceived to be gay with a baseball bat.
Price was convicted of aggravated assault and aggravated battery June 11, but a Fulton County Superior Court jury ruled the attack was not motivated by anti-gay bias.
[ ... ]
“As [Smith and his friend] passed by them, the boys began to jeer and jester towards them, stating things like, ‘Oh my God, that dude’s gay!’ and ‘faggot’ and ‘fruit ass nigger,’” Morehouse Lt. Dovetta Davidson wrote in the report. “[Smith] became very angry and upset as he walked over to [where] the group of young men were standing, stating, ‘What the fuck did you say?’”
In an interview, Dolly acknowledged laughing as his friends mocked Smith, but said Smith responded by pulling a gun from the bag he was carrying and threatening Dolly with it.
The subtle sizzle in the steak ad
Short question: Are America's power-purchasing sports viewers prepared to accept a gay former athlete as a product pitchman?
Shorter answer: You bet. Just as long as they don't know it.
Since retiring as an athlete, Esera Tuaolo has begun to live his life.
This is the case of Esera Tuaolo, Hawaii native, erstwhile Oregon State star, NFL lineman who spent nine perfectly fine but otherwise unmemorable seasons with Green Bay, Minnesota, Atlanta, Jacksonville and Carolina.
He retired in 1999 and, in 2002, became briefly a recognizable name on the national sports scene when he publicly acknowledged his homosexuality and attempted to explain the emotional burden, at times nearly unbearable, of keeping that fact hidden during his tenure in largely homophobic locker rooms across America. (You may remember this story if for no other reason than that it prompted San Francisco running back Garrison Hearst to say, "Aww, hell no! I don't want any f------ on my team," when asked about gays in the sport.)
Much more at the above link. I don't follow football as much as I use to and I don't know Tuaolo. Nor do I care how straight people will respond to gay pitchmen.
Donald has a new fotolog. I like his entry for the 4th of July:
The land of the free? The home of the brave? Well, nothing beats a set of pretty lights ...
Story of the Day Week:
SHOCKED six-year-old Leah Lowland checked out a mystery bulge on her Incredible Hulk doll — and uncovered a giant green WILLY.
[ from Rob McNair-Huff's Mac Net Journal comes this somewhat sad note from Wired.com ] :
Macworld's Last Tango in New York
Without a "oh, and one more thing" product introduction from CEO Steve Jobs or festivities like last year's Soho Apple store opening, it's safe to assume that this week's show -- the last Macworld scheduled to be held in New York City -- will be a low-key event.
A pretty small presence and a lack of hardware announcements isn't the right way to leave New York. I'm especially upset because I won't attend this year and thus, will never attend a New York MacWorld.
This would be a great idea to implement for the future:
"The best move for them would be to drop the 'Macworld' and make it a show for all digital artists, no matter what operating system they use," suggested Marty Cunnings, a Manhattan-based graphic artist.
Don't expect it to happen, unfortunately.
*** Please make a donation to Rob, or at least click-through some of the ads on his site. He provides a free, valuable resource for us MacHeads.
[ From Rashunda Tramble, a much neglected (on my part) link, comes sad news ] :
Compay Segundo: 1907-2003
Sr. Segundo was a class act and I am upset that I can't find my DVD of the Buena Vista Social Club. Once I get a few ducats I'll have to buy another copy.
George Kelly, the Blogger from another planet has some new digs.
I likes. (despite the fact that it took me till this evening to blog about it. i'm slow like that)
Michael Consentino, a great Brooklyn photographer has created a new site dedicated to his photography.
"It's just sad, you know. She was such a beautiful spirit. It's just a loss to the world."
Yusef Komunyakaa, my favorite living American poet, lost his wife and son as a result of murder-suicide. I'm shocked beyond words.
[ via George Kelly at allaboutgeorge.com ]
The 2003 New York International Latino Film Festival begins today. Not sure if I'll have time to check anything out though.
Life on Christopher Street looks interesting:
Maintaining the aggressive hyper masculine image and attitude of Hip Hop, young gay black and Latino "homo thugs" have created their own culture on New York City's Christopher Street, the most popular gay strip in the world. "Life on Christopher St." takes us into the world of gay rappers, "Blood" gang members, pimps and hustlers as they struggle, against all odds, to make their way in life and maintain their dignity as young gay men.
[28 min/ Documentary/Digital. Directed By: Maria Clara]
As does Every Child Is a Born Poet: the Life & Work of Piri Thomas:
A genre-spanning production, "Every Child Is a Born Poet" interweaves live-action spoken word poetry, stylized dramatizations and mixed-media artwork in its exploration of the life and work of Piri Thomas, the 74 year old Afro-Cuban Puerto Rican author of the classic autobiographical novel "Down These Mean Streets."
[58 min/ Documentary/16mm & Digital Video Color and B&W. Directed By: Jonathan Meyer Robinson]
noodle magazine finally has the intriguing article Green Tea & Brown Sugar online:
On an uncharacteristically sunny November day in San Francisco, I had Sunday brunch with a happy gay couple, Danny and Scott, and chuckled over the story of how they became an item. It was a random encounter. In April, 1995, they both happened to be at the corner of Polk and California, where the famous cable cars turn around, and spotted each other. As Danny strolled past Scott, he remembered a tip from a how-to book, The Official Gay Manual—after the initial glance, count from one to three and look back. Scott’s eyes met Danny’s, which according to the book, signaled attraction. After chatting for about an hour on the street, the two exchanged numbers, and the rest led up to the two sharing a meal with me at Delancey Street restaurant, eight years later. +++
I talked to the writer and mentioned the article in April.
Newsday.com: Two Shot Inside City Hall
At least two people were shot inside the City Council's chambers in City Hall at about 2 p.m. today and police have shut down parts of Lower Manhattan as they hunt for possible accomplices to the male shooter, a witness said.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who was inside City Hall when the gunfire erupted, was not hurt, officials said.
The extent of the shooting vicitms' injuries was not immediately known. One police officer at the scene said there were reports of two cops hurt; another report said Councilman James Davis was injured and taken to a nearby hospital. +++
The local all-news channel, NY1 had Councilman (and Mayoral aspirant) Charles Barron on air within a half an hour. Barron believes Davis may have introduced the gunman to him as a former political foe that was "now working with [him]..." He thought the gunman was shot by NYPD officers or internal security personnel, but a taped briefing by Mayor Michael Bloomberg indicates the gunman is at-large as the police have secured the area, shut down several subway lines and preparing to release a sketch of the gunman.
I expect questions about security measures post-Giuliani will increase exponentially. I wouldn't be surprised, if what Barron says is true, that the shooter entered City Hall through a less vigorous security screening with Councilman Davis.
James Davis, a former NYPD officer, and a member of the Fresh Democracy Coalition that ushered in nearly an entire new New York City Council in 2002, has been an outspoken critic of the Mayor and the current Speaker of the Council, Gifford Miller. He continues to be a strong supporter of term-limits and there has been some talk of a possible Mayoral run.
From the One People's Project reports on the first 100 days of the new City Council (2002 term):
District 35 in Brooklyn is a microcosm of New York City in that the residents are from all levels of socioeconomic backgrounds and represent diverse races, ethnicities, cultures and religions. Councilman James Davis has walked nearly every block in his district and talked with residents as they go about their daily activities. He's responded to many different constituent concerns, including issues involving education, housing, public safety, sanitation, neighborhood parks, and Medicaid.
Davis is Chair of the Juvenile Justice Sub-Committee, and a member of 4 Standing Committees. He has co-sponsored and endorsed Bills such as the Trans Gender Bill, the Predatory Lending Bill and the Living Wage Bill to name a few. He vigorously opposes many of the Mayor's proposed budget cuts and advocates for increased funding for education, public safety, housing, health and human services and cultural institutions.
UPDATE at 3:33pm - NY1 reports one of those shot by the gunman has died, but won't reveal the identity at this time. If it is Davis, it would be a tremendous lost for District 35 in Brooklyn in particular, and New York City as a whole.
N.Y. Councilman Dies in City Hall Gunfire
A gunman opened fire during a meeting inside City Council chambers Wednesday afternoon, killing a city councilman who has crusaded against urban violence.
Another person was wounded. It was unclear if it was the gunman.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who was in his City Hall office at the time of the shooting, confirmed that one person was killed and ruled out terrorism.
A city official told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity that Brooklyn Councilman James Davis, a former police officer, died after being shot twice in the chest.
The second victim was not identified, but Bloomberg said both were "seriously hurt."
"It appears to be a random act, but we cannot allow this to go on, ever. This is an attack on all Americans,'' Bloomberg said. +++
Davis was a supporter of anti-violence legistlation (both gun and domestic), gay rights, community renewal and other progressive causes.
The second shooting victim has also died, with no word on his/her identity at this time.
Other Links:
Ex-Cop Davis Was Outspoken Councilman
Brooklyn City Councilman James Davis was an outspoken council member and a former police officer who joined the force after he was the alleged victim of police brutality as a young man.
Davis, 41, became a police officer in 1983, after he said he was beaten by two white officers who accused him of stealing a car.
"Since that day, I have tried to turn that experience into something positive," he wrote in 2002.
Davis became a correction officer at Rikers Island and two years later joined the New York Police Department. He was an instructor at the police academy, training officers on proper arrest procedures and how to interact with people in minority communities.
In 1991 he started Love Yourself Stop the Violence, a not-for-profit organization that addresses urban violence. +++
Statement by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg:
What we know is that after 2:00 o'clock, somebody in the balcony of the City Council Chambers, during a City Council meeting, apparently pulled a gun and shot two individuals. We don't know the condition of either individual but they were clearly seriously hurt and removed to the hospital. This is a terrible attack, not just on two people, and they are in our prayers, but this is an attack on democracy. We will not stop until we find who did this. It is not terrorism. It appears to be a random act, but we cannot allow this to go on... ever. This is an attack on all Americans.
Update at 5:06pm -
Love Yourself, Stop the Violence, the organization started by James E. Davis
Gunman Identified as Othniel Askew:
City Councilman James Davis was gunned down during a routine meeting this afternoon, and a plainclothes police officer in turn shot and killed the assailant inside City Hall, police sources said.
The gunman, Othniel Askew, 31, died a short time later at New York University Downtown Medical Center, according to a police source. The two mortally wounded men were found lying side by side in the balcony overlooking the chambers, where eyewitnesses said the gunman opened fire.
The shooter was a political opponent of Davis, and had accompanied the councilman into the building before the shooting, a police source said. Askew's ties to the councilman apparently allowed him to bypass security, the source said. +++
More on the assassination of New York Councilman James E. Davis-
Gay City News, 25-31 July 2003: Obsession Turns Deadly
A steady stream of news media reports on July 24 began detailing the troubled past of Othniel Boaz Askew, who gunned down City Councilmember James Davis in the balcony of the Council chamber the day before. +++
Also see two recent articles by writer-commentator Keith Boykin. He's also written about a possible gay angle in the apparent murder of college basketball player Patrick Dennehy by a former Baylor University teammate.
(I find it unfortunate that Councilman Davis is being portrayed as a closet case that is somehow responsible for his own death at Boykin's site and elsewhere. A definite minus of the internet culture of blogging and the quick dissemination of information, however idiotic and uninformed.)
My first reply to the NYC Blogger/RNN Question of the Day:
Should City Hall Be a Gun Free Zone?
This is a no-brainer. While I am pro-gun control, I feel on-duty law enforcement officers should be the only individuals allowed to carry guns within the confines of City Hall. I don't trust Councilmembers and off-duty officers to carry firearms. It lessens the chance of those guns being used recklessly and makes it easier to keep a track of guns within City Hall
In the event that a gunman or terrorists attempted or succeeded in shooting up the chambers again, law enforcement officers would have an already difficult job to do, and they should not have to figure out the good guys from the bad. Suppose Othniel Askew used James Davis's gun after shooting him? He would have had more firepower than officer Burt who stopped his carnage.
This is similar to my opinion on allowing pilots to carry firearms on flights: it should not happen under any circumstances.
(the redstr collective answered earlier in the day.)
There's talk about getting Ernie of Little.Yellow.Different fame to run in California's Gubernatorial recall election. Shit, if lame-ass Arnold or pathetic Simon can run, why not Ernie?
All he needs is 65 signatures from registered Californians and $3,500 for the filing fee. I propose (but only if he accepts the proposal) a Draft Ernie Party: a gathering of potential petition signers who'll each pledge a small amount, say $20-$30 each, and once that hurdle is crossed, his legion of netfans would make up the rest with donations of their liking.
I'll pledge $25 just as soon as he agrees to run. And I'll be his East Coast organizer.
I'm serious, yo!
Unlike the past 15 years, I won't be depressed when my birthday comes on the 31st.
2003 has been a pretty decent year and the future is looking oh-so-fabulous.
Happy Birthday RL. 36 = about the average half-life of a Black American male.
I was reminded by a certain someone that my book review/news section is greatly neglected.
Well I don't have time now, but here's my Amazon.com Short Short Story List, compromising some of my favorite collections by very good -- great even -- writers.
If I carve out enough time, I'll post mini-reviews for most or all of them. I also need to add to it. Ha Jin deserves at least one spot near the top