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Submitted by YOUR NEW REALITY

It must be only a matter of time before this phenomenal sport, Parkour, becomes an official Olympic event.

The leaps between, up and off buildings by the kids at 3.50mins and 7mins are mind-blowing.

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Submitted by YOUR NEW REALITY

A new promotional video for the Beijing 2008 Olympics follows. Watch closely.

It’s a beautiful piece of work, spectacular imagery. Did you notice the pistol shooter at 1.32? How Olympic friendly and inviting was that?

There’s some interesting and disturbing images concealed inside those subliminal flashes peppered throughout the video. Might come back to that when I get time to do screenshots.

One World, One Dream - the tag line China is using to promote its Olympics, and as seen at the end of the above video, has a very different meaning to the Chinese then it does to the west. This is from the official Beijing 2008 website :

It highlights the theme of “the whole Mankind lives in the same world and seeks for the same dream and ideal”.

In spite of the differences in colors, languages and races…together we seek the ideal of Mankind for peace. We belong to the same world and we share the same aspirations and dreams.

When we look at the Beijing 2008 logo, we see the words ‘One World, One Dream’, which doesn’t sound all that appealing anyway. But the Chinese read the logo and get the words “The Same World, The Same Dream.”

‘The Same World, The Same Dream’. But is it the same world and same dream of China? Or do we all get a say in how we would want a “same world” sharing “the same dream” to eventuate and manifest?

More from the official Beijing 2008 site :

It is our belief that peace and progress, harmonious development, living in amity, cooperation and mutual benefit, and enjoying a happy life are the common ideals of the people throughout the world.

You’d expect that most people would not have a problem with such a world becoming reality. But would we get a vote? Does global democracy figure anywhere in this new century vision from China?

A ‘One World’ Vision : Global Values, Global Culture

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Submitted by YOUR NEW REALITY

As all true totalitarians know, the best way to get the message across is through a good poster.

Bizarrely, North Korean propaganda posters are now being displayed as art in a London gallery. Then again, some of the paintings are beautiful, in a paint-by-numbers kid of way, like the peace doves one below :

The exhibition features 400 hand-painted posters dating from the peak of the Dear Leader Kim Sung Il’s power in the 1950s to the present regime led by his son, Kim Jong Il.

There are posters penetrating every aspect of North Korean life, with slogans explaining how it should be lived: “Let’s create a social impetus for enjoying wearing our national dress”.

Colour scenes of the workers’ paradise encourage farmers to boost production in a nation beset by famine and corruption. The Korean War — or the Great Fatherland Liberation War, as it is known in the North — is also a common theme: “Let’s not forget the blood-drenched hatred!”

No enemy is hated as much as America. Clenched fists smash US soldiers. The slogans scream: “Let’s take revenge a thousand times on the US imperialist wolves!”

The poster slogans are almost as cheesy, and funny, as some of the paintings :

“Let’s breed more high-yielding fish.”

“In all institutions and workplaces, let’s popularise basketball,”

“Nobody in the world can defeat us!”
“Let’s expand goat rearing and create more grassland in accordance with the party!”

“Let’s be invincible in every fight.”

“Let’s achieve even more supremacy”

The translations below the posters are from the London Times.

“Peace Has To Be Defended”

“Let’s smash them in a single blow!”

“Let’s all become perfect swimmers”

“He who provokes us shall be punished!”

And when you’re making a nice cup of tea after a hard day’s work done fighting all that Western wolf-like imperialism, don’t forget to stop the leaks!

“In families let’s save even a single drop of water!”

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Submitted by YOUR NEW REALITY

Dick Ellis didn’t know he was going to be pitching a baseball game on June 12, 1970. He thought his Pittsburgh Pirates team had the day off.

At midday, he and his girlfriend took LSD. An hour later, just as the first wave of hallucinations would have been kicking in, his girlfriend saw in the newspaper that there was a Pirates game scheduled, and Ellis was pitching :

“I can only remember bits and pieces of the game. I was psyched. I had a feeling of euphoria.

“The ball was small sometimes, the ball was large sometimes, sometimes I saw the catcher, sometimes I didn’t. Sometimes I tried to stare the hitter down and throw while I was looking at him. I chewed my gum until it turned to powder.

“I remember diving out of the way of a ball I thought was a line drive. I jumped, but the ball wasn’t hit hard and never reached me.”

Ellis pitched an historic no hitter and the Pirates won 2-0, despite the problems with the ball changing size in his hand.

Remarkable.

More on this here.

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Submitted by YOUR NEW REALITY

Four more months of daily protests and mayhem lie ahead before the Olympic torch reaches Beijing.

The torch run has already become a farce, and a logistical nightmare for local police and security, and it is expected to be this way in nearly every country that the Olympic torch will pass through.

What sort of Olympic message of sportsmanship, unity and togetherness is sent to the world when the torch’s progress through London is surrounded by lines of jogging police and marred by violent clashes between police and protesters?

What exactly is the Olympic spirit supposed to mean when world leader after world leader refuses to hold China to account for its actions in Tibet, and thug rule over so many of its own people?

If your nation’s leader seems to have no problem with the way China deals with its dissidents, you can presume your leader thinks China does a good job of keeping dissent in check. Chinese cities are now the world’s number one proving ground for new surveillance, monitoring and repression technologies, most of which comes from the United States and Israel. It’s a Big Brother goldrush in China right now.

China can inflict all the anti-free speech restrictions on Olympic athletes and media that it wants, but it’s not going to make much difference once the Games begin. It is a sure sign of China’s unreality that it thinks it can control the world’s media (more than 20,000 will be attending) and athletes, all at the same time. It can’t, it will try, but it will fail.

And what will be the international reaction be if Chinese security wade in with batons when three athletes on the winner’s podium begin signing ‘Free Tibet’ as they collect their medals?

In London in the past 48 hours, protesters have tried to extinguish the Olympic torch and snatch it away. Every news report (outside of China) mentions the protesters, and shows scenes of protesters scuffling with police.

This ugliness has only just begun. There are eleven more weeks of this before the torch reaches the Olympic Stadium in Beijing, and then the real protests will begin.

How much face can the Chinese stand to lose?

How many violent crackdowns and slayings of Tibetans and other protesters can the rest of the world tolerate before the calls begin to mount that the Beijing Olympics should not just be boycotted, but canceled?

More Photos From The London Torch Relay Here

China Says ‘One World’, But Means ‘Same World’

China’s Super-Surveillance City Previews Our Coming Reality

November 2006 : China’s Dragon Roars Into Life, United States Fades In World Power Shift

China’s Mobile Execution Vans Promise Efficient, ‘Human Rights Friendly’ Death

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Submitted by YOUR NEW REALITY

British Olympics Boss Threatens “Action Will Be Taken” If Athletes Dare To Criticise China

China Says ‘Same World’, We Hear ‘One World’

To the surprise of few, China has told international athletes that if they don’t sign STFU contracts, agreeing not to mention Tibet or human rights, they will not be allowed to attend the 2008 Olympic Games.

If they sign the STFU contract and then make any kind of ‘political comment’ in front of the world’s media, they will be immediately sent home.

Interestingly enough, the new clause that demands athletes not speak out does not refer to China by name. That is because it will be a standard rule for all athletes attending Olympic Games in the future. No ‘political comment’ allowed about the host country.

Which means the same rule will apply in 2012, when the Olympics host city is London.

The chief executive of the British Olympics organisation thinks China’s demands for athletes to STFU is brilliant, and he sees dark conspiracies about freedom of speech, and truth :

BOA chief executive Simon Clegg said if athletes stepped out of line in Beijing “action will have to be taken”.

“There are all sorts of organisations who would like athletes to use the Olympic Games as a vehicle to publicise their causes,” he told the newspaper.

“I don’t believe that is in the interest of the team performance. As a team we are ambassadors of the country and we have to conform to an appropriate code of conduct.”

One of the causes being vehiclelised for the 2008 Olympics is, funnily enough, freedom of speech.

Under the new clause, the ‘appropriate code of conduct’ will mean that American athletes will have to sign STFU before they can attend the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

Australia Must Pull Out Of 2008 Olympics If Athletes Are Forced To Sign STFU Contracts

From The Orstrahyun :

The English language version of China’s ‘theme’ for this year’s Olympics is :

Only the one dream?

From the ‘One World, One Dream’ site :

“One World, One Dream” is simple in expressions, but profound in meaning.

It voices the aspirations of 1.3 billion Chinese people to contribute to the establishment of a peaceful and bright world.

In Chinese, the word “tongyi”, which means “the same”, is used for the English word “One”. It highlights the theme of “the whole Mankind lives in the same world and seeks for the same dream and ideal”.

One World. Same World.

The difference between those two descriptions of a united world could not be more immense.

Or pronounced.

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Submitted from Black Entertainment USA

There hasn’t been a lot of talk about soccer (futbol) in the United States since the initial appearance of Mr. David Beckham at the L.A. Galaxy early this summer. His lackluster performance was covered widely, bringing in huge numbers. But that was then, and little is to be found about how he is doing now.

Not that America’s interest in Soccer can be called meaningful. I mean, really, have you seen the ads for women’s soccer? The only reason the league even exists is because the men’s team can’t win. I mean the Ivory Coast outscored us in 2006 at the World Cup. Of course, all the women play better than me, and many others, but the U.S. leagues are still a joke.

But I didn’t intend to beat up on Women’s soccer. Nor soccer in general, though it needs a kick in the pants to get jump started. Beckham has yet to live up to expectations so far, and while there is more attention on the MLS, a lot is left to be desired.

Yet elsewhere in the world things aren’t going as well as would be expected either. One of the best players in the world seems to be traveling down a path Maradona and many others have gone. If this happens it would be a horrible shame.

I’m speaking of Ronaldinho. Watching him play, when he is on his game, is a site to be seen. The kid is good, top of the world good. And now it seems that’s all going to waste.

Reports from Spain are mentioning that Ronaldinho has taken a page from Britney Spears and Lindsey Lohan. Recent, and repeated, sightings in nightclubs prior to matches seem to match his lackluster performances this year. The situation is extreme enough that the club president and manager have both made public statements about his need for help.

This is a huge fall from being named Footballer of the Year in 2005. What’s next? Shaving his head and falling over drunk on the sidelines? I pray not. Hopefully someone will help him, and not like the half-hearted rehab some celebrities engage in. But only time will tell. We shall see.

Because I want to see more ads like this

Submitted from Black Entertainment USA

So let me take a break on the growing appearance of a set up on the OJ Simpson case. There are other bits of news that are of interest and I want to touch on a few of them.

One of the more odd things is the lawsuit facing the New York Knicks. I’m not a big fan of basketball, so when I ran across this news today, I was surprised. Perhaps it’s old news, or completely covered by the OJ saga and the Britney Spears drama. (Ms. Spears seems to have been busted on using drugs in front of her kids. If it’s true, then I’m glad she does not have her kids.) It seems that Mrs. Anucha Browne-Sanders felt sexually harassed by Mr. Isiah Thomas during her time at the Knicks. She further alleges that she was fired as a consequence of this harassment.

Now I’m unfamiliar with the allegations and details. I have no idea how she believes that this is worth $10 million. Sexual harassment cases are difficult to understand and often way over priced at trials. I’m not saying she wasn’t harassed, nor that she doesn’t deserve compensation. I just don’t get to $10 million.

But the part of the case that does trouble me has nothing to do with that. It’s the video tape interview with Mr. Thomas. One part of the video has Mr. Thomas asked if he thinks it’s bad that a White guy calls a Black woman a b****. His answer is yes, very. The next question is the troubling part. He is asked if it’s bad for a Black man to say the same thing to a Black woman. His answer was, and I paraphrase,

‘I’m sorry to say this but it’s not the same. I just don’t think it’s as bad. Though I do think it shouldn’t be said to any woman.’

[Just found the video after writing this. I will not alter what I said. I feel it still applies. Oh, the quote is only 1:08 long, the rest is a commercial]

Now what the hell is that about?

This derogatory term does not improve in any manner based on the color of the skin of who spoke the term or who they said it to. The only way that it could be considered ok, or better, is if one accepts the mentality (or lack thereof) found in gangsta rap music.

Now some will say, ‘There it goes. Attacking rap again.’ Actually in this case yes I am. It’s fitting. Because only in that form of music and the lifestyle it directly promotes, is such derogatory terms considered acceptable. The pollution of minds that it creates seems to be quite pervasive as it has reached into the American culture affecting the perceptions of a 46 year old man that is college educated and basically otherwise professional to my knowledge. That’s sad.

I understand the argument that derogatory words used by Whites against Blacks harkens back to Slavery and the entitlements White have still 400 years later. I do not argue that aspect of the statements. I have great concern over the perceived allowance of this kind of speech when directed at people of the same race.

Now I say this is gangsta rap’s fault, let me define why. Men of my age or older were not raised speaking to women, of any race, with such disrespect. In fact many men, were raised with strong mothers that would never stand for such a comment directed towards them, or uttered by their children (grown or not). Men were look upon harshly when mistreating women, whether they were from uptown, downtown, or the ghetto of any city I am aware of.

It was not until the recent 1990’s when such language entered the public in a consistent manner. It was not until the advent of corporate sponsored gangsta rap that such language was allowed on the airwaves. Prior to that time, rap never referred to women negatively, and even those songs targeting a specific woman such language was not used. It wasn’t until the small minds that spout gangsta rap were promoted did such drivel become part of the mainstream. It’s become so common that those born into gansta rap (roughly 30 or younger) have been programmed to accept these comments, like N***** and B****, as compliments not unlike a slave being called the same terms, or a Black man being called a ‘boy’ up until the late 1970’s. [Yes, it was common in many places to call a Black man ‘boy’ that recently. It’s not ancient history and I guarantee it still happens, because I have been addressed as such in my adult life. Not that that went over well.]

Since Mr. Thomas is older and knows better, and I would guess was raised to be better, my only conclusion on why it is any degree of ok for any man to call any woman a b**** is gangsta rap and its forced exposure in every medium.

If anyone can give me a logical, thought-out reason why gangsta rap is not the root of this evil, I would be happy to hear it.

Until then, I again say we need to do something about this vicious downward vortex that gangsta rap is, as I see it.

This is what I think, what do you think?

Submitted from Black Entertainment USA

Ok, this is too much. I’ve heard wild stories and the like over my nearly 40 years but this has gone too far.

It started after Michael Vick was arrested for running a dog fighting ring. A big deal and many were quite upset. Some though were upset because they somehow concluded that this was just an attack on a rich African American. While I will submit that Mr. Vick is rich, and Black, neither takes away from the crime he is alleged to have committed. Dogfighting is a vile crime, and ANYONE who is involved should face the legal penalties that are available. As much as some may wish, Mr. Vick is culpable on some level at the least and probably guilty as charged based on the facts known.

But the story does not end there. The latest news is not about his ongoing legal dilemma. It’s not about the fact that sponsor have fled from him like rats on a sinking ship. It isn’t even the debate on whether or not he should play football this season (come on, of course he won’t and should not). No, the latest news is that Mr. Vick has been accused of being an agent of Al Quida.

Yes, court papers have been filed stating that Mr. Vick swore an oath to Al Quaeda, ran the dog fighting ring as a means to generate income and used those proceeds to buy missiles off of eBay to be used against America. This has all come out of a lawsuit seeking $63 billion billion dollars in damages.

I’m not making this stuff up. It’s real. Notice I didn’t say credible or serious. All of this was found in the legal documents filed by Jonathan Lee Riches. Riches is a “guest” of South Carolina penal facilities. He accuses Mr. Vick of violating multiple laws including:

• Copyright infringement (what possible copyright does Riches own that Mr. Vick infringed on I really want to know)
• Violating the 14th Amendment “which determines national citizenship and equal protection under the law to all persons” (how can Mr. Vick affect Riches 14th Amendment rights?)
• Violating the 8th Amendment “cruel and unusual punishment” (I’ve not heard of that being applied to animals before but I’ll almost give him that)
• The 6th “speedy and public trials” (when did Mr. Vick become a judge?)
• Not to forget the 5th, 4th, 2nd and 1st Amendments as well - I just don’t need to go on do I?

It gets better. Mr. Vick is accused of stealing this convicts pit bulls, and after having them fight, sold them on eBay. The proceeds from these dogs were used to buy the missiles mentioned above from Iran. But Mr. Vick was not done with inmate Riches, the then stole his ID to buy dogfood and supplies under the assumed name. But this has been a long term fued with Mr. Vick as inmate Riches alleges that some of the crimes were from 2001.

Now I have to say the best one is that Mr. Vick is alleged to have used microwave testing on imate Riches. That is just the icing on the cake.

By the way, inmate Riches plead guilty to credit card fraud.[As best as I’ve been able to confirm his identity.]

Mr. Michael Vick has enough real problems to keep him quite busy. This fluff will obviously go nowhere. But perhaps it will give Mr. Vick, and you my readers, a moment of levity in your day. Beware the jailhouse lawyers, they are almost as bad as the real ones.[Had to pick on lawyers, it was just too easy.]

This is what I think, what do you think?

So we finally got to see Mr. David Beckham play. Sort of. After a lot of hype, the likes of which virtually no performance could have lived up to, the actual exhibition game with Chelsea was a let down.

Given that this was an exhibition, so neither team was pushing hard. Still The L.A. Galaxy looked bad. Chelsea was being quite nice during the first half. Not too physical and playing rather loose. The Galaxy had a decent chance to score a couple of times especially the header attempt in the 38th minute. Yet there was nothing impressive overall. And Mr. Beckham just sat on the bench, watching.

The first half was so uneventful that there were 3 interviews with celebrities in attendance at the game. Ms. Jennifer Love Hewitt was just filler, and had nothing really to say other than she was there to see Mr. Beckham and had never been to a game before. Governor Schwarzenegger on the other hand gave a nice plug to the sport, recounting his childhood playing the game (no mention of what position), and the fact that the entire world plays this sport intently, and his children are involved as well. But perhaps the biggest boost for future Galaxy fans is Mr. Drew Carey. Mr. Carey is a major fan, and was paying more attention to the game than the interview. He was also sitting back with the rest of the fans, not in a special box like the other interviewees. As he spoke you got his passion for the game.

Throughout the one thing was very clear. ESPN still does not know how to present a soccer (futbol) match. The American announcers were flat and about as invigorating as tap water. References to other sports just don’t work in trying to describe the game. Basketball terminology has about as much relevance as wet noodles on a pizza.

With the second half we got a bit more excitement. The quick goal by Chelsea told you that the pace was going to be decidedly different. In discussing the second half with a couple of people at a local bar I mentioned my thoughts about the probable score. 3-1 win for Chelsea. The start seemed right in line with that thought. Especially when one of the driving forces on the Galaxy, Mr. Cobi Jones came out in the 56th minute. Once he was off the field, the Galaxy just got sloppy and sluggish. It was a real surprise that Chelsea didn’t score more, not that they didn’t get chances.

A great example of the sloppy play was when Pavon collided with another Galaxy player. Pavon was challenging his own teammate, for no reason. All he needed to do was wait for the ball. It looked like high school players on the pitch.

Up until Mr. Beckham entered the game, after a 7 minute warm-up (which ESPN just had to watch instead of the play on the field) and a jog around the stadium, the Galaxy looked bad. And it was interesting that of the many, many shots of number 23 on the bench none showed him speaking to a single teammate. Even when Cobi came out of the game and sat right next to number 23, not a word was said. Not even a glance at his teammate. Seemed quite rude. Perhaps this means there is a little tension in the air. Maybe it’s because the Galaxy season was altered for their new star player, or that so much attention was being placed just on him and not the team. Who knows, but I’m sure if it doesn’t change the story will be out fast. At the latest, any bad blood may be revealed after Cobi retires at the end of this season.

But Mr. Beckham finally got into the game with about 13 minutes to play. Considering that the score was still 1-0 it might have been enough to tie the game, if he was up to speed and match ready. But we all know his left ankle was not tip-top. And he played with minor interest.

Yet the Galaxy responded quickly once he was on the field. They got aggressive and started to do something. Xavier, who seemed to be involved in several critical plays, lit up. The game got a bit more lively and the crescendo was about the 91st minute when Beckham decided to actually play the ball and got a tough tackle, Chelsea reminding him who was in charge of this game.

So overall how do I rate Mr. Beckham’s first U.S. appearance? Lackluster at best. He’s a far better player than what we’ve seen. Injury aside, he could have done more. He should have been in the game far sooner. The 18 minutes he played were mostly ineffective, but the fire he gave the team was needed back in the 58th minute.

Will the Galaxy be a better team with Mr. Beckham? Almost definitely. Will soccer in America get a boost, absolutely. The Galaxy stadium was sold-out. ESPN made a point of broadcasting a Saturday night exhibition game. The attention is noticed. Now we just need performance.

I can’t believe that anyone would stand up for Mr. Michael Vick, or dogfighting. While I understand that ALL are innocent before the law, and Mr. Vick has not convicted of anything; yet I cannot believe that he has no culpability in this situation, and that if the charges as made are correct he deserves to be punished harshly. I’ve already commented on this once.

Yet it seems that at least Ms. Sandra Rose will take the opposite position to mine. It seems that Ms. Rose thinks that the charges against Mr. Vick are related to his stature as an athlete, his salary, and his race. Ms. Rose even nullifies the cause of the indictment, dogfighting, stating that

“Why is dog fighting a felony in Virginia when bestiality or Zoophilia is perfectly legal in the same state?”

Let me take a stab at answering the question she has posed. Perhaps bestiality has not been rampant in Virginia, thus requiring no law. Perhaps the good people of Virginia have no need for a law of this nature as it does not occur. Perhaps if this is a major concern, a law covering this can be made. I honestly can say that I have never wondered if my state, or any, has laws against bestiality as I would hope that it is not something that is occurring. [Let me correct this a bit. I understand, but have not confirmed, that bestiality is a felony in Virginia. Enough said to that.]

That said, cruelty to animals, particularly dogfighting is against the law. The public has agreed that this is not

“… something dogs do naturally anyway”

The breed of Pit Bulls was created just for the ability to fight. They are tortured in their training, killed (and in this case viciously with the intent of inflicting pain) for lack of performance, and in general abused. That is not natural. Arranged fights and provoking trained animals to fight is not natural. Anyone who lacks the compassion to treat a pet kindly, to kill without mercy, to inflict pain for greed (there is massive betting in this genre – and Mr. Vick has been accused of betting upwards of $40,000 on various dogs) and pleasure is a dangerous person that might do the same to a human being. It’s not a far stretch.

Beyond that, this is not a Black thing. Like many African Americans I am aware of bias in the law. I have encountered situations where the law, or officers enforcing it, has been abused or ignored to my detriment. I like many have lived with the various forms of racism that occurs in this nation. This isn’t one of them.

It can be argued that the media is unbalanced in discussing African Americans, with or without fame and money, that they shine a spotlight at. Guilty or not bias exists. I’ve discussed it often on several cases including Jessie Davis and the Duke Rape case”.

This is not that. The government did not make Mr. Vick run, or allow to be run, dogfighting on his property. The Feds did not incite Mr. Vick to allegedly bet on the outcome of fights. The local, state, or federal law officials did not promote the drowning, electrocution or other tortures inflicted on these dogs – some of which Mr. Vick has been accused of doing. This is not a witch-hunt.

Would this have gotten the same media attention if this were a White male that was poor? No. Would the same charges exist? Yes. Would there still be an indictment based on the same accusations? Definitely. Is it still a display of a lack of humanity and compassion? In my opinion, yes.

I disagree with Ms. Rose, respectfully. Mr. Vick is culpable at the least. Dogfighting is reprehensible. Comparing one abuse of animals to another is, in my view, silly. To claim racism in an issue that does not involve it weakens the justifiable arguments where it does apply.

I will say it again, as a Black Puerto Rican man of nearly 40, I am familiar with racism. This isn’t that. The fact that Mr. Vick is Black, rich and famous make this a big media brouhaha, but still valid. No amount of wishing, nor accusations of prejudice change that

Mr. Michael Vass is a contributing author.

What can be said about Mr. Michael Vick of the Atlanta Falcons? After a 3 month investigation, Mr. Vick has been indicted on charges related to dogfighting. Mr. Vick has denied all the charges.

This is another blow to the NFL, and seems to be a part of the recent mass of athletes that have violated various laws. While I presume Mr. Vick is innocent, and unlike some in the media I actually believe that, this is a bad situation. The fact that a dogfighting ring was found at a house owned by Mr. Vick is troubling. Even if it was run by family members and he had no knowledge of what was happening, he is culpable. He needed to know what was going on in his property.

Dog fighting, and the people that run it are sick individuals. To breed and train animals to fight to the death for the sheer pleasure of those watching is barbaric. This is an event that has its roots in the old South, and the reason that the Pit Bull was created. Twisted desires creating an animal equally as perverted.

Allegations have arisen that claim Mr. Vick was actively involved in the training and death of several dogs. If that is proven in fact, then the NFL must immediately eject him from professional football. Like drugs this is a zero tolerance issue. I’m no PETA advocate, but I also disagree with animal cruelty, especially in a form like this. I can only hope that further investigation finds that Mr. Vick’s claims are correct.

I don’t care if the NFL season is affected. I don’t care if Atlanta wins or loses. This is a crime, and no preference should be given, if he is guilty. IF he is innocent, then he deserves an apology, and a public explanation as his livelihood has been detrimentally affected. The news media should remember that.

Already there is a surge occurring in the media to proactively convict Mr. Vick. Today I have seen Mrs. E.D. Hill of Fox News equate Mr. Vick to Pacman Jones and essentially claim both are thugs. (She directly called Pacman a thug, the implication to Mr. Vick was not a direct statement by understood by her commentary). That was at 11:30 this morning. What will happen by 7pm?

And the media is not limiting itself to sports athletes. Mrs. Hill also attacked the colleges that the athletes attended. Without naming which colleges (which I feel was a copout) Mrs. Hill claimed they were responsible for placing thugs into sports. I for one am unaware of a college that is actively recruiting thugs to improve their sports programs. Obviously the fact that as younger, less educated players enter sports the lack of discipline shines through their ability to play a game.

Not withstanding the attacks on colleges, or the growing lack of discipline of sports athletes, the NFL and the Atlanta Falcons cannot stand by and do nothing. Already ESPN has reported an informant that claims Mr. Vick was an active bettor at these dog fights. The reported information states he would bet upwards of $30,000 at a time.

To take life, for nothing more than the sheer please to do so, and to place a price on that life makes my stomach turn. An educated, disciplined, successful, entertainer should know better. But Mr. Vick did not finish college, his discipline on the field is questionable and off the field even moreso. I hope these charges are incorrect, but if that is not the case he needs to have a harsh penalty that is equal to what he is alleged to have done.

Mr. Vass is author of www.mvass.com and www.blackentertainmentblog.com :

What a start to the New Year. I must say this was a day of surprises to me. One was an upset the other was upsetting. Let me explain. I’m not a big fan of college football. That said I have occasionally watch how my Rutgers Football team has done for the last 20 years. This year they finally got the bowl game and recognition they deserve, and has been promised since I went to school there. But this is not what I am speaking of.

Boise State played in the Fiesta Bowl tonight against Oklahoma. I’m a fan of neither team and knew little of the history of either team. Luckily for me a friend of mine was aware. Boise State deserved to play Ohio as an undefeated team, but instead they played Oklahoma. It was a good game, which Boise dominated. Like another friend of mine watching the game I agree that the announcers, and the referees were biased against Boise. The 2 pass interference calls in the 4th quarter, with fewer than 3 minutes to play, were absolutely wrong. The announcers seemed resigned to see Oklahoma win. Thankfully the Boise State coach was not listening to either.

If you fell asleep or failed to see the end of the game you missed out on what may well become a classic college football game. With the game tied (due to bad calls by the referees in my opinion) the game went into overtime. Oklahoma seemed to have deflated the opposing spirit with a one play overtime touchdown. But Boise had some tricks left. After fighting for the initial first down, they moved forward and set up a wonderful series of plays. The bold touchdown they scored was impressive, but it was only a setup for what was to come. While I and my friends were screaming for the extra point to tie the game, and to rely on the defense that had played extremely well versus Oklahoma the coach called the team over for a special play. With the quarterback going into motion the ball was thrown by a receiver for a touchdown. Who knew that was in the playbook.

I believe it is called a statue of Liberty play. What I do know is that it was a superbly executed behind the back off-hand hand off to get the 2 point conversion and the win. Again I say who knew that was in the playbook. There was no point in which Boise was not stepping up and playing like they were going to win. The special plays they pulled showed that they were ready and determined to win. If I were a fan of either team I think I would have been going insane watching the end of this game. And if I were betting this is the dream over that you would want. If you stayed up, you have to agree it was worth it. If you missed the game, shame on you. And I have to ask, why didn’t they deserve to play against the other undefeated team, Ohio?

On September 14, 2006, we wrote a story in this blog about steroids in sports. Recently, the media has reported speculation about some of baseball’s biggest stars. There is no proof that Roger Clemons has used steroids. In addition, there is no proof that Bobby Bonds, Gary Sheffield and Jason Giambi have used steroids. However, one must question how an individual like Roger Clemons has had such a remarkable career after the age of 35. Of course, we’re not talking about a  resurgence. Roger Clemons has been one of the greatest pitchers in the history of baseball. Unfortunately, the fact is that no pitcher in the history of baseball has been the same pitcher after 35 as they were before 35 years old. With Roger, you can make the case that Roger has been better after the age of 35. Come to your own conclusion.

Bobby Bonds is another case. Bonds has actually gotten better after the age of 35. Once again, no hitter in the history of baseball has gotten better after the age of 35. In fact, no athlete in the history of sports has gotten better after the age of 35. Whether it’s Jordan, Orr, Montana or Ruth, none of the greatest athletes of the 20^th century have been better after the age of 35. Except of course, Roger and Barry.

I’m not sure if Clemons or Bonds have used steroids or in the designer sense, performance enhancing drugs. All I know is that you can make a very good case that they are better after the age of 35. When most people can’t run as fast or dance as well after the age of 35, the fact is that these guys have been able to defy the fountain of youth. Draw your own conclusion.

I would say that it’s about time that we just shut up about steroids in sports. After all, don’t steroids allow you to hit harder, run faster and jump higher? Isn’t that what we all want? The boys will juice because ultimately, that’s what we all want. Bunts are boring.