The Anacostia Diaries Blog

Androids, Cyborgs and Robots: Part II

noreply@blogger.com (fsims) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:25:00 +0000

I forgot to mention the medical hologram from “Star Trek: Voyager” as another exception.

Essentially, in keeping with the definition of a robot, it is just a machine designed to do a specific task. It may not look humanoid at all. These are the military drones that drop bombs in war zones and the S.W.A.T. team robots that disarm bombs in neighborhoods. They’re the machines that put weld cars together on the assembly lines in factories. They’re the space probes sent to planets to take samples and gather information. They may not have artificial intelligence programming. Just specified programs to do a routine task based on certain conditions and variables.

From here, the second branch is making the robots look humanoid while still being mechanical and electronic. This is the classic android. Commander Data, Rommie and the Doctor are totally synthetic with the exceptions of advanced artificial intelligence programming, sense of individuality, and ability to express emotion.

To branch off even further, we must look at the second definition of android of humanoids that are made from biological materials and resemble a human.

Androids, Cyborgs and Robots: Part I

noreply@blogger.com (fsims) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:14:00 +0000

In science fiction, we can only assume at least three evolutionary directions that advanced machines can take through humanity’s use of science and technology.

First, the mechanical path. According to the American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition, a robot is 1. A mechanical device that sometimes resembles a human and is capable of performing a variety of often complex human tasks on command or by being programmed in advance. 2. A machine or device that operates automatically or by remote control.

Second, the genetic engineering path. According to the American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition, an android is 1. A machine (robot) possessing human features. 2. An automaton that is created from biological materials and resembles a human. Also called humanoid. These are the “replicants” seen in the movies “Blade Runner” and the “cylons” in the new “Battlestar Galactica.”

Third, the cyborg path which, is a combination of the above two. According to the American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition, a cyborg is A human who has certain physiological processes aided or controlled by mechanical or electronic devices. The word is created from the words cybernetic and organism.

Of course, there are exceptions, like the androids, Commander Data of “Star Trek: The Next Generation” and Rommie from the warship, the“Andromeda Ascendant.”

From the first path mentioned above, we branch out to the next two paths.

GOP Bob McDonnell Wins Virginia

noreply@blogger.com (fsims) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 02:50:00 +0000

The Republicans have won back the State of Virginia. I really wanted Creigh Deeds to win.

Oh well. Get ready for the next civil war.

National Blog Posting Month - NaBloPoMo

noreply@blogger.com (fsims) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:12:00 +0000

"The Rules of NaBloPoMo are simple: post at least once every day for the entire month of November or feel like a sad, pathetic failure." -- http://ngunderground.blogspot.com, Wants to excel during National Blog Posting Month and is a big fan of the event's abbreviation. -- Washington Post Express, 11/03/2009

This is the first time I found about NaBloPoMo. Who came up with this excellent idea! I'm under enough pressure having to do a novel(ette) of 50,000 words every November for NanoWriMo now this! I haven't posted on this blog this frequently since my DC Indymedia days.

This will be so easy. I have so much material. I'll even to a "Best of the Anacostia Diaries" post on weekends of previous stuff I posted.

Chocolate City Redo 2009

noreply@blogger.com (fsims) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:47:00 +0000

"chocolate city with a marshmallow center and a Graham cracker crust of corruption." - Stephen Colbert, 2006 White House Correspondents' Association Dinner

In the 1970's song, "Chocolate City" by George Clinton and The Parliaments, there was an idea of the White House no longer being an unusual quirk in a "chocolate city". This of course, is in reference to the large minority population here in Washington, D.C. There was even an implied promise of Muhammad Ali being president.

Mentioned in the song:

Muhammad Ali - President of the U.S.A.
Rev. Ike - Secretary of the Treasury
Richard Pryor - Minister of Education
Stevie Wonder - Secretary of Fine Arts
Aretha Franklin - First Lady

Look, the famous boxer would never be president of this country for several reasons. We have Barack Hussein Obama as president. This sounds close enough to me.

Rev. Ike (Reverend Frederick J. Eikerenkoetter II) (June 1, 1935 — July 28, 2009) would never have made it into any administration. He was well known for his gospel of "financial prosperity." That's all I'm sayin'.

Richard Franklin Lennox Thomas Pryor III (December 2, 1940 – December 10, 2005) as Secretary of Education? Now, that is a joke. The ultra-conservatives would have had a field day with him. No chance.

Stevie Wonder as Secretary of Fine Arts? Now that is an excellent idea. Hey! President Obama. I know you can create an honorary position for Stevie Wonder. He supported your campaign, his music makes people feel good and this country does not have a Minister of Culture like other countries. So yes, I agree with this one.

Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul. She sang at the president's inauguration and also supported his campaign. The First Lady spot is already taken, but I don't think that Mrs. Obama wouldn't mind some kind of honorary position somewhere for her.

Despite this obvious humor in this posting, D.C. is no longer a "chocolate city" it is more like a candy bar. Mr. Colbert was right. I'll add the caramel of the Latinos, the nougat of the Asians, the white chocolate of the Whites and the milk chocolate of the African-Americans.

The Dark (War)Path

noreply@blogger.com (fsims) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 19:18:00 +0000

As you can tell from my previous posting, I don't give a f&#*.

I have presented my realistic view of reality that is the very root of I try to "shine light" on in this blog. The problem is that no one likes to accept reality for what it is. We must as human beings accept that we are insignificant in the whole scheme of the entire universe. If there is a God, I believe that those of us who somehow make it through this school called Earth will be able to make it to a higher evolved, spiritual level. Those of us who don't will suffer the real hell of having to suffer through all this bullshit again.

If there are other extraterrestrial (extradimensional) intelligent beings out there, which I believe there are, I see why they would want to avoid this backwater part of the Milky Way Galaxy. For those that did visit here and try to help out humanity, they just made things worse.

The real war is control of reality. There are those who want to herd us like sheep and think for us and there are those who want to be free and think for themselves. (This is what the "Matrix" movie was about.)

However the choice, or the future of humanity, I'm saving myself. F&#* everybody else. I will attempt to help my friends and family, but the rest is up to them. You can't change the world, you can only change yourself and place your hope in whatever deity you believe in.

Now if you excuse me, I have a NanoWriMo novel to finish.

The Dark Truth of Beauty, Money and Power

noreply@blogger.com (fsims) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:09:00 +0000

This being Halloween month and a “dark” blog, I figure that is appropriate to really “tell it like it is.” In this post I will reference two movies, “Scarface” and a recent movie, “The Invention of Lying.” Why does it seem that I’m always using popular culture to prove my points?

I believe that Hollywood in some way reveals certain truths in entertainment. Maybe it’s the storytelling structures or just good acting in some movies, somehow truths are revealed by coincidence, accident or purposely.

Now, it is well known that wherever there is money and power, there will always be lots of attractive women. For example, Bill Clinton (nuff said), JFK (point proven), Hugh Hefner (Well!), notorious criminals like the U.S. Congress, Wall Street, Georgetown (Rodeo Drive, Soho, Beverly Hills, Manhattan), and any type of famous athlete, musician or movie star. To paraphrase Tony Montana of “Scarface,” “In this country, you got to get the money first, then when you get the money, you get the power, and with the power then you get the women.” This is especially true in Washington, D.C. It doesn’t matter whether you’re in the hoods’ or the condos, it is all the same.

In the movie, “The Invention of Lying,” in an alternate universe, nobody is capable of lying until Mark Bellison (Ricky Gervais) discovers that he can just make things up, like the amount of money in his bank account. He is trying to date Anna McDoogles (Jennifer Garner) who has specifically stated that she does not want to have sex with him. She is looking for a “potential mate” and “does not want to have pug-nosed, fat kids.” The idea is that she wants her kids to have the best genetics so they can have a good start at life. In other words, the same thing Hitler wanted for his Aryan race, blond hair, blue eyes, strong bodies, good looks, etc. Mark, being fat, does not meet her standards of genetic perfection.

As I have mentioned before in this blog, I am a fat-ass, light-skinned black guy who wears glasses that has no financial prospects at the moment. So does that make me genetically undesirable? I should be forbidden by society to have sex with anyone aesthetically pleasing? Should I have testicle tubes tied (vasectomy) or just be castrated? Am I only relegated to dating ugly girls or fat girls? In the movies, “Gamer” and “Surrogate” you can be a fat-ass slob with your dick hanging out represented by a blonde girl or a handsome robot. Will I have to order pussy from prostitutes the way most people order takeout?

Some say, find some way to become rich. In the “The Invention of Lying,” Anna still didn’t like Mark even when he became rich. As a thought, this is always said about women about how looks don’t matter. That is fucking bullshit! I have put my photo on Craigslist many times, and have been rejected by women who society considers fat and ugly. And, I admit I did the same with what few photos I receive from women.

If it is really about money and genetics, consider:

Money does not change your genetics
Money does not change your personality, but it can cause you to modify your behavior. You can take the girl out of the ghetto, but not the ghetto out of the girl. If you are an asshole, having money just makes it worse. In other words money pays for school, but does not make you any smarter. Being smart is how you use knowledge, not in just knowing stuff.
Money does not make you more intelligent. Your mental capacity cannot be improved, but reasoning skills and knowledge can be.
Money does not equal culture. Same as above, money can lead to a better lifestyle, depending on how you use it. A drug dealer can have millions of dollars and still live in the same crack-infested, crime-ridden neighborhood. Giving a homeless man a million dollars does not make a difference, if he is still homeless!
Money is only a tool. It is a medium of exchange. It has no value inherently in itself, but has value attached to it to use in trade for goods and services. So money can pay for plastic surgery and exercise to make someone attractive, but it can not change their genetics, personality, intelligence or culture.

Of all the things money can do, it cannot change human nature. Women will always want someone who has enough financial stability to take care of their offspring. And they want the best genes for their offspring to survive. Men just want to men by building and leading civilization and just want to come home to three things, “support, loyalty and sex,” according to the comedian Steve Harvey.

Will society be separated into those who have to buy “support, loyalty and sex” and those who get because they’re wealthy and attractive? Bullshit!

In Venezuela’s national health care plan, they subsidize cosmetic surgery. Imagine the government paying for new tits and liposuction. An “Extreme Makeover” component of “Universal Healthcare?” Bullshit!

So, to those born pretty and are so fucking concerned about your genetic survival, consider this: Outer Beauty fades when you get old. Inner Beauty lasts forever. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Beauty is only skin deep. Even rotting carcasses can have pretty faces on them.

Now, that’s a dark and somber prospect, indeed. Happy Halloween.

U.S. Justice Department Says Medical Marijuana Arrests are 'Waste of Time'

noreply@blogger.com (fsims) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:08:00 +0000

The Obama Administration has done a total policy shift on Medical Marijuana. The U.S. Justice Department said it will not prosecute pot-smoking patients and their sanctioned suppliers in states that allow medical marijuana use.

Under the policy, federal prosecuters are being told it is not a good use of their time to arrest people who use or provide medical marijuana. “It will not be a priority to use federal resources to prosecute patients with serious illnesses or their caregivers who are complying with state laws on medical marijuana,” Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. said in a statement accompanying the memo, “but we will not tolerate drug traffickers who hide behind claims of compliance with state law to mask activities that are clearly illegal.”

However, they will go after people whose marijuana distribution goes beyond what is permitted under state law. The department said, “Marijuana distribution in the United States remains the single largest source of revenue for the Mexican cartels,” and pursuing the makers and sellers of illegal drugs, including marijuana, will remain a “core priority.”

One prominent conservative, Representative Lamar Smith of Texas, criticized the Justice Department’s position, saying it would weaken federal enforcement of drug laws.
“By directing federal law enforcement officers to ignore federal drug laws, the administration is tacitly condoning the use of marijuana in the United States,” said Mr. Smith, the senior Republican on the House Judiciary Committee. “If we want to win the war on drugs, federal prosecutors have a responsibility to investigate and prosecute all medical marijuana dispensaries and not just those that are merely fronts for illegal marijuana distribution.”

Advocates of medical marijuana say it can reduce chronic pain, nausea and additional symptoms associated with cancer and other serious illnesses. In 1996, California became the first state to make it legal to sell marijuana to people with doctors’ prescriptions. The other states that allow some use of marijuana for medical purposes are Alaska, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington.

Will this lead to the decriminalization of marijuana? And possibility other drugs?

Racist Judge Does Not Like Interracial Marriages

noreply@blogger.com (fsims) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 15:34:00 +0000

"Under our Constitution, the freedom to marry, or not marry, a person of another race resides with the individual and cannot be infringed by the state." -- The U.S. Supreme Court, Loving v. Virginia (1967)

Alright, this is a touchy subject here. One could look at me and easily assume that I'm half-white because of my light skin. I never knew my father, but my mother says that he's black and my mother is black, so I assume that I'm the product of some DNA that probably skipped a generation or so in my family heritage. There are a lot of light-skinned relatives of mine that come from North Carolina. That's on my mother's side. I know nothing about my father's side.

So, when a friend sent me a link to this article on CNN.com about this Louisiana judge that denied an interracial couple a marriage license because he thinks the interracial marriages don't last.

Keith Bardwell, justice of the peace for Tangipahoa Parish's 8th Ward, refused to issue a marriage license to Beth Humphrey, 30, and her boyfriend, Terence McKay, 32, both of Hammond, Louisiana.

Humphrey said on Thursday that she called Bardwell on October 6 to ask about getting a marriage license, and was asked by his wife whether it would be an interracial marriage. Humphrey said she was told that Bardwell does not sign off on interracial marriages.

She said the couple, who received their marriage license October 9 from another justice of the peace in the same parish, have reached out to an attorney to determine their next step.

"We would like him to resign," she said. "He doesn't believe he's being racist, but it is racist."

Gov. Bobby Jindal said the state judiciary committee should review the incident.

"This is a clear violation of constitutional rights and federal and state law. ... Disciplinary action should be taken immediately -- including the revoking of his license," the Republican governor said.

Sen. Mary L. Landrieu, D-Louisiana, said the committee should "use its authority to have Justice Bardwell dismissed from his position."

"Not only does [Bardwell's] decision directly contradict Supreme Court rulings, it is an example of the ugly bigotry that divided our country for too long," she said.

Patricia Morris, president of the NAACP branch of Tangipahoa Parish said her NAACP chapter has forwarded the case to the state and national levels of the civil rights group.

"He's an elected public official and one of his duties is to marry people. He doesn't have the right to say he doesn't believe in it," Morris said Thursday. "If he doesn't do what his position calls for him to do, he should resign from that position."

However, Bardwell told Hammond's Daily Star in a story published Thursday that he was concerned for the children who might be born of the relationship and that, in his experience, most interracial marriages don't last.

"I'm not a racist," Bardwell told the newspaper. "I do ceremonies for black couples right here in my house. My main concern is for the children."

Bardwell, stressing that he couldn't personally endorse the marriage, said his wife referred the couple to another justice of the peace.

The bride says the case boils down to discrimination.

I believe that it is what it is. A judge that is willing to impose his racist, conservative views on couples that want to get married. That is ethically wrong and against the law.

This buttfuck, redneck agent of the Ku Klux Klan needs to resign immediately.

RNC Chairman Michael Steele was Raped

noreply@blogger.com (fsims) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 18:23:00 +0000

I have heard from a source that Republican National Committee chairman Michael
Steele was raped after a luncheon in New York.

Link Here

Don't Believe Everything You See On Wikipedia

noreply@blogger.com (fsims) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 03:52:00 +0000

A character in the movie, "Jennifer's Body" claimed that because she saw something on Wikipedia, it must be true.

Well guess what?

Just because my dick isn't on Wikipedia, doesn't mean that I don't have one!

Bullshit and Noballs Bookstore: "You have been here all day"

noreply@blogger.com (fsims) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 02:47:00 +0000

First, I would like to take the moment to say:

F&#* the Barnes & Noble at 12 & E Streets NW! You can take your bookstore and shove it where your feces exits your body! You motherf&#*ers!

Now, the reason for the above exclamation of anger is that a certain employee of Barnes & Noble came up to me and said that I was, "camping out in the bookstore cafe all day long" and that, "even though I am a good customer and have caused no problems" that, "he can't allow me to remain in the cafe all day."

Now, I wondered where this was coming from. I asked, "is there a complaint, about me?" He said, "No."

So, it seems okay that white folks can come in and sit all day reading magazines. B&N doesn't say anything to them. The irony is, the man that said this to me, is a dark-skinned, bald Black man! Nobody else, except for an older white man, has ever said anything like that to me.

This goes back to a previous posting of mine about racism and classism back on Jun 25, 2008 "Prejudice Still Hurts". I described this exact same type of treatment that I receive almost everywhere I go.

I'm dressed in a black hooded sweatshirt with blue jeans and black dress shoes. So what if I'm a fat-ass, light-skinned black guy with a slight beard, an Afro and glasses. So, I'm still pretty noticeable. I can't help that. It's how I'm built. I'm a big guy.

Right now, I’m at the Gelardin Media Library at Georgetown University using their computer facility. Beside me, is “yet another white girl sounding” Black girl talking on her cell phone gossiping about everybody’s fashion sense. And, I know that she whispered some s^*% about me.

At least here, as long as I don’t try to talk to any of the students, I’m okay for now. I hear the whispers, “Who is he? Why is he here? Why do they let those people in here? He has been on there for too long.” By the way, this b*%#^ next to me is giving me some disgusting looks, complaining about how slow I type. (Yes, I type slower than some people.)

How come someone hasn’t written the “Georgetown Diaries?” I thought someone did. I sure as hell can’t f&#*ing do it. Neither do I want to. B&N is not the only bookstore in this city. Now, I’m being blocked out by two “yet another white girl sounding” Black girls listening to their iPods or whatever. (I’m getting old. I’ll be thirty in March 2010.)

Maybe this “Anacostia Diaries” thing will take off when I die. I’ll leave in my living will to mention that I was treated like shit in every B&N store, and to make sure that my book is displayed prominently in every B&N store.

I’ll be giving B&N my middle finger in heaven. Oh, and f&#* the stuck-up girls at Georgetown. I hope their ovaries shrivel up and their clits rot out of their vaginas.

(Man, I still got it. Damm!)

From an Alternate Universe: Vice-President Palin Calls FBI Investigation Into Kanye West

noreply@blogger.com (fsims) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 19:36:00 +0000

(Remember: The election could have went either way.)

Washington, D.C. - Vice President Sarah Palin visited the "traumatized" country singer Taylor Swift about the incident involving rapper Kanye West during the MTV Video Music Awards. "It is truly a shame that this girl had to suffer embarrassed on what should be the happiest night of her life, due to the behavior of this man," the vice president said.

She has also vowed to ask for an FBI investigation into Mr. West, due to allegations of drug use and financial fraud. Mr. West was not available for comment.

African Genius Builds Windmill From Junk

noreply@blogger.com (fsims) — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 14:32:00 +0000

Malawian teenager William Kamkwamba built a generator out of a bicycle and tractor fan. Now he's lauded by environmentalists.

When I first read this story on HackaDay.com I was reminded of the Greek philosopher, Plato's quote, "Necessity is the mother of invention." Also, of sci-fi novelist William Gibson's (1993) concept of Gomi, a Japanese word for rubbish, and the name of an art movement that uses rubbish. He says of technology, that "the street will always find a use for things".

William Kamkwamba dropped out of school because his family lacked the $80 per year for tuition. At the age of 14 he read books from the library and gained the knowledge he needed to built a 12 watt wind generator from junk parts.

Malawi was short on many resources, but not wind. A windmill, Kamkwamba thought, would solve many problems for his parents and six sisters. Not only could it generate free electricity — saving his family the economic costs and health hazards of burning kerosene — but it could also pump deep well water to the family’s maize and tobacco crops, releasing them from the tyranny of weather patterns and allowing them to add a second growing season to their harvest year.

Fortunately, he has been rewarded for his brilliance. He’s now studying at the African Leadership Academy in Johannesburg with a well-deserved scholarship.

His story comes to the surface now because a book about his experiences has just been released. We need more people like this, and they should be rewarded for their efforts like he has been.

All this guy wanted to do was provide electricity to his village. He has succeeded and more. It is stories like this that inspire me and restore my belief in the ingenuity and creativity of the human mind even in the worst circumstances.

So Many Regrets...

noreply@blogger.com (fsims) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:36:00 +0000

"Being completely ignorant about the size of the project, I didn't have any inhibitions about doing something stupid. I could say that if I had known, I wouldn't have started.": - Linus Torvalds (Inventor of the Linux Operating System)

That's exactly how I feel about this damm blog.

Annual Legislative Conference ALC 2009

noreply@blogger.com (fsims) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 00:34:00 +0000

I don't think that I'll be attending the Congressional Black Caucus ALC 2009 this year. I truly don't see the point. Here are some notes from my emails and Facebook to explain why:

From Gmail:

Sep 21

i know what you mean. i might not go myself this year. it seems like a waste of time.

if i go i might start up some bullshit myself. GET YO HAND OUTTA MY POCKET!

From Facebook:

Sep 21

The Congressional Black Caucus does not represent me. These are a bunch of out-of-touch, old, boogie leaders that think they're colored white people (uppity "New Negroes").

These rich, powerful Black folk should be able to "bailout" their brothers and sisters that can't even afford a "hot comb" for their nappy hair.

So there. I'm prepared for your comments.

Remember, I may not show up there. If compelled, I will be there.

Obama Calling Kanye a "Jackass"

noreply@blogger.com (fsims) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:08:00 +0000

President Obama was caught on tape calling Kanye West a "jackass" for hijacking Taylor Swift's acceptance speech during the MTV Video Music Awards (VMA's).

The audio was recorded just before Obama went on camera to do an interview with CNBC. Before the interview began, Obama -- referring to Kanye's antics on stage -- said "I thought that was really inappropriate," then adding, "He's a jackass."

After making the remarks, Obama said "Where's the pool?" Presumably, he was worried the joke would go wide. He noted the last time that happened, he got burned for killing a fly.

Obama said, "Cut the President some slack."

Obama Caught on Tape Calling Kanye 'Jackass' -- Courtesy of TMZ.com

Now, Kanye's latest stunt has made made it to the President of the United States. Oh, boy. He just faced his own asshole during a speech in the House of Representatives, Rep. Joe Wilson, calling out "You Lie!" while he spoke.

The United States of Assholes: Citizen Kanye

noreply@blogger.com (fsims) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 15:51:00 +0000

Kanye West has done it again. On the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards he jumped up on stage and disrupted country singer Taylor Swift as she was accepting her award for Best Female Video.

"I'm sorry," said West, "but Beyoncé had one of the best videos of all time."

Swift looked shaken on stage and a source said she cried backstage.

The crowd booed West then, and it did so again later in the night when Diddy mentioned West's name before handing out the moon man (MTV award) for Best Male Video.

In a rare display of contrition, West later apologized on his blog.

"I'M SOOOOO SORRY TO TAYLOR SWIFT AND HER FANS AND HER MOM," West wrote.

Beyoncé had her revenge toward the night's close, when she won "Video of the Year" for the clip "Single Ladies."

Showing all the class Kanye lacked, she said, "I'd like Taylor to come out and have her moment."

"Let's try this again," Swift joked.

Who is he competing with: Representative Wilson or Serena Williams for public wrath?

Is there some kind of "asshole virus" spreading around? First, Rep. Joe Wilson heckling the President during his speech in the House of Representatives, Second, tennis player cursing out some line judge at a match, and Finally, Kanye West's latest stunt.

I've already discussed Mr. Wilson in the previous posting. What is wrong with Serena? Is she on her period or something?

And, Mr. Kanye West. This man should be ashamed of himself. I'm not a fan of Taylor Swift either. In fact, I see her as the next Shania Twain, who I do like. His behavior is inappropriate, arrogant and rude. He should be banned from all future awards shows. Send him his music awards (if any) in the mail.

That retard, high ass, mother****** should get his Black ass kicked for that s***! Knowing good and well that those White rednecks listen to country music and need another excuse to make Black folks look evil and f***** up. His stunt may just add fuel to a future race riot in this country.

Thanks a lot, Kanye.

And yes, Beyonce did have the better video.

Just say it after the award show, next time. If there is a next time.

Rep. Joe Wilson shouts to Obama during speech: "You lie"

noreply@blogger.com (fsims) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 16:16:00 +0000

A Republican House member, Rep. Joe Wilson shouted "You lie" during President Obama's health care speech to Congress on Wednesday (Sep 9), and members of both parties condemned the heckling.

Is this what this debate on Universal Healthcare gotten to? A bunch of immature heckling? This is so bad, "Dennis the Menace" would have looked at Mr. Wilson like he lost his mind.

"Mr. Wilson, why are you yelling at the president like that?"

"I was wrong, Dennis."

"Mommy makes me apologize to the class when I yell at the teacher."

After the speech, South Carolina Rep. Joe Wilson issued a statement apologizing for his outburst.

"This evening, I let my emotions get the best of me when listening to the president's remarks regarding the coverage of illegal immigrants in the health care bill," the statement said. "While I disagree with the president's statement, my comments were inappropriate and regrettable. I extend sincere apologies to the president for this lack of civility."

Wilson also called the White House to apologize and spoke with Obama's Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel, who accepted the apology on the president's behalf, according to a senior administration official.

"We can disagree without being disagreeable," Emanuel said to Wilson, according to the official. "That was the point of the president's speech."

The outburst came when Obama denied that proposed health care legislation would provide free health coverage for illegal immigrants. Immediately, Wilson shouted, "You lie!"

The outburst caused Obama to stop and look toward the heckler. "That's not true," the president responded.

This man should step down. He has proven that he is not in the proper mental condition to represent his state of South Carolina. That state been through enough already, right?

South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Carol Fowler stated, "Once again a South Carolina Republican has embarrassed our state," Fowler's office said in a statement that referred to S.C. Gov. Mark Sanford's extramarital affair.

"Never has any member of Congress shown such disrespect for the president during a speech," Fowler wrote. "One would think that as a member of the military, Joe Wilson would have more respect and patriotism than he displayed tonight. When Congressman Wilson insulted President Obama, he also insulted the American public. Joe Wilson is a poor example of a statesman and an American. He owes an apology to the president and the American people."

The Democrat hoping to unseat Wilson in next year's midterm elections also quickly seized on the Republican's outburst.

"Rep. Wilson's behavior tonight exemplifies everything that is wrong in Washington," Democrat Rob Miller said in a statement provided to CNN. "Instead of engaging in childish name-calling and disrespecting our commander-in-chief, Joe Wilson should be working towards a bipartisan solution that makes quality, affordable health care available to each and every South Carolinian."

I'll try not to go to South Carolina anytime soon. I heard about how they like to fly those Confederate flags.

"Why is anyone surprised that a congressional representative from South Carolina would publicly heckle the country's first African-American President? Especially the guy who comes out of the shadow of the segregationist Strom Thurmond! The outburst was significant because it demonstrated how bothered and angered some people are about having a Black president. The disdain people have for Obama has little to do with his political ideas; the hatred is about who he is.

It is so obvious folks. They are doing everything except calling him the N Word (in public)." chicozen -- a commenter on The Huffington Post

Links:
Joe Wilson shouts to Obama during speech: 'You lie' - CNN.com

Joe Wilson Apologizes For Shouting "You Lie!" At Obama - Huffington Post

Anacostia Diaries Book Sent to Washington City Paper

noreply@blogger.com (fsims) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 17:54:00 +0000

Yes, I sent a copy of my book to the Washington City Paper to be reviewed. Most likely they'll just ignore it and toss it into the recycling bin.

If I find out, I will be very sad. And, you know how I get when I'm sad. Those damm books aren't cheap, man. I have to pay Lulu.com an arm and a leg for copies of my own book. Their bulk discount is not that helpful. I'm not complaining. They host and process the payments for my book for free. You only pay when they print and ship the book.

What's my cut? Barely a couple dollars. This is my way of keeping the book cheap enough for people to buy it while covering the printing and shipping costs.

So, I hope that the Washington City Paper at least gives my book a fair chance. I'm a local author, for God sakes!

Stay tuned for this ongoing saga.

Thank you for reading.

Remake Weird Science Please!

noreply@blogger.com (fsims) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 01:32:00 +0000

In honor of John Hughes, I think that "Weird Science" should be remade for a new generation. It can be done. A TV series ran for five seasons on cable networks.

The original film, which followed two nerds who create the ultimate woman on their computer and then bring her to life, was released in 1985 and starred Ilan-Michael Smith, Anthony Michael-Hall, Robert Downey Jr. and Kelly LeBrock.

I was thinking, why not a African-American remake of the movie? It worked for the "The Honeymooners." It can even be a Disney or Nick film. So here are my suggestions for the actors.

Weird Science (2009) The Black Version

Producer: Debra Martin Chase
Co-Executive Producer: Robert John Downey, Jr. (It was his idea that there should be a remake.)
Director: Damien Dante Wayans

Lisa – Rihanna or Jurnee Smollett
Chet Donnelly – Nick Cannon or Sean Patrick Thomas
Gary Wallace – Evan Ross
Wyatt Donnelly – Tristan Wilds

Girls of Interest:
Deb – Lauren London
Hilly – Raven Simone

Now, there is an interesting idea. Just change the race and make things more diverse. I would also accept the directors, Kyle Newman (Fanboys) or Greg Mottola (Superbad). Better yet, get Judd Apatow (The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Talladega Nights, Knocked Up, Superbad).

If anyone with connections to Hollywood is reading this, please consider my suggestions.

Links:
Weird Science Remake Proposed...Who Would Play the 'Perfect Woman'? Weird Science Remake Brought To Life IGN's Fantasy Remake: Weird Science

'80s Teen Angst flick director John Hughes dies in NYC‎

noreply@blogger.com (fsims) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 01:10:00 +0000

Director John Hughes died of a heart attack during a morning walk in Manhattan. He was in New York to visit family. He was 59 years old.

His most famous films are:

Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986) (written by, producer, director)
Pretty in Pink (1986) (written by, executive producer)
Weird Science (1985) (written by, director)
The Breakfast Club (1985) (written by, producer, director)
Sixteen Candles (1984) (written by, director)

Even though these films came out when I was 4-6 years old, I have been able to see the many reruns on cable (and online) over the years and I have derived much inspiration from them. The fact that we have all these teen movies, teen horror films and teen TV shows like "Saved By the Bell" are because of Mr. Hughes.

So, to Mr. Hughes. Thank you for the timeless films that gave teenagers a voice. Rest in Peace, sir.

(This will lead to my next post about the movie "Weird Science.")

Black Professor Gates Arrested for Breaking into his own Home

noreply@blogger.com (fsims) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:12:00 +0000

On July 16, 2009, Harvard Professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. returned home from a trip to China to find the door to his house jammed. His driver attempted to help him gain entrance. Cambridge police, responding to a reported break-in attempt, arrested Gates and charged him with disorderly conduct.

The incident drew national attention and president Barack Obama was asked a question about the incident at a July 22 news conference on health care reform. The President noted that "Skip" Gates was a friend of his, that he didn't have all the facts, but that the "Cambridge police acted stupidly in arresting somebody when there was already proof that they were in their own home."

Obama's comments sparked a considerable number of comments. James Preston, president of the Fraternal Order of Police Florida State Lodge, stated: "To make such an off-handed comment about a subject without benefit of the facts, in such a public forum, hurts police/community relations and is a setback to all of the years of progress". Preston further warned that "by reducing all contact between law enforcement and the public to the color of their skin or ethnicity is, in fact, counterproductive to improving relationships". In addition, the Cambridge police commissioner, describing the impact of the accusations, commented that "this department is deeply pained. It takes its professional pride seriously". On July 24, 2009, a multiracial group of police officers demanded an apology from President Obama and Governor Deval Patrick for making comments which the police described as insulting. Republican congressman Thaddeus McCotter said he would introduce a resolution in the House of Representatives calling on the president to apologize to Crowley.

President Obama contacted both Gates and Crowley. One of Gates's lawyers, Harvard Law Professor Charles J. Ogletree Jr, a former professor of Obama's, stated that "I think the president has taken the right approach by trying to make sure we move forward [...] He's always had the ability to negotiate difficult conversations, and his steps today are an important step in the right direction. I think the president has given his assessment, which makes a lot of sense, and, however you feel about it, it has reduced the temperature and allowed everyone to move forward in a constructive way." Steve Killion, president of the Cambridge patrol officers association, also stated "I'm absolutely pleased with [Obama's call]. I think it was a good thing for the president to do. He's the commander in chief, he's in charge. Whether or not he should be involved in local politics, he runs the country. We all want to see this behind us."

Gates has accepted an offer to meet with Sgt. Crowley and President Obama at the White House. Gates also stated in an email to the Boston Globe that "My entire academic career has been based on improving race relations, not exacerbating them. I am hopeful that my experience will lead to greater sensitivity to issues of racial profiling in the criminal justice system. If so, then this will be a blessing for our society. It is time for all of us to move on, and to assess what we can learn from this experience."

In addition, President Obama appeared unannounced at a White House press briefing on July 24 and said "I want to make clear that in my choice of words I think I unfortunately gave an impression that I was maligning the Cambridge Police Department or Sergeant Crowley specifically — and I could have calibrated those words differently." Also, that " I continue to believe, based on what I have heard, that there was an overreaction in pulling Professor Gates out of his home to the station. I also continue to believe, based on what I heard, that Professor Gates probably overreacted as well" and that he planned on the three of them "having a beer" to discuss the situation at the White House.

In my opinion, the President was right. Those police officers did act in a stupid manner. He did not say that the officers were stupid. He just said that they acted in a stupid manner.

Secondly, where are the riots? The protests? Demonstrations?

Thirdly, how can this still happen in a country where the President is Black, the governor of Massachusetts is Black and the Mayor of Cambridge, Massachusetts is a Black woman? Hello!

Cambridge and Boston should be on fire tonight for what happened. How can you arrest the world's most prolific Professor of African & African-American History because he was just trying to get into his own house?

Other prominent blacks called the confrontation a clear example of racial profiling.

"Under any account ... all of it is totally uncalled for," said Earl Graves Jr., CEO of the company that publishes Black Enterprise magazine.

The Rev. Jesse Jackson said he was unsatisfied with the resolution.

"The charges have been dropped, but the stain remains. ... Humiliation remains," Jackson said. "These incidents are so much of a national pattern on race."

Gates joined the Harvard faculty in 1991 and holds one of 20 prestigious "university professors" positions at the school. He also was host of "African American Lives," a PBS show about the family histories of prominent U.S. blacks. In 1997, he was named by Time magazine as one of the 25 most influential Americans.

This man has continued the work begun by W.E.B. DuBois and Carter G. Woodson. He has written several books and starred in documentaries about Africa.

The system of White supremacy in this country does not care about the accomplishments of the Black man. It serves as a reminder that, "I don't care who you are, you are still a nigger."

That was the message given to Mr. Gates. No matter how prominent you are, you are still considered another nigger.

I am Michael, You are Tito

noreply@blogger.com (fsims) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:43:00 +0000

Francwa: here on the Anacostia Diaries I am Michael and you are Toto.
You: you mean Tito! Toto was what we had for dinner last night!

Ha! Ha!

HIV/AIDS Epidemic in DC

noreply@blogger.com (fsims) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 22:31:00 +0000

I have many thoughts about his issue, but I will not post them today. I'll save that for later.

A wise man once told me that, "Everybody just wants to get drunk and stay in a Five-Star hotel."

As I think about the HIV/AIDS crisis in this town, I'm thankful to God that women for some strange reason don't find me attractive. I have always seen this as a curse, but I realize that his is a blessing! And no, I am not gay. Those who are familiar with this blog know my views on homosexuality and that I am a tolerant person.

These so-called "cute, good-looking" women are usually the ones that cause the most trouble. My mother told me this as I was growing up, and she is right. It's these same women that get f&#*## by these "pretty boys" and "roughneck gangstas".

These "for-real gangstas, cold-hard niggas" in and out of jail, are on the "down-low" f&#*## other men in prison. Then they don't tell their "shawty (shorty)" and have sex with them. That's how the HIV virus gets spread.

And those "pretty boys" that act like they're gay, may not be acting. So the women want them and thay end up getting f&#*## by them. That's how the HIV virus gets spread.

So, in my case, being negative is a good thing. HIV Negative, that is. I get tested all the time, even though women don't find me attractive and want to f&#* me.

So in conclusion, thank God that I am not gay and that these slutty ass, skank hoes don't want me. I can't afford to get drunk and stay in expensive hotels f&#**^% these women. They will die off and I will still be HIV free.

So there!

Use a condom, get tested, stop lying and keep it real.