A rapper with charity: T.I. and Thanksgiving in Atlanta
Written by Michael Vass
I have a problem. As is well known to long-time readers of my blogs, I don’t like gangsta rap. I find the music to be repetitive, pro-violence, pro-drug, pro-illiteracy, pro-death. I find the entertainers to be some of the worst examples of what (primarily but not exclusively) Black men are and can be. In general I believe that gangsta rappers deserve to be locked-up in a jail cell like the felons they are and/or wish to be seen as.
That being said, long-time readers also know that I love it when celebrities and entertainers go out of their way to make a donation or hold an event that benefits those of us in need. I am especially pleased when that entertainer or celebrity is Black. And I hate it when the major news media ignores or demeans the act of generosity with negative news that is not relevant to the charity.
I think you can see where this is going.
T.I., Clifford Joseph Harris Jr., spent Thanksgiving in Atlanta. He was there with 22.000 friends that day. And not one gunshot went off, nor did any woman lose her clothes while shaking her ass for a camera. I have to say this because of the extensive history of T.I. breaking the law, involvement in fights, illegal gun possession and other such acts.
This was not a rap event. This was charity. And it was an apparently record-breaking act of giving, though not the first time this rapper has done so.
This Thanksgiving Clifford Harris raised $100,000 for Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless, and did so in 2 hours. He followed this up with volunteering to help serve the 22,000 people that were fed at the Atlanta Brave’s Turner field.
This had nothing to do with the various community service requirements that T.I. has had to serve for his multiple violations of law. He did it because for all his faults he believes in charity. Such can be seen from his history of giving.
He has helped with Hurricane Katrina relief, worked with troubled youths at Paulding Detention Center, provided scholarships for single parent families at Boys and Girls Clubs, and giving away 200 bicycles to neighborhood children in the Boys and Girls Club in Atlanta. For all the things I don’t like about the rapper, I must commend his acts of charity (the ones he has done without court order).
So here I am commending the charity of a rapper that deserves to be lauded for his selfless acts. Yet I am severely at odds with his history of violence and breaking the law, and the music he performs.
Perhaps this is an example that even the most insulting, crude and ignorant of people have redeeming qualities. Perhaps I am too harsh a judge of things that I find offensive and detrimental. Perhaps Clifford Harris Jr. is growing up and becoming a man; not in terms of his age or ability to father children but in terms of his actions in society.
Whatever the case, I am glad to hear of and mention the good work that was done for so many this Thanksgiving.
Tiger Woods and GM, Citigroup and the Mets
Written by Michael Vass
Today all eyes are pointing towards Citigroup and what they have been doing, or failing to do. Thousands have lost their jobs, tens of billions of dollars are being poured into the company. And unlike AIG, Citigroup is not sending their employees to luxury spas for a breather. Nor are they giving up on celebrity endorsements like GM with Tiger Woods. No, they are putting their name on the Mets baseball stadium for $400 million of your tax dollars.
Wow.
I mean what else can be said here. Citigroup is going forward with putting their name on a stadium (a policy I dislike in all stadiums) with your money as 401k’s and taxes are used to fund it. No wonder they ran through the intial $25 billion the Government gave them. And Congress is asking AIG and the auto industry for reforms and guarantees. For over a year now, no one thought this expenditure was worth noting? Hey Barney Frank, you didn’t get a memo on this – Mr. Head of the Banking Committee.
I mean GM has bailed out of their deal with Tiger Woods. They bought themselves out of their deal a year early. I’m sure it cost them more than a bit to do so, but at least they did something to save a few bucks. And I’m sure Tiger was more than happy to let them do it.
Tiger Woods is too big a brand to be tied to the failure of the auto industry. The last thing he needs is the media tying him to a huge payout funded by an auto bailout. That would be bad for his image, bad for PGA golf, and America. Nobody wins in that scenario. And I doubt he is hurting for the money.
Of course GM is losing the worst. Tiger looks like a hero for saving the company money. He can easily say that he does not want to be paid at the price of workers jobs, or taxpayer debt increases. And that would be true. But GM looks like an idiot for not moving forward sooner. And losing Tiger, the Super Bowl ads, and who knows what other advertising means fewer cars sold.
But at least this looks a little bit better for them after their luxury corporate jet trip to ask Congress for billions of dollars.
Citigroup on the other hand could care less. At least that’s what it looks like. They are spending more useless money than Tiger’s endorsement (the full 5 year deal), buying a new corporate jet, all the Super Bowl ads, and the AIG spa trips put together and multiplied by 10. At the very least will shareholders get a discount to go to Mets’ games in 2009. Even 1 game in the baseball season? I doubt it.
The big question is will this reflect badly on the Mets. They are getting paid a stupid amount of money, as is New York City, to have the field given this dumb name. There are thousands of employees of Citigroup that work in the corporate headquarters in NYC. How will they feel watching the Mets play, knowing that the field’s name cost them their job. Or anyone who invested in Citigroup. They might have lost the ability to go to games, or even to live in their home, because of the stock devaluation due to the mismanagement and they have to watch this team play in a place that sucked their money away.
Mets fans always have had it rough, being in the same city as the Yankees. But this is a new thing that really doesn’t have anything to do with baseball, yet it may well have a massive impact on the game.
And if you are wondering why Citigroup didn’t do something back in January (at the latest) when they knew things were getting bad? Its because they were sure of one thing. They are too big to fail. They can waste money like a drunk pissing on the side of a building. It is wrong, but they don’t care. And the Government knows it.
But let me ask you which you think is worse. Is it worse to lose Tiger Woods’ endorsement, and ads during the Super Bowl and ask for money, or to spend money on the name of a baseball field and demand the public pay for it? Then let me know why you think Congress (especially Chris Dodd and Barney Frank) seems to think GM is the bigger bad guy.
Holiday gift ideas – from M V Consulting, Inc.
Written by Michael Vass
I recently displayed the new Wanna Ride? line of clothing at my online store (www.cafepress.com/nova68). And I promised that there would be more on the way. I always work hard to live up to my promises.
So in addition to 
the Wanna Ride? selection of mousepads, coffee mugs, t-shirts, Teddy bears, sweats, thongs, and other items I present the new Cowboy line.
The new Cowboy line is a strong statement of self. It looks good in t-shirts, steins, pet water bowls, calendars, hats, hooded sweatshirts, and over a dozen other items. And the design is another original from HB Designs made exclusively for M V Consulting, Inc. So you can be sure this is a unique gift for anyone on your Holiday lists, or yourself. 
But this is only the tip of the iceberg. There are even more unique clothing designs being worked on as we speak, covering thoughts from the sexy to the flirty to just funny. And each unique clothing design will be available on dozens of styles of clothing, and a huge assortment of other products like boxer shorts, kitchen aprons, keepsake boxes, throw pillows, coffee mugs, gift cards, 2009 calendars, coaster tiles, and more.
Out of the hundreds of items available, there is definitely something for everyone including yourself. And they all can be purchased from the warmth and ease of your home and/or office. So just click here and take a look at what is available.
Keep an eye out for our model photos that will be coming soon. This way you can see real people in the various clothing designs at our online store.
Sincerely,
Michael Vass
President – M V Consulting, Inc.
info@vassconsult.com
** If you wish to submit a design or clothing idea please contact us.
And we are always interested in new models – male or female, of every race and age – for our photo shoots. If you wish to be considered please send a photo with your contact information to us here.
Spike Lee ignores racial diversity
Written by Michael Vass
I love the film work of Spike Lee. I like the fact he takes on controversial topics. But his politics are something else.
I am a Black Republican. I support Republican ideals. You know, things like if you work hard you deserve to keep more of what you earn. Being self-responsible instead of relying on the Government. Having a strong militiary is one part of having a safe nation. And so on.
I disagree with the policies that President Obama and the Democrat-led Congress propose. Thing like letting the Government pick my healthcare for me. Having the Government decide how much money I should have. The Government deciding where my money should go instead of allowing me to expand my business or give to a charity or cause of my choice. Talking to nations and groups that have sworn to their God to kill all of us – and increasing their power by doing so, instead of ensuring they can’t hurt the nation and think twice before doing so. Forcing conservation by jacking up electricity costs and closing power plants. Stuff like that.
Does that make me a White man stuck in the 50’s? Does it make Afican Americans like Colin Powell, Ken Blackwell, Condoleezza Rice, Janice Rogers Brown, Erik Rush, Ken Hamblin, Thomas Sowell, Yaphet Kotto, Lynn Swann, Karl Malone, Akindele Akinyemi, T.D Jakes, James Meredith, Vernon Robinson, Stanley Crouch - and I believe Dr. Martin Luther King and Malcom X – among so many others White? Spike Lee seems to think so.
He may not agree with the views of the Republican Party but that does not mean he should insult all Republicans with stereotypical comments. Just as he would be upset if he was stereotyped, or labeled as a liberal, tree-hugging, socialist, racist. I don’t think such things can be said about him or most Democrats, but niether should Republicans be blasted.
And most of all I hate the way that Black culture, and American society in general, insists that African Americans must be Democrats. Like we don’t have minds and philosophies of life of our own. Like race is the only issue that we care about.
If Spike Lee makes a new film, I’ll still probaly go see it. But I’m way past tired of being blasted for a choice I make for my own life.
Curt Hocker - golfing beyond the odds
Written by Michael Vass
For all the golfers out there, how many of you ever hit a hole in one? I don’t know anyone that has, and I know maybe 100 golfers who have played they game for a combined total of 1,000 years. The closest I personally have ever gotten was 48” on a 125yd par-3. I won a prize in a tournament for it too. But the best part was that 9 golfers were around at the time to see it.
Now I mention that one moment of golf competency for a reason. The odds of getting a hole in one are variable depending on where you look. But going with Golf Digest the following seems accurate:
- Tour player making an ace: 3,000 to 1
- Low-handicapper making an ace: 5,000 to 1
- Average player making an ace: 12,000 to 1
- Average player acing a 200-yard hole: 150,000 to 1
- Two players from the same foursome acing the same hole: 17 million to 1
- One player making two holes-in-one in the same round: 67 million to 1
Average is a tough thing to gauge but generally that’s around 110 for most golfers.
Now imagine getting 5. That’s 5 holes in one in a single week. 2 of them on the same day. And a few were on par-4’s not just par-3s.
I can’t even begin to guess the odds on this. But 15 witnesses and members at the El Paso Golf Club (the country club bar to be exact) can confirm this. Curt Hocker is the golfer that has done this. And no he’s not a pro; he’s an amateur like you and me. Well maybe not me anyway.
It’s just bloody amazing if you ask me. I think it could be a world record, but I don’t know if anyone keeps records on that.
Of course I am sure of one thing. The El Paso Golf Club can’t wait til Hocker is off his streak. Because every time he hits another the Club picks up the tab for drinks on the house (a golf tradition) and I imagine the house is packed every time he goes out for a round these days.
Who really belongs on the Top 49 Most Influential Men of 2008 list
Written by Michael Vass
Everybody loves a list of top anything. You just can’t resist seeing what got rated and how high things were ranked. Everyone has an opinion, this was too high or that was too low. At Askmen.com they have just released their Top 49 Most Influential Men of 2008.
Over 200,000 people voted to establish the men and ranks on this list. That’s pretty impressive. Going through the list I found it interesting not only who and what rank some men were ranked, but also why. This years list includes a bit of a bio and the reasons for the influence of the person. Amazingly, some on the list were ranked for the most inane reasons, in my opinion.
#48 – Lil Wayne. Ranked with an overall score of 73.3 his claim to fame this year was the plethora of songs he has released over his career, and the fact that he was arrested and charged with 4 felonies. Being a rapper there was no surprise in that the charges are related to drugs. So drug addicts (and definitely his drug dealer) are sure to have been impressed that he could get arrested with a massive amount of drugs, remain out of jail, and release an album.
#47 – Criss Angel. Ranked at 73.4. He makes people believe as only Houdini and David Blaine have. If you don’t see him in Vegas, check out his show on cable television. Amazing.
#46 – Alex Rodriguez. Ranked with a score of 73.9. A real trend setter A-Rod was influential for all the men that want to divorce their wife and hook up with the wife of another guy (who subsequently is also getting a divorce). You might have expected him to have been ranked because of his success as a baseball player, but then again where did the Yankees finish?
#44 – Ryan Seacrest. Ranked in a tie with A-Rod at 73.9, you just have to be impressed that he made the list. The only claim to fame for this guy is American Idol. He must be influential to someone because he is making a career out of the least skill intensive career separate of being a judge on American Idol.
#41 – Lewis Hamilton. Ranked a mere 75.5. The first Black man to break the race barrier in Formula 1 racing, and the best in the world right now (possibly disputable). He has made Formula 1 racing exciting again and is a rage throughout Europe. Considering the reasons some are on this list, how he was not ranked higher escapes me.
#40 – Brett Farve. Ranked 75.9 you just have to love his spirit. He has come back out of retirement and brought life into the Jets game. This has been huge for the fans and changed up all the expectations in the NFL. Perhaps the only people that want this ranked lower are in Green Bay.
#39 – Heath Ledger. Ranked with a solid 77, he’s doing quite well for being dead. His big accomplishments were dying form a drug overdose/mix and his performance as the Joker in the latest Batman movie. Honestly I have never been impressed with his acting, and even less so with his rendition of the Joker. Where was the joke? Maybe that his death catapulted the movie higher than it ever could be if he lived and it was reviewed fairly?
#33 – Brad Pitt. Ranked with a 79.5, and you just have to wonder why. His film Burn After Reading got burned in theaters (he’s done much better). He hasn’t done much else this year except be a dad, which is reason enough to get credit. The big draw for him on the list – his wife Angelina Jolie.
#32 – Harvey Levin. Ranked at 79.5 with Brad Pitt. He is the man responsible for all the news you don’t care to know about Lindsey Lohan and Britney Spears. His gossip website, TMZ.com, is the spot for news that used to only be fit for the Globe. Influencing bathroom reading every day.
#28 – Arnold Schwarzenegger. Ranked 80.8 and the Guvernator. He has made almost as much of an impact on politics as he has in his movies. His influence was felt this year as he endorsed Senator McCain for President over Rudy Giuliani. Up to this point he is the only man on the list that is both well-known and actually influential for something.
#26 – Jimmy Kimmel. Ranked 81.4. Hey you just have to cheer for the success of this guy. And he got ranked above the Guvernator! Good for him.
#25 – David Beckham. Ranked 81.8 and the saviour of the L.A. Galaxy. The man is still a great soccer (futbol in the rest of the world) player and definitely the best playing in the U.S. today. His introduction to U.S. soccer has helped to lift the sport and got the Galaxy to finish above .500 which takes doing. Plus a 70 yard goal is damn hard to do.
#22 – George Clooney. Ranked 83 and far above pal Brad Pitt. Like Pitt I like the acting of Clooney. But he is an outspoken advocate of many causes. He was named a Messenger of Peace by the U.N. this year. His work dealing with Darfur (along with Pitt) is only exceeded by Don Cheadle. Too bad he’s not a Republican.
#21 – Usain Bolt. Ranked 83.2 for his performance at the 2008 Olympics. And it was a performance. Perhaps I was the only one a bit off-put by his showboating especially in the 100 meter race. Yes he’s fast, but if he wants to act he should get a different career.
#19 – Ben Bernanke. Ranked 83.5. Generally everyone on this list was ranked for their positive influence. Bernanke is the only person that I would absolutely say influenced the world with his negative actions. He failed in his monetary policy, his late rate cuts and abysmal attention to the span of the mortgage crisis. Influential and nearly deserving of a jail sentence, he makes Paul Volker look like a smart guy.
#17 – Kanye West. Overranked at 84.2 this performer is only overshadowed by his ego. I mean really, above Bernanke, Beckham, Hamilton, Clooney? Why is he even on the list? What did he influence?
#15 – Jon Stewart. Ranked at 85 he is one of the most important faces of politics today. That is both funny and sad because he is a comedian making fun of what is happening. Considering that he is reported to be watch by more aged 30 and under than regular news for the news it’s little surprise that so many are leaning left in this next election. But he’s just so funny.
#10 – Senator John McCain. Ranked 86.2 you would expect that one of the Presidential candidates would be ranked higher. I’m sure it’s a far-left internet plot (sarcasm if you didn’t guess). Still as one of the men that would run the nation, and with the best outlook for America – in my opinion – and an American hero (indisputable) he should be rated higher.
#9 - Cristiano Ronaldo. Ranked 86.2 he is an international futbol superstar. He had a good year with Manchester United, scoring his first hat trick and won the UEFA Champions League. He had 8 goals for Portugal, including one in the quarterfinals, as Portugal qualifies for the next World Cup.
#7 – Christian Bale. Ranked an astounding 89. Are they serious? I like him as Bruce Wayne, and he was one of the few saving graces in The Dark Knight but let’s be serious. More influence than Senator McCain? Bigger than Jon Stewart? Better than Lewis Hamilton? I think not.
#5 – Stephen Colbert. Can you believe that he is only ranked 89.9? I bet he can’t. And his gut will tell him it was a typo and really is 98.8 only behind Senator McCain. He is the best at parsing politics and being ingenuine in the very ingenuine field of politics. You know he is funny when Republicans watch his fake Republican rants and laugh. (and he is a great Phil Ken Sebin – Harvey Birdman Attorney at Law – Ha!ha)
#4 – Robert Downey Jr. Ranked a cool 90.4 he is the king of the hill right now. Iron Man, the upcoming The Soloist with Jamie Foxx. He is an actor that can make movies like Tropic Thunder look good, and can be huge in anything else. He gives hope that even the worst junkie has a touch of grace, and the ability to overcome any downfall.
#1 – Senator Barack Obama. His rank of 93.1 will likely shock some since it’s not 100%. He is the first African American to have a serious shot at being President. He is intelligent, an orator without current par, young (as politics go) and determined. Even if you don’t like his political positions (and I don’t) you have to respect his rise and ability to bring so many from the apathy most Presidential races fall into. Win or lose the election, he is the face of where politics will be going soon (in 4 years I think he can’t help but win the election).
There are others on the list that some might feel are of note. And some might not agree with the reasons, or lack thereof, for the rankings – or my interpretations. But if I had to list the aforementioned the top 5 would have to be:
- Senator Barack Obama
- Senator John McCain
- Robert Downey Jr.
- Stephen Colbert
- Lewis Hamilton
And on the list of infamy and negative influence, which should be a separate list:
-
Ben Bernanke
Harry Paulson
Barney Frank
Chris Dodd
Harry Reid
Nancy Pelosi
Each and every one of them for allowing the mortgage crisis which has created the credit crunch and damaging America.
Career choices - play Guitar Hero or be a comatose lemming
Written by Michael Vass
In-between the latest bit of ambulance chasing news of Greta Van Sustern (in my opinion), and the various spills of the Olympics I ran across the possibly most idiotic piece of new of the year (to date anyway). What could be worse than Greta reporting endlessly on news events that the majority of people no longer want to hear about, or the endless discussions of which group of Olympic athletes look best? Simply this, a kid quit school to play Guitar Hero.
It can’t be said enough, a 16 year old boy (that I’m willing to bet money is White – just because I cannot imagine a Black mother going along with this kind of idea) gave up on going to school to pursue a dream of playing video games, Guitar Hero in particular, for a living. This is not being a play tester for a gaming company – which is a career – just playing for competition.
The parents of this kid need to be slapped. Then the kid needs to be knocked about a bit, and then the parents again.
Now the fact the kid was an idiot, and could not do well in high school, and was not liked or popular is beside the point. That is not an excuse to just give up. And I realize that the kid is now getting tutored which has improved his learning. This is still not the same as getting a high school education. Part of high school is learning to interact with people, not all of which will like or value this individual or that one. Such is life.
This kid is hoping that Guitar Hero will remain popular, for his lifetime, in order to earn a living. The best in the industry – of which there are few – generally earn $25,000 which isn’t much. And I dare anyone to name a video game that is as popular 10 years after the first version of the game as the first. I’m a gamer and I can only think of one, Resident Evil. And it has its own ups and downs.
The parents of this kid have decided to ruin their child’s chances of earning a living, ever. If the kid was learning to program games, cool. If the kid had a real job as a back up, great. But this loser has 1 thing he can do. Play Guitar Hero. He might as well as commit suicide (I’m not being exactly literal) and save himself the anguish of life as a peon without social skills or marketable job qualifications.
This loser might even capture a few pre-teen girlfriends that he can wine and dine with his winnings of fast food gift certificates. But somehow I doubt that anyone else would be the least bit interested.
What bout of brain dead malfunctioning would allow parents to ok such an act? I have nothing against video games, they are a fun distraction. And I respect those that worked hard to learn the skills to create this impressive graphic computer marvels. But playing a video game is not training for the Olympics, or even viably planning for the future.
What happens when a new harder version of the game comes out? What if the game becomes unpopular? What if the supposed skill he has at this game is non-transferable to any other future game? The kid will be lucky to get a job hauling manure (and I really don’t mean it insult the people who haul manure, they at least do an honest days work unlike this kid). And sadly that means that both the parents and inevitably the Government will have to support this anti-social half-wit. My taxes are worth more.
I really cannot impress upon you my disgust at hearing this news. Yes I am upset that this kid believes his only claim for existence is that he can PLAY a game better than most (not even best). But I am insanely more pissed off that these parents have such little faith in their child’s abilities, and their own obviously detrimental parenting skills, as to destine this child to a life of poverty, ridicule, and about as much intellectual growth as a comatose lemming.
Please, do not do this to your children.
Spain’s Olympic basketball team - Racism in your face
Written by Michael Vass
**also found at Breaking News Blog**
It really just floors me. At a time when the world is looking at China, as they hold the Olympics, and seeing the mixing of every culture on the planet we still get to learn about how insensitive humanity can be.
Racism, and insults based solely in race, is neither an American invention nor one of the modern industrial era. But in the 21st Century we all would like to think that it might end soon, that we all would have learned enough about each other to know better. But we don’t. And it shows even as the world tries to unite for a ‘friendly’ athletic competition.
Many in the U.S. might not be familiar with the specific case I am speaking of. It deals with the Spanish basketball team and a photo they took before they start of the Olympics.
The insult is obvious. The intention, as stated by the team, was to have a light-hearted bit of fun. It didn’t happen.
Seriously, I too cannot understand how no one found this to be insulting. But before I wanted to write on this ad, sponsored and organized by Seur - though Li-Ning Footwear (Li-Ning being the former Olympian that lit the Olympic flame) is also a sponsor of the team - I wanted to give Spain’s basketball team a chance to simply apologize.
Instead comments like this on from Jose Calderon were made
No problem? Too much of a big deal? Calderon plays for the Toronto Raptors, so imagine if the Raptors took a picture like this one, all in black face. Or doused in water exposing their backs to the camera. Or dressed with green and spilling beer. Or holding plates of spaghetti. In Spain there may not be a care about insulting 1/3 of the world, or any race and ethnicity, but the rest of the world clearly does not share those same feelings – at least most of the time.
Pau Gasol, who plays for the L.A. Lakers, offered a slightly more remorseful comment
“Some of us didn’t feel comfortable doing it just because to me it was a little clownish for our part to be doing that,” Gasol said. “But the sponsors insisted and insisted. I think it is just a bad idea I guess to do that, but it was never intended to be offensive or racist against anybody…
If anybody feels offended by it we totally apologize for it. We never meant anything offensive by it.”
It’s not much of an apology. I mean if he felt that bad about the photo, why be in it? Why not say something? Why not make a comment before or when the photo was published in La Marca?
Gasol said nothing, until the image hit the internet, and the backlash struck the team. That’s not caring about being offensive or racist, that’s covering your ass.
But before you start taking the side of Gasol keep in mind the last part of what he has to say about this
“If you put it in the wrong context and put it with the wrong people or a different kind of people, you could take it that way,” he said. “But not with our group and not with our people. I would find that a wrong read.”
Wrong context? Wrong people? The photo mocks anyone of Asian descent anywhere in the world. What context beyond that is there?
How many times have I heard the words, “I’m not a racist but…” or “I can’t be racist because I know a black person…” or “We’re not racists because we like this entertainer (or athlete)…”
Spain is known for its racist attitude, especially in sports. There are numerous comments that have been made by those in soccer (futbol), auto racing, and other sports. This is a low for that country, among a host of lows presented to the worlds on a regular basis.
Racist acts are not solely an American issue, but that does not make it a good thing nor acceptable. If Spain, and/or the Spanish basketball team, is embarrassed they should be. The world is in the 21st Century, and actions like this have no place in it.
Brawlin’at the Belmar - my first BMX Pro-Am dirt jumping tournament
Written by Michael Vass
Over the weekend I had the chance to watch America rise to the challenge. I wasn’t watching the Olympics, or the news on Iraq and/or Afghanistan. I wasn’t at a movie. I was watching a BMX competition – Brawlin’ at the Belmar.
I’ll say it again, I was watching teens and young men on bicycles competing on a short dirt track. In fact it wasn’t a track but a jump, landing hill, and turnaround wall specially built behind the Belmar here in Binghamton just for this event. To be more accurate it was a dirt ramp setup by Dave King – a master ramp builder in the sport - specifically for a Pro-Am dirt jumping tournament. And it was a great experience.
Now it’s taking me a bit of time to get the video of the event done, my editing skill are not the greatest and I have 200 video clips to work through, but I will have one soon. Even so the event was a wonderful display of America just enjoying itself.
The event was sponsored by Red Bull, FBM Bikes, and the Belmar Bar. This was not the first year this event has been held here, but it was the first time I went to it. And there were roughly 200 plus people there at any moment from 12 until night fell some 9 hours later. That was just the crowd on Saturday, with part of the event being held previously Friday.
Now I should mention that I am not a fan of BMX (never seen it before). I also knew nothing about the sport beyond the thought that it was something that kids did before some Monster Truck event. Such are the thoughts of a 40 yr old from the Bronx. I was wrong on multiple counts.
The competition involved both amateurs and professionals with a total of some 30 riders or more in all. 
There were riders there from as far as Chicago and Long Island that I am aware of. There was even one rider that had been at the X-games this year. And the age ranges were from one young Black kid (Boogie was his nickname if I recall correctly) of 10 to a 32 year old.
Now I would be remiss if I did not mention that I was amazed by some of the jumps and tricks that were being done. I am quite sure that I’d have killed myself if I tried to do any of it. Yet all the riders were out giving their all for the crowd. There were riders jumping up some 20+ feet into the air, and others getting almost as much height while doing flips or 180 and 360 degree turns.
Now I had to ask a couple of the riders about this sport.
One rider I spoke to was Dan Psimer from Cleveland, Ohio. 
He’s 25 years old and first started riding bikes in competition in the NBL. The NBL is the National Bike League as I learned. Dan was 13 then, and he never looked back. His mother supported him in his endeavors and now he is a professional with big plans. I can’t discuss some of his plans for the future, but I can say that his love of the sport has gotten him to look to the entrepreneurial aspects as well as competition.
As someone who never had seen this type of event I have to say it was unique and fun. And the crowd was filled with spectators of all ages. A large amount of the crowd were very familiar with the professionals, and local amateurs as well.
Once I have my video, or videos, done I will go into more detail on the event. But I will say this, given the opportunity of watching another event like this or watching Olympic bicycling, or the Tour De France, I would gladly go all American and watch the BMX competition.
Potential football stars that already shine
Written by Michael Vass
Football is an America standard. Its fans are at least as passionate as any baseball fan, devoted more than in basketball, and the most intense game for players from the earliest grades. Fathers rarely stand prouder than when their son throws the winning touchdown pass, or catches it – even though if after that moment a television camera is on hand and the player calls out to mom.
Such is the phenom of football. Such is America.
So there should be no surprise that I mention Oaks Christian High School. Never heard of it? It’s a private high school that in 2006 had Jimmy Clausen, the best in the nation’s high schools as quarterback who then went to Notre Dame, Marc Tyler, now at USC, and another 9 players that are now in Division 1 schools. Oaks Christian may be a private school but it has groomed many public heroes.
Still if you are not familiar with this school I doubt you will continue to be unaware of it. That’s because there are 3 players whose future holds the torches of their fathers before them. The sons are Trevor Gretsky, Nick Montana, and Trey Smith. Yep, dad for these 3 are Wayne Gretsky, Joe Montana, and Will Smith.
Now if you were paying attention to this high school earlier you might have noticed that the elder Smith and Gretsky appear at these games. In fact the helicopter used by Will Smith to get to one of his sons games may have been hard to miss. It might not be eco-friendly, but I’d have been damn proud to see my dad fly in just to watch me play.
But if you are expecting to catch the games, the sons, or their famous fathers and family on Access Hollywood or the various celebrity rags you’re going to wait a long time. The school has banned Access Hollywood and Entertainment Tonight, and security is on a constant watch for paparazzi. And in case there are any real media hoping to capture the son of one of the best Black actors in this generation, or arguably any, he is a media blackout. Trey is off-limits to all media.
Now I applaud Will Smith’s decision. There is enough pressure in high school, and it’s amped up being in football. Add to that the fact that recruiters and scouts are at all the games and it’s a boiler. No need for the added scrutiny of mobs of reporters and camera toting yahoos.
But I understand Wayne Gretsky allowing his son to be photographed. His son is good (though not at hockey which he doesn’t play at all) and with the schools reputation for top division schools getting used to the media is part of the drill. [I believe that all their sons are too young and will not include their photos. Were they in movies or television and thus the public eye already I would have a different opinion.]
So expect to hear more in the next couple of years about college and the names Gretsky, Montana, and Smith. And for the football fans, Gretsky – quarterback JV, Montana – quarterback new to team, Smith – receiver JV.
As for me, I wish the kids good luck. And most of all I want to mention the son and father currently ignored by the media frenzy on the famous fathers. The son is Tony Macarena who is the Varsity quarterback for Oaks Christian. Tony is 5’ 11” in the class of 2009. I believe he is looking to go to Fresno State. His father is Sergio Macarena. He should be applauded for the fact he has a son going to college and an excellent athlete – in that order. And it should be noted that the elder Macarena “lifts furniture” for a living. If nothing else he deserves a mention for that.
Sunday thinking of Dad
Written by Michael Vass
I’ve had an odd day this Sunday. The early part was spent cleaning my house, seeing what else is going onto my growing list of little things to fix. I took a break to watch some of the news about Tony Snow. It’s a shame he died so young. My condolences to his family.
I then saw Walk The Line, and then most of Deep Impact. The combination of all these events had me looking at my photo of my father over and over. Now most who know me can attest to the fact that I am not an emotional man. Not even a little. But on this rainy day I must say that I am touched with memories of my father who was slightly younger than Tony Snow when he died in 2001.
Let me share a thought of my dad. Of the many things I can say there are a few things that stick out in my mind.
One memory is the worst beating he ever gave me. Now some might think that odd, but for me it is a lesson that he taught me.
I had decided to cut school on a Friday. I got caught. The following Monday I did it again thinking my mother would not check. She did. And called my father, who told her he was on his way.
That evening, as I went to sleep I thought I was safe. Dad had not shown up yet so I believed he wasn’t going to make it. I was very wrong.
In the middle of the night I was awoken by my mother. She informed me that my father was in the living room as she woke up my brother and sister. We went in there and sat down as Dad proceeded to inform me and my siblings how upset he was. The reason for the delay turned out to be that his car broke down. He then had to call a friend and ask to borrow his car to come to me. He also had to explain why he needed to see me. And then there was the ever present and horrendous traffic from Long Island to the Bronx.
After informing us of how badly I had disappointed him, he took me to my mother’s bedroom got her out of the room and locked the door as she cried out for pity for me. Dad spent a few moments asking why I failed to respect my mother, or to waste the education that school was providing me. He asked me what motivation I could have had to flagrantly disobey my mother and him on the previous Friday. I had no answer besides I thought it would be fun.
When my dad slapped me it was not to hurt me. It definitely was meant to sting me and to gain my attention. In all I recall 4 slaps. In hindsight it was nothing. I don’t recall even having a bruise. Which says a lot as my father stood 6’ 2”, 220 lbs, with a hook in place of one arm and half a prosthetic leg. He was a Viet Nam vet who had bullet and mortar shell wounds to show for it. He was capable of, and had on more than one occasion, cleared a bar by beating 7 men unconscious by himself. So again, for all his anger and his intent to provide me discipline he never actually hurt me because he didn’t want to.
Where is the lesson?
Self-discipline is one. That even in anger you should be aware of everything you do, and in control. Another would be that the expectations others place on you is important for them and you. If you are trusted, and/or given a second chance, you must live up to that. The consequences of your actions affect many more people than just yourself, and that ripple effect can be damaging to some you have never considered involved or aware of your actions. That as a man, young or not, I should hold myself to a high standard and not be swayed by peers or half-thought impulses. That as a man, my children are always my responsibility no matter my connection to their mother. That I am a part of my child’s life, and I need to be a presence in that life.
That one night my father taught me life lessons. I’ve never forgotten them. I try to live by all of them, and sometimes I fail but I do try.
So some may find this moment in my life harsh. Some may think it was an over-reaction. At the time I thought it was painful. But as I grew into a man that both my mother and father are proud of I realized the person in the most pain that night was my father. I failed him and my mother for no reason. I’ve tried to never do that again, initially out of fear and as I matured out of respect and understanding. I believe I’ve never failed my family in such a manner ever since.
I miss my father from time to time, and I have many happy memories. And I have memories of lessons I learned without ever noticing at the time he was giving them to me. And today has been a day to reflect on all of those thoughts.
Thank you for listening.
Your Keyboard is a Bacteria Farm
For those of us who eat at our desks, you are probably feeding germs besides feeding yourself. I was recently reading an article which convinced me how bad of a habit it is.
Several recent studies have indicated that there are more germs on office keyboards then there are on office toilet seats. Sounds bad but you should know about it.
People don’t think about it but office crews don’t clean these areas because they consider it personal space.
