Unarmed Youth Shot by Police Caught on Three Separate Videos

This afternoon as I was browsing the Internet when I came across a story about a protest march in Oakland that became violent; one hundred people were arrested. I was shocked and confused as to how I missed this on the morning news. Surely this would have received some mention; perhaps not on the regurgitated local news but some national coverage. I watched the morning news but perhaps I missed it refilling my coffee cup. I just finished searching for some kernel, some mention, of what transpired on my local stations and there is nothing.

On New Year's day Oscar Grant, a 22-year-old supermarket worker, was fatally shot in the back while unarmed and handcuffed on the ground on a BART station platform. There are three separate videos of the shooting; the first confiscated by BART police, the second uncovered by the local news, and finally a third perspective that surfaced days after the murder of Oscar Grant.

I am deeply troubled and disturbed by how this tragedy has not received more coverage by news outlets, including CNN. I was inundated with information regarding the slaying of 15-year-old Alexandros Grigoropoulos, which was the catalyst for the riots throughout Greece. I even mentioned the slain youth in a previous post.

How is this travesty not more newsworthy? How many hours of coverage did Caylee Anthony receive from national and local outlets? I've seen that cretin Anne Coulter plastered on the news with her latest "PR" stunt for the past 36 hours.

Damn, I feel like I was just sucker punched.

Slumdog Millionaire is a Winner

Slumdog Millionaire is a winner; it is story telling at its best, easily one of best films of 2008. The story is heroic, romantic, tragic, but also one of conquest. The cast is outstanding; I can't recall when I have seen such incredible child actors. The story spans approximately 15 years and the main characters are played by two to three children representing various ages.

The story is clever and quick paced; there were occasions that I literally slid to the edge of my seat in anticipation. The film also provides a view into the caste system still prevalent in India's culture. It is such an important film to see, it is the triumph of the human spirit against insurmountable odds.

A standout in the phenomenal caste is the Freida Pinto, her beauty is ethereal. I found myself thinking that she has to be one of the most beautiful women in the world. Her role was far from glamorous but her natural beauty could not be subdued which also is a core element of the story.

Did I mention that this is based on a true story? Take your Lover, your parent, your best friend, but you must see this movie.

Shoe Thrower Gathers Support

The Baghdad reporter Muntadhar al-Zaidi, now famous for throwing his shoes at President Bush in an attempt to humilate him, is garnering support throughout the world. He yelled "This is your farewell kiss, you dog!" to Bush as he took aim at the President. Throughout the Arab world protestors have taken to the streets and airways demanding al-Zaidi's release.

His supporters are not limited to the Arab world. Bush is vilified throughout the modern world for his actions, policies and invasion of Iraq. In March of 2007 I was in Rio de Janiero when protesters threw rocks and bottles at his limo and demonstrated in the streets where ever he spoke. Riot police were the only thing that keep the protesters from their intended target.

The symbolism of throwing the shoes is now being lost as it has become a joke and ammunition for late night comedians. al-Zaidi's intent was to bring to the forefront the tens of thousands of Iraqis that have died in Bush's war.

I read a terrific article this morning, check it out: http://riverscrap.typepad.com/home/2008/12/iraqi-shoethrower-steals-limelight-from-suicide-bombers.

"This is your farewell kiss, you dog!"

BANNED Pres. Bush Interview

This is a video, found by albelnox33175, of an Irish TV interview with President Bush. This interview was not shown on American television, you'll see why.

Riots in the Streets

Living in former “Murder Capitol of the US” is a sad reality. Philadelphia residents suffered 391 murders in 2007, the highest rate per 100,000 residents among the nation’s 10 largest cities. It is a demoralizing banner and a shameful indication of how violence is simply a part of life in my urban world.

Last week I watched the Greek Riots in amazement and awe. I could hardly believe that a shooting death of a teenager sparked national protest and chaos. I was previously unaware that Greece is one of Europe’s safest nations. Their criminal notoriety is limited to pickpockets, drugs, and gigolos preying on tourists.

The slain 15 year old, Alexandros Grigoropoulos, has become a national hero of sorts. He is the martyr for police abuse, and a political system weakened by scandal. Public demonstration in fairly commonplace in Greece, the government is reportedly full of corruption. However the current situation eclipses anything Greeks have experienced in decades. The damage is reported to be over 1.3 billion dollars US.

Surely I don’t want to believe that Greeks hold human life in higher esteem than Americans. I prefer to believe that we are simply desensitized to violence until it hits close to home. We as a culture emulate prison culture, walking with our pants hanging like we are in cellblock D. Propagating “don’t snitch” as a mantra for the weak minded.

We have genocide in Darfur and daily shootings across the US, yet one boy’s death can unite a nation of youth. How do we fix this?

Twelve American presidents owned slaves; eight presidents did while they lived in the White House.

Gay Jamaican Police Officer

This interview of Constable Michael Hayden sheds light on the plight of a gay officer in the world most homophobic country… Jamaica. Hayden risked his career and life when he come out while on the force. Listen to his stunning statements about the abuse he faced from his fellow officers and supervisors.

McCain worker reaches deal in hoax assault

PITTSBURGH - A McCain campaign volunteer accused of making up a story about being robbed and assaulted in Pittsburgh by a Black man who disliked her McCain bumper sticker will enter a program for first-time offenders.

Under the deal announced in court Thursday, 20-year-old Ashley Todd will be released from jail and required to undergo mental health treatment. Her record eventually will be expunged as long as she goes to treatment, stays out of trouble and keeps authorities apprised of her whereabouts.

Todd, of College Station, Texas, has been jailed since Oct. 24, when police say she admitted making up a story about being robbed near a Pittsburgh bank and then assaulted by a Black man who scraped a backward letter "B" into her cheek.

Police said Todd couldn't explain why she invented the story. (original source Associated Press)

Wall Street Bail Out

San Francisco - Legalized Prostitution Possible

Couple Convicted in Sex-on-Beach Trial Granted Bail in Dubai

Dubai,UAE, Vince Acors and Michelle Palmer filed an appeal on Monday and a hearing has been scheduled for Nov. 18, according to their defense lawyer Hassan Mattar.

Palmer and Acors were sentenced Thursday to three months in prison, a fine of $272 and deportation from Dubai. The two were detained in July and charged with engaging in sex outside of marriage, drunkenness and public indecency.

Acors reportedly admitted to having sex with Palmer, but later changed his story.

Murder trial of Suzanne Tamin to begin in Cairo

Suzanne Tamim, a Lebanese pop star, was brutally murdered in her luxury Dubai Marina apartment, her throat slashed. Arrested in her death: One of Egypt's most politically connected billionaires, Egyptian businessman and lawmaker Hisham Talaat Moustafa accused of paying $2 million to have her killed.

Egypt does not have a jury system, the trial will take place before three judges. Many doubt if justice can occur in an Egyptian court and desire the trial to take place in the United Arab Emirates. However with the unprecedented arrest of such an influential and wealthy member of government we may be in for a surprise.

A Model Prisoner

On September 27, 2008, model Ray Armstrong lay naked, sobbing on a Philadelphia Street. He was allegedly high on drugs and had brutally murdered Anthony Williams , his friend of many years. Mr. Williams is known throughout his community for his consistent kindness and generosity; often he opened his door to feed and shelter those who had no place to turn. He referred to Armstrong as his "little brother", who he often housed and fed. Armstrong reportedly had been kicked out by his girlfriend, with whom he lived. Once again he returned to the home of Mr. Williams seeking a place to stay. Tragically, it was his final act of kindness that would cost Anthony Williams his life. Full Story

Pop Star's Dubai Slaying leads to the arrest of her jilted Egyptian Billionaire Lover

It's the Mideast version of a soap opera. Suzanne Tamim, aLebanese pop star, was brutally murdered in her luxury Dubai Marina apartment, her throat slashed. Arrested in her death: One of Egypt's most politically connected businessmen, accused of paying $2 million to have her killed.

While I vacationed in Dubai this past April, authoities proudly claimed the United Arab Emirates as one the safest nation in the modern world. Their unprecedented diligence is evident in this case; they stopped at nothing to arrest an untouchable member of the Egyptian Elite.

Click here for CNN Video