BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. -- Oscar-winning director Oliver Stone was arrested for investigation of drug possession and driving while intoxicated, police said Saturday.
Stone, 58, was arrested Friday night at a police checkpoint on Sunset Boulevard after showing signs of alcohol intoxication, police Sgt. John Edmundson said.
A search of his Mercedes turned up drugs, Edmundson said. He did not specify what kind.
Saturday, May 28, 2005
Friday, May 27, 2005
Ouch!
Phil Cox, the black Chairman of UC's Board of Trustees, to CNNSI:
"We're trying to upgrade every aspect of the university, including student-athletes," Cox said. "And I have to tell you, as a person who happens to be African-American, there is a concern for anybody who gives the impression that the only athletes you can find may be carrying a gun or face other charges from the police. Other schools find African-Americans who are good students as well. I hope we can do it too."
UC fans are going crazy, pointing out a number of past and current black Bearcats who have graduated or are on schedule to graduate. However, I think they're missing the point. Cox uses an important word - "impression" - in his statement. It only takes one or two fools to ruin a university's reputation - regardless of how many good kids are there.
Nancy Zimpher (UC's president) is an egghead geek - but I think she (and the Board) have the high ground on this one.
"We're trying to upgrade every aspect of the university, including student-athletes," Cox said. "And I have to tell you, as a person who happens to be African-American, there is a concern for anybody who gives the impression that the only athletes you can find may be carrying a gun or face other charges from the police. Other schools find African-Americans who are good students as well. I hope we can do it too."
UC fans are going crazy, pointing out a number of past and current black Bearcats who have graduated or are on schedule to graduate. However, I think they're missing the point. Cox uses an important word - "impression" - in his statement. It only takes one or two fools to ruin a university's reputation - regardless of how many good kids are there.
Nancy Zimpher (UC's president) is an egghead geek - but I think she (and the Board) have the high ground on this one.
Take A Seat
From Doug Harris in the Dayton Daily News:
Adam Dunn is not letting the massage-chair controversy die.
Miley had recliners belonging to Dunn and Ken Griffey Jr. removed from the clubhouse Tuesday in an attempt to assert some discipline. But both have chafed at the decision, and Dunn picked a new song for his introduction during his first at-bat to show his disapproval.
The song?
George Strait's country ballad, The Chair.
It starts off, "Well excuse me, but I think you've got my chair."
If I'm Dave Miley, I'd give Dunn a chair right on bench for the next week.
Adam Dunn is not letting the massage-chair controversy die.
Miley had recliners belonging to Dunn and Ken Griffey Jr. removed from the clubhouse Tuesday in an attempt to assert some discipline. But both have chafed at the decision, and Dunn picked a new song for his introduction during his first at-bat to show his disapproval.
The song?
George Strait's country ballad, The Chair.
It starts off, "Well excuse me, but I think you've got my chair."
If I'm Dave Miley, I'd give Dunn a chair right on bench for the next week.
Shameful!
If ESPN thinks it's news that Adolph Rupp may have been racist 50 years ago or Rex Chapman was discouraged from dating black girls, what about this?
The crosses were raised quickly at night, and by morning not much remained but ashes, pieces of burned burlap and some kindling.
Still, the three symbols of Southern racism that were lit Wednesday night at three locations across Durham seared the conscience of the community. It responded with vigils, hymns and candle-lit events intended to send a loud message: Cross burnings will not be tolerated here.
"People in Durham are not going to let this go down," said Theresa El-Amin, director of the Southern Anti-Racism Network in Durham, who organized a community breakfast at 8 a.m. today at the Mad Hatter's Cafe and Bake Shop on West Main Street. "This is a mean and evil thing."
Durham police were investigating Thursday, but a police representative said they had few leads into incidents that took place in the span of an hour. The Federal Bureau of Investigation was looking into the possibility of a civil rights violation.
Let's see if ESPN reports on that cauldron of hate that is Durham, NC...home to Duke University. I'm not holding my breath.
The crosses were raised quickly at night, and by morning not much remained but ashes, pieces of burned burlap and some kindling.
Still, the three symbols of Southern racism that were lit Wednesday night at three locations across Durham seared the conscience of the community. It responded with vigils, hymns and candle-lit events intended to send a loud message: Cross burnings will not be tolerated here.
"People in Durham are not going to let this go down," said Theresa El-Amin, director of the Southern Anti-Racism Network in Durham, who organized a community breakfast at 8 a.m. today at the Mad Hatter's Cafe and Bake Shop on West Main Street. "This is a mean and evil thing."
Durham police were investigating Thursday, but a police representative said they had few leads into incidents that took place in the span of an hour. The Federal Bureau of Investigation was looking into the possibility of a civil rights violation.
Let's see if ESPN reports on that cauldron of hate that is Durham, NC...home to Duke University. I'm not holding my breath.
Jimmy Carter is a Menace to the World
Ethiopia's electoral board appears to have lost control of the vote counting for the May 15 legislative polls, European Union election observers said in a report obtained by The Associated Press on Wednesday.
The confidential report went on to say the EU might have to make a public denunciation of developments to distance itself from "the lack of transparency, and assumed rigging" of the vote
"Ten days after the polling day, the situation is of political uncertainty and informational chaos regarding the results of the election," according to the confidential report.
...The EU report also said former U.S. President Carter, who led a team of 50 election observers, undermined the electoral process and EU criticism with "his premature blessing of the elections and early positive assessment of the results."
Unless there is a "drastic reverse toward good democratic practice" the observer team and EU "will have to publicly denounce the situation."
"Otherwise, the EU jointly with ex-President Carter will be held largely responsible for the lack of transparency, and assumed rigging, of the elections."
This man needs to be stopped.
The confidential report went on to say the EU might have to make a public denunciation of developments to distance itself from "the lack of transparency, and assumed rigging" of the vote
"Ten days after the polling day, the situation is of political uncertainty and informational chaos regarding the results of the election," according to the confidential report.
...The EU report also said former U.S. President Carter, who led a team of 50 election observers, undermined the electoral process and EU criticism with "his premature blessing of the elections and early positive assessment of the results."
Unless there is a "drastic reverse toward good democratic practice" the observer team and EU "will have to publicly denounce the situation."
"Otherwise, the EU jointly with ex-President Carter will be held largely responsible for the lack of transparency, and assumed rigging, of the elections."
This man needs to be stopped.
Only Kill Yourself During Banker's Hours
TORONTO (Reuters) - A Canadian province will shut its 24-hour suicide hotline and replace it with one that operates only during business hours.
Prince Edward Island, a small province on Canada's East Coast, says it is too expensive to operate the hotline around the clock. Starting June 1, it will be open only between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The plan drew protest from mental health groups across the country on Wednesday.
Prince Edward Island, a small province on Canada's East Coast, says it is too expensive to operate the hotline around the clock. Starting June 1, it will be open only between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The plan drew protest from mental health groups across the country on Wednesday.
I Hate to Say I Told You So...But I Told You So
From the BBC:
A&E doctors are calling for a ban on long pointed kitchen knives to reduce deaths from stabbing.
A team from West Middlesex University Hospital said violent crime is on the increase - and kitchen knives are used in as many as half of all stabbings.
They argued many assaults are committed impulsively, prompted by alcohol and drugs, and a kitchen knife often makes an all too available weapon.
The research is published in the British Medical Journal.
The researchers said there was no reason for long pointed knives to be publicly available at all.
They consulted 10 top chefs from around the UK, and found such knives have little practical value in the kitchen.
None of the chefs felt such knives were essential, since the point of a short blade was just as useful when a sharp end was needed.
The researchers said a short pointed knife may cause a substantial superficial wound if used in an assault - but is unlikely to penetrate to inner organs.
A&E doctors are calling for a ban on long pointed kitchen knives to reduce deaths from stabbing.
A team from West Middlesex University Hospital said violent crime is on the increase - and kitchen knives are used in as many as half of all stabbings.
They argued many assaults are committed impulsively, prompted by alcohol and drugs, and a kitchen knife often makes an all too available weapon.
The research is published in the British Medical Journal.
The researchers said there was no reason for long pointed knives to be publicly available at all.
They consulted 10 top chefs from around the UK, and found such knives have little practical value in the kitchen.
None of the chefs felt such knives were essential, since the point of a short blade was just as useful when a sharp end was needed.
The researchers said a short pointed knife may cause a substantial superficial wound if used in an assault - but is unlikely to penetrate to inner organs.
Thursday, May 26, 2005
Not A Great Idea
NEW YORK: Third baseman Alex Rodriguez is proud to be in therapy, calling it "an incredible thing" that has helped him discover a different life.
Rodriguez told the television show "Extra" in an interview taped to air Wednesday that he was reluctant to go to therapy because "in many ways, therapy is synonymous with a bad thing, and why let the train wreck come before you fix it?" But he credits his wife, Cynthia, for persuading him to go.
"I think it's a different life that I've discovered and I thank Cynthia for that ... because therapy is an incredible thing and you might get to know someone who you didn't even know was in there," he said.
Rodriguez donated $200,000 on Tuesday to the Children's Aid Society to benefit mental health programs that work with young students in Manhattan.
Rodriguez has said in the past that he was deeply affected when his father left his family when he was 9.
Good for A-Rod. If he needs therapy, then go for it. However, I probably wouldn't have shared this with the public. How do you think BoSox fans will react? For that matter, how do you think Yankee fans will react? Fans are brutal enough as it is...there's no reason to hand them a loaded gun.
Rodriguez told the television show "Extra" in an interview taped to air Wednesday that he was reluctant to go to therapy because "in many ways, therapy is synonymous with a bad thing, and why let the train wreck come before you fix it?" But he credits his wife, Cynthia, for persuading him to go.
"I think it's a different life that I've discovered and I thank Cynthia for that ... because therapy is an incredible thing and you might get to know someone who you didn't even know was in there," he said.
Rodriguez donated $200,000 on Tuesday to the Children's Aid Society to benefit mental health programs that work with young students in Manhattan.
Rodriguez has said in the past that he was deeply affected when his father left his family when he was 9.
Good for A-Rod. If he needs therapy, then go for it. However, I probably wouldn't have shared this with the public. How do you think BoSox fans will react? For that matter, how do you think Yankee fans will react? Fans are brutal enough as it is...there's no reason to hand them a loaded gun.
The Spoils of Celebrity
AND you thought P. Diddy forcing Farnsworth Bentley to hold his umbrella was bad? Mariah Carey retains a "petite Colombian woman" whose duties include "keeping Mariah's long skirts from touching the floor and humping around a Louis Vuitton backpack filled with bottled water," reports Stuff magazine. Nelly keeps a "personal jewelry jockey" to ensure the safekeeping of all his carat-encrusted bling. Ludacris has a minion whose sole role is to make sure his boss' Gameboy is always loaded with fresh batteries. And rapper N.O.R.E. has a hype man, Ching Bing, who has just one job: to stand onstage and swing around a towel.
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
It's Open
Fields set to serve up entertaining eatery
Former Truluck's managing partner to launch new upscale Plano venture
Sandra Zaragoza, Staff Writer
Steve Fields, a former managing partner with Truluck's Seafood Steak Crabhouse, is launching an upscale restaurant and lounge where the menu will share the spotlight with live entertainment.
Truluck's has restaurants in Uptown and Addison, and Fields, a veteran restaurateur, still holds a small interest in the Addison location.
His Truluck's partners are now his partners in his new restaurant. Stuart Sargent and Patti Turner of Truluck's Restaurant Group encouraged Fields to develop a new concept, in which he will handle operations.
They also persuaded Fields to put his signature on the new fine-dining establishment. Steve Fields Steak & Lobster Lounge, located at 5013 W. Park Blvd. and Preston Road in Plano, will have its grand opening the week of May 23.
Fields admits that the decision to launch an upscale steak and seafood restaurant was influenced by the success of Truluck's.
"Truluck's was a winning combination," he said. "We are taking what we learned there and are adding an entertainment element."
The new eatery will feature an extensive wine wall fitted with 266 bottles and a special dessert plate, "mini indulgence," that gives a sampling of the day's desserts. The restaurant will be open for dinner only, with average entrée prices ranging from $18 to $30.
A bar area, "Lobster Lounge," will help generate traffic and will fill a gap for entertainment in an area of Plano studded by chain restaurants, Fields said, adding that it will target a mature crowd.
Pianists will play every night of the week from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., and there will be daily drinks specials.
"It will be foot-tapping, recognizable music, like Billy Joel, Elton John and Fleetwood Mac," Fields said.
Before Truluck's, Fields cut his teeth as a bar owner in Dallas. He co-launched Dallas Alley at the West End Marketplace in 1988 with Spencer Taylor and Billy Bob Barnett -- creator of Billy Bob's nightclub in Fort Worth -- and ran it until 1994. Dallas Alley has since closed.
The Lobster Lounge allows Fields to return to his pub roots, which is clear in the restaurateur's theme nights: Tequila Tuesday, Wine Down Wednesday and Thirsty Thursday.
Brad Belleto, of Dallas-based Vision 360, a restaurant design and development firm, says he is seeing a movement toward more restaurants making entertainment part of their evening's fare.
Locally there are a number of upscale restaurants offering live music, including Capital Grille at the Crescent Hotel, Nana Grill atop the Wyndham Anatole Hotel and Sullivan's Steakhouse. Sambuca considers itself a "modern-day supper club," and a new restaurant in Addison, Go Fish, also has plans to open a lounge.
"A fine-dining restaurant that has entertainment creates longevity," Belletto said. "It causes people that have dinner to stay -- it keeps them there a little longer."
Fields and his partners are spending about $700,000 to remodel the restaurant, which was formerly a Grady's American Grill. Most recently Truluck's Restaurant Group launched Florida Seafood Grill in the space, but it was later shuttered.
The new restaurant is expected to generate annual sales of about $3.2 million, about the same as a Truluck's, Fields said.
Former Truluck's managing partner to launch new upscale Plano venture
Sandra Zaragoza, Staff Writer
Steve Fields, a former managing partner with Truluck's Seafood Steak Crabhouse, is launching an upscale restaurant and lounge where the menu will share the spotlight with live entertainment.
Truluck's has restaurants in Uptown and Addison, and Fields, a veteran restaurateur, still holds a small interest in the Addison location.
His Truluck's partners are now his partners in his new restaurant. Stuart Sargent and Patti Turner of Truluck's Restaurant Group encouraged Fields to develop a new concept, in which he will handle operations.
They also persuaded Fields to put his signature on the new fine-dining establishment. Steve Fields Steak & Lobster Lounge, located at 5013 W. Park Blvd. and Preston Road in Plano, will have its grand opening the week of May 23.
Fields admits that the decision to launch an upscale steak and seafood restaurant was influenced by the success of Truluck's.
"Truluck's was a winning combination," he said. "We are taking what we learned there and are adding an entertainment element."
The new eatery will feature an extensive wine wall fitted with 266 bottles and a special dessert plate, "mini indulgence," that gives a sampling of the day's desserts. The restaurant will be open for dinner only, with average entrée prices ranging from $18 to $30.
A bar area, "Lobster Lounge," will help generate traffic and will fill a gap for entertainment in an area of Plano studded by chain restaurants, Fields said, adding that it will target a mature crowd.
Pianists will play every night of the week from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., and there will be daily drinks specials.
"It will be foot-tapping, recognizable music, like Billy Joel, Elton John and Fleetwood Mac," Fields said.
Before Truluck's, Fields cut his teeth as a bar owner in Dallas. He co-launched Dallas Alley at the West End Marketplace in 1988 with Spencer Taylor and Billy Bob Barnett -- creator of Billy Bob's nightclub in Fort Worth -- and ran it until 1994. Dallas Alley has since closed.
The Lobster Lounge allows Fields to return to his pub roots, which is clear in the restaurateur's theme nights: Tequila Tuesday, Wine Down Wednesday and Thirsty Thursday.
Brad Belleto, of Dallas-based Vision 360, a restaurant design and development firm, says he is seeing a movement toward more restaurants making entertainment part of their evening's fare.
Locally there are a number of upscale restaurants offering live music, including Capital Grille at the Crescent Hotel, Nana Grill atop the Wyndham Anatole Hotel and Sullivan's Steakhouse. Sambuca considers itself a "modern-day supper club," and a new restaurant in Addison, Go Fish, also has plans to open a lounge.
"A fine-dining restaurant that has entertainment creates longevity," Belletto said. "It causes people that have dinner to stay -- it keeps them there a little longer."
Fields and his partners are spending about $700,000 to remodel the restaurant, which was formerly a Grady's American Grill. Most recently Truluck's Restaurant Group launched Florida Seafood Grill in the space, but it was later shuttered.
The new restaurant is expected to generate annual sales of about $3.2 million, about the same as a Truluck's, Fields said.
That Doesn't Look Like Worthless Garbage
Here's a picture of President Bush holding an excess embryo.
Good News from Iraq
This is the kind of small, minor, unsexy, really significant story that needs to be reported from Iraq:
Ministry of Interior in Iraq abolished Saddam's alcohol, night clubs and casinos restriction law which was introduced in the 90's. The law has been abolished because it interferes with and limits Iraqis personal freedom. Businesses, however, are required to obtain a licence from Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Health.
Ministry of Interior in Iraq abolished Saddam's alcohol, night clubs and casinos restriction law which was introduced in the 90's. The law has been abolished because it interferes with and limits Iraqis personal freedom. Businesses, however, are required to obtain a licence from Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Health.
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Hee! Hee!
AN ATHEIST teacher at a Roman Catholic high school yesterday claimed he was barred from promotion because of religious discrimination.
David McNab, 53, a maths teacher at St Paul's High School in the Pollok area of Glasgow, told an employment tribunal how he was made to feel like a "second-class citizen" when his headteacher told him he could not be considered for the post of principal teacher of pastoral care because the job required Catholic Church approval.
Glasgow City Council argues that it was an occupational requirement for the post and denies discrimination on the grounds of religion or religious belief.
Mr McNab told the tribunal, yesterday how he had taught at the school for 15 years, but, although it was a Catholic school, he was an atheist.
David McNab, 53, a maths teacher at St Paul's High School in the Pollok area of Glasgow, told an employment tribunal how he was made to feel like a "second-class citizen" when his headteacher told him he could not be considered for the post of principal teacher of pastoral care because the job required Catholic Church approval.
Glasgow City Council argues that it was an occupational requirement for the post and denies discrimination on the grounds of religion or religious belief.
Mr McNab told the tribunal, yesterday how he had taught at the school for 15 years, but, although it was a Catholic school, he was an atheist.
Where's Jesse?
PHILADELPHIA -- Maurice Cheeks is running the show again for the Philadelphia 76ers.
In a surprising move nearly three weeks following the end of their season, the Sixers fired Jim O'Brien on Monday after one season as coach and replaced him with Cheeks, one of the most popular players in franchise history.
So Jim O'Brien (white guy) was fired after one season in which he went 43-39 and made the playoffs with a very bad team (Iverson, and crippled Chris Webber, and some bad role players). He's being replaced with Maurice Cheeks (black guy).
So what's the problem? There isn't one. Apparently, the Sixers wanted to play a different style of basketball, O'Brien wasn't particularly liked by his players, and Mo Cheeks is available (a former beloved Sixer with head coaching experience).
But where are the shucksters (i.e. Jesse Jackson) who howled over the firing of Ty Willingham after "only" 3 seasons? Where are the reverends who blasted the firing of Ray Rhoades? Where are they? Where?
In a surprising move nearly three weeks following the end of their season, the Sixers fired Jim O'Brien on Monday after one season as coach and replaced him with Cheeks, one of the most popular players in franchise history.
So Jim O'Brien (white guy) was fired after one season in which he went 43-39 and made the playoffs with a very bad team (Iverson, and crippled Chris Webber, and some bad role players). He's being replaced with Maurice Cheeks (black guy).
So what's the problem? There isn't one. Apparently, the Sixers wanted to play a different style of basketball, O'Brien wasn't particularly liked by his players, and Mo Cheeks is available (a former beloved Sixer with head coaching experience).
But where are the shucksters (i.e. Jesse Jackson) who howled over the firing of Ty Willingham after "only" 3 seasons? Where are the reverends who blasted the firing of Ray Rhoades? Where are they? Where?
Stupid Is As Stupid Does
Two Star Wars fans are in a critical condition in hospital after apparently trying to make light sabres by filling fluorescent light tubes with petrol.
A man, aged 20, and a girl of 17 are believed to have been filming a mock duel when they poured fuel into two glass tubes and lit it.
The pair were rushed to hospital after one of the devices exploded in woodland at Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire.
A third person present at the incident had been questioned, police said.
A man, aged 20, and a girl of 17 are believed to have been filming a mock duel when they poured fuel into two glass tubes and lit it.
The pair were rushed to hospital after one of the devices exploded in woodland at Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire.
A third person present at the incident had been questioned, police said.
A Moment of Silence, Please
FULLERTON, California (AP) -- Thurl Ravenscroft, who provided the rumbling "They're Grrrrreeeat!" for Kellogg's Tony the Tiger ads and voiced a host of Disney characters, has died. He was 91.
Ravenscroft died Sunday of prostate cancer, said Diane Challis Davy, director of Laguna Beach's Pageant of the Masters.
Ravenscroft died Sunday of prostate cancer, said Diane Challis Davy, director of Laguna Beach's Pageant of the Masters.
Monday, May 23, 2005
I've Thought This Too
A Nigerian priest expresses one of my peeves with Roman Catholicism:
"Americans aren't very tolerant of these things," said Dr. Hoge, co-author of a soon-to-be-published book on foreign-born priests.
He said some priests have trouble adjusting to the less exalted status American priests have – both in society and in their churches, where U.S. lay leaders often take on decision-making roles reserved for clergy in other countries.
The biggest adjustments are often ceremonial. Nigerian Masses can feature hours of singing, swaying and dancing. Western services are, well, dull in comparison.
"When I came here, I asked: If I was a layperson, would I be going to church at all?" said the Rev. Ernest Munachi Ezeogu, a Nigerian-born priest who now works in Toronto.
"The answer was no. There is no life, no joy. People come to fulfill a duty, not because they want to celebrate Christ."
"Americans aren't very tolerant of these things," said Dr. Hoge, co-author of a soon-to-be-published book on foreign-born priests.
He said some priests have trouble adjusting to the less exalted status American priests have – both in society and in their churches, where U.S. lay leaders often take on decision-making roles reserved for clergy in other countries.
The biggest adjustments are often ceremonial. Nigerian Masses can feature hours of singing, swaying and dancing. Western services are, well, dull in comparison.
"When I came here, I asked: If I was a layperson, would I be going to church at all?" said the Rev. Ernest Munachi Ezeogu, a Nigerian-born priest who now works in Toronto.
"The answer was no. There is no life, no joy. People come to fulfill a duty, not because they want to celebrate Christ."
The Middle East is Bush Country
From FOUAD AJAMI:
To venture into the Arab world, as I did recently over four weeks in Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan and Iraq, is to travel into Bush Country. I was to encounter people from practically all Arab lands, to listen in on a great debate about the possibility of freedom and liberty. I met Lebanese giddy with the Cedar Revolution that liberated their country from the Syrian prison that had seemed an unalterable curse. They were under no illusions about the change that had come their way. They knew that this new history was the gift of an American president who had put the Syrian rulers on notice. The speed with which Syria quit Lebanon was astonishing, a race to the border to forestall an American strike that the regime could not discount. I met Syrians in the know who admitted that the fear of American power, and the example of American forces flushing Saddam Hussein out of his spider hole, now drive Syrian policy. They hang on George Bush's words in Damascus, I was told: the rulers wondering if Iraq was a crystal ball in which they could glimpse their future.
To venture into the Arab world, as I did recently over four weeks in Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan and Iraq, is to travel into Bush Country. I was to encounter people from practically all Arab lands, to listen in on a great debate about the possibility of freedom and liberty. I met Lebanese giddy with the Cedar Revolution that liberated their country from the Syrian prison that had seemed an unalterable curse. They were under no illusions about the change that had come their way. They knew that this new history was the gift of an American president who had put the Syrian rulers on notice. The speed with which Syria quit Lebanon was astonishing, a race to the border to forestall an American strike that the regime could not discount. I met Syrians in the know who admitted that the fear of American power, and the example of American forces flushing Saddam Hussein out of his spider hole, now drive Syrian policy. They hang on George Bush's words in Damascus, I was told: the rulers wondering if Iraq was a crystal ball in which they could glimpse their future.
Huh?
Is there a more foolish group of people than high school drama teachers (I'd probably lump librarians in there too).
Scene: A log raft floats down the Mississippi. Huckleberry Finn and the runaway slave Jim are journeying toward freedom -- and friendship, in an unlikely time. Together, they sing about the muddy waters of the mighty river.
In reality, this scene from the musical "Big River" took place in the auditorium of Glenelg Country School in Howard County, more than a century after Mark Twain penned the classic tale. In this retelling, Huck was played by senior Jay Frisby, who is black, and his classmate Nick Lehan, who is white, played Jim.
That untraditional reverse casting has provoked the ire of the Rodgers and Hammerstein Organization, which licenses the rights to the musical created by Roger Miller. It forbade the teenagers to perform the song "Muddy Water" from the musical that was broadcast last night on C-SPAN. And it will prevent them from singing it at the annual gala for the Critics and Awards Program for High School Theater, known as the Cappies, scheduled for tomorrow night at the Hippodrome Theater in Baltimore.
Scene: A log raft floats down the Mississippi. Huckleberry Finn and the runaway slave Jim are journeying toward freedom -- and friendship, in an unlikely time. Together, they sing about the muddy waters of the mighty river.
In reality, this scene from the musical "Big River" took place in the auditorium of Glenelg Country School in Howard County, more than a century after Mark Twain penned the classic tale. In this retelling, Huck was played by senior Jay Frisby, who is black, and his classmate Nick Lehan, who is white, played Jim.
That untraditional reverse casting has provoked the ire of the Rodgers and Hammerstein Organization, which licenses the rights to the musical created by Roger Miller. It forbade the teenagers to perform the song "Muddy Water" from the musical that was broadcast last night on C-SPAN. And it will prevent them from singing it at the annual gala for the Critics and Awards Program for High School Theater, known as the Cappies, scheduled for tomorrow night at the Hippodrome Theater in Baltimore.
Immigration and Labor
WHY ARE JOBS increasing, but wages falling? Mexican immigrants are changing destinations, bypassing high-cost cities on the coasts and flocking to small towns in rural America. There, they manage to find work in low-wage industries, but their greater numbers make it easier for employers to keep salaries low. "Fifteen years ago nearly 60% of Mexican immigrants worked in California," says Gordon Hanson, economics professor at the University of California at San Diego. "Today it's barely 40%." The "Mexicanization" of the U.S. job ladder's lower rungs raises important political and economic questions. Will support diminish for minimum-wage increases when most low-wage earners are immigrants who can't vote? As industries like construction, food service, lodging and landscaping grow dependent on imported labor, will they face labor shortages if border security is tightened.
But then there's this:
Harvard economist George Borjas, who is a Cuban immigrant, warns that the U.S. economy's dependence on imported labor obscures many costs. Besides the expense of assimilating immigrants, businesses may be slower to innovate if they can make do with cheap labor. Mr. Borjas cites Japan as an example of a developed economy that was forced to become more productive because of its anti-immigrant policies. Americans may delight at the Japanese mania for vending machine and other quotidian gadgets, but the economist says that shows a Japanese willingness to mechanize, in contrast to the U.S. choice to Mexicanize. "Japan chose to robotize," Mr. Borjas says. "Mexican immigration has given us a very labor-intensive economy.")
But then there's this:
Harvard economist George Borjas, who is a Cuban immigrant, warns that the U.S. economy's dependence on imported labor obscures many costs. Besides the expense of assimilating immigrants, businesses may be slower to innovate if they can make do with cheap labor. Mr. Borjas cites Japan as an example of a developed economy that was forced to become more productive because of its anti-immigrant policies. Americans may delight at the Japanese mania for vending machine and other quotidian gadgets, but the economist says that shows a Japanese willingness to mechanize, in contrast to the U.S. choice to Mexicanize. "Japan chose to robotize," Mr. Borjas says. "Mexican immigration has given us a very labor-intensive economy.")
I'm Glad the Boys are Trying
It seems silly, after this non-effort, to suggest the Reds' problems stem from guys not taking extra batting practice. But bear with me. It's always a mistake to apply real-world values to professional athletes. Every once in a while we do it anyway, in the mistaken belief it'll make a difference.
Like today. Today's real-world question: How come only three Reds showed up in Philly last week, for optional early hitting?
Did we miss the stat that has the Reds leading the league in offense? Leading the world in anything but lots of air moved and strikes taken?
Ken Griffey Jr., William Bergolla and Jacob Cruz came early. That's it. Griffey is a professional. Bergolla is a fresh face. Cruz appreciates what he has and understands how easily it could all disappear.
Real Life Question No. 2: If you are striking out every third time up ... if your idea of moving a runner from second base to third with less than two outs is calling him a cab ... if you're hitting less than your per diem ... if you're not the player you're paid to be ... How 'bout a little extra cage time?
You're not a child. Why should you have to be told?
Twelve Reds should have been there, not three.
That doesn't say it all about the state of the Reds. But it says enough.
Like today. Today's real-world question: How come only three Reds showed up in Philly last week, for optional early hitting?
Did we miss the stat that has the Reds leading the league in offense? Leading the world in anything but lots of air moved and strikes taken?
Ken Griffey Jr., William Bergolla and Jacob Cruz came early. That's it. Griffey is a professional. Bergolla is a fresh face. Cruz appreciates what he has and understands how easily it could all disappear.
Real Life Question No. 2: If you are striking out every third time up ... if your idea of moving a runner from second base to third with less than two outs is calling him a cab ... if you're hitting less than your per diem ... if you're not the player you're paid to be ... How 'bout a little extra cage time?
You're not a child. Why should you have to be told?
Twelve Reds should have been there, not three.
That doesn't say it all about the state of the Reds. But it says enough.
Now the Rest of the Story
From Newsweek's Koran follow-up:
"In light of the controversy, one of these incidents bears special notice. Last week, NEWSWEEK interviewed Command Sgt. John VanNatta, who served as the prison's warden from October 2002 to the fall of 2003. VanNatta recounted that in 2002, the inmates suddenly started yelling that the guards had thrown a Qur'an on or near an Asian-style squat toilet. The guards found an inmate who admitted that he had dropped his Qur'an near his toilet. According to VanNatta, the inmate then was taken cell to cell to explain this to other detainees to quell the unrest. But the incident could partly account for the multiple allegations among detainees, including one by a released British detainee in a lawsuit that claims that guards flushed Qur'ans down toilets."
"In light of the controversy, one of these incidents bears special notice. Last week, NEWSWEEK interviewed Command Sgt. John VanNatta, who served as the prison's warden from October 2002 to the fall of 2003. VanNatta recounted that in 2002, the inmates suddenly started yelling that the guards had thrown a Qur'an on or near an Asian-style squat toilet. The guards found an inmate who admitted that he had dropped his Qur'an near his toilet. According to VanNatta, the inmate then was taken cell to cell to explain this to other detainees to quell the unrest. But the incident could partly account for the multiple allegations among detainees, including one by a released British detainee in a lawsuit that claims that guards flushed Qur'ans down toilets."
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