HDTV And What YOU Need To Know

Buying an HDTV Soon? 10 Essential Things to Know

Prices for high-definition TVs keep tumbling and the technology is better than ever, but buying a set is not as easy for consumers as it should be.

Since HDTVs come in a variety of sizes and technological "flavors," it pays to do a little homework and comparison shopping. You can find a wealth of information on the Web, including reviews by professionals and users. Check magazines such as Sound & Vision, Home Theater and Perfect Vision or Web sites such as CNET or AVS Forum.

To get you started, here are 10 things to consider before buying that big screen TV during the holiday season.

1. Think big. "High-def" looks best on a large TV. Buy the biggest set you can afford, but make sure it fits the space. A 37-inch screen may work best in a bedroom, but a 60-inch screen is ideal in a large entertainment center. "The most important thing is deciding what TV is right for the room it will be in," said Phillip Swann, who runs HD Predictions, a consumer Web site dedicated to industry news.

2. Know your ABCs. HD sets come in a confusing variety of technologies -- plasma, LCD, DLP, LCOS and SXRD (Sony's version of LCOS). What the letters mean is unimportant. These technologies all show a high-quality picture. They just deliver it in different ways.

Yet there are important differences. Plasma is generally seen as best for movies, LCDs for daytime viewing and sports. DLP and LCOS sets might provide the best value and overall picture. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses.

3. Avoid a numbers game. The latest HDTVs tout a "1080p" signal and carry a higher price, but the advantage is small. Older models with a "resolution" of 1080i, 720p or 768p (LCD and plasma) also deliver a great picture. Unless you like to sit close to a big TV, sets based on lower resolutions are perfectly fine and less expensive while supplies last.

4. Thin is beautiful. But don't limit yourself to a pricey flat-panel plasma or LCD. Sets based on DLP, LCOS and SXRD technology are cheaper and can deliver a superior picture. Most are less than 15 inches deep or half the thickness of big tube TVs popular a decade ago.

5. Count the total cost. While sets based on DLP and LCOS technology are cheaper, they may cost more to own in the long run. Why? These sets use bulbs (average cost: $300) that need to be replaced after roughly 3,000 to 5,000 hours of viewing. To fix that problem, Samsung has introduced a line of DLP sets based on so-called LED technology that do not require extra bulbs. LCDs and plasmas generally last at least 20,000 to 30,000 hours.

6. Look outside the box. Big box stores such as Best Buy and Circuit City offer great deals and cheap financing and it's easy to make returns. Yet the biggest savings are to be found online at e-tailers such as Amazon. Shipping is often free and there's no tax. Just make sure the site is an authorized dealer or is rated highly by customers, especially on product returns.

7. A plug for HDMI. This new plug is the best way to hook up your high-def set to a set top box or DVD player that also includes an HDMI connection. HDMI carries both video and sound on one cable and eliminates the need for multiple wires. Beware of unreasonably high prices, however. Retail stores can make a big profit on surge protectors and special cables such as HDMI. The cheapest 3-foot HDMI cable at Best Buy, for instance, is $50. And longer cables cost more than most DVD players.

Yet a reputable online dealer such as Blue Jeans Cable sells 3-foot HDMI cables for $15 or less and also lets buyers customize their own length. Shipping is cheap and fast, usually just a few days. "Cable is fundamentally wire and plastic stuck together," said Blue Jeans owner Kurt Denke. "There's nothing in a $100 HDMI cable that's not in a $5 cable."

8. Get the picture. About 20% of consumers who own an HDTV think they are seeing high-def shows when they are not, the market researcher Leichtman Group found. To get an actual HD picture, customers have to order high-def service from their cable or satellite provider. It costs about $10 a month. Some over-the-air HD channels -- ABC, NBC, CBS, PBS and Fox - can also be seen for free with an old-fashioned antenna.

9. Do some fine tuning. Most HDTVs are not picture-perfect out of the box even if they look good. To cite one problem, contrast is usually set too high, which could shorten the life of the set. A cheap and simple way to improve the picture is to use the THX Optimizer tests found on popular DVDs such as "Star Wars," Monsters, Inc." or "Finding Nemo." This article at EndGadget explains how.

10. Listen up. You've bought an expensive TV, but save some cash for a decent sound system. Home theaters are not the byproduct of tinny speakers that rattle at higher volumes. A nice high-def picture deserves great sound to go along with it.

Okay, there YOU have it in a nutshell pretty much. Just remember, "don't buy a tv that is TOO BIG for your viewing area". YOU don't want to watch tv like your sitting in the front row at the movie theatre. Be smart and enjoy what YOU get.

"The more YOU know, the more YOU grow,

The more YOU grow, the further YOU go"

Bobby Sharpe Dragon, Book of Shang www.myspace.com/akuasharpe

Best Country To Live In Is...!

Iceland Named Best Country to Live In

BRASILIA (Nov. 27) - Iceland has overtaken Norway as the world's most desirable country to live in, according to an annual U.N. table published on Tuesday that again puts AIDS-afflicted sub-Saharan African states at the bottom.

Rich free-market countries dominate the top places, with Iceland, Norway, Australia, Canada and Ireland the first five but the United States slipping to 12th place from eighth last year in the U.N. Human Development Index.

But the index, blending 2005 figures for life expectancy, educational levels and real per capita income, finds that all 22 countries falling into its "low human development" category are in sub-Saharan Africa, with Sierra Leone last.

In 10 of these countries, two children in five will not reach the age of 40, said the compilers at the U.N. Development Program. Last year's report said HIV/AIDS had had a "catastrophic effect" on life expectancy in the region.

The index ranks 175 U.N. member countries plus Hong Kong and the Palestinian territories. It does not include 17 countries, including Iraq, Afghanistan and Somalia, because of inadequate data.

Norway had held top spot for six years but was edged into second place by Iceland this year because of new life expectancy estimates and updated figures for gross domestic product, or GDP, the report said.

U.N. officials played down the significance of minor short-term shifts in the rankings including the slide in the U.S. position. They said if subsequent data for the year in question been available for last year's report, the United States would have been in 10th, not eighth place.

The United States scores high on real per capita GDP, which at $41,890 is second only to that of Luxembourg ($60,228), but less well on life expectancy -- joint last in the top 26 countries, along with Denmark and South Korea, at 77.9 years.

Japanese have the longest life expectancy -- 82.3 years -- and Zambians the lowest, at 40.5.

The report said most countries had seen their human development index rise over the last 30 years, but in 16 it was lower than in 1990, and in three -- the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia and Zimbabwe -- lower than in 1975.

Per capita GDP is 45 times higher in Iceland than in Sierra Leone.

The United Nations has published its human development index every year since 1990.

I have been saying for awhile now that Iceland is the place to be. However, if I lived there, I would certainly have to have a place in Florida, Hawaii or the Caribbean somewhere. Yes, I do plan on visiting there one of these days sooner than later.

The top ten places to live are: 1) Iceland 2) Norway 3) Australia 4)Canada 5)Ireland 6) Sweden 7) Switzerland 8) Japan 9) Netherlands 10) France. The good ole USA came in at number 12. So, when are we moving? lol

Iceland Rocks,

Bobby Sharpe www.myspace.com/akuasharpe Dragon, Book of Shang

Super Mario Galaxy

SUPER MARIO GALAXY

Wii

Classification: G

Rating: 5/5

If YOU are stumped or, looking for something cool for the young kids and family, YOU might want to try this for Christmas. Granted, YOU obviously need a Wii first. They may be a little hard to find. However, if YOU get your hands on one, then this is the game to get!

In the past decade, developers have struggled to reach Mario 64's lofty heights, let alone push the platform genre forward. But finally, Nintendo has delivered a sequel as entertaining and inventive as its 1996 magnum opus. This glorious galaxy of wonders is one of the finest platform games ever made.

Super Mario games have always provided wonderful, imaginative worlds to traverse but now you have entire galaxies to explore in a delightful romp the whole family can enjoy.

An interstellar observatory acts as your hub as Mario is flung to distant planets in search of precious power stars and a showdown with the villainous Bowser, who is back to his snarling best after the indignity of bit parts in countless sports and kart racing games.

Galaxy is not only the most visually dazzling Wii game to date but it is also light years ahead in its clever and novel use of the remote. Controls are accessible, allowing players easily to perform spinning attacks, swing from plant stems, slide, stomp, skate, collect star shards and health-boosting coins, fly between planets, or whiz around as a bee or ghost.

The mustachioed marvel can also surf on manta rays, roll on giant orbs, hurl fireballs, walk on water, float inside bubbles and battle foes like giant robots. The variety is fantastic and the blend of environmental puzzles, platform-leaping challenges, exploration and combat works beautifully. The difficulty curve is also smartly judged.

Inevitably, Galaxy can feel more fragmented or disjointed than previous Mario adventures but the lure of visiting each new planet to discover its surprises is irresistibly strong.

The space theme has let Nintendo experiment with gravity, with dizzying and spectacular results. You will discover see-through planets traversable on multiple planes and wonderful old-school stages enlivened with changeable gravity, enabling Mario to literally walk on walls or ceilings.

ENDGAME A hugely inventive and varied galaxy of wonders bursting with clever ideas and fun challenges. Out of this world.

Game On,

Bobby Sharpe www.myspace.com/akuasharpe Dragon, Book of Shang

Iceland, Northern Lights, Dragons & Me

In this life, as I have learned to believe intently over the last year or so, nothing happens by chance. It is all "synchronized". That is kind of what happened with me and Iceland.

First, my book "Dragon, Book Of Shang", ends in Iceland. Therefore, I started doing some research on Iceland. That really peaked my interest in this fascinating country. Then, from out of nowhere, I got this overwhelming urge from within telling me that I needed to go to Iceland. Why, has not manifested itself to me yet. And lastly, I started getting friends on my myspace profile from Iceland that turned out to be really great people and friends. In the last couple of months, I have actually met people in Orlando, Florida who are from Iceland. Reykjavik to be exact. They have convinced me that Iceland is a place I should really visit. Hopefully, sometime in 2008, when the book is out, I will get a chance to go there.

In the meantime, I am putting up a couple of links to sights that may make YOU want to go to Iceland also. The pictures at the top of this blog are an Iceland geysir, and, on the right, midnite sun in Reykjavik. Enjoy! Iceland Tourist Board: Destinations Iceland Worldwide - Northern Lights PlanetIceland

Love, Peace & Dragons,

Bobby Sharpe reggae8@aol.com Dragon, Book of Shang www.myspace.com/akuasharpe

Hy Lit, 73, pioneer DJ, dies in Philadelphia

Hy Lit, 73, one of Philadelphia's pioneer disc jockeys, died yesterday at Paoli Memorial Hospital of what his son termed "bizarre complications" after a knee injury.

Sam Lit said his father fell on Nov. 4 and was admitted to Lankenau Hospital to have the knee drained. What followed, the son said, was a "terrible situation that should have never happened."

Over the next week and a half, the DJ, heavily sedated, was transferred to Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital and, on Thursday, to Paoli Memorial, Sam Lit said.

A spokeswoman for Paoli Memorial last night referred questions to Mr. Lit's family. No cause of death has been announced.

Hy Lit, who lived in Lower Merion, had suffered in recent years from Parkinson's disease, but his son said it hadn't slowed him down. Father and son had started a music Web site, http://www.hylitradio.com/. Mr. Lit had cut audio for the site the day before he went into the hospital.

"This should not have happened," Sam Lit said last night. "We didn't have to lose him now."

"Hyski," or "Hyski O'Rooney McVoutie O'Zoot," as he called himself - or Hyman Litsky, as he was born in South Philadelphia - came of age with rock-and-roll, in an era when disc jockeys talkedlikethis.

Mr. Lit, whose family moved from Fifth and Ritner Streets to 46th Street and Osage Avenue when he was young, got started in the business in 1955, fresh out of the University of Miami.

He flourished in radio alongside such popular Philadelphia DJs of the early rock era as Frank X. Feller, Dean Tyler, Jimmy Bishop, and Joe Niagara.

Mr. Lit's biography credits Georgie Woods, another influential radio personality, with saving him one night during an early appearance, when the mostly African American audience did not believe that the white man at the microphone truly was Hy Lit.

It's said that in the 1960s, Mr. Lit's nighttime show on "Wibbage" (WIBG) drew three-quarters of the listening audience, many under covers defying parents' direct orders to shut off that music and go to bed.

The roster of Mr. Lit's stations - WHAT, WRCV, WIBG, WDAS-FM, WPGR, WSNI and WOGL - reads like a roll call of Philadelphia music. Mr. Lit also had the distinction on Aug. 15, 1990, of launching the oldies format on WCAU (1210).

"Hi, this is Hy Lit. Welcome to Oldies 1210," he said, leading into "Rock and Roll Is Here to Stay." His signature tunes were "Quarter to Three" by Gary U.S. Bonds and the instrumental "A Night with Daddy 'G' " by the Church Street Five.

Mr. Lit was on hand for much rock-and-roll history as it played out in Philadelphia. He played Rolling Stones music early on and accompanied the Beatles to the city in 1964.

A dashing figure with a face for television, he also hosted dance shows on WKBS in Philadelphia and a New York station.

Another longtime fixture in local radio, disc jockey Jerry Blavat, last night called Mr. Lit's death "the end of the era for personality radio."

"I would be nothing if not for him," said Joe "Butterball" Tamburro, program director of WDAS, whom Mr. Lit took under his wing in the early 1960s. Tamburro remembered Mr. Lit as a "fascinating, dynamic impresario."

"There's a piece of Hy Lit in all of us," said DJ Bob Pantano last night from his dance party, a concept that Mr. Lit embraced and helped to develop in the late 1950s. "My greatest thrill was working with him."

"Here's a guy who made it for all of us," said Don Cannon, another radio personality. "He was kind of wild back then."

In recent years, Mr. Lit endured financial strain, and friends rallied around him with fund-raisers. After his last station, WOGL, reduced his hours, Mr. Lit sued it for age discrimination. The case was settled in December 2005. Mr. Lit then retired.

Jim Loftus, general manager of WOGL, said, "It's a sad day for Philadelphia and a sad day for radio. He was one of a kind."

His son last night called him "the magic man. When he spoke, people listened. People were interested in what he had to say. A lot of people say that anyone can spin records. That's wrong. There's a science to it. He knew it."

His many honors include a spot on the Avenue of the Arts Walk of Fame; the first March of Dimes Lifetime Achievement of Radio Award in 1994; an AIR Award for best show in 1997; and Radio and Records magazine's Oldies Personality of the Year for 1999. He also was inducted into the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia Hall of Fame in 2003.

Besides his son, he is survived by a daughter, Benna, three grandchildren, and a sister. Mr. Lit was divorced from the former Miriam Uniman in the 1970s. His second wife, Maggie, died in 2000.

Once again, we lose another kind, gentle, talented, funny, caring and compassionate soul to the other side. And yes, when the day comes that we cross over, we will see Hyski once again.

As a kid growing up in the South Jersey/Philly area during his heyday, I listened to Hyski on the radio and also attended his dances and sock hops around the region. Along with Jerry Blavat, Jocko Henderson, Georgie Woods, Grady and Hurst, Joe Niagra and Dick Clark, Hy Lit and crew raised a generation of rock n rollers and r & b fans.

While djing on "Hot Hits" WCAU-FM in the late 80's in Philly, I had the pleasure of getting to work with Hy Lit when the radio station became "Oldies 98" WOGL FM. I had the job of teaching Hyski our on air studio and control board so that he could be comfortable doing his shows. As time progressed, we became the best of friends. Hyski and Maggie were the closest thing my son Sean had to "god parents". They loved him and thought the world of him. There was nothing Hyski wouldn't do for me and my family. He was truly one of the best friends I will ever have.

With all the talent and charisma this man possessed, he was never above himself and was always the most humble and caring person YOU could ever expect to meet. Too bad more of his peers did not learn the lessons of the "master". You will be missed Hy Lit, but, YOU will never be forgotten! See YOU on the other side Hyski.

As Hy used to tell me all the time, "don't get comfortable"!

Rock n Roll and Hy Lit are here to stay,

Bobby Sharpe www.myspace.com/akuasharpe Dragon, Book of Shang

Alien Lesbian Sex Video Game? No Way

Singapore Bans Video Game Over Alien Lesbian Sex Scene

SINGAPORE — Singapore has banned an Xbox 360 video game because it contains a sex scene between a woman and a female alien, the city-state's censors said Thursday.

"Mass Effect," a futuristic space adventure published by Microsoft Corp., has been banned because of "lesbian intimacy," Chetra S., deputy director of the Board of Film Censors, in a statement.

Players can engage their avatars in a variety of sexual encounters during the game, though none between men or between men and male aliens, according to reports on several blogs.

The human-alien duo are depicted kissing and caressing each other in a sex scene that The Straits Times English-language newspaper in Singapore reported ends with the alien saying, "By the gods, that was incredible, commander."

A Microsoft spokesman in Singapore said Microsoft respected Singapore's decision to ban the game, which is to launch globally on Nov. 20.

"'Mass Effect' features realistic content and interactions in the context of the science-fiction story line," Ian Tan, marketing communications manager for Southeast Asia said. "The game takes a mature approach to various relationships amongst characters throughout the game and the content in question is another dynamic of that."

Chetra, of the censors' board, said Singapore's video games industry is largely self-regulated, with game importers responsible for declaring to the censorship board that the game content falls within a set of guidelines.

"This helps to ensure that games are suitable for a general audience and do not feature exploitative or gratuitous sex and violence, or denigrate any race or religion," Chetra said.

Other video games that have been banned this year include "God of War II," for nudity, and "The Darkness," for "excessive violence and religiously offensive expletives," Chetra said.

Chetra said the city-state's Media Development Authority, which oversees the censors' board, will introduce classification for video games next year, a move that could allow games such as "Mass Effect" to be passed under a mature classification.

Authorities in Singapore have banned gay festivals and censored gay films, saying homosexuality should not be advocated as a lifestyle choice.

Under Singapore law, gay sex is deemed "an act of gross indecency," punishable by a maximum of two years in jail. Despite the official ban on gay sex, there have been few prosecutions.

Okay, alien lesbian sex, in a video game. Got the game banned in Singapore. Can't imagine why that would happen. What is this world coming to? And, what is more beat up, "the action in the game, or, Singapore's government for banning it"? I'll let YOU make up your mindz on this one. Personally, I think..nah, ain't going there. Anyway, here is a link to the video of the "love scene" from the game as posted on Youtube.YouTube - Mass Effect - Alien Sex Scene

Games People Play Are Different Today,

Bobby Sharpe Dragon, Book of Shang www.myspace.com/akuasharpe

UFO Investigation To Resume?

Ex-Pilots Call for New UFO Investigation

WASHINGTON (Nov. 12) - Democratic U.S. presidential hopeful Dennis Kucinich may have been ridiculed for saying he had seen a UFO, but for some former military pilots and other observers, unidentified flying objects are no laughing matter.

An international panel of two dozen former pilots and government officials called on the U.S. government on Monday to reopen its generation-old UFO investigation as a matter of safety and security given continuing reports about flying discs, glowing spheres and other strange sightings.

"Especially after the attacks of 9/11, it is no longer satisfactory to ignore radar returns ... which cannot be associated with performances of existing aircraft and helicopters," they said in a statement released at a news conference.

The panelists from seven countries, including former senior military officers, said they had each seen a UFO or conducted an official investigation into UFO phenomena.

The subject of UFOs grabbed the spotlight in the U.S. presidential race last month when Kucinich, a member of Congress from Ohio, said during a televised debate with other Democratic candidates that he had seen one.

Former presidents Ronald Reagan and Jimmy Carter are both reported to have claimed UFO sightings.

Most turn out to be misidentified aircraft, satellites or meteors. A panelist who once worked for Britain's Ministry of Defense said 5 percent of incidents cannot be explained.

But the sightings are often dismissed by authorities without proper investigations, UFO activists say.

"It's a question of who you going to believe: your lying eyes or the government?" remarked John Callahan, a former Federal Aviation Administration investigator, who said the CIA in 1987 tried to hush up the sighting of a huge lighted ball four times the size of a jumbo jet in Alaska.

The panel, organized by a group dedicated to winning credibility for the study of UFOs, urged Washington to resume UFO investigations through the U.S. Air Force or NASA.

"It would certainly, I think, take a lot of angst out of this issue," said former Arizona Gov. Fife Symington, who said he was among hundreds who saw a delta-shaped craft with enormous lights silently traverse the sky near Phoenix in 1997.

The Air Force investigated 12,618 UFO reports from 1947 to 1969 in what was known as Project Blue Book. Investigators concluded that the incidents posed no threat and there was no evidence of space aliens or a super technology in operation.

"Since the termination of Project Blue Book, nothing has occurred that would support a resumption of UFO investigations," the Air Force said on its Web site.

YOU know, every time I read a story or report like this, it reminds me of a single word that has become quite prevalent in the USA lately. That word is, "DENIAL"! This country denies and sweeps under the rug more stuff than the rest of the Earth combined. Deny it, and it does not exist. That seems to be the rationale. Hey, ask Ripley if UFO's or Aliens exist. lol If YOU need me to explain that, just forget it!

Peace and Extraterrestrials,

Bobby Sharpe Dragon, Book of Shang www.myspace.com/akuasharpe

Dragon, Book Of Shang Sneak Peek

While my book is being edited and readied for publication, this is the first of a couple of excerpts I will preview for YOU. Enjoy!

The fishermen saw nothing unusual at first. They all piled out of the truck to prepare for the morning fishing. The kids prepared to take their morning dip and just be kids having some fun.
As they all started walking toward the placid water, the mist and low fog started to lift. As the group suddenly stopped, two of the boys headed to their favorite tree.

The fishermens eyes became wide with disbelief. From a few feet back, to the waters edge, the ground was littered with partial fish skeletons, empty turtle shells, skeletons of birds and skeletons of some of the small animals that drink and feed from the lake.

As the astonished fishermen stood perspiring with fear, they heard two splashes in the water nearby. The two young boys had either not seen the skeletal remains, or, paid them no attention. They just wanted their morning swim.

As the fishermen ran to where the boys had jumped into the water, they yelled for the boys to get out.

As the boys reached the edge of the water, they suddenly doubled over and let out unearthly screams. They both fell on the sandy ground writhing in agony. Just as the men started to reach for them, they froze. As the two boys lay stretched out, their flesh started to desintegrate exposing their bones.

Within minutes, there was nothing left except the skeletal remains of the two. Skin, hair and organs were all gone. The rest of the group stood wailing and screaming in agony. Some were doubled over and throwing up after witnessing the grotesque sight before them. They were overcome with horror and fear. How could this have happened? What caused this, they wondered.

Dragon, Book Of Shang,

Bobby Sharpe reggae8@aol.com www.myspace.com/akuasharpe

"Ten Commandments" Of The Mafia

The Mafia's 'Ten Commandments' Found

ROME (Nov. 8) - Thou shalt be faithful to the Mafia.

Italian police said Thursday they have found a list of 10 commandments for mobsters in a house near Palermo, where a top Mafia boss was arrested this week.

Salvatore Lo Piccolo, who had been on the run since 1993, was vying to become the next "boss of bosses" of the Sicilian Mafia, according to Italian investigators. He was apprehended Monday by police raiding a house in the countryside outside Palermo, the Sicilian capital.

The list was found among his coded notes about the administration of Cosa Nostra that were delivered by Lo Piccolo's aides.

Police in Palermo said that the list opened with a preamble that said: "I swear to be faithful to Cosa Nostra. Should I betray, my flesh will burn." Under the category "Rights and Duty" were the 10 entries, meant to be a sort of users' manual for the good mobster.

The list was typewritten in uppercase letters, police said.

Italian newspaper La Repubblica published a photo of what it said was the list, under the headline: "The Godfather's Ten Commandments.

"The list bars mobsters from hanging out in bars, from befriending police and being late for appointments. It also bars them from "taking possession of money that belong to others or other families."

How to treat women also features in the decalogue.

"You shall not look at wives of our friends," says one entry. "You shall respect your wife," says another. However, the Mafia comes first, as the fifth "commandment" orders a mobster to "be available for Cosa Nostra at any moment, even if your wife is about to give birth.

"The last part of the list sets out application rules, saying that those who have a very bad behavior and no moral values cannot join.

Investigators believe that the 65-year-old Lo Piccolo could have eventually emerged from a power struggle as the Mafia's new top boss following the capture of Bernardo Provenzano, the reputed No. 1 of the Cosa Nostra crime syndicate. Provenzano was arrested on a farm near Corleone, Sicily, in April 2006, after more than 40 years on the run.

Say what YOU want about organized crime, if some governments, and, households subscribed to some of these "commandments", the world and society might be alot better off than we are.

Peace and rules,

Bobby Sharpe Dragon, Book of Shang www.myspace.com/akuasharpe myauntberenice

Observations, Thoughts & Opinions

Okay, by now, most of YOU that read my stuff know pretty much that I basically "tell it like it is". Everybody is fair game. Even though I will get on someone's case in a hurry, I will also give props and respect where they are do. That's only the right thing to do, most of the time.

This past week, November 3rd-November 8th, I spent the majority of it with people from around the globe who were here in Orlando for a major convention. I'm talking about people from The Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Russia, France, UK, Thailand, Japan, Korea, Canada, Pakistan, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Poland, Finland, Norway, Italy, China and on and on. Some of the things that were said to me matter of factly, or, presented as questions were:

1) Everyone noticed the big differences in neighborhoods and the disparities between races. They mentioned how they were responded to so much differently depending on whether they were dealing with whites, blacks, hispanic or asian.

2) A majority of my clients, in round about ways, basically said "we have very little class". Actually, it wouldn't take a rocket scientist to figure that out. Just go out in public these days and even YOU could figure that one.

3) A significant number also voiced their opinion that "we have so much in this country to be thankful for, yet seem not to appreciate it". Amen to that.

4) And last, but certainly not least, everybody wanted to know "why the people of this country voted for George Bush the second time"? "What were these people thinking"? Well, I gave them the answer they were trying to infer, "the people that voted for Bush the second time were freaking brain washed asleep at the wheel IDIOTS"! "That do not have a clue what is going on in the real world".

In short, it was a very good mind stimulating week for me and a couple of my buddies. To sum things up on behalf of pretty much the rest of the world, "the stature, influence, importance, class, leadership and direction of the United States of America, is pretty much in the toilet these days. We need a serious awakening and rethink moving forward. If not, we will wind up being some other major power's bitch! YOU can bank that!

Peace and Renaissance,

Bobby Sharpe Dragon, Book of Shang www.myspace.com/akuasharpe

Dragon, Book Of Shang

Dragon, Book of Shang

Here, YOU can get a sneak peek at the book etc.

I am also listing some info in case YOU have a book YOU want to get out and published.

Jane Rubeck

Author Services Representative

AuthorHouse

1663 Liberty Drive,Suite 200

Bloomington, IN 47403

http://www.authorhouse.com

jrubeck@authorhouse.com

Toll Free: 1-888-519-5121 ext. 5386

Fax: 1-812-349-0786

Bobby Sharpewww.myspace.com/akuasharpe myauntberenice

Speak Your Mind:

"Those that matter, don't mind,

Those that mind, don't matter"

This Hot Enough For YOU?

Hottest Chili Pepper Shatters Record

It's hot. Scorching hot. Guinness World Records hot.

Researchers at New Mexico State University have discovered the world’s hottest chili pepper. It's called the Bhut Jolokia, a variety originating in Assam, India.

In tests that yield Scoville heat units (SHUs), the Bhut Jolokia reached 1 million SHUs, almost double the SHUs of former hotshot Red Savina (a type of habanero pepper), which measured a mere 577,000. The result was announced today by the American Society for Horticultural Science.Chili is spelled "chile" by some, including Paul Bosland, director of the Chile Pepper Institute at New Mexico State’s Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences.

Bosland collected seeds of Bhut Jolokia while visiting India in 2001. He grew the plants for three years to produce enough seeds to complete the field tests.

"The name Bhut Jolokia translates as 'ghost chile,'" Bosland explained. "I think it’s because the chile is so hot, you give up the ghost when you eat it!

"The intense heat concentration of Bhut Jolokia could have a significant impact on the food industry as an economical seasoning in packaged foods, he said.

All I have to say is, "if this bad boy is hotter than habanero peppers, I don't wanna know". Eat some of these and YOU might be a ghost!

Peace & Peppers,

Bobby Sharpe Dragon, Book of Shang www.myspace.com/akuasharpe

Led Zeppelin Concert Update

Led Zeppelin Reunion Show Postponed

LONDON (AP) - Led Zeppelin fans awaiting the rockers' reunion will have to wait a little longer.
The band's first concert in two decades, scheduled for Nov. 26, has been postponed until Dec. 10 after guitarist Jimmy Page fractured a finger, organizers said Friday.

"I am disappointed that we are forced to postpone the concert by two weeks," Page said in a statement.

"However, Led Zeppelin have always set very high standards for ourselves, and we feel that this postponement will enable my injury to properly heal, and permit us to perform at the level that both the band and our fans have always been accustomed to."

Led Zeppelin, who split up in 1980 after the death of drummer John Bonham, announced in September they were reuniting for a one-off show. The lineup includes Page, singer Robert Plant and bass player John Paul Jones, along with Bonham's son Jason.

More than 1 million fans entered a draw for a chance to buy one of the 10,000 tickets to the concert at London's O2 Arena, a tribute to Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun, who died last year. The lineup also includes former Rolling Stone Bill Wyman, Foreigner and young Scottish singer Paolo Nutini.

Organizers said tickets for the Nov. 26 gig will be honored at the rescheduled show.

Led Zeppelin Rules,

Bobby Sharpe www.myspace.com/akuasharpe Bobby Sharpe's "Animalz"

Argentina's Lady President Cristina Fernandez

First Lady Claims Victory in Argentina

(AP) Argentina's presidential candidate of the ruling Frente Para la Victoria party, Cristina Fernandez...Full Image

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) - First lady Cristina Fernandez claimed victory in Argentina's presidential election Sunday, with early results and exit polls suggesting she had avoided a runoff and become the first woman elected to the post.

Fernandez's husband, President Nestor Kirchner, is credited with Argentina's rebound from a 2001 economic collapse, and much of her support is due to his popularity.

She has been compared to U.S. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, who like her is a lawyer and senator who soldiered alongside a husband as he rose from small-state governor to his nation's presidency.

"We have won amply," she proclaimed, Kirchner standing at her side. "But this, far from putting us in a position of privilege, puts us instead in a position of greater responsibilities and obligations."

Supporters jumped up and down and embraced one another.

"I'm so excited," screamed Maria Isabel Francia, a 50-year-old street merchant. "Cristina is going to pull us out of poverty!"

Her challengers were trying to force her into a Nov. 25 runoff. She needed 40 percent of the vote, with a lead of more than 10 percent over her nearest rival, to win outright.

With a third of the polling places reporting, Fernandez had 43 percent of the vote, compared with about 20 percent each for former lawmaker Elisa Carrio and former Economy Minister Roberto Lavagna. Eleven others split the rest.

Six independent television networks, a private radio station and an opposition newspaper reported their exit polling indicated Fernandez has easily won a first-round victory. Five of the news organizations released their numbers, giving Fernandez between 42 and 46 percent of the vote, with advantages of 19 to 23 percentage points over Carrio.

But no opposition candidates conceded defeat, and Carrio spokesman Matias Mendez said seven parties had filed a complaint alleging that ballots were missing or stolen in Buenos Aires province, the country's most populous.

Electoral officials denied any irregularities, but a judge extended voting by an hour in the capital after many of Argentina's 12,700 polling stations opened late. A representative of the ruling party was arrested on suspicion of trying to vote twice.

The next president, who begins a four-year term on Dec. 10, faces challenges including high inflation, an energy shortage and rampant crime. And the legacy of the economic crisis can still be seen in high unemployment and widespread poverty in a country that a century ago ranked among the world's 10 richest.

Fernandez, 54, refused to debate and spent much of the campaign abroad in photo-ops with world leaders. Her chic European dresses and designer bags drew comparisons with "Evita" Peron, another fashion-conscious and politically influential Argentine first lady.

Fernandez, who built her own independent career as her husband rose to power, has rejected comparisons to both Clinton and Evita.

She boasts that she won her first national election, as senator for Santa Cruz province, when Kirchner was a mere state official - the governor. She is now a senator for powerful Buenos Aires province.

The first couple voted early in Santa Cruz, before heading back to the capital to await the outcome. Fernandez told the crowd of reporters that voting was especially joyful for her because she grew up under the 1976-83 dictatorship.

"I'm part of a generation that grew up in a country in which nobody could say anything, so we value this in a very special way," she said.

Voters were also filling dozens of House and Senate seats and nine governorships. Exit polls indicated Vice President Daniel Scioli won the governorship of Buenos Aires province, the country's second most powerful post.

Argentina's 27.1 million registered voters are required by law to cast ballots, and one couple showed up early after a night of partying in a car festooned with "just married" signs. The bride wore a white wedding dress as she filled out her ballot.

This is a great story! Since I am one of the biggest feminist movement people around, I love it when a qualified woman attains a position of power, intellect, influence and integrity. Men have screwed it up long enough. Let the women spirits take the reins for awhile.

Congratulations President Cristina Fernandez! Much success to YOU.

Peace and goodwill to Argentina,

Bobby Sharpe www.myspace.com/akuasharpe reggae8@aol.com

Ugly, Fat & Losers Equals, Philadelphia

The Least Attractive People Are In ...

PHILADELPHIA (Oct. 2007) - Philadelphia is home to the least attractive people in the United States, a survey of visitors and residents showed on Friday.

The city of more than 1.5 million people was also found to be among the least stylish, least active, least friendly and least worldly, according to the "America's Favorite Cities" survey by Travel & Leisure magazine and CNN Headline News.

About 60,000 people responded to the online survey -- at www.travelandleisure.com -- which ranked 25 cities in categories including shopping, food, culture, and cityscape, said Amy Farley, senior editor at the magazine.

For unattractiveness, Philadelphia just beat out Washington, D.C. and Dallas/Fort Worth for the bottom spot. Miami and San Diego are home to the most attractive people, the poll found.

But Farley pointed out the results don't mean people in Philadelphia are ugly or the city is a bad place to visit.

"We were asking people to vote on attractiveness, not unattractiveness. Travel & Leisure editors believe there are a lot of attractive people in Philadelphia," she said.

"The relative attractiveness of its residents is only a minuscule factor in evaluating a city's merit."

Philadelphians' self-esteem has been undermined by national surveys showing they are among the fattest people in the United States. The American Obesity Association ranked the city in the top 10 for overweight people every year between 2000 and 2005.

And sporting pride in a city known for the fierce loyalty of its fans has been hurt by not having had a national champion in any of its four main sports since the 76ers won the National Basketball Association title in 1983.

Look, YOU can cut this up anyway YOU want to. Fact is, their sports teams have not won a championship since the Sixers almost 30 years ago. Fat? Well duh! Hey, Philly is the home of the infamous "cheesesteak". Plus, TastyKake and Breyers Ice Cream. That stuff all adds up to fat. It also adds up to some "good eating"!

Oh, in case YOU missed it, Orlando came in 5th for least attractive. Hey, I don't live in Orlando. I live in Winter Park! All together different.

Butterscotch Krimpets Rule,

Bobby Sharpe www.myspace.com/akuasharpe reggae8@aol.com

Singapore, "NO GAY SEX"!

Singapore retains its gay sex ban

Singapore's parliament has voted against a proposal to decriminalise sex between men, despite receiving a petition signed by thousands of people.

The plan was part of a wider reform of sex laws, many dating from the British colonial era half a century ago.

The chamber passed a bill legalising oral and anal sex for the first time, but only between heterosexuals.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said the government did not consider gays to be a minority with minority rights.

In a rare speech to parliament, he said Singapore was a conservative society, and he wanted to keep it so.

Tuesday's vote means Singapore's anti-gay law 377A remains, although prosecutions are rare.

Under the legislation, a man caught committing an act of "gross indecency" with another man could be jailed for up to two years.

Hey, whether YOU are pro or con on the "gay" issue, it doesn't matter. What matters is that, this country had the stones to stand on what it believes and did not try to do the "politically correct" copout crap that leaders with NO stones do. If YOU don't like the law, "don't go to Singapore"! It's that simple.

"Speak Your Mind"

Those that matter don't mind,

Those that mind, don't matter

Bobby Sharpe www.myspace.com/akuasharpe Bobby Sharpe's "Animalz"

Lucky Dube, Rest In Peace

Memorial Service Held for Reggae Star
By CELEAN JACOBSON

(AP) Members of Lucky Dube's band perform during the memorial service for the slain reggae star in...Full Image

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (AP) - Slain reggae star Lucky Dube was remembered at a memorial service by friends and family who railed against his senseless shooting death and his bandmates who entertained a dancing crowd outside by playing some of his songs.

Dube, 43, was gunned down in front of two of his children last week in an apparent carjacking attempt in suburban Johannesburg. Four men who were arrested in connection with the murder appeared briefly in court Tuesday.

"We have lost a legend, an icon," said Skipha Shabalala, lead guitarist with Dube's band, said Wednesday. "Why was this man killed in such a brutal and barbaric manner?"

Posters of the star with his trademark waist-length dreadlocks covered the walls of the packed Bassline, a popular downtown music venue. Seated on the floor, barefoot and dressed in white, were members of the Shembe, a Zulu Christian sect to which Dube belonged.

Outside, up to 1,500 fans - many wearing the Rastafarian colors of green, gold and red - gathered to watch the service on a large screen.

"Today we are here to mourn, but also to celebrate the life of someone who made us very proud as South Africans," musician Sipho Mabuse said.

Dube, who launched his career in the 1980s with criticism of the apartheid regime, went on to become a huge international star recording more than 20 albums and sharing stages with the likes of Michael Jackson, Peter Gabriel, Ziggy Marley and Sting.

Ivor Haarburger, chief executive of Gallo Records, described Dube as an "enormous talent" who was a quiet and reserved man, but whose stage performances were "amazing."

"We as a nation are shocked and saddened at the news. With this senseless and disturbing act a great spirit has been taken from us. It is a loss felt by millions throughout the world," he said.

Members of Lucky Dube's band perform during the memorial service for the slain reggae star in...Full ImageSouth Africa has one of the highest crime rates in the world, recording an average of 50 murders each day. U.N. crime statistics say one in three Johannesburg residents has been robbed. Rapes and assaults also are common.

Dube expressed his concerns about crime in his lyrics, most notably his 1999 song "Crime and Corruption," in which he wrote: "Do you ever worry about leaving home and coming back in a coffin, with a bullet through your head?"

Messages of condolences were read out during the service, including statements from Peter Gabriel and the presidents of the Gambia and Senegal.

Interspersed throughout the service were performances by some of Dube's fellow musicians, as well as the artist's band. "I am sad. Even if the people who did this are arrested, they will still live," said musician Bhekumuzi Luthuli, barely able to sing for the tears choking him.

In another heartbreaking moment, two of Dube's seven children took to the stage at the end of the service to read out a statement from the family.

"We are going to miss you forever," said a sobbing Laura, holding on to her elder sister Bongi.

Then as Dube's band broke into song, the crowd outside paid tribute to their hero the only way they knew how - by taking to their feet and dancing.

"Love those who gimme war," they cheered as the band played the title song from Dube's latest album "Respect."

"I love those who hate me. I bless even those who curse me. Gimme, gimme respect," they sang.

You know, this is so sad. It breaks my heart. And, "it really pisses me off". This is so senseless and, "you see this crap every day". When is humanity ever going to learn? When are blacks ever going to stop with the black on black crime? Based on what some folks say, "NEVER". Can't prove anything one way or the other, however, based on my time on this Earth, my experiences, my associations, makes me think that maybe some races of people are "mentally inferior". And dont give me that "not politically correct" bs. People, quit the tap dance and see things how they really are!

Rest in peace Lucky.

"The more YOU know, the more YOU grow,

The more YOU grow, the further YOU go'

Bobby Sharpe www.myspace.com/akuasharpe Bobby Sharpe's "Indigo Spiritz"

"Star Wars" TV Series Coming

George Lucas Plans `Star Wars' TV Series

(AP) In a file photo University of Southern California alumnus George Lucas is shown with an artist's...Full Image

LOS ANGELES (AP) - The Force may soon be coming to a television near you.

George Lucas is planning a live-action television series spinoff of the "Star Wars" film franchise.

Lucas told The Los Angeles Times he has "just begun work" on the series, which will not include the films' major characters Luke Skywalker or Darth Vader.

"The Skywalkers aren't in it, and it's about minor characters," Lucas told the Times on Tuesday.
Lucas wouldn't reveal details, but joked that the series would be about "the life of robots."

Lucas, 63, already has another television series in the works. Lucasfilm Animation has been working for months on the computer-animated "Star Wars: The Clone Wars."

Star Wars Lives On,

Bobby Sharpe www.myspace.com/akuasharpe Orlando Sentinel - Community Winter Park Blog -

Bobby Sharpe Rant & Thoughts

With all the sabre rattling going on in the world today, it makes YOU stop and wonder, "did I miss something, or, are all these political leaders and heads of state freaking crazy"? Here are a couple examples in case YOU missed some of this.

1) Russia's leader, Vladimir Putin in Iran talking trash about anybody attacking Iran and, especially from a Caspian Sea country base. A Russian leader has not been in Iran in 6 decades but, all of sudden they are buds talking crap. Hey Putin, go home and fix your countries broke economics and other problems.

2) Iran's Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, what else can YOU say, "this guy is sitting around selling "wolf tickets" that, sooner or later somebody is going to buy one and cash it in on his wannabe "nuclear ass".

3) Turkey has their blood pressure in a tizzy because the U.S. wants to say they comitted atrocities against Armenians 100 years ago. In a way, I can see where they are coming from. It was 100 years ago and the people that are their now, had nothing to do with that. However, 40 plus other countries have already signed off on the condemnation of these acts. So, what's the big deal? YOU have other stuff YOU need to be tending to that is more pressing. Get over it!

4) One of the most exciting things going on in the world today is the immergence of China as a big time player on the world stage. Me and a couple of my buds are even planning on learning Mandarin Chinese. However, China has to stop acting like a petulent spoiled child that is all that. Here, this major empire is having a hissy fit because the United States wants to recognize a nobel peace prize winner and the greatest person on this planet, for all of his great deeds. It's not like the Dalai Lama is trying to take over your country. If his being and presence is that much of a threat to your narrow minded thought processes, then your whole existence is "standing on shaky ground"! Get a grip! The Dalai Lama is bigger and better than you will ever know. Deal with it.

Well, there YOU have it. As I always say, "speak what is on your mind, those that matter dont mind, those that mind, don't matter". The Dalai Lama is the best person on this Earth, in this dimension, and now!

"The more YOU know, the more YOU grow,
The more YOU grow, the further YOU go"

Bobby Sharpe reggae8@aol.com Bobby Sharpe's "Indigo Spiritz"

Imagine Peace Tower, Reykjavik, Iceland

Ringo Starr, Yoko Ono, Olivia Harrison

Yoko Ono unveils imagine peace tower

Mon Jul 09 2007

On October 9th, which would have been John Lennon''s 67th birthday, Yoko Ono will unveil IMAGINE PEACE TOWER, dedicated to her late husband, in Reykjavik, Iceland.

In 1967, John Lennon predicted that the conceptual light tower, envisioned by Yoko Ono, would one day become a reality. On October 9th of this year, exactly 40 years later, IMAGINE PEACE TOWER, a permanent landmark for peace will be unveiled in Reykjavik, Iceland.

IMAGINE PEACE TOWER is surrounded by a Wishing Well Wall on which the words "IMAGINE PEACE" are engraved in 24 languages.

IMAGINE PEACE TOWER gives light and power to the realization of World Peace, which was John Lennon''s lifetime wish, and what he had worked for. For this day, October 9th, 2007, like minded friends from all over the world have been invited to Reykjavik, Iceland to join Yoko Ono for the special ceremony, lending their spiritual power to the tower, and their affirmation of unity for it''s unveiling.

Joining those present will be over 100,000 written wishes collected from all over the world through Yoko''s Wish Trees presented in different countries. They are put in a series of capsules and will be placed on the Island of Viðey, surrounding IMAGINE PEACE TOWER.

More wishes are being sent every day for IMAGINE PEACE TOWER to the P.O. Box set up specially for it in Iceland (IMAGINE PEACE TOWER, P.O. Box 1009, 121 Reykjavik, Iceland.) You, of course, are more than welcome to send your wish as well.

Yoko Ono said today; "I have chosen Iceland for IMAGINE PEACE TOWER because it is a very unique eco-friendly country. 80% of Iceland''s energy is provided by water, not oil. Because of this, the air, water and earth are surprisingly pure and clean. The energy for the Tower is also provided by water.

I hope IMAGINE PEACE TOWER will give light to the strong wishes of World Peace from all corners of the planet and give encouragement, inspiration and a sense of solidarity in a world now filled with fear and confusion. Let us come together to realize a peaceful world. I consider myself very fortunate to see the dream my husband and I dreamt together become reality."

What a great honor for the great people of Iceland to have had Yoko Ono choose Reykjavik as the spot for the Imagine Peace Tower. Iceland deserves it. Hopefully, one day soon, I will get to see it first hand.

Peace and Love to Iceland,

Bobby SharpeBobby Sharpe's "Indigo Spiritz" www.myspace.com/akuasharpe

World's Thinnest TV'S: Need A Xmas Present

First they got flat, then they got big, and now, with nowhere else to go, TVs are getting thin, thin, thin! At least that's the trend we're extracting from all of the ultra-slim TVs on display at CEATEC, the annual Japanese consumer electronics show we're currently checking out in Tokyo. Take a look at the above-pictured Hitachi super-flat 32-inch LCD-TV prototype, which, at just .72-inches thick, makes the average flat-panel TV look like huge slab of thickly-cut meat (or something like that). After all, .72-inches thick is more like a cell phone than a TV, in terms of thickness.

But Hitachi, which unveiled its super-thin prototype to the public today for the first time, isn't alone in the ultra-flat-panel game. Thin LCD TVs are also on display from Sharp (52-inch TV that's .78-inches thick), JVC (42-inch TV that's only 1.4-inches thick, pictured, right), and even Fujitsu, which can only mean one thing: That even flatter panels are on their way to your local Best-Buy-Circuit-City-Fry's within the next five years.

You can even throw Sony's groundbreaking 22-inch Organic Panel, a 1.1-inch thin portable display that uses OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode Technology). Though shown in prototype form at places like CES, the Organic Panel in its more-or-less ready-to-ship version is being shown here in Tokyo for the first time. And it's actually coming out, in Japan, anyway: The set will be in stores on December 1st for around $2500, which is a lot for a 22-inch TV. That said, we are blown away by the rich colors and crisp, 1,000,000-to-1 contrast ratio that the OLED screen brings to this widescreen wonder. The Little flexible arm that lets you adjust the screen's position is a nice detail, too, in that nifty, Sony-gadget way.

We took a bunch of pictures, but since we wanted to show you some other TVs in this post, check out Engadget's gallery on the Sony Organic Panel.

Now, does the new you-can-never-be-too-thin TV trend mean you should wait before you buy that flat-panel? Not at all -- all the TVs we mentioned are prototypes, so we don't know when they'll actually come out for real. (Regardless, when they come out, they will be pricey). Only the Sony Organic Panel is actually coming out in Japan-only, and it's expensive.

It's likely some of these TVs will be the star of the CES Show come January, but the earliest any of these models (other than the Sony) come out would be late next year, so we're betting it'll be a good half-decade before these are even remotely affordable for the rest of us.

In the meantime, we're gonna keep dreamin' about 'em!

Yeah, I'm licking my chops, but, "wont be getting one of these bad boys any time soon". My day will come though.

Technology Rules,

Bobby Sharpe www.myspace.com/akuasharpe Orlando Sentinel - Community Winter Park Blog -

Candace Poblador, Artist & Web Designer

You know, a bunch of the people that know me, think alot of weird stuff about me. I'm arrogant, pushy, conceited, a jerk, an idiot, a mister know it all and on and on. Well, guess what, "they are right". If YOU don't believe in yourself and what YOU bring to the table, how are YOU going to get anyone else to believe? And as hard as I believe in myself, that is how hard I believe in my niece, Candace.

Ever since I first met Candace, when she was 15 years old, I knew she was someone special. She has proven over the years that she is. Not only is she one of the nicest caring people YOU will ever meet, she is also an "awesomely talented" soul. That is why I have asked her to design the dragons and book cover for the novel I am in the process of completing. Her art work, creativity and imagination are unique and stand alone.

If YOU need some art work or a web page design, Candace Poblador is no further away than an email. If YOU would like to check out some of her work, go to myauntberenice This is her website which is being updated and refreshed on a regular basis. Here, YOU can get a feel for her work and energy. You can also contact her through the site. Hey, check it out before she gets totally swamped. I will have some stuff up also of some of her dragon sketches in the near future.

If for nothing else, stop by her site and say hello to a really cool human being.

Peace & Love,

Bobby Sharpewww.myspace.com/akuasharpe Bobby Sharpe's "Indigo Spiritz"