Snakes On A Plane, In A Car, For Real

Unexpected Publicity for Snakes on a Plane

New Line is already drowning in free publicity for Snakes on a Plane, but it doesn't hurt to have an actual snake on an actual plane make news, adding to the public awareness of the title (of course the story references the movie).

Customs officials in the Netherlands discovered a live poisonous snake in an airmail package that was shipped from Hong Kong. At first they thought it was merely made of rubber but then it started moving around.

Yikes! Who knows what would have happened if that thing could have gotten loose and run slithered amok! And with no Samuel L. Jackson to kick its ass (wait, snakes don't have asses)? It could have gotten ugly.

Could this have been a premature copycat crime? The work of terrorists? Or perhaps was it the work of New Line's marketing team?

It is in fact illegal to ship poisonous snakes to the Netherlands without a special permit, although there is no mention of whether the sender has been identified or if he/she had such a permit (it does mention the recipient is a collector).

I'm really hoping that U.S. inspectors are looking for snakes before flights take off, let alone before they reach their destination. Just in case I decide to fly somewhere.

Meanwhile, in an unrelated news story, a woman in Oregon was driving to the grocery store when she realized there were garter snakes in her car. Twenty garter snakes, to be exact. Click the link to get that whole story.

Listen people, it is summer time, and the snakes are OUT! Like I was told when I first moved to Florida. "If it doesn't have legs, leave it alone". "Unless you are a herpatologist".

As usual, catch up with me at www.myspace.com/akuasharpe . For those of you on myspace, catch up with me atBobby Sharpe's Blogspot. Email reggae8@aol.com.

To Be or Not To Be, Gay

Oprah Says She, Friend Gayle King Not Gay

NEW YORK (AP) - Oprah Winfrey and her friend Gayle King want to be clear: they're not gay.

In the August issue of O, the Oprah Magazine, the talk-show host explains that some people misunderstand her close friendship with King.

"I understand why people think we're gay," she says. "There isn't a definition in our culture for this kind of bond between women. So I get why people have to label it - how can you be this close without it being sexual?"

In a long article, Winfrey, 52, and King converse about their 30 years of friendship and "four-times-a-day phone calls." King, who hosted "The Gayle King Show" in 1997, is an editor of O, the Oprah Magazine.

The two friends say they would have no problem telling the public if they were in a sexual relationship.
"The truth is, if we were gay, we would tell you, because there's nothing wrong with being gay," says King.

Says Winfrey: "Something about this relationship feels otherworldly to me, like it was designed by a power and a hand greater than my own. Whatever this friendship is, it's been a very fun ride."

So, why is this post here? Hell, IT'S OPRAH and, it's about whether she's "gay" or not! Duh, you don't think thats news?

Now, even though I could care less, there are literally many thousands of people that will be all over this, "pro & con"! Remember, this is the "STUPID PEOPLE" site, so, ya'll get busy.

A little fuel for the fire. Gayle King is a "divorced" single mom of 2 kids. Word has it that her divorce came about because of all the lavish gifts Oprah bestowed upon Gayle and her kids. The father/husband alledgedly did not appreciate all this. After 13 years of marriage, it ended in divorce. Oh well, go figure.

As usual, if you want to be entertained somemore, go towww.myspace.com/akuasharpe and check out some of my musical friends etc. Email me at reggae8@aol.com. Don't forget to take the poll!

Baby Tigers & HD Technology Marriage

As I am sure most of my regular readers know by now, I am an animal person first and foremost. I love my fellow creatures on this planet. Some more than others though. That is why I had to lead off this post with this picture of this North Eastern China mother Tiger and her cubs that were born July 5, 2006. All 5 of them. Apparently, she has had previous litters of 3 and 4 cubs. So, we wish you all the best Mama Tiger and family.

As a tie in to our next story, if you are really into animals and technology as I am, get a hi-def widescreen tv and check out "discovery hd". A true hi-def channel.

Ricoh Tries to Bridge Dueling HD Formats

TOKYO (AP) - Japan's Ricoh Co. said Thursday it will be ready to supply an optical component that reads both HD DVD and Blu-ray discs next year - a move that could diffuse the battle between rivals Toshiba and Sony over next-generation DVD formats.

Toshiba Corp. and its allies have been pitting the HD DVD format against Blu-ray, an alternative standard pushed by Sony Corp. (SNE), raising fears of a repeat of the VHS-versus-Beta battle over the format for video tape recorders in the early 1980s.

Both HD DVD and Blu-ray technology can deliver dazzling high-definition video and can store much more data than today's DVDs, but related hardware has so far been incompatible.

Tokyo-based Ricoh's new component, however, uses a diffraction plate designed to adjust the laser so that light focuses properly for each disc format, allowing a drive to read all formats, according to company spokesman Satoshi Aoki.

"Ricoh is the first in the world to announce this hybrid technology," Aoki said. "We believe it's groundbreaking."

The component will initially only read discs, though Ricoh hopes to improve its laser so it writes in all formats, Aoki said.

The office equipment maker is presenting the technology at the International Optoelectronics Exhibition outside Tokyo, which kicked off Thursday. The company will be ready to deliver components to electronics makers by the end of 2007, Aoki said.

Talk of the potential of a dual-format drive and hints of its development by various companies have circulated for some time. And though Ricoh can now claim a first-of-a-kind hybrid technology, some analysts are skeptical of its chances for success in a market where consumer demand has yet to solidify for either HD DVD or Blu-ray products.

"The market potential for the product is not very large," said Wolfgang Schlichting, an analyst with market researcher IDC. "The verdict is still out - both formats still have the chance of becoming dominant, and companies need to focus on products that are price-driven and sell today."

A key barrier, Schlichting said, is that any product with the dual-format feature will likely be very expensive.

Electronics companies would have to pay additional royalty costs to incorporate both formats. Also, unless production levels grow significantly to lower costs, makers would be hard-pressed to reduce retail prices enough to attract more customers, Schlichting said.

For now, Toshiba and Sony's race to bring competing hardware to the market is set to continue.
Toshiba said Thursday it would postpone the sale of the world's first HD DVD recorder, the RD-A1, by about two weeks to July 27 from July 14 due to a production delay.

Because of problems in procuring some parts for the recorder, Toshiba will not have enough units ready for a nationwide release until the later date, according to company spokesman Keisuke Omori.

The machine combines an HD DVD burner with a 1-terabyte hard disk and can record and store up to 130 hours of high-definition broadcasts. HD DVD players are already available, but the RD-A1 will be the first model that can record disks.

Sony has also been selling Blu-ray recorders in Japan since 2003, but prices have been high and uptake low.

The new Toshiba recorder carries a suggested price tag of $3,470. The electronics maker hopes to sell 10,000 recorders by the end of 2006, according to Omori.

Toshiba launched HD DVD players in Japan in March, and in the United States in April. Sony plans to begin selling personal computers equipped with Blu-ray drives later this month.

And the tech wars continue. This looks like a promising technological advance. But, as the article says, it will be EXPENSIVE for a while anyway. There is a blu-ray player on the market now for right around a grand. The Sony PS 3, coming out in November, will also be a blu-ray player. We will keep you updated as usual.

For a little fun, and, some music updates etc., check out www.myspace.com/akuasharpe. If you see some of your favorite artist on my "friends' list, if you sign up and open your own myspace page, you can click on the artist picture and get to their page and get music tracks, info, bios, and links to their official pages. Try it, you might like it.

Don't forget to take the poll at the right. You can do MULTIPLE ANSWERS! As usual, any questions reggae8@aol.com.

Pink Floyd Founder Syd Barrett Passes

Syd Barrett, Founder of Pink Floyd, Dies

LONDON (AP) - Syd Barrett, the troubled Pink Floyd co-founder who spent his last years in reclusive anonymity, has died, the band said Tuesday. He was 60.

A spokeswoman for the band said Barrett died several days ago, but she did not disclose the cause of death. Barrett had suffered from diabetes for years.

The surviving members of Pink Floyd - David Gilmour, Nick Mason, Roger Waters and Richard Wright - said they were "very upset and sad to learn of Syd Barrett's death."
"Syd was the guiding light of the early band lineup and leaves a legacy which continues to inspire," they said in a statement.

Barrett co-founded Pink Floyd in 1965 with Waters, Mason and Wright, and wrote many of the band's early songs. The group's jazz-infused rock and drug-laced, multimedia "happenings" made them darlings of the London psychedelic scene. The 1967 album "The Piper at the Gates of Dawn" - largely written by Barrett, who also played guitar - was a commercial and critical hit.
But Barrett suffered from mental instability, exacerbated by his use of LSD. His behavior grew increasingly erratic, and he left the group in 1968 - five years before the release of Pink Floyd's most popular album, "Dark Side of the Moon" - to be replaced by Gilmour.

Barrett released two solo albums - "The Madcap Laughs" and "Barrett" - but soon withdrew from the music business altogether. An album of previously unreleased material, "Opel," was issued in 1988.

He reverted to his real name, Roger Barrett, and spent much of the rest of his life living quietly in his hometown of Cambridge, England. Moving into his mother's suburban house, he passed the time painting and tending the garden. His former bandmates made sure Barrett continued to receive royalties from his work with Pink Floyd.

He was a familiar figure to neighbors, often seen cycling or walking to the corner store, but rarely spoke to the fans and journalists who sought him out over the years.

Despite his brief career, Barrett's fragile, wistful songs influenced many musicians including David Bowie - who covered the Barrett track "See Emily Play."

Bowie said in a statement posted on his Web site that Barrett had been a "major inspiration."
"His impact on my thinking was enormous," Bowie write. "A major regret is that I never got to know him. A diamond indeed."

The other members of Pink Floyd recorded the album "Wish You Were Here" as a tribute to their troubled bandmate.

It contained the song "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" - "Remember when you were young, you shone like the sun." The band also dwelt on themes of mental illness on the albums "Dark Side of the Moon" and "The Wall."

The band spokeswoman said a small, private funeral would be held.

As a fellow guitarist musician, and, someone who has Pink Floyd as my all time favorite group, although I did not really know Syd Barrett, it broke my heart to learn of his passing. Regardless of whether you knew or, know his music, the one thing you do know is that SYD BARRETT FOUNDED PINK FLOYD. No Syd, no Floyd!

To find more about Syd Barrett, check outThe Syd Barrett Archives. Also, if you are not familiar with the song "Wish You Were Here", go to www.myspace.com/akuasharpe for a little Bobby Sharpe mini tribute to Syd.

Please check these sites I have links to so that you can educate yourself about the founder of one of music's greatest groups EVER!

Thank You,

Bobby Sharpe reggae8@aol.com

(The pictures above are of Syd 1966 and Floyd 1967)

Swedish Law Students-Stupid Jersey Politicos

These 3 ladies are law students from Sweden who were here in Orlando for conferences and competitions in the field of law. Yes, there are competitions in negotiating and mediating as lawyers. I know, it's news to me also. However, apparently it is not small potatos, because I had several clients from various parts of the world that were here for the same competitions. Asian countries as well as European countries and Latin American countries were well represented. Congratulations to all the folks that were here and ALL the WINNERS of various awards. Hopefully these competitions will give you good insight to world of law and be a stepping stone to your success.

I hope all of the competitors got home safe and sound and will come back to Orlando at some point to enjoy all that we have to offer. Have great careers!

Stupid Jersey Politicians

Having grown up pretty much in New Jersey, it bothers me to see just how "stupid" people are that are running the Garden State. As you probably know by now, Jersey was shut down for a few days because they could not pass a state budget. Basically what it boiled down to, was, the governor wanted to raise the sales tax from 6% to 7% to pump some funds into the state. The majority of the politicos in the state, from what I understand, mostly Democrats, did not want to agree to this because it is an election year, and they don't want to be associated with a tax increase. It was OKAY to NOT PASS A TIMELY BUDGET and shut the state down though. Close the casinos and lose over a MILLION DOLLARS a day to the state coffers. Close the parks and race tracks and other recreational facilities. Yeah, the voters wont remember any of that though, will they?

Because of stupidity like this, is the reason I have the poll set up on this page that deals with eliminating political parties and other garbage that stinks up our political system. Maybe the whole country needs to register "independent" and tell the Dems and Republicans and Libertarians and any other "party" to kiss our collective asses with their "party line" bullshit! Bet that isn't "politically correct" is it? lol

Hey, take the poll and send a message!

As usual, check out www.myspace.com/akuasharpe for some good tunes and a laugh or two. Also, you can reach me at reggae8@aol.com

Don't forget, TAKE THE POLL!

Next Ang Lee Movie & SuperStar?

Ever wonder what Academy Award winners for Best Director do after they get their Oscars? They go out and find the NEXT "hot thing" and start working on their next hit film. Ang Lee is no exception. After hits like "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon", "The Hulk", and yes, "Brokeback Mountain", Lee is ready to continue his success with a new female lead.

Liu Yifei may be female lead in Ang Lee film

Chinese Mainland actress Liu Yifei will likely be named the lead actress in Ang Lee's upcoming spy thriller, "Lust, Caution", a news report said Thursday.

The Chinese news Web site Sina.com reported people close to the production had said Lee has decided on a female lead, and Shanghai film industry insiders say Liu is the favorite.

"Lust, Caution" is due to start filming in Shanghai and Hong Kong in the fall.

Sina.com said Liu, whose credits include two TV adaptations of novels by the famed martial arts writer Louis Cha, has visited Hong Kong and Taiwan to lobby filmmakers for the part.

Earlier, Lee's assistant confirmed they had approached Cannes best actor winner Tony Leung Chiu-wai about a part, but his participation hadn't been finalized.

"Lust, Caution," adapted from a short story by famed Chinese writer Eileen Chang, marks Lee's return to Chinese-language cinema for the first time since his box office martial arts hit "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" in 2000.

In the meantime, Lee has made "The Hulk" and the gay romance "Brokeback Mountain," which won him a best director Oscar earlier this year.

Calls and an e-mail to Lee's assistant Thursday went unanswered. Lee's offices in New York didn't immediately respond to a call.

Observers are closely watching Lee's casting choices to see if he will produce another female star. "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon'' helped propel Zhang Ziyi to stardom. Zhang went on to star in Hollywood movies like "Rush Hour 2" and "Memoirs of a Geisha."

By the way, Zhang Ziyi has a new movie in the works called the "Banquet".

See, this is why you read Bobby Sharpe's Stupid People, because, we cover some of everything and everybody. Good, bad, or indifferent, we are all over it. After all, "the more you know, the more you grow"!

See you at www.myspace.com/akuasharpe, or, email me at reggae8@aol.com

Don't forget to take the poll to the right! IT'S FREE and, you can see the results!

African Bible Commentary

Bible gets African interpretation

The book seeks to make the Bible more relevant to Africans. The first Bible commentary written exclusively by African theologians has been launched in Kenya.

Written by 70 contributors from 25 countries, the Africa Bible Commentary aims to explain the Bible from an African perspective.

It contains local proverbs and folk lore to help interpret the scriptures.

The commentary also addresses contemporary issues such as HIV/Aids, female genital mutilation, refugees, ethnic conflict and witchcraft.

Published by the Evangelical publisher Zondervan, The Africa Bible Commentary gives a section-by-section interpretation of the gospel.

Its editor, Tokunboh Adeyemo, says the book is not a replacement for the Bible but seeks to make its content clear to Christians in Africa.

He said the 70 African scholars and were asked to be faithful to their own cultures as well as the Bible.

"It is a weaving of word of the Bible and the word of Africa," he told the BBC's Focus on Africa programme.
"We used a lot of African proverbs, a lot of African folk lore and a lot of Africa illustrations and African songs," he said.

Altogether the commentary drew examples from some 250 different cultural groups, he said.
The theologians came from 10 major Christian denominations, although, he noted, that the Roman Catholic Church had not been represented.

Mr Adeyemo said the word of God has always been contextualised and gave the example of St Paul's writings in the Bible.

"When Paul was writing to the Jewish people, he used a lot of Jewish culture and their customs and traditions."
"But the people who brought the Bible to Africa did not bring out these biblical references to Africa."

I think this is a really good idea. This way, we all can get another perspective of the writings of the Bible. Maybe some different interpretations from what we have been taught etc. Lord knows some of you/us need to open our eyes and minds and explore other alternatives instead of just the "narrow minded views" some of us/you possess. After all, "narrow minds make for STUPID PEOPLE".

Hey, if you want to have some fun and check out some tunes by some of my favorite artists etc, go visit my myspace site www.myspace.com/akuasharpe. You will have a good time. Might even start your own myspace site!

Peace & Happiness reggae8@aol.com

Birthdays, Fireworks, & Summer

Well, here it is again, "Independence Day, July 4th"! Freedom and birthday celebration for our country. Barbecue's in the back yards of friends and relatives. trips to the beach, mountains, and lakes. Visits to theme parks, movies, zoos, camp grounds and all kinds of other cool places and things. And don't forget "the fire works". Going to a fire works display is great fun. However, playing with fire works, if you do not know what you are doing, can be dangerous and illegal. So, if you are going to do your own thing with the fire works, BE SAFE!

I would also like to wish birthday greetings to all of those folks who were born on the 4th of July. All the so called "firecracker" babies. Including my daughter Shelain. Also, a couple of my good clients, namely Susan of Orlando and clients and friends Ashley from Idaho, Mike from SF, and all the other "firecrackers" I have met over the years.

As most of you know, I am a Siberian Husky owner and lover. I have a really good post about the Siberian Husky Rescue of Florida on my myspace sitewww.myspace.com/akuasharpe. Please feel free to check it out. I would really appreciate that.

Have a great rest of the 4th of July weekend and, as always, if you feel the need, email me at reggae8@aol.com

A Dragon, A Mage, My Book

Vermithrax


In conjunction with the "Harry Potter" post I put up a few days ago, I figured it would be a good time to throw in some connected stuff in the realm of wizardry, magic and one of my favorite topics, DRAGONS.

Let's start with "mage". There are differing, to some degree, definitions of "mage", however, they all pretty much come back to the same thing. A "mage" is a human magician, wizard, or sorcerer who is usually very powerful. Also:

Mages are people with vision. They can see a world that is different from the one they inhabit, and they believe this world to be absolutely real. The vision they have can be mathematical, scientific, philosophical, metaphysical, political, economic or any combination of the above. The point is they can envision a world, a paradigm, that those around them cannot. One of the key differences between Mages and the so called Hedge Wizards is the depth of the Mage's vision. While a Sorcerer may have a magical style and even a paradigm they don't have this vision of the world as something other than it is.

That should give you something to think on for awhile.

Dragons

The picture at the top of this post is from what many consider to be the best "dragon" movie ever. "Dragonslayer". The dragons name is Vermithrax. I thought this dragon was outstanding because of the way it flys. If fighter jets could do some of those maneuvers, it would be on. Regardless, unless someone proves otherwise, I still believe dragons existed. Maybe not exactly like Vermithrax, but, they still existed in some relative form.

My Book

Vermithrax is one of the inspirations that prompted me to want to write a book based on dragons. I started this back in 1999. I am about half way through book 1. Starting in about a week or so, I will periodically put up some excerpts from what I have written so far. Let me just say this, "it is NOT your typical "dragon" story. And NO, the dragon does not talk! reggae8@aol.com

Harry Potter 7-Rowling Whacks 2

Rowling: Two 'Potter' Characters Will Die

LONDON (AP) - Author J.K. Rowling said two characters will die in the last installment of her boy wizard series, and she hinted Harry Potter might not survive either.

"I have never been tempted to kill him off before the final because I've always planned seven books, and I want to finish on seven books," Rowling said on Monday's "Richard and Judy" television show.

"I can completely understand, however, the mentality of an author who thinks, 'Well, I'm gonna kill them off because that means there can be no non-author written sequels. So it will end with me, and after I'm dead and gone they won't be able to bring back the character'."

Rowling declined to commit herself about Harry, saying she doesn't want to receive hate mail.

"The last book is not finished. But I'm well into it now. I wrote the final chapter in something like 1990, so I've known exactly how the series is going to end," she said.

Rowling said people are sometimes shocked to hear that she wrote the end of book seven before she had a publisher for the first book in the series.

"The final chapter is hidden away, although it's now changed very slightly. One character got a reprieve. But I have to say two die that I didn't intend to die," she said. "A price has to be paid. We are dealing with pure evil here. They don't target extras do they? They go for the main characters. Well, I do."

Rowling is the richest woman in Britain - wealthier than even the queen - with a fortune estimated by Forbes magazine last year at more than $1 billion.

Whatever she writes next, Rowling is sure of one thing: It won't be as successful as Harry Potter.

"I don't think I'm ever going to have anything like Harry again. You just get one like Harry."

You can fairly well bet that as the last book nears being done, odds makers will be, if they are not already, taking "action" on which two characters buy the farm. The eternal "dirt nap". Should be a pretty sad ending to a great story line. reggae8@aol.com

UK Actors/Musicians & Orlando Soul Food

I know, what the hell does Orlando Soul Food have to do with British actors and musicians? To be honest, NOTHING! Well, that is not totally true. Actually, they are two experiences that I had this day for the first time. So there, that's the connect!

We will start with the UK part first. Two of my clients I had today, are from Nottingham, England. Pictured above, they are Mathew and Laila, two members of indigo brave.
Indigo Brave happens to be a theatrical group in Nottingham. They are both musicians and singers. We happen to have a lot of the same musical interests. They both had a great time in Central Florida and look forward to coming back. Especially if they can hookup with me and listen to BBC Radio 1 while they are here.

Johnson's Diner

I have lived in Orlando for quite awhile now, off and on. Today, however, was the first time I have eaten at "Johnson's Diner". I must admit, "it was excellent". What a great value also. I had the "smothered pork chops" entree. For $7.00, I got 3 pork chops, cornbread, and, 3 killer side dishes. Plus, a piece of "sweet potato" pie. All for a total of $9.50.

If you live in the Orlando area or, are planning on visiting the area in the near future, I definitely recommend a visit to Johnson's Diner. They do breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week. They are located downtown Orlando at 595 West Church Street. There phone is 407-841-0717. tell them Bobby Sharpe sent you.

As always, "free your mind, and your ass will follow(maybe)". reggae8@aol.com

Profiling Stupid People-Commissioners, Lawyers, etc.

-This post contains racial and profane language-

As I was blowing the grass I had just cut into Lakemont Ave. the other night, a Winter Park police officer went pass, made a u-turn and came back and pulled in my drive way. He got out of the car and started walking toward me. I shut down my blower and walked toward him. After exchanging greetings, he informed me that it was a violation of city ordinance to blow cut grass into the public roadway. I said, "oh yeah, okay, thanks for letting me know". We both said, "have a good evening", and he left.

Was this racial profiling? In the 2 years I have lived here, he is the only officer to ever stop and say something about this. Hey, maybe it was profiling. But, who really gives a rats ass? EVERYBODY does it at some point. Besides, it is a legitimate ordinance. I did not call the Mayor or, chief of police!

Now, I will say what all of you want to say but can't, or, don't have the balls to say!

"Mother, I'm being stopped by a white police officer for no apparent reason. I wasn't speeding. I didn't run a red light. It must be racial profiling". Those are the words of commissioner Daisy Lynums son Juan Lynum. "Nigga' Please", as they would say on the Howard Stern show. This disgrace to manhood, and humanity, gets stopped by a legitimate Orlando police officer, who just so happens to be white, and gets on the phone to call his mommy. Because, he said he feared what might happen because he was being profiled. ARE YOU F--KING KIDDING ME? And this "mamas boy" has the nerve to be running for Orange County Commissioner for District 6. Let me tell you something, if ANY of you people that live in District 6 vote for this dude, they should level the whole district and start from scratch with amoebas. It is people like this that are responsible for all the racial bullshit that takes place in this country. This jerk is also an attorney! Don't ever depend on him to defend you. He would have to call his mommy first. If you are so afraid of "white" people, get your ass on a boat or plane or something and leave the damn country. We don't need people like you!

"There was no problem with a ticket," Commissioner Lynum said. "I just didn't want some white boy shooting my son or tasing him." I don't even know where to start. You are a city commissioner and your making a statement like that referring to one of "YOUR" police officers as "some white boy"?! You and this "ghetto nigger shit" need to be removed from office. You are a freaking disgrace to the people of your district and, the City Of Orlando. Bank that!

Profiling is a fact of life. Anyone who does NOT understand that is one of the "STUPID PEOPLE"! reggae8@aol.com

Fathers's Day Thoughts

Godzilla teaches his son Minya to use his weapon

Well, it seems like it was just Mother's Day. Yet now, it is time to celebrate Father's Day.

What is a "father"? What is a "dad"? Well, as easy as you think it might be to answer those questions, it's not that simple. The reasons being are because "dads"/"fathers" come in all different varieties. And each variety has it's own role and place. After all, we have paternal dads, step dads, grand dads, adopted dads, dads-in-law, foster dads, and fantasy dads(dads we would like our dads to be like). Without getting into exact specifics, different categories of Dads have different levels of functions that they perform depending on their individual situations.

However, if you have to sum up a "dad or father" in one all encompassing single simple word, that word would more than likely be, "teacher". Almost everything a "dad" or "father" does, whether intentionally or not, is teaching us something about life and how to live it. Even if the lesson learned is not a good one. Most of the lessons are passed on and learned by example. Examples of what not to do, and, what to do.

As far as what makes a "dad/father" a good one or, a bad one? That, is pretty much a subjective call by each individual. It is each persons own perceptions and discernments as to whether their "dad/father" was a good or bad parent based on their own morals and views of life period.

I know a lot of us have lost our physical Dads over the years. Some of us more recently than others. For some, it is really hard. For some, it is a blessing. It all depends on your relationship with that man. Be assured of one thing though, however you think of him, or whatever you feel about him, unless you never knew him, that man you call/called "Dad", shaped your life. Good, bad, or indifferent, your "Dad/Father" has his imprint all over you.

As I said on Mother's Day, enjoy the time you have or had, with your Dad. For whatever it is worth. And maybe, if you believe, your souls/spirits will cross paths again, in a different place and time. At that point, you can continue whatever relationship you had. Good or bad, that's your Dad!

Happy Father's Day reggae8@aol.com

Murphy/Oakenfold "Faster Kill Pussycat" #1 Dance

Brittany Murphy's pop life

Brittany Murphy is planning to turn her back on acting to become a pop star. The sexy actress provides guest vocals on the track 'Faster Pussycat' on British DJ Paul Oakenfold's new album and now friends say she wants to record an LP of her own.

According to America's New York Post newspaper, Brittany has even hired her ex-fiancé, music agent Jeff Kwatinetz, to mastermind her pop career.

Yes folks, it is time to "update" the "trance/progressive house/club music mix I am listening to these days. I try to stay on top of this because you can't get this info just anywhere. Corporate geeks don't know "jack" about techno and house and electronica. Soooo, I will keep you informed.

As mentioned in the opening paragraph, Paul Oakenfold's new cd is "A Lively Mind". Which dropped on June 6. The first single that has been playing for awhile is Brittany Murphy's vocalized "Faster Kill Pussycat". Other "HOT" club songs are:
1) Audiofly/Priscilla-Circle
2)Goldfrapp-Ooh La La(Tiefschwarz mix)
3)Luminary-Amsterdam
4)SuperModels From Paris-Keep On(JCI Remix)
5)Sara Jorge-Beautiful World
6)Carl Cox-Give Me Your Love f. Hannah Robinson(TCI Mix)
7)Solarstone & Jes-Like A Waterfall
8)Layo & Bushwhacka-Deep South(Mr.C Remix)
9)Armin Van Buren-Who Is Watching f. Nadia Ali(Mischa daniels Mix)
10)Ferry Corsten-Star Traveler
11)Carrie Skipper-Time Goes By(Super 8 Mix)
12)Delirium-Silence(FilterHeadz Mix)
13)Junkie XL-Today(Fuzzy Hair Mix)
14)Superfly-Yellow Blackbird(Andy Moor Mix)
15)Give Me Some Love-DJ'S Are Alive(Main Mix)
16)Depeche Mode-Precious(Sasha Spooky Mix)
17)Coldplay-Talk(Francois K Mix)
and, last but not least! A reggae track that is NICE!
18)Inner Circle/Marleys-Smoke

If you listen to some of these tracks, they will surely lift your spirit to a different place. Some of these affect your mind, some your feet and body. However, they will ALL do something for YOU!

As usual, "free your mind, your ass will(may)follow". reggae8@aol.com

English Language, English Ladies, Philly Cheesesteak

Eatery's English-only sign raises ire

By Jon Hurdle
PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) - A sign in a landmark Philadelphia restaurant asking customers to order in English is sparking controversy in the metropolis known as the "City of Brotherly Love."

The owner of Geno's Steaks said on Thursday that the sign, "This is America -- when ordering speak English," is intended to encourage immigrants to learn the language and assimilate into U.S. society, but one Latino activist said it's racist.

The controversy comes amid a national debate over immigration in the United States. The U.S. Senate passed an immigration bill last month that includes a provision which would make English the national language.

"They should be glad that I put the sign up. I'm trying to help them to speak English," said Joey Vento, 66, whose grandparents moved to the United States from Italy. "Without the English language, they are going to have a lot of problems in this country.

"There is nobody who can say they are turned down because of the language," he added. "They can point if they want to."

The sign, which Vento posted at his cheese steak restaurant about six months ago and says he has no intention of removing, has made some people angry.

Roberto Santiago, executive director of Philadelphia's Council of Spanish Speaking Organizations, said he was "appalled" by the policy.

"I think what's coming out of his mouth is racist," said Santiago. "He is saying, 'I don't like these brown faces in my community and I will do everything I can to get them out of there.'"

Santiago said he has urged Latinos to boycott Geno's Steaks, a fixture in South Philadelphia's Little Italy neighborhood which has seen an influx of Hispanic immigrants in recent years.

Vento denied that anyone would be refused service if they ordered one of the sliced beef-and-cheese sandwiches, a famed bit of cuisine in the Quaker-founded "City of Brotherly Love," in a language other than English.

Tony Luke, co-owner of competitor Tony Luke's restaurant, said Vento has taken "too much of a hard line" with non-English-speaking customers.
"You can't be expected to learn English in a week," he said. "We will be a lot more tolerant than that."

Once again, the Hispanic immigrants are getting their "under shorts in a wad" again. Hey, this is America, and, "WE DO SPEAK ENGLISH"! Geno's Steaks has been there for ever. I'm sure the Vento family had to learn English when they came from Italy. Keep doing your thing Joey. All you non English speaking immigrants, learn English! Or, stay in your native country and talk whatever you want!

Hey Joey, how about a Philly cheeseSteak down here in Orlando!! lol reggae8@aol.com

English Ladies Shopping on Vacation:

These 3 lovely ladies from London were here in hot sunny Florida doing some shopping at the Florida Mall while their respective husbands were out buying tools! Yo, they don't have tools in London? lol Anyway, they are here on vacation and ARE doing all the attraction stuff. Have fun, and thanks for coming to Florida. By the way, the ladies enjoyed listening to BBC Radio 1 while they were here on my Sirius Satellite Radio.

Ladies, Be A Beyonce Band Member

Beyonce Needs Girl Band for Upcoming Tour

NEW YORK (AP) - Beyonce Knowles needs an all-female band for her upcoming tour - and fast. Knowles is searching for musicians to play on a tour in support of her second solo album, "B'Day," Columbia Records announced this week.

The album will be released internationally on Sept. 4, her 25th birthday, and in the United States on Sept. 5.

Auditions will be held Monday in Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Burbank, Calif., and Weehawken, N.J. The band will include drummers, keyboard players, bassists, guitarists, horn players and percussionists.

Finalists from local auditions must be available to travel to New York to audition for Knowles later in the week and to begin working on the road by June 20, the record label said.

Aspiring band members must be 18 or older and must be prepared to play Knowles'"Work It Out," as performed on the "Beyonce: Live at Wembley" DVD.

Knowles, who fronted R&B girl group Destiny's Child, won five Grammy Awards for her top-selling solo debut, 2003's "Dangerously in Love."

If you, or, someone you know, is a musician and looking for work, if you are female, how about being a member of Beyonce Knowles touring band? If YOU know anyone, turn them on to this. Great oppurtunity! reggae8@aol.com

The Marleys, Bunny Wailer, Reggae & Summer

Bunny Wailer to Tour With Marley Sons

NEW YORK (AP) - Bunny Wailer, the reggae legend who was one of the original Wailers along with Bob Marley and Peter Tosh, will tour for the first time with a new generation of Marleys.

Wailer will play alongside Marley's sons, Stephen and Ziggy, on the Roots, Rock, Reggae Festival, a month-long tour that opens Aug. 6 in Redway, Calif., after a year hiatus.

The 59-year-old Wailer, whose real name is Neville O'Riley Livingston, said in a phone interview from Jamaica that he considers it his "responsibility and duty" to tour with the Marley family.

"I'm the foundation of all of this stuff," he told The Associated Press. "And I remain; someway, somehow I've been sustained to be here. And there's a new generation that's now being established musically that's coming from the Wailers' family."

Stephen, 34, and Ziggy Marley, 37 will headline the tour, which will make stops including Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Boston and Philadelphia. Ozomatli will also perform.

Wailer, who last released the album "Communication" in 2000, is the lone surviving member of the Wailers. Marley died of cancer in 1981; Tosh was murdered in 1987.

As such, Wailer has long been an elder statesman to the Jamaican music scene. Of the Marley children, he remembered, "In our time, they were babies."

"This is like another dimension," he said. "The legend continues - let's put it that way."

While Stephen and Ziggy Marley have combined new musical styles to fit their father's reggae, Wailer also fused genres through the '80s and '90s, and plans to continue to do so.

"A lot of people have been hearing Bunny Wailer singing reggae music, but they're not aware of other musical cultures that Bunny Wailer is inclined to present," he said. "I have to at least let (the new generation) know that I've been listening."

Wailer said he's been steadily writing music and has recently been working on an album to be titled, "Cross Culture," that will include hip-hop and R&B influences.

I don't know about you, but I could certainly get into some roots rock reggae this summer from the originators.

I and I mon, long live Bunny Wailer and the Marleys!reggae8@aol.com

RIP Billy Preston, Thank You For The Music

Singer-Songwriter Billy Preston Dead At 59

PHOENIX - Billy Preston, the exuberant keyboardist who landed dream gigs with the Beatles and the Rolling Stones and enjoyed his own hit singles including "Outta Space" and "Nothing From Nothing," died Tuesday at 59.

His longtime manager, Joyce Moore, said a heart infection in November left him in a coma, and he never regained consciousness; he was taken to a Scottsdale hospital Saturday after his condition deteriorated.

Preston had battled chronic kidney failure and received a kidney transplant in 2002. But the kidney failed and he was on dialysis ever since.

Known for his big gap-toothed smile and towering Afro, Preston was a teen prodigy on the piano and organ, and lent his gospel-tinged touch to classics such as the Beatles' "Get Back" and the Stones' "Can't You Hear Me Knocking?"

He broke out as a solo artist in the 1970s, winning a best instrumental Grammy in 1973 for "Outta Space," and scoring other hits with "Will It Go 'Round In Circles," "Nothing From Nothing" and "With You I'm Born Again," a duet with Syreeta Wright that became a favorite at weddings. He also wrote Joe Cocker's "You Are So Beautiful."

Other career highlights included being a musical guest, in 1975, on the debut of "Saturday Night Live"; having a song named after him, by Miles Davis; and appearing last year on "American Idol." Among his film credits: "Blues Brothers 2000" and "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band."

His partnership with the Beatles began in early 1969 when friend George Harrison recruited him to play on "Let It Be," a back-to-basics film and record project that nearly broke down because of bickering among band members. Harrison himself quit at one point, walking out on camera after arguing with Paul McCartney.

Preston not only inspired the Beatles to get along but contributed a light, bluesy solo to "Get Back," performing the song with the band on its legendary "roof top" concert, the last time the Beatles played live. He was one of many sometimes labeled "The Fifth Beatle," a title he did not discourage.

Preston remained close to Harrison and performed at Harrison's all-star charity event "The Concert for Bangladesh" for which Preston won another Grammy and at the "Concert for George," a tribute to Harrison, who died of cancer in 2001. He played on solo records by Harrison, Ringo Starr and John Lennon.

Preston also toured and recorded extensively with the Rolling Stones, playing on such classic albums as "Sticky Fingers" and "Exile on Main Street." In the mid-'70s, he parted from the Stones, reportedly unhappy over not getting proper credit for "Melody" and other songs, but reunited with the band in 1997 on its "Bridges to Babylon" record.

"Billy was a fantastic and gifted musician ... a superb singer in both recording sessions and on stage," Stones singer Mick Jagger said. "He was great fun to be with onstage when touring with us and I will miss him a lot."

His sessions credits included Aretha Franklin's "Young, Gifted and Black," Bob Dylan's "Blood on the Tracks" and Sly and the Family Stone's "There's a Riot Goin' On," three of the most acclaimed albums of the last 35 years.

"His legacy is so huge I don't even know where to start," Moore said. "It's many genres, so many years. ... It's rock 'n' roll, it's soul, it's funk, it's everything. He was truly, truly, truly a genius."

A Houston native who soon moved to Los Angeles when his parents split up, Preston was in and around show business for much of his life. He was taking piano lessons at age 3 and was just 10 when he played keyboards for gospel singer Mahalia Jackson.

Two years later he portrayed a young W.C. Handy_ played as an adult by Nat "King" Cole ¡ª in the 1958 biopic "St. Louis Blues." He toured with mentors and fellow piano greats Ray Charles and Little Richard in the early 1960s, first encountering the Beatles while on the road in Germany.

Cole's daughter, singer Natalie Cole, said she appreciated Preston "and his musical genius over the two decades we crossed personal and professional paths," adding: "He is my favorite keyboardist of all times."

Gospel musician Andrae Crouch, whose friendship and musical collaboration with Preston spanned four decades, said he had a knack for knowing how to play a song.
"If I played a new idea, he would know where to put it and in what category," said Crouch, who has performed with Quincy Jones and Elton John. "He was the best keyboard player in the world ... It was like having a harmonica in his mouth. He had that much control over it."

Exposed to drugs and alcohol early on, Preston had numerous personal troubles in recent years. In 1992, he was given a suspended jail sentence, but ordered incarcerated for nine months at a drug rehabilitation center for his no-contest pleas to cocaine and assault charges. Five years later, he was sentenced to three years in prison for violating probation. In 1998, he pleaded guilty to insurance fraud and agreed to testify against other defendants in an alleged scam that netted about $1 million.

"It (jail) was a great lesson, an awakening. I needed to reflect, to get rid of some of the dead weight around me," he later said. "You take the bitter with the sweet and I have to say it was my faith that kept me going. I had nothing else to fall back on."

Preston is survived by two sisters.

I had the pleasure of meeting an running into Billy a number of times during my own guitar playing days. Though we never did a gig together, Billy was always a happy go lucky fun loving guy that would always lend a hand or help you musically. He was so gifted. You will be greatly missed, but, your music and personality will always stay and be with us.

Rest in peace Billy, and, see you in the next episode as the journey continues! reggae8@aol.com

Okay Russia, Here's Stupid!

Lioness in zoo kills man who invoked God

KIEV (Reuters) - A man shouting that God would keep him safe was mauled to death by a lioness in Kiev zoo after he crept into the animal's enclosure, a zoo official said on Monday.

"The man shouted 'God will save me, if he exists', lowered himself by a rope into the enclosure, took his shoes off and went up to the lions," the official said.

"A lioness went straight for him, knocked him down and severed his carotid artery."

The incident, Sunday evening when the zoo was packed with visitors, was the first of its kind at the attraction. Lions and tigers are kept in an "animal island" protected by thick concrete blocks.

Can't help but think about what Tom Hanks said during an interview for the "Da Vinci" Code; "God takes away our sins, not our brains". This is probably a very true statement. However, based on this story, it looks like He short changed some of you morons. God gave us brains to use and make "intelligent" choices and decisions. This, obviously, is not the way to show your "belief". The lioness probably said, "look at this stupid mother f--ker. I know, let's do everybody a favor and kill this dumb ass". Next!

Remember, "free your mind, and your ass will follow". Hopefully, to a better place than the idiot in Kiev. reggae8@aol.com

Video Games for Seniors, where's my PSP?

Grey gamers flex brain muscles
By Chris Hogg BBC Tokyo correspondent

In Japan's rapidly ageing society, more and more older people are looking for ways to keep them active and alert for longer.

Electronic games makers have responded with new products designed to train your brain.

The games developed by scientists will, it is claimed, help to delay the onset of dementia.

Millions have been sold so far in Japan. This month the games will be launched in Europe.

In a Tokyo classroom, a teacher demonstrates how to turn on the Nintendo DS and plug in the disc with the game on it.

This is step-by-step stuff. It has to be. No-one in the room is under 40. Most of them are much older and they have not handled games like this before.

The teacher who came to this himself quite late on is Atsuo Umetsu. He is showing his pupils how to play a game that tests your mathematics ability.
After a few minutes of gentle encouragement, they start to get the hang of it as most of the grey gamers are grinning.

This is brain training. They are using special software designed to stimulate the grey matter and keep the fingers nimble. It is a craze that has Japan hooked.

"It's not difficult to learn how to play them," said the teacher, Mr Umetsu. "After all I learnt, so everyone can do it.
"It's good for the brain and we are using our fingers. It's keeping our bodies active."

The game they are playing has been developed by scientists who claim it can help to delay the onset of dementia.
In this version the player has to solve simple sums as quickly as possible. But there are many different types of game on the market.

After the maths game the students try a golf game that tests hand eye co-ordination. They are pretty enthusiastic.
"I'd never seen these kind of computers or games before," said Shikoko Koyama.
"I saw an advertisement about this class and I thought I'd give it a try. But I don't really get it," she added with a grin.

Sitting next to her is Emiko Kuramochi, who earlier had let out a squeal of delight when she scored top marks in the mathematics game.
"I wanted to try this popular brain training game for myself," she said. "My sons can play these games but I can't and I want to challenge them."

Dr Takao Suzuki, an expert in the care of older people, believes Japan is pre-occupied by old age.
However slim the chances that this software really works, who would want to be left out?

Games are not just for a younger generation"There are a very limited number of scientific reports to prevent the dementia by doing such games," he said.
"But in an aged society like Japan and the UK, nobody wants to get dementia so even if there is a very small possibility that it might work, most elderly people will want to do something in order to prevent dementia."

It is not just small portable machines that can make a difference.

At a Tokyo day-care centre for the elderly and infirm, two old ladies are practising drumming in time to the music on the type of huge electronic game you see teenagers huddled around in amusement arcades.
They bash away in front of the flashing lights as the golden oldies blast out from the speakers on either side.
Next to them one of their friends is thumping crocodiles that pop up in front of her with a rubber hammer.
Nearby another lady is trying to operate a small crane to try to win some sweets.

The idea behind this is to entertain a new generation while keeping them healthy and active.

This facility is run by the video game company Namco.

"With our low birth rate," said Namco spokesman Yoshiaki Kawamura.
"It's obvious we're going to be dominated by people over the age of 60 from now on. They want to have fun in their lives.

"The computer game industry for the elderly is a growing market for us."

No one has proved yet beyond any doubt that playing the games your children or grandchildren are addicted to will keep your brain working well for longer.

But most scientists agree it cannot do any harm, to learn a new skill, keep your joints active and of course to share.

Anything that has the possibility of keeping people's minds actve longer is a welcome choice. As I am sure you well know, most people are stupid anyway. The older they get, with less mind stimulation; the stupider they get! That's a fact jack. So bring on the "grey games". reggae8@aol.com