It's Comic Shoppe Tuesday Folks! Stop by at 7pm ET as We Discuss Transformers 2-Racist?, True Blood, Marvel & MJ Connection? plus More!

Let's keep it simple folks! Join Max, Daryll and yours truly tomorrow at 7pm eastern to discuss the following: an analysis of the 112 million dollar weekend box office takedown by Transformers 2; the growing criticism that the Transformers sequel featuring twin robots were racist in their caricatures of Black stereotypes; our impressions of the first 3 episodes of HBO's True Blood; now that the King of Pop has passed, what's all this news that he was trying to by Marvel Comics (the company....that is); Daryll's synopsis of the new season of the Spectacular Spider-man animated series, my late discovery of the nerd-centric CBS series, The Big Bang Theory and our standout comic book choices from last week. The drill/mantra remains the same people....Be there, stay square and always remain aware! Imperius Rex!

The Comic Shoppe's Week in Review

Discussing the Obvious On Tonight's Afronerd Radio broadcast-The Death Of Michael Jackson, The Obamas' Visit to Martha's Vineyard & Much More!

Wow! Michael Jackson is dead at 50 years of age and the world mourns......or at least a substantial portion of the world is reflective. For obvious reasons, a substantial amount of time of our show will be devoted to Mr. Jackson's musical and cultural legacy. Our readers undoubtedly know that Mr. Starks and I will use our ever discerning analytical skills to really discuss this man's life-the good, bad and surgically altered ugly. We will also try to squeeze in some much need discourse concerning a recent New York magazine article that delves into a story of The First Couple's anticipated trip to Martha's Vineyard. One may ask why this is an important story. Well, The Vineyard has always been the haunting ground of the wealthy White liberal elite, however there is also a well-heeled African-American bourgeoisie that vacations in the area as well, but rarely the twain shall meet. For further edification on the Obama trip, check out this snippet from the aforementioned New York Magazine piece:

The arrival of two presidents and a secretary of State will be an invasion of another sort. Some Vineyarders are nervous about the motorcades and traffic; others are preparing for a summer stimulus package. Many blacks from Oak Bluffs are elated that the Only One–in–Chief may be joining them. “People are going to lose their minds!” Tonya Lewis Lee says. At the same time, there’s also a bit of wariness among the wealthiest ones, an uncertainty whether Obama will affirm them. “Obama is more a man of the people,” says a Vineyarder who’s part of black high society. “He doesn’t seem to identify with affluent black people. His wife definitely doesn’t; she is basically a ghetto girl. That’s what she says—I’m just being sociological. She grew up in the same place Jennifer Hudson did. She hasn’t reached out to the social community of Washington, and people are waiting to see what they’ll do about that.”

It’s probably unfair to expect Obama to make new friends on this vacation. “They’re not trying to meet the billionaires,” says one person who knows the president well. “The Vineyard’s a place where everyone sheds their professional skin, and out there he does, too.” In the past, Obama has spent time playing golf with Vernon Jordan, swimming off South Beach, playing basketball, sitting on Jarrett’s porch while reading and watching the ferries, and taking the girls for ice cream on Circuit Avenue. “He’ll be Mr. Dad, as opposed to Mr. President,” Charles Ogletree has said. Surely he deserves it.

For the New York article in its entirety, click here.


Again, The King of Pop has expired and in some circles our Ivy League educated and barrister of a First Lady is ghetto....the world truly is insane. But we'll get into the specifics-join us tonight at 7pm (ET) and call in with your comments/questions at: 646-915-9620 or via email or IM-afronerdradio@yahoo.com.


Afronerd Radio's Take on the Passing of Michael Jackson



And lastly, although the clip below is not of MJ, it is a another cultural icon and colleague that for the duration still walks among us.....the great Stevie Wonder performing an impromptu rendition/alteration of the Soul Train theme. Enjoy this while you can because it will be a cold day in Hades before our current crop of Black artists can rise to Wonder's standard of musical excellence:

Damn, Damn, Damn! Michael Jackson-The King Of Pop Dies at 50!

You guys know that Mr. Starks and I will have to use our microscopes to discuss this tragic event on Sunday's show. Despite MJ's personal battles and transformations, he literally WAS the definition of modern popular culture. Here's more on the story, courtesy of People:

Michael Jackson has died, according to unconfirmed media reports. He was 50.

After the King of Pop was rushed to the hospital in L.A. on Thursday, both TMZ and the Los Angles Times reported he had died.

Representatives for Jackson did not immediately comment.

In his 50 years, Jackson went from the cute little singer in his family's group to dazzling headliner and unquestionably the reigning pop star of the '80s to – amid accusations of child molestation – social outcast. The seventh of nine children of Joseph and Katherine Jackson, Michael was born in Gary, Ind., on Aug. 29, 1958, and began his career performing with his brothers. His professional debut with the Jackson 5 came at age 11.

The group set chart records with its first four singles, including "I Want You Back" and "ABC." As a solo artist, Jackson also recorded four studio albums for Motown Records before moving, with his brothers, to Epic Records, where they continued to record as the Jacksons until 1984.

Forming a partnership with producer Quincy Jones after working together on the 1978 movie musical The Wiz – Jackson played a rather sheepish Scarecrow to Diana Ross's Dorothy in this urban adaptation of The Wizard of Oz – Jackson released his solo album Off the Wall, which he co-produced with Jones. Released in 1979, the disc spawned hits including "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" and "Rock With You." His second Epic solo album, 1982's Thriller, is often cited as the best-selling album of all time.

Funny Stuff....President Obama As a SuperHero?

He's Barack Obama - JibJab.com
Uploaded by JibJab. - See more comedy videos.

OK, Let's Try This Again! The Comic Shoppe Returns With a Vengeance-Tues at 7pm ET-The Return of Capt. America, Wanted 2, More True Blood Talk & More!

The boys are back....and we are definitely prepped to discuss all things pulp! Join Daryll, Max and yours truly tomorrow at 7pm eastern to discuss the following: The New York Daily News reported that Captain America is slated to be the next hero returning from the grave; Hollywood is going back into the well of repetition by greenlighting Wanted 2 (with Angelina Jolie....didn't her character bite the bullet? Pun intended!); Smallville has been optioned up to season 10 but the CW has intimated that a spin-off could be considered-we will do our best to ponder the possibilities and lastly, a roundtable discussion pertaining to the upcoming Marvel project Superhero series, Marvel: Noir and our favorite graphic novel reads from last week. Feel free to call in with your comments/questions at 646-200-0104 or via IM/email-thecomicshoppe@yahoo.com.

The Comic Shoppe's Week in Review!

And as an aside, was anyone aware that someone decided to make a Stepfather remake? For those in the know, The Stepfather was definitely one of those seminal 80s shlock horror films that spawned several sequels while attaining cult status over the years. I'm not sure if the reboot can top the classic due in part to Terry Quinn's ("John Locke" of Lost) sinister portrayal of the protagonist. But heck, since when does that stop the Hollywood machine? Take a look at '87 and '09 trailers and decide for yourselves....



And now the new "Coke" version:

Just A One To Grow On Moment......Words of Wisdom from Noted Pediatric Neurosurgeon, Dr. Ben Carson

If our readers haven't noticed, we sincerely try to highlight the very best our culture has to offer as well as bring light to the equally uncomfortable facets of communities of color that elicit correction. Ironically, Dr. Ben Carson comes up quite frequently in my behind the scenes discussions with Mr. Starks concerning examples of Black excellence. I want our readers/Afronerd Radio listeners to check out this clip from the great Dr. Carson and yes, we are making attempts to garner an interview....cross your fingers on our efforts but please check out the video. What say you? Does Dr. Carson have the right stuff?

Yes......Afronerd Radio Airs on Father's Day-Discussions on Parenting, Racist Obama email, Dburt on the Godfather films & More!

First off, please accept our apologies at the delayed postings on Afronerd-we assure you that we will keep you more abreast on the issues of the day. Well it's that time again....Father's day but we will not focus the entire show on this special day as we covered ground on this subject last year (check our archives). After a brief segment on the day at hand with words from President Obama (and by extension a conversation on parenting), Mr. Starks and I will cover the following: a racist email (check above video) aimed at President Obama sent out by a Tennessee GOP staffer; further analysis of the beauty shop beatdown posted by Mr. Starks in the previous entry; my thoughts on my recent viewing of The Godfather franchise films, Euro-gangsterism and Black folks' interpolation of said gangsterism and lastly, our latest criticisms concerning the Black blogosphere. Don't be shy...call in with your thoughts and comments, this Sunday at 7pm ET-646-915-9620 or via email/IM-afronerdradio@yahoo.com. And again, Happy Father's Day to those who truly embody the institution of fatherhood! Excelsior!

Afronerd radio's Week in Review....on father's Day!

Oh...and lest we forget, check out our President's take on fatherhood and responsibility at yesterday's townhall on the subject:

This so crazy it really is difficult to watch

Lets see:

1. WTF....These are women??
2. This is happening in a place of business, and it looks like some of the people involved are from the business.
3. The no snitching clause has been fully implemented, no one inside or outside on the streets called the police.
4. Several men (used loosely) witness this and have no interest in ending this madness. Pussification in the Black community is reaching epidemic proportions.
5. Unfortunately for the rest of us, several of these mutants have probally already procreated.

I hope you are as disgusted as I am.







Posted by Mr. Starks

From The Mouths of babes....

Quick Reminder-1st pt, Star Interview with Afronerd radio; 2nd Pt-Our Week in Review -The Fun Starts at 7pm ET

This is just a quick reminder, that we will be interviewing controversial radio personality, Star of Star and Bucwild, this evening at 7pm eastern. And that's just the first part of the broadcast! For the second segment, commonly known as our Week in Review, Mr. Starks and I will be discussing the following: discussing Michael Eric Dyson and his recent rant against President Obama; a convicted Harlem criminal is allowed to sell his memorabilia over the internet; more incidental and harrowing crime stories occurring amongst lower tier Whites, Blacks and Browns, a brief discussion of HBO's True Blood which premieres its second season tonight and lastly, the horrific Holocaust museum shooting that occurred last week involving an elderly White supremacist (old hate at its worst). So give us a call with your questions and comments at-646-915-9620 or via IM/email-afronerdradio@yahoo.com. See you at 7pm and remember, Be square, Be there and Be aware!

Afronerd Radio Interviews Star of The Star & Bucwild Show

I Think Rick James Got It Wrong.......It's JEALOUSY That's a Helluva Drug! Rev. Wright Returns..

Well in the spirit of quoting a 80s horror film, Reverend Wright's baaaaaaack! And he has returned to give his special insight at my alma mater, no less. Reverend Wright's insistence on interjecting himself into any discussion that browbeats President Obama appears to be an obsession he can't shake. Didn't we just discuss the sometimes detrimental affect that the Black Church can have pertaining to African-American progress? A special shout out goes to Afronerd supporter, Sergio Mims for emailing this story to our attention. Check out the Chicago Tribune's take on the specifics concerning the Wright matter:

HAMPTON - The Rev. Jeremiah Wright says he does not feel any regrets over his severed relationship with President Barack Obama, a former member of the Chicago church in which Wright was the longtime pastor.

Wright also said that he had not spoken to his former church member since Obama became president, implying that the White House won't allow Obama to talk to him. He did not indicate whether he had tried to reach Obama.

"Regret for what... that the media went back five, seven, 10 years and spent $4,000 buying 20 years worth of sermons to hear what I've been preaching for 20 years?

"Regret for preaching like I've been preaching for 50 years? Absolutely none," Wright said.

Wright said that when he went to the polls, he did not hold any grudge against Obama.

"Of course I voted for him; he's my son. I'm proud of him," Wright said. "I've got five biological kids. They all make mistakes and bad choices. I haven't stopped loving any of them.

"He made mistakes. He made bad choices. I've got kids who listen to their friends. He listened to those around him. I did not disown him."

Asked if he had spoken to the president, Wright said: "Them Jews aren't going to let him talk to me. I told my baby daughter, that he'll talk to me in five years when he's a lame duck, or in eight years when he's out of office. ...

"They will not let him to talk to somebody who calls a spade what it is. ... I said from the beginning: He's a politician; I'm a pastor. He's got to do what politicians do."

Wright also said Obama should have sent a U.S. delegation to the World Conference on Racism held recently in Geneva, Switzerland, but that the president did not do so for fear of offending Jews and Israel.

"Ethnic cleansing is going on in Gaza. Ethnic cleansing (by) the Zionist is a sin and a crime against humanity, and they don't want Barack talking like that because that's anti-Israel," Wright said.

Wright is in Hampton this week attending Hampton University's 95th Annual Ministers Conference. The son of a pastor, Wright said he has attended the conference since he was a child – though he was not spotted at the conference in 2008 during the heat of the debate over comments he made that many in the media branded racially divisive.

Perhaps without the Wright controversy, the issue of race might not have become a part of the 2008 presidential campaign.

After the initial rounds of the controversy, Obama made his famous speech in Philadelphia on race relations, in which he said he could no more disown Wright than his own grandmother.

But the issue heated up after more comments by Wright at the National Press Club and from other controversial speakers at Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago. Obama eventually distanced himself from the church.

Just A Few Things to Chew On!

Take a look at the latest impassioned speech by the great Joseph C. Phillips as he encapsulates the precepts of Black Conservatism. I must say that after hearing his speech, I do feel a certain kinship with Phillips due to the conservative principles that I, too, have espoused for more than a decade. We were fortunate enough to have interviewed Mr. Phillips a few weeks ago and we are scheduling a second interview with him for "round two" before the end of the summer. In addition, if all things go according to plan, Phillips may also be instrumental in helping us obtain an interview with the inimitable Joe Clark. And then there's Jon Voight:



First off, no one can deny that Voight is a phenomenal actor, but he also serves as an example of why the Republican party is loosing its footing with the current pulse of the country. One can call me an Obamacan but I think it's unconscionable to call the sitting president a failure after experiencing two terms of true failure and incompetence from the previous POTUS. This stems from a conversation I had with Mr. Starks earlier today when he first alerted me of the Voight speech. I understand that we belong to the party of the opposition but I am also a believer in what Mr. Phillips noted in his speech regarding conservatives needing to come to progressive debates with reasoned arguments instead of pompous vitriol. President Obama hasn't even been in office for 8 months and yet he is being framed as inept without consideration that perhaps the neo-spoils paradigm that the Bush regime promulgated for 8 years helped to put the nation in its present downward economic spiral. But we try to be about specificity here at Afronerd, so check out this excerpt from the NY Daily News:

Actor Jon Voight, the master of ceremonies at the GOP event, set the tone of the evening with a number of sharp jabs at the president.

"We are becoming a weak nation," said Voight, calling Obama a "false prophet." Republicans need to find their way back to power to free the nation from "this Obama oppression," he said.

Both Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senator Orrin Hatch of Utah, who followed Voight, seemed pleasantly surprised.

“I’m still just reveling that someone from Hollywood made a speech like that. I hope you’re going to be able to find work after this,” said McConnell. “I really enjoyed that.”

Senator John Cornyn of Texas told Bloomberg News that the speech was "refreshing."

The Obama administration didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment by Bloomberg News.

A spokesman for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, Ryan Rudominer, said the comments by Gingrich and other Republican speakers at the dinner showed they "would rather bank on failure than work with Democrats."

But when you have commentators like Bill O'Reilly speaking in a coherent manner as it pertains to President Obama (while interviewing Voight), you know the times truly are a changin':



And for the remainder of the Daily News piece, click on the link below:


Newt Gingrich, Sarah Palin and Jon Voight -- yes, Jon Voight -- go after Pres. Obama

And A Quick Preview For Next Sunday-Star (of Star & Bucwild Fame) Pays A Visit To Afronerd Radio!

OK Folks, mark you calendars.....next Sunday, June 14th, Mr. Starks and I have scheduled a tete a tete with Star (Troi Torain) of NY radio fame. We will discuss his thoughts concerning the current state of Black radio, the hip hop industry, his controversial image and of course his latest literary effort, Objective Hate (The Prequel). So stay tuned for more info as the week ensues. As a prologue, check out Mr. Torain's current handiwork, courtesy of VLADtv.com...excuse the expletives:

It's Your Birthday-.At least That's How The Song Goes-Check Out Our Special Afronerd Radio Prince B-Day Show Sun at 7pm ET-Party Like It's 2009!

Admittedly this will be a self indulgent broadcast but Prince is one of my favorite musicians and it is his Birthday.....so why not pay homage? As the late Heath Ledger replied in his portrayal of the Joker-why so serious? So our answer to Mr. Ledger's question is to air this special show for music and Prince supporters alike. So join this Sunday at 7pm (ET) join Mr. Starks and I along with special guests Michael Dean (of Freedom Train Online) and filmmaker, Raymond Gayle (Electric Purgatory) as we wax about His Royal Badness, his associates and musical legacy. Feel free to call in with your comments/questions at: 646-915-9620 or via email/IM-afronerdradio@yahoo.com.

And as an aside, check out Mr. Gayle's handiwork in its entirety, courtesy of Youtube. Hopefully, Gayle's aforementioned piece, Electric Purgatory will spur further debate on the issue of expanding the landscape of Black music:


Electric Purgatory


Afronerd Radio's Prince Birthday Show

If you missed our Raymond Gayle interview pertaining to his film and the state of affairs with Black Rock musicians, here you go:


Afronerd Radio Interviews filmmaker, Raymond Gayle

What's the scientific explanation for some of the madness in the hood? The Warrior Gene

From LiveScience

Boys who have a so-called "warrior gene" are more likely to join gangs and also more likely to be among the most violent members and to use weapons, a new study finds.
"While gangs typically have been regarded as a sociological phenomenon, our investigation shows that variants of a specific MAOA gene, known as a 'low-activity 3-repeat allele,' play a significant role," said biosocial criminologist Kevin M. Beaver of Florida State University.
In 2006, the controversial warrior gene was implicated in the violence of the indigenous Maori people in New Zealand, a claim that Maori leaders dismissed.
But it's no surprise that genes would be involved in aggression. Aggression is a primal emotion like many others, experts say, and like cooperation, it is part of human nature, something that's passed down genetically. And almost all mammals are aggressive in some way or another, said Craig Kennedy, professor of special education and pediatrics at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee, whose research last year suggested that humans crave violence just like they do sex, food or drugs.
"Previous research has linked low-activity MAOA variants to a wide range of antisocial, even violent, behavior, but our study confirms that these variants can predict gang membership," says Beaver, the Florida State researcher. "Moreover, we found that variants of this gene could distinguish gang members who were markedly more likely to behave violently and use weapons from members who were less likely to do either."
The MAOA gene affects levels of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin that are related to mood and behavior, and those variants that are related to violence are hereditary, according to a statement from the university.
The new study examined DNA data and lifestyle information drawn from more than 2,500 respondents to the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. Beaver and colleagues from Florida State, Iowa State and Saint Louis universities will detail their findings in a forthcoming issue of the journal Comprehensive Psychiatry.
A separate study at Brown University from earlier this year found that individuals with the warrior gene display higher levels of aggression in response to provocation.
Over networked computers, 78 test subjects were asked to cause physical pain to an opponent they believed had taken money from them by administering varying amounts of hot sauce. While the results were not dramatic, low-activity MAOA subjects displayed slightly higher levels of aggression overall, the researchers said.
The Brown University results, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, support previous research suggesting that MAOA influences aggressive behavior, the scientists said.

I guess we can say it's better later than never. Rappers finally get the economic memo.

Pinched by economy, rappers tone down the 'bling'
by Elizabeth Strott Rating:

What's a rapper to do?

The recession has now taking its toll on bling. The jewel-encrusted "grillz," diamond earrings, gold necklaces and even the glitzy spinners that have become part of rap stars' wardrobes and rides are being put on hold as rappers are now trying to save cash, according to The Wall Street Journal.

With gold prices soaring nearly 10% in May (gold is currently trading at about $980 an ounce) and CD sales plunging, it's no wonder rap stars are cutting back on the bling.

Buyers like cash4gold.com have been cashing in as Americans have been trading in everything from gold chains to signet rings. So it's not a huge surprise that Lil John wannabes are taking out their gold teeth and selling them. There's even a site, sellyourgoldteeth.com, that is designed solely for people who want their good old pearly whites back -- and some cash, to boot.

Diamonds not a rapper's best friend anymore

High-end jewelry retailers like Tiffany (TIF), and even the more mall-friendly Zale (ZLC), have gotten whacked as Americans stopped spending during the recession. Tiffany said sales of its items that cost $50,000 or more were exceptionally weak in the first quarter of the year. The rap-star slowdown may have started earlier this year -- some rappers' gold chains go upwards of $30,000 . . . all the way to $100,000.

Houston-based jeweler Johnny Dang, the self-proclaimed "King of Bling," (who helped make grillz -- a gold or diamond plate molded for your teeth -- popular a few years ago) said his sales have plunged 60% during the recession, according to the Journal. Meanwhile, U.S. Gold Buyers in New York's diamond district has seen its walk-in business jump 40% in recent months.

Demand for gold rose 38% in the first quarter of 2009, according to the World Gold Council, with a "substantial" surge in jewelry and gold recycling. "Consumers have been motivated by the need to raise funds during difficult economic conditions. Furthermore, consumers have become more aware of the ease with which recycling can be done, and this has been particularly apparent in the U.S. Advertising has become commonplace in newspapers, websites, billboards, radio and TV," the WGC said in its quarterly Gold Demand Trends report.

(Mr. T would likely become a millionaire with all of his gold chains.)

Toning down the bling

Some rappers are taking cues from Ruth Madoff, however, and toning down their ostentatious spending or disguising their authentic ice with -- gasp -- cubic zirconia. Dang said he's even been making less-expensive custom pieces -- at his customers' requests, of course.

But the cost of downgrading might not be worth it, as far as street cred goes.

"It is every rapper's fear to be exposed as a fraud," Gregory Lewis of Brooklyn, who posts conversations with artists on the Internet under the alias "Doggie Diamonds, the interview king," told The Wall Street Journal. "If you admit you wear fake jewelry, it is over for you. It's like bragging you drive a Lamborghini when you really drive a Toyota."

Posted by Mr. Starks

Actor David Carradine found dead in Bangkok

We happen to be martial arts fans too. R.I.P.





Associated Press

BANGKOK – Actor David Carradine, star of the 1970s TV series "Kung Fu" who also had a wide-ranging career in the movies, has been found dead in the Thai capital, Bangkok. A news report said he was found hanged in his hotel room and was believed to have committed suicide.
A spokesman for the U.S. Embassy, Michael Turner, confirmed the death of the 72-year-old actor. He said the embassy was informed by Thai authorities that Carradine died either late Wednesday or early Thursday, but he could not provide further details out of consideration for his family.
The Web site of the Thai newspaper The Nation cited unidentified police sources as saying Carradine was found Thursday hanged in his luxury hotel room.
It said Carradine was in Bangkok to shoot a movie and had been staying at the hotel since Tuesday.
The newspaper said Carradine could not be contacted after he failed to appear for a meal with the rest of the film crew on Wednesday, and that his body was found by a hotel maid at 10 a.m. Thursday morning. The name of the movie was not immediately available.
It said a preliminary police investigation found that he had hanged himself with a cord used with the room's curtains. It cited police as saying he had been dead at least 12 hours and there was no sign that he had been assaulted.
A police officer at Bangkok's Lumpini precinct station would not confirm the identity of the dead man to The Associated Press, but said the luxury Swissotel Nai Lert Park hotel had reported that a male guest killed himself there.
Carradine was a leading member of a venerable Hollywood acting family that included his father, character actor John Carradine, and brother Keith.
In all, he appeared in more than 100 feature films with such directors as Martin Scorsese, Ingmar Bergman and Hal Ashby.
But he was best known for his role as Kwai Chang Caine, a Shaolin priest traveling the 1800s American frontier West in the TV series "Kung Fu," which aired in 1972-75.
He reprised the role in a mid-1980s TV movie and played Caine's grandson in the 1990s syndicated series "Kung Fu: The Legend Continues."
He returned to the top in recent years as the title character in Quentin Tarantino's two-part saga "Kill Bill."

For our tech and gaming fans.

I plan on bringing you all of the news and developments from the latest E3 expo. In the meantime, check out this clip showcasing one of the more exciting projects presented at the expo. It's from Microsoft and it's called Project Natal.




Posted by Mr. Starks

Never Let It Be Said That I Don't Critique Conservatives! No Thanks, Mr. Santorum.....Black Folk Will Not Take Your Dating Advice!

Due to my vaunted time constraint issues, I can't devote an appropriate synopsis or rebuttal to former PA Senator, Rick Santorum's recent remarks on Fox but I will leave it to our readers to have their say. Suffice it to say, Santorum thinks that the Obamas' Broadway date night was not a great role model moment for African-Americans. Huh? This is why my party is in disarray and will probably be on the losing side for ensuing elections in the months and years to come. A word of advice to Mr. Santorum.....stick to Obama's policy decisions. But when one doesn't have any answers, it's better to say anything as opposed to being silent. Check out the Daily Kos' take on Santorum's footinmouth disorder:


Rick Santorum, Love Doctor for the Prez & "concern trolling" Black People

Mr. Crouch Has Pulled Mr. West's Card....Unfortunately, Kanye Probably Will Not Care to Read It!

I readily admit to a certain degree of reticence at the thought of interjecting President Obama into every conversation, but at times it appears to be unavoidable. In this instance, I was scanning Stanley Crouch's latest critique aimed at hip hop artist, Kanye West's latest venture.....literature....sort of. At a time when our nation (on the surface) appears to be rebuking a strain of anti-intellectualism that has affected the US on a macro level (and lower tier communities of color from a subcultural "micro" perspective), perhaps due in part, to this historic presidency-Kanye West attempts to break out the dunce cap. Take a look at this excerpt from the Crouch article in question, for the specifics:

Courtesy of the NY Daily News:

It would seem that West's hobbies have changed since his mother died - because of what he said when discussing his new 52-page, 500-word book (yes, that's all, folks!), "Thank You and You Are Welcome." The rapper is quoted as saying, "Sometimes people write novels and they just be so wordy and so self-absorbed. I am not a fan of books. I would never want a book's autograph. I am a proud nonreader of books. I like to get information from doing stuff like actually talking to people and living real life."

There are so many black people of all ages, like the innovative surgeon Ben Carson, who have - thanks in no small part to the power of books - come right out of the projects, put their thumbs in the ground and turned the world around.

Kanye West seems to be floundering in the sea of irresponsibility that allows grown men and women to never leave the ranch of their adolescence. Poor wealthy kid. He needs his mother now more than ever. Donda West could perhaps help him grow up and use his celebrity to encourage others to do just what she did. Be a responsible adult not giving to misleading children.

Wow! I do not want to belabor the point too much, but what happened to this young man's grammar? "They just be so wordy?" Wasn't Mr. West's late mother a college English professor? The world truly is insane and inane! For the Crouch piece in its entirety, click on the link below:

Maybe Kanye West can rhyme, but he sure can't reason

Check Out The Comic Shoppe Tomorrow at 7pm ET-Discusssing "Up", Terminator:Salvation; A Daredevil Returns? & More!

We had to preempt our regularly scheduled broadcast but we're back on track to discuss all things pulp this Tuesday at 7pm eastern. Join Max, Daryll and yours truly to discuss the following: could Battlestar's Katee Sackhoff's recent comic store purchase of all things Daredevil indicate the prospect for a reboot?; our impressions of last weekend's release of the fourth installment of Terminator as well as this past weekend's Up release (and its 68m takedown); our thoughts on the re-lighting of the Original Human Torch, courtesy of Alex Ross; Dwayne McDuffie's recent firing from the JLA; the Comic Shoppe crew will highlight graphic novels that we perceive to be little known gems; and of course our favorite comic book reads from last week. So feel free to stop by with your impressions/questions/comments by dialing 646-200-0104 or contacting us via IM/email at-thecomicshoppe@yahoo.com. Excelsior, folks!


The Comic Shoppe's Week in Review

And while your waiting for the show, check out this leaked "sneak peak" of a revamped Playstation/Sony PSP:

Oh Damn.....I Know That We Usually Try Not TO Highlight Foolishness But No Man Deserved This (Even Marshall Mathers).....Bruno vs Slim Shady