"Cyberwoman"

I DVR'ed Torchwood on Saturday because I wanted to go out to the bars after Philly's dismal loss. Thank God they won the NL Division this afternoon or else I would've been more depressed. I sat down to watch the episode earlier and here are my thoughts about this week's episode and the series thus far.

So Ianto's been hiding his Cyberman girlfriend in the storage room of the Torchwood base, eh? No one else knew about it, hmmm? Interesting. I wasn't sure what to make of Ianto's character so far other than he seems to be the resident flunky. Ianto never goes on missions and the only action thus far was erasing data from Gwen's computer when she initially discovered information on Torchwood.

Thank you for character development Russell T. Davies. Besides his difficult name (it's pronounced Yan-toe or Jahn-toe), Ianto came off as flimsy and one dimensional as a piece of cardboard. This week, the writers breathed some life into the boy. He showed heart and grace as he fought to do everything to save Lisa (his girlfriend), a former operative for the Torchwood base in London, from the cyberman process. What's better still, Lisa was a sistah, too! Well maybe not a sistah, I think that's strictly reserved for black folks stateside, but she's black. I'm not sure how popular interracial relationships are in the UK.

Traditionally, the Cybermen never scared me on Doctor Who until the second series came about. They're even more frightening on Torchwood. The scene where Lisa throws the Japanese computer scientist on the Cyber transformation table was edgy. Seeing Gwen almost turned into another cyberwoman was equally terrifying.

Captain Jack is becoming a loose cannon. He shoots first, asks questions second, and comes across as heartless and unfeeling bastard. At one point, Jack questions Ianto's loyalty, points a gun at Ianto, and seriously considers shooting him in the head. For a moment I thought Jack would kill our resident major domo. You felt the seething anger from Barrowman's character (proving John is a excellent actor)!

Jack refuses to hear Ianto's impassioned pleas, his begging, to attempt reversal of the cyber-transformation process, demands Ianto kill her, and threatens to kill both of them if Ianto fails to complete the task. Ianto implores Jack "haven't you ever loved anyone?" and calls him more monstrous than the Cybermen. Jack refuses to answer, however, and continues to cock the gun, standing stoic as ever. Finally, Ianto goes into main chamber, and tries to do his duty to kill his beloved.

Now, I'm struggling to figure Jack out. On Doctor Who, Jack was a wildfire, but wasn't cruel. On Torchwood, Jack is not as fun loving nor the carefree bisexual playboy he portrayed on Doctor Who. Here he's more conflicted and darker. I understand Doctor Who has always been geared towards children and Torchwood is more adult-oriented, but Cap'n Jack is too maniacal at times for my tastes.

Still, Jack's refusal to answer Ianto's question says a lot about Jack's true character and nature. I purchased the October issue of Out magazine with John Barrowman on the cover. It gave some spoilers about upcoming Torchwood episodes; all the bisexual romps and snogging-on. There'll be further explanation to Jack and Ianto's relationship as the series develops. Even if I hadn't read the snippet in Out, the Cyberwoman episode hints Jack's connection to Ianto.

Ianto tries to stop Lisa from killing Toshiko, Gwen, and Owen, begging her to stop (Must admit his begging was a bit annoying). She, in turn, knocks him the fuck out! NO!!! Not Ianto (OK, yeah I like the character, a lot. He's my favorite, next to Gwen. I love her character. She gives the human element the Jack, Owen, & Toshiko seem to lack)!!!

What a nail-biting scene! I had to fast forward because I actually thought Ianto was dead (Suzie, a previous Torchwood operative, commits suicide on the first episode). While the others distract Lisa (the Cyberwoman), Jack tries to revive Ianto, giving him mouth to mouth, eventually turning into a full fledged passionate kiss! Hmmm. Does Jack love Ianto secretly?

NL East Division Champs!!!

A'iiiiiight Philadelphia! Way to go Phillies! You've won the National League East Division. Party tonight in Philly!

Casey At The Bat...

Philadelphia Phillies players hang on the dugout rail as they watch their team lose 4-2 to the Washington Nationals in the ninth inning of their baseball game Saturday, Sept. 29, 2007 in Philadelphia.

OK, so they lost one game this afternoon. While I'm bummed out about the loss this afternoon, all hope is not lost. We're still tied for first for the Division with the Mets, and if the Padres do poorly, perhaps there is the oft chance we could earn a Wildcard spot.

Never despair Phillies fans. Although the situation looks grim, never give up. Say an extra prayer to those Baseball Gods tonight. I'm going out for a drink tonight to wash away the pain of today's defeat; on National Television no less! I hate when Fox broadcast our games nationally. The announcers always seem to have a knack at the Phillies (or any Philadelphia major league sports team) look notoriously bad....

Casey at the Bat
By Ernest Lawrence Thayer

The outlook wasn't brilliant for the Mudville nine that day;
The score stood four to two, with but one inning more to play,
And then when Cooney died at first, and Barrows did the same,
A pall-like silence fell upon the patrons of the game.

A straggling few got up to go in deep despair. The rest
Clung to that hope which springs eternal in the human breast;
They thought, "If only Casey could but get a whack at that —
We'd put up even money now, with Casey at the bat."

But Flynn preceded Casey, as did also Jimmy Blake,
And the former was a hoodoo, while the latter was a cake;
So upon that stricken multitude grim melancholy sat;
For there seemed but little chance of Casey getting to the bat.

But Flynn let drive a single, to the wonderment of all,
And Blake, the much despised, tore the cover off the ball;
And when the dust had lifted, and men saw what had occurred,
There was Jimmy safe at second and Flynn a-hugging third.

Then from five thousand throats and more there rose a lusty yell;
It rumbled through the valley, it rattled in the dell;
It pounded on the mountain and recoiled upon the flat,
For Casey, mighty Casey, was advancing to the bat.

There was ease in Casey's manner as he stepped into his place;
There was pride in Casey's bearing and a smile lit Casey's face.
And when, responding to the cheers, he lightly doffed his hat,
No stranger in the crowd could doubt 'twas Casey at the bat.

Ten thousand eyes were on him as he rubbed his hands with dirt.
Five thousand tongues applauded when he wiped them on his shirt.
Then while the writhing pitcher ground the ball into his hip,
Defiance flashed in Casey's eye, a sneer curled Casey's lip.

And now the leather-covered sphere came hurtling through the air,
And Casey stood a-watching it in haughty grandeur there.
Close by the sturdy batsman the ball unheeded sped —
"That ain't my style," said Casey. "Strike one!" the umpire said.

From the benches, black with people, there went up a muffled roar,
Like the beating of the storm-waves on a stern and distant shore;
"Kill him! Kill the umpire!" shouted some one on the stand;
And it's likely they'd have killed him had not Casey raised his hand.

With a smile of Christian charity great Casey's visage shone;
He stilled the rising tumult; he bade the game go on;
He signaled to the pitcher, and once more the dun sphere flew;
But Casey still ignored it, and the umpire said "Strike two!"

"Fraud!" cried the maddened thousands, and echo answered "Fraud!"
But one scornful look from Casey and the audience was awed.
They saw his face grow stern and cold, they saw his muscles strain,
And they knew that Casey wouldn't let that ball go by again.

The sneer has fled from Casey's lip, the teeth are clenched in hate;
He pounds with cruel violence his bat upon the plate.
And now the pitcher holds the ball, and now he lets it go,
And now the air is shattered by the force of Casey's blow.

Oh, somewhere in this favored land the sun is shining bright,
The band is playing somewhere, and somewhere hearts are light,
And somewhere men are laughing, and little children shout;
But there is no joy in Mudville — mighty Casey has struck out.

Doctor? Doctor Who?

Well as there is only now one week left of Doctor Who on the Sci-Fi Channel, all I have to say is thank goodness BBC America is broadcasting episodes of Torchwood. I can't wait for tomorrow's episode of Torchwood. I'm really being drawn in on the series. It's much darker than Doctor Who ever has been.

Currently, John Barrowman, lead star on Torchwood, is doing a story arc with David Tennant on Doctor Who. I'm not sure I like their chemistry (or lack thereof) together. The Doctor in the few episodes with Captain Jack, comes across very homophobic. Sad. Now we can't have my favorite Gallifreyan be a bigot now, can we? He is after all, the last Timelord! Oh wait, there's Professor Yana, I'm mean the Master....The Master!?!?!?

"Eek! Don't kill me Master!! You know I've always loved you best in all you're regenerations...especially you're Eric Roberts personae! What? The Doctor... Doctor Who?!?!?"

A Step Closer

Thank You Almighty Gods of Baseball!

Thanks in part to the St. Louis Cardinals defeating the Mets and the Phils pulling out to beat the Braves 6-4, Philadelphia is now tied for first place in National League East and a 1/2 game back in the Wildcard Race!

The Padres, the last time I checked, were winning 9-4 and it was the 7th Inning, so they'll probably win tonight, setting the Phils back to one whole game back. That's OK. The Phillies control a little more of their own destiny
now. If they can manage not to loose any games these next three days and the Mets manage to ease up in their chase for the Pennant, the Phillies just might have a chance!

Now that's what I'm talkin' about! Hot damn!!! Yeah, I know I can be so old school, but I was born in the 70s after all, dammit, LOL!

Sticky, Hot and Humid

Its another sticky, hot and humid Indian Summer Day in the Susquehanna Valley. I hate this point in the early autumn season.

I don't know if the rest of the country refers to this time frame as "Indian Summer" or not. Y' know, just thinking about the term itself somehow feels soooo politically incorrect, Growing up here in Pennsylvania, I've always known it to be called such. I figured it was something like "Indian corn," the multicolored corn you find at Halloween and Thanksgiving. Thanks to a mi hermana, Venessa, I've removed the derogatory use of "Indian-Giver" from my vocabulary, and more appropriately use "European-Giver" instead (which is so accurate! European settler stole the Native Indigenous people's land, made them treaties, broke each one. Oh, and let's not forget, the 40 acres and a mule promised to freed salves!).

Of course, here in Central PA, people still use the term "niggardly," but that doesn't mean its usage is politically correct either. If "Indian Summer" has crossed the line, I apologize if I've offended. Take conciliation I've Native American blood on both sides of my family tree, both paternal and maternal. It also explains why I use the moniker "Darktomahawk." While I identify myself as African American, I can step the over the line, and claim multiethnic. I'm just a copper complected kid, born in PA and raised all over the Eastern Seaboard from Philly to South Carolina.

Regardless, the heat has made me feel irritable, feelin' like shit from Shitsville. I'm feelin' grumpy, but not bitchy, restless, without being tired. I dunno what my problem is. Anyway, there's nothing more pleasurable than starin' at a man in form fittin' lycra, although it'll make you more hot and bothered in some cases...

Nice Boys From South Cakalaki

Otherwise known as South Carolina. Now I think I know why I've value my Southern roots.

Top Of The 9th Inning

So as baseball season is in the home stretch of the regular season, I have to admit I haven't been a very loyal fan to my teams this season. Despite my fare weather fan status, two of my teams look to possibly move on to the playoffs, The BoSox and the Phillies. The Phillies are currently a game back in the Wildcard Race and The Boston Red Sox look to clinch American League East Division.

Poor Los Angeles. The Dodgers are 7 games back in the Wildcard and 8 games back from first in the NL West, giving them no chance to go into post-season play. Even if miracles could happen for them, the regular season at best, has only four games left with today, tomorrow, and the weekend. Possibly if they had some doubleheader games, LA could make it, but I'm not sure if they have any make up games or not, and the likelihood is improbable.

I don't want to get on anyone's bandwagon yet, especially the Phillies. The Phils are notorious for giving up the ghost in the final hour. They need to win their last four games and hope both the Padres and and Mets lose at least two games each. The Mets play one game against the St. "Screw-Us" Cardinals, then face the Marlins for the weekend. The Phils have one more game today with Hotlanta, then fend off the Nationals. I'm crossing my fingers because the Nats are unpredictable. They won't go down easily

Let's not forget Atlanta, hoping for a run. Just don't count them out yet! They play the Astros this weekend. I'm not sure how Houston will fare against The Braves. My only consolation is if Atlanta makes the playoffs, they die in the first round as they always do...

The Gods of Baseball will have to dispense special blessing on the City of Brotherly Love for the remote hope of playoff play. There are too many variables in baseball to predict how anything will turn out, but I live for this time of year. I'm excited for October Baseball and I hope Philadelphia's drought from the World Series'll end this year. You'll excuse me if I'm don't peek at the scores for a while though...

The Mohawk Chef Survives...

So Dale survived the ax tonight and was able to go on the next round. I immediately called Queen Hester after the decision and gave a big sigh of relief. Hester, isn't a big Dale fan, but agreed he deserved to go on to the final round of cooking.

Dale seemed really personable tonight. OK, I admit, I got a bit misty-eyed when he rattled off all the challenges he faced in the last year, being dumped, being unemployed... yadda, yadda, yadda. Queen Hester and I both agreed Hung is a soulless bastard and was hoping in the end he got the boot, but no such luck.

In a turnaround from my previous Top Chef post, I actually found myself rooting for Brian to make the next round. Brian's food showed life and heart, despite him dropping his fish in the Quickfire Challenge, I would have eaten his dish, even though I'm not a big fan of trout. The Elimination Challenge was to prepare a elk dish (yuck!) for at least 45 cowboys & cowgirls at a Colorado ranch.

Now me, being Mr. Northeast East Coast Guy, can't comprehend even eating elk, let alone cooking it for someone. I'm not a big fan of eating game meats. I don't like rabbit, venison, pheasant, and other non-traditional meats. Most often, these meats need to be undercooked, and while I can eat meat medium rare, I draw the line with blood oozing from my food. I guess I'm too Big City for my britches, growing up in Philadelphia and Washington, DC, I'm not into country cuisine. Game meat is too rustic. Just my opinion.

Everyone's dish seemed way too rare, undercooked, especially Casey's. I sat on pins and needles knowing Casey was going home. Judges Chef Tom, snotty Eric Ripert, and Gail, who unsuspectingly turned out for the finals, berated the dish, with the exception of her sauce. Each thought it was well prepared. Everyone loved Dale's dish. Hung won high technical praise, but his food didn't reflect heart. Hello! You have to have a heart and soul first!

Dale obtained the victory and the opportunity to do a presentation with Eric Ripert. Ugh! Watching this show reinforces I would never attempt to work in the cooking industry. The whole field is so bourgeois, I mean its way over the top! I'm just not into high society elitist shit.

In the elimination though, the judges decided Brian's dish was too busy and sent him packing. I felt really bad for Brian. He finally seemed to be a person, unlike Hung. Hung, the arrogant bastard, has no personality, no soul, no thought for the people he's preparing his cuisine. He gave little regard to the challenge. "I'm cooking for the judges, not those Country cowboy people. What do cowboys eat anyway? Baked beans, baked beans and more baked beans???" Oh, thine own arrogance will be your undoing Hung!

I see the potential for Hung falling into the trap some who emigrate to America, struggle, achieve the American dream, and then thumb their noses at Americans still struggling to reach the dream. I could easily get on a soapbox rant, but I won't. "Lawdy, please let his ass go down in flames next week!" Interesting enough, the rest of Top Chef viewers felt the same way. Tonight's "Who would you most like to see eliminated" pole indicated 69% wanted Hung sent packing! If only, America, if only....

No Homosexuals Here!

After hearing some of the comments Iranian leader Mahmoud Ahmadinejad made yesterday in his speech to Columbia University, it really, really, makes me glad I was born an American and not in a country where I'd be put to death for my sexuality. It shows how far the world still has to come with true understanding.

For the brethren trapped in countries like Iran, living in fear,in secret and hiding, my heart goes out to you.

Reality TV Review: Idol & Top Chef

Its been a while since we've heard anything new about American Idol. I must admit I dropped the ball last season as far as posting regularly. Blogging takes a lot of time and sometimes other activities take precedence over blogging.


I never gave my final opinion on last season. Disappointing seems to be insufficient to describe the previous season.

While I was glad things got down to Melinda, Blake and Jordin, the true winner was voted off (Melinda). Despite what anyone says, the show is ultimately about marketability; Jordin winning was a no-brainer. While Melinda could sing her ass off, I don't think she would have reached the potential audience Jordin will.



With Blake in mind, this picture surfaced from somewhere on the 'Net. It was on one of the gay sites I read and shows his apparent bulge (it obviously is something in his pocket and not his package). I never found Blake to be remotely cute or handsome. To be honest, Blake irritated the fuck out of me, but because he had "white boy appeal," people were drawn to him.

Ultimately, I lost further respect for Blake after his implied negativity about Sanjaya. Yes, I know I was on the Sanjaya bashing bandwagon for a long time, but I softened towards the kid in the end. The jury is still out about Sanjaya's singing talent, but he seems genuinely, pleasant, and likable. Like the rest of the LGBT community, I'll be happy when he comes to term with his sexuality, but that debate is for another blog post, LOL.



Blake, I suspect, may have his own gay tendencies, as indicated by this picture I also found, with him and Chris Richardson. They seem all too cozy. He has denied the gay rumors. I really don't care what he does with his penis, really, I just found the picture amusing. I refuse to be someone constantly accusing this-person or that-person being gay. A person's actions will eventually reveal the truth in all matters. As I mentioned to my friend Hester recently, there are some stereotypes, unfortunately, that are true despite our opinions. I believe in gaydar, which has basis in stereotypical behavior, but also on gut-instinct.

As I said, I really don't care who Blake shags with, it's his business, right?

Speaking of Jordin, where's her album or single release???? It's been months since the season finale and I've not heard anything from her. Of course I live in "Hooterville, B.F.E," so local stations probably won't play her music. They're playing the hell outta Elliot Yamin and Daughtry though, but no ethnic Idol contestants (Jordin is multiracial).

Fantasia and Ruben get regular airplay on the R&B, hits and oldies station, 1400 The Touch, but it's an AM station. Very few white people I know listen (as opposed to the two other stations owned by Cumulus Media, Hot 92 and WNNK, Wink-104, which play enough "Caucasian" flavor to satisfy). I should, however, correct myself because Wink-104 does play Kimberly Locke, so maybe Jordin will(?) get some airtime.

Coming down to last season's final two contestants, I was never a Blake fan, so I was ecstatic Jordin won. Blake's "beat-box" style was annoying and wasn't interesting. Creative interpretation, yes. Singing and showing sign of true talent, no. Beat-boxing wasn't all that 20 years ago and still isn't today. Some friends thought Blake was the end-all-be-all and were disappointed he lost. Ugh! Jordin, of the two, was the better SINGER! Wake up to reality people! Overall, last season of American Idol was mediocre, at best.

Given past seasons and those who were popular favorites, I wonder what Corey Clark and Mandisa are up to? Corey had been in trouble with the law a number of times. I thought he had promise and he's a handsome fella. I won't bring up the Paula Abdul debacle. I won't. Let's leave it alone, LOL.

I guess any possibility of a career in the industry has been ruined for Corey. Too bad for him. I say that with sincerity, and no sarcasm. Everyone deserves to go for their dreams.

Mandisa, on the other hand, still has a loyal following, although somewhat diminished after her views on homosexuality came to light. I pity Mandisa. The gay community loved her. She would've gone far. I read many nasty comments about her and, unlike her, I can be fair. Sure, I disagree with her viewpoint, but that's the value and beauty of being American, we're all entitled to our own opinions. I'm sure she'll have a blessed career in the gospel music industry. I even read an update story on The Advocate website she has relaxed on some of her opinions. While she still thinks being gay is a sin, she said she wouldn't discriminate. She 's making minute progress. Change takes time and often with the wisdom of God. God's people (in some cases, "so-called people") will wake up someday.

I look forward to Idol's next season, which'll be here sooner than we know. I hate admitting I've become an Idol junkie, but I have. Each season is incredibly predictable, but it still hasn't become mundane like every other reality show like Survivor or The Bachelor. And unlike shows like Project Runaway or Top Chef, persons of color, aka BLACK PEOPLE, have actually won the contest.

When Tre on this season of Top Chef was voted out, told to "pack his knives and go,"on Top Chef, I thought, "Damn another kick in the groin for the Black Community." Black folks don't get a fair shake on reality shows. The ratio is often 1:13 or 2:29 or 2:800, some bullshit like that. It's the one thing about reality television that is real.

Even still, I love Top Chef. It follows my own passion for cooking. I'd never be a contestant because I cook home-style food and not some of the boojee (bushee) recipes. True, I've accused of being "bourgeois," I admit sometimes I can be arrogant, but I know who I am and where I came from.

With that said, Top Chef has had three seasons, and with one hand, I can count the number of African American contestants, five (correct me if I'm wrong somebody): Brian and Lisa from Season One, Cliff (an wonderful and handsome guy) and Mia (my spiritual sistah) from Season Two, and Tre from current Season Three.

This is disappointing. Why can't we represent more? Each season has what, 16 contestants, and the producers could only find five willing African American participants???? Yes, there have been other minority groups including Asians and Latinos, but I'm sure you're saying the same thing with regard to your representation reflected too. To get over the inequalities in our country, should we try to show some balance?

Oh, I wanna mention Cliff MUST have lost his mind when he thought his black ass wasn't gonna get kicked off for attempting to hurt that white boy Marcel!

C'mon, Cliff! Remember the rule, never let' em see you sweat and never get caught fuckin' up. He was remorseful, but I was irritated long after his dismissal. Cliff, I believe, would have won the top chef title.

I was glad Ilan beat prissy ass Marcel. No, I won't comment about Marcel's hair nor sexual orientation. What I will say is rewatch the episode Cliff attempted to shave Marcel's head. The next morning Marcel gets up, walks to the door in just his boxer shorts, and slams it shut, pissed off at the events the night before. Look carefully. There is definite peeking going on in his shorts. I think this is the episode. I remember watching a few times because I was in disbelief, not so much that I find him attractive, which I don't, but that the censors didn't catch the apparent penis slighting.

I mean no disrespect to my Latin and Asian brethren. Some of my favorites from last season were Carlos (he is handsome. If he didn't have a partner already, I'd seriously look him up. All his food looked pleasant), Josie, and Elia. Regarding my Asian favorites, I can't say I'm not in love with Hung from this season, but Lee Anne rocked the house from season one!

Enough of the complaining. Top Chef is one of the better programs on air right now. The Food Network, with the exception to Paula Dean and the Barefoot Contessa, Ina Garten, have hit the bottom of the barrel with programming and is rather blase. I'm so over Emeril.

Top Chef has radiant host Padma Lakshmi (I'd be 100% heterosexual being straight just to meet her!). At least they don't limit on sexuality perespective, unlike the racial minority imbalance, Top Chef has a constant flow of gay/lesbian contestants, often more than one or two. Season two had at least three out contestants and probably at least two more closeted (speculating though). I was upset to hear Josie Smith Malave had been a hate crime victim while leaving a lesbian night club. I looooved Josie and Carlos (also gay). Josie has moxie! I wish her a speedy recovery through her healing process and hope she continues to be a trailblazer.

This season's current gay fave, Dale, has made it to the final four. I'm rooting for him or for Casey to win the title. Brian rates on my nerves and reminds me too much of another Bryan I know. No offense, just a bad name association. Hung, I can't put my finger on what bothers me about him, I just haven't gravitated towards him. It's not because he's Asian or some times a little snotty (In my opinion). Dale is the biggest bitch on the show and is the type I avoid when I go out, but there's something really endearing about Dale, plus the mohawk is tres chic, LOL.

The finale is in just a week or so. I'm pins and needles because I don't want Dale or Dale to hear Padma's kind, impassioned, but "get the fuck out of here" words. I'm still reeling from Sarah and CJ's dismissal.

So there's my take on my reality television favorites. Go Dale! Go Casey. May the best non traditional heterosexual white male candidate win (I guess this includes Hung too, so Go Hung!).

Oscar De La Hoya

So last night Hester and I were sitting at one of the local bars when I saw the flash about the alleged pictures of Oscar De La Hoya in the fishnet stockings and panties. OK, so you know I had to go home and check every blog out there to examine to see if they're real or not. I honestly can't tell. Some of them look like him, well the all do, but some look more morphed than others.

Hmmm, Oscar has always maintained his heterosexuality again and a again. Rumors have followed about him being gay for a number of years, but I'm not sure about that. I'm not questioning his sexuality because of the pantyhose thang. Naw, I think Oscar likes women, I just think he has a kinky side to him and that's a'ight? We all have our little fetishes don't we? I'm not gonna judge, but if the pictures or real, well he wouldn't surprise me. My only problem is these pictures were supposedly taken while he's married.....not a good thing cheatin' on da wifey, Oscar....

I've never been into the whole drag thing, I like my women to be women and my men to be men. Still, we've all gotten drunk and we all do stupid things when drunk, so I can see someone whippin' out a camera and snappin' a couple photos. Lord knows there are pictures I've had to hunt down and destroy from my colleges days! He also knows I'm holding ransom photos of several friends in case they decide to ever run for political office too, LOL. Just kiddin' about the blackmail stuff...ahem, getting back to Oscar.

He has a nice body in some of these photos. The drag shit turns me off, but I still respect him and would see him fight. People, like my grandpop, my stepdad, uncles, and a host of other straight-laced boxing fans may think different, but my response to most folks is we're livin' in the 21st century, er'rybody's got some scandal waiting to pounce out from underneath their mattress, closet, attic, et al. Get used to it baby. We haven't heard the last of this latest controversy.

If I remember correctly, there is a video out there floating around the "Net with Oscar being exposed full frontal at a weigh-in for a bout. I know so because I've seen and had it a while back, but deleted it. Like I said, everyone has dirt on them, that why were human, we make mistakes and don't always use common sense. Especially when alcohol or sex is involved.

Avatar Season Premiere: The Awakening

So, what did everyone think about Avatar: The Last Airbender season premiere?

I thought it ran pretty slow and was disappointed. I hope the season will get better. The first few moments hurried through loose ends between the "Boomerang Gang" (aka "Team Avatar" a nickname assigned by Sokka over their little group) escaping Ba Sing Se and Azula and the Dei Li taking over the city.

Also, the Earth King decides to travel the world in disguised as a peasant???? How improbable is that? I mean the Earth King is royalty after all! Sure he'd go into hiding, but The flimsy excuse used he'd travel the world as peasant, I don't buy it. C'mon people!!!

The one highlight for me was seeing Princess Yue (the Spirit of the Moon) and Avatar Roku while Aang was attempting to reach the Fire Nation on his own. Ruko mentions to Aang that it's his faught that he didn't anticipate this war coming. The series never has addressed happened to Ruko? Why did he allow the war to happen? I'm hoping this is answered some time this season.

Poor Zuko, it seems seems he'll always be the folly of his younger sister, Princess Azula, falling into her inner schemes. She's proved to be a conniving bitch as per usual. What's she up to giving Zuko the credit for allegedly killing Aang? She's definitely setting him up for a fall. Azula wants to be the Fire Empress after Ozai is my guest. I mean if Ozai can manipulate his father to become Firelord over General Iroh, Azula can work her mojo with Ozai to achieve the same ends. Bitch! Girl is pure evil.

Another highlight, after all this time, we finally got to see the true face of the enemy, Firelord Ozai! Amazingly, Zuko, without the fire scar, looks like exactly like Ozai! For someone who's a tyrant, Ozai is a handsome devil! Ha! That's it exactly: handsome devil!

How this season resolves everything with Aang defeating Ozai will be an interesting climax. With the Fire Nation aware of the invasion plan, Aang and company will have to bring down the Fire Nation from within. I see the set up. But how will this be accomplished. The Fire Nation strikes me as a Hydra, cut the head off, another two grow back in its place. Meaning, just because Aang defeats the Firelord, will the rest of the Fire Nation wake up and become harmonious with the rest of the world? Doubtful. Azula with her schemes and the remainder of the Fire Navy and Army fleets, no, this won't be resolved quickly.

More to come as the season progresses....

Avatar: The Last Air-Bender

So tomorrow is the eagerly anticipated season premiere of Avatar: The Last Airbender. I've been waiting for the third season to start since last December. I thought they would've aired the new season by now, but this is possibly the last season and there's so much plot to resolve, the artists needed time to adequate gather up story lines, draw the cartoon itself, and recast the voice of Uncle Iroh (sadly, Mako, died earlier this year).

So what will we have in store for us? Aang still has to face the Firelord, Ozai. Questions to bear in mind if you watch this season are: What happened to Suki, the Kyoshi Warrior who fought Azula? Will Suki and Sokka get together? Is Jet dead? Whatever happened to Zuko and Azula's mother? Are there anymore Air Nomads still alive? If not, how will there be another Avatar? The Avatar cycle goes through each element, earth, water, air, and fire. I forget the exact order, by Aang's predecessor, Roku, was a fire-bender. The next Avatar should be a water- or earth-bender. If all the Air-benders have been destroyed by the Fire Nation, will there be more Air-Benders born? I presume, not all the Air Nomads are dead because if you remove one bending element, the Avatar cycle breaks. Aang and Katara are gonna need to have babies folks!

Last season ended with the Earth Kingdom Capitol, Ba Sing Se, falling to Princess Azula with the help of Prince Zuko. I had hope Zuko had redeemed himself after he set Aang's air bison, Appa, free. When he was in the crystal caves with Katara, it almost seemed he showed regret at his previous actions, that is until Aang showed up. Zuko has so much hatred towards the Avatar. Also,

This beautifully scripted cartoon is more than a cartoon. It has given many lessons about life and the human struggle. I have a few predictions how this season may play out. I've included the trailer for this season.. Near the end of the clip there's someone dressed in Fire Nation garb bending each of the four elements, presumably an Avatar. Who is this? It isn't Aang because the person doesn't have Air Nomad tattooed arrow on his forehead. Could it be Avatar Roku? Or could it be, as I've begun to suspect, Prince Zuko???? My reasoning that it could be Zuko is if you go back to the episode where Zuko falls ill, when his fever breaks, he gets up, goes to the mirror and sees his reflection, the face of the Avatar staring back at him. Hmmm....