Chris Muir ends his long hiatus tomorrow, and brings Zed, Sam, Jan and (my main man) Damon back to our screens.

Welcome home, Chris!

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First it was Jesse "The Gypsy" Jackson. Then it was Green Party presidential candidate David Cobb and Libertarian Party presidential candidate Michael Badnarik (both of the "Hey, look at me! I'm a candidate with a snowball's chance in Hell of winning" crowd).

Now the Kerry-Edwards campaign has officially joined the growing din of whining liberals demanding a recount of votes in Ohio, according to a statement released by Cobb.

Today, attorneys representing the Kerry-Edwards campaign filed papers in Delaware County, Ohio to intervene in legal proceedings in defense of Green Party presidential candidate David Cobb, Libertarian Michael Badnarik and their legal counsel, the National Voting Rights Institute, who are seeking a recount of all votes cast for president in the Ohio 2004 general election.

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According to reports from the Baltimore Sun & USA Today, NAACP head Kweisi Mfume is expected to announce his resignation from the post today.

Mfume, 56, has said he would like time off to spend with his six sons, the youngest of whom is 14. He also reportedly is looking forward to a break from the punishing schedule of leading the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the nation's oldest and largest civil rights group.

Mfume will soon conclude his ninth year as NAACP president. He took over the organization amid financial problems and turmoil under the leadership of Benjamin Chavis.

After keeping a schedule that includes 65 trips a year on NAACP business, the source said, Mfume will likely take a vacation after his departure.

Mfume reportedly will serve as a consultant with the NAACP until the end of the year. The organization is expected to begin a nationwide search and have a new president by its next national convention in July 2005. According to NAACP rules, officers in the group cannot seek or hold public office.

Political allies said Mfume is eyeing a run for the U.S. Senate seat held by Paul S. Sarbanes, whose current term ends in 2006. Sarbanes is 71 and has not said publicly what his intentions are.

The group claims to be non-partisan, but past experience and practice have shown otherwise. I wouldn't be surprised if another Democratic politician (or former politican) gets the nod to replace Mfume. I wonder what Bill Clinton is doing with his time.... (he said with his tongue only HALF stuck in his cheek)

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Butch Davis finally figured out that scoring 48 points is not a cause for celebration, when your arch-rivals (the Cincinnati "Bagels") score 58 points.

After saying he wouldn't be fired this season as recently as last week, Davis quit today.

And there was much rejoycing in the Dawg Pound.

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I've been absent from the Komissar's "Show Trials" feature for awhile now....'tis more than time for me to make up for lost ground.

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According to published reports, Sex and the City and Law & Order alum Chris Noth may reprise his role as Detective Mike Logan in the lead for Law & Order: Criminal Intent to replace lead Vincent D'Onofrio -- at least temporarily.

D'Onofrio has been suffering from a mystery illness that has left him with fainting spells -- though these things initially were attributed to D'Onofrio's support for John Kerry, and Kerry's November election loss.

Noth is set for a January episode reprising the Det. Mike Logan character he played from 1990-95 on the original L&O.

Erratic behavior of CI star Vincent DÂ’Onofrio has NBC Universal executives considering Noth as an emergency backup in the lead detective role, according to industry sources.

The New York PostÂ’s Page Six column has chronicled DÂ’OnofrioÂ’s instability, reporting that he passed out on the set, was starting fistfights and was an overall nightmare to work with.

He was hospitalized briefly after the first fainting spell, then returned to the hospital when he keeled over a week later at home. An NBC spokeswoman confirms NothÂ’s planned guest spot, but says she knows of no discussions of any cast changes on the show.

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1 Well, this will make my wife happy. She likes Edgar the Bug (as we call him), but Noth was another favorite of hers.

Posted by: Laurence Simon at November 29, 2004 05:21 AM (uBCxH)

2 Following the post on the Transformer car, the post on Edgar the Bug vs. Mr. Big. I love this blog!

Posted by: Fausta at November 29, 2004 05:38 AM (SXxna)

3 Well .. . now, I just may have to tune in to see him in L&O. Haven't watched an episode this season because hubby has the remote most of the time . . .

Posted by: Lola at November 29, 2004 07:58 AM (V1eTE)

4 Note to Lola: Get your own remote! Try 2 tv sets! Viva Noth! RIP Mooonbat!

Posted by: Indigo at November 29, 2004 04:32 PM (XtZZG)

5 Noth is in the latest Amazon.com video. Nice!

Posted by: Fausta at December 01, 2004 11:39 AM (SXxna)

6 I loved Chris Noth as Mike Logan....but his time was on the original L&O. Mr. D'Onofrio and only Mr. D'Onofrio makes the Goren character who he is and that character's interaction to the rest of the great cast is what makes the show....it should be interesting to say the least.

Posted by: J-Mac at December 03, 2004 11:51 AM (JMGFQ)

7 Replace Goren? Are they MAD??? If there's no Goren, there's no LOCI. Simple.

Posted by: Vicki at December 08, 2004 08:00 PM (kxGg2)

8 That's nauseating....the star had a breakdown. So what. Just looking at his face, you know he lives hard. Vinnie D'Onofrio IS Goren. He goes, I go. Chris Noth is a bore.

Posted by: Frankie at December 13, 2004 09:59 PM (6krEN)

9 This is a crock! "Vinnie" needs to get over it. The election, his "stardom", his failed marriage, whatever. Get over it, get back to work, and remember that others need their paychecks too. He's too old to be starting fistfights. Let's see some better TV.

Posted by: Deena at December 20, 2004 03:49 PM (6krEN)

10 second the motion, without vincent d'onofrio law and order criminal intent is a bust. vincent is the show.

Posted by: sonny at December 26, 2004 09:15 AM (ywZa8)

11 NBC Universal Studios would be mad to let Vincent D'Onofrio leave the series.....he is Criminal Intent. It is the quality and intensity of his performance that makes the programme stand out from the other Law and Order series. Perhaps they should consider a less punishing schedule so that quality actors like Vincent can sustain such brilliant performances. If he's ill or just plain 'sick and tired' then let him have a break from the series to recharge his creative juices. Perhaps he can make a movie, I miss seeing him on the big screen: I saw The whole wide world and my world has never been the same since.......A truly touching performance with the greatest screen kiss ever!

Posted by: Dee in New Zealand at January 12, 2005 02:09 PM (9iRX/)

12 Vincent is Criminal intent and I need to see him every day sometimes thanks to dvd I do have respect for Noth no one can downplay those begining year of law and order and with Jerry Orbach gone may an apperance will do some good but they can never replace Donofrio ever he adds a magnificent element to the show and the connection to his partner we all noticed durning her short leave this show is irreplacable!

Posted by: Mary Ann at February 09, 2005 07:50 PM (GFdTd)

13 Criminal Intent IS Vincent D'onofrio. I really enjoyed Chris Noth's performances in Law & Order but he is so different from Goren. Still, if it's a choice between not having Vincent at all as opposed to having him for half the time, it's worth it I suppose.

Posted by: frances at February 09, 2005 11:55 PM (5IM+k)

14 Just read that Vincent and North will each do 11 episodes in season 5. I won't be watching the ones with Vincent in them. He totally makes the show.

Posted by: stacey at February 10, 2005 06:39 PM (4YX94)

15 Let me fixed what I just typed - I will ONLY watch the ones with Vincent in them! This is one of the best shows on tv. It is said to see it changing.

Posted by: stacey at February 10, 2005 06:41 PM (4YX94)

16 I wouldn't mind seeing C.N. return. Even if the show would change. I can't help wondering if it "exaustion" or something else. I've read that the shooting schedule is NOT overtaxing. They don't film as many episodes per season. Why's he fainting? Are the doctors checking everything? What about long term stress? Something is not right.

Posted by: Deena at February 13, 2005 06:09 AM (ywZa8)

17 Vincent D'Onofrio is the best and LOCI wouldn't be the same without him. I loved Chris Noth in Sex and the City, but he is looking a little pasty-faced right now. I am very concerned about Vincent. I think I may have missed some news -- didn't hear about fist fighting. I think he obviously has some health and other issues. I won't be as interested in the show if he leaves, even part of the time.

Posted by: Kris at February 14, 2005 02:42 PM (ywZa8)

18 Vincent's acting seems just psycho enough to make him believable. He acts like his job as a cop is getting to him enough to put him in the hospital. And that is what the show is about. He teeters and drags out the bizarre physical hand and head motions. He seems to be on the edge all the time. You have to wonder which way he'll fall. It's fascinating and frightening to watch. His persons of interest almost always seem to be unnerved by the way he acts. I love it! Noth? Nah. Maggie

Posted by: Maggie E at March 17, 2005 06:41 PM (oFsWN)

19 No one can take the place of vincent. I will not be watching any of the episodes he isn't in, he makes the show.

Posted by: carol at March 18, 2005 06:53 AM (uwzOE)

20 NO WAY REPLACE VINCE, I WILL NOT BE WATCHING L&O CI

Posted by: Laurel at March 25, 2005 02:22 PM (+7VNs)

21 It will be great to see Chris Noth back!

Posted by: susan at April 03, 2005 04:35 PM (1s/79)

22 I'll watch ANYTHING Chris is in! He's got a great smile!! Love Ya Chris!! Hope to meet you someday!!

Posted by: Dee at April 27, 2005 05:00 PM (s+/km)

23 Chris Noth was fine in the originl L&O. However, Vince IS L&O:CI. The chemistry between him and Katherine Erbe can not duplicated with Noth. Just like the character who replaced Eames when she was on maternity leave. It was like nails on a chalkboard. I was very happy when Katherine came back. If Vince needs a rest. No problem. As long as he comes back. He is the reason to love Sunday nights. Even if that means I have to go to work the next day. I can even overlook the fact that he wanted Kerry in the White House. But, not have him as Detective Goren...NOPE. Can't vision that. Won't vision that. Refuse to vision that! I would be more than happy to catch him if he feels faint again!! I know CPR. ...

Posted by: Geri at May 08, 2005 11:52 AM (OzDza)

24 i LIKE VINCENT AND I LOVE CHRIS NOTH. SO WHEN IS CHRIS COMING ON THE SHOW. IF NOT CAN YOU HAVE CHRIS GO BACK TO THE ORIGINAL LAW AND ORDER WHERE HE BELONGS OR MAYBE PUT HIM ON LAW AND ORDER SVU. CHRIS DEFINETLY BELONGS ON A LAW AND ORDER SERIES. COME ON BRING HIM BACK THE GUY THAT REPLACED THE CHARACTER OF LENNY BRISCOE LEAVES SOMETHING TO BE DESIRED. I'VE STOPPED WATCHING THE SHOW AT NIGHT BECAUSE HE SEEMS LIKE A SHOW OFF.

Posted by: CHRISTINE at May 08, 2005 01:45 PM (3JJ25)

25 They can't do that, so many people like Vincent D'onofrio who the fuck wants Chris, he needs to get his own fucking show. And so what if Vincent is always passing out. Sorry but I can't see Chris playing this strong part. I mean did yall see Law an order he is like the cool guy he did not play a strong person

Posted by: Adriana at May 12, 2005 06:52 PM (9IcYW)

26 criminal intent will not be as good as it is now without vincent d'onofrio i say keep him

Posted by: susan at May 16, 2005 04:02 PM (QuHl0)

27 I LOVE Vincent Donofrio! I won't watch the show without him.

Posted by: diana at May 16, 2005 08:13 PM (JsVG0)

28 I'm actually more of a fan of SVU and the Original Law and Order than I am of Criminal Intent but I agree that Vincent does make the show with his character. If it wasn't for him the show probably wouldn't have that much viewership. See, but I always like Chris Noth, and he is not a bore(whoever said that). They never should've taken him off the Law and Order, that was a big mistake. I'm not sure if he could replace Vincent's character because it's so different from who Mike Logan is. IF Vincent's health is suffering badly then he probably shouldn't be doing as many episodes.

Posted by: Lynn at May 18, 2005 06:26 PM (Cnla2)

29 I'd love to see Chris Noth again. Couldn't believe it when they got rid of Mikey in the first place.

Posted by: Jay at May 26, 2005 11:18 AM (S9nnG)

30 I Love Chris Noth, but the actor has changed in ways that the character would not have (because of SATC) I love d'onofrio, I wonder if he (heavan forbbid) has a brain tumor...that kind of stuff can happen

Posted by: Fan at May 28, 2005 09:07 AM (yaYie)

31 I am a consummate L&O nut! Chris Noth is hot, hot, hot! He can replace D'onofrio any time; D'onofrio just doesn't have it, and never has! Can't wait to see you, Chris!

Posted by: Sharon Goldman at May 31, 2005 10:27 AM (07CH3)

32 I am so sick of coming across articles like this--There was just a thing on Rush Limbaugh where they were talking about him too after that Tom Delay comment. The whole thing about Kerry and Bush and not getting along with people on the set was a rumor by some actor who had been hired as a semipermanent addition to the show but felt threatened by Vincent. He was ultimately let go and his response was to make up this rumor. I remember the show producer being interviewed and commenting about how sad it was that people were so eager to believe this kind of stuff without anything to back it up. When he had those two fainting spells it was due to exhaustion. It is due to exhaustion that they are putting Chris Noth in next year but only in every other episode, so one week it will be GOren and Eames and then the next week Chris NOth and whoever they find to work with him and then back and forth. They said they were doing this because doing an hour long weekly tv show is grueling work, especially when you are pretty much the show as VIncent is. He was working 14 hours a day 6-7 days a week. They said they were doing this because they don't want to kill him. That is all. They know he is their show. I think all these rumors have kept going around because for one thing he supported Kerry although he never talked publicly about the election at all that I know of, and I think Hollywood types are jealous of him because he is such a great actor and he doesn't try to promote himself or do the "fame" thing because he doesn't need to for one thing, and he doesn't care about all that which they probably don't understand. I think Vincent is totally awsome and it drives me crazy to read stuff that is not true about him. Anyway, not to worry, Goren fans, he is not going anywhere.

Posted by: Fan at June 02, 2005 11:32 PM (9p1oT)

33 I don't know if Chris can be tough Mike Logan in CI if he has to be like the eccentric character D'Onofrio plays (Sherlock Holmes on steroids). I do welcome him back as he took a hosing from Dick Wolf when his contract wasn't picked up after his first 5 yrs on L&O. (Wolf wasn't ready to give raises until his own pockets were lined with rerun money).

Posted by: Charlie at June 08, 2005 02:48 PM (rU8GB)

34 FYI: Chris Noth will be playing Teach in American Buffalo at the Berkshire Theatre Festival. The show opens July 29 in Stockbridge, MA. For more information, www.berkshiretheatre.org or call the box office at 413-298-5576.

Posted by: Megan at June 17, 2005 11:43 AM (P361i)

35 Chris Noth, who we fell in love with in the original Law & Order and as Mr. Big in Sex and the City is coming to Stockbridge, MA. We can see him in a bitter, hardcore play by David Mamet called American Buffalo at the Berkshire Theatre Festival. It’s about three small-time crooks plotting a big heist that’s doomed to fail. He plays Teach, the obscene, know-it-all bully trying to get the other two lowlifes to see the difference between friendship and business. It plays July 26-August 13. Their website is www.berkshiretheatre.org. Call their box office to find out about cheap tickets.

Posted by: Rebecca at July 26, 2005 09:00 AM (6AAFb)

36 I just read about the 11 shows split with Vincent and Noth. My teen son and I are big fans of all of LO...I esp. love LOCI because of Vincent and the way he plays his character. I was never a big fan of Noth and am sorry that he will be coming back to split the season. I'll be watching LOIC whenever Vincent and Katherine are on but not when Noth replaces them. Vincent and Katherine make LOCI what it is. If the rumors are true, I pray Vincent is not seriously ill.

Posted by: Peggy at July 30, 2005 06:55 PM (f6hIn)

37 We in the UK are just about to get the 3rd series of LOCI. I have every one of the first 2 series on tape and watch them over and over again just to see Vincent! Without him the programme would die as far as I am concerned. As everyone else has said he does make the show, not just because of his acting but because he's so damned gorgeous!

Posted by: veronica sullivan at September 11, 2005 06:45 AM (wLF2G)

38 Just watched Chris Noth in c.i., loved it. He was as usual great. Think Vincent is to over bearing. Be great to see Chris every other week

Posted by: Barb at October 02, 2005 07:47 PM (KdhXw)

39 I WILL NEVER WATCH LAW AND ORDER, CI UNTIL BOBBY D'ONOFRIO COMES BACK AS GOREN. HIS QUIRKINESS AND WIT MADE THE SHOW, BESIDES CHRIS NOTH IS JUST ANOTHER RUN OF THE MILL ACTORS. THE INTELLIGENCE AND WEIRDNESS OF D'ONOFRIO'S CHARACTER IS WHAT MADE THE SHOW. IF HE IS STRANGE IN REAL LIFE I'M NOT SURPRISED-I DON'T CARE ABOUT HIS PERSONAL LIFE- BRING HIM BACK!!! WHATEVER HIS ILLNESS I HOPE HE GETS BETTER AND RETURNS

Posted by: Janice at October 06, 2005 12:12 PM (6krEN)

40 Vincent is fab.He is sooooo good looking and seems like a really genuine guy. I dont believe Criminal Intent would ever work without him and the talented(and largely overlooked)Kate Erbe. I hope Vincent realises how much he enriches the lives of his many fans. We have all fallen a little bit in love with the character of Bobby and this would not be possible without the qualities Vincent instils in him. I hope that his new schedule will give him more time to chill and enjoy his life outside of acting....Love you V

Posted by: kc at October 09, 2005 01:43 PM (VRMJ/)

41 I truly hope Vincent is okay and will get help for whatever may be going on with him healthwise. I concur with others who wrote that Vin is the show, and Kathryn Erbe also does an excellent job as Eames. No way can these two ever be replaced. Together, they both rock! I also won't be watching the episodes with Noth and Sciorra, either. I did notice while watching Sunday's episode that something was definitely off more with Vin. It appears he's put on weight, and he seemed to be more subdued than usual...until the end of the episode. Come on back to us, Vin! We love ya! Get well soon. VLM

Posted by: VLM at October 10, 2005 03:23 PM (87bHr)

42 Oh, yes, let's not forget to mention that he is one good-looking maaaannnnn...... Tall, dark, handsome and disturbed...just how I like 'em.

Posted by: VLM at October 10, 2005 03:24 PM (87bHr)

43 God please KILL chris noths character!!!!

Posted by: dee Hay at October 11, 2005 11:48 AM (ivIzd)

44 Chris Noth is BORING in LOCI!!!!! Trying not to watch the blah episode tonight.

Posted by: Annie at October 15, 2005 09:52 PM (6mUkl)

45 Noth and his tipsy-sounding sidekick are sad substitutes for Donofrio (and *his* washed-out sidekick, whose name escapes me for understandable reasons). The story lines are complicated and Donofrio's considerable skill as an actor helps us all "get it." Noth's phoned-in performances do nothing for anyone. I don't watch his episodes--they're real snooz-fests.

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French auto maker Citroën stopped selling cars in the United States in the 1970s, but they have continued unabated overseas.

Citroën has a new ad campaign for their C4 model based on the old Transformers series that is simply fantastic.

When I pulled it up on my screen, both my teenaged daughter (who's already bugging me for a car) and my pre-teen son (who soon will be) exclaimed, "I want one!"

Alas, though this spot was shot in Vancouver, they're only available in Europe, which means I'm stuck with my kids driving my car.

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US Congresscritter Mel Watt (D-NC) has been elected the new head of the Congressional Black Caucus. Watt, a Charlotte-area Democrat was apparently the only candidate for the chairman's seat of the organization, and will hold the seat for a two-year term.

Watt says that one of his primary goals will be to heal the ongoing rift with the Bush Administration. In addition, Watt says that the group will continue to work toward improving education, health care and employment opportunities for blacks.

"That's been a consistent agenda, and we never vary that agenda," Watt said in an interview last week. "It doesn't change from chairman to chairman. Closing and trying to eliminate the disparities in every element of our society between African Americans and white Americans."

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California school teacher Steven Williams has filed suit in Federal Court over the banning from his classroom of the Declaration of Independance, due to it's religious content.

The court documents are available for you to view courtesy of The Smoking Gun.

In the below federal discrimination lawsuit, filed Monday in U.S. District Court, Steven Williams contends that brass at Cupertino's Stevens Creek School have recently rejected his use of "curriculum-related handouts" like the Declaration, various state constitutions, George Washington's journal, John Adams's diary, and writings by William Penn. Williams alleges that the San Francisco-area school's principal, Patricia Vidmar, banned the use of these handouts because "many original source documents from the founding era contain references to God and Christianity." Williams alleges that Vidmar cracked down on his lesson plans in May, shortly after he distributed an example of a presidential proclamation. The document he chose was one issued by President George W. Bush dealing with a National Day of Prayer.

But to insist that Williams not use historic documents key in the formation and development of this nation is unconscionable. So because of "political correctness" we are supposed to ignore our nation's history?

Just damn.

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The first Thanksgiving in the United States of America did not mention the Pilgrims or Indians or turkey or football.

Contrary to popular belief, Thanksgiving was initially set aside in the United States for it's citizens to give thanks to Almighty God, and for prayer.

Of course, that isn't politically correct in today's day and age, after all, everyone is so concerned with a "separation" of church and state. But in 1789, and at the behest of President George Washington, America gave thanks and praise to God; much as my family, along with countless other families regardless of faith, will do tomorrow.

By the President of the United States of America, a Proclamation.

Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor-- and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.

Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be-- That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks--for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country previous to their becoming a Nation--for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his Providence which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war--for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed--for the peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted--for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed; and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.

and also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions-- to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually--to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed--to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord--To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the encrease of science among them and us--and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.

Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789.

Geo. Washington

Thank you, and God bless you.

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Cupertino, California school teacher Steven Williams has been barred from showing his fifth grade students the Declaration of Independance and other historic American documents, simply because they contain references to God.

Since May, Williams has been required to submit lesson plans and teaching materials to the principal of Stevens Creek Elementary School, Patricia Vidmar, for approval.

Monday, Williams filed a discrimination suit in US District Court in San Jose, claiming he had been singled out for censorship because he is a Christian.

"It's a fact of American history that our founders were religious men, and to hide this fact from young fifth-graders in the name of political correctness is outrageous and shameful," said Williams' attorney, Terry Thompson.

"Williams wants to teach his students the true history of our country," he said. "There is nothing in the Establishment Clause (of the U.S. Constitution) that prohibits a teacher from showing students the Declaration of Independence."

Williams asserts in the lawsuit that since May he has been required to submit all of his lesson plans and supplemental handouts to Vidmar for approval, and that the principal will not permit him to use any that contain references to God or Christianity.

Among the materials she has rejected, according to Williams, are excerpts from the Declaration of Independence, George Washington's journal, John Adams' diary, Samuel Adams' "The Rights of the Colonists" and William Penn's "The Frame of Government of Pennsylvania."

"He hands out a lot of material and perhaps 5 to 10 percent refers to God and Christianity because that's what the founders wrote," said Thompson, a lawyer for the Alliance Defense Fund, which advocates for religious freedom. "The principal seems to be systematically censoring material that refers to Christianity and it is pure discrimination."

I'm proud of this nation, and proud to be an American. All three of my children are taught about what those documents are and what they mean, and should mean to each and every person in this country. And I defy any educator --and I come from a family of educators who agree with me-- to try to tell me otherwise.

On checking the website for Stevens Creek Elementary, I found that the site is down this evening. Whether that was due to the interest from around the nation, or due to some action by the school or the Cupertino Unified School District is not known at this point.

John Bambenek has graciously supplied us with the contact information for the school and school district:

Stevens Creek School
http://www.cupertino.k12.ca.us/Stcreek.www/
10300 Ainsworth Drive
Cupertino, CA 95014
(40 245-3312

Patricia Vidmar, Principal
(40 245-3312 x 110
Fax (40 245-7484

Part of the Cupertino Union School District:
http://cupertino.ca.campusgrid.net/home
10301 Vista Drive
Cupertino, CA 95014
(40 252-3000

William E. Bragg, Superintendent
bragg_bill@cupertino.k12.ca.us

Board:
board@cupertino.k12.ca.us

Have at it, true believers!

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The NAACP has released a statement condemning the offensive language from Madison, WI radio host John "Sly" Sylvester, where he referred to Secretary of State-designee Condoleezza Rice as "Aunt Jemima," and outgoing Secretary of State Colin Powell as "Uncle Tom," last week.

(NAACP President Kweisi) Mfume said, “Her counsel is respected and valued in her field and in the upper echelons of her political party.” Moreover, “Rice, a PhD and former Stanford University Provost, is an example of how far hard work, education and determination can take one to new heights,” said Mfume.

He went on to say that “attacks on Rice by the radio host and political cartoonists who use stereotypes and racial caricatures are just as bad as those who hide under sheets and burn crosses. This is something the NAACP has fought against for more than 95 years and something we will continue to oppose.”

On the other side of the coin, Sylvester continues to have his supporters, and those in the People's Republic of Madison who look down on blacks who dare to think outside the box, and who dare to leave the socio-political plantation that they'd prefer that all blacks stay on.

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A semi-intelligible Ron Artest appeared on NBC's Today Show this morning, and demonstrated that he clearly has no clue of the magnitude of his wrong-doing. To hear him tell it during the interview with Matt Lauer, he didn't do anything wrong.

Artest then boasted of the fact that "I never harmed anyone." Makes you wonder what he was trying to do when he was throwing haymakers at fans in the stands?

Asked to explain why he went into the stands, Artest statede: "I was frustrated. The tape speaks for itself."

He continued, describing the situation when he was lying on a table at courtside and was hit by a cup of beer: "It was just like 'wow, a cup and a beer,' it almost hit my eye. It was like 'wow.'"

Lauer: "Did it pop into your mind that 'I've crossed a line'?"

Revealing the extent of his self-delusion, Artest replied:

"I think I'm pretty disciplined. You can answer the questions from the tape."

Artest insists that the suspension levied by NBA Commissioner David Stern was too harsh, and says the he hopes to be back by playoff time -- as if the Pacers now have anything beyond a snowball's chance in hell of making the playoffs in the first place.

He claims that once he comes back that he can "help the League improve its image."

Don't mind the cynical chuckle from me. After all, Artest only has been suspended from games every year for the period he's been in the League due to his volatility. Never mind that he was actually benched 12 games in high school due to his volatility.

It's painfully obvious that this is a man with major impulse control issues. And sadly it's painfully obvious to everyone except Ron Artest.

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Dan "What's the Frequency Kenneth" Rather will be stepping down from the anchor chair of the CBS Evening News in March, 24 years after assuming the role of anchor and managing editor from Walter Cronkite.

Rather's been under major fire after several reports critical of President Bush, the truth and veracity of which were questionable at best.

"I have been lucky and blessed over these years to have what is, to me, the best job in the world and to have it at CBS News. Along the way, I've had the honor of working with some of the most talented, dedicated professionals in the world, and I'm appreciative of the opportunity to continue doing so in the years ahead," Rather said in a statement.

He'll continue as a correspondent to 60 Minutes, and will likely contribute other reports to the network. There's been rampant speculation as late as yesterday that Rather might anchor an 8P ET newscast for CNN, but no word one way or the other on that front (even though former Rather-boss Jonathan Klein is taking over as head honcho for CNN's domestic newsroom).

CBS has not named a successor to Rather, but most pundits point toward Chief White House Correspondent John Roberts as the most likely candidate for the center seat.

Rather's departure comes on the heels of next week's retirement of long-time NBC anchor Tom Brokaw, who will be replaced in the anchor chair on the NBC Nightly News by Brian Williams.

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Madison, WI radio personality John Sylvester gave a half-assed "apology" for racially insulting Secretary of State-designee Condoleezza Rice in a letter to newspapers this morning.

I'm concerned that I have offended many African-Americans by using a crass term to describe an incompetent, dishonest political appointee of the Bush administration. I apologize. I know the term "Aunt Jemima" is not complimentary to African-American women who have worked so hard and yet receive so little from our great country.

I will not, however, apologize for pointing out that while Rice has clearly enjoyed the American dream, she has allowed herself to be used as a black trophy by an administration that is working hard to deny that dream to other African-American women.

Rice has had a very successful career in academia, but unfortunately she has clearly forgotten that many African-Americans are still paying the price for a country that promoted years of segregation, oppression and discrimination.

I would dare say that it doesn't. If anything, it adds fuel to the fire.

Sylvester presumes to think for black America, and feeds into the misconception that black America is an ideological and intellectual monolith that can be led around by a would-be white "good guy" who's come to save the day from the "eeevil" conservatives.

He figures he can get away with insulting black conservatives, because in his pitiful little mind, blacks who happen to be conservative "aren't really black after all."

Pathetic. Simply pathetic.

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As I see the progress on 20th Century Fox's adaptation of Marvel's Fantastic Four (opening July 4, 2005), I continue to become more and more impressed.

Looking at this shot of Nip/Tuck's Julian McMahon as Victor Von Doom in full costume and makeup for the upcoming summer blockbuster, I can safely say THEY GOT IT RIGHT!

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Major League Baseball announced that upon their move to the Nation's Capitol, the Montreal Expos will become the Washington Nationals. This is a return to the original name of the Washington baseball team, which was known as the Nationals from 1901 to 1956. "Senators," the more widely known name, was an informal name for the earlier team, and the offical name of the second chapter of Washington's baseball history, from 1960 to 1971.

The team's primary logo is shown above, but caps will be similar to those of the old Washington Senators, which last played at DC's RFK Stadium in 1971.

The Expos will play at RFK until a new stadium is built in Southwest Washington, near the Navy Yard on the Anacostia River.

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The 2004 Weblog Awards are undergoing nominations at this point -- you can nominate your favorite weblog (like me, nudge-nudge, wink-wink, hint-hint) for one or more categories.

According to Kevin Aylward from Wizbang, voting for the nominees should commence on December 1, 2004.

As I said in the title, I'm being shameless, so I'd love to be nominated and voted for (nudge-nudge, nod-nod, wink-wink) in one or more categories.

(So, to coin an old Chicago voting phrase, vote early and vote often!)

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The suspensions have been lined up like dominos; Indiana's Artest gets to sit out the remainder of the season sans pay, Jackson is benched for 30 games, O'Neal for 25. Detroit's Ben Wallace is suspended for 6 games, while Anthony Johnson is out for 5, and Eldon Campbell, Chauncey Billups, Derrick Coleman and Reggie Miller each getting docked a game for leaving the bench during an on-court altercation.

Of course, the players' union is calling the punishments excessive, and is promising an appeal as early as tomorrow.

NBA Commissioner David Stern says that the League has to demonstrate that they are serious about discipline in matters like these.

"We have to make the point that there are boundaries in our games," Stern said. "One of our boundaries, that have always been immutable, is the boundary that separate the fans from the court. Players cannot lose control and move into the stands."

"I respect David Stern, but I don't think that he has been fair with me in this situation," Artest said in a statement released by the players union in which he also expressed his regrets.

"The NBA has singled out Jermaine O'Neal in an arbitrary and capricious way," agent Arn Tellem said, faulting the NBA for not considering the players' fear for their own safety.

Pacers co-owner Herb Simon issued a statement saying "We believe that there was a rush to judgment and not enough opportunity for all sides to be heard. We will vigorously support our players in any available appeal process.

The fans were wrong; they were no better than drunken fans at a NASCAR event or in the bleachers at Wrigley Field or Fenway Park. But the players are supposed to be professionals. They have a responsibility to be mature enough to step away from situations like that, not to wade into the middle of them like an out of control bull in a china shop.

Oakland County, MI police are expected to have something to say in the matter as the week progresses, and criminal charges against the fans involved in the fracas are expected. It is less clear as to whether charges will be levied against the players involved.

The wheels of justice continue to slowly grind forward.

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For their parts in the ugly brawl that marked the end of last night's Pacers-Pistons matchup, Detroit's Ben Wallace, along with Indiana's Ron Artest, Stephen Jackson & Jermaine O'Neal have been "suspended indefinitely" by the NBA.

...a fight with fans that commissioner David Stern called "shocking, repulsive and inexcusable - a humiliation for everyone associated with the NBA."

League officials and police were examining videotapes of Friday night's melee and interviewing witnesses. The NBA issued a statement saying it was reviewing rules and security procedures "so that fans can continue to attend our games unthreatened by events such as the ones that occurred last night."

Artest, O'Neal and Jackson - who all threw punches at spectators in the stands or on the court at the end of the nationally televised Pacers-Pistons game - were to begin serving their suspensions Saturday night, when Indiana hosted Orlando.

Wallace's suspension will start at home Sunday night against Charlotte, the next game for the reigning NBA champion Pistons.

The exact length of the four players' bans could be announced as early as Sunday.

Quiet as it's kept, he's right. His team was losing, and Wallace was going up for a layup. Artest (already a pegged for a loose cannon with little business in the League) hit Wallace from behind in a hard, blatant foul that should have earned him an instant technical foul.

Wallace retaliated (which arguably, he shouldn't have done) by shoving Artest, and that started the on-the-floor fight that got settled after a few minutes.

Artest then laid down flat on his back in the middle of the scorers table. That should have gotten Artest another foul, if not an outright ejection, but things were about to get much, much worse.

Artest took a full cup of beverage in the face from a fan. And instead of being the professional that he's supposed to be and removing himself from the situation, he charged into the stands going after who he thought was the drink thrower. And he took a swing at the wrong fan!

Then, unbelievably, O'Neal & Jackson took off into the stands along with Artest, swinging at fans along the way!

As far as I'm concerned, Artest's NBA career should be over. Period. If I were commissioner, O'Neal and Jackson would be forced to sit out the season. All would be fined in addition to the suspensions and expulsions.

But I'm not commissioner. David "Show me the money" Stern is. So don't hold your breath.

The League may give the length of the suspensions as early as tomorrow, as the NBA tries to put this sorry chapter behind them.

Local police were reviewing ESPN's game footage to determine if criminal charges would be brought against anyone, fan or player. I expect to hear something from the local authorities on Monday or Tuesday.

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