While it is certainly old news to anyone that cared enough to pay attention to the story, the Henry Louis Gates fiasco bears discussion. The incident that led to all the mess was certainly unfortunate for everyone involved, but it did illustrate an important lesson: There doesn't always have to be a "right" and "wrong" side of an issue/argument.

A brief recap:

-Dr. Gates, an esteemed Harvard professor that is African-American returns to his home in Cambridge, Massachusetts after a trip overseas.
-Upon arrival, he and his driver struggle to get the door unlocked/open. It is apparently jammed.
-While they (both African-American) try to pry the house door open, a neighbor sees this happening and calls 911 in fear that the house is being robbed.
-Two police officers arrive on the scene and begin questioning Gates as if a robbery had been attempted. Gates explains the scenario and cause for confusion.
-Gates is highly agitated and becomes "disorderly" with the officers, so he's arrested and taken into custody by Officer Crowley (white), with assistance from Officer Lashley (black).
-Boom!

In the end, all charges were dropped and President Obama made a hasty remark about the police officer(s) responded "stupidly". (Incidentally, how that little faux pas hasn't been further scrutinized, the world may never know.) Regardless, it basically was portrayed as a clear-cut example of racial profiling since among the two men trying to open the door and the two police officers, three were black and one was white. If only it could have been all one race or another, this would have never been a story.

Not to sound like a conspiracy theorist or anything, but the media really has taken this story and made it into something it is not. This is easy to assess because the story was nothing to start with, so making it into anything is, by default, making it into something it is not. By presenting this as actual "news", it has made people think they have to have an opinion on it and ultimately take a side. Once everyone chooses sides, it is their duty to defend their position and spit vitriol at the opposing side. Then the media can report on that. Wash. Rinse. Repeat.

Could it possibly be that there is not a "right" or "wrong" side to this story? Maybe Dr. Gates is partially innocent and partially guilty? After all, he was never charged with breaking into his own house (obviously). He was charged with disorderly conduct because he became very aggressive and hostile toward the police officers, both white and black. That's usually what happens when you are aggressive and hostile toward a police officer, regardless of your race or theirs. Officer Crowley can also be held to blame for not being more rational, given the circumstances. He acknowledged that it was Dr. Gates' house during the proceedings, so he had a basis for why Dr. Gates would be so frustrated in such circumstance. Ultimately it doesn't really matter who did what first or to what extent. Among two grown men, one an internationally-esteemed scholar and the other a civil servant, it is sad that the outcome was what it was. It doesn't really say much for society, especially in the cradle of higher learning of this country.

Almost on cue in response to the actions of a couple of grown men that know better, President Obama made his now-famous offer to have a beer with Gates and Crowley. Of course, this was just what the media needed. Was this a new and exciting way to resolve conflict from the brilliant leader? Or was it a lame attempt at appearing harmonious and cool at the same time? Again, couldn't the answer be "neither" and it not really matter either way? Will the Obama/Gates/Crowley beer summit stop a violent act from happening? Will it make anyone legitimately feel better about themselves? Unfortunately, the answer has to be "no" to both questions. But did it give the media something to talk about once they were tired of talking about the incident that led to it? Absolutely.


Geez, hopefully nobody noticed that Gates' beer was darker than the others.

New favorite Facebook comment for anything:

WOW!...Just WOW!

Find new and fun ways to work it into your daily life...

-When you get cut off in morning traffic: WOW!...Just WOW!

-When you get a ridiculous assignment at work: WOW!...Just WOW!

-When you eat too much for lunch: WOW!...Just WOW!

-When you read a story in the newspaper: WOW!...Just WOW!

-When your obnoxious neighbors make highly inconsiderate noise all night: WOW!...Just WOW!

So yes, it's fairly odd that a video clip from CBS Sunday Morning would show up around here, but it meets the main criteria of inclusion in this blog. If you're unaware of said criteria, here's a reminder:

1. Involves something ridiculous/annoying
2. Involves people following something blindly
3. Involves boredom
4. Involves the Cleveland Indians
5. Involves Wilco

Aha! Number 5 it is!

a band doing band stuff
by AxYoung

Save your comments about how it's lame for a media outlet that targets old people with hip music. Given that the age range of Wilco's members is about 40 to 53, it's sort of a lost argument in this case.

Strange things:

-Michael Vick has been signed by a team that used to play in a stadium nicknamed "The Vet".

-Brett Favre has cried in public multiple times and now has worked so hard...to wear purple.

-There are still movies being made in the Final Destination and Fast and Furious series.

-After many long days at work, a box of Wheat Thins is the perfect accompaniment to couch-time.

-Bud Light is already making commercials that are blatant rip-offs of the Billy Mays ad man style. Too soon?

-Usain Bolt is a human.

-Man U lost to Burnley.

Cash for Clunkers is such a hit. Just like so many other big ideas. Of course the idea is nice and many people are doing everything they can to make the most of it. Why shouldn't they? They got to buy that land-barge several years back and burn tons of gasoline while oil was relatively cheap, which led to new highways being built and old highways being ruined. Since so many of these huge gas-guzzlers were American-made, it gave the domestic automobile industry a false sense of hope and security. Now all that's left are bailouts and the Hummer.

Think of Cash for Clunkers as a "bailout for the people". The benefit being that it will lead people to buy new cars that are more fuel-efficient than their previous models. Yes, that makes the environment happy, but it also encourages people drive a lot more and clog up highways more and get in wrecks more and demonstrate what terrible drivers they are more. Soon though, once everyone has a chance to take their new cars out to see the stimulus money in action, there will be some kind of hip, fun way to encourage people to leave their new cars in the garage and ride the subway. After all, isn't it supposed to be more "green" to use public transportation? What better spokesman to remind you of this than Joe Biden?

Proponents of CARS will argue that this plan is designed so that the poor, huddled masses that can't afford a new car can now experience the joy of a new car that also helps the environment. While some of these less-fortunate people drive old "clunkers" (it's so nice to potentially hear your Federal Government call your car a clunker), many drive small economy-size cars that are really terrible, but happen to be fuel-efficient enough not to qualify because it takes so little gas to power a 1.2-liter engine that only generates 110 horsepower. In the eyes of the government, your 1989 Toyota Tercel with a missing mirror, duct tape bumper and a stripped transmission is NOT a clunker. However, if a few years ago you insisted on a having a gigantic SUV to traverse the suburbs, you're in luck!

Sorry, to be repetitive, but it's just so nice for the tax-paying public to shoulder the cost of bailing out people that made selfish (not to mention, ultimately ill-advised) decisions. Many of the same people that were outraged about the actions of AIG and the sort are probably all to happy to get some easy money for their automobile that doesn't really have any market value in a world where gasoline costs more than $1.50 a gallon. It really does seem like politics is nothing more than an elaborate system of deciding who takes responsibility for whose actions. The answer is more and more becoming that everyone takes responsibility for everyone's actions because that's fair. Ask yourself what the definition of "fair" is and see if it aligns with everything that is going on. If it does and you're happy with the thought, then see how this definition applies to other aspects of your life. Eventually there's a disconnect.

Maybe this opinion on Cash for Clunkers is a little one-sided and the true benefits are being overlooked for the sake of a truly stirring blog entry. Also, maybe not everyone can meet the eligibility requirements, despite driving an 11-year old car built for performance, not fuel efficiency. What a load.

Ok, now something for the ladies...assuming all ladies are totally into Hollywood lead actors that look suspiciously alike. This was discussed a little last night at the cookout, but not to this extent. Is it really that hard to find a leading man that doesn't look like this? Apparently so. Go ahead and see if you can name these actors just at first glance. Of course, some are more distinct than others, but it really shouldn't be this hard. What happened to diversity in acting? There need to be more guys like Danny DeVito, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Wesley Snipes and Lou Diamond Phillips these days.

Anyway, on with the little challenge, which probably won't be that hard for most of you...especially those of you that frequent Perez Hilton and TMZ (and you know who you are): )

Sometimes it's easy to "hide" someone on the Facebook newsfeed, but once those initial few people are seemingly gone forever, someone steps in and tries ever-so-hard to take their place. Just as a bit of a primer, here are some things that are almost guaranteed to earn a person a privileged spot on the "hidden" list:

-Status update once at least once an hour, even if just sitting at home or work doing nothing remarkable (this one is often combined with others below).

-Bragging. There's a fine line between being proud and this.

-Too much political/religious talk. Seriously, it's Facebook, not Meet The Press or The 700 Club. Some of the political talk has subsided since the presidential election and there may be several reasons for that, but since politics isn't so hip these days, it has started to fade. Then again, still once in a while, someone will make a completely blind statement about something like centralized healthcare or carbon emissions to restore a complete lack of hope in the Facebook generation's place in history. Who cares if the right decision is made, so long as you sound "informed" on your status update? You gotta do something to get those "likes this" thumbs up. Affirmation is very cathartic.

-Misspelled words. This is simply unacceptible for an adult.

- That whole "John Doe is." status update. OK, apparently this sometimes happens inadvertently when using Facebook Mobile or something along those lines, but it's still lame. Even lamer are the comments that say something like "how profound of you" or "how existential of you".

-People using Facebook as their sole means of social venting and self-analysis. This includes posing some serious emotions to Facebook. This would include stuff like "Jane Doe just doesn't know what to do with my life" or "John Doe is so tired of everyone thinking they can take advantage of me. I've had enough!" Then there's the ever-popular "Jane Doe is tired of all you haters. If you ever give the impression on Facebook that you potentially going to harm someone or yourself, the line has been crossed. It may be a cry for help, but it's also unfair to burden that kid you sorta knew in elementary school with your current issues.

-Booze talk. John Doe is Iam dronk. All this does is make people judge you...in a negative way.

-Excessive profanity. If you're actually taking the time to type it out, you probably need to exercise a little more restraint.

-Lots of CAPITALIZATION, as if to suggest that your status on Facebook is actually so important that it commands the full attention of anyone that reads it. Then once that person reads it, they're left only with the knowledge of what your cat is doing at the moment or how the rain makes to feel or what friend from college you're hanging out with tonight.

-Cheesiness (aka lameness, douchebaggery). This is hard to specifically define, but you definitely know it when you see it.

Ok, so that list got a little longer than planned, but it happens. A lot of other topics are potentially annoying, but you must consider the source. It's hard to fault a new mother for talking a lot about their baby, but there might should be an alternate Facebook for mommies to have mommy talk. That way they can have a place for uninterrupted sharing of projectile poop/puke stories, tips on teething, erratic sleep schedules and the general blessings of parenthood. Then there are newlyweds. It's so sweet that they are in love and excited about it, but nobody really cares about it being 243 days until your wedding if you told them yesterday it was 244 days. That is why you send out invitations to weddings. That way the right people know the right information and everyone else doesn't have to feel guilty for not caring in the least. The rest of the world is only interested in seeing the pictures after the fact so they can judge you and your wedding.

Facebook creates tough decisions inside your head about what you really think of someone. For the most part, you're friends with them on Facebook for a reason. Then you read some of their crap and you wish you weren't. Then you see them in person and you act happy and want to know what's going on. It's like you maintain an in-person relationship despite what's happening on Facebook. You would never say things like "nobody cares" or "you're so full of crap" to these peoples' faces, but on Facebook, you almost get a sense of satisfaction by clicking "Hide" on the newsfeed. It's like you can just make it all go away and in some small way, your own life is better, if for only a little while.

Mark Buehrle of the Chicago White Sox pitched a perfect game today. It was only the 18th of those in...THE HISTORY OF MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL. He didn't give up a hit, he didn't walk a batter and his defense didn't commit an error. That last bit is sort of a great aspect of a perfect game that is often overlooked. His defense also played a "perfect game" and their proficiency went a long way in ensuring Buehrle's accomplishment. They won't get quite the same amount of attention, though.

There is no better example than in the top of the 9th inning when Dewayne Wise caught a would-be homerun above the top of the fence, brought it back into the field of play before bobbling it momentarily and ultimately completing the catch. What makes this all the more remarkable is that he had just been brought in a few moments earlier as a defensive substitute. This catch was made against the first batter after his entrance. That's pretty crazy, but shows that Ozzie Guillen isn't completely crazy all of the time.

It must be nice to have a day at work summed up by the word "perfect". It also must be nice to make many thousands of dollars during that day at work. Buehrle had pitched a ho-hum run-of-the-mill no-hitter before, but nobody said he was perfect that day. Today he was. Nobody says an office worker was "perfect" sitting at a desk all day or a teacher delivered a "perfect" lecture. It's rare to find such a label for waiters, lawyers, spouses or friends, so thankfully Major League Baseball has only tossed the label around 18 times in 129 years.

Another way to fight the absence of any baseball on this "Black Wednesday" has been Carrie Brownstein's Monitor Mix blog at NPR. She was Sleater-Kinney, which were never a favorite band of this blog, but she's quite entertaining when featured on All Songs Considered and in her blog. This week she has taken on an interesting challenge, which while silly in premise, actually points out a fairly legitimate truth.

She's challenging herself to listen to Phish all week. Yes, this is one third of a formerly seminal indie/hip/fem-lib band listening to Phish for a week straight and not as a joke. She's doing it because she acknowledges that Phish have a very devout fanbase and a deep catalog of music, yet she doesn't really know anything about them, other than she can't really relate to those devout fans. The issue she is exploring rings very true, though. Phish is probably the band most reviled by some segments of the listening public simply because of who their fans are and what preconceived notions people have of a band, even if they've never heard a note of their music. Granted, not everyone can like Phish, just like not everyone can like any other act. But whereas most bands get some radio play or other mainstream outlet for people to base opinions on, Phish is judged pretty much on who wears their shirts and stickers, not to mention that one huge three-letter word: "jam".

It's sorta refreshing to read some of Carrie's posts so far, even though she hasn't really gotten around to talking about the music yet. This is a big of a let down since she is a musician and should be able to listen with a fairly discerning ear. She seems a bit hung up on what people will think or explaining for the 47th time that Phish are best known for their live concerts and live recordings, rather than studio albums. She did start a little bit of analysis in the most recent entry, but it'll be interesting to see if tomorrow yields a fair assessment of what she thinks of just humorous anecdotes about tonight's Phish listening party she's organized in Portland.

Well, the Major League Baseball All Star Game was last night. It appeared to be a decent game, well-played by both sides, ending at 4-3 in favor of the American League. None of that really matters, though. It didn't really accomplish what an All Star Game should. It definitely felt more like the NFL Pro Bowl than the NBA All Star Game. To clarify, the Pro Bowl is typically a very boring affair with the players that bothered to show up just ambling around the field in a basic haze of disinterest, while the NBA All Star Game is usually more of a spectacle with lots of scoring, excitement and demonstration of skills (other than defense, of course). The baseball All Star Game is pretty nice since it falls in the middle of the season (as it should) and features the Home Run Derby, along with some events that nobody really cares about.

The big problem with the All Star Game isn't really the game itself, it the fact that it falls in the middle of summer and is played on a Tuesday. As a result, Major League Baseball doesn't play games on the Monday before or Wednesday after, thus creating a three-day "All Star Break". The aforementioned Homerun Derby always takes place on Monday evening and the game is always on Tuesday, which leaves that Wednesday night (tonight, ehem) as a complete black hole. It's the middle of July and baseball is the only thing going (besides So You Think You Can Dance? and Harry Potter movies, of course.

The only other sports active right now are golf (the British Open starts tomorrow morning at about 4am local time), tennis (Wimbledon just ended), soccer (still soccer), cylcing (Tour de France currently happening) and auto racing (the biggest story in NASCAR right now is a driver on Meth). These aren't exactly suitable replacements for the sheer delight of spending a weeknight on the couch switching between the local broadcasts of multiple games via the MLB Extra Innings package.

This doesn't even address the matter of fantasy baseball. Three days of no games and no significant roster activity is a whole other nuisance and impetus for boredom. Let the record show that the 2009 version of "the worst day of the year in sports" resulted in a night full of Planet Earth watching.