New Billboard Clocks Carbon Emissions

First the debt clock, then that crazy time piece in union square, and now NYC is home to the carbon emissions clock.  Interesting idea, but i agree with the guy in the report that most people wont know what the hell it means.  money is easy to understand, lbs of carbon - not so much.  how much is too much? what are the lethal levels?  how much time do we have? a lot of questions to answer when someone is looking out the window of a speeding cab.

COVERAGE OF MICHAEL JACKSON TRIBUTE

With commentary from Rev. Al Sharpton and Spike Lee:

SANFORD ADMITS TO HAVING CROSSED LINES WITH OTHER WOMEN

OK you tell us if covering this stuff is not newsworthy. We'll accept all opinions. The South Carolina governor and the one time potential GOP 2012 candidate admitted last week to having had an affair in Argentina with a woman while his staff had told the press he was hiking on the Appalachian Trail. The tabloid saga continues. We're not proud to cover this. There are more important things going on the world. Anyway, read article

CAR BOMB KILLS 33 IN IRAQ AFTER US PULLOUT

Ralph Peters, frequent editorial contributor for the NY Post is too quick to call the US pullout a "milestone" that while not being perfect in its application still offers one Arab state a "key" for freedom. Not so fast Ralphy. Already the nonsense is starting. In no way does the Shock and Awesome team hope for anything but a smooth transition towards freedom and peace on the streets of Baghdad. We'll even stop short of predicting a disaster. Let's have some faith yet let's just not re hoist those George Bush "Mission Accomplished " banners even in a watered down form yet either Mr Peters. This still could turn into a "hopeless civil war" though you call this thought process "wrong." The US needs to get out while staying away from looking for awards, pins, medals and trophies. We may not like what these represent so lets reserve judgement and not seek acknowledgement. read article.

MICHAEL JACKSON APOLLO TRIBUTE: SHOCK AND AWESOME TEAM WERE THERE

Al Sharpton and Spike Lee were onstage dancing. MC Chubb Rock rocked the crowd (all three above). WBLS 107.5 DJ'd an MJ tribute while videos of Jacksons storied career played behind. A glove , hat and pair of shades sat on a stool near the mic on stage as thousands celebrated the life of Michael Jackson both outside and inside of the famed Apollo today. The Shock and Awesome team were there in the legendary venue and collected AMAZING pictures and video footage of the event . We will be posting images and links to some priceless moments this evening so please check back. 

COLEMAN CONCEDES IN MINNESOTA: NOBODY SINCE TEX COBB HAS AVOIDED A SURE KNOCKOUT FOR SO LONG

You'd have to go back to 1981 for the last time that a fight destined for a loss could be put off for fifteen rounds. Challenger Randall "Tex " Cobb (above, left) did it bravely when he took the utmost punishment against Larry Holmes. Norm Coleman, the latest to refuse to hit the canvas, finally conceded the Minnesota senate race that began back during the Obama McCain election Nov 4th of last year.  The Minnesota state supreme court ruled Al Franken the winner today and Coleman threw in the towel shortly after. Hotly contested, highly personal, this one goes down in history as one of the greatest battles in US political history. The Thrilla in Minneapolis. read article

US TROOPS WITHDRAW FROM IRAQI CITIES: SHOCK AND AWESOME CREW WILL BE THERE

OK this one, no. It's not in our budget. In fact, given the subway fare hikes, three rides to Harlem for the Apollo MJ tribute barely fits in the budget. However, this is a landmark day. This is the day we give back Iraq to the Iraqis and the country starts to turn into either a template for Arab democracy or descends into chaotic Hanoi in 1975. South Vietnam was taken over by the North only a short time after we pulled out of the longest war (or should we say "conflict") in U.S history, unless of course you count the Korean war. This often overlooked bloodbath began in 1950, to which no truce has ever been signed. Given Kim Jong Il's antics lately, it appears as though we may be filming the next M.A.S.H (popular show in the 1970s based on the Korean War) in 2020. Anyway, please excuse the rambling, this war stuff gets me foaming at the mouth in shitkicking coffeee rush excitement.  A special congrats goes to General Odierno whose 3 tours of duty , and fine focus has spearheaded the guidance that has brought us to this day. Let's hope for everyone's sake that things move in positive direction from here on in over there. read article

MICHAEL JACKSON TRIBUTE AT THE APOLLO 2PM TODAY: SHOCK AND AWESOME CREW WILL BE THERE

The Shock and Awesome crew will be covering events concerning the Michael Jackson tribute at the famed Apollo today. This legendary theater is where so many got their start, and madfe a name for themselves. Check http://www.apollotheater.org/ for info on the club and click here to take the Apollo interactive tour . The event is being put on by rev Al Sharpton and his National Action Network. 

HONDURAN PRESIDENT WILL CHALLENGE RULING

president Zelaya, ousted by the military yesterday in Honduras has vowed to return and challenge the ruling that he is no longer the president. Reports say he will be arrested if he returns. All because he wanted to put a "no term limits" idea to vote. read article

YEMENI PLANE CRASHES WITH 150 ON BOARD.

With plane crasbes the first thing you wonder is "was it terrorism?" Details are unconfirmed as to the cause at this point.

US FORCES COMPLETE TROOP WITHDRAWAL

Celebration is in the streets as Iraqi forces assume control over cities. Question is, how long will they be celebrating. Expect the scrutiny to intensify as the wolrd judges whether out little "freedom" experiment has worked. read article

OBAMA LASHES OUT AT HONDURAS

The military ousing President Zeleya is illegal according to President Obama, and analysts feel this makes Latin American leaders like Hugo Chavez pretty happy. Maybe it was just the right thing to say. read article

ALL MADOFF, ALL THE TIME

Here's a link of so many quick video moments of the interviews after the court hearing that sent Bernie Madoff away until 2159. read article

ONE COMMANDER WARNS AGAINST IRAQI PULLOUT

As US troops begin their pullout in Iraqi cities on June 30, one commander warns against it. read article

Above is the Statue of Saddam Hussein, pulled down as his stranglehold on the country ended in 2003.

REV AL SHARPTON MEETS WITH JACKSONS IN LA

New Yorks own Reverend Al Sharpton, whose National Action Network will play host to the Michael Jackson tribute at the famed Apollo on Tuesday, is in LA to help the Jacksons with the media crush surrounding the pop stars passing. Sharpton, who has made mention of his desire to frame the Jackson legacy around the singers contribution to music and the world arrived today and is accompanying father Joe Jackson as the media focus regarding the tragedy intensifies.

Jackson, pictured above, speaking at one of  Sharptons NAN conference.

MADOFF GETS 150 YEARS

Wow. So..when Bernie is freed he'll be 221 years old. The Jets will still be searching for their second Super Bowl win. Michael Jackson will still be getting exploited. New York City will bw nothing but trillion dollar one bedroom apartments and Women's Shoes Storefronts. Keep your head up Bernie. One day at a time. Ride it out. For the record, Madoff was seeking 12 years.

Defrauded investor Michael Devito speaks to press outside courtroom , above.

JACKSONS FINAL HOURS PUZZLE DOCTOR

Dr Conrad Murray says he did not administer painkillers ot the King of Pop and is baffled as to what cause Michael Jackson to die suddenly last Thursday. At the BET awards last night Jacksons belt whipping father Joe Jackson, says he was concerned about the singer's final hours and doesn't like what happened. In other words, Joe smells some fishy stuff having gone on. He's probably right. All the facts don't add up yet. So many possibilities could add to the mystery though. Did Michael take pills of some sort on his own, failing to tell his doctor who may have offered medicine in conjunction? Jackson was preparing for a 50 show summer run in London's O arena. Meanwhile, celebrations of Jacksons music continue around the world,  as people focus on his songs and their love for perhaps the greatest pop star of all time.  read article

COURT OVERTURNS SOTOMAYOR RULING, AWARDS FIREFIGHTERS

Firefighters who charged that they were not allowed promotions because they were white, won by a Supreme court  5-4 vote. The prior decision was endorsed by Supreme Court appointee Sonia Sotomayor, then  as an Appeals Court judge. What does this mean in the big scheme of things? Well, those who still see Sotomayors comment that an Hispanic  female judge would reach a better decision than a White male judge, may being this case reversal up. These naysayers will try to claim race could be a factor in her determining truths because her comment in 2001, showed an anti white bias. read article

MADOFF SENTENCING, JACKSON TRIBUTE: HOT FUN IN THE SUMMERTIME

Remember that old Sly and the Family Stone hit (Sly above)? Well summer is here and NYC is again the focus for major events. Bernie Madoff will be sentenced downtown today. Prosecutors want 150 years, he's looking for 12 yeras. He's 72 years old so either way, he won't be getting out and skiing in Vail anytime soon.  The Michael Jackson tribute at the Apollo where the Jacksons got their start, will take place Tuesday. National Action netweork head Al Sharpton has called this gathering to focus on  Jacksons life and contribution to music and humanity in general. The King of the Ponzi Scheme and the King of Pop. The Big apple kicks off this summer in explosive style.

ARGENTINE WOMAN ADMITS AFFAIR

Read up on the Argentine reporter who has the affair with South Carolina Republican Governor Mark Sanfrod. Sanfords public admission, days before the death of Michael Jackson, has fallen out of the headlines. It may return, but calls for his head, even by Democrats, are not widespread. read article

HUNDREDS EXPECTED AT MADOFF SENTENCING

So many want to see ponzi scheme slime ball Bernie Madoff rot in jail forever that a sold out sorwd is expected at his sentencing in NYC Monday. Madoff ruined countless people's lives. Tommorrow is their revenge. read article

JACKSON'S SON THOUGHT MICHAEL WAS CLOWNING AROUND

This from the NY Post of course. Who else would dig this kind of stuff up? Kudos to our hometown paper, the paper that printed " Jacko The Wacko" as a banner headline more than anyone we know throughout the years, for this investigative reporting. read article

MODERATES AND HARD LINERS BEGIN TO PLOT AGAINST KHAMENI

Theocracy is under siege in Iran as we get this from the Guardian in London. Are  Khameni and Ahmadinjead (above) in danger of losing power? read article

MOUSAVI REJECTS PARTIAL RECOUNT

What is a partial recount anyway? A small section of voters who voted for Ahmadinjead as a way to base the whole voting population? I mean, would a small microcosm of re counts make Mousavi the winner if they blindly picked say, one million votes randomly out of a giant ballot box? Clerics said complaints need to be filed by Sunday so, here it is. This can't be a good sign as far as street traffic returning to normal Monday in Tehran is concerned. read article

HOUSE PASSES ENERGY BILL AIMED AT GLOBAL WARMING

The GOP is calling this the energy tax. Monica Crowley , right wing radio talk show host calls it a money and power grab by the Dems who are looking for revenue. You decide. read article

NATIONAL SECURITY EXPERTS WARN JACKSON'S DEATH COULD DOOM IRANIAN MOVEMENT

OK we jokingly asked a Middle East expert on the show Friday whether Iranian leaders had Michael killed to deflect attention from the streets in Tehran. National Security experts actually fear theat the press coverage being given to Jackson's suddent death may pull energy from the streets and allow the violence to and intimidation to escalate. read article

JAILED IRAN REFORMISTS TORTURED TO ADMIT "PLOT "

Torture is widespread. In this case it was used by Iranian leadership to make people say they attempted to plot to overthrow the Mullahs. In other words, force them into lying.  read article

LISA MARIE: MICHAEL KNEW HE'D END UP LIKE ELVIS

The story is too sad to keep covering but what can we do? Elvis' daughter and ex wife to Jackson is quoted here. read article

SANFORDS WIFE: MARKS CAREER NOT MY CONCERN

With the passing of Michael Jackson, embattled governor Mark Sanfords affair in Argentina fell out of the headlines. It will creep back in for the guy who some thought might be a good fit to head the GOP presidential ticket in 2012 . read article

MADOFF FORCED TO FORK OVER 170 BILLION$ IN ASSETS BEFORE HIS SENTENCING MONDAY

So what does that leave him with?  Don't tell us half. of what he had. It better be nothing. So where is the money going now? CNN just broke this. More to come later. 

STEVE LEWIS BLACK BOOK MAG: COMMENTARY ON JACKSON

Steve Lewis, a reknown NYC figure in the Music Arts scene does a blog on Black Boog mag. Todays piece on Michael Jackson is worth checking out. Lewis' viewpoint is one of the more unque takes in a day where everyone is having their say. read article

Sanford: More Resignation Pressure than other Pantsless Pols

The data from fivethirtyeight.com shows that sanford is likely to be forced out. luckily i put my 500$ bet down today with momo. looks like i will be able to pay my rent next month. cha-ching

It might save their lives

The most interesting article about Iran ive read so far....link - its written by an ex-iranian police officer telling demonstrators how to defend themselves from the military police. my favorite suggestion is to make yourself wooden brass knuckles to be brandished during hand-to-hand combate. dont the police have guns?

IRAQI PM CALLING U.S WITHDRAWAL A VICTORY

Iraqi PM Maliki is calling next Tuesdays U.S withdrawal of combat forces from cities a victory.

Meanwhile suicide bombings have escalated this past week leaving the monumental moment next week on curious ground. Could this be Hanoi 1975 all over again? In 1973 U.S troops, withdrew and left North and South Vietnam towards headed for violence and turmoil a few years later. read article

CHINA CALLS FOR WORLD CURRENCY

U.S stocks drop again as China calls for a world currency. Uh oh, here comes the Bono buck. Or now maybe the Michael Jackson 100. read article

MOUSSAVI SUPPORTERS USE GREEN BALLOONS AS A SIGN OF SOLIDARITY

Supporters of  Iranian presidential canditate Mir Hossein Moussavi, currently under house arrest to stifle rallies on the streets, are hoisting green balloons into the air as a show of support. Expect the government there to ban the sale of green balloons there which could lead to a black market. watch video

RONNY AND MICHAEL VS TRICKY DICK AND ELVIS

Ronald Reagan and Michael in 1984 "Well, isn't this a thriller? . . . I know why you're here, and with good reason – to see one of the most talented, most popular, and most exciting superstars in the music world today – Michael Jackson. And Michael, welcome to the White House."

Nixon and Elvis, the joke was, two of the greatest recording artists in the 20th century. This picture from December 1970.

THE WORLD IS MOURNING

We truly wonder who besides Michael, can have this effect on the world.

MJ TRIBUTE ON SHOCK AND AWESOME TODAY

IT WOULD BE INAPPROPRIATE TO COVER THE WEEK IN NEWS WITHOUT STARTING WITH MICHAEL JACKSON.

JACKSON WILL ALWAYS BE THE KING. MAYBE THE MOST LOVED KING OF ALL TIME.

Jacksons death makes the coverage of 3 Wars, One Revolution, and the Recession seem inappropriate. Nobody could have that effect. Nobody.

JACKSON WAS, AND ALWAYS WILL BE THE BIGGEST GLOBAL STAR AND BECAME THAT WAY BEFORE THE INTERNET. HIS STAR POWER WAS NOT SOME VIRAL PHENOMENON, OR BORN OUT OF SOME PHONY REALITY SHOW. IT  CAME FROM EXTRAORDINARY TALENT AND HONESTY THAT WILL NEVER BE MATCHED.

AS WE LEARNED MORE ABOUT JACKSON THROUGH THE COURT SCANDALS THE SURGERIES, THE HAIR ON FIRE,  THE HANGING THE BABY OUT THE WINDOW, OTHER MISSHAPS AND BIZARRE BEHAVIOR, WE LEARNED ABOUT A GUY WHO SIMPLY NEVER HAD A CHILDHOOD..OR EVEN AN ADOLESCENCE. HIS CHILDLIKE AMUSEMTN PARK HOME CALLED NEVERLAND WERE EXTENSIONS OF  A PERSON THAT NEVER HAD THE CHANCE TO GROW UP NORMALLY.

LAST NIGHT WAS NOT THE TOKEN COVERAGE BY SHOWS LIKE LARRY KING OF A CELEBRITY PASSING. IT WAS THE PASSING OF A KING WHOSE DEATH SLOWED UP THE ENTIRE INTERNET TO A CRAWL. IT'S IRONIC THAT AS THE WORLD TRIES TO END THIS FIGHT BETWEEN EAST AND WEST CULTURE AND RELIGION, IT TAKES MICHAEL JACKSON FOR EVERYONE TO COME TOGETHER AND REACT IN A SIMILAR FASHION. WITH EXTREME SADNESS.

IT SHOULD PUT ALL OF THE REST OF THE WORLDS NONSENSE INTO PERSPECTIVE. BUT IT PROBABLY WONT, WHICH MAKES IT AN EVEN SADDER DAY.

MORE ON MICHAEL

A solid brief look at his life. So troubled, so lonely, so talented. The world is so sad today over this. That's how wide spread Jackson's impact as an artist was. We'll all miss him. read article

JACKSON WAS A THRILLER

A case can be made that Michael Jackson will go down as the greatest and most populat megastar in pop culture history. We all know about his court trials, the plastic surgeries and the child molestation stuff. That aside, few if any, were better talents. And nobody walked the moonwalk better. In fact, billions tried and failed to even skip one moon crater. I tried. Almost broke my ankle in the process. RIP Michael. read article

note: Sky Saxon, singer of the Seeds, a stellar 60's garage band, passed away today too.

DBGB Wire: Boulud Goes Bowery, Gets Tagged

DBGB should have krinked up the whole restaurant.  It would look a lot better than the mirrored quotes they have in there now.  This picture from eater says it all.  link here.

Tehran dispatch: The regime shows us movies

Can the Hobbits save Iran? The Khamenei regime in Iran is trying to use US movies to subdue the protests.  This article from Salon details how a The Lord of the Rings marathon is being broadcast on Iran's state television channel, Channel 2.  I don't know... tough choice... lord of the rings, or freedom.  At least the regime picked a trilogy that lasts over 9 hours long.  Maybe they will play all of the Harry Potter movies in a row next... that is something I would give up some of my rights to see. watch here.

It Was a Dark and Stormy Eight Years

The Wash Post is holding a contest where it is asking people to write the first paragraph in Dick Cheney's upcoming memoir.  the best entries get published... we arent going to do it for anything less than a bottle of jameson. enter here.

THE RUTH HURTS

The Post catches ruth madoff on the train. read here

REVOLUTIONARY GUARDS BREAKING RANKS?

This from Huffington post. It's an early report but if this is true, coupled with Ahmadinjeads lame attempts to compare Obama to Bush just to deflect the criticism regarding the revolt taking place in Tehran, then this revolution is truly far from over.

RIP FARRAH FAWCETT

One of the greatest smiles in history. Sad day. read article

Fire in the streets

IRANIAN lEADERSHIP: SEDA WAS KILLED BY TERRORISTS

Do the Iranian leaders think that the world is made up of infants? The woman shot and killed on the streets, the symbol of this uprising . Word is that this is the story from leadership today. If it's true it's pathetic. "We will crush you" was the leaderships threat before things got crazy on Saturday. Who is going to believe this one either?

AHMADINJEAD COMPARES OBAMA TO BUSH: YEA THAT'S GONNA WORK

Trying to deflect the bullseye pointed at YOU Mahmoud? This claim is not only pathetic,it's hilarious. Let's see, who inflamed the streets of Tehran more? The guy from thousand of miles away who called the street violence deplorable, or the guy who claimed 62 percent of the votes within minutes, called the angry opposition those from a "soccer match" and is part of a leadership that vowed to "crush " anyone who dissented on the Streets Saturday? Nice try Mahmoud, now get out front and be humble and sorry that your people were killed on YOUR watch , and on YOUR streets.

JIHADISTS AID PAKISTANI REFUGEES

This is alarming. Aiding means legitimizing. read article