Topics

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,500104,00.html

Schoep, who said his label has seen a recent "uptick" in sales despite a worsening economy, said the songs distributed by his label are no different from those of more popular acts like Rage Against the Machine.

"If you're going to be able to carry that hard-core Marxist stuff, what is the problem with someone saying, 'White pride, worldwide?'" Schoep asked.

"You can't have a double standard. If pro-white voices can't be heard, what about rap artists who say it's time to kill cops and drag them through the streets?"

"The racist right is really taking advantage of the room Amazon is giving them," Flanagan said. "We're not talking about a First Amendment issue here. They're a business and they have a right not to sell whatever they want. It's a business decision they're making ...

"It's absolutely their right to sell it," she said, "but it could be their choice not to — if they wanted to take a stand on it."

Schoep, who claims pro-white music is "going more mainstream," said removing bands like Skrewdriver and Brutal Attack would be "un-American" and would amount to outright censorship.

"The minute they start censoring, then we're not living in America anymore," he told FOXNews.com. "If people don't like it, don't listen to it, or don't buy it. But some people out there want it."

So, where do we draw the line? Or better yet DO we draw the line? The constitution states that Americans are allowed freedom of speech not freedom of speech except.

The simple answer is just don't listen to it. People choose to purchase and listen to what music they want. But on the other hand this isn't a if you ignore the problem it'll go away.

So, what say you?

Sorry it's so short notice but check it...




Experience more than 20 types of wines and cheeses. Participate in the silent auction and giveaways with your friends! All are welcome! 20% of all proceeds will benefit the Renegades Drum and Bugle Corps.

March 1, 2009
3pm - 5pm

April 26, 2009
3pm - 5pm

750ml
227 S San Mateo Dr
San Mateo, CA 94401
http://www.750ml-sanmateo.com

After Wine Event Dinner Location 5:30 - 7:30pm. - Renegades receive 20% of Food & Beverages
3rd Ave Sports Bar & Grill - Walking Distance
77 E 3rd Ave
San Mateo, CA 94401
(650) 340-9872
Yelp!: 3rd Ave Sports Bar

We'll wander over to the Bar after wine tasting for dinner/snacks/ and full bar! All proceeds go to the Uniform Fund!!

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,488044,00.html

Teenagers' habit of distributing nude self-portraits electronically — often called "sexting" if it's done by cell phone — has parents and school administrators worried. Some prosecutors have begun charging teens who send and receive such images with child pornography and other serious felonies. But is that the best way to handle it?

"Hopefully we'll get the message out to these kids," says Michael McAlexander, a prosecutor in Allen County, Ind., which includes Fort Wayne. A teenage boy there is facing felony obscenity charges for allegedly sending a photo of his private parts to several female classmates. Another boy was recently charged with child pornography in a similar case.

So like the article says, is this the best way to handle it? I for one this it's a good idea. Lewd is lewd no matter how you slice it.  Especially when it comes to people underage. Hey if both parties are legal adults do what you do but until then...just no.

As a marching member I can extend this official invitation.



All are welcome! No corps experience necessary! Come have a blast in the parade! (And party hard afterwards!)

more info at

http://www.renegades.org

Or... Squad ready Set! Or Band Ten Hut! yadda yadda yadda

If you know what any of those commands mean you are probably a band (or d. corps) geek. Are there any band geeks out there? What did you play? How long were you in? Did you make any rank (captain section leader) were you on Band council? Got any stories to share? Or do you know any band geeks out there?

BTW That whole "band camp" thing....












yeah it's true ;D

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,471386,00.html

And now something a bit more on the positive (and wow) side.

Isn't the human body amazing? Though there is no way to restore this man's sight his brain and eyes (that still function) still allow him to "see the world" if you will.

It's a known fact that humans user 10% of their brain in a lifetime. If it were possible for science to tap into that other 90% what things do you think we are a species could accomplish?

Article:

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,468250,00.html

Now even though I agree with the father who says "They need to accept a name. A name's a name." This is not a perfect PC world where people are judged solely on their own works and merit. In fact, my eyebrow arched after reading the names of their two children. (And I'm a pretty tolerant guy). It is will within their rights and choice to name their children whatever they want but it's almost like they are asking for controversy. Unless they are home schooled those kids are prime targets to be the playground picked on.

Was what ShopRite did right? No and they should be exposed for it and people responsible punished in some way.
But still, I can't say I didn't see it coming.

http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/relationships/article5151126.ece


Now, I have two theories on this sad situation. Either
1)   This is what happens when people confuses the Virtual World w/ the Real World (be it Second Life, MMORPGs, Forums, Chartrooms, whatever)
2)   This is exactly what happens when people have no or are not taught REAL social skills

Now I believe that both of the about theories can be prevented through counseling, social groups and other means. Problem is, no amount of therapy will work unless the person behind the monitor wants (or belives) they have help but that's a different topic for a different time.

Now back to the topic at hand. Some people would probbly say "well since they met online everything that happens online counts" Isn't that a very skewed preception of reality? Not only to marry on and off line but to spend as much time together online as a couple as you do off?

What (if anything) went wrong here?

[Seven Years: the Road to 2009]

I had to post this here to spread the word (and since I'm marching this summer.. why not  ;D)



Seven Years: the Road to 2009 is a video series that will showcase, and highlight the San Francisco Renegades amazing journey through out the last seven years, leading up to the 2009 open house.

The first video of the series will showcase the corps premier at the Drum Corps Associates World Championships, in 2002.

The Show:

The Loudest Show On Earth:
America the Beautiful
Mambo from West Side Story
Undiscovered Lionel Richie
Bohemian Rhapsody
Spanish Dreams

Keep checking every few days for the next installment in this series. And don't forget to check out www.renegades.org for more info on joining the corps, and our 2009 show, "Dia De Los Muertos"

2009 Renegades Open House: December 6th and 7th at Independence High School in San Jose California.

http://www.ksee24.com/news/local/34042949.html

This hurts. This is the 3rd teacher that I personally know of. Is it me or are more teachers going down for Inappropriate behavior with students? And the worse part if the majority of the ones I see go down (in this area at least) are band directors... my aspiring profession.

Thoughts?

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,448684,00.html


Though this article does disturb me it does not surprise me. Racism is a part of our country. Racism though ugly, hurtful and unnecessary is unfortunately here to stay. In the wake of making history and electing the first Afro-American president and on the surface unifying the country, blemishes like this come up and remind us that hey 200+ years isn't going to go away in one night.

I also find it ironic at the dead black to white split on the school board (all blacks voted to change it all whites opted to keep it the same)

Now I wonder IF the vote had gone the other way, would the community start a bit of an uproar... (From the article: "I am thrilled to death that the school board voted it down to leave it Nathan Bedford Forrest," said Parker, who served on the county school board for 20 years.)
OR
If this were in a more pardon for lack of a better term liberal area, would there be mass protests in front of school as we speak?

The thing that REALLY gets to me is the student body. Now it's been a long time since I was in High School but last I checked (seeing as I teach and all) there is usually some sort of large mural/school history in LARGE public display on campus SOMEWHERE. So either

a)   the history posted is really one sided
b)   there is nothing posted
c)   the kids don't care
d)   the kids don't get it
e)   combo of any of the above.

I wonder what they do on sprit and rally days... Then again, Not my school, not my district not my (immediate) problem.


Discuss.

Giant spider snapped eating bird in backyard near Cairns

That spider definitely falls under the category Kill it with FIRE!!!!!   :ph34r:



I would post the photo but those with arachnophobia would be none too happy...

Hey Cosplayers!

I'm looking at getting a suit like this



(obviously I'm not making it but still)

I've been looking at suit companies for something similar but have come up short. Can I get you guys to keep your eyes open OR if you know of a place that has a suit like this let me know.. THANKS

So I have this membership to 24. Figured it was time to start using it. Though working out is fine since I have to take care of my business, it can get damn boring when the iPod dies. So if there is anyone that is down to put in some work in the east or south bay let hook it up and put in some work. (OR make it a group thing)

Is anyone else going to Ani-Jam? It's a smaller gig but I know of @ least 4 people that are going (woot for gigs)　I know Fresno is a barren wasteland (or it seems like it  ;) ) Nevertheless, it could be a fun one.


plus a chapter of my fraternity is @ CSU Fresno so I get to visit my brothers... Woot for me!

Hello folks!

Well it is that time of year where we as a staff (all of Fanime that is) must "call ourselves to the carpet" and get honest feedback from you our con goers on our job performance this past weekend. I have noticed a few complaints in other threads and rather than going though every single thread for feedback, I want to give everyone an opportunity to air their grievances (or praise  :P) in one spot.

If you are uncomfortable with issuing your complaint here, you can PM me directly or email [email protected] I assure you only the people that need to know have access to emails sent to that address.

Every issue posted here will be taken very seriously and because of that, I request that you give as much detail about the incident as possible. (Some folks have even taken photos and posted them of the people in question)

Thank you again for your honest feedback.

Ok new game! One simple rule you HAVE to start everything sentence with I am. So the easiest thing is to say what you're doing.

Ever find yourself wracking your brain trying to decide where to go to lunch? Try this helpful little tool, just click the link below enter your zip code and give it a spin.

http://www.coverpop.com/wheeloflunch/

As we get closer and closer to con time and since the making user of space thread touched on it, I figured it was time for a
FRIENDLY REMINDER to the masses  :P :P :P ;D ;D ;D

Ok here's one.

For those folks who are planning to attend the black and white ball, how bout ($$ pending of course) we hit up a nice classy upscale restaurant before hand. It would make for an awesome night and what better then 10-25+ Anime fans in tuxs suits, gowns, etc taking over some black tie affair restaurant (ie - Bing Crosby's) for a few hours.   ;D

EDIT:

Here's the current list of people so said they would attend (I used user names because IR Lazy... and arn't sure on a few >.<)

DemonLordZabu
Shi_Musouka
Steve.Young
otakuapprentice
Evangelion Xgouki 
suna_no_yoroi
Rei-Rei
jazmatazz
Jerry

Is it going to open soon? ???

Here are the rules.

Post a picture with no captions on it. The next person creates a caption for the photo and can post their own or let folks keeps captioning the previous one!

Have you ever desired to make a pose-able, plastic version of yourself? Go here to try it!

Here's me @ the day job! (I no longer smoke btw it just looked like the norm  ;D)

Hi there.
I would like to do my first ever Cosplay (ever) @ Fanime this year. I have the PERFECT costume for my body type. Problem is... I don't even know where to begin!

If there is anyone in the bay area that's willing to help me out. PM me and I'll shot you my idea and photos!

THANKS!

The Rovers (or artists formally known as Rovers) dept are looking for staff members for the 2008 convention! The rovers staff is a great way to see lots of the the con area and an awesome way to meet new friends and like minded folks. If you care about the ongoings of the convention and are interested, please email [email protected] for more info!