Troy

Kam interviewed Mike Tyson this past April one of the publicity still shows Mike pretending to bite actor Charlie Sheen on the ear. After watching the videos above, and reliving the memories, this does not seen funny at all.

There will be an interview with the author George Willis at the L Lounge in Harlem, Thursday June 20th at 4:00PM. Stop by and say hello :-)

Sadly, this is reminiscent of the scene from Django Oprah's interview with Tyson and Holyfield

The Bite Fight: Tyson, Holyfield and the Night That Changed Boxing Forever By George Willis, Foreword by Mike Tyson An unparalleled account of the infamous bite felt ‘round the world June 28, 1997 - Months following the first brutal showdown between Holyfield and Tyson - the two are back at the Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Evander "The Real Deal" Holyfield had been an underdog in that first fight with the odds against him 25:1. "Iron" Mike Tyson, the defending WBA heavyweight champion, had planned to capture a huge purse and move on to more riches. Instead, Holyfield demolished Tyson. No one could have predicted what happened in the rematch. An intimate look at the infamous disqualification of the "Baddest Man on the Planet," The Bite Fight: Tyson, Holyfield and the Night that Changed Boxing Forever (Triumph Books, June 2013) by George Willis, with a foreword by Mike Tyson, examines the sensational events surrounding the legendary clash. More than 100 interviews-including with the famed fighters themselves-offer a behind-the-scenes look at the bout's past and present. The Bite Fight is the untold story of one of the most shocking moments in the history of boxing, covering: Willis includes anecdotes that give fans insights into these two men's personalities and mental states throughout their careers, on the night of the fight and in the years to follow Biographies of the two fighters, who had similar upbringings and were trained by personalities as intense as their own. Tyson and Holyfield's bids for Olympic Gold in the 1984 Games where the two met at training camp and sparred for the first time. Accounts from matches leading up to the historic fight, including Holyfield vs. Bowe and Tyson vs. Spinks. A detailed account of fight night, the near riot in the MGM Grand casino, what happened to Holyfield's chewed off ear and his own biting history. Celebrating the bout's 16-year anniversary in June 2013, Tyson and Holyfield are forever linked by the memorable fight. Generations recognize the bout as a landmark moment in both pop culture and sports history. The Bite Fight is a must-read look behind the scenes for all diehard boxing and sports fans alike. About the Author: George Willis is an award-winning sports columnist for the New York Post and a former journalist with the New York Times, Newsday, and the Commercial Appeal in Memphis. A native of Las Cruces, New Mexico, he lives in New Jersey. CONTACT: Josh Williams ∙ Independent Publishers Group ∙ 312.568.5404 ∙ jwilliams@ipgbook.com ###

Each morning with a cup of coffee I skim the newspaper, read my email from the previous day and review and reacting to activity on my social media and these discussion boards. Today I got started around 5:30AM and will probably finish these activities around 10 AM before starting the "real work" of AALBC.com. Normally these thing take about two hours today was a little longer because I've placed various versions of this article on Facebook, and Google+ This morning on Facebook I noticed my wall had a "suggested post" an euphemism for a paid ad I suppose. I also had to block a couple of "people" spamming my fan page. I previously blocked people from posting on my wall, but I still have to contend with spammers posting ads in my comments. And I'm really disliking the ads that pop up prompting you do buy a gift for someone right after wishing them a happy birthday. In the meantime, Google+ revamped their platform. I have to admit the revamped Google+ offers some real "pluses" over Facebook. Better features, cleaner more appealing design. Even the new banner was cleverly implemented. But at the risk of sounding overly cynical, I just can't image regular folks (people without a business to promote) using both Google and Facebook. Indeed there appears to be some social media fatigue -- at least in my peer group. Older folks seems to have gotten everything they can get out of Facebook. They have; reconnected with all their old classmates; seen enough photos; been assaulted by enough ads, eventually learning to ignore then (even though Facebook is now inserting them right into conversations); victimized by evil spammers; overwhelmed by aggressive self promoters; doled out enough "sympathy likes" to those who need them and those who are merely attention starved; grown tired of wading though everyone else's minutia while ignoring their own; and even marginally amused themselves with a game or two until bored. I can't see very many folks (especially folks my age, 50+) leaving Facebook, overcoming a new learning curve, reacquiring friends or finding new ones, only to ultimately repeat the same crap they are already engaging in on Facebook. What is also interesting is the almost complete absence of widespread conversation about MySpace I've had a Myspace account forever but I never use it. Does anyone here use MySpace? Some of you may know I have a love/hate relationship with Google. Some things Goolge does really well. Others not so well. They continue to struggle with search. They are unable to (perhaps unwilling) to prevent results from favoring entities with loads of money or who use "Black Hat" tactics. This has had the result of really worsening the internet experience as web-surfers simply never discover independent website -- and indy websites are what made the internet great -- giving us alternatives to corporations. But I digress... The biggest benefit of Goggle+ is the complete adsence of banner ads, sponsored links, and spam. It is not clear to me how much longer Google+ can continue without shoving ads in our faces? Attempts to monetize social media through paid placement is the very thing that worsens the experience. Indeed, I'd argue it is the very thing that has worsened the entire internet experience. If Facebook, Google+ and all these social media platforms are so valuable to people, why don't they simply charge a fee and get rid of ALL the paid/sponsored/promoted content? Which platform do you prefer, Facebook, Google+ or MySpace? Do you use all three or two if so, do you intent do so indefinitely.

Since I could not find the offending post I assume it has been deleted. I would not have deleted it -- for I would have left that up to Cynique. I was just curious to read what got Pioneer so bend out of shape. Pioneer, I never suspected that anything anyone could write here would prompt this reaction from you. You seemed to have all the characteristics that make one ideal for these types of conversations a sense of humor, thick skin (not afraid of criticism or the occasional insult), defined opinions and the willingness to express them publicly. I was surprised by your demand. The problem with issuing demands, an ultimatums really, is that people don't like getting them. I can't image anyone simply saying "I'm sorry", then doing everything you requested, based upon the way you made your "request". Now I'm not trying to dismiss your reaction to being compared to Hitler. But you and I both know Cynique was engaging in hyperbole -- we all do it Anyone who comes here and reads that knows that you are not a Hitler -- Cynique, doesn't even believe you are a Hitler (at least I hope not). Pioneer, and trust me on this, people will use YOUR words to judge you, not Cynique's. Now if Cynique were Oprah it would be a different story ;-) I hope you two can work this out, as lately y'all are the primary reason I or any of the remaining lurkers read the boards. Unfortunately conversations, debates -- arguments even -- with a known set of folks, you can get to know, over a long period of time is not easy to find. I don't often get to have conversations on subjects like homosexuality, religion, race, or even books :-) in the real world. I don't get to think as long or have the advantage or look up a fact before expressing myself. I don't have the ability to present supporting information so easily. I don't get to challenge my own ideas by play devils advocate or taking a view point a more extreme than one I personally hold. Even the idea of talking about such subjects as homosexuality, religion, These types of forums (especially the Black ones), plentiful 10 years ago, are dying out today. Social media is a poor substitute. It is an era coming to an end...

I know so called Hispanics who consider themselves white, though to me they look Black to me. I thought Kim Kardashian was white. But what do I know? Comparing people with different national origins, language, cultures and "race" together as if there is no overlap is misleading and obviously confusing given this exchange. Yeah it is interesting to read that both White and Black people feel they are being put out of existence in the US -- often blaming each other?!

Pioneer Sprong never said that hell was an "invention of the church". The question was posed by the interviewer Sprong's response was, "...the Church fired their furnaces hotter than anybody else." More on reading the bible. My grandfather was a baptist minister for much of his life. He was illiterate. Again the whole idea of people actually reading and studying the bible is relatively new. Also how can you can study the bible and at the same time eschew everything else that is not the bible -- this seems ludicrous to me. But this is a tactic many Christians employ, since everything not the bible is a lie, or the work of the Devil. How can you "study" anything in isolation, without consider opposing view points? I like the quote, "Maybe salvation needs to me conveyed in terms of enhancing your humanity rather than rescuing you from it". If we could manage to do that we would spend zero time hating gay people, white people, or people of other religions.

I'm down to 7 coupons. Who knew it would take so long to give away $2,000

If you are interested in helping to save Marcus Books please check out my latest Blog Post to learn how.

I was announced today that for the first time in history of the US more white people are dying than being born. Here is a Ceerios commercial featuring an interracial couple. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYofm5d5Xdw And another from Blockbuster Video A reaction to the Blockbuster video commercial is show below (taken from Youtube). General Mills decided to disable comments on Youtube - WHIMPS! They are "bold" enough to air a commercial, they feel "reflects the consumer" but can't tolerate the reaction from those same consumers -- they care so much about. Plan for White geNOcide that “anti-racists” implement: Flood EVERY & ONLY White countries with MILLIONS of non-Whites Force integrate these immigrants into White communities. This is done with the aid of Federal Laws Push interracial relationships night and day in the media & newspaper advertisements, in ONLY White countries Anyone that objects is called the r-word! Then, inform the Whites of their inevitable brown future Anti-Racist is a code for anti-White -------- Trolling around white sites for a minute I could have just replaced "White" with "Black" and felt at home. It seems white folks feel as though the are under assault as well. One day some genius will put 2 and 2 together and learn we are ALL under assault and it has nothing to do with the artificial term well cal "race".

I attended this event it was great. The love and admiration for both Coates (publisher of BCP) and Walter Mosley was palpable The event just reinforced why I will always respect and admire Walter Mosley: In the mid 1990’s Walter DECIDED he would support an independently owned Black Press. Walter, who can publish with major publisher, has published three books with Black Classic Press over the years. The first book GONE FISHING’ sold almost 100,000 copies. This video from the event describes their relationship This video also features; the Mayor of Baltimore, Stephanie Rawlings-Blake (I'm in a shot with her below); author Walter Mosley; and BCP publishers, W. Paul Coates and Natalie Stokes-Peters

"...keeping the seat warm for the next puppet elected selected to maintain the agendas of corporate American and the military industrial complex" 'Nuff Said, though "corporate America" and "military industrial complex" are redundant.

Pioneer interesting. Cynique, John Shelby Spong's video (I someone I never heard of previous), completely describes my view on religion -- though he articulates for better than I ever could. For one reason he seems to come from a position of compassion -- something I can learn more about.

Harlequin Kimani, located in NYC, is searching for an Assistant/Associate Editor Harlequin is seeking an Assistant/Associate Editor to join Harlequin Kimani’s editorial team. The position provides an excellent opportunity for a candidate to contribute to a growing and exciting program. S/he will be responsible for acquiring and developing manuscripts, and management and development of a diverse author base. The primary purpose is to ensure the ongoing and timely supply of high quality, saleable titles for the various publishing programs. The ideal Assistant/Associate Editor candidate must have a sensibility for romance, acquired and edited women’s fiction, and be passionate about the book publishing industry. In return, Harlequin offers a great place to work, a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, a friendly business environment, summer hours and an excellent opportunity for career growth. Click to learn more about this opportunity

Harry, anyone lacking the common sense to avoid the pitfalls you often raise are not likely the same people who'd learn anything from a book. It has been my experience that men give women exactly want they ask for (at least here in America), which usually is not very much.

Pioneer perhaps this is why I don't listen to new music I'm tried of listening to little boys signing. Of course I come across exception every now and again Gregory Porter a brother I discovered last year is one. It is not just the Black community effected everyone is -- image a world in which a Justin Beiber is a super star. I listened to him sign when he was the musical host on Saturday Night Live I was astonished at the lack of skill and talent he displayed. Cynique, the tattoos I'm talking about are quite different than the two that you described on your wrist. I'm talking about folks who cover their entire arms, chest and neck with them. This seems to be the norm among athletes and rappers. I remember when Dennis Rodman was considered controversial, today even that freak Birdman does not bat an eye. Of course people are free to do what they want to do but when young boys in the general population mimic the behavior of these athletes and entertainers, as they invariably, do they hurt their work prospects in ways they don't seem to understand. To be clear there are certainly people interested in seeing the Black community destroyed. I guess today these individuals would be quite pleased with the progress. That said I don't think the great majority of white American's are fairing much better. Has anyone looked at the impact of the Sequester on the average white family? We already know they were the ones most frequently foreclosed on during the ongoing housing crisis. Black folks, like the majority of American, are at the mercy of plutocracy. They destroyed Detroit. Farrakhan can't fix Detroit unless his can fully enforce his authority which he can not.

Cynique many people say the "know" and have the answer to the Higher Power question, the problem is their proving their answer to someone else -- especially if that person has a different answer. Historically, attempts to do this have proven fatal Pioneer is your belief in a higher power more akin to "mother nature", a omnipotent god entity in manipulating everything, or something else?

I guess you also know that of some of the stories in the Bible are the same stores recorded thousands of years before and in several cultures. Gilgamesh includes a flood story (Noah's story) and that was written two thousand years before the creation of the old testament.

Thuggery trumps complexion where the dark skinned thug (ala 50 cent), is more appealing (sells more units) than the smooth (softer) ladies men like a Maxwell. Of course people Chris Brown is more appealing than an Maxwell as long as he maintains his street cred by slapping Rhianna every now and then. Of course we can find exceptions to every rule, but I'm not sure thing are as diverse as they appear. Have you noticed that almost every single basketball player is riddled with tattoos. I remember when Tattoos were worn almost exclusively by gang members and convicts now everyone in their attempt to mimic the style gets a tattoo. This is no different than the sagging pants young men wear (which basketball players now mimic with the saggy/baggy shorts). But I digress... Our weak culture is our problem. Detroit was destroyed by greedy and short sighted corporations.

Marcus Books is the oldest continuously running bookstore in the country. Marcus Books on the brink of closure by Chris Roberts A bad move on a loan at the height of the boom, a financial crisis in the bust that followed, and finally, foreclosure and bankruptcy forcing a family from its longtime home. It's happened all over the United States — and now it's happened in San Francisco to the country's oldest black bookstore. Marcus Books, the Fillmore District institution that's been in the same Victorian at 1712 Fillmore St. since 1960, must move out by June 18, following an April bankruptcy sale that saw the storied building sold for a fraction of what it is likely worth....

Bi-sexuality the new Black? I certainly think is becoming more acceptable. Today, as in the past, bi-sexuality is perfectly acceptable behavior in some quarters. It seems, especially among women today, experimentation with someone of the opposite sex is almost expected. I see references to this very often pop culture. I'm sure we can all point to cases, we are personally aware of, in which people have full blow relationships with someone of the opposite sex for years -- even getting married and having children, only to later reveal later on that they were Gay all the time -- then they proceed to enter into a homosexual relationship. Of course this always confused straight males because we simply can't envision engaging in a long term sexual relationship with another dude and playing the role so well that our partner is completely fooled. Is this the behavior of a bi-sexual, homosexual, or adventurous/freaky heterosexual person -- who knows? I do know it is becoming more acceptable. As "queer eyes" teach straight guys how to dress properly. And rumors about two-earring-wearing celebrities from Puffy to Will Smith abound... Many Christians swear we are in the days of Sodom and Gomorrah and that the "End of Days" are near. I don't about all of that, but I do know plenty of Negros are completely flummoxed as their Christian beliefs contrast squarely with Obama's support of gay marriage.

Del sure Westley fits the mold (completion) of a convict... I met him once and he was actually a very handsome smooth, and gracious Brother -- he was locked up soon after. Pioneer it would be interesting to see if there is anything to these observations. But no one cares enough, or would be willing enough to risk political incorrectness, to collect the "brown bag test" data of our prison population. In popular music however there has been a transition away from the light skinned, slim, straight haired Brother (think El DeBarge) to the darker skinned, more rugged, Brothers (think Rick Ross). This transition was in parallel with a change in the music from ladies men singing love songs to rough necks bragging about banging ho's...

Pioneer, I agree that this is not about defending gay people. But I'm not sure about your explanation. Now I would not put anything past a group of people who would enslave another group of people for hundreds of years. But what would be the motivation of these wealthy corporate elites for promoting "acceptance of homosexuality in the AfroAmerican community"? I think the impact of what the NBA has done impacts us all. So while we agree, perhaps over-cynically, that the NBA's actions have nothing to do with morality or a desire to protect gay people, I'm at a loss to divine an alternative rationale. Maybe the NBA thinks they can attract a new audience of gay men by these over the top actions against players who say anything that can remote be construed to be against gays. Interestingly however a Black woman on Twitter said she would stop following and retweeting me based upon my comments. I doubt she actually read what I wrote here, or listened to what Hibbert actually said. I believe she was operating on my tweeting the title of this post, "Do Gays Really Care about Roy Hibbert's 'No Homo' Comment?" She likened Hibberts comments to using "the N word" in public and called it "hate speech". I disagreed and called Hibbert's comment "silly". This was enough to get her riled. For the record, I'm not for or against gay people, for I'm not concerned with what any consenting adults chose to do with each as long as no one else is hurt.

I'm liking Arise Entertainment 360!