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Access Atlanta > American Idol Buzz > Archives > 2008 > December > 09 > Entry
12/9: Michael Johns coming to Infinite Energy Atlanta Slam 12-13-08, reports of Fantasia house auction
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Former Buckhead man MIchael Johns is coming back to Atlanta to sing between tennis matches at the Infinite Energy Atlanta Slam, which features the Jensen Brothers and James Blake. Buy tix here.. Tix range from $29.75 to $200.
Johns was a decent tennis player as a teen who got a scholarship at Abraham Baldwin Agriculture College in Tifton, Ga. about a decade ago. He moved to Atlanta a year later. It doesn’t appear as if Johns will be picking up a tennis racket.
His Christmas song “Another Christmas” is available on iTunes and Amazon today.
And in case you missed it, I shot video of him October 26 at the Pep Boys 500 at the Atlanta Motor Speedway singing “Sweet Home Alabama”:
- The New York Post is reporting that Fantasia is in the middle of a complicated auction of a $1.3 million North Carolina home.
Barrino, whose rags-to-riches rise was chronicled in a Lifetime channel movie she starred in herself, is accused of defaulting on a $58,000 loan from a shadowy Florida corporation, according to court papers.
The company, called Broward Energy Management, loaned Fantasia an undisclosed sum to pay back taxes she reportedly owed the IRS, according to its lawyer, Laurence Goldman.
An AP story notes that the home “is up for auction after a company said Barrino failed to repay money it loaned her to cover her taxes in 2006.”
No response yet from Fantasia or her current attorney.
She bought the six-bedroom home in March 2007 but owns another home she bought in 2004.
-Paula Abdul finally speaks about the super-fan who committed suicide near her home last month to Good Morning America.
“It was devastating and tragic, and there aren’t enough feelings that I can articulate without getting into a whole plethora of things,” Abdul said in an interview today on “Good Morning America.”
Here’s more from “The View,” where she said she’s going to put that house on the block:
And here’s a very shaky (video wise, not the singing) version of Diana DeGarmo’s ode to the troops she wrote after doing a USO Tour called “Thank You” from one of the Athens concerts this past weekend. She gets very emotional partway through and her mom Brenda hears it for the first time, she said. She also has a brother who has served overseas.The audio is good:
Comments
By JTesla
December 9, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this
Just in time Rodney. Thanks for the Idol tidbits.
By Deirdre
December 9, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this
My guess is that you mean 12-13-08. Michael Johns seems to be doing just fine. good for him.
No comment on Fantasia. I hope she gets everything straightened out.
By Deirdre
December 9, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this
Rodney On the View this morning, Barbara Walters was talking about a radio interview she did with Paula Abdul last night in which Paula made it fairly clear that she was contracted to Idol for just one more season, suggesting that she would not be back.
She also said that her “crazy” moments on the show have a lot more to do with Simon whispering stuff to her while she’s trying to comment on the contestants. She said that she’s lost deals because Simon refuses to admit that he deliberately distracts her during the show and makes her look befuddled and looney.(these are not direct quotes, just impressions from what Barbara Walters said.) Maybe you can find the direct quotes.
She also claimed that the powers that be at Idol knew about the stalker but insisted on putting her in the auditions even though Paula begged them not to.
Paula sounded(from Barbara’s impressions) angry and particularly upset with Simon Cowell who she said has been abusing their friendship for a long time.
By JTesla
December 9, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this
I can see that some of her crazy can be attributed to Simon, but all of it? No. She’s wearing that excuse a bit thin.
By Deirdre
December 9, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this
Before the Diana fans start screaming at Rodney…I think he means that the video is VERY shaking…not Diana’s singing.
By Deirdre
December 9, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this
JT…I absolutely agree with you that not all of her “crazy” can be attributed to Simon. However, I’ve stated repeatedly on this blog that Simon behaves like a middle school boy with a crush around her, especially when she’s trying to speak. If anyone whispered in my ear and poked me and grabbed at me that much while I was trying to make a point I would have hauled off and clobbered him until he stopped.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
December 9, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this
you and me both, D!!!!
By Erin
December 9, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this
Many of Diana’s fans saw the video over the weekend, probably before Rodney even knew it was on YouTube, and have already commented on the shaky quality of the video. But video is video and we are happy to have it.
Thanks Rodney for posting it here.
By JTesla
December 9, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this
… must… resist… urge… to comment.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
December 9, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this
gawd JT, i love you even more!!!! you make me smile!!!
By Nana
December 9, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
Hadn’t had much time to post today. Still trying to play catch up here at the office. Since its time for me to head home (in about 15 minutes), just wanted to say for everyone to have a good evening, be good, be happy and love the one(s) you’re with. And above all else, please drive careful, after all, you are hauling precious cargo (yourself & any others in the care w/you).
Catchya later…………….
By JC
December 9, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this
Wow. Pregnant at 16. Millionaire at 19. Now she is broke at 24. Can we all agree Fantasia Barrino is a complete moron? She wonders why bad things “happen” to her. Meanwhile she is her own worst enemy and totally irresponsible.
By Yulanda
December 9, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this
Fantasia..Never worry about a house..I have bought several and still don’t like them upon moving in..The BEST HOMES R ON THE BEACH..TRUST ME..DUVAL COUNTY NATIVE..10-16 CHECKN OUT
By Blkshepherd
December 9, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this
When will folks realize that you can not cheat beat ignore the IRS. I once owed the IRS $2.57 in which they took the time to write me a letter informing me that I owed 2.57. Yes, I paid it. Seems poor folks IRS will quickly remind you and garnish wages to collect their mony. However, it appears celebs follow a different law. They (IRS) wait until it gets in the thousands and millions then suddenly they want ALL their money. I have no sympathy for folks who bring home thousands of revenue. Hell, when Fantasia was on broadway doing the color purple she could have paid that off probably in 1 paycheck. Earlier I heard the same about Aretha and Dionne owes about 2.4million in back taxes. Makes me wonder what the heck these folks are doing with their money? Just plain shameful.
By Ron
December 9, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this
Why is it that almost all black people, even those who are rich, find a way to mess it up? Look at black athletes, “rappers,” etc. They are just total morons. DON’T BUY MORE THEN YOU CAN AFFORD AND IF YOU DO, PAY YOUR TAXES. What a thug.
By Deirdre
December 9, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
Um….we must be on the front page.
By JTesla
December 9, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
Ron, thanks for showing us your ignorance. Look at our current economic mess and then look at what the savings rate dipped down to several years ago… (here is a hint it was zero - and below). Most people have been buying more than they can afford and saving nothing - hence the savings rate of zero. Dodging taxes, or not paying enough is something that affects people of every genetic makeup.
Your attempt to pin a universal trait on a limited group of people has failed.
By Toni
December 9, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
Ron: your comment….almost ALL BLACK PEOPLE, even those who are rich, find a way to mess up?!? Your racism is certainly showing! How about for one these are people who grew up with nothing & don’t have a good financial advisor or have people who swindle them because they have to trust other people?
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
December 9, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this
D
ayep.
L
By Toni
December 9, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this
Ron: your comment….almost ALL BLACK PEOPLE, even those who are rich, find a way to mess up?!? Your racism is certainly showing! How about for one these are people who grew up with nothing & don’t have a good financial advisor or have people who swindle them because they have to trust other people? Take a look again at so many Black athletes who are living large and keeping their riches, so your comment is bogus.
By daveslilsgurl
December 9, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this
Well, clearly Ron is a LOSER!!! That’s why he uses the term “all”. Even if prefaced with ‘almost’, he’s a loser and only wants to incite hate. “Other’s” have been messing up for years!!! And CONTINUE to mess up? And why…when they were born with a silver spoon earned from years of exploitation??? Why…ask yourself!
By Toni
December 9, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this
Ron: your comment….almost ALL BLACK PEOPLE, even those who are rich, find a way to mess up?!? Your racism is certainly showing! How about for one these are people who grew up with nothing & don’t have a good financial advisor or have people who swindle them because they have to trust other people? Take a look again at so many Black athletes who are living large and keeping their riches, so your comment is bogus & your comment was almost ALL Black people, not just athletes and rappers so you are definitely racist. Too bad you don’t have their money to even try to mess up!
By Mike West
December 9, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this
Didnt take long before it got RACIAL! "Blog Nazis”….please stop the HATE!!! nothing can be posted in the AJC before it turns into THIS….how sad!!
By JTesla
December 9, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this
Deirdre… I just checked, and we are. Of course it isn’t for Michael Johns, it is a picture of Fantasia. Old Idols never die, they just do something silly to grab more air time.
By Roscoe
December 9, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this
Hole up, hole up. Why didn’t Fantasia axe someone to handle this for her. All she had to do was axe her manager to help with the accounting stuff.
She should have do like MV7 did. That boy spent his cash be4 the white folks got it. lol
By chip jones
December 9, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this
Well..I suppose Fantasia has been getting financial advice from M.C. Hammer y’all! Good Lord
By daveslisgurl
December 9, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this
Mike West…you are so right. It’s just sad. But then most haters are able to ‘hide’ behind their white hood, I mean computer…you’re right. We took the ‘hate bait’. LOL
By Woodpappy
December 9, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this
Lordy Lordy !!!!
By Joe
December 9, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this
Roscoe, a typical black thug. “Axe?” Unreal. I wish you people would learn English and get an education. To John, you actually have a point. To everyone who does not agree with him, think about it. OJ, Vick, Fantasy or whatever her name is, and many other athletes. How many white athletes or singers do you see go broke? Not many. Because they are smart with it. Blacks go out and buy 15 cars, gold teeth, and all that other crap.
By daveslisgurl
December 9, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this
Mike West…you are so right. It’s just sad. But then most haters are able to ‘hide’ behind their white hood, I mean computer…you’re right. We took the ‘hate bait’. LOL
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
December 9, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this
it ain’t just the Blacks — African-Americans — it’s ANYONE who does not take the time to investigate, study, and weigh options before signing on a dotted line. There are plenty of Whites — ???-Americans — who got waaaaaaay in over their heads not only with mortgages but also and predominately with credit cards — every McWhatever you buy with a credit card, every Swisher Sweet, every bottle of fancy wine, every cute little jewelry item, every pair of way-too-low-cut jeans… comes back to bite you in the butt if you don’t pay your bills on time and in full. And it wasn’t any one ethnic or cultural group that made THAT mistake over the last 30 years. It’s a whole societal thing. It was only natural that sooner or later someone demanded that houses also be sold on the flimsiest of credit ratings — NOT A RACIAL THING, an ECONOMIC thing — and the little nips from credit cards became huge bites out of the a$$.
People quit playing the Race Card—from EITHER side. We now have an upcoming president of the Black persuasion (BO). We COULD have had an upcoming president of the Female persuasion (HC), or likewise perhaps an upcoming VEEP of the Female persuasion (SP). Get over it. Color, Race, Ethnicity, Sex …. those things and others should now be put to rest.
If our schools had been better (not the teachers, but the mandatory curriculums), folks would have learn to do “readin’, ‘ritin’ and ‘rithmetic” and might not BE signing away their souls for a house or a car or whatever catches their eye.
back to basics. enough B-S
By Deirdre
December 9, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this
Sorry guys…we don’t do racism on this blog anymore. Fantasia got herself in trouble, just like a lot of people have lately, and now she’s going to have to get herself out of trouble. Most of us have been up s*’s creek without a paddle at sometime in our lives. I think we can all relate.
By leo
December 9, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this
What’s your name Ron?? WTH, who is in Washington asking for part of the 700 Billion dollar bail out??? not black CEO or CFO’s, just because a few names made in the news does not apply to ALL, or are you a Joe the Plummer….
By JTesla
December 9, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this
Hey Joe, what about Ed McMahon or Willie Nelson or Tom Sizemore or Tammy Wynette or… well the list goes on and on. Welcome to the failboat Joe.
By Deirdre
December 9, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this
Joe…Roscoe was a white guy being a jackazz. I mean, that much was pretty obvious!
By KJ
December 9, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this
Swisher Sweet?
By BigdaddyNick
December 9, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this
Kim Basinger, Lenny Bruce, Larry King, Walt Disney, Willie Nelson, Donald Trump…RON Guess what all of these celebrities have in common other than their bankruptcies? Notice the log in you eye before the speck in others.
By BigdaddyNick
December 9, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this
Kim Basinger, Lenny Bruce, Larry King, Walt Disney, Willie Nelson, Donald Trump…RON Guess what all of these celebrities have in common other than their bankruptcies? Notice the log in you eye before the speck in others.
By Darb
December 9, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this
I didnt like her on Idol, and I still dont like her now. Forget she is black, Fantasia is just getting back to her roots. You can try to take the neighborhood out of the trash, but you cant take the trash out of the neighborhood.
By Dont Play the Race Card like you do!
December 9, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this
If I recall Burt Reynolds is the reason they have clauses in filing for Bankruptcy. He spent all his money on ranches, cars, islands, filed bankrptcy and got to keep most of his things because of a loophole, so they changed it after he got over on the government. If Burt hadn’t gotten over, many people who once had money would still be rich no matter how bad things got for them.
By KJ
December 9, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this
You can try to take the neighborhood out of the trash, but you cant take the trash out of the neighborhood.
wat
By Jamal Johnson
December 9, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this
I agree with you Ron. Black people can’t keep anything. They grow up poor and even the very few who make some $$$ by stealing it or dealing die poor. It’s an endless cycle. If some of them started caring a little more about education, maybe they could learn how to save it. Ops… I said education and black people in the same paragraph.
By HerbK
December 9, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this
Who is fantasia? never heard of her. Does she merit more importance than many others who have probably worked harder, yet won’t be able to keep their homes? Is this another deadbeat celebrity story? Seriously, don’t know her.
By Eric
December 9, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this
Racist morons like “JC” and “Ron” need to just curl up and die! Grow up ignorant asses!
By JTesla
December 9, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the comment Jamal, knowing there are people out there who think like you do will put a big grin on my face come January 20th.
To all the regulars: you know me and fire.
By Deirdre
December 9, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this
JT fire burns…watch yourself!
Y’all need to go back on over to Rodney’s other blog. This is Rodney’s friendly, non-bigoted blog. We just got it all cleaned up…we don’t need y’all coming in here and making a mess again!
By Nick
December 9, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this
Fantasia’s woes have nothing to do with her skin color. Being stupid with money transcends race, age, and gender. Fantasia was just flat out stupid with her money and stupid to buy a house she wasn’t going to be able to afford to keep. And apparently she was stupid enough to take her eye off the lawyer who was supposed to defend her against a lawsuit. She and Ed McMahon can commiserate together.
By Nick
December 9, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this
Fantasia’s woes have nothing to do with her skin color. Being stupid with money transcends race, age, and gender. Fantasia was just flat out stupid with her money and stupid to buy a house she wasn’t going to be able to afford to keep. And apparently she was stupid enough to take her eye off the lawyer who was supposed to defend her against a lawsuit. She and Ed McMahon can commiserate together.
By H R
December 9, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this
AT lease these so called black morons are not child molesters, That title belongs to whites.
By The truthman
December 9, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this
Are you saying there are no Black child molesters? Oh that’s right they’re called Reverends. If Fantaspastic Burrito would have had talent and an education then she may have become something, thus would have had a future and an income in the future. But since she was just another flash in the pan hype. she is where she is.
By Realist
December 9, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this
Ron and truthman, why don’t you call out the Georgia School Superintendent Kathy Cox who had to file Chapter 7 (now Chapter 7 is COMPLETELY BROKE, its not Chapter 11 which is what Mike Vick filed, oh no, Chapter 7 means you GOTS NOTHING)….I suppose to Ron and Truthman, Kathy Cox is a shining example of all white people who have to completely liquidate EVERYTHING. Just like all those white thieves on Wall Street!
By Give Ron a Break!
December 9, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this
Everyone is entitled to their opinion; however, it is ironic that the media’s coverage on down and out athletes and entertainers are African Americans. If the media wants to tell a story, tell the whole story because there are other cultures experiencing difficulties as well.
By Deirdre
December 9, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this
Yeah right! Kathy Cox’s financial difficulties were all over the news for a week. Ed McMahon is like the poster child for sloppy bookkeeping.
I think a certain level of sensitivity makes it seem as though ALL the stories are about African-Americans when nothing could be farther from the truth. Lots of people are in trouble right now.
Why is it so difficult to look at a black person with problems and not see them as an individual who screwed up… rather than a representative of a race?
Kathy Cox does not represent who I am. Ed McMahon sure as hell does not represent who I am. Why would I think any less of you as a person because Fantasia happens to be the same race as you?
Yeah, I know there are plenty of bigots out there but they don’t represent me either.
By Charles Thomas
December 9, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this
Joe: Too bad, the only “Black People” you know are on TV.
I bet there are some here in Metro Atlanta quietly managing their money and doing quite well. Much to your dismay.
By Joe H
December 9, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this
Realist, I am not defending the racist side because I am far from being racist, but Kathy Cox COULD have been very wealthy if she had not been a very caring and courteous person and just recently gave away her $1 million dollars that she won on Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader. She gave away that money to Georgia Schools and she had to know that her family wasn’t very financially stable but she cared enough for GA kids to give all her money away. So she should not be put on the list of people that you all are naming!
By LS
December 9, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this
Uhhh….Joe H…it’s my understanding that the episode that Kathy Cox was on consisted of the wininer giving the winnings to charity. She didn’t have a choice in giving the money away. The only choice she had was which charity to give it to. So basically the point you were trying to make is nonexistent.
By WarEagle
December 9, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this
I’ll check back at another time.
By Harmony
December 9, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this
No comment!
By WarEagle
December 9, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this
Hey Harm. Let’s leave this for the experts.
By Joe H
December 10, 2008 12:42 AM | Link to this
Uhhh….LS….your understanding is WRONG! She did not have to give the money away and it wasn’t a charity show. And if it was a charity show, Uhh…schools are not a charity! So get your facts straight! So, basically my point IS existent!
By Nana
December 10, 2008 7:38 AM | Link to this
Good Morning to one and all. It’s Hump Day, which means we are closer to Friday and me getting my new puppy!!!!
Looks like a heated discussion here yesterday afternoon. One that I would not have cared to join. Alot of bias going on, even some name calling. That’s not very nice bloggers. There is not a one of us that has not made mistakes and bad judgement, so let he who is without sin, cast the first stone.
A new day has dawned, so a new subject is needed. Any ideas anyone?
By Deirdre
December 10, 2008 7:54 AM | Link to this
Morning!
Hope you’re feeling better, Nana!
My sister-in-law is arriving this morning for a visit. I’m looking forward to spending some time with her.
Paula Abdul’s accusations directed at Idol are making a lot of news.
By kelly&carriefan
December 10, 2008 8:42 AM | Link to this
Hi y’all!
Wow…um, SO, D, yeah, I heard about Paula. The picture she’s painting of Idol isn’t exactly a good one. I’m waiting on that “tell all” book that’s supposedly in the works…
By you ignorant racists
December 10, 2008 8:44 AM | Link to this
You racists (not all of White America fit into this category) individuals make me sick. You don’t deserve the priviledge to be called a person, because you are not. So the next time we read about you all jumping out windows, killing your families, rape children, committing gay acts in public places, or committing suicide then I am going to think about this blog. The individuals like yourself are the very weak and ignorant ones that can’t handle any pressure. So you take the coward way out and kill yourself. Yeah you all sure got a handle on how to do things “right”.
By Deirdre
December 10, 2008 8:46 AM | Link to this
A Paula “tell-all” would be fascinating. Of course, someone would have to write it for her. :-)
By otis
December 10, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this
Regarding Fantasia, what else is new? How does she differ from any other black person who has made lots of money and doesn’t know how to manage it? It seems that their ego gets so inflated, that nothing else makes any difference.
By Deirdre
December 10, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this
I’m thinking that maybe “iggit” should be the order of the day until Rodney writes a new thread.
By harrietth
December 10, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this
LOL, D!! I agree! You know that a show that has gone on as long and been as successful as Idol has, is bound to have lots of things that would cause a twitter, people being what they are.
On another note, I cannot believe the depravity on this blog yesterday and the attempt to carry it on today. Man’s inhumanity to man continues, or is it woman’s? Maybe just people’s.
By harrietth
December 10, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this
I say we should ignore the ignorant and just continue as we usually do. It is hard to ignore. I like your idea, linny.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
December 10, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this
iggit indeed, Deirdre — WE, Harm, Nana, Harrietth, our regulars and regular lurkers… hang on, this too will pass sigh
not like it is the first time
it wasn’t Ms. Cox’s fault they had to file bankruptcy by the way; her husband’s business caved with the economy — construction is a hard thing to support right now, among other things — and it took the whole family finances down with his business since he was a small private businessman. regardless, they DID file bankruptcy, along with many others. that’s not racial, that’s economics.
sheesh.
Rodnaaaaaaaaay, we sure could use a new thread!!!
By Deirdre
December 10, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this
harrietth…you should read Rodney’s other blog when he writes about the “Real Housewives of Atlanta”. this one is pretty mild by comparison.
I’m thinking that Paula and Idol are just using the “stalker” stuff to get interest building for the new season. But I have little doubt that there are many fascinating behind-the-scenes stories to be told about American Idol.
By Kay Kay
December 10, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this
It is a shame that people have nothing better to do but spew racist remarks from his or her mouth. That is so played out and old. Get a grip on reality. There is no supreme race and no perfect race. There are screwed up people in all races. Look around you. People of all ethnic backgrounds are walking around you. Accept it and get a life! Hate is a wasteful emotion. Learn to love and love yourself.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
December 10, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
KK—oh if only it were so easy to convince people of your philosophy!!! we try, but i fear there will always be people ready and willing to sow anger and hate and if it’s not for one reason, it’ll surely be for another reason.
sad, but true. the best IMHO that we can do is love and move on with hope and faith. those who can’t, eventually, will be left behind :-)
By Nana
December 10, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this
Well said KayKay. Before one can love themself, they first have to be happy within their self.
Thanks Deirdre. I’m feeling much better. Bronchial pneumonia is not a fun thing to have.
Until RH gets a new thread going, how about tossing holiday recipes around again? I know we did it for Thanksgiving and it was a success. I really enjoyed getting new ones. Or we can talk about holiday traditions and I will start. When my oldest grandchild was 2 y/o, I got her the Friday night before Christmas and after breakfast of bacon/pancakes on Saturday, she and I baked cookies. Well she is now 28 and I still do that, with my youngest grandchildren (age 12) and my great grandchildren. It has become such a tradition, that they(kids) won’t let me out of it. But you know, I wouldn’t change it for anything in the world. It’s my special time with the grands and great grands. We usually bake about 12 dozen or so.
So, who’s next?
By JTesla
December 10, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this
Well it’s nice to see that the idiocy is passing. Of course, it could always be worse, we could be blogging in a place where everyone has to toe the group-think line and then pat each other on the backs about how they’re so special because they tolerate diversity. It’s real easy to say that you tolerate other people’s opinions when you are simply a carbon copy of the person above you. I’m sure the Gestapo considered themselves to be really diverse too, but we know that wasn’t the truth.
A little blog blowout is good every once in a while, it lets you know that people like that are still out there and that change is still needed.
By Shaun
December 10, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this
Wow, wrong day to stop by and say Hi. Great points JTesla.
By JTesla
December 10, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this
Morning Shaun, this place will always have days like yesterday.
We need a new topic, Paula seems to be the one heading the Idol PR push. I saw an article about her jewelry and how she gives some of it to contestants after Simon is mean to them. I can’t say that I’ve ever focused on the jewelry, is it really that special?
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
December 10, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this
Shaun…. Hi. nice to see you still think of us. it’s NOT like this most days, you just “lucked out” (not!). Without the constant input of antagonism, it’s usually quite peaceful and friendly here, even when we disagree about specifics. please, come again.
lunch, FINALLY! see you guys later!
By rc
December 10, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this
Hey Tesla,
Care to be more specific and state where you saw a carbon-copying toe-the-line diversity at all cost place? I’d like to go look at it a minute. It’d be a real hoot I’m sure.
I’m not sure which is worse; the place you describe or a place that is at the other extreme, one that takes 2-3 years of hateful race and gay bashing from one poster before it takes action.
Ah well….the holiday is upon us.
Merry Christmas and God Bless us, everyone!
:)
By Deirdre
December 10, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this
Hey Shaun…long time no see.
Are you aware that we are free of you know who?
rc…yes I’ve actually been to a blog like that! So frickin boring you could scream!
However, the recent ugliness on this one has nothing to do with the regulars.
By JTesla
December 10, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this
I’m confused, is this the rc who usually posts under a bunch of different user names? Oh now I get it, we were punked yesterday that was it. You got us again… silly guy.
Merry Christmas - you rascal you. ;)
By Deirdre
December 10, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this
Of course, the place of which I speak loved diversity as long as they didn’t have to put up with old people.
I’ve also been to a blog where the moderator reprimanded people whenever they disagreed. She would not accept a difference of opinion. How do you learn anything that way?
Well, like I said…my sister-in-law is in town so I’m off to do some more entertaining!
Have a good rest of the day folks.
By Deirdre
December 10, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this
JT…..lol!
By Woodpappy
December 10, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this
Glad yesterday is over !
By Who the hel* do you think you are?
December 10, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this
JT, you have some freakin nerve making comments on people you barely know. Let’s see, you blogged with the people on the “other blog” a good two weeks before they left and feel you have a right to make a general observation of that group of people. How bout this? Tend to your own business and stay the hel* away from snoping over there and that way you won’t have to worry about a group of people that has to toe the group-think line and then pat each other on the backs about how they’re so special because they tolerate diversity. It’s called “respect”. And, you should try that diversity thing for once in your life and stop thinking that the world revolves around you and the people you choose to associate with.
Got it?
Good.
By rc
December 10, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
Tesla,
I tried to make a point and you become childish? Oh well….I tried. But your point about the numerous user names is one that is accurate and applies to others here who may be considered ‘regulars’
D,
You ‘should’ know who is who re: the regulars….lol….but your comment on being bored? You must like a little spice in your life, or maybe you should go shopping more? Geez, I don’t know. :)
Anyways, good to see all the ‘regulars’ for a minute…..even Shaun.
Like I said before, have a happy holiday! (there’s some ‘diversity’ for those of you who don’t know what that means).
rc
By JTesla
December 10, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this
Well, that is an interesting spin… by someone. It’s interesting that hypocrites will tell me to tend to my own business, but not allow me to share my own opinion. I didn’t toe the line, so some hate filled person, who is too ashamed to use a name that they would commonly be know by feels the need to berate me.
Whoever you are let me clear up a few myths: first, I don’t care about you as much as you’d like to think that I do. Second, I’ve been coming here now for three seasons. The first I only read, the second I blogged, and then when I came back last year the dust was already settled from whatever went on in the off season. For some reason one year later you still can’t let it go… odd. And third, about the “try that diversity thing,” oh please, if you knew how steeped in diversity I am you’d feel more foolish then you ended up looking by making that silly post.
Merry Christmas “Who the hel* do you think you are?”
By Nana
December 10, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
Woodpappy, I think you spoke to soon!!!
JT and D just got blasted, but they can handle it very well and believe me, they will.
By JTesla
December 10, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this
Childish rc, me… you haven’t been paying much attention to me the past few years have you?
I enjoy sharing my opinions and reading the opinions of others. Thank you for offering your thoughts on my statement. I do treasure that difference of opinion, and I’ll consider all the points that have been brought up the next time the issue comes up.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
December 10, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
Oh my. And i thought that all the controversy was dying down… but it seems that old pots must be stirred occasionally!
gracious me.
under any guise, hypocrisy in ANY form is despicable — no two people will ever agree on everything; that’s a fact of life.
but….
Curious that when Deirdre mentioned “iggit” ….
ah nevermind. not worth ruffling even the littlest feather about!
By rc
December 10, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
Hey D!
When you come back, please tell more on the ‘old’ people remark (1:59pm), as an old ‘friend’ that once posted here was fond of calling rc old.
Tesla,
IMO, your 11:00 post indicates who is not willing to let something go. Your comments, veiled, but full of sarcasm weren’t lost on me.
The truth is, I don’t care who you are and I believe that you’re entitled to your opinion - whether or not I agree - but there is a point where what a poster says becomes uncalled for. I guess that point is sometimes hard to establish for sure, but evidently the wrong people got miffed here recently as your old bud no longer frequents this location.
OK, OK, I’ll go for now……I’m being called for lunch.
By JTesla
December 10, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this
Stop, drop, and roll Linny. I’ve been playing with fire again.
I’d like to apologize to the regular bloggers that are smart and avoid this stuff. Sorry! We’ll get back to discussing Paula’s crazy, Kelly’s new music, and related items soon.
By Deirdre
December 10, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this
Who the hell….your comment fails to take into account that a number of people who ‘left’ came back on a regular basis…some maintained a friendly stance, while others didn’t. JT knows those people pretty well.
And yes, RC(did you ever get going on psychology?) I DO like spice. I learn things by discussing various subjects with people. If I stayed with a group that agreed with EVERYTHING I thought, then how would I become a better person? I relish disagreement BECAUSE I don’t want to be sheltered from people with different views from my own.
Sometimes, putting up with the crazies who pop in here teaches me things I never knew about the world. Meeting people with different viewpoints(even objectionable viewpoints)allows to to solidify in my head, the way the world works.
Learning is a continuous process. I always welcome it even when I don’t particularly enjoy it or agree with it.
Being in a place where everyone agrees is like sticking your head in the sand. All of the current regulars are diverse again. We have many people here who aren’t afraid to state an opinion…or change their opinion. It’s healthy.
By Harmony
December 10, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
Hello
Nana, glad you are feeling better!!!
JTesla, thanks for sending us some more rain!!!
Nana, I still have to put my daughters presents under the tree,unwrapped, as if Santa brought them. I do not cook on Christmas, we have ham and other assorted goodies to eat through out the day!
By Nana
December 10, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
Hey Harm. I’m glad I feel better also. Not many days left for the happy arrival of baby. I know you can’t wait.
Time for me to wrap my day and head home. So my usual message stands. Be safe, be good, be happy and love the one(s) you’re with. And, please, please drive careful in this rain. It is nasty out there.
Catchya later………………
By JTesla
December 10, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
rc, what do I need to let go of - I don’t have a horse in that race! My first year of true blogging I was, for the most part, interacting with Deirdre and Linny, teasing a certain person who may or may not be gone, and disagreeing with every post that Negativo made. So my comments are not based on some bitter feud that erupted during the off season which occurred while I was taking time off from blogging.
I agree that there is a point where what a poster says is uncalled for, and if I ever reached that point I’d apologize, but I don’t feel that my post was close to reaching that point. If you feel that any of my comments have crossed the line, please use the Comment Removal Request located at the left of the page.
Harmony: snow is on tap for the weekend, hopefully I can send some of that your way too.
By harrietth
December 10, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
Quite a history lesson here today. JT, you defend yourself well, buddy.
By Harmony
December 10, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this
Snow would be nice in moderation,we haven’t had any in awhile! Please don’t send any of that nasty ice,just snow please!
By Deirdre
December 10, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this
Y’all are funny!
The only reason we were visited today was to reinforce the opinion that this is a bad place. Hope they’re all happy. I know I am! :-)
By Woodpappy
December 10, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
Very interesting reading, I must say !
By harrietth
December 10, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this
TTFN.
By Deirdre
December 10, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this
Talk about a small world. I just got an email from my Atlanta son’s girlfriend. She works for a lawyer who specializes in foreclosures. Guess whose home she is working on right now. I hesitate to mention the name. Let’s just say a former Idol winner prominently featured in Rodney’s current blog. :-)
By darb
December 10, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this
This blog has turned into a bunch of kids wanting to be soo nice, and crap like that. Lets get back to the original intent of this thread, and talk about another black american that is going back down the hole. Please dont anyone give her a gun, or she might go out and shoot someone or herself at a club somewhere.
By darb
December 10, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this
This blog has turned into a bunch of kids wanting to be soo nice, and crap like that. Lets get back to the original intent of this thread, and talk about another black american (Fantasia)whom is going back down the hole, where she came from. Please dont anyone give her a gun, or she might go out and shoot someone or herself at a club somewhere.
By JTesla
December 10, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this
Yes darb, let’s talk about the original intent of this thread: Michael Johns. I don’t know what all that stuff you said has to do with Michael Johns, unless that was code for “the guy can sing.” Or maybe it is code for “that guy can play tennis,” I seem to have lost my code book.
Anyone listen to his Christmas song yet?
By Deirdre
December 10, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this
darb…I really don’t believe that the original intent of the thread was about black holes. I think it first was about Michael Johns’ next event and it reported, without criticism, the unfortunate circumstances that Fantasia finds herself in.
But we’ll try not to be soooo nice next time you drop in! :-)
By linny@home
December 10, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this
i’m laughing here, honest, i’m laughing. seems that we’re not so far removed from the past as we might have thought!
i’m like D, i love a good discussion between people of differing viewpoints! it’s amazing what you can learn, even if you disagree with theories and philosophies; you learn about people at the very least!
JT, seems my code book is missing too… is it a conspiracy!?!?!
By rc
December 10, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this
sorry I didn’t reply earlier to a couple items, I had to go to the dentist)
Tesla replying to your 3:02p post led me to copy your 11a post:
“Of course, it could always be worse, we could be blogging in a place where everyone has to toe the group-think line and then pat each other on the backs about how they’re so special because they tolerate diversity. It’s real easy to say that you tolerate other people’s opinions when you are simply a carbon copy of the person above you. I’m sure the Gestapo considered themselves to be really diverse too, but we know that wasn’t the truth.”
You said you didn’t have a horse in that race. IF not then what does the previous comment refer to exactly?” Some generality about blogs in the universe? LOL, I think we both know better than that.
I did want to explain why I was here and commented also. I’d heard or saw a post that said flats had been banned from here. I wanted to see if that was true and came here to check it out and have lurked a time or two since I heard the news. Then of course I saw Shaun’s post and your comment about the other blogs and couldn’t resist commenting.
Anyway it isn’t worth carrying on about anymore, the reason I posted was to express my opinion. Although I’d have to say I am curious as to why now with the banning? Why not 2 years ago? Anyone here have courage to speak about it or is it too painful to say why the guy was banned since some folks seem to be anti-diversity?
D,
I’d have to say that when it comes to blogging boredom, that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Besides, I’d rather blog somewhere that is friendly and of course that’s a choice we all make. I’d rather blog with real people; I mean people that would come pick me up in town if my car broke down, or people that might be worth having dinner with and getting to know. I don’t particularly care to blog with someone that I fear would stalk someone else or intentionally cause another harm.
As to your question about furthering my education in psych, no I haven’t made anymore headway in that area, but thanks for asking and thanks for your earlier advice. I have been prepping for the LSAT however and will probably pursue that type of school and line of work in something along the lines of public service. At least that’s my hope right now. LOL an old geezer like me can’t plan too far ahead!
Take care! RC
By JTesla
December 10, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this
rc: I’ll move right to your third paragraph. I have the courage to speak, but I’m not going to comment on the details. They don’t need to be discussed. Besides, the details would not surprise you.
I commented several times last year about how good you have it on the other blog, and I sincerely mean that. The reason for that is that the person in control there also blogs there, the same is not true with a corporate blog. Here management does not blog, they care about a newspaper. The blog here, and as I will point out most blogs like it, are going to have garbage drift in and out, there is little that management can do, and it is management that is in control. For instance, I live in a very liberal city, but even the TV, radio, and newspaper blogs here have this ugliness creep in. Perhaps it’s the anonymity, perhaps it’s because people are just dumb, perhaps people really are that mean, or maybe it’s all three. Either way people will make posts that you and I know should not be allowed, where does it go from there? Remember you are dealing with a corporation, I have seen it mentioned several times that Rodney does not have the power, so he escalates his concern to someone, they bump it to someone else etc. rc if you work in corporate America you may have encountered this same problem. It took 2 years for someone up the chain to finally figure it out.
In my mind it is the fault of the corporate bureaucracy, but I’m still a bit of an outsider, so perhaps someone else can provide more insight. Does any of the above make it right? No, but everyone already knows that. We’re just people sitting around blogging about AI, we are far from perfect.
By War Eagle
December 10, 2008 7:14 PM | Link to this
I had to go back and take another look at the date on this blog. I think I have read it before.
By JTesla
December 10, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this
Evening WE, for my responses I just did a cut and paste from things I said last January… and again in March… and then again in May.
By War Eagle
December 10, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this
Hey JT. I’ve been away for a while. Can I ask what happened to flats? I guess he must have tied his noose a little to tight this time.
By JTesla
December 10, 2008 7:50 PM | Link to this
That’s pretty much it WE. Give a man enough rope and he will hang himself, it just took him longer than most. I won’t go into details, to be honest I’m trying to avoid the topic, but it keeps coming up. I’m pretty sure we haven’t heard the last of it…
By long time reader
December 10, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this
I ain’t the smartest blogger in the world, but I am 100% sure that if this guy you are referring to was causing this many problems, a recommendation to have him banned some odd years ago would have been seriously taken into consideration. From the posts I’ve kept up with in the past couple years, it seems as though banning this guy wasn’t top priority until he starting attacking person friends of the author. That’s just my opinion. Don’t shoot me for it. But that’s life. People look out for who they want to in life, and as long as you have the authoritative right to do so, no one really can do anything about that. It’s kind of like a CEO who hires his daughter to work at his company and no matter how much she messes up, he will protect her and her job is always secure, but as soon as someone who is less significant to that CEO screws up, they are let go. If the other bloggers are happier where they are, then leave it be. Everyone has a right to their opinion of where and when they want to blog. For those of you who stayed for your own reasons, just leave it at that and move on. Its just blogging people. If it makes you feel any better, the author doesn’t care about any of us :)
By War Eagle
December 10, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this
I always enjoyed flats. People speek of diversity on this blog and no one did it better than flats. But like I said I have been away for a while so I don’t know what happened so I have no comment on it one way or the other.
By Deirdre
December 10, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this
Flats has not been blocked on his home computer. He has been blocked on his work computer. It happened because a number of people suggested that, if he were to continue on the path he had resumed after nearly a year, that this blog would end up virtually dead. Most of us would not remain. Ropes had reached their ends. Many of us had grown tired of ignoring him.
I’m sorry this did not happen soon enough for many of you but I’m not sorry that Rodney tried to keep this blog open, freewheeling, and basically honest. Society has it’s misfits…..this blog has it’s misfits. That’s the way things are sometimes.
linny and I tried to work within the system, tried to maintain our loyalty and friendship with Rodney because we LIKE it here…despite the troubles, despite the occasional days when we’re on the front page and stupid people decide to make it a forum for their bigotry.
We believe that nothing is ever changed by walking away.
We’re ok here. I’m sure that y’all(those who left) are ok where you are. I left a note on your blog out of courtesy. I felt that you had a right to know.
BUT…you still show up here pretending friendship but with bitterness and anger in your hearts. I’m sorry you feel that way. I’m sorry that you can’t seem to let go of the fact that it didn’t go the way you thought it should. I’m sorry that things worked out the way they did.
I’m sorry…but I’m done with it. Enjoy your new blog. Feel free to come back and say hello. But let go of the bitterness because it won’t change anything. Good luck, have fun, enjoy yourselves. We do.
By cynthia
December 18, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this
i’m sorry to hear that it terrible losing i prayer that god be with them
By darb
December 23, 2008 8:07 AM | Link to this
What the hell is this dribble? All I wanted to see and do was bash that idiot Fantasia.