Transforming the Porn Industry

AmericanVice.com & ViceList.com Drawing Millions with Unique Style

Ezra Miller and his partner, Reg Berkeley, are the forces behind AmericanVice.com and ViceList.com, two unique adult websites that are literally transforming and shaking up the porn industry. People are logging on to ViceList.com because of its vast catalogue of films and an impressive roster of talented writers that are willing to tackle anything from politics to sports. In addition to being a partner in the business, Miller contributes brutally honest, insightful, funny and sometimes-acerbic critiques of the more than 2,000 porn films he’s watched, and the reviews have earned him a global following. Both sites were launched in 2006 and continue to expand at a rapid pace.

According to Berkeley, “What we offer is a constant weaving of intellectual thoughts, pop culture references and sex . . .all within one cogent paragraph. Our writing is of the highest quality, with a bent towards crass, vulgar humor like Kevin Smith, Dennis Miller, Bill Maher, National Lampoon, etc.” People are definitely interested in what Miller and Berkeley are offering, as IAFD (the adult equivalent of IMDB which tracks numbers of reviews) has listed ViceList.com as #5.

Miller allowed me to conduct an exclusive interview and ask some tough questions about the websites, the dark side of porn and the duo’s mission to revolutionize the industry.

G-Man: What is your professional background and how did it lead to this endeavor?

Miller: I graduated from Cornell University with a BA in English and a Creative Writing concentration. Obviously, a degree like that usually lends itself useful to two things: A lifetime of academia or the starving artist waiting for his big break, ala J.K. Rowling. Thankfully, I was never forced to live out of my car, though I came close. I bounced around between several jobs after college, everything from selling office furniture to the military to parking cars and waiting tables. None of those positions provided me with any sort of satisfaction, so I packed up my life and headed west to seek my fortune. That’s where I hooked up with Reg Berkeley.

G-Man: What makes your website(s) so different from the thousands of porn sites showcased on the Internet?

Miller: We care. I know that sounds like a ridiculous notion, given the nature of our business, but we sincerely believe that quality is important even in the realm of Internet pornography. Reg spends countless hours agonizing over the tiniest details of the sites in order to make them better, faster, stronger for our customers. In terms of my role, I give our patrons an honest perspective on the content we offer.

G-Man: The economy has even forced online businesses to shut down, but your website recently catapulted to the number five site in the world! How would you explain this amazing accomplishment, given the state of the economy?

Miller: Persistence. The number of people who will either pay for porn or who have the inclination to read our reviews is extremely overblown. The media bandies about figures like $12 billion in annual revenue. The reality is that an actual porn consumer is more akin to a Star Trek devotee. The challenge for us has been finding our niche audience.

G-Man: You’ve watched more than 2,000 porn films. When critiquing them, what are some of the things you look for?

Miller: It depends on the genre. There are basically three or four different types of adult movies out there: feature, gonzo, reality and fetish. I strive to put myself in the shoes of the person who would want to watch a particular kind of porno and write about the things they’re looking for. So when it comes to a feature, I’m hammering on the points of storyline, acting, pace of the movie, etc. Gonzo, I’m talking more about energy, gratuitous close-ups and quality lighting. Reality and fetish are a little tougher because they tend to be so unique. But there is one all-encompassing and paramount quality in my mind and that’s chemistry. It can make or break a scene before the clothes come off.

G-Man: How do you keep the subject matter “fresh” when you’re writing porn reviews?

Miller: It’s really hard and a cross I bear constantly. You reach a certain point where you’ve seen so many similar scenes over and over again that coming up with new things to talk about becomes a struggle. That’s where I have to be especially creative with my references. I try to bridge the gap between mainstream popular culture and adult entertainment whenever possible. If I can make the content seem more familiar, then hopefully it gives the reader a better sense of what they’re getting.

G-Man: You also tend to attack established porn stars, directors and producers on a regular basis in your reviews. Why do you have such disdain for them?

Miller: The kiss of death for me is unoriginality. If someone continues to pump the shelves full of the same predictable garbage every month, they’re bringing the entire industry down. It’s my job as a critic to call that out, whether it is the responsibility of the director, studio or performer. Thankfully, the format of our websites allows me to be brutally honest in my reviews, even if it’s not always gracious to those who should have failed years ago.

G-Man: Some critics still regard Bob Guccione’s 1979 classic “Caligula” as a landmark porn film because of its stellar cast, production and societal impact. What did you think of the movie and why haven’t more porn films been made on this scale?

Miller: That’s simply not the market anymore. You don’t have people running across the tracks to take in the latest adult feature film on its opening weekend. The industry has become so saturated through Internet and DVD consumption that the revenue potential is incredibly limited. Hence, studios are unwilling to pump a bunch of money into epic masterpieces of adult cinema.

G-Man: Do you think we’ll ever see a global, critically acclaimed film, which happens to have real sex scenes, considered for major award consideration in Hollywood?

Miller: Probably not. There are too many factors to overcome. Aside from the fact that most mainstream Hollywood actors would not cross that line, it’s simply unnecessary. What’s not shown in a major studio production is oftentimes just as important as what the director allows us to see. You can create far more heat through imagination and artistic camera angles than by actually displaying hardcore.

G-Man: What shocking and/or painful realities have you discovered about the industry?

Miller: Beneath the thin, glossy veneer of the Adult Video News (AVN) Awards, Jenna Jameson’s mainstream success and celebrity sex tapes, there is a harsh reality to face. I won’t say “all” because that’s never the case when you’re talking about any group of people, but a lot of these performers are hopeless. You can rant all day about the drug use, STD’s and torture they put their bodies through. That’s the obvious stuff. What gets me is the acceptability of psychosis. These people are fucking nuts.

G-Man: What do you think of the following men: Hugh Hefner (Playboy Magazine) and Larry Flynt (Hustler Magazine)?

Miller: I admire Hugh Hefner a lot for revolutionizing the print industry with an original idea. He wasn’t afraid to try something new and juxtapose class with sex. His legacy and success are well deserved. As for Larry Flynt, he’s fought the good fight for free speech and been the loudest voice in the room.

G-Man: Do you or your business partner ever feel that you’re “feeding the beast” or contributing to the problems plaguing the industry by promoting these films?

Miller: Are you asking me how I can sleep at night doing what I do? The fact of the matter is that these films already exist and have existed long before American Vice was even an idea. If anything, our voice is a step in the right direction for the industry. We’re holding them accountable to a higher standard of quality.

G-Man: Clinical studies have indicated there is a link between people who watch porn and those who commit sex crimes. Do you believe Internet porn, including your sites, should face strict regulations in order to deal with the rising number of sex crimes being committed against women and children across the nation?

Miller: I don’t claim to be an expert on this, but that doesn’t mean I’m not entitled to an opinion. From what I’ve seen, the bulk of the research done on the subject has been with confirmed sex offenders. These are people predisposed to such behavior, and they’ve already acted on it. Human nature requires them to justify their existence, so naturally a majority of their first inclinations are to say, “Porn made me do it.” I’m all for reducing crime, which most studies would indicate is more correlated to the strength of the economy than anything else. But I still believe that 99% of people who watch porn do it purely to masturbate. Some psychopath is more likely to get crazy ideas from watching “Saw” or “Hostel.” Those movies graphically depict horrendous violence with the benefit of massive special effects budgets and a two-hour attention span. Even the most outrageous or aggressive porn that I’ve seen can only be guilty of bad taste. It’s so low budget, sophomoric and fleeting, that you’d have to be truly deranged to take it seriously.

G-Man: How do you respond to critics, particularly those in the Christian community, who say you’re simply peddling smut and immorality to obtain wealth?

Miller: Judge not lest ye be judged. As far as wealth, I’ll let you know when it happens.

G-Man: You’ve openly discussed many of the evils associated with the porn industry. What positive thing can you say about it that would justify your involvement and continued support?

Miller: Porn is a very polarizing topic. Just mention it in a crowded room of people and ears perk up. For better or for worse, it is a true reflection of humanity in its most raw and vivid form. Some people love it, and others are repulsed by it. I find that intriguing. When the chemistry between the performers clicks and the scene is right, there is nothing like it. That’s why I watch.

Photo credit: Toadsith

Crisis in North Korea

Celebrated Historian Breaks Down Conflict

In recent weeks, North Korea has launched short-range missiles and detonated a nuclear device underground. These acts have caused tensions to mount between the United States and a country that President George W. Bush claimed was part of the “Axis of Evil”. World leaders, military officials and the general public observe the situation with great interest and concern, and many are wondering if North Korea’s defiance will lead to all-out war.

Charles K. Armstrong is the Korea Foundation Associate Professor of Korean Studies - in the Social Sciences in the Department of History - and Director of the Center for Korean Research at Columbia University. A specialist in the modern history of Korea and East Asia, Professor Armstrong has authored several critically acclaimed books and appeared on numerous cable news networks as a commentator. He graciously consented to an interview to discuss the crisis and what can be done to prevent it from escalating.

G-Man: The situation with North Korea has intensified, and they’ve vowed to use military force against the U.S. and South Korea if threatened. North Korea has “flexed” on the U.S. and its allies in the past, but they seem to be taking it to another level entirely this time. Why do they continue to brazenly challenge the world and what should be done to prevent them from flexing in the future?

Professor Armstrong: We’ve seen this movie before at least twice: first in 1993-4, when for the first time suspicions about North Korea’s nuclear program brought the US and North Korea to the brink of war. This was followed by an agreement that froze their plutonium-reprocessing program (which is what they’ve used to make bombs) for about eight years, until the agreement fell apart during the first Bush administration in 2002-3. Then, North Korea’s missile launches and first nuclear test in 2006 led to UN sanctions, which North Korea attacked as a virtual declaration of war. But war didn’t break out, and soon the US, North Korea and the other members of the Six-Party Talks (South Korea, Russia and Japan) returned to negotiations and made considerable progress on a new denuclearization deal. Now the Six-Party process itself has all but collapsed, and North Korea is once again talking about war. But the speed and extent of this flexing is unprecedented: a second nuclear test, followed by a half-dozen short-range missile tests, and threats of a long-range test.

North Korea is good at these attention-getting provocations and unfortunately the lesson of the last fifteen years that they seem to have learned, is that launching missiles and testing nuclear weapons are the only ways to get the US to take them seriously. The Obama administration, which of course has other crises to deal with, hadn’t paid much attention to North Korea. Now, thanks to Kim Jong Il, they have to pay attention. I don’t think North Korea really wants war; they’re not suicidal. They see the US as a mortal threat and nuclear weapons as a good way of defending themselves until they reach an agreement with the US that guarantees them some sort of security. Reaching such an agreement will be very difficult now, but we came close in the past and maybe, when the missiles have stopped flying and everyone has calmed down, we can return to negotiations that will end the state of conflict between the US and North Korea – a conflict which, by the way, has continued for almost 60 years, since the Korean War broke out in 1950. Diplomacy may not sound very appealing right now, but the alternatives are either ineffective or unthinkable. There is really is no military option because of the catastrophic consequences that would result, especially now that North Korea has nuclear weapons. Nor have sanctions been very successful in the past, both because North Korea is already about as isolated as a country can get and because China is unlikely to agree to truly punitive sanctions. So sitting down and talking with Pyongyang, at the highest levels possible, is the best way out the current crisis.

G-Man: For those who may not be familiar with the tensions that exist between North and South Korea, could you briefly explain why North Korea continues to act as an aggressor to its neighbor?

Professor Armstrong: North Korea doesn’t see itself as an aggressor. It acted with unequivocal aggression against South Korea just once, when North Korea invaded the South in June 1950, triggering the Korean War. The war brought in the US (leading a United Nations force) which in turn evoked the intervention of “People’s Volunteer” soldiers of the newly communist China. But this invasion came after a very tumultuous period following the end of World War II, when Korea was liberated from Japanese colonial rule only to find itself divided into Soviet and American occupation zones. By September 1948, there were two states on the Korean peninsula, one in the North and one in the South, and each refused to recognize the other as legitimate. The war ended in 1953 with Korea still divided, and Seoul and Pyongyang have been fighting a localized “cold war” ever since, with the US as South Korea’s main supporter.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union and other communist states in 1989-91, North Korea found itself almost completely isolated with only China remaining as an ally. On top of that, its economy went into a tailspin, culminating in a famine in the late 1990s that killed hundreds of thousands of people. But the leadership dug in its heels and refused to give in to outside pressure to change, although North Korea embarked on some limited economic reforms in the early 2000s. We must not forget that North Korea is a country on a constant war footing. It feels virtually surrounded by hostile powers: the US, South Korea (especially under the current more hard-line President), and Japan are all sworn enemies as far as North Korea is concerned. Russia is not much of friend, and North Korea doesn’t trust China either. To some extent this is self-reinforcing paranoia, but that’s the way the regime sees the world. Remember, the Korean War fighting ended in an armistice, a cease-fire. Technically the war never ended, and the US and North Korea remain at war to this day. The invasion of Iraq in 2003 gave North Korea even more reason to distrust the US and develop its own nuclear deterrent. So, what looks like aggression to the outside world, North Koreans justify as self-defense. Getting them out of such a mindset will not be easy.

G-Man: At this point, who is primarily responsible for creating this dire situation: Kim Jong-il, leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, or others within the government who want to chart a different course for North Korea?

Professor Armstrong: As far as we know Kim Jong-il is still in charge. One theory is that he’s flexing his military might in order to prove his toughness to his own military, as he prepares for a new leader to follow him. Kim apparently had a stroke last summer and has been looking frail since he re-emerged in public a few months ago. It has recently been reported that he is preparing his youngest son (aged 25) to succeed him, just as Kim’s father starting grooming him for leadership when he was in his late 20s and 30s. It may also be that different groups and individuals within the leadership are trying to impress Kim Jong Il with their militant patriotism. What’s clear is that any trends toward openness and reform that we saw in past years have been sidelined by a newly robust military-first politics.

G-Man: Is Kim Jong-il a maverick, a madman or both?

Professor Armstrong: I wouldn’t call Kim mad, although his way of thinking is not like that of most other leaders in the world. His whole country might be viewed as maverick, given the current world system. When Kim first started running the country under his father’s tutelage in the 1980s and 1990s, some people thought he might be a reformer, others that he was an unstable lunatic. He turned out be neither: his problem was that, as a good filial son, he carried on his father’s legacy and led the country as if nothing had changed. But the world has changed a lot since the elder Kim died in 1994, and the more North Korea stays the same, the stranger and more out-of-step it looks.

G-Man: Would sanctions actually work, or are they useless at this point?

Professor Armstrong: As I briefly noted earlier, sanctions are not likely to have much effect, unless they were extreme enough to lead the regime to collapse, but China would be unlikely to support such strong sanctions. The last thing China wants is a destabilized or collapse North Korea. Some people have called for “smart sanctions” that would target members of the North Korean elite, but I doubt freezing Swiss bank accounts or denying Kim his shipments of cognac will change North Korea’s behavior. Finally there’s the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) that South Korea recently signed onto. This would allow foreign authorities to interdict and board North Korean ships on the high seas, which North Korea says would be considered acts of war. It probably isn’t smart to test them on this.

G-Man: Russia has indicated it will not support sanctions against North Korea. With North Korea threatening to launch nuclear attacks, why would Russia be reluctant to join the growing list of countries calling for strict sanctions?

Professor Armstrong: It’s very unlikely Russia would be a target of such attacks. Russia’s position is similar to China’s: they still have some leverage over the North, which is also useful for their relations with the US. So long as all-out war can be avoided, the status quo is preferable to destabilizing pressure on the Pyongyang.

G-Man: News reports indicate that Kim Jong-il is gravely ill. If he were to die in the next six months, would the situation change for the better or get worse with his successor?

Professor Armstrong: Bad as things are, they could be worse: an anarchic North Korea with loose nukes, a truly crazy man at the helm, or any of a number of nightmare scenarios. But I don’t think North Korea will fall apart even if Kim were to die tomorrow. In the near term a post-Kim North Korea will probably be much like the one we have today, perhaps run by a collective leadership rather than one Dear Leader.

G-Man: As previously stated, North Korea has ‘shown their ass’ in the past, but when they were dealing with President George W. Bush or President Clinton, they always managed to come to their senses and the situation was defused. This time, they’re not only showing their ass, they’re practically giving the U.S. and its allies ‘the finger’. The situation has gotten so bad that the U.S and South Korean military have been placed on high alert. Most journalists won’t ask this question, but The G-Man will. Give it to me straight, Professor Armstrong. Do you think the North Korean government’s belligerence, particularly toward the U.S., has anything to do with the fact that a black man is seated in the Oval Office?

Professor Armstrong: Racism should never be underestimated, but North Korea’s official media is equally vicious toward American presidents whatever their color. They probably hoped to get a better deal with Obama after Bush (more like they had at the end of the Clinton years), but as their own media said, “change” didn’t happen. North Koreans have shown themselves to be equal opportunity America-bashers.

G-Man: Do you think North Korea will blink, so to speak, or are we on the verge of World War III?

Professor Armstrong: I hope, and believe, that cooler heads will prevail. Korean War II wouldn’t be World War III, but it would be devastating for Northeast Asia. And the last thing the US needs is another regional war.

To review footage of Professor Armstrong explaining the crisis and the impact Secretary of State Hillary Clinton could have on it, please visit the link below.

http://www.columbia.edu/cu/weai/armstrong-clintonkorea.html

Additional resources

http://www.sipa.columbia.edu/academics/directory/cra10-fac.html

Photo courtesy of Columbia University

The Ballad of Colonel Kelly, USMC

A Poem Honoring U.S. Soldiers Killed in Iraq and Afghanistan

I've had the good fortune of being able to showcase a wide range of work on this blog. You can find anything from investigative news stories and celebrity interviews to stinging commentary and social satire. However, the one thing I have never showcased is my poetry. That's because I didn't want to get laughed at by all the real, hardcore poets out there. After several close friends pleaded with me to post at least one, I decided to do so.

I'm sure many will find this poem controversial and perhaps "un-American", but I'll take my chances. The G-Man has pissed off so many that it's getting to the point where people are going to have to start taking a number. It is being published in order to highlight the difficulties U.S. soldiers face and the unpleasant aspects of war that are not often seen, heard or talked about in American media or our culture. Given this fact, I would like to present this poem as a very, very special Memorial Day tribute to every soldier that died in Iraq and Afghanistan, especially the ones who always tried to do the right thing, under the most extreme circumstances, and represented America in a positive way. May you all rest in peace.

The Ballad of Colonel Kelly, USMC

My name is Col. Kelly, United States Marine
This is a tale of war, and the horrors I have seen.

Like the young Iraqi girl, whose skull was crushed to bits
By a demon insurgent who beat her, and cut off both her tits.

Habib was a local merchant, who served my Hell Hounds bread
His mother found him in the street, a body with no head.

Sgt. Winston was from Dallas, a sniper’s bullet found his eye
He prayed for his wife and baby, as I helplessly watched him die.

PTSD took three of my best, Cpl. Thomas, Smith and Ligger
They sat in a circle, kissed a cross, and simply pulled the trigger.

Sgt. Harris was from Brooklyn, serving his fourth tour in Iraq
His body parts were strewn about, after being shot in the back.

We had orders to storm a mosque, where the enemy laid its claim
Thirty children were killed that day, and I refused to take the blame.

Several soldiers stained our flag, having no regard for human life
Holding an Imam at gunpoint, while fellow soldiers raped his wife.

Car bombs explode around me, the screams are commonplace
An Iraqi boy lies bleeding, with only half a face.

Semper Fidelis is our motto, for honor and country we’ll die
Some Americans support the war, while most denounce the lie.

Back home there’s talk of victory, but in war no one wins
Blood soaks a once sacred land, who will pay for these sins?

None of this matters to me now, as I am finally headed home
Unlike many American veterans, I haven’t been left to roam.

I am Col. Richard E. Kelly, and I now accept my fate
Killed by a roadside bomb…. August 20…in the year 2008.

Photo Credits: United States Marine Corps

Permission: Public Domain

Xiao Ying's War

Wife Says Husband Left U.S. After School Reps Created "Illegal" History

Xiao Ying Zhang, pictured with her infant daughter, traveled all the way to Capitol Hill to request help from elected officials. To date, none have taken a position in a case that could mark a watershed moment in U.S./China relations.

Howard Wang and Xiao Ying Zhang were born and raised in the Sichuan province of China. Like many married couples from foreign lands, they often dreamed of coming to the United States to gain citizenship, start a family and build a new life. That opportunity came eight years ago when Wang and his wife entered the country under F-1 and F-2 dependent visa status. The F-1 allows non-immigrant students to enter the U.S. and the F-2 is a non-immigrant visa that grants access to dependent spouses and children. “My husband had an F-1 visa. He was studying computer science courses while we were living a nice, quite life in Wyoming. The people there were very nice and made us feel welcomed,” said Zhang. “My husband graduated in August of 2002. I was not working because the F-2 visa does not allow you to be employed. I was taking care of my child at home and learning English sporadically. I can now read most English with the help of a dictionary.”

The family soon migrated to Arizona after Shono Preparatory High School hired Wang as a math teacher in December of 2002 under the Optional Practice status. An F-1 student has a one-year optional practice period. On June 1, 2003, right before his optional practice status ended, June 2, 2003, Wang was granted H1-B status and Zhang was granted H4 status as a result. However, the couple's life was about to undergo another major transformation, as the Cincinnati Public School (CPS) district in Ohio requested Wang’s services. “On September 16, 2003, my husband was offered a teaching job at the Academy of World Languages (AWL) through the CPS district office. He quit his job at Shono on September 19, 2003 and moved to Ohio right away. This is when our American dream began to turn into a horrible, horrible nightmare,” said Zhang.

The couple provided official faxed documents from AWL to Wang, dated September 16, 2003. The two-page application confirmed that a “position of acceptance” had been agreed to by Wang and Stephen Hoyt, a principal that is no longer at the institution, to teach a class entitled “Chinese Languages”. The document also indicated that all necessary paperwork would be processed. Zhang contends that once they arrived at the school, they were immediately classified as illegal and that problems seemed to develop right from the start.

“First, the public school’s attorney, Mary M Godar, claimed we were illegal. In my opinion, for whatever reason, this woman was paid by the public school to 'operate' on our legal documents for months,” Zhang proclaimed. “She was paid very well by the public school for months, but our family was forced to wait until the matter was investigated. We had no income from September 19 to November 25, 2003. It was because of the generosity of people that we were even able to eat and pay our bills. We really didn't understand why this was happening because my husband had done the paper work for his first H1-B in only a few days.”

Zhang indicated that the situation took a dramatic turn on November 25, 2003. The CPS, still acting under Godar's legal guidance, suddenly let Wang work at the school on an as needed basis. Meanwhile, Wang’s legal status between September 19, 2003 and Nov. 25, 2003 was exactly same. “The school district and its attorney were obviously above the law. When they didn’t want my husband working, they said he was illegal. When they needed him, the illegal status they claimed was forgotten. So, in essence, he taught American kids with an illegal tag posted by the district and its attorney. We have the paycheck stubs to prove it,” said Zhang.

Zhang further alleges that in September of 2004, her husband, who has a Masters Degree in mathematics and possessed a valid math certificate, was placed on-call while many people in the Cincinnati Public School district, including those with certificates in non-math related fields, were allowed to teach math classes on a regular basis without any valid math certification from the state. To substantiate his claim, Wang says a representative from the Cincinnati Federation of Teachers (CFT), of which Wang was a member, gave him a complete listing of math-teaching vacancies for the entire CPS district for the 2004-2005 school year that were allegedly filled internally with non-math certified teachers. Zhang provided the listing in its entirety.

The couple believes the motive was to let people in the CPS district have first shot at the jobs, even though they were non-math certified teachers, in order to save money and offset the enormous shortage of math teachers in the district. When Wang sent numerous complaint emails to related sources, copies of which were provided for this story, it greatly angered district officials; particularly Human Resources Chief Manager, Deborah Heater, who was the correspondent with Wang in the contentious emails. According to Zhang, “They retaliated by forcing him to take part in a disciplinary meeting on December 14, 2004 to reveal the name of the source who informed him that non-math certified teachers were working in the classrooms, but the school district couldn’t discipline him for anything because they knew he was telling the truth!” A copy of a letter from the CPS district office to Wang was provided to validate Zhang's statement. The content of the letter, dated December 14, 2004, stated the following:

Dear Mr. Wang,

As a condition of your H1-B visa, you will be returned to your position at AWL effective Wednesday, December 15, 2005. You will remain in this position until June 2005. When staffing activities for 2005-2006 are concluded at your school by February, you will know that status of your position for 2005-2006.

On January 10, 2005, your name will be included in the Superintendent's recommendations to the Board and you will be returned to long-term substitute status retroactive to September 27, 2004. After January 10, 2005, you will receive back pay to September 27, minus any pay you received as a daily substitute.

Finally, I need immediately your visa (from Canada) and Form I-94 (white card) for you and your family. Please bring these documents to me by 4:30 pm January 15, 2005. I will copy and return them to you.

Sincerely,

Doris M. Stokes

Human Resources Specialist

Zhang mentioned that what happened next was completely shocking. “They tried to find something else to punish my husband for truth he had told. When attempts to paint him as a disgruntled employee failed, the school district asked him if he completed a requested trip to Canada for matters concerning his visa, which they knew was unnecessary. Godar arranged for this to be done. When my husband told them no, they stopped him from working again, without pay, on January 26, 2005. They did this despite the fact that my husband was told by a United States Customs and Immigration Service officer, 'Sharon', that the trip to Canada was unnecessary and unwarranted. The school district and Godar said the USCIS officer was wrong.” Wang and Zhang submitted a riveting piece of evidence that refuted the claims made by the school district and the attorney: an eight-minute recording of the actual conversation that took place on June 8, 2004 between Wang and the USCIS agent. The officer even provided Wang with her badge number, which was identified as 6135, and stated that all of Wang's papers were in order, that his approval notice was valid and that he was in good standing until August 18, 2006.

In an attempt to bring attention to their plight and what they believed was a major scandal within the Cincinnati Public School district, Zhang went to Washington, D.C. and protested in front of Capitol Hill on December 7, 2006. “When I protested in D.C., the complaint was on record. I believe the CPS district knew about it. Godar didn’t file the proper papers to update my visa in 2003 or 2004, which caused me to be charged by the USCIS,” stated Zhang. “My husband told the truth and complained publicly and formally to many officials and offices, such as former Ohio Senator Mike DeWine, current Senator George Voinovich, the County Commissioner and the Ohio Department of Education. He was confident that he was telling the truth and was willing to face the consequences for speaking out. So was I. That was why I was protesting in front of Capitol Hill, the U.S. Supreme Court, the White House, and the U.S. Department of Education. Unfortunately, those we were speaking out against were too powerful.”

Zhang and child in front of the U.S. Supreme Court

In the end, Zhang said the school district and its attorney secretly sent a withdrawal application, a copy of which has been obtained, to revoke Wang's H1-B status in March of 2005. The application was approved on April 5, 2005. “So, he unknowingly was regarded as an illegal alien since April 5, 2005 and made the decision to leave the country,” Zhang tearfully explained. “When a complaint was made against the attorney for ethnics violation, Godar said she was only doing what the school district instructed her to do. My husband received a letter from Robert R. Berger, District Counsel for the Ohio Supreme Court, indicating that no formal charges were going to be filed against Godar.

When asked why she was allowed to remain in the U.S., Zhang noted that her children were recognized as U.S. citizens. Therefore, remaining in the U.S. was not a problem for her. Then, according to Zhang, the situation got much worse. “When my husband had been illegally charged for overstaying since April 5, 2005, I was not charged. He left the country in 2007, and now I am being charged by the USCIS for overstaying since June 2, 2004 because of an illegal history created by the school district and Godar. I had been dependent on my husband in America. Godar should have submitted my documents with my husband's because she was in charge of all processing of our legal documents since September of 2003. She didn’t do it! She secretly created an illegal history for me, too.”

Wang was the only income source for the family when he was charged for overstaying. His wife contends he was denied all legal rights to work right after September 2006 and that his valid passport identification was withheld by USCIS on December 3, 2006. To make matters even worse, the couple received a phone call in 2006 from the Bureau of Child Welfare, while in Virginia, and was advised to provide their kids with a standard means of support or they would lose their parenthood rights. Given the extreme circumstances, Wang accepted all the charges and voluntarily left the country.

Within a matter of months, Zhang was forced to make the ultimate sacrifice. No longer able to support her four children on $100 a week, she had no choice but to send them all to be with their father. “All of my children were born in America. The last time I saw my two smaller children, ages three and one, was July 2008. I saw the other two, ages seven and five, back in February of 2007. They are a few months older now,” said Zhang while wiping away tears. “I have no one in America. I am all alone. I couldn't be with my family on Thanksgiving, Christmas or when the American and Chinese New Year came. I'm all alone, and it's hurts me so much not to be with my husband and my children, and it's all because we told the truth.

An immigration hearing took place on March 9, 2009, and the judge set another hearing for June 18 because Zhang has not been able to obtain legal representation. It could take years before the case is ever decided. “According to U.S. immigration law, since I am charged by USCIS, I am required to stay in the country (legally) by the U.S. government. The fact is I'm forced to stay here. I cannot leave the country without resolving this charge. If I admit the charges on June 18, 2009, I will be permitted to leave the U.S. at that time. I will not do that because the charge against me, remaining in country after June 2, 2004 without authorization, is completely wrong! I was authorized by the Department of Homeland Security and the USCIS to stay here from October 2005 to October 2006. As evidence, a copy of Zhang's official identification, issued by the Department of Homeland Security and the USCIS, was provided.

The China native is currently in the process of trying to locate a better paying job. Although she is not being charged a penalty fee while staying in the U.S., she does have to pay $340 a year to apply for a work permit. If you would like to contact Zhang to offer assistance or services, you may email her at w345345y@hotmail.com.

In order to present a fair, balanced and accurate story, calls were placed and emails were sent, from December 4 to December 12, to all of the following:

The Cincinnati Public School District - to try and obtain contact information regarding former AWL principal Stephen Hoyt. A representative by the name of “Marita” indicated Hoyt left the school in 2004 and suggested Public Affairs Director, Janet Walsh be contacted for more information. After speaking with Walsh, she was uncertain as to whether or not she would be able to locate contact information for Hoyt and said she would call back. Several follow-up calls were never returned.

Former Ohio Senator Mike DeWine and Current Senator George Voinovich - to confirm a joint email sent to Wang from the senators indicating their investigation and conversation with USCIS officials revealed that the Cincinnati Public School Board was at fault and that the school’s attorney should have filed the necessary paperwork to upgrade Wang's legal status. A PDF copy of the joint email was sent to Voinovich's office for comments. DeWine left office in January of 2007, but on the evening of December 11 an email comment was sent from Voinovich's press secretary, Garrette M.K. Silverman. Silverman indicated that the senator's office was not at liberty to discuss the case.

Robert R. Berger, Assistant Disciplinary Counsel for the Supreme Court of Ohio - to discuss the decision regarding Wang’s claim that Cincinnati Public School Board attorney, Mary Godar, did not act in his best interest when she failed to submit the documents necessary that would allow him to remain in the U.S. Berger stated, “You need to be aware of the following. There are two types of cases that we deal with: those that are filed and investigated as official complaints and those that are looked at and dismissed. I do not recall the case you are referring to, which leads me to believe the case was probably dismissed. Therefore, I can neither confirm or deny the existence of the case, nor can I make any official comments because the latter cases are deemed confidential.” When informed that I was in possession of an official document from his office, which included his signature, indicating Godar did not inform Wang in time regarding his H1-B revocation, which was key for his legal status, Berger claimed he had no knowledge of the document. When the offer was made to email it to confirm the document’s authenticity, he again stated, “I can neither confirm or deny the existence of the case, nor can I make any official comments because the latter cases are deemed confidential. He declined to offer further comments.”

Mary. M. Godar, the law firm of Frost Brown Todd, LLC – to obtain comments from Godar regarding Wang's allegation that she was the central figure in an elaborate cover-up by the Cincinnati Public School district to oust him. Her assistant, who indicated the attorney’s name was actually Peggy Godar, immediately suggested that a message be left on Godar’s voicemail. The voicemail confirmed the attorney’s name as Peggy Godar. A detailed message was left on voicemail and with the assistant informing Godar that the story would be posted the week of December 11 and that her comments, via email or phone, would be appreciated. Not one of the phone calls made was ever returned.

The Ohio Department of Education - to confirm whether or not teachers needed to be certified to teach math or any other subjects in the Cincinnati Public Schools district. Scott Blake, Director of Public Relations, responded a half-hour after the initial call was placed. Blake stated, unequivocally, that teachers must be certified and have a valid certification number, which is provided by the state. He also indicated that this has always been the policy and that teaching certificates and licenses were regarded as the same in the state of Ohio.

Photos courtesy of Xiao Ying Zhang

Donald the Dick!

Trump's Pageant Call a Major Diss to Vanessa Williams

You folks better hold on to something because “The G-Man” is madder than a hellhound! Let me get this straight. Donald Trump, owner of the Miss USA Pageant, has decided that Carrie Prejean, the 2009 winner representing the state of California, can retain her crown after topless photos surfaced in the media? Okay. Next question. Trump and other pageant officials actually reviewed the photos and deemed them ‘acceptable’ and stated that “in some cases the pictures were lovely”? Well, given the fact that the lovely and talented Vanessa Williams was forced to abdicate her Miss America crown after racy photos of her popped up 26 years ago, I think this is a bunch of bullshit! Even Albert Einstein would’ve said “What the fuck?!!” while trying to make sense of this decision.

First of all, Trump is one of the biggest pussy-chasers walking. Yeah, I said it! Go ahead and sue my well–rounded black ass, Trump! Everybody knows it, including his comb-over ass, and it wouldn’t surprise me in the least if he looked at the pictures and got a “woody” before making the decision. I’m willing to bet that he nearly broke his damn wrist because he couldn’t get the envelope open fast enough! Obviously, Prejean had the deck stacked in her favor going into this thing. Secondly, the fact that his panel looked at the pictures means absolutely nothing because it’s not like any of them were likely to overrule Trump in the first place. Can somebody please pass me a gas mask? The stench from all this “Trumped-up” bullshit is killing me!

While people and the national media state the scandal was due in large part to her comments against gay marriage, I believe there is an even greater controversy that Prejean, her pastor, her church and every Christian in America needs to respond to. This woman recently received a standing ovation from every member of her congregation during an appearance. What the hell were they applauding? Prejean blatantly lied and pissed on the pageant guidelines in her ruthless quest to become Miss USA! She clearly stated to pageant officials that she never took explicit photos. Excuse me, but The G-Man knows a pair of titties when he sees them, and those looked like titties to me! Thus, the congregation must have been applauding her for being a liar or having a great pair of tits. The last time I checked, lying and lust weren't very big on the "Christian" list. Prejean, her punk pastor and every member of the congregation that stood up all need to look in the mirror, check themselves, stop pimping God for their own purposes and act like real Christians. Yeah, I said it! If you have a problem with it, bring it to my blog! For the record, Satan had nothing to do with that previous comment. That’s The G-Man talking!

Fair is fair! Vanessa Williams was raked over the coals for her actions, and if Carrie Prejean is a true Christian, she will renounce her Miss USA crown immediately!

In my honest opinion, Donald Trump has proved, without question, that he believes white people are to be held in high regard and not be judged on the same level as what some would call a “lowly nigger-bitch”. If Miss America officials, the national media and average citizens saw fit to strip and rip Vanessa Williams for hiding the fact that she took racy photos in the past, Trump should’ve had the balls and integrity to do the same in Prejean’s case. He can try to explain it six ways to Sunday, but the fact is there is no damn difference between the two cases. What he did was straight up fucked up, and I suspect he’s pissed off a whole lot of people, especially in the black community.

Donald Trump - Photo source - http://flickr.com/photos/flasporty/3265524444/

Photo date: February 6, 2009

Photo source: Michele Sandberg

Permission: GNU Free Documentation License


Vanessa Williams - Photo source: Sacredhands at en.wikipedia

Photo date: February 9, 2007

Author: Christopher Perterson

Swine Flu: The Facts

Renowned Doctor Discusses Virus & Addresses Concerns

In an attempt to set the record straight about misconceptions regarding the swine flu, I requested an interview with Stephen S. Morse, Ph.D., one of the country's foremost experts on viruses and biological agents. Dr. Morse serves as Director of the Center for Public Health Preparedness at Columbia University. His professional interests include epidemiology of emerging infections (a concept he originated), international cooperation for infectious disease surveillance, and defense against bioterrorism. Dr. Morse recently returned to Columbia from four years in government service as Program Manager at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Department of Defense, where he co-directed the Pathogen Countermeasures program and subsequently directed the Advanced Diagnostics program. Before coming to Columbia, he was Assistant Professor (Virology) at The Rockefeller University in New York, where he remains an adjunct faculty member.

G-Man: FOX News and MSNBC have featured medical experts who talked about the virus in standard medical jargon. I’d like you to break it down in layman’s terms so everyone will be able to follow you, doctor. What exactly is the swine flu?

Dr. Morse: The flu subtype called “H1” (after a key surface protein) has been found infecting both humans and swine. The notorious 1918 pandemic virus was a “swine”-like H1 flu. Its “offspring” circulated worldwide in the human population as the seasonal flu viruses, until H1N1 was displaced by the 1957 pandemic. H1N1 reappeared in 1977, and has been circulating (at low levels) in the human population since then.

Like humans, pigs can get the flu, and can sometimes carry the virus for long periods. H1N1 is one of the commonest subtypes in swine (as well as in wild waterfowl, which is where most influenza viruses usually live). The virus we’re seeing now is a variety of H1 that has not been identified before, in either humans or swine. It was called “swine” for convenience because it was clearly not a human H1 variety. However, further analysis of the virus suggests that it probably did originate in swine. Wherever it started, it is now spreading in the human population, from person to person. Most cases have been exactly like the usual influenza, but often relatively mild.

G-Man: Is it common for a virus to mutate from three different sources (like a pig, bird and human) or is this an anomaly?

Dr Morse: Yes. Flu viruses infect several different species of birds and mammals, and often swap genes. In this case, some experts believe that all, or most, of the viral genes have been in pigs for 10 years or more. This includes the avian (bird) origin genes in this virus, which have apparently been in pigs for all this time.

G-Man: What does the virus do to cause death?

Dr. Morse: We don’t know whether this virus is the one responsible for the deaths reported in April from Mexico. The virus grows in the upper respiratory tract. In general, only a small percentage of people infected with influenza may become severely ill and die. Usually, the people at greatest risk are the very young, the elderly or people with certain medical problems. Having the flu can cause additional stress on breathing and the heart that some of these individuals may not be able to withstand. Or some individuals may succumb to a secondary bacterial pneumonia after their respiratory tract’s defenses have been weakened by flu. More rarely, influenza itself can get into the lungs and cause a fatal pneumonia. In 1918, young, healthy adults also died, which is extremely unusual. We think death was caused by the body’s defense systems over-reacting and adding to the damage. Some scientists have suggested that secondary infections also played a role in these deaths, and may have been responsible in at least some cases.

G-Man: Students that were infected at St. Francis Preparatory School in Queens (NY) were treated and said to be doing well. They appeared to have a less severe strain. When looking at the cases in Mexico, could we be dealing with two different strains of the virus?

Dr. Morse: The St. Francis students appear to have recovered even without special medical treatment. What they had was a mild flu, just like the regular flu but with milder symptoms. The flu virus seems to be the same in California, Texas, and other places, where we’ve also been seeing mild disease so far. There were mild cases like this in Mexico, as well as the more severe. What caused the more severe cases – for example, changes in the virus or a different disease – is still being sorted out.

G-Man: Once a person becomes infected, how long do they have before the virus becomes potentially fatal?

Dr. Morse: Flu is only very rarely fatal. In fatal cases, the time it takes varies with the virus and the person. Most specialists recommend that people with very severe cases should get medication within 48 hours after onset of disease.

G-Man: If an infected person has other maladies, such as diabetes or hypertension, is the virus likely to attack their system, or possibly kill them, at a faster rate?

Dr. Morse: They may be at greater risk of death. Even then, only a small percentage of this group would die.

G-Man: If the infected person is on certain medications, could those meds counter the effects of the treatment(s) used to combat the swine flu?

Dr. Morse: Not usually, but it depends on the medications.

G-Man: The virus appears to be spreading rapidly throughout the country and the world. Honestly speaking, what percentage of the U.S. population do you suspect could be infected within the next six months?

Dr. Morse: It is currently impossible to predict. We can try to model (calculate) it mathematically, but there are too many variable factors for accurate estimates. In a pandemic, generally about 40-50 percent end up becoming infected.

G-Man: Is there any real way to contain this virus or track its origin?

Dr. Morse: Once it becomes available (in several months after the outbreak begins), vaccine will usually contain the epidemic. Until then, there are ways to reduce spread of the flu – stay home if you have an illness that feels like the flu, and, for those not yet sick, wash your hands, cover your coughs and sneezes, and try (if possible) to keep several feet away when someone is coughing or sneezing. In more severe situations, antiviral medication (like “Tamiflu”) can be given to the contacts (such as household members) of infected people to prevent further spread. This should usually be saved for situations where it will be most useful, to delay the virus’ developing resistance to the drug and to prevent depleting the supply of medications.

Tracking origin is difficult, but may be possible. We work backward to find the earliest cases, and if virus samples are available, compare the virus’ genes on a sort of “family tree” to see which is the closest to being the ancestor of the others.

G-Man: Michael Chertoff, former head of the Department of Homeland Security, as well as members of the 9/11 Commission, told members of the House and Senate that a chemical and/or biological attack by terrorists on American soil was “imminent”. Just last month, on April 22, CNN reported the following: “Missing vials of a potentially dangerous virus have prompted an Army investigation into the disappearance from a lab in Maryland. The Army's Criminal Investigation Command agents have been visiting Fort Detrick in Frederick, Maryland, to investigate the disappearance of the vials. Christopher Grey, spokesman for the command, said this latest investigation has found ‘no evidence of criminal activity.’ The vials contained samples of Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis, a virus that sickens horses and can be spread to humans by mosquitoes. In 97 percent of cases, humans with the virus suffer flu-like symptoms, but it can be deadly in about 1 out of 100 cases.” Doctor, if terrorists were able to gain access to these vials, would it be possible for them to develop a variation of swine flu virus, or any other type, from the Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis virus?

Dr. Morse: No. It’s theoretically possible, but extremely difficult, and it would be hard to ensure getting the desired results.

Photo Credit: Stephen S. Morse, Ph.D.

Links:

http://www.mailmanschool.org/sphdir/pers.asp?ID=578

http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=114804&title=dr.-stephen-morse

http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/04/22/missing.virus.sample/index.html#cnnSTCText

Remembering Tim Russert

Honoring a Legacy and a News Icon

This June will mark the one-year anniversary of the death of broadcast journalism icon Tim Russert. Many people close to me know "The G-Man" was an enourmous fan and supporter of Russert and "Meet the Press", and I remain devoted to the show now that David Gregory is at the helm. Gregory is doing an admirable job, but there is a part of me that wishes Russert would walk onto the set one day, with that lovable smile and childlike enthusiasm he often displayed, and say, "Man! I really needed that extended vacation. It's great to be back!" I suspect there are many who wish for the same.

I published the following article a couple of days after death placed its icy grip on Russert's shoulder and said, "Well done, but now it's time to go." Writing it helped me come to terms with the fact that I lost someone whom I considered a mentor in the field of journalism. Now that the anniversary is fast approaching, I've decided to post it on this blog and give people another chance to understand why Russert meant so much to me, as well as countless Americans concerned about the political and social issues affecting this country.

On June 13, 2008, I logged on to the Internet to read my email on Yahoo. I followed my normal routine, which consisted of ignoring a few pop-up ads and perusing the top news stories of the day. I was in a public library when I suddenly gasped and placed my hand over my mouth. People looked at me curiously, but I offered no explanation for my outburst. I was far too busy trying to maintain my composure as my eyes remained fixed on a cover story photo of a journalism icon. I stared at my laptop screen for nearly four minutes, looking somberly into the blue eyes of one of the greatest men to ever grace a television screen, and quietly said, “No, Tim. No.” There, in big, bold, black font were the painful words “NBC’s Tim Russert Dead at 58”.

Shortly after the stunning announcement, network and cable news directors and producers across the country paid tribute to Russert and his amazing legacy as a broadcast journalist. Renowned figures from politics, sports, news and entertainment expressed great sorrow as they reflected on Russert’s passing. Sadly, a number of vicious comments were posted on the Internet after Tom Brokaw broke the devastating news to America on MSNBC. In a nutshell, the sorry, insensitive and crude sons-of-bitches claimed Russert “wasn’t all that” and that too much coverage was being devoted to the death of the 17-year host of “Meet the Press”. Well, I sincerely hope the networks will honor this man by continuing to share his accomplishments, both personally and professionally, for days to come. Given Russert’s phenomenal contribution to American politics and culture, it would be the least they could do.

I absolutely have no problem saying that I loved and deeply respected Tim Russert! In an era where goofy, stupid, self-centered, half-assed media whores and commentators posing as journalists flood network and cable airwaves, Russert symbolized what real journalism is supposed to be. I’ve only held five journalists in extremely high regard over the last 50 years or so: Edward R. Murrow, Walter Cronkite, the late Peter Jennings, PBS’s Charlie Rose and Russert. It was during my teens that I discover Murrow and Cronkite were journalism titans. I got hooked on Jennings and his “Canadian cool” as a student at Queens College in Flushing, New York. I’ve been inviting Rose into my living room every night at 11 p.m. for the last 10 years, and Russert made Meet the Press part of my religion and routine on Sundays.

These mavens of media had one major thing in common that drew me to them and made me a loyal fan: integrity! However, it was Tim Russert who stood out among them as the best in the business. If the “suits” over at NBC/MSNBC are smart they’ll never, never, never let another journalist put their grubby little hands on Russert’s now famous white eraser board. That would be completely sacrilegious, and no one will ever be worthy of such an honor. My love for Russert and Meet the Press stems from the fact that he was not afraid to shake up Washington D.C.’s, political establishment by asking the hard questions, and he didn’t stop until he got an answer. On a number of occasions, I often felt he’d come dangerously close to saying “Stop with the bullshit!” when politicians or foreign leaders were clearly lying to him and the viewers. NBC policy prevented that from ever happening, but if you ever looked at Russert’s face when the politician or foreign dignitary got caught in a web of lies, his expressions and mannerisms spoke volumes…and true, hardcore Russert loyalists like me loved it!

The death of Tim Russert cuts deep into the regions of both my journalistic and righteous core, but if The G-Man could manage to say one thing to honor this amazing, exceptionally prepared, spirited and lovable Irishman, it would be this. Mr. Russert, black America owes you an enormous debt. Many don’t realize it because they’re not into politics or have never taken the time to watch Meet the Press. As a result, there are black people all across the nation that missed the powerful and controversial one-hour segment that featured entertainer Bill Cosby and Dr. Alvin Poussaint, the renowned black scholar and psychologist.

They appeared to discuss a book they authored entitled “Come on People: On the Path from Victims to Victors”, and the duo cited significant problems within black communities and families, nationwide, and challenged them to wake the hell up, stand up and fight for a better way of life. They were nothing short of brilliant in their assessment of both the state of black America and what the outcome will be if immediate action isn’t taken. The G-Man knows you probably caught hell for wanting to present this issue to a predominately white audience, which was far from the norm for most Sunday morning political news shows. Still, you forged ahead and produced one of the greatest segments in the show’s history. The G-Man also knows that an intense love of family, namely the crucial role fathers play, is what drove you to tackle the issue head on when most white Sunday morning political news show producers and hosts would’ve hauled ass yelling, “Lose my demographic over this? Oh…hell…no!!!”

What you did that Sunday had nothing to do with politics, news or being the Managing Editor of Meet the Press. It had everything to do with what your father “Big Russ” taught you about the importance of family, as well as the legacy you left for your son Luke and your wife. You were trying to help my people, and millions of them missed out because of sheer ignorance or apathy. On behalf of those in black communities across the nation who saw the show and realized what your true objective was, thank you, thank you…thank you! Jesus! I’m going to miss you so damn much, Mr. Russert! The G-Man is wiping his eyes and saluting you, and all things Buffalo, with an ice-cold beer. It’s time to rest now, so sleep well in the House of The Lord.

Photo source: originally posted to Flickr as Tim Russert - PRSA International Conference - Philadelphia, PA

Date: October 22, 2007

(2007-10-22)

Author: hyku from Winter Haven, FL, USA