A Humans Life Vs An Animal's Life

ASSI - I have compassion for all living things know one or anything should be treated inhumanely; however, in this society women are raped, beaten, doused with gasoline, and murdered in some of the most heinous ways imaginable; babies are left in garbage cans wrapped in plastic bags, some are mauled by dogs and rodents, some are sexually assaulted, shaking to death, and beaten by an adult; and the babies who live beyond their toddler years are still in danger of being molested or murdered by a parent, and animals are mistreated everyday by a neglectful owner, mentally unstable owner, or simply because the owner is training the animal for protection and disciplinarian reasons.

I am in no way condoning Michael Vick's behavior with his involvement in the illegal dog fighting case; however, he is a notable athlete who knew better hence his dishonesty with the NFL Commissioner and the Atlanta Falcons. Most people will refrain from disclosing criminal information from people they respect, love, and admire to protect their image, and to avoid Inquisition when the behavior is likely to continue. Make an example of Vick, yes; but end his football career, no; should he go to jail, no; should he receive community service hours or probation, yes; should he receive a hefty fine, yes; is he a product of his upbringing, yes; did he make a mistake, no. Dog fighting is an under ground sport that is well attended, folks bread pits to fight unlike the Westminster that is there purpose. Someone owns the opposing dogs and someone was placing sizable bets, so who gave Vick up? His power intimidated the hell out of someone; he/she they felt a need to bring him down, strip him of his professional football career, and locked down. Who in the hell did he piss-off? Was he to cocky and arrogant? Was his stack too big?

I am really surprised at some of the comments made by Black commentators. I realize they have careers to protect, but they also have a voice and a platform that can be used to highlight the positives of a bad situation. Instead many lack the balls to refrain from sensationalised comments for viewer ratings. It seems, Vick was unaware that when you have you something worth loosing, you surround yourself with others, who have something to loose. When you hang with folks who do not have anything to loose, you loose. I think it is an unfortunate situation, it is not good for our society, and the judge should be removed from the case due to his obvious love for animals.

AHSI.....Justice is truly blind. First let me state for the record that I do not condone Mike Vick actions towards killing the dogs but I do understand the sport of dogfighting. I do not believe that the Virginia Court system, the media and the NFL should be throwing the book at him, but because of the attention that they are giving this story, I feel that he will be unable to get a fair trail. He will probably be used as an example and given the maximum sentence. If anyone else was caught dogfighting and faced with animal cruelty charges, they would have been given a fine to pay or some type of probation with no jail time.

My final thought on this matter for all you animal lovers and PETA activists, (that are not true vegetarians) is: Any type of food we eat has been killed in a cruel and violent method. Whether its baiting a hook to catch a fish, to animal traps to catch bears and wolves, to the hunting techniques of shooting wild animals, to the farmers that raise livestock to feed the world, are you going to fine, arrest or even complain about there activities to anyone?

Will Justice Prevail For The Jena six?

ASSI - Justice is suppose to be blind, but when it comes to African Americans, justice is not only blind the scales are also unbalanced. September 1, 2007 is the one year anniversary of Jena 6, a racially charged incident at Jena High School in Jena, Louisiana.

Black students wanted to sit under a tree located in a designated White area of the school. Three nooses, two Black and one White (the school colors) hung from the tree. Black students staged an impromptu protest under the tree, the police were called, and it is reported that the District Attorney threaten to change the lives of Black students with a stroke of a pen. Six Black male students were arrested and charged with attempted-murder after a school yard fight left a White male student unconscious with multiple bruises.

Since the noose hanging incident several racially motivated crimes against Blacks have transpired in Jena. A Black male student was assaulted by a White adult as he entered a party at the predominately White Fair Barn, a social establishment. An academic wing was destroyed during a fire a Jena High School. A White male who was involved in the assault pulled a pump-action shotgun on three Black teens as they were leaving a local convenient store. No charges have been filled against the White students for the Noose incident it was merely a prank and not a hate crime. For further information and to lend your support click on Jena 6. When I heard about this story, I wanted to know more, but the more I learned the more perplexed I became. I wondered why I was unfamiliar with the story, I had not heard about via radio, t.v. or my local paper. However, on the same day the story was shared with me, I tuned into the Michael Baisden Radio Show, and Michael was speaking out about this case. Michael was displeased with the facts and outcomes of this case, he wondered why the African American community was not rallying together behind this case and others.

According to Michael, he was headed to Jena, Louisiana for a peaceful demonstration to support the release of the Jena six. A rally is scheduled for September 20, 2007 in Jena, Louisiana; Michael reached out to Steve Harvey, Tom Joyner, and Russ Paar for a collaborative live broadcast from Jena. If you are unable to personally attend the rally, you can lend your support by wearing Black on 09/20/07. The charges against the Jena 6 was reduced from attempted-murder to aggravated second-degree battery and conspiracy to commit aggravated second-degree battery, which together carry a maximum of 22 years in prison. Although the Caucasian student, who was knocked unconscious, testified that he was hit from behind, and unaware of who struck him, an all White jury convicted Mychal Bell, a promising football star of all charges. The other five are awaiting trail. As I see it justice needs to take off the blind fold for better insight on how to properly balance the scale.

Eiffel Tower at Night

The Eiffel Tower - Paris, France

Amsterdam - The Real Adult Play Ground

ASSI - Vegas the adult play ground for amateurs. Adults who like to play without looking over their shoulders do so on the grounds of Amsterdam where sex and drugs are legally safe. Naysayers and those who prefer to walk the straight and narrow, laugh when I refer to Amsterdam as pleasantville. Some say, "I bet every one is high," which is untrue. There are a number of people who disagree with the Red Light District and The Coffee Shops. Just as there are people who visit Vegas and disagree with gambling and Vega's notable night life. What is pleasingly pleasant is the simplicity.

Hundreds of rustic and new bicycles adorn the city, families ride together, women wear skirts and it is no big deal, the ring of a bell and the sidewalk is shared, canals every where you turn, and most of all prejudice was absent. The Heineken Brewery is one of the best tours that I have experienced and I dislike beer. Interactive video games that are fun and informative geared for adults, two or three different lounges where you have complimentary Heineken, you receive a parting gift as you exit, and it was only 10 Euro.

The Gassan Diamond factory provides pick-up and drop off service, a private session with a gemologist, a tour of the factory, and you can watch them cut and shape diamonds for free. You can visit the beautiful tulip garden when in season, Ann Frank's house, Van Gogh Museum, and if you enjoy shopping clear your credit cards. Madame Toussaint's Wax Museum is well done but, for the cost of admission it is not worth the money, you are better off seeing a live sex show. There are hotels less expensive in Holland; however, if you like to party and hang to the whee hours of the night or rise early to indulge your desires Amsterdam is where you wan to be.

I have a friend who relocated from Chicago to Amsterdam because he loved it so much. I also have friends who reside in Germany and when I visit we hop on the Audubon for a quick trip to Amsterdam. I have a wonderfully different experience each time and just like Las Vegas what happens in Amsterdam stays in Amsterdam, and the kicker is --it is all legal. As I see it a trip to the Netherlands is an experience waiting to happen if you allow it. It is a 4.5 blink experience.

AHSI- Amsterdam/Holland was a great place to visit. Everyone was so care-free or seemed to be enjoying life. The natives were friendly and courteous, and there was always something to do. If you like different pastries then you will enjoy the various pastries available for your consumption and the good thing is--you can walk it off. Everything was basically in the same general vicinity, which made it very easy to get around.

The big treat for beer lovers is that you can visit the Heineken Factory. The beer was great and the way that it is set up, you will definitely get your fill on beer as well as being introduced to the Heineken name, family, and anything else you need to know about this brand of beer. You can also view the Anne Frank House as well as different paintings from Van Gogh by visiting the many museums they have.

The Red light District was also a sight to see. If you like to indulge and wish to experiment with what the Coffee Shops have to offer, you will find a wide range and also a safe environment for you to enjoy your activities. Based on all of the stories you have might have heard, I will confirm the positives, and say Holland is definitely a place everyone should visit. I give it 4.5 blinks.

Ancient..Ruins...Rome - The Eternal City

AHSI - Rome, Italy is a beautiful place to visit. If you are a history buff or someone who enjoys Roman Mythology. Rome will feel like heaven to you. Public transportation was very easy to use, and everything is approximately twenty minutes away. The only downfall is the food. If you love Mafia movies or the Sopranos, and have salivated over the pasta meals with the juicy sausages and meatballs FORGET ABOUT IT. I went all over Rome trying to find Uncle Paulie, in the back cooking one of those meals. I was told, "that's TV".


ASSI - Rome the eternal city is simply breath taking from the cobble stone streets to the ancient ruins are beyond words. I was familiar with images of the Piazza del Colosseo (Colusium), Piazza San Pietro (St. Peter's Basilica), and Musei Vaticani (the home of Michelangelo's famous Sistine Chapel); however, I was unprepared for the feeling that enveloped me. I actually had a Oh my Gosh, Oh my Gosh, I cannot believe I am actually standing on the grounds of St. Peter's Basilica. I was over joyed at the realization of where I was, my entire body seemed to dance and smile all over in-belief, seeing is truly believing.

We took advantage of public transportation to see the city for 1.00 Euro, the buses start at 5:00 a.m. and run until midnight; upon arriving in Rome, we took the bus from the train station to the hotel, and back to the train station for our trip home. We took the train to the airport, it was more cost effective, scenic, and comfortable. Most Italians speak English, so please do not allow the language barrier to deter you from visting Italy.

I love European fashion, I just simply adore the clothes, shoes, and handbags. The cuts are small, you will require a larger size, but do hesitate to try on any item that catches your eye. I guarantee you, if you can fit-it, you will buy it, love it, and so will everyone else. Every piece of clothing I purchased while in Europe garners the most and highest compliments.

Unfortunately, we had the displeasure of staying at the Hotel Dei Mellini that was centrally located and walking distance to Vatican City where St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museum are located, Museo Nazional di Castel Sant'Angelo (Palace of Angels), Museo dell'Ara Pacis, the Pantheon and countless other museums, and every step was worth the walk. The service I received at the Hotel Dei Mellini was unworthy of their 5 star rating. The rooms were standard, the temperature was warmer than we preferred with the air on, we were then relocated to a room with a defective shower rod that fell and hit me in the head as I was exiting the shower.

My overall visit in Rome, Italy was phenomenal, I definitely see it as five blink experience, just find other accommodations than the Hotel Dei Mellini that I give one blink.

Baby and Deform Elephant part-of-the Herd

One of the best traveling experiences of my life was to South Africa. While in South Africa I had the pleasure of Sky Diving, holding a baby cub, I went Zip Sliding, and thoroughly enjoyed the Safari excursion. I captured a baby elephant and an elephant that is deformed. Take a look: