Havaianas Beckon You To Brazil

 
Flip flops. 
The epitome of summertime.
Strolls along the beach.
Summer parties and picnics.
Laughter in the air.
Friends all around you.
A calm, carefree attitude.
Long days.
Longer nights.




Brand doesn't really matter.
All flip flops are created equal.
They all look the same.
They all fit the same.
You can only offer so many colors.
So, why pay more for a brand name?

This campaign changes your thoughts.
Havaianas are objects of desire. 
They beckon you to Brazil.
You smell the scents of the rainforest. 
You feel the waves on your feet.
You feel the sun warming your body.
Who would want an imitation?
Only Havaianas will do.
There is no substitute.

Every Murder Victim Has A Story: Doodley Linsey Derose, Jahed Ahmad Babi, and Isaac Joyner

During the 2010 holiday season, homicides claimed the lives of several young people in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. This article, part of a continuing series on Dissenting Justice, examines three of these cases.

Doodley Linsey Derose



Doodley Linsey Derose, a 19-year-old from Silver Spring, Maryland, was murdered by two unknown assailants on December 21. Doodley attended Kennedy High School, where he was an honors student. At the time of his death, Doodley was a sophomore at Virginia State University, where he was majoring in political science. Doodley was home with his family for winter break when he was murdered.

Doodley's death has caused intense grief for his parents, three siblings, grandparents, and a host of others who knew him. In an article published by the Gazette (a local Maryland newspaper), Doodley's mother Martine Derose reflected on her son's life:

He loved to play baseball, he loved people. . . . He loved his mother; he always called me all the time to say "Mommy I love you" and "Thank you so much for helping me go to school, I'm going to do well for you."

JFK's New Frontier, the newspaper from Doodley's high school, also published an article regarding his death. The newpaper reported that Doodley had recently returned to the school to "speak with students about the challenges of college and how to do well academically." People who knew Doodley have also expressed their grief in various Facebook postings.

The circumstances surrounding Doodley's murder are as mysterious as they are tragic. According to a Gazette report, Doodley was at his parents' home with a friend the day he died. At some point, he went downstairs and answered the door. Three men were at the door. Doodley's father Linois Derose, who was also in the house, knew one man, but not the two others.

After the men began shouting, Doodley ushered in his friend in the house and left the two others outside. Suddenly, bullets flew through the door. One struck Doodley in the chest. He died later that day.

Doodley's father questioned his son's friend about the identity of the two men, but the individual said that he did not know them. Linois Derose, however, found this response highly suspicious. Meanwhile, the police investigation continues.

Update: Police have released a picture and name of a suspect in the murder of Doodley Derose. See here.

Update II: A suspect in Doodley's murder has surrendered to authorities at the Montgomery County jail in Rockville, Maryland.

Jahed Ahmad Babi



On December 20, police in Fairfax County, Virginia discovered the body of Jahed Ahmad Babi, a 19-year-old from Burke, Virginia, in a local park. Jahed lived a short distance from the park in which his body was found.

Jahed graduated from Lake Braddock Secondary School and was pursuing classes at Northern Virginia Community College. Ironically, his family fled from Afghanistan to escape years of violence in the country; tragically, Jahed became a homicide victim in the US.

Jahed's family has declined to speak with media. His numerous friends, however, have honored his memory in press accounts and on Facebook. Jahed's friends describe him as smart, genuine and very friendly -- perhaps to a fault. He reportedly excelled in his studies and graduated from high school a year early.

During an interview with a local Fox News station, Evan Guerrero, who described Jahed as his best friend, said "I honestly don't know what to do. I was with the guy day and night and it kills me to not have him here with me anymore. . . ." In another interview, Abraham Wehelie, whose older brother befriended Jahed, said that "My mom set [Jahed] up as a good example of what I should to aspire to."

Social media, such as Facebook, provide additional insight regarding Jahed's relationship with his friends. One friend offered a touching tribute to Jahed following his funeral:

Your funeral was beautiful. So many people cared about you and have known you as the sweet and generous guy that you were. Many tears were drawn, however we know that this isn't goodbye. None of us can go in peace until this guy is caught and pay for what he's done. See you in the afterlife R.I.P

Police have not released a motive or the names of any suspects in Jahed's death. Police, however, describe the murder as an "isolated incident," which suggests that Jahed's killers targeted him.

Comments by some of Jahed's friends suggest that he may have had connections with the "wrong crowd." According to one friend, Jahed "was a good guy with the wrong crowd, the wrong kinds of people who dragged him along to the darker side. . . ." Another friend said that Jahed "was always a good guy, it's just the people he was with . . . ." Regardless of the motive, Jahed was well liked, and his death remains a painful tragedy.

Isaac Joyner



On December 24, a man approached 14-year-old Isaac Joyner of Baltimore and began shooting at him and two other teens. A bullet stuck Isaac in the head, killing him almost instantly. His friends, however, sustained injuries that are not life-threatening. Now, police are trying to figure out who killed Isaac while he stood outside of his aunt's home at 7:30 pm on Christmas Eve.

Isaac's aunt, Michelle Joyner, was particularly close to her nephew and stated in interviews that she could not celebrate Christmas without him. Isaac's Christmas presents, which included sweaters, shirts and a camera, remain in a closet in her home.

Isaac's grandmother, with whom he and his mother lived, described him as a tender child: "He would tell me every night that he loved me. . . .If I was asleep, he would shake me real good until I woke up and say, I love you, Grandma." Jabril Hall, a friend of Isaac, said that "Issac was so close, he was more like family."

Last year, Isaac watched a documentary sponsored by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. The documentary, Men II Boys, analyzes the lives of individuals, primarily African-American males, who grew up without their fathers. The film's producer wants to help children deal with the psychological pain of their experiences and to inspire them to achieve in spite of their conditions.

Isaac's reaction to the film, which was quoted in the JHU Gazette, has a chilling significance in light of his untimely demise: "The film really made me think about how hard it is being a black man in America. . . ." Police have not released a motive or the name of a suspect in Isaac's murder.

Final Thoughts

Although these cases have received scattered attention in the media, the stories warrant more attention. Violence is a pervasive problem that victimizes persons in low-income communities of color. This violence is one of the most serious problems the US faces today, and it relates to many other issues, including education, poverty, racism, and the lack of economic opportunity.

Despite the magnitude and severity of the problem, the media often push stories of homicides involving persons of color to the margins. Every murder victim, however, has a story that warrants telling.

Overcoming Prosecutorial Misconduct: Jailhouse Lawyer Wins Freedom

The Wall Street Journal reports that Jabar Collins has won release from prison by acting largely as his own attorney. In 1995, a Brooklyn, New York jury found Collins guilty of murdering Rabbi Abraham Pollack. The trial was a local media sensation.

Pollack served 15 years in prison, and, during much of that time, he filed requests for documents related to his prosecution. After extensive research, he found that prosecutors failed to turn over potentially exculpatory evidence, as required by Supreme Court precedent.

Specifically, witnesses who identified Collins as the shooter received deals from the prosecution that diminished their own criminal liability for separate crimes. Some of them were threatend with prosecution if they failed to testify. During the trial, however, prosecutors denied that the witnesses were rewarded for their testimony.

Another witness who testified placed Collins in the area of the shooting. He also said that he made the 911 call reporting the murder. A voice expert, however, testified that the witness was not the person who made the 911 call.

Finally, many of the witnesses admitted to using drugs at the time of the shooting and stated that they barely remember the events of the day or signing documents implicating Collins. One witness stated that Collins received a bad deal.

Prosecutors threatened to retry Collins even if he won the right to a new trial. Following a hearing in federal court that revealed extensive evidence of misconduct, however, prosecutors relented.

Today, Collins works as a paralegal for an attorney who provided assistance during the final stages of his appeals. Predictably, he would like to become a lawyer one day.

The Wall Street Journal article has many more details. It is a very interesting read.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor: Smart Power

A couple of recent articles have portrayed Justice Sonia Sotomayor in a very positive light. The articles rebut many of the suspicions that some commentators had regarding Sotomayor during her confirmation process.

Many of Sotomayor's critics questioned her intellect -- despite her tremendous record of accomplishment. Others contended that she lacked judicial temperament. Many Dissenting Justice articles responded to the criticism of Sotmayor (see comprehensive list of articles).

The attacks on Sotomayor had clear racial and gender dimensions. Prior to her confirmation, Sotomayor's powerful presence on the bench was viewed as a negative trait; in male judges, however, this is invariably seen as a positive trait. Despite Sotomayor's record of achievement, detractors questioned her intellect, while white judicial nominees rarely face such scrutiny.

Several critics, including Jeffrey Rosen, questioned whether Sotomayor could match conservative justices (see Dissenting Justice scathing critique of Rosen). According to recent Supreme Court commentary, however, Sotomayor has quickly disproved Rosen's fears regarding her value to the Court's liberal wing.

Today, some commentators rightfully view Sotomayor as a smart justice who engages in very sharp and passionate questioning from the bench. These recent articles provide a far more accurate account of Sotomayor than the picture that emerged during the confirmation process. They also demonstrate how race and class biases, rather than legitimate concerns, shaped much of the criticism surrounding Sotomayor during the confirmation process.

Teena Marie Has Died at 54

Several sources have confirmed that R&B singer Teena Marie has died at the age of 54. Although no major media outlet had published an official obituary at the time of this blog posting, several reliable sources, including the venerable WDAS radio station in Philadelphia have confirmed her death. Also, Ron Isley has stated that Teena Marie has died on his Twitter account.

Update: CNN has also confirmed Marie's death with her manager.

Update II: People Magazine, the New York Daily News, the Palm Beach Post, and several other sources have now confirmed Marie's death. The Palm Beach Post article, written by Rhonda Swan, is a touching tribute. This remains a breaking news story.

Update III: CNN has published a more extensive story regarding Marie and her untimely death. While the cause of death remains unknown, her publicist states that she suffered a grand mal seizure last month.

Goodwill Becomes "Cheap Chic"

If you're anything like me, in the past you have thought of Goodwill as a great place to drop off clothing and household items you no longer need ... and a great place to pick up a fun Halloween costume without breaking the bank.

For years, donors and retail customers represented two entirely different targets for Goodwill. But, the Great Recession has changed Goodwill's customer base a bit.  According to IBIS World, the 2,000 national stores rang up $2.8 billion in retail sales last year, up 56% in the past three years. And the household income of Goodwill shoppers has been on a steady incline.

Today, many of Goodwill's donors have become their greatest shoppers. Interestingly, while economics may have propelled them into the stores, it is the spirit of the hunt that keeps them coming back for more.

But, to solely credit Goodwill's recent success on the recession isn't telling the whole story.

Goodwill has implemented an all-out marketing campaign in recent years that has done an admirable job in both raising the profile of their stores and recreating the overall image of what's inside their four walls. So much so, that they have created a sense of "Cheap Chic," actually making shopping at Goodwill somewhat fashionable. 

Their Halloween billboard cleverly morphs the Goodwill logo into a number of Halloween characters, including the recognizable images of a mummy and a whiskered cat.

A cooperative marketing campaign with Levi's resulted in a Goodwill recommendation on Levi's tags: "Donate to Goodwill when no longer needed and care for our planet."

Affiliates in Washington DC created a Goodwill Fashionista blog, inviting shoppers to learn about and comment on different fashion trends.

Goodwill has worked hard to entice people to join the Goodwill team promising: "Our organizations are vibrant, innovative places to work, where employees are valued for their talents."

Overall, Goodwill has done what any good marketer should (but often doesn't) do ... capitalize on a market condition or consumer trend.

Drug Abuse: A Prescription For Disaster

When you think of drug abuse, chances are illegal drugs - like marijuana, crystal meth, and cocaine - are the first drugs to come to mind.  But, today's youth are increasingly turning to prescription drugs (particularly pain killers like OxyContin, Percodan, and Percocet) to get high.

According to Yahoo! Health, the rate of prescription painkiller abuse among teens rose 17% in the past year alone. Where are teens getting these drugs?  Friends, family members, and unsecured medicine cabinets.

Prescription drug abuse has become serious business. Serious enough that The Partnership at DrugFree.org (formerly known as the Partnership for a Drug-Free America) has launched a new TV campaign focused entirely on this issue. The first ad in this two-ad campaign highlights a series of facts about the daily milestones that occur in the life of a teen.

1,147 will attempt to grow a mustache
1,068 will have their first kiss
1,480 will enter the work force
2,500 will abuse prescription drugs for the first time
And tomorrow ... some will wish they hadn't.

In the second somewhat disturbing spot, called "Surgery," the viewer witnesses a doctor conducting abdominal surgery on a patient. He closes the patient's incision and removes his surgical mask ... to reveal a young teen. As the camera pans out, the viewer sees that the teen actually conducted surgery on himself. The ad ends with a chillling voiceover: "Every year, 2 million kids play doctor by taking pills not prescribed to them."

The ads are accompanied by a Facebook site that offers help and support for parents and teens, in addition to advice on how to prevent, intervene, get treatment, and recover from drug abuse.

The Partnership at DrugFree.org new campaign offers serious food for thought...especially for parents. But, the real question is whether this campaign will successfully reach teens and be sufficiently motivating to supersede peer pressure. 

Nike, Nike, Read All About It!

2011 will not only bring a new year to our calendars, it will also bring a new collection of shoes from Nike.

In one of the most dramatic green efforts in the shoe industry, Nike is set to launch the Premium Print Pack for women. The shoes in this line are actually made from recycled magazines, which are shredded and then reconstituted into ... you got it, shoes!

Three different designs will be launched under the Sail name: Khaki, Sport Red, and Birch. Each is a one-of-a-kind design and is pretreated with a clear solution to make the shoes durable and long-lasting.

As if this concept isn't enticing enough, Nike is offering this as a limited edition shoe line in just a few countries across the world.  No doubt, controlling the supply of shoes will help to entice the demand.

I love this concept, as well as the look of the shoes. Nike has done a terrific job of illustrating their environmental efforts, while luring consumers in with a positively charming new shoe.

Pampers Wishes You A Silent Night

Back from last year, comes this endearing commercial of sleeping babies ... from the makers of Pampers.

This commercial is a double-entrendre of sorts, with Pampers wishing you Happy Holidays. But, there is also the hope that your baby's bottom will remain dry throughout the night, so they rest peacefully until the sun rises.

To all of my followers, I wish you the happiest and healthiest of holidays!

Strong Bones...Compliments of Yoplait

For years, we have heard that Americans aren't getting enough calcium and that this situation is exasperated as we age. But, a recent report by the American Academy of Pediatrics reveals that a calcium deficiency is actually highest among adolescent girls. In fact, only 10% of adolescent girls consume the recommended daily dosage of 1,300 mg of calcium.

In steps Yoplait.

Now, getting the recommended daily dosage of calcium will be as easy as eating a container of yogurt. One container of yogurt will help build strong bones and will minimize the risk of developing osteoporosis in the future.

In order to  prove that the added calcium tastes just as great as the Yoplait yogurt you've come to know and love, Yoplait is giving away one million cups of yogurt for free.

To receive the new  calcium-enriched Yoplait Original flavor, just head out to their website.

VISA: Never Miss A Super Bowl Club

Meet Tom, Don, Bob, and Larry. They have never missed a Super Bowl. Ever. That means 44 times they have flown to the city where the Super Bowl has been held. 44 times, they have coughed up the cost of the ticket, air fare, hotel, rental car, and food. 44 times, they have hung out together for the whole weekend. 44 times, they have cheered for a team, oftentimes not their own.

Wow!  Now that is impressive.

Evidently, Visa thought so, too, since they created a series of commercials and a Super Bowl contest - Super Bowl Trip for Life Sweepstakes - around these four pals.

Visa did some research around this event to make sure they were scoring big with the sweepstakes idea. Results of the Visa survey revealed that they were right-on-the-money with their decision. In fact, it was downright surprising - even disturbing - what fans claimed they would miss or postpone to be in the stadium on Super Bowl Sunday.

- 77% would miss work or class
- 71% would miss their own birthday party
- 46% would postpone their vacation
- 17% would postpone their wedding (maybe indefinitely with that move!?!)
- 9% would actually miss the birth of their child!

YIKES!

So, get ready Visa users, because one of you will be at Cowboys stadium on February 6, 2011 ... and for as many years after as you are physically able.

Beware of Empty Cause Marketing Campaigns

Lately, all we hear is the volley back-and-forth of consumers wanting to buy from socially responsible companies and corporations proving they are socially responsible.

According to a study released by Do Good, Do Well LLC, 88% of consumers think companies should meet their business goals, while simultaneously improving the society and the environment; and 83% think companies should support nonprofits and charities with financial contributions.

It just seems like we are surrounded with messages these days about being socially responsible. That got me thinking.  Just when and where did this cause marketing revolution all begin?

So, I did a little digging and discovered that the first cause-related marketing campaign dates back to the time of World War II, with a company known as the New Haven Railroad.

New Haven Railroad was notorious during this time. They were noted for their particularly bad service, which produced so many complaints that the management of the company decided to do something about it. They hired an agency and delivered a directive to them:

"Write an ad that will make everybody who reads it 
feel ashamed to complain about train service."

And, boy, did they deliver.

"The kid in upper 4" ran for the first time in November 1942 as a single insertion in the New York Herald Tribune. Elmer Davis, head of the Office of War Information, ordered that it be run in newspapers across the country. The Pennsylvania Railroad asked for permission to create 300 posters to hang in all their train stations. The text was read on radio stations, pinned on bulletin boards, and enclosed in letters. The ad was used to raise money for the Red Cross, to sell U.S. War Bonds, and to build morale among the rank and file of the U.S. Army. The New Haven Railroad received more than 8,000 letters espousing the virtues of their advertising.

After all this unbelievably positive publicity, what was the result?  Well, New Haven Railroad noticed a blip in sales as people clamored to get on the train (both literally and figuratively) to support World War II soldiers.

Then, the hub bub died down. New Haven's bad service continued. Consumers learned that taking a train ride on New Haven wasn't such a great experience. And the railroad went under.

It just goes to show that great advertising can stimulate trial, but it certainly can't generate repeat purchases if the product is not worthy.

If the product is a dog, it's a dog.

So, beware of all the cause marketing going on these days. Make sure that you're buying for all the right reasons.

P.S. If you are curious what the ad said, here's the copy:

It is 3:42 a.m. on a troop train.
Men wrapped in blankets are breathing heavily.
Two in every lower berth. One in every upper.
This is no ordinary trip. 

It may be their last in the U.S.A. till the end of the war.
Tomorrow they will be on the high seas.
One is wide awake ... listening ... staring into the blackness.
It is the kid in Upper 4.

Tonight, he knows, he is leaving behind a lot of little things - and big ones.
The taste of hamburgers and pop ... 
the feel of driving a roadster over a six-lane highway... 
a dog named Shucks, or Spot, or Barnacle Bill.
The pretty girl who writes so often ... 
that gray-haired man, so proud and awkward at the station ... 
the mother who knit the socks he'll wear soon.
Tonight he's thinking them over.
There's a lump in his throat. 
And maybe - a tear fills his eye. 
It doesn't matter, Kid. 
Nobody will see ... it's too dark.

A couple of thousand miles away, where he's going, 
they don't know him very well.
But people all over the world are waiting, praying for him to come.
And he will come, this kid in Upper 4.
With new hope, peace and freedom for a tired, bleeding world.
 
Next time you are on the train, remember the kid in Upper 4.
If you have to stand enroute - it is so he may have a seat.
If there is no berth for you - it is so that he may sleep.
If you have to wait for a seat in the diner - 
it is so he ... and thousands like him ... 
may have a meal they won't forget in the days to come.
For to treat him as our most honored guest 
is the least we can do to pay a mighty debt of gratitude.
 
The New Haven R.R.

Chicago Bus Stops Are ABSOLUTely Stylin'

ABSOLUT invites people walking the streets of Chicago to wait for their bus in style, with these three alluring bus stops.

The bus stops reinforce ABSOLUT Vodka's "Drinks" campaign, showcasing new snappy vodka flavors offered by the ABSOLUT brand.

Lemon Drop, Twist, and Bloody bus stops will welcome visitors to the Windy Cindy until the end of December.

Hallmark Allows You To Become A Historian

 

This holiday season, Hallmark has launched a series of recordable books ... so that no matter where you are, you can be there for the special child in your life at story time.

There's an even more interesting twist to this new line of Christmas favorites. Now, you can have a treasured member of your family record a message that will last for all time. 

I have to credit my sister, Patti, with this brain child. She had my mother and father (89 and 84 years of age), along with her and husband, record Twas the Night Before Christmas for her new grandchild, Owen. 

That got me to thinking ... what a terrific way to preserve history.

As much as I have almost succeeded in deluding myself into believing that my parents are immortal, the cold hard reality is that they won't be with us for many more Christmases. What really saddens me is that it is unlikely that my grandchildren will ever get to know how great my mom and dad are and what kind of impact they have had on my life, and ultimately on their life.

But now, Hallmark has provided the opportunity for future generations of my family to preserve a piece of their ancestors forever. A living, breathing piece of our family tree. 

For me, the magic of Christmas has just come alive. And that truly makes me smile.

To Target, Philanthropy Has Been Fashionable Since 1962

Target was a philanthropic company long before it was considered fashionable. Time and time again, they rise to the top of the list on just about every measure of philanthropy.

- $138,231,699 cash donated (Forbes, "America's Most Generous Companies," 10.22.09)
- $56,000,000 in-kind donations (Forbes, "Pro Bono Meets the Public Company," 8.5.09)
- 70,000 employees donated 315,000 hours of time (Target Corporation)
- 5% of income; among the highest for any company, anywhere

For years, Target has remained relatively quiet about all they do. To them, giving is just a part of their DNA, a part of who they are.  In their minds, you take care of the people you serve and you try to make each community you're in just a little bit nicer, a little bit better.

In recent years, it's become trendy for brands to tell everyone about all the good they are doing for society. Why? Because consumers have demonstrated that they are more likely to buy from a company that is socially responsible.

Yet, when I looked at this very cool Target ad and I read the fine print, I discovered what I already knew about Target - that they are not doing this to be fashionable or to use the corporate megaphone to announce to the world that they are doing good for others. For them, being philanthropic was fashionable way back in 1962, when they made a commitment to themselves. That commitment was to donate 5% of their income to the local communities they serve .... about $3 million a week these days.

With an impressive giving history like that, we should all feel a little better about shopping at our local Target.

Coca-Cola Shakes It Up For The Holidays

Did you know that Coca-Cola actually created the modern day image of Santa Claus?

Back in the 1920s, the Coca-Cola Company was having difficulty selling its soft drink during the winter months. So, to soften the seasonality of their product, they hired Haddon Sundblom, a successful commercial artist at D'Arcy Advertising, to create an ad campaign for them.

From the late 1930s until the mid-1950s Haddon created cuddly Santas in Coca-Cola advertising that were the spitting image of a salesman friend of his. Later when that friend passed away, Sundblom stood in front of a mirror and began to paint an image of himself. Standing on Santa's side was Mrs. Claus, who looked just like Haddon's wife. Both were adorned in red and white, the corporate colors of Coca-Cola.

Haddon's image of Santa was so successful that by the 1940s, it had become the essence of Santa Claus all over the United States. 

• He was the Santa used in the 1947 move, Miracle on 34th Street.
• He rode the Norelco shaver in Christmas commercials.
• He was on the front of Hallmark card after Hallmark card.
• He even became known as the Salvation Army Santa.

Haddon's image lives on in every element of Christmas we see today. And to this day, no one - and I mean no one - has created a more endearing image of Santa than Coca-Cola.

In this year's holiday commercial, Coca-Cola brings that quintessential image of Santa back into our homes and into our lives.  Featuring the Train song, "Shake Up Christmas," Santa shakes his magic snow globe, helping to push people towards each other at the holidays. An adorable puppy slides into the arms of a delighted young boy. Two young people sitting miles apart on a bench slide towards each other and embrace. A store clerk takes an adventurous shop cart ride through the city to arrive just in time for family dinner. Santa smiles because all is well.

Open happiness ... brought to all, complements of Coca-Cola.

Pabst Takes The Blue Ribbon

“Life is art. Art is passion. Passion tastes like PBR.”

Since 2007, Pabst Blue Ribbon has run an annual art contest. Artists find creative and colorful ways to display the Past brand name in a piece of original artwork.  The highly acclaimed artist who is dubbed the winner of the contest receives a year's worth of PBR...on the house, so to speak.

In recent years, Pabst has struggled to compete with small microbreweries who seem to have popped up almost overnight all over the United States. Many have successfully created a certain mystique about their brands and their beers. As beer connoisseurs rallied to sample Indian ales, bohemian pilsners, and American lagers with kitschy names like Devil's Wit, Elliot Ness, Wreck the Halls, In-Heat Wheat, Stagecoach Smoked Porter, and Yellow Snow, Pabst Blue Ribbon fell to the wayside ... being viewed as yesterday's beer.

The Pabst Art Contest Gallery has effectively pulled all eyes back on the Pabst Blue Ribbon brand. What a terrific way to put the panache back in PBR ... and to simultaneously get consumers to participate in your brand in a lively, intriguing way. 

Here is a collection of some of my favorite pieces of PBR artwork!

Gators Hire Muschamp; Targeting Smart and Applewhite?

The University of Florida has stunned sports prognosticators by naming University of Texas defensive coordinator Will Muschamp to replace outgoing coach Urban Meyer. Although Muschamp currently works with the Big 10 Longhorns, he has a long history in the SEC; he even played football at the University of Georgia -- a primary rival of the Gators.

Reaction to Muschamp has been pretty solid, although the decision has shocked many observers. Andy Staples of SI.Com, for example, describes the decision to hire Muschamp as "bold" and "intelligent."

Furthermore, the St. Petersburg Times has collected reactions from many major voices in college football, and the reactions are also very positive. Urban Meyer gracefully describes Muschamp as a "great hire," and Tim Tebow is predictably humble and respectful. ESPN's David Ubben says that Muschamp is "arguably, the best defensive coordinator in college football and one of its best recruiters." And the Gainesville Sun's Pat Dooley expects Muschamp to "bring fire" to the Swamp.

Kirby Smart and Major Applewhite Next?
Muschamp's hiring has led to a new round of rumors regarding new staff for Florida. Even before Muschamp was hired, the sports world tried to predict which coach would replace Meyer; these predictions and rumors were way off the mark. Before Meyer resigned, a flurry of rumors surrounded the much-hated Steve Addazio, the current offensive coordinator for the Gators.

Since the announcement that Muschamp would take over as head coach, two significant rumors have emerged. First, several observers predict that Muschamp will try to convince Kirby Smart, currently at Alabama, to become Florida's new defensive coordinator. Smart has a great reputation, and Alabama already gave him a big raise to keep him from going to the University of Georgia. Smart and Muschamp, however, are close friends. Both played for the University of Georgia, and they have worked together as assistant coaches in the past. Perhaps, the Muschamp's relationship with Smart can seal the deal.

Another rumor thread has Major Applewhite, the running backs coach at Texas, joining Muschamp in Florida. The Applewhite chatter, however, is mixed, with some "reliable" sources saying he will remain in Texas and others saying he will move to Florida.

According to one Texas media site, Applewhite told Malcolm Brown, one of the nation's highest ranking running back scouts, that there might be coaching changes in Texas. Brown, however, refused to say whether Applewhite indicated that he would be leaving Texas. Whether or not Applewhite comes to Florida, if the Gators are indeed looking for an offensive coordinator, then this will please many Florida fans who do not want the current coordinator Steve Addazio to remain in his position.

[Editor's Note: Although this is primarily a law and politics blog, I occasionally comment on sports and other matters related to pop culture.]

Every Murder Victim Has A Story: A Surge In Teen Homicides

During November and early December 2010, several teenagers were killed in the Maryland-Washington, DC-Virginia metropolitan area. Normally, youth homicides catch the attention of media commentators due to their emotional impact. But when the victims are poor and persons of color, this typical pattern does not always occur. The inattention to the violence, however, does not diminish the tragedy and pain surrounding these crimes. Every murder victim has a story.

Ebony Franklin: 17 (Important update in Franklin case: here)



Thanksgiving 2010 permanently altered the lives of Ebony Franklin's friends and family. Ebony, a 17-year-old, lived with her mother in Capitol Heights, Maryland. The Friday after Thanksgiving, Ebony told her mother that she was going to spend the weekend with her father, who lived in the Columbia Heights neighborhood of NW Washington, DC.

By Friday evening, however, Ebony's parents had not heard from her, and her mother filed a missing person's report with the Prince George's County police. Unfortunately, Ebony was not found alive. On Monday, November 29, sanitation workers found Ebony's body stuffed in a trash can in Columbia Heights. She had been stabbed multiple times. Ebony was murdered and discarded like trash.

Predictably, Ebony's friends and family are devastated by the news of her death. Ebony's murder received little attention in local media, but then coverage of her death faded away. But to the people who know Ebony, the pain remains very pronounced.

Friends and family held a candlelight vigil honoring Ebony. Also, several friends' Facebook pages contain commentary about and numerous photos of Ebony. One individual who describes herself as Ebony's best friend, was particularly distraught from the time Ebony went missing and after she was found murdered.

November 28: man im ova here goin crazy prayin for u to cum home to us we love u bestie

November 29: best friend i love u girl who wtf woud do this to my right have they say blood thicker then water but in this case its different i love u gurl n these tears r fallin for u another good one gone n the clouds kisses n a hugs love ur bestie

December 3: i miss u bestfriend n sumtimes i just want to pick up the fone n call u n then it hurts to know that ur just not goin to answer tears ls i love u ebony franklin

Police have not released a motive or the name of a suspect in Ebony's murder.

Miguel Hernandez: 15



On Friday November 19 a group of males surrounded 15-year-0ld Miguel Hernandez as he walked from school in Manassas, Virginia. Members of the group began stabbing Hernandez. He subsequently died from his wounds.

Police have not released a motive for the crime, although several reports suggest that it might have been gang-related. Friends of Hernandez, however, deny that he was ever involved in a gang. After an initial blip of coverage, Hernandez's death lost the interest of local media.

Judging from the multiple Facebook "R.I.P." pages created to honor Hernandez, however, he continues to touch the lives of many people. Here are some posts on the most popular Facebook tribute to Miguel, nicknamed "Mickey":

November 21: When i heard that mickey died from getting stabbed i was sad and i started thinking "why cant the world just get rid of all the gangs, its stupid right just hating some one because they're a different color or because they come from another part of the world, look at how much sadness was caused by the death of mickey. . . .

November 21: LOOK AROUND YOU, PEOPLE ARE DYING LEFT AND RIGHT WE NEED TO STOP ALL THIS VIOLENCE ITS POINTLESS WHAT ARE ALL YOU GANGSTERS FIGHTING FOR. HUH? TELL ME. MICKEY WOULDN'T OF WANTED THIS WHY CANT ANYONE SEE THE VALUE OF LIFE NOW A DAYS

And here is a very touching dedication from one of Miguel's teachers:

November 22: Mickey was a great student, many of us- his teachers feel this way. We are in just as much pain, I know I am. I've dedicated my life to become the teacher that can make "make a difference" - and now I feel like I failed. Mickey was one of my best and brightest students. Please,.. all of you students, all of you who are predators and are killing our students (gang bangers, dealers, etc), this must end. When will you finally learn.

Despite the pleas from Miguel's friends that others not seek to avenge his murder, another youth was stabbed days after Miguel was murdered. The youth survived, but police believe that his attack was related to Miguel's death.

Raquan Campbell: 15



On December 1, 15-year-old Raquan Cambpell was shot multiple times in the body and head. The attack killed him. The following Baltimore Sun article represents the totality of information regarding Raquan's death in the local news media:

UPDATE: City police just identified the teen victim as Raquan Campbell. 15, of the the 2800 block of Bookert Drive in South Baltimore's Cherry Hill neighborhood.

Some disturbing news out of Southwest Baltimore -- a 15-year-old was shot and killed in Carrollton Ridge. This area has historically been a violent hot spot for drug dealing and violent crime. It's near where a little girl was shot and wounded last years.

Few details are available of this latest shooting. Police told Sun reporter Jessica Anderson that the youth was shot in the head about 5:15 p.m. near South Payson and West Pratt streets and died about an hour later at Maryland Shock Trauma Center.

The youth is the 10th juvenile to be killed in Baltimore this year. There were 16 youths killed in all of 2009.

The murder of a 15-year-old child only merits a few sentences in Baltimore's major newspaper. Many of Raquan's friends, however, have filled this void through the use of social networking.

In most of his pictures available online, Raquan, affectionately known as "Ra Ra," has a big smile on his face. Many of his friends spoke of his smile and his warmth on a Facebook page created in his honor:

December 1: Im Cryinq As I Type This RaRa Youu Were So Funny Im Goinq Miss Ya Geekinq Ass Boy W/Ya Gorqoeus Ass Smilee Uqhh Whyy Youu Tho ! Ily & Imy Youu Always Goinq Be In My Heart I Promise Youu Tht!

December 1: Awwww I really can't believe that some coward took your life you was such a respectful young man.. My prayers are with your family may you rest in peace baby

December 2: Damm man my brova one everytime i close my eyes i just see ya smille and hear ya laugh he had no chance to even fight bacc i swear i wish i cuda took his place now i gotta cope with this broken heart Love all my CherryHill Fam . . . .

December 2: WOW...IM SPEECHLESS AND MY HEART IS SOOO HEAVY..IM GONNA MISS THT BIG BRIGHT SMILE..TEARS...REST EASY YOUNG MAN!!..I WATCHED U GROW UP...SMH..PRAYERS FOR COOKIE AND THE FAMILY..♥

Colleen Smith, a volunteer with Metro Kidz in Baltimore, wrote a very impassioned statement regarding Raquan's murder:

I know first hand this kid had a future ahead of him, he might have not been doing the right thing right this very second, but he was doing things 90% better than he was at this time last year, he’s one of the boys I used to get to share stories with in the neighborhood, he’s one of the boys who share his heart with me, he’s one of the boys who I got to see make changes in his life, and no he wasn’t at the place where he wanted to be, but he was working hard to get there. He’s one of the boys I fell in love with, who stole my heart, he’s one of the boys who opened up to me, and showed me respect and trusted me for who I am.

Tragically, Raquan is also one of the boys slaughtered on the streets of Baltimore. Police have not identified any suspects or motives in his killing.

Prince Okorie: 16



On November 30 at 4:30pm, 16-year-old Prince Okorie was gunned down in NW Washington, DC. According to one news report, the shooter killed Okorie because he thought he was a "snitch" in another murder case.

The local media dedicated the standard couple of sentences to Okorie's murder. But independent bloggers have provided more details surrounding his life.

Kathryn Gaglione, a freelance journalist and author of the blog Hers for the Reading, wrote a moving tribute to Okorie that speaks about his life and that condemns the media for reducing him to a "statistic":

What this [Washington Post] article fails to mention is that Prince was known and loved by many people. Not only did I work with him in a tutoring program, but I attended the same church congregation, I know his family, and I see how this tragedy is leaving those who cared about Prince in shock. . . .

Prince was your average teenager. He fought with his sister and talked back to his mother and tried pushing the boundaries. But he was also quiet and sweet and smart. He could have been anything, done anything with his life. All that potential lost.

Too many children are eaten alive by the violence of the inner city. And sometimes, no matter how much people love them or how hard people try to help them, the statistics don't play in their favor. So the next time you read about [homicide] statistics, see Prince there. Those numbers are important because there are people behind them. And every one of them matters.

I agree. On December 10, police arrested 20-year-old Raymond Roseboro of NW DC for the murder of Prince.

Jamal Wilson: 19



On November 14, 19-year-old Jamal Wilson was shot and killed in NW Washington, DC. There is very little about Wilson's death in local media -- except for brief articles that merely quote the police blotter regarding the homicide.

Police, however, have arrested two suspects in Wilson's slaying. One of the suspects -- Kwan Kearney -- was subsequently arrested for the murder of Joseph Alonzo Sharps, a 17-year-old murder victim whose killing was profiled on Dissenting Justice.

Scott Staten: 17

Before I could finish editing this article, yet another teenager became a homicide victim in Washington, DC. On December 8, 17-year-old Scott Staten was shot and killed in SW Washington, DC. At the time this article was published, there were very few details available concerning this homicide.

Final Thoughts

Writing about these murders is a very painful task. Ignoring them because they only affect poor persons of color makes others feel safe.

But homicides diminish our collective humanity. Becoming numb to them erodes our own ability to empathize and to better society. Despite the heavy emotional burden involved with confronting this gruesome reality, I choose to focus on the lives of these young victims and to tell their stories. Thank you for reading.

Note: "Every Murder Victim Has A Story" is an occasional series on Dissenting Justice.

The United States: A Nation of Hypocrites

I have said it before. In light of a new survey, however, it is worth repeating: the United States is a nation of hypocrites. According to a Bloomberg survey, most Americans want to reduce the national deficit, but they want to do so without any cuts to entitlements, which are among the biggest budget items. Also, they only want tax increases for the wealthiest individuals. So, Americans want to keep the rate of spending, maintain the same tax rates for most people, and magically eliminate the deficit. Good luck.

"Fuck the President" vs. "You Lie": Which Is Worse

According to several reports, an angry -- but unidentified -- House Democrat said "fuck the president" during a very heated caucus regarding the compromise on tax cuts. I tend to believe that such language is generally unhelpful in public discourse.

In terms of civility and respect for the office of the presidency (not necessarily the individual occupying it), this reminds me of the infamous "you lie" moment during a speech that Obama delivered to Congress regarding healthcare reform. Joe Wilson, a House Republican from South Carolina, essentially heckled the president, but his comment generated so much heat from liberals that he subsequently issued a formal apology. Much of the liberal commentary accused Wilson of inappropriate behavior and racism.

I doubt that the House Democrat's outburst will generate the same reaction. First, the person remains unidentified. Second, liberals probably do not want to bring attention to their own lack of decorum or, even worse, racism. C'est la vie.

Repeat After Me: Obama Is A Moderate

Every time new legislation or policies fall short of the expectations of progressives, several things happen. First, progressives complain that President Obama (yet again) has rushed to compromise with moderates and conservatives. Second, media commentators praise President Obama for being pragmatic and willing to work with others. Third, conservatives describe the legislation or policies as evidence of President Obama's sinister plot to turn the US into a communist society. To all who have engaged in this discourse, repeat after me: Obama is a moderate.

Progressives Continue to Ignore Reality
Regular readers of this blog know that I have long described Obama as a moderate -- even before he was elected. A long list of prior blog entries on this subject appears below this article. During the Democratic primaries, when Obama was the untouchable darling of the progressive community, I often watched with alternating confusion and amazement over the Left's collective worship of Obama and its portrayal of him as a progressive figure.

After Obama was elected, several factors indicated that he would fall far short of the wild expectations that many progressives had of him. He appointed despised Clinton-era officials to positions in his own administration. He chose Hillary Clinton, a "defeated" enemy of the political left, as his Secretary of State. And he would soon show his commitment to some policies of the Bush administration that progressives had vigorously opposed.

Although these decisions caused some progressives to awaken quickly from what I have described as an Obama-Vegetative State (a condition in which the patient is unable to think critically about Obama), clearly, others remain wedded to the unsubstantiated idea that Obama is a true progressive.

Despite the variety of data that prove Obama's moderate leanings, many progressives cling to the fantasy that he is a leftist. Accordingly, they become extremely upset when he dives toward the center and "compromises" with Republicans and moderate Democrats on issues such as the healthcare public option, the Bush tax cuts, and the magnitude and substance of the economic stimulus. Progressives demand that Obama negotiate from the left and move slightly to the right. Surprisingly, they assume that he shares their desire to start from the left in the first place.

The False Pragmatism Canard
In response to progressive criticism over Obama's political moderation, media commentators scold progressives for being partisans. They also praise Obama for being flexible and strategic. These commentators believe that Obama is a progressive but that he, unlike his progressive critics, is pragmatic. Most of these commentators, however, do not even engage the possibility that Obama himself is a strategic moderate who occupies the center not because failing to do so would doom him politically, but because this is the political space that coincides with his own ideological commitments.

The Conservative Red Scare Tactic
No one can convince Obama's rightwing critics that he is not a Muslim, socialist, communist, foreign-born individual causing the inevitable destruction of US society. So, I will leave them to their ideas. It is interesting, however, that the right and the left are equally drawn to their belief that Obama is a progressive.

What Progressives Must Do
If progressives wish to engage in helpful politics, they must first embrace a strategy grounded in reality rather than fiction. President Obama is a moderate. Starting with this premise creates the conditions for effective political action.

Second, progressives must become students of history. Moderate presidents have presided over deeply progressive social change, such as the abolition of slavery, the extension of voting rights to women, and the implementation of extensive civil rights legislation in the 1960s. If progressives study this history, they can learn how to build effective political action for change.

Third, progressives must engage in organized social movement behavior to shape public opinion about the need for change -- rather than exclusively focusing on their defeats. Although many progressives continue to participate in collective politics, these efforts are literally drowned out by the voices of critics who are continually frustrated by a president who does not satisfy their unrealistic expectations about his political ideology.

Finally, progressives need to engage in multidimensional political advocacy. Focusing on one political figure is a completely ineffective political strategy. Historically, political change has come about as a result of complex activism at the local, state and federal level. This political action has targeted voters, corporations, lawmakers, and executive branch officials. It has also involved courts and litigation. For many progressives, however, the national government -- and more specifically Obama -- has absolute centrality.

Social movements have produced remarkable progressive changes in the US. Part of this history involved criticism of political leaders. Nonetheless, a large part of that history centered around crafting public information campaigns and fostering ties with the public and with multiple layers of politicians and private entities to create political opportunities for change. If progressives refuse to follow this historical practice, then they will have to blame themselves as much as (or even more than) Obama for the failure of progressive politics.

The promised reading list on Obama as a moderate:

2008 Is Not 1964: Why Liberal Mania and Conservative Panic Are Nothing But Melodrama

Chicken Little Politics: Moderate Obama Causes Progressive Panic

Criticizing President Obama Is Pragmatic

Progressives Awaken from Obama-Vegetative State

Free at Last? No!

From the "Duh" Files: Effusive Political Adoration Does Not Lead to Social Change

A Sober Look at a Democratic Sweep

If Obama Emulates Lincoln, Will Progressives Follow Abolitionists and Radical Republicans?

Head Explosion at The Nation: Left "Duped" by Its "Own Wishful Thinking"

The "Yes We Can" Movement Gets Sudden Reality Check!

Master Card Street Art Is Priceless

For those who live in Washington D.C. or Atlanta, taking the train to work has just become a bit more interesting.

A partnership between MasterCard and SunTrust Bank hopes to convince consumers that a new MasterCard branded Check Card from SunTrust will provide them the financial freedom they need to buy just about anything they want, whether it's a technologically advanced digital camera, a cool tricycle for their kids, barbells to get in shape, or a fancy new pair of high-heeled shoes.

Interestingly, this street art goes beyond merely entertaining passersby. Most of the displays have scannable bar codes which, when scanned, immediately take the consumer out to a microsite to take advantage of the "Overwhelming Offer" of the day. This new check card also allows consumers to go to a special website where they can shop for a variety of items at a 20-30% savings.

I wonder how many people have tried to crawl up on that tricycle to have their picture taken? I would be tempted....

Note: Thanks to MediaPost Publications for the head's up on this campaign.

Disturbing "Progressive" Discourse Regarding Assange Rape Charges

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has become a folk hero among progressives. Even though Assange's actions raise important issues about the protection of sensitive governmental information, many progressives praise him as a "whistleblower."

Now that Assange has been arrested for charges of sexual assault, many progressives have lined up to defend him. The presumption of innocence is a cornerstone of every decent criminal justice system, and Assange is absolutely entitled to defend himself vigorously against the charges.

Nevertheless, some of the progressive commentary that has emerged in the blogosphere and on Twitter expresses very dangerous views on gender and sexual assault. Also, some of the comments rush to credit innuendo and one-sided commentary as fact.

Crying Rape?
Several progressive bloggers imagine a Swedish-US conspiracy against Assange. As evidence of this conspiracy, they argue that Assange is not guilty of rape in the common use of the word. Instead, he is supposedly only "guilty" of a "Victorian" crime -- having sex without a condom. This line of reasoning appears on several liberal blogs (see, e.g., here and here). Who is the source of this popular description of the rape charge? Assange's own defense lawyer.

Not only have some progressives failed to wait for the facts to unfold, but they have rushed to dismiss the alleged sexual assault victims, and have placed complete faith in Assange's lawyer's self-serving description of the charges. Furthermore, the description of the charges sounds specious at best.

Although all of the facts are not fully developed, many accounts indicate that at least one of the alleged incidents involved a broken condom. It is possible that the sexual assault charge might relate to the woman's claim that she decided not to have sex after it broke.

Even assuming that the woman initially consented to sex with Assange, if the condom broke during sex, she has the right to withdraw consent. Generally, people can withdraw consent to sex, and the fact that consent was initially given does not preclude a rape charge. This point, however, is completely absent in some of the progressive analysis I have read on this case. By concealing this potential aspect of the case, Assange's defenders can mock the alleged victims and play up the conspiracy narrative.

FDL
A popular reader diary on the respected progressive blog FDL adds a new dimension to the discourse. According to the diary, Assange's accusers are radical feminists supposedly connected to the CIA, anti-Castro and anti-communist organizations and to US-sponsored organizations that promote acts of terrorism in Cuba. Of course, none of these allegations is substantiated. Nevertheless, the reader's portrayal of the women as radical feminists and anti-Castro seems to have worked. Most of the comments uncritically accept the claims in the diary and view them as proof of an international plot against Assange.

Keith Olbermann
Finally, Keith Olbermann has entered the fray with a post on his Twitter account. Olbermann says that "Reuters now confirms Swedish rape investigation of Julian Assange is about broken condoms & fear of STD's." The Reuters article, however, is based exclusively upon information provided by "several people in contact with [Assange's] entourage at the time [of the alleged assaults]." Information from this anonymous and potentially biased source cannot constitute confirmation of any specific fact.

Final Take
Although this post condemns emerging progressive commentary regarding the Assange sexual assault charges, I do not wish to imply that all or most progressives have acted inappropriately. In addition, I do not mean to suggest that the criminal charges have merit or that they are connected to the ethical issues concerning Assange's release of confidential governmental information.

Instead, the purpose of this post is two-fold. First, progressives, like everyone else, should wait for the facts of this situation to unfold. Assange is entitled to due process and a day in court. Shoddy argumentation and "fact finding" will not help his cause. To the extent that a budding progressive discourse seeks to "create" its own facts, this development is unfortunate.

Second, progressives should not disparage feminism and alleged victims of sexual assault in order to defend Assange. Protecting free speech does not require progressives to abandon central principles like equality and bodily integrity. I encourage other progressives to reject this ridiculously false choice.

Also on Dissenting Justice: What If Julian Assange Were An Arab Muslim . . . .

Jezebel has a great essay on this issue: "Some Thoughts On 'Sex By Surprise.'"