News: Simmie Williams, Bill Richardson, Tyra Banks, Darfur

· Still no suspects after the murder of Simmie Williams Jr, the 17-year-old killed last month in Florida after an altercation with two men men who made anti-gay remarks. "That Fort Lauderdale's mayor hasn't said anything about [the] incident isn't surprising, since he still seems more passionately obsessed with men's rooms than Larry "Wide Stance" Craig," notes an op-ed in the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel.

· Tyra Banks looking to leave America's Next Top Model? "Banks is feuding with photo-shoot creative director Jay Manuel to such an extent that the two don't even speak. OK also reports that Banks barely hangs out with the contestants and shows up only on judging days."

· Little Rock mega-church unveils 30 minute "sitcom-length Sunday worship service."

· American Airlines cancels 300 flights to "perform maintenance checks on its fleet of MD-80 aircraft [and] might have to cancel additional flights Thursday.

· Survey: "87 percent of Americans believe in the concept of 'sin' and most say racism is considered a sin," explains Frank Lockwood at Bible Belt Blogger. "Republicans are more likely than Democrats to call racism a sin. Conservatives are more likely than liberals. And Southerners are more likely than Northerners to label racism as “sin.” Part of the reason for the gap? Republicans, conservatives and Southerners are more likely to believe in the concept of sin overall."

· Fox News debates the significance of Gov. Bill Richardson's new facial hair. One "Democratic" strategist says the New Mexico governor  wants to feel more "macho" because "after Al Gore lost his election, he also grew a beard. And I think it has to do with being sort of macho and wanting to feel like a man after you've lost something."

· Three relief workers with the United Nations World Food Program are "killed by bandits in separate attacks over the past week in Sudan's war-stricken western Darfur. ... The attacks highlight the security dangers in Sudan, where the world's biggest humanitarian operation is trying to cope with the crisis in Darfur while aid agencies are trying to help the south rebuild after decades of civil war."

Comments

[freeleo]

oh yeah... we want american airline to get it together before memorial day weekend...

[Luther]

I got a note from a friend of mine in Phoenix, where a young black gay man dressed as a woman was shot and killed last year, his name was Maurice Green, and, they held a vigil for him last week, and, same as in this case, no suspect, although, this one they have a "description" that fits probably a third of the city. I have to wonder, do they really go after killers when the victim is a man dressed as a woman? Maybe I'm just being too cynical. Although in this case, a city coucilman who is gay put up some money for a reward fund and helped with the vigil, which, keeps it in the news, which is good, but, it like Simmie's is a cold case, and, the longer its cold, the less likly justice will be served .

Tyra, let that show go, even though I will miss Miss J!

The racism poll, amazing, they believe its a sin, and, yet, can't get past it in most circumstances? Is that part of love the sinner, hate the sin thing??

BR's beard, I think it makes him look better.

[Luther]

And, Darfur, I left out my thoughts on that, this does not look good, if, they are starting up with the killing of relief workers, and, if the UN and other relief organizations get out, it will be worse than it is now, which is scary, especially since the US seems to feel that the UN can solve this genocide.

[TheRevKev]

I am so saddened by these deaths of these young people. It's insane that the closer that we get to being free, being real, being whole, the more the ugliness of people and what our youth are being taught, is coming to light. These deaths, the 8th grader killed for asking another boy to be his Valentine, it all stings of ugliness that is going to finally come to light as we talk about race and gender and sexuality in this 2008 Election. It really is about to go down. We are about to face ourselves and it's not going to be pretty.

As for Darfur, I am just appalled to see that things always look so God-awful violent in Africa when it comes to civil unrest and fighting. WHY!? Not saying anything as a commentary on anyone, except maybe the media and perhaps...Africa itself. I just hope that the U.N. sticks it out and that even the smallest tidbit like this blog's news today just keeps the light on this country.

Lastly, Tyra and her Bankable Productions produce this show. How is she fighting with anyone that she just doesn't get rid of, unless Mr. J is sleeping with some higher-up. Miss Tyra, you are the Queen and reason behind this show. If you and the queen can't work it out, walk it out!

[Derrick from Philly]

Luther, unfortunately, so many cases where transgendered gay folks have been murdered remain unsolved. I guess all marginalized people are considered unimportant or undesirable. So, when they are murdered--very few people care. If this society doesn't care about poor children who are killed due to abuse or neglect, why would they care about the killing of a drag queen?

[Utica NY]

That's a beautiful comment, Derrick and Luther.

[JACKIE B]

I DOUBT TYRA IS FUEDING WITH JAY MANUEL THEY WERE BOTH @ THE TOP MODEL "FIERCE" AWARDS THIS WEEKEND...

[andrew c]

Well, that proves it! Celebrities who feud behind the scenes would never put on a happy face for an award show!