Uncategorized

Source: ERIC BARADAT / Getty

Sen. Kamala Harris and Vice President Mike Pence engaged in the first and only debate between the candidates before Election Day on  November 3.

Moderator Susan Page began the debate by lying down the ground rules, where she urged for a civil exchange in light of last week’s debate fiasco fueled by Trump. But Harris found herself stripped of time throughout the debate because Pence refused to adhere to the rules which set aside a two-minute answer period after each question, followed by open debate.

Harris and Pence took on questions spanning a wide range of topic areas including, the Trump administration’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, taxes, climate change and the response to the Breonna Taylor case.

But Pence’s interruptions took center stage at the debate highlighting the many ways women are undermined, spoken over and ignored in the work place as well as in their homes. For Black women, Pence’s emboldened display of white male privilege struck a deeper chord when recounting the level of restraint Harris showed, knowing full well that any reaction she made to Pence’s disrespect would unfortunately reflect on her instead of him.

By the first 15 minutes of the debate “IM SPEAKING” trended on Twitter in reaction to Harris’ response during Pence’s first instance of curt mansplaining.

After the first exchange, we all saw our Black mamas, aunties and grandmothers rise up out of Harris, reminding us of childhood instances where we were scolded for speaking out of turn, or even speaking at all.

The fact that there is commentary on her reactions at all show the levels of our collective dysfunction that many women in politics have to wade through.

“If you don’t mind letting me finish we can actually have a conversation, OK?” Harris said during a conversation around taxes while flashing a smile that spoke volumes around her frustration.

“Kamala has to chuckle & politely smile while calling out blatant, real time lies. She has to calmly say ‘that is absolutely not true’ and patiently take his repeated, lengthy interruptions,” activist and educator Brittany Packnett Cunningham wrote on Twitter.

“If we had a dime for every time Black women had to calmly debate a mediocre, unqualified, lying white man not even fit to shine our shoes…” she continued.

Others pointed to the uneven amount of time Pence was allowed to speak before Page strongly chimed in almost an hour into the 90-minute debate.

On the issue of race in America, Page asked Harris and Pence if they felt justice was served in the Breonna Taylor’s case.

While they both claimed to send their condolences to Taylor’s family, Pence said that he stood with the grand jury’s decision, again displaying the rooted disconnect some non-Black Americans have when faced with the disparities shoveled out by the justice system.

The exchange between Harris and Pence became more tense after Pence questioned her voting record on police accountability in the Senate, as well as her prosecutorial record while she served as Attorney General of California.

Page attempted to move on to the final topics of the night, to which Harris firmly advocated that she be allowed more time to respond to Pence’s claims. Harris said that Pence had no position to stand on when he supports a president who refused to condemn white supremacists at the last debate, as well as Trump’s “good people on both sides” statement as tiki-torch wielding white supremacists wrecked havoc in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017

Wednesday’s debate was no “ki,” especially for Harris. American Democracy as we know it is changing in unforeseen ways that will disrupt our future and for the most part it seems that the majority of people in power just don’t give a damn.

And while Harris’ fared less harsher treatment than what happened to Job in the good book, Page and Pence adhered to patriarchy at Wednesday’s debate by continuously moving the goal post.

Writer: Al Ewing / Artist: Simone Di Meo / Boom! Studios

As the haunting refrain of an autopsy ship with a crew of four continues to reverberate on the pages of We Only Find Them When They’re Dead #2, I find myself thinking about how this story will present in a full collected volume where there aren’t weeks between issues and the story is able to flow continuously.

Arguably, the notable strength of We Only Find Them When They’re Dead #1 was how well it created the desolate atmosphere and cultivated a rich and deep lore surrounding these space faring crews as they mine gods for resources. The first issue was steeped in ominous tension and the foreboding last line promising an encounter with a live god.

The second issue keeps some of the same energy, largely in part due to the stellar artwork of Di Meo, but rather than the most vague and general notions in the first issue, but also leans much heavier into exposition and characters interactions.

We get a more direct sense of how Captain Malik interacts with his crew, and the social dynamics at large. We see them interact on and off the job and the existential and physical threats of their operation. Ewing layers in more lore with the deeply personal, and while it’s a lot to take in, it’s also immensely rewarding.

The issue feels long overdue with how much it manages to pack in, but there is a balance to the dense exposition and plenty of times where Ewing knows to let Di Meo’s artwork speak for itself to great effect. It’s structured in such a way that encourages you to take in the majesty and awe of the story slowly, and it pays off. But ultimately, We Only Find Them When They’re Dead #2 continues to blaze a strong trail in the latest of epic space operas.

9.0 “Ten Thousand Bar Fines” out of 10

Reading We Only Find Them When They’re Dead? Check out BNP’s other reviews here.

Want to get Black Nerd Problems updates sent directly to you? Sign up here!
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram!

The post We Only Find Them When They’re Dead #2 Review appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.

Source: Jon Cherry / Getty

On Tuesday Kentucky Attorney General Cameron gave an interview with Fox and Friends, where he again used his platform to discredit and disparage another Black woman aside from Breonna Taylor. This time he set his sights on rapper Megan Thee Stallion.

Cameron’s gripe stems from the “Savage” rapper’s recent performance on Saturday Night Live, where she dedicated a short segment of her stage show to call for the protection of Black women. As Megan stood flanked by her dancers, the phrase Protect Black Women flashed while audio clips of Malcolm X’s 1962 speech where he proclaimed, “The most disrespected person in America is the Black woman.”

After the clip finished, she played a snippet from Tamika Mallory’s speech in response to the grand jury’s decision to decline charges in the death of Taylor, a 26-year-old EMT worker shot to death by Louisville Metro Police officers.

“Daniel Cameron is no different than the sellout negroes that sold our people into slavery,” Mallory said.

After the callout Megan took the mic before she said: “We need to protect our Black women and love our Black women. ‘Cause at the end of the day, we need our Black women.” She also called for the protection of Black men.

“I agree that we need to love and protect our Black women, there’s no question about that. But the fact that someone would get on national television and make disparaging comments about me because I’m trying to do my job is disgusting.” Cameron said on Tuesday in response.

The Kentucky Attorney General wasted six months of taxpayer’s time to do everything other than what his job required in the Breonna Taylor case. He released his engagement photos, stalled for a FBI ballistics report, dodged Taylor’s family until the 11th hour, appeared at the ghastly Republican National Convention where he stumped for Donald Trump, while managing to not present a full case to the grand jury. If he had he done so, it may have changed the outcome of the grand jury’s decision.

As the first Black attorney general of Kentucky in more than 70 years, Cameron continues to advocate for the upholding of whiteness and patriarchy through his actions and allegiances.

Cameron claims he’s in agreement with loving and protecting Black women.

But when will his crusade begin?

Rock legend Eddie Van Halen of the band Van Halen has passed away from throat cancer. The Amsterdam-born guitarist who would go on to become an “all-American guitar hero” and the “grinning guitar god for a rock generation,” as The Los Angeles Times phrased it, was 65.

Van Halen’s son Wolfgang posted a touching goodbye to his father on Twitter.

pic.twitter.com/kQqDV7pulR

— Wolf Van Halen (@WolfVanHalen) October 6, 2020

In a year where grief seems to follow grief in unrelenting waves, fans, friends, and fellow musicians took to social media to remember Eddie Van Halen and hail his contributions to music. Van Halen hits like “Jump” and “Hot For Teacher,” among many others, are an indelible part of pop culture now, with Eddie Van Halen’s signature lightning-quick guitar licks lighting up the songs.

Per The LA Times:

One night at the Starwood nightclub in West Hollywood in 1976, Kiss singer-bassist Gene Simmons happened to catch the unknown band onstage and its grinning guitar phenom at stage left.

“This band comes on, and all of a sudden, I forget about everybody around me. I go, ‘What’s that?’” Simmons recalls. “Even though the band was a three-piece, there was a big sound coming out of them and Eddie was tapping the neck — which I’d never seen done on guitar before — with speed and accuracy in the melody. They simply didn’t sound like anybody else. There was a kind of fury.”

My heart is broken. Eddie was not only a Guitar God, but a genuinely beautiful soul. Rest in peace, Eddie! …Eddie Van Halen Dead at 65 from Cancer https://t.co/gITtcndQVv

— Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) October 6, 2020

Heartbroken and speechless. My love to the family. pic.twitter.com/MQMueMF2XO

— Sammy Hagar (@sammyhagar) October 6, 2020

RIP Eddie Van Halen, a true guitar god. there’s only a handful of guitarist that changed the way we play guitar. condolences to your family. https://t.co/j6f2MHTOQH

— Gilby Clarke (@gilbyclarke) October 6, 2020

Van Halen was the first band I ever saw in concert, and pretty much every girl my age had a crush on Eddie. His talent and charm were immeasurable. Condolences to @WolfVanHalen, @Wolfiesmom, and everyone who loved him. https://t.co/fZgAYxTC33

— shauna (@goldengateblond) October 6, 2020

Eddie Van Halen 💔

He donated the prototype for his “Frankenstein” guitar to Guitar Center where it’s encased outside the Hollywood store’s entrance where the Hollywood RockWalk is located with his plaque, handprints and signature.

RIP pic.twitter.com/ANqBAK5gzP

— Pamela Chelin (@PamelaChelin) October 6, 2020

I just heard about Eddie Van Halen and I feel terrible about it. Eddie was such a great guitarist and I remember how big Van Halen was, especially here in L.A. Love and Mercy to Eddie’s family & friends. pic.twitter.com/PY8fyrx1Lu

— Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) October 6, 2020

I’m just devastated to hear the news of the passing of my dear friend Eddie Van Halen. He fought a long and hard battle with his cancer right to the very end. Eddie was one of a very special kind of person, a really great friend. Rest In Peace my dear friend till we meet again. pic.twitter.com/Qs8tsLPANJ

— Tony Iommi (@tonyiommi) October 6, 2020

How good was Eddie Van Halen? That’s his guitar you’re hearing in Beat It.

— Elie Mystal (@ElieNYC) October 6, 2020

Eddie Van Halen did the solo on “Beat It” in one take for free, as a favor to Quincy Jones #RIPEddieVanHalen pic.twitter.com/LL7Ezt71MM

— DistroKid (@DistroKid) October 6, 2020

Eddie Van Halen is credited with popularizing the two-handed tapping technique and is widely considered one of the greatest guitarists of all time 🙏https://t.co/mG0Y5o1qIS

— Genius (@Genius) October 6, 2020

I love this story so much.

That time Eddie Van Halen became an #SNL musical guest just because he was in the building that day https://t.co/KzzyG1MDzO pic.twitter.com/5K1q3JBlBv

— Ryan Parker (@TheRyanParker) October 6, 2020

Of all the guitarists I got to play with, he was my favorite. RIP Eddie Van Halen

— Paul Shaffer (@paulshaffer) October 6, 2020

RIP to Eddie Van Halen. He was an absolute legend that influenced so many musicians and used his gift to create hit after hit. You will be missed, but your memory and art will live on!

— CC (@christiancoma) October 6, 2020

Sad to hear Eddie Van Halen has passed away. A guitar innovator with a fierce spirit of musical and technical exploration. Prayers and thoughts with his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/TI4ipeIXbR

— Yusuf / Cat Stevens (@YusufCatStevens) October 6, 2020

Legendary guitar and musical innovator Edward Van Halen. 1955-2020. Heaven will be electric tonight. pic.twitter.com/hdLd7atI74

— Lenny Kravitz (@LennyKravitz) October 6, 2020

Eddie Van Halen’s excellence was never in dispute. #RIP pic.twitter.com/CHCEhp9O5F

— Dave Itzkoff (@ditzkoff) October 6, 2020

Van Halen 1984.

The anticipation of the crowd.

Fans losing their minds over Eddie Van Halen and the first chords of Unchained.

Roth popping out and fans exploding on site.

This is rock and roll. pic.twitter.com/xqcXp39YEq

— Danny Deraney (@DannyDeraney) October 6, 2020

The LA Times’ Steve Appleford has written a fascinating look at Eddie Van Valen, exploring the ups and downs of the rocker’s life and career, as well as Van Halen’s lasting impact on the world of music. It’s well worth being the thing that you read today:

Eddie Van Halen was an immigrant kid who emerged from Pasadena with an ear for hard-rock hooks and wild guitar flash in the Jimi Hendrix tradition. His speed and innovations along the fretboard inspired a generation of imitators, as the band bearing his name rose to MTV stardom and multiplatinum sales over 10 consecutive albums.

In contrast to the shadowy gothic blues of Black Sabbath, or the pagan thunder of Led Zeppelin, the band Van Halen delivered muscular hard rock in Technicolor. The group’s sound and image were vivid reflections of its Southern California home, with a lead guitarist in bright colors and a welcoming, good-time grin.

Thank you, Eddie.

(via The LA Times, photo by Alan Light/Wikimedia Commons)

Here are a few other things we saw:

• A happy thing: Science fiction author and multiple Hugo award-winner N.K. Jemisin has been named a MacArthur fellow!! (via Tor.com)
• Another happy thing: Chris Hemsworth and his wife Elsa Pataky helped conservationists release 11 Tasmanian devils at a wildlife sanctuary. (via People.com)
• Also this is happening:

• I know that this dude is impervious to information. But if Section 230 were repealed, Twitter would be liable for any libelous statements in Trump’s tweets, and would almost certainly delete his account. https://t.co/TACdbiVc0R

  — Ian Millhiser (@imillhiser) October 6, 2020

• There’s a Resident Evil reboot, I guess? At least I will watch Hannah John-Kamen in anything. (via Deadline)

• BREAKING: A grand jury just indicted Mark and Patricia McCloskey on charges of exhibiting guns at protesters in a June incident in their neighborhood. Additionally, the grand jury added a charge of tampering with evidence for both members of the couple. https://t.co/DgMrS3sYVU

  — Shannon Watts (@shannonrwatts) October 6, 2020

• Biden says that if Amy Coney Barrett were to be part of a Supreme Court majority overturning Roe v. Wade, his response would be “to pass legislation making Roe the law of the land.”

  — Jennifer Epstein (@jeneps) October 6, 2020

• Vote on November 3rd.

What did you see today?

Want more stories like this? Become a subscriber and support the site!

—The Mary Sue has a strict comment policy that forbids, but is not limited to, personal insults toward anyone, hate speech, and trolling.—