Welcome Starving Marvin

With the departure of the Homeless wonder known as Dave it was necessary to keep the Unholy Trinity in balance; and recruit a third person. That person is Marvin 'Starving' Jackson a homeless person from Detroit. The reason another homeless person was chosen was to maintain a 'charitable' tax-exempt status.

Marvin is not a volunteer and will receive a weekly salary of $2. He originally wanted $5 a week but negotiations reached the figure mentioned.

Marvin can be found on Twitter as @MarvinStarving.

I took some time to talk to Marvin as the newest member of The Unholy Trinity.

MJHDC: So Marvin what do you want to say to introduce yourself?
Marvin: Holla nigga. I am officially up in this shit. That $2 is cash right?
MJHDC: Yeah.
Marvin: What about health benefits?
MJHDC: None.
Marvin: No worries I just get myself down the VA hospital. About the only thing a nigga gets for fighting on behalf of his country. Man, I saw shit that would make your eyes fall out and your ass explode with fear.
MJHDC: Which war was you in?
Marvin: I was in 'Nam. I'm still there some days. Never forget some of that shit. I saw bodies piled 5 high being used as sand bags. You don't forget that shit. And we got home all the people fucking looking at us like we were shit because the hippies said there should be no war. I fucking fought for my country. Here count my fingers.
MJHDC: 9.
Marvin: Left the other one in 'Nam. Fucking Viet Cong took it trying to get information. I didn't say shit. Then my unit stormed that place. Dead Charlies everywhere.
MJHDC: Have you been following the Conrad Murray trial at all?
Marvin: Hell no, media going to try to hang a nigga whether they got shit on him or not. If Conrad Murray was white he'd of got a pat on the back and a fucking medal from that turncoat president. Vote for me I am black when I get in the Whitehouse I'll turn my back. Fucker hasn't done shit for the hood. Steps in the hood and no matter how many guards he has he'll be another statistic.
MJHDC: But Conrad is accused of killing Michael Jackson.
Marvin: Hell that was one fucked up dude. I didn't get why he wanted to be white.
MJHDC: That was a disease. Vitiligo.
Marvin: I'd rather have a few white patches than be all white. No offense it isn't your fault. You was born that way.
MJHDC: Umm. Moving on. Have you seen any of the trial?
Marvin: I caught that Ed Chernoff guy talking. If he was my attorney I'd be putting 9mm of cold steel in my mouth and saying goodbye to the world. He was all stammering and shit. I would bet my food stamps that he only got to be an attorney by sucking a real attorney off. I've heard better sentences coming from the Special Needs spelling bee competition. Now that white haired guy looks like a smart cookie. If you got to choose one of them to stand up for you I would of picked that fucker. You know him and the judge play golf together at their exclusive 'white people' only country club. Conrad has got to man up and tell that Chernoff to sit the fuck down.
MJHDC: So you haven't really kept up with the trial?
Marvin: They are going to do the same to Conrad as they did to OJ. And if Arnie Klein isn't found guilty it will be the LA riots all over again.
MJHDC: What exactly are you bringing to the Unholy Trinity?
Marvin: Experience. And you and Hoax News will be able to walk in the ghetto with getting your lily white asses shot. I remember this line from Lench Mob: "White boys white boys love hip-hop. Come to the ghetto and they get shot." Trust me it is no different here in Detroit. You walk your white ass down the wrong street you going out in a body bag. Just the way it is man.
MJHDC: Thanks I think.
Marvin: And I am a personal friend of Joe Jackson.
MJHDC: You know Joe Jackson?
Marvin: That is what I said are you deaf? When I say friend what I mean is that I know this guy who owned a Buick. Well it turns out that at one point Joe Jackson thought about buying it. He didn't but he nearly did. Makes us family almost.
MJHDC: Well you are a Jackson.
Marvin: No relation whatsoever.
MJHDC: Well what would you like to say as way of an introduction?
Marvin: Bitches and pimps I'm all up in this shit. You don't like me fuck off. I sure as hell am not being paid to be nice to you fucking people.
MJHDC: (laughing) You should get paid per cuss word.
Marvin: Hell no. It is only when I'm drinking I cuss.
MJHDC: I see. Any parting words?
Marvin: See you fuckers on the flipside. Peace. I'm outtie.

Get A Federal Business Name

Federal Reserve

Back in 1913 the Federal Reserve System was introduced thanks to the Federal Reserve Act. Its duties today, according to official Federal Reserve documentation, are to conduct the nation's monetary policy, supervise and regulate banking institutions, maintain the stability of the financial system and provide financial services to depository institutions, the U.S. government, and foreign official institutions.

But the Federal Reserve is not part of the Government. The Federal Reserve System's structure is composed of the presidentially appointed Board of Governors (or Federal Reserve Board), the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), twelve regional Federal Reserve Banks located in major cities throughout the nation, numerous privately owned U.S. member banks and various advisory councils. The FOMC is the committee responsible for setting monetary policy and consists of all seven members of the Board of Governors and the twelve regional bank presidents, though only five bank presidents vote at any given time. The Federal Reserve System has both private and public components, and was designed to serve the interests of both the general public and private bankers.

Federal Express (FedEx)

Originally called FDX Corp., FedEx Corp. was formed in January 1998 with the acquisition of Caliber System Inc. Through this and future purchases, FedEx sought to build on the strength of its famous express delivery service and create a more diversified company that included a portfolio of different but related businesses. Caliber subsidiaries included RPS, a small-package ground service; Roberts Express, an expedited, exclusive-use shipping provider; Viking Freight, a regional, less-than-truckload (LTL) freight carrier serving the Western U.S.; Caribbean Transportation Services, a provider of airfreight forwarding between the U.S., Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean Islands; and Caliber Logistics and Caliber Technology, providers of integrated logistics and technology solutions. These companies, along with worldwide express shipping provider Federal Express, composed the original FDX Corp. 

Over the next two years FDX Corp. oversaw the assimilation of these companies and introduced them to many trademark service and technology enhancements.

In January 2000, FedEx unleashed the power of its global brand. In a move to further integrate the company's portfolio of services, FDX Corp. was renamed FedEx Corporation. In addition, Federal Express became FedEx Express, RPS became FedEx Ground, Roberts Express became FedEx Custom Critical, and Caliber Logistics and Caliber Technology were combined to make up FedEx Global Logistics. To centralize the sales, marketing, customer service and information technology support for FedEx Express and FedEx Ground, a new subsidiary named FedEx Corporate Services (FedEx Services) was formed and began operations in June 2000.

Federal Express was so-named due to the patriotic meaning associated with the word "Federal," which suggested an interest in nationwide economic activity. At that time, Smith hoped to obtain a contract with the Federal Reserve Bank and, although the proposal was denied, he believed the name was a particularly good one for attracting public attention and maintaining name recognition.

Two companies using the moniker "Federal" yet not belonging to the U.S. government. So is the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigations) a private company? Of course not.

FBI

The FBI originated from a force of special agents created in 1908 by Attorney General Charles Bonaparte during the presidency of Theodore Roosevelt. The two men first met when they both spoke at a meeting of the Baltimore Civil Service Reform Association. Roosevelt, then Civil Service commissioner, boasted of his reforms in federal law enforcement. It was 1892, a time when law enforcement was often political rather than professional. Roosevelt spoke with pride of his insistence that Border Patrol applicants pass marksmanship tests, with the most accurate getting the jobs. Following Roosevelt on the program, Bonaparte countered, tongue in cheek, that target shooting was not the way to get the best men. "Roosevelt should have had the men shoot at each other and given the jobs to the survivors."

So, how does the Federal Reserve and Federal Express get away with using a company name that obviously should be restricted to government usage only? Well, maybe it should be but it isn't.

A quick search of trademarks on the United States Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) website reveals 2,214 records using the term "Federal". On the first page of results is Federal Coffee. Federal Coffee supposedly sell the nation's strongest coffee; and if you want to ask them you can find them on Twitter under the username @FederalCoffee surprisingly enough. Are they affiliated with the U.S. government in any way? No. The Federal Coffee trademark is owned by Federal Coffee Incorporated. There is also one called You Don't Know Me Federal Witness Program; which turns out to be owned by Cotton City Incorporated and is merely the design of a T-shirt which they trademarked. Incidentally Cotton City Inc. is owned by Ace Incorporated.

It would thus appear that anyone can use the word 'Federal' in their business name. But is it that easy? Yes and no.

The dictionary defines the word 'federal' as:

Adjective:

1. Of, relating to, or being a form of government in which a union of states recognizes the sovereignty of a central authority while retaining certain residual powers of government.

2. Of or constituting a form of government in which sovereign power is divided between a central authority and a number of constituent political units.

3. Of or relating to the central government of a federation as distinct from the governments of its member units.

4. Favorable to or advocating federation: The senator's federal leanings were well known.

5. Relating to or formed by a treaty or compact between constituent political units.

6. Federal

a. Of, relating to, or supporting Federalism or the Federalist Party.

b. Of, relating to, or loyal to the Union cause during the American Civil War.

7. often Federal Of, relating to, or being the central government of the United States.

8. Federal Relating to or characteristic of a style of architecture, furniture, and decoration produced in the United States especially in the late 18th and early 19th centuries and characterized by adaptations of classical forms combined with typically American motifs.

Noun:

1. Federal

a. A supporter of the Union during the American Civil War, especially a Union soldier.

b. A Federalist.

2. often Federal A federal agent or official.

But if you head down the page 'Federal' is also defined as: 

Adjective:

1. federal - national; especially in reference to the government of the United States as distinct from that of its member units; "the Federal Bureau of Investigation"; "federal courts"; "the federal highway program"; "federal property.

So in layman terms Federal = National. So any company in the U.S., that is a national company, could in theory use the term Federal. And it is being allowed by the U.S. Patent & Trademark office unless the government own Federal Coffee and just don't want to admit it. So as long as you are based in the U.S., and your product is national, you can use the term 'Federal' in your business name without worrying the FBI are going to come banging on your door and arrest you.

Maybe in a few years we will see other people take up the term 'Federal' in their business names. Who knows this time next month there may be a Federal Charles Manson Fan Club or a Federal Joke Shop doing business.

Note: This is in no way any form of legal advice. If you intend to attempt to use the term 'Federal' or 'Fed' in a business name it would be advisable to seek legal advice, and representation, before doing so. Also in no way is Federal Express, Federal Reserve, Federal Coffee related to each other in business; or any other way.

Mankind Versus Conrad Murray

The entire U.S. nation was united in outrage as the Supreme Court denied Troy Davis a stay of execution. As the decision was announced Twitter and Facebook went crazy with the same outrage.

I have taken no time to look in to the Troy Davis case and so will not comment on guilt, or lack of it, other than to say that if there is even the smallest of doubt then an execution should not take place. You just cannot reverse an execution if later evidence proves a persons innocence.

But it did get me thinking about the Michael Jackson fans (believers and non-believers) on Twitter who were rallying in support of Troy Davis. It wasn't a good feeling it was kind of a 'I want to reach through the screen and strangle you hypocritical fuckers' feeling.

Back in 2005 every Michael Jackson fan would practically kill anyone who even suggested that he was guilty of the charges he was acquitted of. But these same fans will stand up for Troy Davis because of what they have heard; yet they want to see Conrad Murray either rot in hell or prison.

Is it fair for the same fans that were shouting "Justice for Michael" in 2005 and are now shouting "Justice 4 MJ" to be ready to become judge, jury, and executioner for Conrad Murray?

I must have missed the police statement that went something like this:

Detective Donald Nutkins said outside 100 North Carolwood Drive this morning: "We have a pretty open and shut case. Luckily for the investigation team there was hundreds of Michael Jackson fans sitting around in the bedroom, and other rooms, that saw everything that went on. I'll be surprised if Conrad Murray is not doing life for this heinous crime."

Oh that is right. I didn't miss that statement because it never happened.

I'm not defending Conrad Murray in any way, shape, or form I just feel that he should be given his opportunity in a court of law. That is not to say the justice system is 100% correct, and yes it makes mistakes, but that is what we have to live with.

A lot of messed up shit happened in North Carolwood Drive. And from what has been reported only half of it may be true and the rest complete bullshit. I don't know because I was not there. Only two people know for sure what happened on the morning of June 25, 2009 at 100 North Carolwood Drive and neither one of them is saying much.

(Like an adventure book you get to choose your own path now. Read which section you feel fits you better.)

Believers read this bit: Conrad Murray is sticking with the story he is meant to stick to. He knows exactly what happened and although a million and one clues were left he has to play his part to the very end. Michael may very well clear Conrad's name in the near future.

Non-believers read this bit: Conrad Murray isn't saying what is going on because he is charged with the death of Michael Jackson. Michael Jackson isn't saying anything because in one way or another he unfortunately died.

(Everyone can read the last bit.)

We may never know the full facts of what happened at the home of Michael Jackson on the morning of June 25, 2009. But should we fall into the trap of judging a person because of what has been said in the media much like what was done to Michael Jackson back in 2005?

And while we are on the subject of hypocrisy now might be a good time to mention the religious people that have already condemned Conrad Murray. As one of the Unholy Trinity I don't actually believe this; but here is a couple of quotes from your Bible:

"So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her." (John 8:7 KJV)

"Judge not, that ye be not judged." (Matthew 7:1 KJV)

So all the religious people can get off their high horses if they have condemned Conrad Murray already. Unless they want to admit they only pick and choose the bits from the Bible that fit with their life choices.

Halloween Cosplay

According to Wikipedia Cosplay is defined as:

Cosplay, short for "costume play", is a type of performance art in which participants don costumes and accessories to represent a specific character or idea. Characters are often drawn from popular fiction in Japan, but recent trends have included American cartoons and Sci-Fi. Favourite sources include manga, anime, comic books, graphic novels, video games, hentai and fantasy movies. Any entity from the real or virtual world that lends itself to dramatic interpretation may be taken up as a subject. Inanimate objects are given anthropomorphic forms and it is not unusual to see genders switched, with women playing male roles and vice versa.

With Halloween fast approaching now is the time that adults attending parties start thinking about costumes to wear. So why go in one of the played out costumes that has been seen a million times before when you can wow family, friends, neighbors, and anyone else that sees you dressed in a somewhat more unique costume.

But where to start? According to Wikipedia you can use, amongst other things, comics and video games as inspiration.

Not feeling totally creative? Get creative with a few ideas from around the world wide web.

Eat magic mushrooms and pretend you are reliving the eighties. Go as Mario; from Super Mario Brothers:

Some overalls, a red shirt, white gloves, and a fake moustache and you too could be leaving the party with your own Princess Peach. Just be aware that should any plumbing problems occur you will be asked to just 'take a look'.

Get yourself down the barber and ask for one of those nice eighties flat-tops. You are now ready to to be Guile from Street Fighter:

As can be seen from the photo natural hair colored, and styled, correctly will beat a wig anytime. The costume is easy. Army green wife-beater, camouflage pants, black boots and a set of dog tags. Support the troops while enjoying Halloween. Having a friend dress as M. Bison, also from Street Fighter, is optional but you could do a few rounds of fighting if the party really sucks.

Not a Street Fighter fan? Always thought that Mortal Kombat kicked Street Fighter's ass? No worries:

Get over here and go as Scorpion from the superior Mortal Kombat game. Find a black ninja suit, add a motocross face mask, strap some shin pads to your arms (as seen in the photo), and a yellow tabbard and you can be the hellish belle of the ball. Once again having a friend dressed as Sub-Zero is optional. If getting to the party on public transport it may not be wise to carry Scorpion's signature short spear attached to rope.

Not in to video games? Well there is always comic books as inspiration. Spiderman Spiderman does whatever a spider can and this Halloween you can do whatever a spider does too.

Spiderman costumes are not just for little boys - big boys can wear them too. Get a costume from Walmart and you are set. Any Green Goblins at the party take them out with your new found web-slinging abilities. And if you want to make the costume look for a red/blue full-body spandex suit - available at all good sports shops. Using a permanent marker draw a big spider on the front (if you want to technical you could use one of those silver markers and do the webbing too). Buy a Spiderman mask and you are all set to wow Mary Jane (Please note I said "wow" Mary Jane not "smoke" Mary Jane).

Every man at Halloween wants to revert back to being a little boy; even if it is just for one night. So forget Spiderman, Superman, and the Incredible Hulk and go as Edward Elric; The Full Metal Alchemist:

The above photo does not do young Edward justice. No blond hair and I don't ever remember seeing the alchemist wearing glasses. But the over all effect is there. Black pants, black shirt, red long jacket, and a pair of white gloves. That is it - you are good to go. But before you head out to try and create a philosopher's stone you may want to put the Full Metal Alchemist logo on the back of the jacket. As another side note when looking for pictures of people wearing Edward Elric costumes the vast amount were actually female. A quick discussion at Cosplay says this is due to Edward Elric having a long ponytail. So if you are a woman and want to dress as a man Edward Elric is right up your street.

Ladies don't be thinking you cannot join in on the Halloween cosplay fun because you are well catered for in the cartoon/comic book cosplay world:

Lara Croft - now you can attend Halloween party looking exactly like Angelina Jolie. Possibly one of the easiest costumes going. A light blue tank top, some brown shorts, a pair of boots, and a couple of handguns. That s it - you are good to go. Plastic toy handguns can be used; but the real deal will come in handy when your ass gets that unwanted pinch. As an added bonus the 'Lara Croft' covers all 3 genres - Comic, Video Game, and Movie.

Back to Mortal Kombat; and more importantly Kitana:

Another easy costume. matching light blue bodice, undies, loin cloth, and leggings. A couple of fans with tin foil blades and a pair of boots and you are ready to kick Halloween in to the Netherealm. And for next year die it all pink and be the 'classic' Mileena from Mortal Kombat.

OK Guys if you really want to be Kitana it would appear you can be:

Not that I'm recommending it in any way but it is an option.

But let us not forget that sometimes the retro look is just what you want:

Go go Power Rangers.

But if you really want to stand out in a crowd go as me, Homeless Dave, and wow all your friends as you spend the entire party explaining who I am. And what an easy costume too. Blue jeans and a black jacket. You can pick any shirt you want, and any shoes you want, because nobody knows what they really look like.

Disturbing Music Videos

WARNING: THIS POST IS CONSIDERED NSFW (Not Safe For Work). IT CONTAINS SOME OF THE MOST DISTURBING MUSIC VIDEOS CREATED. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED.

Some music videos stand out because they are monumental on their own merit such as Michael Jackson's Thriller; which made a massive impact on December 2, 1983 because it was 13 minutes long and the budget was $1,000,000.

But some music videos make an impact because they are purely disturbing; whether graphically or on a more subconscious level. This 'top ten' list is by no means the definitive list of weird music videos; but it does highlight the very genre of disturbing music videos. Some may say that some are even tasteless.

10. South Central - Day I Die





The video, directed by Steve Glashier, sees the duo known as South Central walking through a parking lot. As they walk through, like some weird version of grim reapers, people all around them are being shot. The video is shown through the eyes of a sniper shooting the people, actually it is shown through the crosshairs of the scope of the sniper.

Blood Factor: 7/10

09. Twizted - Hahahahahaha





Twiztid, the duo of Jamie Madrox and Monoxide Child, part of the juggalo family have never shied away from the dark side of hip-hop; and a few of their videos could have made the list. Hahahahahaha opens with Monoxide dressing ready to go preach the good word. But once people let him in their house he kills them. Then it goes to Madrox  who is killing people who turn up at his house. At the end Monoxide knocks at Madrox's door and that is where the video ends. The actual track comes from the 2009 album W.I.C.K.E.D. (Wish I Could Kill Every Day)

Blood Factor: 9/10

08. Metallica - One





The obligatory heavy metal band shots spliced with scenes from the 1971 film "Johnny Got His Gun". Not that scary on the surface of it all; but the story beneath is. The song's theme and lyrics are based on Dalton Trumbo's 1939 novel Johnny Got His Gun, telling the tale of a soldier whose body is severely damaged by a mortar shell. His arms, legs, eyes, mouth, nose and ears are gone and he is unable to see, speak, smell, or hear. His mind functions perfectly, however, leaving him trapped inside his own body.

Blood Factor: 1/10

07. Insane Clown Posse - The Tower




Insane Clown Posse, also known as Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope, part of the juggalo family released The Tower in 2007. The video sees Violent J, as an ex war veteran climb a tower of a building and start shooting at people with a sniper rifle. Shaggy 2 Dope also appears in the video as part of the SWAT team that go up the tower.  The video itself is ICP with certain sections from the infamous 1966 'tower massacre' in Austin, Texas by Charles Whitman.

Blood Factor: 4/10

06. Mushroomhead - Sun Doesn't Rise




I don't know where to start. A living scarecrow is torn to pieces and then some little girl puts him back together; and he goes for revenge by killing the crows. No blood in it at all but weird as hell.

Blood Factor: 0/10

05. Boondox - Inbred Evil




Yet another juggalo. Thinking the label "Psychopathic" might be a give away that they'd end up on these lists. In the music video 3 friends, in a car, run out of gas in the middle of nowhere. Boondox, as a serial killer, then kills all three with flashbacks to the serial killer's past showing how he got to that point in time; including killing his parents.

Blood Factor: 9/10

04. Robbie Williams - Rock DJ




Robbie Williams, from the boy band Take That, went on to have a successful career as a solo artist. In the Summer of 2000 Robbie released Rock DJ as a single; from the album Sing When You're Winning. The music video, directed by Vaughan Arnell, was surrounded by controversy because of its explicit content. The video begins with Williams dancing on a roller disco with girls skating around him. He wants to get the attention of the female DJ (played by Lauren Gold) standing above the stage, so he begins stripping off his clothes. After this does not get her attention, he starts stripping his skin, muscles and organs, too, until the only thing that is left from him are his bones. In the end, he achieves the DJ's attention and dances with her as a skeleton.

Blood Factor: 5/10

03. Unkle - Rabbit In Your Headlights




Unkle, a British electronic duo, released this track in 1998. The video went on to win many awards; including MVPA's Best International Video of the Year in 2006. It stars Denis Lavant as a man wearing a heavy parka and walking along the middle of the road in a busy car tunnel. He appears to be out of his mind, mumbling and shouting incoherences, only occasionally including intelligible words such as "Cristo" and "shimmer!" Some of the cars honk at him and swerve out of his way. All of a sudden a car hits him from the side, and he is left on the ground. The car continues its course without stopping or slowing down. After a while, the man stands up and starts walking again as if nothing had happened. Then another car hits him; this time the hit occurs straight on and sends him flying a couple of feet. A passing motorist watches with contempt as the man rolls in the street. The man gets up again. A car swerves by and slows down alongside the man. The driver and passengers try to talk to him, asking where is he going. The man pays no attention and continues walking and talking to himself. The driver soon tires of this and drives away while one of the passengers calls out, "Nice coat!" Another car hits the man, and he gets up almost instantly. The madness which this man is apparently suffering from gets more acute as he grabs his face and moves erratically. More accidents occur, some cars honk, some cars swerve out of the way — but none stop. The man removes his parka and throws it on the ground. He is shirtless underneath, and we see his chest covered with bruises and cuts. Then, as the song's beat stops, leaving just a piano playing, the man stops as well. He smiles and opens his arms in a crucifix-like position. A car is coming his way and makes no intention of stopping. The car hits the man, but this time he stands unmoved, and the car destroys itself on impact.

Blood Factor: 1/10

02. The Prodigy - Smack My Bitch Up




Smack My Bitch Up was the thirteenth single released by The Prodigy in 1997. The song was highly controversial because its lyrics, title and music video were believed to promote violence against women. The lyrics "Change my pitch up / Smack my bitch up" are repeated through the whole song. The video, directed by Swede Jonas Åkerlund, was as controversial and popular as the song itself. The film depicts a night out in the city filmed from a first-person perspective, portraying drinking and driving, snorting cocaine, violence, vandalism, nudity and sex. The unedited version also includes a scene of heroin use and a hit and run incident. The protagonist takes a stripper (played by model Teresa May) home and has sex with her. As the stripper leaves with her stuff, the protagonist glances in the mirror, is revealed to be a woman, and passes out on the bed.

Blood Factor: 1/10

01. Dawn Of Ashes - Torture Device




Dawn of Ashes is an American melodic black metal band with horror based lyrical themes. The video starts off with the band covered in blood and some guy on an operating table. Why? I just don't know but I'm guessing the title of "Torture Device" plays a part. Think of Saw meets Hostel and you have the whole basis of the video.

Blood Factor: 10/10

Like I said this list is by no means the definitive list of weird/strange/disturbing music videos; and I'm sure others will have opinions on what should have been on the list.