Aria

Music Review: Jody Watley - "The Makeover (Int'l./U.K.)"

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 16:23:43 GMT

Singer Jody Watley reboots her now-classic album, The Makeover � to exquisite effect! The new album is an update � re-sequenced with several new additions, and some remixed or remade originals. The album is newly packaged with gorgeous cover art photography by Mike Ruiz.

Last time, Watley created a uniquely sublime dance album that was � at once � vintage and vanguard; she reinterpreted classics by Chic, Bob Marley and Madonna, while also re-imagining several of her own hits. For The Makeover (U.K./Int'l), Jody Watley improves her already superb musical aesthetic � this time enriching the newly created musical opus with the sounds of electro, bossa nova and atmospheric soul. Watley reinterprets Erasure's synthpop classic, "A Little Respect", showcasing both her upper and lower vocal register, while also imbuing the Clarke/Bell staple with a uniquely feminist perspective. And the aforementioned Bob Marley's timeless "Waiting in Vain" is given a Brazilian jazz ambiance.

But it is the album-closer � the Gerry Goffin and Carole King penned "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" � that stands as the album's most poignant moment. Arranged in the vein of the Roberta Flack version, Watley emotes atop a singularly sad, yet romantic piano accompaniment � transporting the listener to a place and time when (and where) the sensual "slow burn" is still king (or queen).

The Makeover - Int'l/U.K. is available at Amazon.

Categories: Jody Watley

Sen. Edward "Ted" Kennedy Passes Away: 1932-2009

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 19:08:06 GMT

Massachusetts Senator Edward "Ted" Kennedy passed away late Tuesday night after a lengthy battle with brain cancer. He was 77. Kennedy was the youngest brother of Pres. John F. Kennedy (May 29, 1917 � November 22, 1963), and Senator Robert F. Kennedy (November 20, 1925�June 6, 1968). Edward Kennedy's passing closely follows the recent death of his elder sister, Eunice Kennedy Shriver (July 10, 1921 � August 11, 2009).

Ted Kennedy was possessed of an extraordinary career in public service. He served nine terms in Congress and was � at the time of his death � the second most senior member of the Senate (after Robert Byrd of West Virginia), and was the third-longest-serving senator in U.S. history. Kennedy's reputation, however, came not from the length of his service in Washington, but from his willingness to speak out on behalf of liberal and progressive bills and causes � a trait that is (sadly) less-common among his Democratic brethren these days � especially the so-called "Blue Dogs". Indeed, Kennedy was one of the most vocal critics of the motivations behind the current Iraq War, as is noted in several of his statements concerning the last administration and its dishonest use of "intelligence" to launch the conflict:

"There was no imminent threat. This was made up in Texas, announced in January to the Republican leadership that war was going to take place and was going to be good politically. This whole thing was a fraud."

"It's now clear that from the very moment President Bush took office, Iraq was his highest priority as unfinished business from the first Bush Administration. His agenda was clear: find a rationale to get rid of Saddam."

Despite his illness � Kennedy had been diagnosed with a malignant glioma in May of 2008 � he continued to work for change. In addition to his endorsement of then-presidential candidate, Barack Obama (now Pres. Obama), Ted had spent decades laying the groundwork for healthcare reform � now an integral part of the Obama administration's agenda (and rightly so). Indeed, Kennedy's hand in sponsoring or negotiating healthcare reform bills could fill a book; he provided funding to fight HIV/AIDS, and increased children's health insurance coverage. Ted's passing in the heat of the healthcare reform debate couldn't be more unfortunate, as his was truly a voice of strong and uncompromising devotion to the improvement of the health coverage and the living standard-at-large for all Americans.

Edward "Ted" Kennedy � the "Lion of the Senate" � has passed on. As noted, he joins his highly respected brother, John F. Kennedy � one of the GREATEST U.S. presidents � in immortal greatness.

Rest in Peace, Senator Kennedy ...

Tags: Edward Kennedy; John F. Kennedy; Robert F. Kennedy; Eunice Kennedy Shriver

Jody Watley on myfoxdc

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 22:00:06 GMT

Jody Watley recently made an appearance on myfoxdc. While on the show, Watley reflected on her illustrious musical career, discussing upcoming shows and recent entrepreneurial ventures.

Categories: Jody Watley; Madonna; Harper's Bazaar

Remembering the Great Michael Jackson

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 21:45:21 GMT

Yesterday, singer and undisputed 'King of Pop', Michael Jackson, passed away. He was 50. The cause of his death is still not known, as an autopsy is to be performed today. It was reported that Jackson collapsed in a rented home in Holmby Hills in Los Angeles; he was in cardiac arrest when attending paramedics arrived at the house and CPR was performed. He was taken to UCLA medical center, with resuscitation efforts continued en route. Michael was pronounced dead at 2:26 pm (PST).

In his illustrious career, Michael Jackson carved out an undeniable niche for himself in the history of music. Though his career as a solo artist began in 1972 with Got to Be There � an aside to his then-concurrent work with his brothers in the Jackson 5 � Michael's real breakthrough came with 1979's Off the Wall. 'Wall paired Jackson with well-respected musician/composer, Quincy Jones. Jones' and Jackson's collaborations would become the stuff of legend; they'd already worked together on the soundtrack to The Wiz, and their collaborations from this point on would result in hits like "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough", "Rock With You" and "Get on the Floor". Michael's partnership with Quincy Jones would pay off in ways thought unimaginable with the release of Michael's 1982 record-breaking album, Thriller � a brilliant dance-pop/R&B hybrid that fully shattered numerous boundaries for popular black music in a then still-discriminatory mainstream market. Thriller saw Michael Jackson pioneer the long-form music video in the self-titled single � a virtual short film directed by John Landis. More, the music video for one of the album's singles � "Billie Jean" � is frequently cited as the first music video by a black artist or group to experience frequent rotation on the then-burgeoning MTV � "Billie Jean" and Shalamar's "Dead Giveaway". "Thriller" went on to become the best-selling album of all-time � its pioneering breakthroughs continually cited by all manner of pop music archivists and historians.

Michael Jackson followed Thriller with equally sleek full-lengths such as Bad (1987) and � in a quest to embrace the then-current New Jack trend, Dangerous. Dangerous saw Michael enlist the talents of Teddy Riley � hot off projects for Bobby Brown. The completed album (Dangerous) was an intriguing recording, both urban and popular. Jackson's last album � the largely unknown Invincible (2001) � mostly appealed only to devoted enthusiasts, but serves as an appropriate reminder and (musical) swan song for a man who increasingly (and unfairly) became more known for his eccentricities than his art.

In his later years, Michael Jackson had an outwardly troubled existence. Sure, Michael was obviously misunderstood even early on in his career, but Jackson's latter life was frequently tabloid fodder. Twice accused of child molestation � once in 1993, and again in 2003 (and found innocent both times) � Jackson's music sales and public image declined. Though, he was still unquestionably one of the greatest pop performers that ever lived, the gossip-hungry paparazzi insisted on focusing on Jackson's financial problems, familial habits and personal health issues. In much the same way Diana, Princess of Wales, was hounded until (and arguably unto) her death by celebrity-crazed tabloid photographers, Michael's musical work and various philanthropic projects on behalf of children increasingly saw little in the way of publicity.

In understanding the intriguing life that was Michael Jackson's, one must look at the whole picture to get a basic understanding. Jackson � from his childhood onward � was immersed in publicity, incessant touring and recording sessions. Doubtless, he never had the time to form friendships or play with others his age in his childhood, � or even enjoy something as basic as watching Saturday morning cartoons. Many will (and have) said that the monetary rewards of Jackson's career alone should've overshadowed any childhood "fun" deficiencies; I say � rubbish! The often-overlooked and underrated privilege to be a child can have highly devastating effects on us as adults � no matter how much money and acclaim we accrue over the years. Michael Jackson was obviously a highly gifted man, but also � perhaps more than most � a deeply troubled one.

Michael Jackson's death should serve as a constant reminder that some of us are born with extraordinary gifts and � sadly � no matter how much we make others happy with these gifts, there will always be those who would exploit the negatives that are also inevitably a part of our make-up. More, we should all be allowed to grow with these gifts and experience life to the fullest without the ever-looming spectacle of money-to-be-made for others at our expense.

Rest in Peace, King of Pop! May you find everlasting joy...

Categories: Michael Jackson; Quincy Jones

R.I.P. Michael Jackson: 1958-2009

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 04:20:47 GMT

Singer and undisputed King of Pop, Michael Jackson, passed away today. He was 50. As I haven't the words to express the profound loss felt by many in the world � myself included � a tribute post will be made tomorrow.....

Farrah Fawcett - Rest In Peace 1947-2009

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 21:09:30 GMT

Actress Farrah Fawcett died on Thursday, June 25, after a three-year battle with cancer. She was 62. Diagnosed with anal cancer in 2006, Fawcett used her struggle with the lesser-known malignancy to bring attention to alternative therapies not widely available within the United States. Indeed, Farrah's cancer battle was documented on the 2009 television documentary film, Farrah's Story. Fawcett's longtime romantic partner, Ryan O'Neal, was at her side through much of her ordeal.

The extremely beautiful Fawcett was a flagship icon of the female sex symbol explosion of 1970s, which also included such luminaries as Pam Grier, Lola Falana, Lynda Carter and Suzanne Somers. A highly visible actress in guest-starring roles as far back as 1969, Fawcett first gained widespread notice in her role as Jill Munroe � one of a trio of bombshell-like private investigators on the Charlie's Angels television program. Fawcett starred on the show from 1976-1980 and remains (perhaps) the most well-known and memorable 'Angel' to date.

Following her departure from Charlie's Angels, Fawcett pursued more intriguing roles; she starred alongside Kirk Douglas in the psychological sci-fi thriller, Saturn 3 (1980), but really showcased her talent in the made-for-television biopics, among them Nazi Hunter: The Beate Klarsfeld Story (1986), Poor Little Rich Girl: The Barbara Hutton Story (1987), and � most significantly The Burning Bed (1984), wherein Farrah portrayed real-life battered wife, Francine Hughes, who tired of her husband's extreme abuse and burnt him to death in his sleep.

Rest in Peace, beautiful Farrah � you dwell among REAL angels now!

Categories: Farrah Fawcett; Ryan O'Neal; Redmond O'Neal; anal cancer

GOP Activist Refers to Escaped Gorilla as Michelle Obama's Ancestor

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 14:47:17 GMT

Rusty DePass � an activist affiliated with the South Carolina GOP � has referred to an escaped gorilla as an 'ancestor' of First Lady, Michelle Obama. The whole story is posted at The Huffington Post. Also, CNN ran video of the whole controversy:

Today's Republican Party, or GOP, has become a truly self-mocking caricature � its corresponding conservative movement allowing itself to be empowered by hateful rhetoric emanating from the likes of their Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity and the de facto Republican leader, Rush Limbaugh. DePass' comments � when judged in the context of such "pundits" as these � aren't very surprising. This sort of bigotry is the core of the today's conservative movement. How very sad that DePass' comments will likely go unchallenged by his colleagues in the GOP and his career go unthreatened given that he is a southern Republican in the first place.

Tags: Michelle Obama; Rusty DePass; Republican Party; Conservative Movement

The Freemasons Return with Sophie Ellis-Bextor at the Helm!

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 20:22:53 GMT

The Freemasons return with a truly superb single and collaboration. The song � titled, "Heartbreak (Make Me a Dancer)" � features Brit singer/model, Sophie Ellis-Bextor on vocals. The track is slated for a June 22 release.

The Freemasons are ONE!

Categories: Freemasons; Sophie Ellis-Bextor; dance music

Rejoice! Sade Are Back in the Studio...

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 22:24:46 GMT

Billboard is reporting that sophisti-pop singer, Sade Adu, and her band � collectively known as Sade � are currently in the studio recording an album of new material � their first since 2000's Lover's Rock. You can read the whole story here.

Details are (at the moment) sketchy, but the word is that Sony is hoping for a release sometime near the end of 2009.

It's an unfortunate fact that Sade releases new material far too infrequently. Indeed, a Sade release is an event � one that has sadly become increasingly rare. We can only rejoice at the news that this visionary band has something waiting in the wings.

Categories: Sade; Helen Folasade Adu; Sade Adu

Arnold Schwarzenegger refers to Limbaugh as '650 lb. gorilla'

Thu, 28 May 2009 14:29:15 GMT

The Republican Party is in amusing disrepair these days. After two crushing defeats � one in the form of the mid-term elections of 2006 � the other, the historic election of President Barack Obama in 2008 � the party has struggled to find a voice. Rather than try to redefine themselves and their policy positions with all Americans in mind {yeah right}, the supposed ~~Greedy~~ Grand Old Party has instead taken an even more reactively Right-wing tone in the divisive rhetoric of conservative blowhards like Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity � as well as fallen former office-holders Newt Gingrich and Dick Cheney

Today, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger of California provided a most humorous anecdote about his party's unintended leader � the aforementioned Rush Limbaugh!

I'm not a Schwarzenegger fan � not by a longshot � but I have to give him props for this one!

Categories: Arnold Schwarzenegger; Rush Limbaugh; politics

Jody Watley's Avitone Goes Global!

Tue, 19 May 2009 17:33:42 GMT

After so many years as a pioneer in the genres pop, soul, underground dance and electronica, singer-musician Jody Watley's independent music profile just received a long-deserved boost....

From PRWeb:

Jody Watley's Avitone Goes Global!

Jody Watley and Avitone Recordings are proud to announce that they have entered into an international distribution deal with London based ADA-Global.

Los Angeles, CA (Billboard Publicity Wire) May 18, 2009 -- Jody Watley and Avitone Recordings are proud to announce that they have entered into an international distribution deal with London based ADA-Global. Avitone Recordings was formed in 1995 as a vehicle to release the Grammy Award winning artists' music in an environment of artistic growth and individuality. With ADA, the possibilities are endless and represent an exciting new chapter for Avitone Recordings and Watley.

The first Avitone / ADA release will be the international and revised version of 'The Makeover'. Originally released in the US in 2006 via an exclusive and limited partnership with the Virgin Megastore chain, 'The Makeover' debuted at #1 for the store nationwide and went on to produce 3 Top Ten Billboard Hot Dance / Club Play singles, including the #1 international dance smash "I Want Your Love".

Colleen Theis, ADA Global Ltd. says, "With a career spanning more than 30 years, Grammy Award Winning Artist Jody Watley is an industry pioneer who has been enjoying a successful career in independent music since 1995. ADA Global is proud to have signed an exclusive international distribution deal for her Avitone label, including her independent back catalogue and exciting new releases. We look forward to working with Jody and her team to establish the Avitone brand internationally and bring Jody's fantastic music to music lovers worldwide."

London based ADA Global, the international sales, marketing, and distribution division of ADA, offers labels a highly competitive and comprehensive distribution and marketing service across all platforms in more than 50 countries worldwide. Launched in 2006, ADA Global is built on 20 years of relationships and expertise in the worldwide independent market.

Jody Watley has 32 Top Ten Singles and 13 No. 1 Singles in the Pop, R&B and Dance music genres over the past three decades - including such classics as "Looking For A New Love," the groundbreaking collaboration with Eric B and Rakim on "Friends", a Lifetime Achievement Award from Billboard Magazine, and countless accolades - Jody has consistently broken new ground in music, video and fashion. Watley remains one of MTV's most nominated artists. She has also continued to work with various organizations promoting tolerance, HIV and AIDS awareness, and famine relief for Africa.

Entrepreneur, label owner, recording artist, producer, songwriter and performer, Jody Watley celebrates three decades in the world of entertainment carving her own destiny, very much her own woman, truly an inspiration for artists of today and beyond.

Watley started Avitone in 1995 after parting ways with MCA records. In that time, Watley has released five albums and numerous charting singles by way of her Avitone label. Jody's deal with Alternative Distribution Alliance is a first for a black female artist, and will likely pave the way for many more musicans to come.

Aria salutes Jody Watley for her determination and perseverance!

Categories: Jody Watley; Ani DiFranco; Avitone; indie label

Vermont Legalizes Gay Marriage

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 22:20:36 GMT

In 2000, Vermont became the first state in the U.S. to adopt civil unions for gay couples. Today, the Vermont legislature overrode Gov. Jim Douglas' veto of a bill allowing gay and lesbian couples to marry in the state � effectively making Vermont the first state to legalize gay marriage through legislation, rather than rule of the court. This follows Iowa's landmark strike-down of a state ban of same-sex marriage just this past Friday. This also makes Vermont the fourth state to allow gay marriage, the others being Massachusetts, Connecticut and the aforementioned Iowa.

'Hats off to Vermont for its progressive direction! I sense change is in the air � slowly, but surely. Regrettably, I doubt my home state of Texas will engage this issue before the year 2020!

Categories: gay marriage; gay rights

Same-Sex Marriage Ban Struck Down in Iowa

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 17:50:46 GMT

Today, Iowa became the first Midwestern state to approve same-sex marriage. This came after the Iowa Supreme Court unanimously ruled that a 1998 law marginalizing marriage to a man and a woman was unconstitutional. This makes Iowa the thrid state (after Massachussetts and Connecticut) to allow same-sex marriage.

Aria salutes the Iowa Supreme Court for overturning state-sanctioned discrimination, as well as its progressive direction. May the rest of the United States soon follow suit!

Categories: gay marriage; gay rights; lgbt rights

Jody Watley Hits a Milestone

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 21:23:42 GMT

Greetings readers � long time, no see! My 2009 got off to a shaky start, so I've been keeping a relatively low profile. Today, I return for a once-in-a-lifetime tribute to my favorite vocalist. On this day in 1959, singer/musician Jody Watley was born in Chicago, Illinois. That's right � Jody Watley is 50 today! Aria wishes her the very best on her landmark special day. She's "Still a Thrill"! Be on the look-out for Watley's forthcoming full-length, Chameleon � due out later this year.

Also celebrating birthdays today are actors: Gene Hackman (79), Christian Bale (35) and Charles S. Dutton (58) � actress Vanessa Redgrave (72) � and singer/musician, Phil Collins (58).

Categories: celebrity birthdays; Jody Watley; Vanessa Redgrave; Phil Collins; Christian Bale

Eartha Kitt: 1927-2008

Fri, 26 Dec 2008 08:18:15 GMT

Singer/actress Eartha Kitt passed away yesterday of colon cancer. She was 81

Born Eartha Mae Keith in the town of North, South Carolina, Kitt was one of a rare breed of black entertainers to transcend race in a time when popular entertainment was as segregated as day-to-day American living. Her cat-like sexiness (specifically her distinctive vocal "meow") was legend � eventually becoming a refinement of the DC Comics Catwoman character she portrayed on the Batman television series from 1967-68.

Eartha Kitt's feature film debut came in The Mark of the Hawk (1957), in which she starred opposite Sidney Poitier. For the rest of the 1950s and thereafter, Kitt became a virtually permanent presence in the American performance profile and became beloved throughout the world. A gifted singer, Kitt's performance of standards like "C'set si bon", "Let's Do It, Let's Fall in Love" and "Champagne Taste" were her trademark; most memorably, Eartha made the original recording of the Joan Javits Christmas song, "Santa Baby" (1953) � a Christmas standard that has since been covered by everyone from Natalie Merchant to Madonna.

In 1992, Eartha Kitt starred in the ensemble African-American romantic comedy, Boomerang alongside Eddie Murphy, Halle Berry, Robin Givens and � most interestingly � Grace Jones, who's own tigress-like sensual qualities parallel Kitt's in many ways.

Eartha Kitt's passing on this holiday of this most historic year is sad to say the very least. This timelessly sexy woman paved the way for countless generations of women of color in the arts and entertainment. She will be missed, but never forgotten.

Categories: Eartha Kitt; Sidney Poitier; Grace Jones

Music Review: Grace Jones - "Hurricane"

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 17:03:10 GMT

After a relatively long absence from full-length studio recording, singer Grace Jones has at long last returned with one of the finest albums of her career. Jones' last album, Bulletproof Heart, was released 19 years ago and gave us the Clivell�s & Cole -produced, "Love on Top of Love". 'Heart also contained Grace's reading of the Spanish standard, "Amado Mio" � an unofficial, but nonetheless worthy successor to Jones' 1977 re-interpretation of Edith Piaf's timeless French pop standard, "La Vien en Rose". Despite these musical gems, Bulletproof Heart was largely devoid of Jones' usual experimental tenacity. With Hurricane, Grace fully returns to her avant-garde tendencies.

Hurricane boasts exceptionally brilliant collaborative work by Brian Eno, Wendy Melvoin and Lisa Coleman (or Wendy & Lisa), Paulo Goude, Ivor Guest and longtime collaborators, Sly and Robbie Dunbar � in addition to Jones' own brilliant songwriting. Sonically, the album's aesthetic delves into everything from elegant sophisti-pop to the aforementioned Sly and Robbie's electronic reggae. Grace goes industrial for the album's tongue-in-cheek, yet socially conscious lead-off single, "Corporate Cannibal". Another track � the biographical "Williams' Blood" � finds Jones mining her past and expressing one of her life's great conflicts � that being the reconciliation of her exhibitionist artistic tendencies with her ardently religious upbringing to her family. Grace is a natural fit on the Tricky-produced title track. Tricky � who in recent months also made a musical return to form with his latest album, Knowle West Boy � provided a mesmerizing trip hop background for Jones and also contributed vocals on the track.

When all is said and done, Hurricane is great from start to finish and warrants more than an average review. When I say 'average', I mean that the album can't be summed up in the suggestion of a few standout tracks because � quite simply � the album is very much at the pinnacle of album-making. It is quite apparent from beginning to end that Grace and her many collaborators intended Hurricane to function fully as an album and not as a collection of singles for mass-consumption � something the current crop of recording artists out there could learn from. Indeed, the song "Corporate Cannibal", with its allusions to rampant consumerism, comes closest to summarizing Hurricane; this album is made to be slowly digested and not devoured � and therein lays its brilliance!

Categories: Grace Jones; Brian Eno; Ivor Guest; Tricky; Sly & Robbie; Hurricane

December 1: World AIDS Day 2008

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 20:26:54 GMT

Today is World AIDS Day. Observed December 1 of each year, this day directs attention to the global HIV/AIDS pandemic in the form of education and awareness, while also paying tribute to those lost to the disease. Today, the Washington Post is reporting that American College of Physicians (ACP) has released a new guideline urging physicians to routinely screen all patients 13 years and older for the HIV virus. According to Bloomberg.com, this follows a study done two weeks ago that showed that most U.S. hospitals don't conduct routine HIV testing.

Remember � prevention is the key! And ask your doctor or healthcare provider about regular screening as part of your annual checkup!

Recent interesting reads...

President-elect Barack Obama has officially named Hillary Clinton to his National Security team. Read more about it here.

Singer Jody Watley recently described her first meeting with a longtime influence � singer Grace Jones! You can read Watley's story about the meeting here (as well as view a gorgeous picture of the two music/fashion icons together). Of course, this posting made me euphoric (to say the least); I admire both women immensely!

Watley also posted a review of Jones' latest album, Hurricane. You can read Watley's review here. Mine is forthcoming, so stay tuned!

Categories: World AIDS Day; Barack Obama; Hillary Clinton; Grace Jones; Jody Watley

Obama WINS!!!!

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 04:19:43 GMT

Yay � President-elect Barack Obama!

McCain-supporting Lunatic of the Moment!

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 21:02:51 GMT

I'm all for freedom of speech and supporting (or not supporting) whom you will, but this guy is just a racist lunatic! I, myself, am an unabashed Obama/Biden supporter, but I wouldn't dare discriminate against someone based on his/her choice to support John McCain and Sarah Palin.

It's sad, but as McCain's poll numbers have plummeted, his support base has become all the more hostile and � admittedly � racist. Indeed, the McCain camp realized early on that they have (not a chance) of winning without the more belligerent and xenophobic cross-section within the Republican base. The McCain campaign's tactics of trying to associate Obama with William Charles "Bill" Ayers � a seed conveniently planted in the media by McCain's running mate, Sarah Palin � smack of racism and come straight from the pages of the Lee Atwater-Karl Rove handbook of trash politics.

It will truly be a sad day if the McCain-Palin ticket makes it to the White House on the strength of the type of negativity now becoming � or rather always present � in his base.

Barack Responds to the Lipstick "Controversy"

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 20:19:12 GMT

As expected, the Republican Party's smear machine has resorted to the same kinds of swift-boat type tactics that benefitted them so well in the 2004 Presidential race. That year, they succeeded in painting John Kerry as everything he wasn't � the country got Bush a second time, and the rest is (pathetic) history. This time they're taking an analogical comment made by Senator Barak Obama � which mentions pig and lipstick (it's a long story) � and turning it into ammunition to try and paint Obama as a sexist; their contention being that the comment was directed at Sarah Palin. Obama isn't going to take such tactics lightly, however � he's fighting back:

Viva Barack Obama � hero of my heart!