African Press International, Michelle Obama Tapes: Fox News Denies Story

African Press International
Michelle Obama Audio Tapes
The [Almost] Final Chapter



Fox News Denies Negotiations or Airing of API Tapes


The final verdict is in on the African Press International story about it receiving a phone call from Michelle Obama that was, in API's words, "shocking".

That verdict does not bode well for African Press International. We will classify the whole episode "bizarre--though entertaining to some".

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ALSO at DBKP on African Press International and Michelle Obama:

* African Press International, Michelle Obama: API Says Discussions with Fox News Are Happening
* African Press International, Michelle Obama Phone Call: Tapes Released Later Today
* Michelle Obama Calls African News Organization Over Obama Birth Certificate Reporting - UPDATED
* African Press International, Michelle Obama: Editor Says He Has Audio Tape of Conversation
* African Press International: Open Letter to Michelle Obama from API Chief Editor

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The African Press International story started 16 days ago when API posted a story concerning a phone they allege occurred between one of their correspondents and Michelle Obama that had elements which API called "shocking".

API said that in the phone conversation, Mrs. Obama referred to Americans opposed to her husband's candidacy as "racists".

DBKP reported the story. We've since received emails, pro and con, about the alleged phone call and the API stories, which have turned into an Internet saga.

API said they recorded the call. Then that the audio of the tape would be released. Then, after delays, we took a powder on the story, deciding to wait and see.

During that entire time, we've been in contact with several individuals who have been involved in various aspects of the API negotiations. Their opinions of API changed--sometimes over the course of a single.

So, we waited.

The following story was posted on the API website today.

API/Fox News deal: Sean Hannity show and Greta Van Susteren’s show “On the Record” to air the Michelle Obama tape in less than 24 hours.

The agreement stipulates that any information on the day and hour the tape will be aired will only be announce 15 minutes to the airing time. This was agreed upon to avoid any pressure being directed to Fox News Network by individuals who would want to get the details about the tape in question.

The airing of the tape can take place any time from this day and due to its sensitivity, people who will inquire from Fox News and API for details will either get a no comment answer or that there is no agreement on the table.

Which invited the following responses, which we noted.

From This is JUST A LIE. IT IS THAT SIMPLE.

READ BELOW: THIS IS SIMPLY A LIE ABOUT ME AND I HAVE NO IDEA IF A LIE ABOUT FOX AND / OR SEAN HANNITY BECAUSE I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THIS STUFF BELOW IS. I HAVE NO IDEA WHO API (AFRICAN PRESS) IS…this is the first I have heard about them….BUT I DO WANT TO “KILL THE VIRUS” LYING ABOUT ME. (Note that I lifted only part of the quote below because I just wanted to correct the lie about me..the website goes on and on.)

Fox News Denies Involvement with Supposed Michelle Obama Audio Tape:

Exclusive: Fox News denies any involvement in the purchase of an audio tape apparently featuring an unflattering portrayal of Michelle Obama. In a widely-circulated Web post, an organization called African Press International claims to be in negotiations with the network to air the tape.

An FNC spokesman tells TVNewser: "API's dubious claim that FOX News has purchased a supposed audio tape to be aired prior to Election Day is absolutely false."

Today's post on the API Website reads:

A final agreement has been reached between African Press International (API) and Fox News Network (USA) on the dates to air the Michelle Obama tape arising from a discussion Mrs. Obama had with the API two weeks ago. The show will take place any day/time from now, with a 15 minutes alert on when it is to take place. Other programmes will be interrupted. This is a precaution taken to avoid interference from any quarter. In the agreement, Fox News Network will broadcast 39 minutes of the 54 minutes long tape.

ABC's Jake Tapper talked with Obama campaign senior adviser Robert Gibbs last week who told him no such tape exists. "It's bogus, she didn't call, it's all a lie," Gibbs says.

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The entire episode seems strange: strange that API would post their latest story.

Strange because the rest of their posts, covering a multitude of stories from Africa, suggest no hoaxes, no scams.

We can't divulge the various opinions and back-and-forth for the emails we received over the last week. But we will say this: confusion among the various parties, including API reigned.

We will now post the following API information, plus and minus.

• API believes they talked to Michelle Obama.
• API has audio tapes of something.
• API is a small organization and is not usually in the spotlight.
• Some parts of API's story checked out. DBKP got proof--from some individuals that API referred to in their subsequent stories--that confirmed parts of API's stories.
• DBKP received proof that these individuals were corresponding directly with API, as reported by API.
• Apparently, the editor-in-chief of African Press International had made arrangements to fly to New York City. API reported that this was for an appearance on Fox News.
• Previously, DBKP--despite numerous attempts--could not confirm or deny that API ever was in negotiations with anyone at Fox News.

Now, on the API minus side:

• African Press International has not posted an audio tape of their alleged conversation, 16 days after the fact.
• Numerous delays have occurred in the API timeline.
• Individuals DBKP trusts have expressed doubts in writing to us with proof.
• API's latest story about the appearance of the tapes on Fox News, which has been denied officially by a Fox News spokesman.

As always, readers can make their own judgments.

Our judgment, at present time?

The phone call could have taken place. African Press International could have audio tapes of the phone call. African Press International may believe it had an agreement with Fox News.

African Press International did receive emails of a harassing nature, as well as threats--from both sides of the political spectrum.

Is the story true?

As we reported sixteen days ago: we don't know.

The API story could be true.

However, based on 1) what we know from the latest reports from both African Press International and Fox News; and, 2) can report from the many off-the-record accounts we've received, we are throwing the cold water of hard evidence on the story.


We won't label it a "hoax" or "scam": there's no evidence any money was to be gained by African Press International. That failure to try and quickly cash in when API could have--along with their past 1000+ stories over the last two years--are two of the reasons we won't slam the lid on the coffin of this strange story.

However, we'll note that we wouldn't be betting the house on the story.

If there are further developments that DBKP can confirm, we'll, of course, report them. We will publish a complete wrap-up and timeline to the story--most probably in the next several days, time allowing.

For now, we'll quote a line from one of our off-the-record email conversations with one of the principals.

"This story will probably end up in the October Surprise graveyard."


by Mondo Frazier
images: dbkp file

Toad Venom Aphrodisiac Blamed in Death of NY Man

"The best aphrodisiac is loving your partner".
--Stefan Anitei, Science Editor, Softpedia



One man's search for the enhanced sexual performance and desire that only an aphrodisiac can give, ended with death instead of desire. Now New York health officials are warning residents to refrain from an illegal aphrodisiac made from--toad venom?

What won't humans do for love and sex?

The alert went out Friday after New York City's poison control center received a report from an area hospital that a 35-year-old man had died earlier this month after ingesting a small chunk of the hard, brown substance.

The product is sold at sex shops and neighborhood stores under names including Piedra, Love Stone, Jamaican Stone, Black Stone and Chinese Rock. It is banned by the Food and Drug Administration, but shipments from overseas suppliers still occasionally slip past customs.

According to Wikipedia:

An aphrodisiac is an agent which is used in the belief that it increases sexual desire. The name comes from Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of sensuality. Throughout history, many foods, drinks, and behaviors have had a reputation for making sex more attainable and/or pleasurable. However, from a historical and scientific standpoint, the alleged results may have been mainly due to mere belief by their users that they would be effective (i.e., the placebo effect). In particular, medical science has not substantiated claims that any particular food increases sexual desire or performance.

The most famous of aphrodisiacs is probably "Spanish fly". Made from crushed beetles, more than a little can kill a human. It works--on farm animals--by irritating the mucous glands, creating an urge to scratch the itch with sex.

If sex is what one thinks of when their mucous glands are afire, then "Spanish fly" might be the Ticket to Paradise.



Some of the many substances considered by people as useful in increasing sexual desire are listed below.

* Arugula (Rocket) (Eruca sativa)
* Chocolate
* Damiana (Turnera diffusa)
* Epimedium grandiflorum (Horny Goat Weed)
* Ginkgo biloba
* Ginseng
* Kelp

Kelp?

Powdered rhino horn, oysters and yohimbe bark are also big--so to speak--on aphrodisiac lists. Alcohol, porn and money were also mentioned--most frequently by teen-age boys with the car keys on a Friday night.

Back to the New York aphrodisiac warning.

Buyers may have no idea they are dealing with anything illegal or dangerous. The various types of ``stone'' are often sold packaged in plastic, with a barcode, a price tag and official-looking instructions for use.

City health officials said the 35-year-old victim developed an abnormal heart rhythm after eating some ``Piedra'' he purchased at a neighborhood store.

He was admitted to the hospital complaining of chest and abdominal pain. Doctors recognized the problem and treated him for two days but couldn't save his life. His name was not released.

Health officials say the culprit was a hardened resin, made at least partly from venom collected from toads of the Bufo genus, containing chemicals known as bufadienolides that can disrupt heart rhythms. The aphrodisiac was supposed to have been applied to the skin, not eaten, but authorities said even that use can be harmful.

In case anyone is thinking, "But, I'll bet there's a safe way to do that," one poison control official had a few cautionary words.

``There is no definitely safe way to use it,'' said Dr. Robert Hoffman, director of the city's poison control center.
``Don't buy it. Don't sell it. If you have it, don't use it. Throw it out.''

Our advice to anyone thinking of buying black-market "aphrodisiacs": DON'T.

The New York man is only the latest in a long line of deaths associated with the pursuit of pleasure that aphrodisiacs promise.

If one is determined to pursue pleasure, a word to the wise:

Rent a XXX movie.

by Mondoreb
hat tip: Roxanne of WCBSNewsRadio880

Source:
* Aphrodisiac Kills New York Man
* Aphrodisiac
* seasonedwithlove
* midaswelby
* Aphrodisiacs: Between Bogus and Reality
* Let's Get it On: The Ten Best Aphrodisiacs

Global Warming: 12 Feet of Snow Hits Watertown, NY

Pixelaneous #34



The news just came out this week that Al Gore has made over $37 million since he left office in 2000.

His net worth in the last 7 years reportedly went from under $2 million to over $100 million--much of it from pimping the dangers of man-made climate change.

Gore's speaking fees were reported as $175,000 a pop--and up.

This is up near Watertown NY ...talk about some snow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!




One area had 146 inches of snow in 2 weeks !!!!!






146 inches of snow!



That's over 12 feet of snow.






The last pimp for global warming tried to leave Watertown, but was snowed in--last we heard.









Will anyone make a movie about Watertown's run-in with man-made climate change?






I have a feeling that Algore would get his ass
kicked around here.

by RidesAPaleHorse
images: RAPH

DBKP.com - Bigger, Better!.
Death by 1000 Papercuts Front Page.
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NY Town Falls Under Spell of Strange Visitor

Cult Leader or Grand Visionary?



Mysterious Traveler Entrances Town With Utopian Vision Of The Future

And they said it couldn't happen here.

by Mondoreb
image: the onion



Death by 1000 Papercuts Front Page.