The Wire & the Line

"It's not about blaming kids. They will survive. They will learn. It's just a question of where"
Ed Burns
The Wire

The Wire's season four will follow four kids, who are composites of children from Burns' teaching days.

"In the inner city you have classes set up on the stoop and on the corner," Burns says. "The stoop kid is the kid who's been reared in a way that he's protected. And the corner kid lacks the parenting, so he's free to go hang out on the corner. There's no such thing as a pure corner kid or stoop kid at the age of fourteen, so we wanted to place our four along the continuum. And then, in terms of storytelling, you want to flip 'em."

Adds Burns: "When you watch The Wire, don't begin to think you've seen the worst of what's going on with these kids. What's going on here is a crime against humanity."
The Wire airs Sunday September 10th @ 10.pm HBO

Crossing the Line
Just as portrayals of gritty street life may work in one medium, it can prove problematic for another. Hip hop is guilty of constantly blending myth & reality of gangstas and their overtly sexualized women, to the degree that many believe there is a larger demand for it than really exist. Truth be told there is a growing backlash to raps negativity One comic book artist and writer learned that lesson the hard way.
Last week saw the release of issue #8 of Mario Gully’s Ant. No big deal, you say?

Well, it was if you’re a retailer thinking it was appropriate for all ages, or a kid reading it for the first time.

While Ant’s been labeled as a pure T&A book by critics and non-fans alike, the series has never been this… exposed.

“Issue #8 was the first book that profanity and nudity was ever in Ant in this manner,” creator Mario Gully told Newsarama. “I am not against swearing in my book but in this issue, it was clearly excessive. Also, there is a stripper scene that was a little rough. This, combined with the fact retailers weren't forewarned… upset many fans and distributors. I have received e-mails and much criticisms. Distributors whom I respect mentioned that the issue was offensive and a shock to unexpecting fans. Unlike so many others Mario is taking full responsibilty for his actions and vows to clean up his act. When he does I'll be first in line for his book.
To read the whole interview click here

Wheres Wally
Wally Amos Presents Chip & Cookie: No More Chocolate Chips!
The first adventure for our stars. Aunt Della has regular chocolate chip cookie parties for the children of Raspberry Swirl. But for some mysterious reason Sultan Semi Sweet has stopped sending chocolate chips. Aunt Della will soon run out. She can’t disappoint the children. As Aunt Della wonders what to do she pulls out her needle and thread and sews the cutest little dolls in the form of chocolate chip cookies
To hear Famous Amos read an excerpt from his book click here