Imus-ADL spat may increase
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) is complaining that Don Imus used the term "thieving Jews" on the air last month. But Imus says he returned the ADL's letter with an unspecified, two-word reply.
ADL chief Abraham Foxman said he was "deeply troubled" that Imus referred to the publishers of the Mary and Carol Higgins Clark holiday thriller "The Christmas Thief" as "thieving Jews" - - then made matters worse by reportedly saying, "I apologize...I realize that's redundant."
"Leave me alone, Jesus, God," Imus said yesterday on his radio show/MSNBC simulcast...Go after people who are actually doing something wrong...I wrote a two-word response across the face of [the letter] and sent it back to them," Imus told listeners, without revealing the two words.
Imus didn't return calls to the NY Post and an ADL spokesman said the organization won't have any further comments until it actually receives Imus' reply.
In his complaint, Foxman told Imus, "We realize that your show often uses humor to debunk stereotypes by poking fun at them, and we do have a sense of humor. "Yet we have fielded dozens of e-mails, letters and calls since the program aired . . . expressing anger and outrage, and we do not think their reaction was unjustified."
Sirius to launch video service in 2006; shows off plug & play unit at CES
Sirius Satellite Radio announced at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas that it has selected Windows Media Video 9 for use in its mobile video platform, and has reached an agreement with Microsoft to collaborate in the further development of video applications. Sirius plans to offer a video service in the second half of 2006, and expects to devote 2-3 channels of premium video content designed primarily for children.
According to Sirius, its automotive partners are eager proponents of the service, given the strong demand for rear seat video entertainment.
"We will take the DVD experience to the next level, offering the best content easily available to families and consumers," said Mel Karmazin, Sirius CEO. "Working together with Microsoft will help ensure the exciting development of a solid and user friendly video platform for Sirius for years to come."
Sirius also announced that its smallest "Plug & Play" satellite radio - Star Mate - will be available at retail stores beginning this month. Star Mate, which is about the size of a deck of cards, is a transportable plug & play unit that can be used in vehicles, boats and homes. Featuring a three-line full display, the six-ounce Star Mate has 30 presets and a built-in wireless FM transmitter with 100 frequencies. The Star Mate, including both home and vehicle adapter kits, is expected to retail for just 129.95.
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