Death in the 216

Sean Levert (age 39), son of lead O'Jays singer Eddie Levert and a member of a hit-making trio with his late brother Gerald Levert, died after a medical emergency in Cuyahoga County jail. The singer was in jail after pleading guilty last week to six counts of nonsupport in cases dating back to 2005 and 2007 and children ages 11, 15 and 17.

Though not a typical OTCS post, our hometown instincts (Cleveland) just couldn't resist.

Blood Sugar Sex Lawsuit

Leave it to the Cleveland Plain Dealer to call the following to OTCS's attention:

The Red Hot Chili Peppers filed suit against Showtime Networks over the name of the TV series "Californication." "Californication" is the title to one of the bands most commercially successful albums, and the title-track single to the album, both released in 1999. (Lead singer Anthony Kedis asserts that "'Californication' is the signature CD, video and song of the band's career..."

OTCS, though it disagrees with Mr. Kedis's assertion ("Under the Bridge"?!), does believe the suit has merit. As a unique album and song name, viewers of the Showtime series are surely likely to confuse the source/origin of the show; or, believe that the Red Hot Chili Peppers somehow endorse or are affiliated with it.

Bolstering the Red Hot Chili Peppers (intent = higher measure of damages) is the fact that a character on the program is named "Dani California", which is also the title to a Chile Peppers song released in 2006.

OTCS can practically smell an injunction brewing...or maybe that is just tomorrow's turkey?