Albino United from Barney Broomfield on Vimeo.
Caught a part of this very noteworthy documentary, 'Albino United,' last week on NYC's public television Ch 21. It's about a group of albino soccer players in Tanzania, who form a soccer team in order to counter the heinous practice of killing albinos or hunting them for their body parts. The group forms to help fight the myths about albinos, build public awareness of, and comfort level with albinos and in so doing,to help bring an end to the killings. What I saw was riveting and shocking both. The idea that somebody could be hunted or killed because others in their community don't consider them truly human, or believe that their limbs and other body parts have magical powers is beyond bizarre. Watching the documentary was a kind of weird out of body experience as I watched other Tanzanians watch/respond to/treat members of Albino United as though they were intruders from another planet. (Excuse the voiceover in the 2nd clip where a British news' announcer editorializes that albino body parts are used in cannibalistic rituals. Where she got that one wonders, as there's no proof that I know of, of any group eating another. Freeeeakkk-yyyyyyy. Click on the video or the link to learn more and to see how you can help.
Albino United on Vimeo
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Film - Albino United on Vimeo
Film - The End Of The Line, The inconvenient truth about the oce...
Trailer for the documentary 'The End of the Line,' an expose of the fishing industry's overfishing of the seas and depletion of fishing stock. Only 1% of our oceans are protected, the remaining 99% are acessible to the fishing industry. Some species are at near extinction levels. In short, it's a war against the fish. Where will we be in 50 years? If we deplete those resources what happens if our food supply on land runs short? What happens to the balance of marine life when we eradicate certain species? And why do we fish at the levels that we do, when we can utilize more efficient, marine and environmentally friendly fishing techniques?
The End of the Line answers those questions and many more. ('Scientists predict that if we continue fishing as we are now, we will see the end of most seafood by 2048,' according to the companion website.) Watching the film I was keenly aware of the war on fish; the brutality with which we hunt them left me wondering if I could ever eat fish again with a clear conscience. I seriously considered removing fish from my diet because I felt so guilty/responsible for what has happened to their species. An alternative, for those who will continue to eat fish (myself included) is to find out if the fish that's sold in your supermarket or at your local restaurants are on the protected species list, and where they come from, if possible. It's also worth contacting your senator or congress person regarding your concern for preserving the residents of our seas. Click on the link above or below to watch the video. YouTube - The End Of The Line, The inconvenient truth about the oce...
The film, directed by Robert Murray, premiered in Jan. 2009 at Sundance. You can learn more about it here: http://endoftheline.com/film.
Comedy - Best Obama Impersonation Ever from "Jay Pharoah" What's Knockin Wednesday's on Hot 91
Jay Pharoah, prospective SNL castmember, channels Obama. See earlier posting of Pharoah doing Will and Denzel.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Woman Gets Driver's License on the 960th Try - Biography - NYTimes.com
(Photo, Cha Sa-soon by Choe Sang-Hun, NYTimes). The definition of perseverance: The Saturday Profile - Finally a Licensed Driver, on the 960th Try - Biography - NYTimes.com. Oddly enough, I am encouraged by this story. There remains hope for all of us. The definition of success, I suppose, is picking yourself up and continuing on. Congrats to Ms. Sa-soon.
Comedy - Will Smith & Denzel Washington Spoof Behind The Actor "Why" Denzel & Will Smith impressions
Jay Pharoah, new addition to SNL (Saturday Night Live) cast. The Will Smith-Denzel Washington Interview.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Music - Darien Brockington - "Rain" (official music video) on Vimeo
Darien Brockington - "Rain" (official music video) from D-Brock Music on Vimeo.
Tooo sexy. I feel like I'm spying on somebody's love affair. That said--too obvious lyrics aside--it's good to see a video with a man and woman who actually look like they're enjoying each other one-on-one. Maybe a bit too much so for the camera, I think. I like my sexy a little more subtle (special note of the pillow shots, ahem...)Will say this, am thankful for the decision not to include the typical cartoon-cut-out video vixen with straight-up stripper pole moves. Less action, more acting next time. Me, I'm pulling out right now, eyes closed even if windows remain open. For your viewing pleasure....Darien Brockington makes it Rain.
Comedy - The Real Reason Gov Jan Brewer Botched the Debate--Behind The Scenes
Andy Cobb and the Second City Network explain the real reason AZ Governor Jan Brewer flat-lined during her debate. This just might be plausible. Ha, ha! Check it out, then check earlier posting further below to view Brewer's performance and our take on it.
Music - Ahu - To Love
New release 'To Love,' from Turkish singer Ahu. Ahu has collaborated with Flying Lotus (as Dolly on Robert Flack) and Mr. Beatnick. She also hosts a show in Istanbul, you can reach it at http://www.dinamo.fm/. Learn more: http://www.myspace.com/ahudolly
Comedy - Ray Stevens - Come to the USA
Pure comedy! This guy would be pretty funny, if it wasn't for the 'hang 'em high' humor lurking at the back of his jokes. I don't know, maybe Mexican immigrants want what all the rest of us other immigrants want -- gringos included: jobs, opportunity at a better quality of life, good education for our kids. And maybe some folks want to reclaim what was theirs pre our invasion, anyway. Anyhoo, this is my comedic pick of the day. I love laughing at a good bon fire, as long as I'm far and away from the man holding the match. Little ol' Ray and his comedy look like they've been around a minute, but I'm often the last one invited to the Tea Party Hoedown. Go figure. To read past postings on immigration search Arizona or Immigration in the Search Box at the top of the page. YouTube - Ray Stevens - Come to the USA
Jan Brewer Starts Badly, Finishes Worse, In Last Night's Arizona Gubernatorial Debate (VIDEO)
OMG is right. This is embarrassing, not only for Governor 'rabid-anti-immigration-advocate' Brewer, but also for her supporters, the state of Arizona and everyone else watching. My stomach kind of curdled and backed up on itself. Being human you can't help but sink into your chair a bit as you watch her fight the fog that engulfs her. Sure, some of us may say that it's Karma coming back to give her a big fat kick in the..., and we'd like to relish it, but even then, it's just too mortifying.
What's interesting is that in the post-debate analysis we hear consensus about her crumbling, but no one talks about how they had expected her 'to be more articulate,' just as no one ascribes her poor performance to any group to which she belongs, or acts as though that's the be all or end all of her abilities; it's just one night and one horrific performance. That said, I do believe she experienced an Alzheimer's moment or a menopausal lapse. Old age has its burdens and that right there was one of 'em.
Kanye West & Ed Westwick At US Open With Dates Jessica & Selita (PHOTOS)
New Kanye coupling? Maybe yes, maybe no?
(Photo, Kanye West, Victoria Secrets model Selita Ebanks and Ed Westwick and Jessica Szohr of Gossip Girl fame.) The most interesting subject in the photo, the kid watching the match and unconcerned about the celebs behind her. Priceless.) Kanye West & Ed Westwick At US Open With Dates Jessica & Selita (PHOTOS)Regina King: The Emmys: As White As Ever
(Photo Regina King, Vibe magazine) Article Excerpt: "Since the Emmy ceremony, I have been going back and forth about whether or not I should compose this letter. I try hard in my daily life not to engage in uncomfortable situations regarding race. But sometimes it's very difficult to find other reasons that better explain why certain events play out the way they do."
Actress Regina King (227, Jerry MaGuire) is speaking out again. I must say Ms. King has been stepping it up as of late. Just several months ago when addressing the psychic lashing black women have been receiving from the mouths/actions of black men she spoke out in favor of dating across borders and according to your heart. Here's a link to that article. Regina King: More Black Women Should Date Outside Their Race VIBE. Click on the link above or the one below to read her piece on the Emmys exclusionary tendencies. Regina King: The Emmys: As White As Ever. My analysis: Courage costs, but it also generates change. Big up to Regina.
Vanity Fair's Sarah Palin Profiler: 'The Worst Stuff Isn't Even In There'
(Photo, Huff Post, Michael Joseph Gross, Sentence Fragmentarian)Music - Suite903 Sessions: Quadron, "Simili Life"
To learn more about Danish duo Quadron, or to check out their gorgeous song 'Herfra Hvor Vi Star,' do a search at the top of the page.
Glenn Beck Admits Lying: 'I Thought It Would Be A Little Easier' (VIDEO)
'Aw, hockey puck!' Proof about what a lying piece of squid Glenn Beck is. Watch him squirm his little cephalopod form out of this one, and read the Huff Post article -- it's short -- to find out the exact nature of his lie. If it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, mates like a .....aw hell, it's Glenn Beck in a lie. Glenn Beck Admits Lying: 'I Thought It Would Be A Little Easier' (VIDEO)
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Crossroads County - Fewer Young Voters See Themselves as Democrats - NYTimes.com
(Photo, Matthew Staver, NYTimes) Crossroads County - Fewer Young Voters See Themselves as Democrats - NYTimes.com. This spells T-R-O-U-B-L-E. What are we going to do to fix it? Can it be fixed in time for the elections, if not the ones in November, how about the big one in 2012? Jobs, jobs, jobs. A steady refrain.
Music - Big Boi feat. Yelawolf - No DJ
Smash! Music speaks for itself, in tongues. Big Boi, featuring Yelawolf, 'No DJ.' Movin feets, sheets, hearts and beats. From the album, Sir Lucious Left Foot, Son of Chico Dusty. Monster! Search Big Boi in search box at top of the page to find links to other gems from the album, out now.
Film - People Are Children
People Are Children from Alrick Brown on Vimeo. Check out this short film by Alrick Brown and Stewart Thorndike. Discovered it on one of my favorite sites, Shadow and Act -- a site for independent film throughout the diaspora.
Comedy - Sean Penn Btw 2 Ferns - Funny or Die
Sarah Palin: The Sound and the Fury Politics: vanityfair.com
(Vanity Fair, illustration, Edward Sorel). Check out this Vanity Fair profile of Sarah Palin by Michael Joseph Gross. Gross is, in a word, grossed out. If people still want to vote for 'Sexy Sarah,' after this, (if she chooses to run) well, then I give up. They can say it's because she's got so much in common with middle America, clearly she doesn't; though there is evidence that she has much in common with the Looney Toon fringe known as the Tea Party. Long piece, but well worth the read. Click on the link above or below to get started. Sarah Palin: The Sound and the Fury Politics: vanityfair.com
Music - Politician - Aloe Blacc
YouTube - Politician - Aloe Blacc. It's known that I love Aloe Blacc all day, every day, so sample his latest 'Politician,' from his upcoming album, Good Times, due out Sept. 28th. And try this: Click play on the above video, then click on the YouTube link. It makes it play in double time (both playing at once) and so it sounds like Aloe's got a backing chorus and echo. Sounds pretty hot. Give a listen. Sounding very Stevie Wonderish at points (his old stuff).
Sarah Palin's Shopping Spree: Yes, There's More... Politics: vanityfair.com
Sarah Palin's Shopping Spree: Yes, There's More... Politics: vanityfair.com. The spending habits of our girl from Wasilla.
Music - Jazmine Sullivan - Holding You Down (Goin' in Circles)
Jazmine Sullivan, 'Holding You Down.' Check out the multiple cameos by old school headz: DJ/Producer Pete Rock, Doug E. Fresh, Kwame, to name a few; give a look, there might be others. Oh, and one other thing, Jazmine gives good voice, but the whole blatantly over-the-top product placement thing soooo undermines the vibe of the video. Yeesh!
Music - J Cole - Live J&R Music in NYC
J Cole Live in NYC. J Cole, first artist signed to Roc Nation, heralded as one of the top ten up-and-coming rappers, toured with Jay-Z on his Blueprint 3 tour, born in Germany, grew up in Fayettville, NC, graduated from St. John's (some say magna cum laude), his new album is scheduled to drop later this year. Cole's got skillz. Luv his track 'Who Dat,' but just like with Cee Lo's 'F**k You,' video, I have a problem posting vids that showcase little kids sprouting profanity or being present when profanity is being sprouted or shouted. I don't know, is that supposed to be cute or clever, touching on the unexpected? Anybody who has small kids knows, it ain't. No responsibility for the next generation, I guess. So, Who Dat's beats are dope, lyrics are clever as ish, just can't post. That said, check out this live performance of one of Hip Hop's new greats.
(I hate coming off like the world's conscience, or better said -- the black/brown world's conscience -- but when was the last time you saw a bunch of little tow-headed kids (blonde kids) running along while F U's, MFs, etc. were being slung around like hamburger helper in grandma's kitchen? Can't think of any? 'Kay, then. (I'm not saying for folks to measure themselves against what others do, but the fact is that this stuff all has a cumulative effect on the kids we raise, the society we create. Looks like not even little kids are sacred anymore. I'm just sayin'. If we're making choices, then let's make 'em, but be clear, we are making choices, and it'll be up to us to live with the consequences later. J Cole was raised by his single mother in what seems to be a very middle-class upbringing, and Cee Lo has kids (featured on MTV's Sweet Sixteen). I don't get the impression that it'd have been Ok for Cole to be rattlin off F-bombs or being around that when he was a kid, or that it'd be Ok for Cee Lo's very privileged and middle-class kids to do so either. But hey, that's just me. I'm getting off my bully pulpit now. Thanxx for indulging me.) To learn more about J Cole visit, http://www.myspace.com/jcole or http://www.jcolemusic.com/.
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