Politics - Jon Stewart's speech at the Rally For Sanity

If you missed John Stewart/Stephen Colbert's Sanity Rally this past Saturday, then catch Stewart's speech here.  An estimated 215,000 people attended, nearly 3x the number that showed up for Glenn Beck's Fear Fest.  Click on the video to have a watch and give a listen.

Politics - Mugged by the Debt Moralizers - NYTimes.com

NYTimes columnist Paul Krugman lays bare the reasons why America continues to be mired in an economic slump:  Because we are so concerned with punishing those who overborrowed that we refuse to increase the stimulus and to have government do what is necessary, which is spend to boost the economy.  Krugman breaks down the government's role, as well as that of corporations and angry, punitive Americans who are cutting off their own noses to spite their neighbors.  Mugged by the Debt Moralizers - NYTimes.com.

Music - Buddy Guy - "Feels Like Rain"

Exquisite.  Pure exquisiteness.  Like I've traveled past death on a music visa to heaven. I ain't mad.  I been saved, sanctified and elevated by the divine majesty of Sir Buddy Guy's soul-sharing with the gods.  Damn, don't it feel right.  Can't get no betta than this.  And ain't it funny, this kinda music always brings my daddy back from the dead, places him in this room, before me, listening to music pealing forth from the jukebox standing next to his nightclub bar.  Well.  My dad's connection to fine music so entrenched its roots ran from belly to brain out soles of feet and back again.  And I ain't neva stopped lovin' music since.  Sanctified by Sir Buddy Guy.

Music - Now You're Gone - Buddy Guy

Buddy Guy: Now You're Gone.

Music - Blues Great Buddy Guy - Skin Deep

Buddy Guy, Blues royalty, one of the progenitors of our great American music.  Unexplained shootings like that of Danroy Henry's bring songs like this to mind.  There are many people seeking answers and more of us than less who recognize the paltry nature of skin and of just what an illusion it keeps us all trapped in.

Music - Chidomo - "Grey Seattle Blues" on Vimeo

Chidomo - "Grey Seattle Blues" on Vimeo

News Story of the Day: Danroy Henry, Highly Revered Student and Athlete Shot & Killed by Police Mourned by Over 2000 at Funeral

Quotes excerpted from Boston Globe story: “Look, look, just look how many people are here,’’ said Nicholas Barrows, a former teammate from Oliver Ames High School. “Now look at those pictures of him with his family and know he’s not going to be there anymore. People need to be outraged. They need to feel anger. He was shot down in cold blood, laying down on the floor like roadkill.’’

Another uncle talked about how Henry’s tattoos told his story: On his back he wore the wings of an angel; on his wrists, “family first.’’ His most recent tattoo, a testament to his faith, read: “I would rather be a prince in your kingdom than a king in this lifetime.’’

Two thousand people attended the funeral.  Danroy Henry died at 1:20 am on October 17th, he was 20 years old, nearly two weeks short of his 21st birthday.  He was buried yesterday on his birthday.  Danroy was shot and killed by police in a barrage of bullets that have yet to yield a satisfactory or sensible explanation.  He was parked outside a restaurant with several friends in his vehicle when police who'd been called in response to a report of a fight in the restaurant opened fire.  Police say that they shot and killed the 20-year old star athlete and student when he inexplicably ran over an officer.  Danroy's friends dispute this.  They say he moved the vehicle forward after an officer tapped on his car window and told him to move out of the fire lane.  (According to Danroy's family's attorney, the trajectory of the bullets suggest that Danroy was shot before the vehicle even started moving.  Click on the link further below to read the news story.)

Where are we now?  One dead young man, who from all reports was a Class Act and the type of young man others wanted their children to emulate.  Danroy's friends, loved ones and supporters cut across a wide swatch in the Boston community where he grew up and in the Pace University community where he attended school.  Black, white, Latino, young and old, they attest to a young man of discerning character and integrity.  All that is left are his remains and the memories that he has left behind for his loved ones.

Danroy's family needs answers.  The community needs answers.  What happened and why?  Why the disproportionate response to the events of that night?  There was no report of weapons at the scene when the officers were called.  No reports of violence that threatened the community. 

We could go on and on with the questions, but we won't.  This much is certain.  This time it will be different because Danroy was a kid beloved by an entire community, valued and respected by his peers, his teachers and his coaches; black and white among them.  Though this shouldn't make a difference.  It does.  This time it won't be so easy to  turn our heads and look away with the comforting thought that this was just another one of 'those kids,' who did some egregious wrong, and quite probably 'deserved this.'  No, not this time. 

More than 2000 distraught mourners attended Danroy's funeral and celebrated his 21st birthday with him lying in his casket.   They are seeking answers. Because every law-abiding and God fearing parent and child among them believed that 'There has to be a reason; a reason that makes sense, Dear God, for why this child was taken from us.'  If that child, why not my child?  If that child, why not my child, Dear Lord, why not my child?' 

This time the integrity and character of that child will make it different.  I have to, we have to believe that. 

Click on the following links to read or view coverage of Danroy's funeral and of the night in question.

Slain Easton student honored - The Boston Globe.

VIDEO: Easton shooting victim remembered at memorial service - Brockton, MA - The Enterprise.

Danroy Henry Shooting Death: Obama Admin. is Asked to Probe College Football Player's Slaying By Police - Crimesider - CBS News.

(And as an addendum, let me ask, why is it that so few news outlets have done continued reporting on this story. The day after it happened where was CNN and MSNBC on this. Covering trivialities. I remember scanning the stations and marveling at some trivial nonstory that was being covered while Danroy's story received minimal coverage on some local stations and seemingly none on others. And perhaps I missed it but I searched yesterday's Times and I couldn't find coverage of Danroy's funeral. Perhaps it was an oversight on my part. I surely hope so.)

Film - Documentary - Violence against Women and Girls in Haiti: The Enemy Within

This documentary spotlights the increased physical and sexual violence and abuse against Haitian women and children since the January 12th earthquake.  Women and children have become more vulnerable and at-risk in overcrowded and unsecured makeshift camps.   Watch the video to learn about the additional challenge confronted by these survivors and the efforts to improve security and help the protect the vulnerable.

International - News Updates From Around the World

Music - THE BLACK KEYS TIGHTEN UP - LIVE on JOOLS HOLLAND - HQ video

The Black Keys 'Tighten Up, remelding Rock with its birth mother, The Blues.  On the BBC's Jools Holland show.

Entertainment - Celebrity - Janet Jackson on 106 & Park (October 27,2010)

Janet Jackson visits BET's 106&Park and fan madness & mayhem ensues.  Must be such an adrenaline boost for the kiddies to see Ms. Janet in person.  Ya think?  Yeah, me thinks.  Consistently lovin' one of the original Pop Divas who exemplified control, independence and female assertiveness.

Music - Katy B — Lights On feat. Ms. Dynamite — Official Music Video

Politics - Help Get Out the Democratic Vote by Making a Few Calls

Election Day is just a few days away: Tuesday, November 2, 2010.  This election will either help move our country forward or roll back progress.  You can help get out the vote by making a few calls.  To get started right now, visit MoveOn at: http://pol.moveon.org/2010/  or the NAACP at: http://action.naacp.org/CallVoters

This election is a choice between Corporate America's Interests and the Needs of American Families. 

What's at stake?  Bank and Housing reform, Health Care reform, progressive, nondiscriminatory Immigration reform, the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, repeal of the Bush Tax Cuts, legislation aimed at jobs creation.

Want to ensure that Congress places the interest of American families first, then make a few calls or see other  ways in which you can help.  Visit: http://pol.moveon.org/2010/ or the NAACP at: http://action.naacp.org/CallVoters.

Every phone call helps.

News - Gross Racial Disparities In California Pot Arrests

Read this HuffPost story on the Gross Racial Disparities In California Pot Arrests. Who's surprised?  Less than a week ago the NYTimes published a story on a report detailing the obscene disparities in police stop and frisk rates rates of minority youth versus caucasian youth. 

Vote: It Takes 10 Minutes from Funny or Die Team: Alyssa Milano, Aziz Ansari, Lake Bell +

10 Minutes from Alyssa Milano

Film - Witness - Sweet Dreams: Rwandan Women Genocide Survivors and the Healing Powers of Drumming & Ice Cream

A WITNESS documentary about how a group of female survivors of the Rwandan genocide have used drumming and ice cream as tools to healing and survival a decade after the genocide.  It also speaks to how two women with an ice cream shop in Brooklyn, New York helped them make this possible.

LOL - Sassy Gay Friend - Hamlet

Mid-afternoon comedy break.  Another installment of Sassy Gay Friend.  Moral support, laughter, hair advice and some good times? Exactly the type of friend most of us need in our lives.

LOL - Sassy Gay Friend - The Giving Tree

Hee-lars!  This, I think, is my absolutely favorite Sassy Gay Friend.  I loved The Giving Tree when I was a kid and I still love it, though I confess I've always had a problem with the Tree's excessive giving and the boy's self-centeredness and passive abuse and neglect of her.  Who knew that the solution to her low self-esteem all along would have been an SGF.  Problem solved!

Oh, and did you catch Sassy Gay Friend's introduction to recluse Boo Radley, the character from Harper Lee's book, To Kill A Mockingbird?   (If you haven't read the book, maybe you've seen the movie.)  Anyhoo, that was absolutely clever.  If there was ever a better fit for friendship I can't think of one.  Watch and enjoy.

Entertainment - Mariah Carey: I'm Pregnant!

Yesterday we said that we expected Mariah Carey to announce that she was pregnant. Well it turns out that she has. She announced the news during an interview with Access Hollywood's Billy Bush that aired on the Today Show earlier this morning.  The singer is five months pregnant. She and husband Nick Cannon, the Chairman of Teen Nick and a radio and TV host, are expecting their first child. Yeah for them. They seem to have wanted a baby for a while. Wonder if the baby's room will be decorated with butterflies???

Watch the video above to hear the words direct from the Pop Diva's mouth, plus find out what made keeping the secret especially difficult for the couple.  Or click on the link to read the HuffPost article, : Mariah Carey: I'm Pregnant!

Music - T.I. - Ya Hear Me (Official Video) - Some Profanity

Ya Hear Me.  Umh, hmm.  Another banging T.I. joint. Yeah, I like.  'Shawty hit me.' Umh, hmm.  'Shawty hit me.' In prison or not, still the King of the South. Though fans of his music have got to believe that it's a helluva lot better if this man stays out. 

Music - Don L Castor- "Pieces" Official Music Video on Vimeo

Don L Castor- "Pieces" Official Music Video from Anchorbolt Studios on Vimeo.  Soft and sweet. There's something sneakily and unexpectedly appealing about Don Castor's voice and sound, which, though reminiscent of Seal, possesses a slow-strumming honeyed, yet authentic charisma.  Not too much bluster, just easy-going swag.  'Pieces,' a song for lovers, as it slips through fingers and we struggle to understand and hold on.  Definitely worth a listen, an artist to watch.   

Another Don L. Castor track that I like: Brave New World.



To learn more about Don L. Castor visit: http://www.myspace.com/dlcastor.  To search previous music videos on this site, do a search for music at the top of the page or click here.

Music - Tha Boogie - Best Around (official music video) on Vimeo

Tha Boogie - Best Around (official music video) on Vimeo.  The group thanks Raphael Saadiq in the video credits.  Am checking for their vibe, only thing is, 'why does the cat in the safari hat seem to be straight-channeling Andre-3000?'  I'm just sayin'. 

To peep previous music videos on this site, do a search for music at the top of the page, or click here.

Music - The Pharcyde - Passin' Me By (Hot Chip Remix)

The Pharcyde - Passin' Me By (Hot Chips Remix).  Came across this on Indie Shuffle.  Click on the following link to read their review and to check the Outer Space Bass Remix: http://www.indieshuffle.com/#:/the-pharcyde-passin-me-by-hot-chip-remix/?indie_radio=start.  Two excellent joints, though the former is a more to my liking, smooth like butta, a dose of liquid vinyl.  The latter is a little too slowed down for my palate, but both are flavaful.  Check Indie Shuffle for their write-up and for other known and unknown indie bands and artists who travel far from the uber-slick commercial track.

To check earlier music videos posted on this site, do a search for music at the top of the page, or click here.

Music - Nicki Minaj - Right Thru Me (Official Video)

New Nicki Minaj video for the track 'Right Thru Me.'  A reposting. We posted this early yesterday and the video got pulled, so here it is again. Hopefully it stays up this time. Now this right here sounds waaay superior to 'Check It Out,' featuring will.i.am and posted earlier. Proof that Hip Hop's rising Queen is often better showcased without a supporting cast. Dig the singing, dig the rap, il' Nicki is the Hip Hop combo of Beyonce+Lady Gaga. (Don't ask me why, just think about it and you'll get it.) Okay, I'll tell you: The singing, the four-steps past the future costumes...though not quite as outlandish as Lady Gaga for sure. Still, Miss Nicki holds the promise of a breakout artist with the star power, work ethic, likeability factor and power of reinvention needed to stick around for way more than a minute. Anyhoos, we'll see if this promise is delivered.

If the video won't play, click on the link to see: YouTube - Nicki Minaj - Right Through Me (Official Video).  To view other videos posted on this site, search music at the top of the page or click here.

Entertainment - Mariah Carey to Announce Pregnancy????



Getty Image - Billboard

According to Billboard.com and a number of other media outlets Mariah Carey may be announcing her pregnancy on the Today Show tomorrow morning.  Rumor has it that Mariah's been wanting a baby badly, though she and hubby Nick Cannon have kept mum despite media attempts to pry their lips loose.  Could Mariah's extra inches be a result of one chocolate sundae too many, a little extra bubbly?  Or could it be because there's a mini Carey-Cannon fermenting.  I like these two together, so whatever makes them happy.  Anyhoo, only time will tell so tune in to Today tomorrow -- Thursday --to see.

Celebrity - Entertainment - Oprah New Network Logo

The logo, for Oprah's new network.  O as in orgasm, O as in optimist, O as in omnipres-ent (okay, she's not omnipresent, but she does seem to possess the powers of a genie when it comes to transforming near everything she touches into platinum).  So O for the ultimate thing that drives Lady O - OWN: As in own every damn thing in sight if possible, get the trademark, patent, subscription rights, and just own.   Hence the logo: OWN -- the Oprah Winfrey Network.

Though I'm not convinced that this logo is a keeper -- two months is a universe away in TV time -- we'll see.  Either way, OWN is kaledoscopic like Oprah's topics and guests, and reflects quite succinctly what the Queen of daytime has done in her time slot for the past twenty-five years and now aims to do to the medium of which she will be not just a key player, but an owner.  That's our Oprah.  Not for nothing is she the first black female billionaire and one of the few American, and female billionaires in our nation, if not the world.  Go Opes! 

According to Oprah.com, Oprah's network launches January 1st, 2011: That's in exactly 2 months and 4 days, give or take a couple hours, but who's counting: Oprah.com, that's who.

Film - Last Walk Around Mirror Lake - Boom Bip (Boards of Canada Remix) on Vimeo

Time to get lifted:  Moving away from hard news and issues of the day, things that often make us/me feel near powerless.  A film that says the imaginable is not just possible, it's do-able.  Here are men and women doing things and taking risks I can't even imagine. I look at them and wonder, 'Why not?' Get out of this chair and risk making an ass out of yourself, what have you got to lose? An ass in the chair.

If you can't get the video to play, click on the following link: Last Walk Around Mirror Lake - Boom Bip (Boards of Canada Remix) on Vimeo.
From the album Corymb (Lex Records 2004) Written by Bryan Hollon (Boom Bip), remix by Marcus Eoin & Michael Sandison (Boards of Canada). Unofficial video made by FroschYankee from the movie Adrenaline Rush (The Science of Risk). Location: Eikesdalen (Norway).

Film -THE FIRST GRADER: The True Story of a 84-Year Old Kenyan First Grader

Found the trailer for what appears to be the feel-good film of the day, on one of my favorite film sites -- Shadow and Act. The First Grader, directed by Justin Chadwick (The Other Boleyn Girl, Bleak House), starring journalist Oliver Litondo and Naomie Harris (Pirates of the Caribbean and At World's End) and written by Ann Peacock (Chronicles of Narnia).   The film, based on a true story, takes place in the remote Kenyan mountains and is about an 84-year old man who enters first grade eager to learn how to read at the tail-end of his life.  
Here is an excerpt from the blurb that accompanied one of the director's interviews on Youtube.    
' He is Maruge (Litondo), an old Mau Mau veteran in his eighties who is desperate to learn to read at this late stage of his life. He fought for the liberation of his country and now feels he must have the chance of an education so long denied--even if it means sitting in a classroom alongside six year-olds.


The First Grader is a heart warming and inspiring tale of one man's fight for what he believes is his right in order to overcome the burdens of his past. It is a triumphant testimony to the transforming force of education. As Maruge himself said, "the power is in the pen".'

Click on the following link to visit the movie's official website and learn more: http://www.thefirstgrader-themovie.com/.   Below is an interview with director Justin Chadwick and star Oliver Litondo.



Am not sure when the film hits the States, it premieres in England today, I believe.  Click here to read the film's review on ShadowandAct: http://www.shadowandact.com/?p=33394#more-33394.

LOL - Paul Simon, Tracy Morgan and Chris Rock Singing - Night of Too Many Stars

In case you missed it, from Comedy Central's 'Night of Too Many Stars.'  Mashup of folk + Hip Hop classics: Scarborough Fair + Gin n' Juice. Ha, ha! Luvs it!

International News Updates - Al Jazeera - Today's News from Around the World

Video - Al Jazeera English

Politics - Democrats eye Latino vote

Democrats, hustling at the last minute to turn out the 'minority' vote: blacks and Latinos.  As always the Democratic party turns back to its base at the tail end of the race, and although the Democrats' policies and philsophies are much more supportive and inclusive of people of color, it'd be nice if when the DNC laid out its budget it allotted -- early on -- campaign spending in those communities that is equivalent to the value of the vote.  Whether the Democrats support people of color or not -- and Obama's policies are much more supportive of Latinos and of working-class people by far -- we are tired of being treated like the ugly girl at the ball -- the chick the puking drunk turns to now that he is drunk and has no other choice -- thought of last and gifted with everybody else's leftovers. 

Latinos, like blacks, seem to have few choices in this race between the frequent apathy and taken-for-grantedness of the Democrats and the barbed-wire, toss-em-over-the border patrols of the Republican Right and its Tea Baggers.  But sometimes, succumbing to the party that is the last resort and the only choice just isn't enough.  As poor an endorsement as this is of the Democrats, hopefully Latinos don't take that tact this time around.  Simply put, the risks are too great and the costs far outweigh the Democrats' stupidity in expecting folks of color to always be there, simply because they are the only game in town.

Music - Helen Smith - Pain in my heart

Another lovely throwback joint: Helen Smith, 'Pain in My Heart.'  Real music.  Ish like this that makes life worth living. 

Music - Lauryn Hill- Love (Rare)

Just felt like sharing this Lauryn Hill track.  'Love,' enjoy.

International - Video Link - Afghanistan War | Rules of Engagement

Called Sleeping with the Enemy: Trying to Turn Criminals into Allies, click on the following link to watch: Afghanistan War Rules of Engagement.   Check this very insightful Global Post video about the helter skelter forces being cobbled together to take over security from the Americans in Afghanistan, and the mayhem that results.   The piece shows the complexity of the challenge faced by U.S. troops in trying to recruit Afghans to assume some of the security operations currently handled by the U.S. 

Watching the video gives us a little peep into a tribal society that on its face, physically, seems as far from the U.S. as it is possible to imagine.  All of these reasons sum up why it is that the majority of us Americans have little to no idea of what it is that Afghanis are willing to risk: For we have no clue about the harshness and severity of their lives.  A listen to the howls of the women and children as these security forces forcibly enter their houses, adds another level of torment to the piece.

Filmed in Baghlan Province, Afghanistan by Michael Gisick the video features US soldiers from B Co. 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 10th Mountain Division.   

International - Global Post - An Analysis of Two Groups Driving the French Protests



A crowd of protesters in Nanterre, a suburb of Paris, on Oct. 19. (Sohrab Monemi/GlobalPost)



Union workers demonstrate in Paris on Oct. 23. (Ben Barnier/GlobalPost)

A Global Post analysis of the two very different groups responsible for the recent mass protests by well over a million in France.  Click on the link below to read the article and gain some insight into who and what is driving the protests, whether they are representative of the French, and whether their voices will have an impact. French Protests Pension Reform. Do a search at the top of the page for France or French Protest to read previous postings on the topic.

Music - Interview with Common, Jennifer Hudson, Lupe Fiasco & No I.D. re creating song for REPLAY - ...

Click on the following link to download the track:  http://www.mediafire.com/?946l9ivzorgq2qg.

To check previous music postings on this site do a search at the top of the page, or click here.

Music - Space Invadas - Done It Again

Space Invadas (Katalyst and Steve Spacek), 'Done It Again,' from their album, Soul: Fi, released in March of 2010.  Katalyst hails from Austrailia's Hip Hop scene and Spacek from the UK's electro-funk scene. Here's a write-up from their MySpace page:

'So apparently the story goes something like this...In 1960s when aliens visited earth, they took many things back into space. One of the things they took was numerous examples of soul music. Feeling the music they proceeded to write their own songs. Not having the vintage equipment to record them traditionally, they sent them to Space Invadas to record. The music they made they called Soul-Fi.'

To learn more about Space Invadas, visit:  http://www.myspace.com/spaceinvadasoul or read this article on blog: music feeds:  http://musicfeeds.com.au/album/space-invadas-soul-fi/.  To check previous music postings on this site, do a search for music at the top of the page or click here.

International - Somalia in shambles

International - Africa - Somalia to Endorse 48-Year Old, US-Educated Prime Minister

International - Rwanda Says It Will Charge 'Hotel Rwanda' Manager - NYTimes.com

Actor Don Cheadle, left, and Paul Rusesabagina, the hotel manager he portrayed in the movie 'Hotel Rwanda.'

Rwandan President Paul Kagame

According to this AP/NYTimes story, Rwanda may prosecute Paul Rusesabagina, the hotel manager portrayed by Don Cheadle in the movie 'Hotel Rwanda.'  As protrayed in the movie, Rusesabagina was instrumental in saving the lives of many Tutsis, who sought shelter in his hotel, during that nation's civil war.  Rusesabagina, who is being accused of terrorist activities by the government, charges that it's a setup and faults President Paul Kagame.  Kagame, who has led the country since the war ended, and who was initially the darling of international humanitarian groups, has increasingly come under fire from humanitarian groups within and outside the country.  Click on the link to read the story and learn more. Rwanda Says It Will Charge 'Hotel Rwanda' Manager - NYTimes.com.

Music - Nicki Minaj x will.i.am. - Check It Out

Check out Nicki Minaj + will.i.am's Check It Out Japanese-themed video.  Music?  Not so much? At least, doesn't classify for me as such.  Entertainment?  That's a zebra of a different stripe.  And I'd stick this under that.  Either ops, I like Nicki Minaj, and the most compelling (well, that's a strong word), the most musically entertaining/interesting part of the track is the part where she raps.  Check it for yourselves.

Music - Lupe Fiasco - The Show Goes On

Lupe Fiasco's The Show Goes On from his upcoming album Lasers, out March 8th, 2011.  Sounds like a recap of his struggles with the record label.  Good anthem for the times, those who've been counted down and out, but who reared back, got on up and overcame.  The triumphant refrain of the survivor.

News - Many Police Stops in New York Unjustified, Study Says - NYTimes.com

How many times have we seen this story?  How many reports are needed before national reforms are made in police stop and frisk policies?  (Click on the link above to read the story.)  I remember walking in East Flatbush Brooklyn (New York) early one weekday afternoon.  Suddenly an unmarked car screeched to a stop in front of me, these two big burly guys and one woman rush out, run over to this kid and grab him and start stuffing him into the backseat of the car.  A driver remained at the front.  This kid is about fourteen or fifteen and they handcuff him with his hands behind his back and I'm wondering what the heck is going on.  So I rush over to the car and I ask 'What are you guys doing?  Where are you taking him?'  And they shout back that they're police officers and they're taking him in, and I think they flashed badges, but I remember asking, 'What did he do? Where are you taking him?'  And they glare at me and one of them says, 'Are you his family member?'

International - Indonesia Earthquake Update: Tsunami, Quake Bring Death Toll Into Hundreds

Indonesia Earthquake Update: Tsunami, Quake Bring Death Toll Into Hundreds.

LOL - 7 Year Old Raps "Whip My Hair" - Willow Smith Parody/Remix MattyBRaps

The next Justin Beiber, or could it be -- Eminem?  Cute!

Music - Laura Marling - Devil's Spoke Official Video

Featured artists today: Laura Marling, in addition to the late Gregory Isaacs. The connection between the two: Both have gifted us with soul music -- music that speaks to our depths, render us anew, and will exist post-us. I don't take the beauty of the gifts that artists offer us lightly.

Music - Laura Marling - Rambling Man

Laura Marling, The Rambling Man, released back in March, I believe. 

Music - Johnny Flynn and Laura Marling - The Water

Just beautiful.  Makes me feel like crying, like having left home a long time ago and now being taken back on the lulling waves of the sea.  Don't know, listening to this I see lots of green hills and valleys and I'm thinking of some place like Ireland or the valleys of St. Elizabeth, Jamaica when I was a kid.  Luvs.

International - Slovenia elects first black mayor

The Guardian: Peter Bossman and some of his supporters celebrate his victory in the Slovenian Adriatic town of Piran yesterday. Photograph: AFP/Getty Images

Bossman with his wife.  Photo Times Live, SA

Well now, this is news isn't it?  First Russia elects an African-born legislator in July of this year, now Slovenia elects its first black (African) mayor.  It's the Obamaization of the globe.  So the times they are a changing, aren't they?  Give it up to these trailblazers, and to their supporters, as well.  Here's wishing them and their constituents good governance and an easier time than BO has had. 

Click on the links to read the stories.  Slovenia elects first black mayor. Or:  Peter Bossman becomes Eastern Europe's first black mayor World news The Guardian

Click on links to read about the Russian official: Jean Gregoire Sagbo: First Black Elected Official Defies Racism In Russia : NPR.    Russia Elects First Black Official.

Gregory Isaacs dies aged 59 | Music | guardian.co.uk

No words for this right now, other than Wow! 

Gregory Isaacs was a master of the slow-grooving classic reggae dub music.  One of the original masters of the basement party, dancehall slow jams and all-around iconic reggae classics, such as Night Nurse.  He was 59 years old and died at his home in London.  Another great gone.  You will be missed Mr. Isaacs.
Gregory Isaacs dies aged 59 Music guardian.co.uk

Give a listen to some of my favorite Gregory Isacc tunes, starting with Hush Darling, an absolute gem, below. Enjoy.

Music - Gregory Isaacs - Hush Darling

Hush Darling, one of my favorite Gregory Isaacs tunes, followed by several more below.  I could post many more, and am tempted to; I can't think of a single Gregory Isaacs tune I dislike.  Enjoy, and for those of you who can, remember; others?  This is a little sample of a trove of GI classics that exist.  Just do a search on Youtube or on the video channels that appear at the end of the video to hear more.  Thank you, Mr. Gregory for a lifetime of conscious music.

Music - Gregory Isaacs - Rumours (Rumours Riddim)

Rest in Peace Gregory.  Hope your journey is an easy and a peaceful one.  A master of conscious Roots music.  We have gone so far afield, but just like you, Bob and Reggae were birthed at a time of need in Jamaica's social and national consciousness, conscious music and mass consciousness will rise again.  Peace my Bredren!

Music - Gregory Isaacs - Night Nurse (Live at Reggae Sunsplash 1983)

Music - GREGORY ISAACS : Tune in

Music - Gregory Isaacs - Slave Master (LIVE)

Music - Gregory Isaacs --- Mr Cop

Gregory may be gone, but the sweetness lives on.  Ignore the fan video promoting the use of cannabis, as well as the other random photos included.  I just wanted you to hear the greatness of the man's music. (Notwithstanding the video, I thank the fan who put the track up.  Your sharing this is much appreciated.)  R.I.P. Gregory.

NYTimes - Frank Rich - What Happened to Change We Can Believe In? - NYTimes.com

Really good piece.  Give it a read.  Frank Rich breaks down what happened to change we can believe in. (Click on the link above or below to read the article.) Why are Americans unaware of the Obama's administration's accomplishments?  Is it simply because of people's frustrations with the economy and joblessness?  how have the Republicans' managed to take control of the message, to spin it to their advantage and to credit the Obama administration for the failures of the past eight years, while obliterating the accomplishments of the past two?  What role has the Supreme Court Citizens United decision allowing unnamed and unlimited corporate funding had on American politics?  What is, and will be, the impact of funding by wealthy businessmen like the billionaire Koch brothers on the Tea Party and the American political system in general? And how much responsibility does the Obama Administration bear for the collapse of the American voter's faith in our government and pessimism about our future?
What Happened to Change We Can Believe In? - NYTimes.com

International - Cholera Outbreak Reaches Haitian Capital, Could Engulf Entire Country

Click on the link to read the article and to see what we can do to help.  Breaking News and Opinion on The Huffington Post

Kanye West - Runaway (Full-length Clean)

The premiere of Kanye's short film, 'Runaway,' directed by Kanye, starring Selita Ebanks, written by Hype Williams, art director Vanessa Beecroft, costume design Phillip Lim and Martin Izquierdo, produced by Jonathan Lia, cinematographer Kyle Kibbe. Ye is that man.  A game changer; moving outside of borders and boxes; gettin' people shook.  Changing up the concept of what music videos and rap artists should be.  (If the video won't play, click on the link above in the headline to watch the video.  To view previous music postings on this site, do a search for music at the top of the page, or click here.)

The film is flush with vividness of color, richness of cinematography....an overabundance of symbolism.  And the symbolism can mean everything or nothing at all.  The linchpin: It doesn't matter.  Meaningful or meaningless, it arrests the eye and provokes the cerebrum.  Poking, stroking, pushing, pull.  It does many things. None of them linear. 

Watch the video and come to your own terms.  Ck the imagery and how he effs with our notions of what is, what should be, and what could be.  The boldness of the dinner table scene -- the servers and the served.  That's major cojones right there, effing with what people expect and what they can accept/come to terms with.  No words spoken, but the imagery is enough.  How comfortable or uncomfortable were you with that scene? 

And if you had an overwhelming desire to say, 'Well, like wow, what point is he trying to make?  If he wants to appeal to a global audience and show that race matters not, that we're all one big world, why not mix up the ethnicities and races of the dinner guests, as well as the staff?'  But, if race matters not, then why should he?

If that question even crossed your mind, or you had the desire to make everybody feel comfortable with that scene, then you've got to ask yourself what was wrong, not so much with the scene, but with your thinking?  Why does that scenario, a reversal of what we've been led to expect, so upend and offend us? 

Just for getting folks thinking about that, or just for making them uncomfortable, no matter what their age, there is a massive stroke of dopeness and genius in that. 

Music - Kanye - Runaway Interview w/MTV

Movie Trailers - Movies Blog

Kanye's live stream interview with Sway accompanying the premiere of his short film 'Runaway,' earlier tonight at 8pm on MTV.

Music - Kanye West - Don't Look Down - w/Mos Def, Lupe Fiasco, Big Sean

Another Kanye G.O.O.D. Friday track.  Don't Look Down w/Mos Def, Lupe Fiasco & Big Sean.  Really like this. For obvious reasons.  Give a listen.  (To view previous music postings on this site, do a search for music at the top of the page, or click here.)

Music - En Vogue Don't Let Go Live London Indigo2

Nineties divas En Vogue perform in London for the first time in nearly twenty years. When was the last time they performed stateside? Before there was a Destiny's Child there was an En Vogue, consider them DC's forebears, just as the Supremes, Ronettes, LaBelle and a lengthy list of others were theirs.  Bottom line: The ladies delivered quite nicely in this video captured by a fan.

International - Haiti Cholera Outbreak Spreads Toward Capital: Hundreds Dead, Thousands Sick

Haiti Cholera Outbreak Spreads Toward Capital: Hundreds Dead, Thousands Sick

N.Y. chief denies student was left to die - The Boston Globe

Pace University football players attended a press conference yesterday on the death of teammate Danroy Henry Jr. (Seth Wenig/Associated Press)

N.Y. chief denies student was left to die - The Boston Globe

The War Logs - WikiLeaks Documents - Interactive Feature - NYTimes.com

The War Logs - WikiLeaks Documents - Interactive Feature - NYTimes.com

Music - Syl Johnson - Is It Because I'm black? - RIP Danroy Henry

This song is in honor of 20 year-old college student and athlete Danroy Henry who was shot and killed by police in Westchester, New York early Sunday morning for reasons that are still unclear.  Much props to the wide contingent of Pace University and Westchester residents of all races and ethnicities who came out in support of Danroy and in protest of the killing.  (See Good Morning America interview with his parents in an earlier posting below.)

We don't have the answers yet, but the question remains 'Why use such extreme force?'  Good God, that was someone's child, what did he do to deserve that?  (And please, as his family has explained, people of good will who are perplexed and hurt by this shooting are not anti-police.  Neither are we racists who are looking for a quick, knee-jerk response.  Concerned parents of all races are  asking questions.  The fear is, 'That could have been my child.') 

We need answers, and if it's found that there is no substantive reason for this shooting, then the police force in that county must examine what prompted the shooting.  They must assess their department and determine what procedures need to be put in place to prevent the likelihood of this happening again. 

The fact is, Danroy Henry's case is not an anomaly. Last New Year's Day we had the case of 22 year-old Oscar Grant shot in the back at close range by police officer Johannes Mehserle in Oakland, California. Grant was unarmed, handcuffed, not resisting arrest and had committed no crime. (Do a search at the top of the page for Oscar Grant to read more about his case.  Click here to watch video of Grant being shot: http://www.casttv.com/video/ccjyqn/police-fatally-shoot-unarmed-man-laying-face-down-and-shot-in-the-back-caught-on-video).

Kanye West MTV Interview

kanye mtvnep
Uploaded by yardie4lifever2. - More video blogs and vloggers.  Kanye's MTV interview re his short film Runaway, his upcoming album 'My Beautiful Dark Twisted Family,' his work ethic; also his goal of 'being the greatest artist in this lifetime.'

News - US Senator Scott Brown Calls for Investigation into Police Shooting of Pace University Student Danroy Henry

Click on the video to watch Good Morning America's interview with Danroy Henry's parents. Twenty-year old Henry, a Pace University student and football player, was inexplicably shot and killed by police outside a Westchester restaurant last Sunday when the police arrived on the scene following a call about a fight inside the club. Two other young men who were in the car with Henry say that he moved the car when a police officer tapped on the window and indicated that they needed to move.  They were in the fire lane.  But the police say they shot Henry when he drove off and hit an officer standing in front of him.  An investigation is expected to take months.  In the interim Henry's parents have hired an attorney to investigate what occurred. Danroy Henry's friends, former classmates and teachers describe him as a truly good kid.  Click here to read The Nation story by Lisa Flam, interviewing folks who knew Henry: http://www.aolnews.com/nation/article/conflicting-stories-emerge-in-shooting-death-of-football-player-danroy-henry/19679682

Excerpt: "They (Henry and Cox, a passenger in the car) were just a joy to be around, never in any trouble," Jim Artz, their coach at Oliver Ames High School in North Easton, Mass., told The New York Times, and said they were inseparable. "If my sons grew up to be like these two, I would have been very happy."

So what really happened that night?  And why is it that the police, more often than not, seem to  respond with excessive force when engaging with young black men?  Danroy Henry, from reports, was a good student, good athlete, and all-around decent kid, why would he have tried to run an officer down? 

On the face of it it doesn't make sense.  The police haven't come forward to say they found weapons in the car.  They haven't said that Danroy and his friends were inebriated or that they had drugs in their system. There is no evidence that explains the irrational act of running over some officers.  And one tends to believe that if there was any evidence the department would have quickly issued a report detailing it. 

This, of course, does not mean that Danroy could not have panicked (inexplicably) or that his foot could not have mistakenly hit the gas.  Improbable, but not impossible.  Nonetheless, even had he done so, in an area filled with bystanders, and with no guns drawn by the young men, would it have been necessary for the police to let loose a barrage of bullets?  Over a reported fight in a club that the young men who were outside had nothing to do with?  The police had no evidence when they pulled up that Danroy and his friends were doing anything illegal or were involved in the disturbance. 

My question is, again, why is it that young black men generally seem to have an invisible target on their chests and foreheads whenever interacting with the police?  I'm not saying that this means that they are always shot down or treated abusively, but it's a given, for most black parents, low, middle or upper-income, that when your teenage son leaves the house if he engages with a cop -- regardless of that officer's race, but particularly if he/she is nonblack -- chances are your child may not make it back home. That sounds excessive, and it sounds harsh, but the reality is it is the truth. 

Most black parents that I know of warn their sons to be especially careful and solicitous when dealing with officers.  They warn them not to make any fast moves.  To always keep their hands visible.  To err on the side of caution.  Not to talk back.  Not to engage.  Because in this instance the odds are against you, the balance of power is not on your side.  You can take the officers' badge numbers or names, if anything, they are told, (do it discreetly) but do not speak aggressively or challenge them.  In other words be as meek and obedient as possible.

There are some who will read this and disagree, say that these responses are ridiculous, one-sided, blown out of proportion and that law enforcement is given a bad rap.  But believe me, this way of teaching our children to engage with law enforcement is the norm for many black parents.  And it's not because we think ill of officers, it's simply a recipe for saving and preserving our children's lives.  Because in an interaction between law enforcement and a young black male, the rule is that rarely are black males given the benefit of the doubt, or accorded the same leeway that others are given, particularly young white males and young white females.  It just doesn't happen. 

Law enforcement often perceive black men as predatory and threatening and they respond to them in an aggressive and defensive manner, even when defensiveness is not called for.

For those who say 'Well, the reason for this attitude on the part of the cops is because of black criminality, because blacks are usually the ones committing crimes,' I would ask you to do a little research.  Research will show a disproportionate number of stop and frisks, as well as police abuse of black youth as compared to that for their white counterparts.  It will also show that in many cities the overwhelming majority of black youth stopped and frisked by the police were stopped without just cause.  We won't even get into the disparity in treatment and sentencing of black and minority youth for minor drug offenses versus that of white youth.

The point is this, the danger posed to young black males by the way police perceive them and engage with them, is especially insidious because it threatens not just those who are guilty of wrongdoing, but even those who are innocent.  There is such an implicit threat hovering over the life of a young black male when he engages with law enforcement, whether he has done something wrong or is 100% innocent, that as a parent you almost wish your child could unzip themselves out of their black skin when they go driving or when they venture out from your household to attend a party, a club or some other outing.

LOL - WHIP YO HAIR GURL

Cockatoo busts a move to Willow Smith's Whip My Hair. This bird dances better than a lot of folks I know. She starts off slow, but then she/he brings it.

Politics - Obama - It Gets Better

President Obama's anti-bullying spot in support of gay and lesbian youth: It Gets Better.

Music - MOBO Awards 2010 - Tinchy Stryder Game Over Ft Devlin, Giggs, Pro' Green...

MOBO Awards 2010 - Tinchy Stryder Game Over Ft Devlin, Giggs, Pro' Green, Tinie Tempah. The Brits are at it again: shuttin' ---t down.

Music - Chris Brown - Yeah 3x

Chris Brown - New Music - More Music Videos

Chris Brown, 'Yeah 3x' from his upcoming album 'FAME (Forgiving All My Enemies).'   Ha, ha, ha!  Forgiving all HIS enemies.  That's mighty big of him!  Hah!  Anyhoos, moving on, because the title is worthy of just that......

As for the video: The Chris Brown reboot, ala Michael Jackson. Redemption much?  Ck all the little kiddies and the racial rainbow, again, ala MJ. CB is talented, no doubt, dancer nonpareil; work ethic? probably pretty exceptional, but why do we continue to get the feeling that this kid DGAS (Doesn't give a S---). It seems to matter not to him what he did, beyond its impact on his career. Any extended interview with him shows that. Maybe it's beyond arrogance, maybe it's just youth. Maybe when he's 30+ or he has a daughter he'll wake up one day and he'll just get it. Who knows. Anyhoo, am posting it because folks always wanna see what il Breezy comes out with (he's got that kind of star power). As for me, the music??? enh, it is what it is; bubble gum pop, not my thing, but a lot of folks dig it.  So feast.  Or not.