Got an e-mail from Barnes and Noble about buying Borders customer
data. Thing is, I opted out of Borders e-mail long before the
bankruptcy. What I forgot was that I was a Border's member. It appears I
can have a limited free membership into the BN premium club until I
would have to pay in 2012.
I don't want to pay BN an advance on the books I may or many not
purchase. I didn't want to do that before the Nook and I don't want to
do it now.
I have another e-mail from Writer's Digest talking about them helping
me to bulk up for NaNoWriMo, if only I would spend $125 or so in
purchasing articles and books on how to write a novel in 30 days.
I took a class years ago on how to write a book in 6 weeks. The dude
talked so fast my ears burned.
Literally, he was going like a house on
fire. He was informative but by hour 2 my head was thumping. I bought
his guide to how to do it for $40 and stumbled home with a migraine.
Anyway, NaNoWriMo is an endurance event, not a shopping opportunity. Ok, you can buy paper and ink.
So I gotta say I'm feeling pressured to buy even though my rational mind does not want to buy these items.
I'm heading out for what the day will bring. Wish me luck.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Sunday, October 09, 2011
To The Person That Almost Ran Me Over
It is a known fact that there are chunks of Los Angeles that are automotive incompetent to drive a car. There are cities with reputations of having distracted, uncaring and flat out unskilled drivers.
There are also people that transcend geography that have a tendency to piss off 8 out of 10 pedestrians. Now I don't want to cast all those who drive BMWs and Mercedes in a bad light. But I would swear that it is part of the code of automotive arrogance that allow almost hitting pedestrians is a badge of honor.
A few minuets ago I was bringing my laundry home. I don't have a car, I use a small vertical shopping cart. I am two thirds across the street when this car decides to make a turn.
Into me.
At first I thought it would be a rolling stop. Slow way down to allow me to finish crossing even though he was in the wrong turning lane from the get go. If I was an on-coming car he would have almost hit the car. Instead he was trying to hit me.
I'm in-between him and the sidewalk. He does not slow down. I'm covered with light as I scream Stop!
Twice.
He never stops but slows down a bit more as I make my way to the sidewalk.
I am angry. He is half way down the block.
I would have cursed him out for not seeing me. I'm not that spiritual when people aim a car at me. Spirit understands it is one of my many shortcomings.
I would tell that person that he had no place he had to go to that was worth trying to run me down.
I need to know what phone cal or meet-up was so important that it required you to turn into the wrong lane and not see me? Cuz you were in the wrong lane and I know this because the person driving a car in the correct lane could not make the turn because you slunked beside him in the wrong non-existent lane and tried to turn into me.
I hate mobile phones in cars. I hate distracted drivers and most of all I hate the lack of civility that passes for status these days.
There is no place to go or find that doesn't have lunk heads behind the wheel. I re-affirm my desire for $15 a gallon gas and computer driven electronic cars.
Or the functional development of a transporter. If I have a choice, Transporter!
I am fine. I am grateful for a big mouth. And to be typing this. I don't recommend it as a permanent cure for writer's block.
Still, you gotta go with what works.
There are also people that transcend geography that have a tendency to piss off 8 out of 10 pedestrians. Now I don't want to cast all those who drive BMWs and Mercedes in a bad light. But I would swear that it is part of the code of automotive arrogance that allow almost hitting pedestrians is a badge of honor.
A few minuets ago I was bringing my laundry home. I don't have a car, I use a small vertical shopping cart. I am two thirds across the street when this car decides to make a turn.
Into me.
At first I thought it would be a rolling stop. Slow way down to allow me to finish crossing even though he was in the wrong turning lane from the get go. If I was an on-coming car he would have almost hit the car. Instead he was trying to hit me.
I'm in-between him and the sidewalk. He does not slow down. I'm covered with light as I scream Stop!
Twice.
He never stops but slows down a bit more as I make my way to the sidewalk.
I am angry. He is half way down the block.
I would have cursed him out for not seeing me. I'm not that spiritual when people aim a car at me. Spirit understands it is one of my many shortcomings.
I would tell that person that he had no place he had to go to that was worth trying to run me down.
I need to know what phone cal or meet-up was so important that it required you to turn into the wrong lane and not see me? Cuz you were in the wrong lane and I know this because the person driving a car in the correct lane could not make the turn because you slunked beside him in the wrong non-existent lane and tried to turn into me.
I hate mobile phones in cars. I hate distracted drivers and most of all I hate the lack of civility that passes for status these days.
There is no place to go or find that doesn't have lunk heads behind the wheel. I re-affirm my desire for $15 a gallon gas and computer driven electronic cars.
Or the functional development of a transporter. If I have a choice, Transporter!
I am fine. I am grateful for a big mouth. And to be typing this. I don't recommend it as a permanent cure for writer's block.
Still, you gotta go with what works.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
The BBC, Rastani and My Lack of Sleep
On September 26, 2011. Alessio Rastani scared the hell out of folks in the UK and Europe. He also worked my nerves something terrible. I was so messed up I couldn't even read or do anything worth a damn.
For those folks that can't see the video he basically said in a clear, assertive voice that traders and brokers don't care about governments or stable societies. They are looking for profit. The next money fix.
This is not news but he said it in plain English. That was news.
And the work that others folks are trying to do to save Greece and parts of Europe aren't worth the effort because traders and financiers are looking for safe ports for their money, even if they have to stick them in U.S. dollars. It isn't about governments, it is about what Goldman Sachs wants and needs for monetary growth.
What has that got to do with me or you?
Business as usual you say. Well, he also said that he has been waiting for the next drop so he can make some serious bank. A drop that will clean out bank accounts around the world.
I can say with painful memory that small depressions are bad enough. The pure hell of 2001 nobody should wish on any group of people. 9/11+Dot Com bust+Enron all in the same year was quiet enough thank you very much.
And this man speaks of that type of event happening again like a cash money wet dream. It turns out that Mr. Rastani is not a big time trader. He is more of a dabbler.
Rastani is not technically a fraud but he does not roll with the big boys. The BBC did not fully verify his actual qualifications to appear on the broadcast. He is just a man who loves to talk, he wants to be a public speaker.
Rastani got his big break.
And yet,what Rastani said is the truth.
Not about Goldman Sachs. It isn't just that company. Be real.
We know there are people who would do anything to make huge sums of money. Ethics or societal responsibilities have nothing to do with it. In fact, we are being schooled that no one has any responsibility for anybody but themselves. The rest be damned unless you have money to buy you way out of perdition.
It is the truth that we need to prepare for a serious cosmic money azz whipping or fiscal re-alignment. It is the truth that no one in government or those that aspire to public office has a clue on how to fix this. None. There is no desire to do so.
We are in palliative care mode at the moment. We cling to the side show when the main attractions are just too much to witness.
We need to have alternative sources to our food supply. How are we going handle brown and blackouts? Skills for services or products is going to make a comeback but do most folks have something to trade? Actually no, what do any of us know how to do that does not involve electricity?
You will not catch anyone from this side of the pond say the words that Rastani said on the BBC. He probably will not appear on any of the business or talking head American television programs. Really shouldn't have been on the BBC.
It makes what he said no less true.
That is why I was curled up in my bed trying to sleep with all kinds of thoughts romping through my head. I didn't sleep much at all.
For those folks that can't see the video he basically said in a clear, assertive voice that traders and brokers don't care about governments or stable societies. They are looking for profit. The next money fix.
This is not news but he said it in plain English. That was news.
And the work that others folks are trying to do to save Greece and parts of Europe aren't worth the effort because traders and financiers are looking for safe ports for their money, even if they have to stick them in U.S. dollars. It isn't about governments, it is about what Goldman Sachs wants and needs for monetary growth.
What has that got to do with me or you?
Business as usual you say. Well, he also said that he has been waiting for the next drop so he can make some serious bank. A drop that will clean out bank accounts around the world.
I can say with painful memory that small depressions are bad enough. The pure hell of 2001 nobody should wish on any group of people. 9/11+Dot Com bust+Enron all in the same year was quiet enough thank you very much.
And this man speaks of that type of event happening again like a cash money wet dream. It turns out that Mr. Rastani is not a big time trader. He is more of a dabbler.
Rastani is not technically a fraud but he does not roll with the big boys. The BBC did not fully verify his actual qualifications to appear on the broadcast. He is just a man who loves to talk, he wants to be a public speaker.
Rastani got his big break.
And yet,what Rastani said is the truth.
Not about Goldman Sachs. It isn't just that company. Be real.
We know there are people who would do anything to make huge sums of money. Ethics or societal responsibilities have nothing to do with it. In fact, we are being schooled that no one has any responsibility for anybody but themselves. The rest be damned unless you have money to buy you way out of perdition.
It is the truth that we need to prepare for a serious cosmic money azz whipping or fiscal re-alignment. It is the truth that no one in government or those that aspire to public office has a clue on how to fix this. None. There is no desire to do so.
We are in palliative care mode at the moment. We cling to the side show when the main attractions are just too much to witness.
We need to have alternative sources to our food supply. How are we going handle brown and blackouts? Skills for services or products is going to make a comeback but do most folks have something to trade? Actually no, what do any of us know how to do that does not involve electricity?
You will not catch anyone from this side of the pond say the words that Rastani said on the BBC. He probably will not appear on any of the business or talking head American television programs. Really shouldn't have been on the BBC.
It makes what he said no less true.
That is why I was curled up in my bed trying to sleep with all kinds of thoughts romping through my head. I didn't sleep much at all.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Yes, There Was Chocolate
I feel like that rabbit from Alice In Wonderland. Running here, late there and mumbling to myself.
I have video but I don't have time to edit just yet. My beloved computer is one foot from the grave and I can't make a decision on the replacement. It is a very personal thing. It has to be just right.
So does chocolate and access to it. Which is why I went to the Los Angeles Luxury Chocolate Salon that was held in Pasadena.
This was the fifth salon and my second one that I have attended. So many people! Seriously. Not near enough space for the chocoholics; of which there were many.
Special shout out to all the excellent chocomakers who participated and sliced, diced and gave to the teeming masses of humanity that flowed by their tables.
I'll have more later but I'm still in recovery from that most excellent choco-chilli morsel that lit up my mouth with a living incarnation of the pleasure/pain principle.
In the meantime, if you want to see some of the folks that presented at the festivities you can catch a glimpse at Chocolate Television on Hulu.
I have video but I don't have time to edit just yet. My beloved computer is one foot from the grave and I can't make a decision on the replacement. It is a very personal thing. It has to be just right.
So does chocolate and access to it. Which is why I went to the Los Angeles Luxury Chocolate Salon that was held in Pasadena.
This was the fifth salon and my second one that I have attended. So many people! Seriously. Not near enough space for the chocoholics; of which there were many.
Special shout out to all the excellent chocomakers who participated and sliced, diced and gave to the teeming masses of humanity that flowed by their tables.
I'll have more later but I'm still in recovery from that most excellent choco-chilli morsel that lit up my mouth with a living incarnation of the pleasure/pain principle.
In the meantime, if you want to see some of the folks that presented at the festivities you can catch a glimpse at Chocolate Television on Hulu.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
The Edge of Night and Memories
Before blogging there were web sites and e-newsletters. I started an e-newsletter to keep my computer students and my friends up to date about software programs and the Internet. My friends at the time didn't understand what the Internet was or why I was so jazzed about it. They thought it was something like CB Radio.
I made so many mistakes back then. Spelling, typing, factual; you name it I did it. I kept plugging away at it and I got better. I learned from other people. I learned I didn't have to write a book each time I hit the keyboard.
I didn't want to make money, I just wanted to let people know what was going on and how things were changing. It was a form of self expression. There is nothing wrong with that; despite what other will say about journal writing and blogging.
I was exploring, learning, laughing and connecting with other people who had interests other than what was on the soap operas. Not that there is anything wrong with soap operas or the people that love them. No disrespect intended.
Much love to The Edge of Night
A day in September 2001 changed that. I didn't know if there would be a tomorrow. I didn't trust the Bush administration. I didn't know if the war hawks would bomb first and figure out later.
I knew that I wanted to be of service and help. So I wrote about elephants in the room, emergency preparedness and looking out for each other.
The truth of the matter was that I was alone. I could call people and e-mail folks but for many hours I was by myself.
It was my edge of night in that I could be scared but if I was going out I wanted to do something positive. So, that is what I do.
There have been earthquakes, floods, fires and riots. There have been dark nights of the soul.
Lots of them.
So my memories and lessons about that time carry forward. Be of service. Keep learning. Make more contacts and friends. Limit the negative voices. Live in the day.
I still make mistakes.
It is all right.
I made so many mistakes back then. Spelling, typing, factual; you name it I did it. I kept plugging away at it and I got better. I learned from other people. I learned I didn't have to write a book each time I hit the keyboard.
I didn't want to make money, I just wanted to let people know what was going on and how things were changing. It was a form of self expression. There is nothing wrong with that; despite what other will say about journal writing and blogging.
I was exploring, learning, laughing and connecting with other people who had interests other than what was on the soap operas. Not that there is anything wrong with soap operas or the people that love them. No disrespect intended.
Much love to The Edge of Night
A day in September 2001 changed that. I didn't know if there would be a tomorrow. I didn't trust the Bush administration. I didn't know if the war hawks would bomb first and figure out later.
I knew that I wanted to be of service and help. So I wrote about elephants in the room, emergency preparedness and looking out for each other.
The truth of the matter was that I was alone. I could call people and e-mail folks but for many hours I was by myself.
It was my edge of night in that I could be scared but if I was going out I wanted to do something positive. So, that is what I do.
There have been earthquakes, floods, fires and riots. There have been dark nights of the soul.
Lots of them.
So my memories and lessons about that time carry forward. Be of service. Keep learning. Make more contacts and friends. Limit the negative voices. Live in the day.
I still make mistakes.
It is all right.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Healing Spaces With Junk Mail
Many folks I know are practicing a media blackout until September 12, 2011. To the extent possible, I do not watch mainstream television and have just about given up on most broadcast news so most of the time I am out of the flow. I will be even more so on Sunday the 11th. I'm reading the book Water for Elephants instead.
I'm going through my junk mail. The PennySaver wants me to know that I can get a lap band if I want to invoke insurance verification.
I don't have PPO insurance. Don't want a lap band either.
Well, I would think about it if involved four men cradling me in their laps as they sung me to sleep. One guy to massage my feet. One man to rub my lower back, one fella for the shoulders and one songbird to sing in my ear.
That is a pleasing visualization. Let see what else I can salvage.
A satellite company want to give me the world and 225 channels for $34.99 including football.
I can't read the block of fine print on the other side. I believe that is intentional on the vendor's part. I can just about make out something like $135 if I don't do something in time or $20 per the remainder of the two year contract.
I'd feel bummed out but I don't watch free TV so why would I pay to watch infomercials and football?
Next ad is another lap band circular, this time telling me that freedom is losing the weight. No, freedom is a state of mind and my mind has the foot guy rubbing a bit on my ankles.
EZ Lube - yes I'm going there. No such thing. It is either goopy or runny and you can't just stick any old substance up the ying yang. You have to read the label to make sure it is compatible with your body.
I'm sad that I gotta think about such things but I have to be prepared for the future. What? I don't have a car. What else could I associate it with?
An insurance company wants to offer me affordable coverage. There is a huge honking apple on the paper. This remind me to tell you the fruit eating thing is working out. Mangos and strawberries work well but cherries are labor intensive.
The rest of the junk mail seems to be more of the same..
I place the papers into the recycle bin of life.
I'm going through my junk mail. The PennySaver wants me to know that I can get a lap band if I want to invoke insurance verification.
I don't have PPO insurance. Don't want a lap band either.
Well, I would think about it if involved four men cradling me in their laps as they sung me to sleep. One guy to massage my feet. One man to rub my lower back, one fella for the shoulders and one songbird to sing in my ear.
That is a pleasing visualization. Let see what else I can salvage.
A satellite company want to give me the world and 225 channels for $34.99 including football.
I can't read the block of fine print on the other side. I believe that is intentional on the vendor's part. I can just about make out something like $135 if I don't do something in time or $20 per the remainder of the two year contract.
I'd feel bummed out but I don't watch free TV so why would I pay to watch infomercials and football?
Next ad is another lap band circular, this time telling me that freedom is losing the weight. No, freedom is a state of mind and my mind has the foot guy rubbing a bit on my ankles.
EZ Lube - yes I'm going there. No such thing. It is either goopy or runny and you can't just stick any old substance up the ying yang. You have to read the label to make sure it is compatible with your body.
I'm sad that I gotta think about such things but I have to be prepared for the future. What? I don't have a car. What else could I associate it with?
An insurance company wants to offer me affordable coverage. There is a huge honking apple on the paper. This remind me to tell you the fruit eating thing is working out. Mangos and strawberries work well but cherries are labor intensive.
The rest of the junk mail seems to be more of the same..
I place the papers into the recycle bin of life.
Thursday, September 01, 2011
Another September Has Come
The smoothie of the day is a mixed berry kind of concoction. I would have like to have added a chunk of garlic to it to keep what has been biting me at night unhappy but I can't find the cloves. Too lazy to look for it.
I can imagine it. Some bloodsucker bug looking for an easy meal strolls up to my arm and takes a sniff. Just as he is about to break off a chunk of me he gets a snoot blast of Gilroy's finest garlic.
"Pee-yoo, that is some rank human! I'm not that hungry." He flutters to the nearest tiny crack in the door.
Yes, I must find the clove for the next batch. I don't know how well garlic goes with strawberries and blackberries. I'm adding a tablespoon of Cheap Chuck (aka Two Buck Chuck) to mellow things out. I was saving it for the earthquake kit but I can pick up another bottle easy.
Special shout out to the new east coast members of "Yes, it really was an earthquake" society.
Yo, y'all can't be running outside during a quake. Too much masonry that can conk you on the head. As a public service to quake newbies this is Martha, the Safety Gal. And some rubber duckies.
Don't hate, reciprocate. When California has a hurricane you are free to send me tips and suggestion.
Time Thief or Aging Is A Drag
I can smell the change of weather. I notice less light outside in the evening. Fall is coming.
I have mixed feeling about Fall. I always feel I get cheated out of more summer. I only get three months of official summer and spend the other nine wishing for more sun and heat.
It also means the great plans and life experiences I thought would happen either worked or didn't work.
That can make me sad but this year, no complaints really. I'm actually in gratitude mode. Grateful I can pay the bills, grateful I have outside interests. Grateful I have choices on what I want to do when I want to do it.
Well, no not really. One day last week I tried to stay up for 20 hours. I didn't get enough sleep on day one and I had two projects due on day 2 so I stayed up very late. I got them done but by day three I was a wreck. I came home and I slept 10 hours and could have used three more.
I was the person that could stay up through the Late Show, The Late, Late, Show and the Early movie. I could sleep for two hours then go to school, come home and start it all again.
Those days are gone. Other Septembers have taken my super power away. I'm left with a body that I have to take care of or there will be repercussions. Bad ones.
So for this week I have been good. A hit of garlic and early to bed. There has been slippages but the internal time clock is on my case. The TickTockMan is telling me to repent and I have no choice.
I do not mind being older but man I gotta say some aspects of aging are a stone cold bummer.
I can imagine it. Some bloodsucker bug looking for an easy meal strolls up to my arm and takes a sniff. Just as he is about to break off a chunk of me he gets a snoot blast of Gilroy's finest garlic.
"Pee-yoo, that is some rank human! I'm not that hungry." He flutters to the nearest tiny crack in the door.
Yes, I must find the clove for the next batch. I don't know how well garlic goes with strawberries and blackberries. I'm adding a tablespoon of Cheap Chuck (aka Two Buck Chuck) to mellow things out. I was saving it for the earthquake kit but I can pick up another bottle easy.
Special shout out to the new east coast members of "Yes, it really was an earthquake" society.
Yo, y'all can't be running outside during a quake. Too much masonry that can conk you on the head. As a public service to quake newbies this is Martha, the Safety Gal. And some rubber duckies.
Don't hate, reciprocate. When California has a hurricane you are free to send me tips and suggestion.
Time Thief or Aging Is A Drag
I can smell the change of weather. I notice less light outside in the evening. Fall is coming.
I have mixed feeling about Fall. I always feel I get cheated out of more summer. I only get three months of official summer and spend the other nine wishing for more sun and heat.
It also means the great plans and life experiences I thought would happen either worked or didn't work.
That can make me sad but this year, no complaints really. I'm actually in gratitude mode. Grateful I can pay the bills, grateful I have outside interests. Grateful I have choices on what I want to do when I want to do it.
Well, no not really. One day last week I tried to stay up for 20 hours. I didn't get enough sleep on day one and I had two projects due on day 2 so I stayed up very late. I got them done but by day three I was a wreck. I came home and I slept 10 hours and could have used three more.
I was the person that could stay up through the Late Show, The Late, Late, Show and the Early movie. I could sleep for two hours then go to school, come home and start it all again.
Those days are gone. Other Septembers have taken my super power away. I'm left with a body that I have to take care of or there will be repercussions. Bad ones.
So for this week I have been good. A hit of garlic and early to bed. There has been slippages but the internal time clock is on my case. The TickTockMan is telling me to repent and I have no choice.
I do not mind being older but man I gotta say some aspects of aging are a stone cold bummer.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Poetry In Plain Sight - Sean Raymond Hill
Sean Hill has no way of knowing this. I went to school with a roomful of guys with big Afros. I'm sure one of those Afros caused me to almost flunk French.
I came back to the present because it is better in the here and now. Sean is an actor and poet who was one of the guess poets at the most recent get together. This is a poem because today, no matter what day it is, we need a poem.
I came back to the present because it is better in the here and now. Sean is an actor and poet who was one of the guess poets at the most recent get together. This is a poem because today, no matter what day it is, we need a poem.
Poetry In Plain Sight - Don Kingfisher Campell 2
There are all sorts of ways to say I love you, I know you are present and thank you for affirming me. Poets are always reinventing the message.
It is a one to one to many relationship. Strangers are always included. Don is the ringleader of the San Gabriel Valley Poets writing workshop and poetry readings. His poety blog helps you to keep track of all his doings in the area.
Any poem that mentions the James Mason Thunderbird commercial is okay by me.
James Mason was a fine actor, a classy guy. But he was a real person too. There are times when the money gets funny. You have to do (within moral/ethical guidelines) what is necessary support yourself and your family.
Perhaps the reputation of Thunderbird wine was much different than it is today. From the two times he says "unusual taste" I am guessing no. Mr. Mason classed up the joint but the wine has traveled downhill in an alley near you.
Nasty, wicked stuff.
It is a one to one to many relationship. Strangers are always included. Don is the ringleader of the San Gabriel Valley Poets writing workshop and poetry readings. His poety blog helps you to keep track of all his doings in the area.
Any poem that mentions the James Mason Thunderbird commercial is okay by me.
James Mason was a fine actor, a classy guy. But he was a real person too. There are times when the money gets funny. You have to do (within moral/ethical guidelines) what is necessary support yourself and your family.
Perhaps the reputation of Thunderbird wine was much different than it is today. From the two times he says "unusual taste" I am guessing no. Mr. Mason classed up the joint but the wine has traveled downhill in an alley near you.
Nasty, wicked stuff.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Smoothies and Vibrators on a Thursday Afternoon
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Sunday, August 14, 2011
Glen A. Palmer on Jumping In on the Noise
There are times when people want to jump in and change the direction of what you wrote or want it to conform to what they think you should have done.
It take a lot to be willing to listen not only to the other person but also listening to your internal compass. This is Glen A. Palmer from the blog, The Gentlemen's Standard.Glen 's blog mixes in male fashion, faith, I don't know any other way to say this, man issues, and other good stuff at his blog.
I do encourage you to visit his blog because you will not see him represented in mainstream television or the news media. This is a child of a single parent. Look to see what he has accomplished and continues to create before you slap a stereotype on him.
I may not agree with everything on his blog but I do appreciate that his voice expands the discussion of what African American men are thinking and talking about.
Glen spoke at part of the panel on Authentic Voice at Blogging While Brown 2011 in Los Angeles.
Update 9/16/2011: I made an error. The speaker's name is Glen, not Greg. I don't know who Greg is but he is not Glen. I swear I checked and even visited the blog to make sure I had the right blog address. I did, just not the correct name. I have to fix the video but, yeah. I goofed.
It take a lot to be willing to listen not only to the other person but also listening to your internal compass. This is Glen A. Palmer from the blog, The Gentlemen's Standard.Glen 's blog mixes in male fashion, faith, I don't know any other way to say this, man issues, and other good stuff at his blog.
I do encourage you to visit his blog because you will not see him represented in mainstream television or the news media. This is a child of a single parent. Look to see what he has accomplished and continues to create before you slap a stereotype on him.
I may not agree with everything on his blog but I do appreciate that his voice expands the discussion of what African American men are thinking and talking about.
Glen spoke at part of the panel on Authentic Voice at Blogging While Brown 2011 in Los Angeles.
Update 9/16/2011: I made an error. The speaker's name is Glen, not Greg. I don't know who Greg is but he is not Glen. I swear I checked and even visited the blog to make sure I had the right blog address. I did, just not the correct name. I have to fix the video but, yeah. I goofed.
Yvelette Stines on Finding Time to Blog
This is Yvelette Stines talking about the need to making time to blog. She was one of the three panelists for the Authentic Voice session at Blogging While Brown 2011 in Los Angeles.
Yvelette has a blog called Caming Corners where you can get tips and advice on inspiration, health and beauty topics.
Postscript:
The air conditioner unit in the hotel was super loud. I had to find a software program that reduced the machine noise and amp up the speakers because there was also no working microphone.
It is not the best audio, but trust me, it sounded like she was speaking on the airport runway before I found a solution.
Yvelette has a blog called Caming Corners where you can get tips and advice on inspiration, health and beauty topics.
Postscript:
The air conditioner unit in the hotel was super loud. I had to find a software program that reduced the machine noise and amp up the speakers because there was also no working microphone.
It is not the best audio, but trust me, it sounded like she was speaking on the airport runway before I found a solution.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
It Was Rush and Then It Was Gone
I have been to seven BlogHer conventions. Each one has a different personality and tone. The energy and engagement changes from year to year. You should know that each year that I have gone I usually say to myself, "Ok, I've done it no need to visit again."
That last for about eight months and then I want to see folks and give it another go again. Because of the unexpected joy. This is a video from 5secondsformom on a Flash Mob dance at lunch.
It kinda represents what we can get out of the conference. Make it happen. Dance if you want it. You want business and professional sessions? Yes it was there. You want to learn how to make money via your blogs? Had that too.
You want to talk about camcorders and editing options? Righty-O there is a Geek Bar. Need your swag fix? You can be accommodated.
This year I really wanted to meet new folks and I did. I had to put out the effort and push past some of my inner bashfulness. (I'm more introverted than I let on, I just fake it well.)
There were moms. There were women who do not have children. Men folks. Transgendered folks. Most of all there was talking. And some squeeing. I have adapted to it.
If you can't squee at BlogHer then something is wrong in the world. I'm not a squeeker, I tend to ackkk!
Where There Bad Things?
Yes. The San Diego Convention Center Wi-Fi was spotty and non-functional for me at my Geek Bar session. It was for a lot of people. It happens. Folks do not believe that 3,000 Internet savvy women can cripple or knock out their system.
There was a thief who stole 15+ wallets that orbited the exhibition hall.
My knee didn't like the walk from the hotel to the convention center but the body needed to move.
It does seem that more marketers are creeping in the door but on the positive side maybe we can help them understand that not all women are moms, moms are not stupid and that perhaps you need to come to grips that this is now a multi-dimensional community.
Don't roll up bringing tired old scrips. Listen. Talk. Engage.
It takes a while to figure things out. Still processing. Not sure if I will go to New York City again. I'll let you know around April.
That last for about eight months and then I want to see folks and give it another go again. Because of the unexpected joy. This is a video from 5secondsformom on a Flash Mob dance at lunch.
It kinda represents what we can get out of the conference. Make it happen. Dance if you want it. You want business and professional sessions? Yes it was there. You want to learn how to make money via your blogs? Had that too.
You want to talk about camcorders and editing options? Righty-O there is a Geek Bar. Need your swag fix? You can be accommodated.
This year I really wanted to meet new folks and I did. I had to put out the effort and push past some of my inner bashfulness. (I'm more introverted than I let on, I just fake it well.)
There were moms. There were women who do not have children. Men folks. Transgendered folks. Most of all there was talking. And some squeeing. I have adapted to it.
If you can't squee at BlogHer then something is wrong in the world. I'm not a squeeker, I tend to ackkk!
Where There Bad Things?
Yes. The San Diego Convention Center Wi-Fi was spotty and non-functional for me at my Geek Bar session. It was for a lot of people. It happens. Folks do not believe that 3,000 Internet savvy women can cripple or knock out their system.
There was a thief who stole 15+ wallets that orbited the exhibition hall.
My knee didn't like the walk from the hotel to the convention center but the body needed to move.
It does seem that more marketers are creeping in the door but on the positive side maybe we can help them understand that not all women are moms, moms are not stupid and that perhaps you need to come to grips that this is now a multi-dimensional community.
Don't roll up bringing tired old scrips. Listen. Talk. Engage.
It takes a while to figure things out. Still processing. Not sure if I will go to New York City again. I'll let you know around April.
Monday, August 01, 2011
The Road So Far and Wide
I remember back in the day when I would see Leo Buscaglia on television, it seemed all of the time. I have always remembered the story he told about his father asking him, "What did you learn today?"
I woke up this early this morning. My body forgot it was on vacation. I listened to The History Guys podcast on Walt Whitman’s attention to wounded soldiers in Civil War Hospitals.
It was about love, tending and connections. Things I have not felt of late emanating from the public discourse.
I putter though the idiocy of the budget crisis and I just want to disconnect from everything.
Almost. And then I got to thinking. Leo's father's question came up again.
"What did you learn today?"
It is that love thing. We have been fed such as nasty diet of bile and political ickyness that we have no national capacity to love anything or anyone not in our direct tribe or vested interest.
We will sink the nation because there can be no accommodation to consider the greater good. For all of us, not just corporate or power interests. Not just for the poor folk. Not just for foreign national's interests.
So. How do we reclaim our love for our country? How do we non-hate based carbon units not just take it back but embrace and nurture what we believe to be our better self?
There has to be some kind of reconciliation. We are no where need that concept. Not now. I haven't any answers. I just know that I am not built for disengagement unless there is absolutely no hope of change.
There has to be a better way.
I woke up this early this morning. My body forgot it was on vacation. I listened to The History Guys podcast on Walt Whitman’s attention to wounded soldiers in Civil War Hospitals.
It was about love, tending and connections. Things I have not felt of late emanating from the public discourse.
I putter though the idiocy of the budget crisis and I just want to disconnect from everything.
Almost. And then I got to thinking. Leo's father's question came up again.
"What did you learn today?"
It is that love thing. We have been fed such as nasty diet of bile and political ickyness that we have no national capacity to love anything or anyone not in our direct tribe or vested interest.
We will sink the nation because there can be no accommodation to consider the greater good. For all of us, not just corporate or power interests. Not just for the poor folk. Not just for foreign national's interests.
So. How do we reclaim our love for our country? How do we non-hate based carbon units not just take it back but embrace and nurture what we believe to be our better self?
There has to be some kind of reconciliation. We are no where need that concept. Not now. I haven't any answers. I just know that I am not built for disengagement unless there is absolutely no hope of change.
There has to be a better way.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Living in the Time of Asperand
I learned a new word today. Asperand I like saying it but I have to work at remembering how to say the word. There is a lot of competition for my brain cells. Asperand is the actual name for @ now commonly known as the at symbol.
My retention thing has changed from"give me all you got" to "that is it for today, thank you but the storeroom is closed. " I don't like it but some days I gotta shut down open access and monitor what goes in and stays around to mess with my brain.
Here I am standing on the nexus point between what was and what is and all kind of stuff is going on. Av at BlogHer took on the CA Milk Board advertisements about PMS and milk.
Just as that foolishness has been dealt with the Summer's Eve ads that have three, count them, three different ethnic groups of women riled up. This is another video in the series about how 70 percent of us don't know the name or can identify our lady bits.
I got folks e-mail and twittering the heck out of this stuff. It needs a response. It is an video asperand that is a symbolic of what people and companies will do to sell a product.
Well, I'm sitting this one out. I'm just tuckered. My attention this week was across the creek looking at how the News Corporation/empire might fall. I am holding on patiently expecting the unthinkable into reality.
I'm sorry but others will have to take up the slack.
This is the time of the Asperand because we look at, point at, twitter at and have forgotten that there are real people having to co-exist with dumb ass clucks.
Clucks that think they know real people enough to sell them anything if they hit the right emotional and cultural buttons. Pain them and cure them for a price.
And who came up with the bright idea to have Summer's Eve ads before the showing of a Harry Potter movie?
Have at it folks. I am taking a walk from this foolishness. I'll catch up and see what next week will bring but I have limited expectations.
I'm taking a walk and having a confab with a few trees. I've got to shake a few more asperands out of my head.
My retention thing has changed from"give me all you got" to "that is it for today, thank you but the storeroom is closed. " I don't like it but some days I gotta shut down open access and monitor what goes in and stays around to mess with my brain.
Here I am standing on the nexus point between what was and what is and all kind of stuff is going on. Av at BlogHer took on the CA Milk Board advertisements about PMS and milk.
Just as that foolishness has been dealt with the Summer's Eve ads that have three, count them, three different ethnic groups of women riled up. This is another video in the series about how 70 percent of us don't know the name or can identify our lady bits.
I got folks e-mail and twittering the heck out of this stuff. It needs a response. It is an video asperand that is a symbolic of what people and companies will do to sell a product.
Well, I'm sitting this one out. I'm just tuckered. My attention this week was across the creek looking at how the News Corporation/empire might fall. I am holding on patiently expecting the unthinkable into reality.
I'm sorry but others will have to take up the slack.
This is the time of the Asperand because we look at, point at, twitter at and have forgotten that there are real people having to co-exist with dumb ass clucks.
Clucks that think they know real people enough to sell them anything if they hit the right emotional and cultural buttons. Pain them and cure them for a price.
And who came up with the bright idea to have Summer's Eve ads before the showing of a Harry Potter movie?
Have at it folks. I am taking a walk from this foolishness. I'll catch up and see what next week will bring but I have limited expectations.
I'm taking a walk and having a confab with a few trees. I've got to shake a few more asperands out of my head.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Cheryl Contee on Networking and Watching The Old Guard
You learn something everyday and sometimes twice a day. Then again, you can be reminded of things you should have known.
In this clip, Cheryl Contee of JackandJillPolitics.com talks about the importance of networking, paying attention and keeping you eyes on the prior generation politicians who claim to be working on your behalf.
I am an old city girl. I know about the political okey-doke. Apparently, so do members of Congress; including ones you kinda hoped they would do better.
In this clip, Cheryl Contee of JackandJillPolitics.com talks about the importance of networking, paying attention and keeping you eyes on the prior generation politicians who claim to be working on your behalf.
I am an old city girl. I know about the political okey-doke. Apparently, so do members of Congress; including ones you kinda hoped they would do better.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Rashad Robinson on Accountability and Obama
This is a short video that I recorded during the session Keeping It Real: Political Accountability in the Age of Obama. This was one of many sessions at the Blogging While Brown conference held in Los Angeles.
In this clip, Rashad is talking about how other groups network together to at least get their agenda on the discussion table. What can we learn and emulate is the question.
Rashad Robinson is the Executive Director of Colorofchange.org where 800,000 voice work together to deal with the issues of the day using the tools of technology.
In this clip, Rashad is talking about how other groups network together to at least get their agenda on the discussion table. What can we learn and emulate is the question.
Rashad Robinson is the Executive Director of Colorofchange.org where 800,000 voice work together to deal with the issues of the day using the tools of technology.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Poetry In Plain Sight - Eli Goitein
It has been a while since I've posted poetry. My computer and I are trying to hold on until I get a new souped up power gizmo i5 or i7 level computer. Editing on a Dual Core CPU is no longer a joy when you are editing high definition video.
All of the new software is geared toward Windows 7 and, well, production has slowed down when it hasn't flat out choked. My CPU meter is living in the red zone.
It is a knock down drag out fight but we are now in an understanding phase. I understand that I can only have one software program open at a time and it understands that all I want is one short video to edit.
This is the first video under the current truce agreement. Eli Goitein seems to be a man that does many things. One of those things is poetry. The reading took place at the San Gabriel Valley Poetry Reading at the Santa Clarita branch of the Pasadena, CA Library.
All of the new software is geared toward Windows 7 and, well, production has slowed down when it hasn't flat out choked. My CPU meter is living in the red zone.
It is a knock down drag out fight but we are now in an understanding phase. I understand that I can only have one software program open at a time and it understands that all I want is one short video to edit.
This is the first video under the current truce agreement. Eli Goitein seems to be a man that does many things. One of those things is poetry. The reading took place at the San Gabriel Valley Poetry Reading at the Santa Clarita branch of the Pasadena, CA Library.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
The Never Ending Need To Be Touched
Our time seems to only validate the bad touch. The married politician looking for outside nookie. The celebrity caught with her panties off in front of paparazzi.
What if you want to be touched and no one wants to do it? Or remembers the reason why it is important? I'm trying to make time for the things I like and it seems that poetry is always taking a back seat.
This is a poem called Touch Me by Stanley Kunitz read at the Geraldine R. Dodge Poetry Festival. It shouldn't matter that he is 92 something years old. It does matter that he is speaking a universal truth.
What if you want to be touched and no one wants to do it? Or remembers the reason why it is important? I'm trying to make time for the things I like and it seems that poetry is always taking a back seat.
This is a poem called Touch Me by Stanley Kunitz read at the Geraldine R. Dodge Poetry Festival. It shouldn't matter that he is 92 something years old. It does matter that he is speaking a universal truth.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Quick Recap on Blogging While Brown Conference
I'm stealing a little of my shrinking morning time to say how much I enjoyed the 2011 Blogging While Brown conference in Los Angeles. I do have photos and videos that I will be posting in a few days.
I knew going into the conference my intent was to listen and meet folks. I messed up one time when I found myself talking in one of the sessions but it is the effort that counts.
I feel encourage that there are so many new folks coming on board wanting to use the tools of blogging for advocacy and to generate alternative sources of income. No matter what your purpose is you have to remember the importance of content, good content that will get you to your goal.
And to those misguided souls considering being a payola pimp for products? Nooooooo. Don't do it. Many have crashed and burned following that path of broken glass.
There were a lot of photos and camcorders at the event so I'm expecting a bunch of good stuff appearing soon. Thanks to the sponsors who made the event possible.
I knew going into the conference my intent was to listen and meet folks. I messed up one time when I found myself talking in one of the sessions but it is the effort that counts.
I feel encourage that there are so many new folks coming on board wanting to use the tools of blogging for advocacy and to generate alternative sources of income. No matter what your purpose is you have to remember the importance of content, good content that will get you to your goal.
And to those misguided souls considering being a payola pimp for products? Nooooooo. Don't do it. Many have crashed and burned following that path of broken glass.
There were a lot of photos and camcorders at the event so I'm expecting a bunch of good stuff appearing soon. Thanks to the sponsors who made the event possible.
Friday, July 08, 2011
Why I'm Going To Blogging While Brown
I'm not a blogging newbie. I was on the Internet before blogging was birthed.
I remember when I had to work in HTML and then FTP web pages up to the server only to find that I had goofed on something and had to do it all over again.
I learned things. How to stay out of old school chat rooms that were not moderated. How to write gender ambiguously so as not to have my words dismissed from jump street. To lurk and get the lay of the land to see if it was safe to be my authentic self.
Then came my own blog. Videoblogging. BlogHer. Care2 and so much more. And yet for umpteen years I've manage to miss the Blogging While Brown conference. Mainly due to distance and/or financial constrictions.
Not this time. I have my ticket and I am going!
Here is why:
When dumb ass clucks want to suggest that a black child in slavery is better off than a 21st century free person and a presidential candidate signs off with pride I need to go and anyone who wants to start a blog to do so.
I need to talk with progressive and conservative folks to find the common ground and not light firewalls of division. I'm looking for people open for a dialog. I might find a few at the conference.
I ain't entertaining stupid. I've had my fill of bone stupid people from either side.
I don't care if you write about make-up, sports, power tools or sweetness of Auntie Renee's tea we need thinking, content producing folks, now, right now and soon.
Critical thinkers, for the love of God get to typing!
The crazy has brook loose and starting to multiply. All hands on deck.
I remember when I had to work in HTML and then FTP web pages up to the server only to find that I had goofed on something and had to do it all over again.
I learned things. How to stay out of old school chat rooms that were not moderated. How to write gender ambiguously so as not to have my words dismissed from jump street. To lurk and get the lay of the land to see if it was safe to be my authentic self.
Then came my own blog. Videoblogging. BlogHer. Care2 and so much more. And yet for umpteen years I've manage to miss the Blogging While Brown conference. Mainly due to distance and/or financial constrictions.
Not this time. I have my ticket and I am going!
Here is why:
When dumb ass clucks want to suggest that a black child in slavery is better off than a 21st century free person and a presidential candidate signs off with pride I need to go and anyone who wants to start a blog to do so.
I need to talk with progressive and conservative folks to find the common ground and not light firewalls of division. I'm looking for people open for a dialog. I might find a few at the conference.
I ain't entertaining stupid. I've had my fill of bone stupid people from either side.
I don't care if you write about make-up, sports, power tools or sweetness of Auntie Renee's tea we need thinking, content producing folks, now, right now and soon.
Critical thinkers, for the love of God get to typing!
The crazy has brook loose and starting to multiply. All hands on deck.
Friday, July 01, 2011
Dear New York Times This Is Why I Haven't Been Back
Dear NYT,
I got your most recent e-mail. Yes, I have cut back on traipsing around your web site. I know that I have 20 free visits. I appreciate that, I do. My friends, relations and colleagues keep sending me NYT links trying to get me to go check out a news story on your site.
I slip up now and again. Yet, like the song lyric says, I'm trying to walk away from a love.
You see, I don't like being made to feel like I am a poacher. I'm not. When you had open access to the Times I'd step in to read an article, find a source to cite or get lost in the photo slide shows from the magazine or your photographers and journalists media projects.
Actually it was Bitman that lured me to the web site and next thing I'd know I am exploring the photo essays. The videos of AO, JD and Sam were growing on me. It wasn't like I'd keep it to myself, I did communicate with other folks who also checked out the site.
And the old school NYT Archives?; totally faboo. Love it and might have mentioned it to a few library folks. I will try to curtail that in the future. I like archive digging but that also eats into the 20 visits per month.
So why haven't I been back?
First of all, this Internet thing does cost me money. I have to pay for the phone lines, the DSL connection and related charges. So do you plus an infrastructure I don't have to carry.
I know it takes cash money to produce a newspaper. Your newspaper is worth it but dang if I can abide or cypher your pricing schemes.
Dude/Dudette, it makes no sense.
$799 for total paper and digital access per year
$499 for digital only access for a year via smart phones and my desktop
$385 for actual weekday paper and all digital access for a year
$390 for Sunday only paper and all digital access for a year
$220 for Kindle only access per year
$195 for Web only (desktop) access
$19.99 for a monthly Kindle only access
$0.99 cents a daily Kindle issue
$1.75 to $2 for the print newspaper, depending on where I bought it.
It boggles my mind.
If I just look at it from a Kindle point of view, I'm not paying $19.99 a month to read the NYT on an six inch e-reader. I just figured out Article Mode but that only works for the text stories. The other features I like are not going to be accessible on an e-ink Kindle or my cheap smartphone because that would be a separate subscription.
I might splurge 99 cents on a day paper purchase but do I get to keep the day or does it disappear at midnight?
Once every other week I do buy the a paper edition. I get to hang on to it and read as much of it as I can. It takes a while.
You see my problem?
It's not you. It is me.
I'm not paying three separate subscriptions.
I don't want the paper version more than once a week. I don't want to start tracking how many times I've been to the site and I don't want to see that little tag that says I have four visits left.
I'm not a poacher, as many current and ex-journalists have cast web visitors like myself. Some of them even work for your newspaper. They should know better than to refer to visitors as poachers.
If they feel that way about it I don't have to come to the New York Times.
I think it is time for a trial separation. I've been looking around. I've even voluntarily gone to, you know, the Los Angeles Times web site.
Sigh, I know.
It's not the same but I need time to think.
I'll let you know.
I got your most recent e-mail. Yes, I have cut back on traipsing around your web site. I know that I have 20 free visits. I appreciate that, I do. My friends, relations and colleagues keep sending me NYT links trying to get me to go check out a news story on your site.
I slip up now and again. Yet, like the song lyric says, I'm trying to walk away from a love.
You see, I don't like being made to feel like I am a poacher. I'm not. When you had open access to the Times I'd step in to read an article, find a source to cite or get lost in the photo slide shows from the magazine or your photographers and journalists media projects.
Actually it was Bitman that lured me to the web site and next thing I'd know I am exploring the photo essays. The videos of AO, JD and Sam were growing on me. It wasn't like I'd keep it to myself, I did communicate with other folks who also checked out the site.
And the old school NYT Archives?; totally faboo. Love it and might have mentioned it to a few library folks. I will try to curtail that in the future. I like archive digging but that also eats into the 20 visits per month.
So why haven't I been back?
First of all, this Internet thing does cost me money. I have to pay for the phone lines, the DSL connection and related charges. So do you plus an infrastructure I don't have to carry.
I know it takes cash money to produce a newspaper. Your newspaper is worth it but dang if I can abide or cypher your pricing schemes.
Dude/Dudette, it makes no sense.
$799 for total paper and digital access per year
$499 for digital only access for a year via smart phones and my desktop
$385 for actual weekday paper and all digital access for a year
$390 for Sunday only paper and all digital access for a year
$220 for Kindle only access per year
$195 for Web only (desktop) access
$19.99 for a monthly Kindle only access
$0.99 cents a daily Kindle issue
$1.75 to $2 for the print newspaper, depending on where I bought it.
It boggles my mind.
If I just look at it from a Kindle point of view, I'm not paying $19.99 a month to read the NYT on an six inch e-reader. I just figured out Article Mode but that only works for the text stories. The other features I like are not going to be accessible on an e-ink Kindle or my cheap smartphone because that would be a separate subscription.
I might splurge 99 cents on a day paper purchase but do I get to keep the day or does it disappear at midnight?
Once every other week I do buy the a paper edition. I get to hang on to it and read as much of it as I can. It takes a while.
You see my problem?
It's not you. It is me.
I'm not paying three separate subscriptions.
I don't want the paper version more than once a week. I don't want to start tracking how many times I've been to the site and I don't want to see that little tag that says I have four visits left.
I'm not a poacher, as many current and ex-journalists have cast web visitors like myself. Some of them even work for your newspaper. They should know better than to refer to visitors as poachers.
If they feel that way about it I don't have to come to the New York Times.
I think it is time for a trial separation. I've been looking around. I've even voluntarily gone to, you know, the Los Angeles Times web site.
Sigh, I know.
It's not the same but I need time to think.
I'll let you know.
Friday, June 24, 2011
La Canada Flintridge 2011 Shakespeare Festival
In the spirit of helping folks find stuff to do for your third year of staycation I have a peace offering to the theater. If you are near the La Canada Flintridge boarder I ask that you give serious consideration to a live theater experience at the La Canada Flintridge Shakespeare Festival.
I've got something for you.
This ain't your pappy's set of dry ole performances. I got the straight skivvy from one of the performers that MacBeth has been reinterpreted:
How many times can you stay at home at watching Mad Men anyway? Don't answer that.
Anyway, there is an opportunity to dine on the grass and experience the play as Shakespeare would have done it, outside under the stars. There are four plays that will alternate so if you don't want to take a chance on Mac there are other items for the selection.
No, it isn't free but it is very affordable. The performances take place at Byrnes Amphitheatre, Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy's campus 440 St. Katherine Drive, La Canada CA 91011.
Bring your sweaters cuz it gets nippy outside after 8 p.m.
Sadly, the inadequacy of the Los Angeles mass transit system prevents me from attending but if you have a car in good condition you shouldn't have any problems.
I've got something for you.
This ain't your pappy's set of dry ole performances. I got the straight skivvy from one of the performers that MacBeth has been reinterpreted:
Inspired by Shakespeare’s Macbeth, After the Autumn is a contemporary tragedy that asks the question: are we fated to be who we are, or do we have the power to change our own path?I'm not just copying from the web site, one of the salt miner '49s is in the performance.
How many times can you stay at home at watching Mad Men anyway? Don't answer that.
Anyway, there is an opportunity to dine on the grass and experience the play as Shakespeare would have done it, outside under the stars. There are four plays that will alternate so if you don't want to take a chance on Mac there are other items for the selection.
No, it isn't free but it is very affordable. The performances take place at Byrnes Amphitheatre, Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy's campus 440 St. Katherine Drive, La Canada CA 91011.
Bring your sweaters cuz it gets nippy outside after 8 p.m.
Sadly, the inadequacy of the Los Angeles mass transit system prevents me from attending but if you have a car in good condition you shouldn't have any problems.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
The 21st Century Political Minstrel Video Show
Some of my questions have been answered and new ones take their place. This is hopefully my last post on the political media connections to the traditional form of minstrel theater.
It is my exploration. If you don't know what minstrel theater is check out my prior posts on the subject:
Minstrel theater is institutional racism that makes a profit at the expense of other people. It is a living laboratory of prejudice, class and power. It is not just a white/black dynamic. It is an uncomfortable, itchy culturally shared history.
For the record, there were black performers who willingly wore the cork. There were many people who refused.
There are African American performers today who wear the invisible cork and can't deposit money fast enough. There are other performers who refuse and still need two trucks to carry it to the bank.
I've selected this video as the 21st century representation of current political video minstrelsy:
I dogged it back to the source of TurnRightUSA where the creator is very proud and ecstatic that his video has had such as response.
The creator of the video has been supported with comments that ring with hate for anyone with a liberal/progressive point of view, of support of the message of the video and, "Why are black people upset? Have you seen a rap video lately?
Why This Video Is 21st Century Minstrelsy
1. Minstrelsy needs fear. It needs to generate anticipatory fear and make it tasty. Red demon eyes on stripper. That would be a check in the affirmative column.
2. Minstrelsy depends on the presentation of black people as the other. The other is presented as a fool, a grifter or a predator. The other is always lesser than the viewer.
Let's see now, two black fools with money and guns. Check to the second power.
3. Minstrelsy needs an Interlocutor acting as the Voice of Authority guiding the audience into the super secret black world, in this case, two black men and a white woman acting as a stripper.
Instead of proving the allegations the video spends a great deal of time invoking images of assorted criminals flashing across the screen.
It is just a buzzing repetition over and over as our modern day Mr. Tambo and Mr. Bones get busy with a bucking azz in hot pants wiggling in anticipation.
4. That is also a feature of minstrel theater. Sex and violence. The early minstrel shows before E.P. Christy were loaded with stereotypical sex and violence; with black men going stone cold crazy over white women.
Let's see, AK-47, check, flipping fanny being stuffed with money, double check.
5. The big finish is a call to action. Support the one (white) man who can deliver you from evil, skanky stripper women running for congress and gangsters who threaten to take our country.
Epilog
There will be much more sophisticated political videos to come in the current election cycle. There will be more trashy ones too.
If the video or political media messages needs racism, sexism and stereotypes to convey their point of view then yes, they are partying like it is 1849.
All I'm asking thinking people to do is look and see if those communications are applying the minstrel template to sell their message. Sometimes it will be tricky but the template will rat them out most of the time.
Like I said, this is my opinion. I based it on my readings, research and my own understanding of my experiences as an African American woman. For some of you that isn't enough.
To borrow a well known Twitter hashtag from Mrs. Erin Kotecki Vest, #suckit
In a few days or weeks, there will be another video that will make this one look like cotton candy. How will you handle it?
It is my exploration. If you don't know what minstrel theater is check out my prior posts on the subject:
- The Minstrel Show - Minstrel 101
- The Minstrel Show - History in a Nutshell
- The Minstrel Show - I've Seen This Before
Minstrel theater is institutional racism that makes a profit at the expense of other people. It is a living laboratory of prejudice, class and power. It is not just a white/black dynamic. It is an uncomfortable, itchy culturally shared history.
For the record, there were black performers who willingly wore the cork. There were many people who refused.
There are African American performers today who wear the invisible cork and can't deposit money fast enough. There are other performers who refuse and still need two trucks to carry it to the bank.
I've selected this video as the 21st century representation of current political video minstrelsy:
I dogged it back to the source of TurnRightUSA where the creator is very proud and ecstatic that his video has had such as response.
The creator of the video has been supported with comments that ring with hate for anyone with a liberal/progressive point of view, of support of the message of the video and, "Why are black people upset? Have you seen a rap video lately?
Why This Video Is 21st Century Minstrelsy
1. Minstrelsy needs fear. It needs to generate anticipatory fear and make it tasty. Red demon eyes on stripper. That would be a check in the affirmative column.
2. Minstrelsy depends on the presentation of black people as the other. The other is presented as a fool, a grifter or a predator. The other is always lesser than the viewer.
Let's see now, two black fools with money and guns. Check to the second power.
3. Minstrelsy needs an Interlocutor acting as the Voice of Authority guiding the audience into the super secret black world, in this case, two black men and a white woman acting as a stripper.
Instead of proving the allegations the video spends a great deal of time invoking images of assorted criminals flashing across the screen.
It is just a buzzing repetition over and over as our modern day Mr. Tambo and Mr. Bones get busy with a bucking azz in hot pants wiggling in anticipation.
4. That is also a feature of minstrel theater. Sex and violence. The early minstrel shows before E.P. Christy were loaded with stereotypical sex and violence; with black men going stone cold crazy over white women.
Let's see, AK-47, check, flipping fanny being stuffed with money, double check.
5. The big finish is a call to action. Support the one (white) man who can deliver you from evil, skanky stripper women running for congress and gangsters who threaten to take our country.
Epilog
There will be much more sophisticated political videos to come in the current election cycle. There will be more trashy ones too.
If the video or political media messages needs racism, sexism and stereotypes to convey their point of view then yes, they are partying like it is 1849.
All I'm asking thinking people to do is look and see if those communications are applying the minstrel template to sell their message. Sometimes it will be tricky but the template will rat them out most of the time.
Like I said, this is my opinion. I based it on my readings, research and my own understanding of my experiences as an African American woman. For some of you that isn't enough.
To borrow a well known Twitter hashtag from Mrs. Erin Kotecki Vest, #suckit
In a few days or weeks, there will be another video that will make this one look like cotton candy. How will you handle it?
The Make Up Wonder Woman
Those of use who are nerd/geek girls who read the original comic book have seen Wonder Woman in skirts, shorts, panties and damn near thongs.
Wonder Woman is the icon that made the other female comic super heroes possible. This is advertisement for MAC cosmetics. Diana, Princess of Paradise Island also known as Themyscira has fought many foe but I don't re-call that she used make-up to do it.
The ad was a tie-in to the proposed television series. It appears that NBC has rejected the pilot so the new television show isn't gong to happen for 2011.
This might not be a bad thing.
The Warner Brother Animated Series of Superman, Batman and the Justice League is a wonderful example of animated storytelling. This is a clip from the episode "The Man Who Has Everything" with Supes, Bats and Diana dealing with a very nasty Mongul.
It really was more than a cartoon show. The use of color, design, class-A voice actors and really good scripts took it three levels higher than the pablum fed to today's kids.
There is a generation of folk that have been raised on the later day animated series as their touch point of the characters. A live action series has to rise above this type of visual mythology.
There is not enough commitment, money, scripting or technology to make that happen on a standard live action 22 episode series. The next Wonder Woman series might have to be CGI based or a combination of animation and CGI.
It can't be about the costume or how good she looks in Flame Red #39. After all these years Diana of Themyscira deserves better.
Wonder Woman is the icon that made the other female comic super heroes possible. This is advertisement for MAC cosmetics. Diana, Princess of Paradise Island also known as Themyscira has fought many foe but I don't re-call that she used make-up to do it.
The ad was a tie-in to the proposed television series. It appears that NBC has rejected the pilot so the new television show isn't gong to happen for 2011.
This might not be a bad thing.
The Warner Brother Animated Series of Superman, Batman and the Justice League is a wonderful example of animated storytelling. This is a clip from the episode "The Man Who Has Everything" with Supes, Bats and Diana dealing with a very nasty Mongul.
It really was more than a cartoon show. The use of color, design, class-A voice actors and really good scripts took it three levels higher than the pablum fed to today's kids.
There is a generation of folk that have been raised on the later day animated series as their touch point of the characters. A live action series has to rise above this type of visual mythology.
There is not enough commitment, money, scripting or technology to make that happen on a standard live action 22 episode series. The next Wonder Woman series might have to be CGI based or a combination of animation and CGI.
It can't be about the costume or how good she looks in Flame Red #39. After all these years Diana of Themyscira deserves better.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
The Minstrel Show - Minstrel 101
So, in my exploration of how this video, Give Us Your Cash, a racist, sexist low class statement about a politician qualifications came into being? It is too easy to go with the usual answers.
You have to look at the American minstrel heritage to get a better understanding. This is a look at the structure of the performances.
It was a free for all until a structured theatrical format was created. Many of the sources that I read cite E.P. Christy's The Christy Minstrels as the first group that developed the framework of the performances.
One of the performers, G.W. Moore, wrote a book about his theatrical experiences, knowledge of the Ethiopian people and some of the routines of the day. The book is called Bones: his anecdotes and goaks [by] G.W. Moore, the original Christy Minstrel. I accessed the book at the Hathi Trust Digital Library. The book is in the public domain.
I'll let Mr. Moore help you get acclimated with the language of the performance and his opinion on the linguistical skills of the black population:
The performers enter and present themselves to the audience, usually by music and dance. They are arraigned in a semi-circle facing the audience. Mr. Moore elucidates:
Basically you have white men in costume, black face make-up and wigs that are controlled by Mr. Interlocutor.
Mr. Interlocutor:
The Interlocutor was the medium/interpreter that communicated with the performers. Most of the time the interlocutor was also in black face make-up but not always. In this segment of the show the Interlocutor would set up the jokes of the day, songs and jabs. There would be two men, Mr. Tambo on the left and Mr. Bones on the right would respond to the questions using stereotyped expressions to float the joke.
From our text of the day comes an example of a routine that Mr. Tambo and Mr. Bones might share with the audience:
Next, the Interlocutor introduced specialty acts that had longer skits, dance numbers or songs or a combination. This is and example by Cotton and Chick Watts:
The specialty act could be a parody of a play, an extended dance number or what ever the talent could provide on that particular night. Often included in the specialty act was a "stump" speech by a political character who mangled proper English.
The Afterpiece:
This could be a riff on a opera, the musical joy and rapture of being on a southern plantation or an extended walk-around.
According to Mr. Moore, Blacks are a fearful sort of being. I don't want to invoke his wrath at being quoted out of context so I'm going to make sure he has his final say:
Social Media 1800s Style
I have been using the theater a visual example but minstrel performances were not restricted to just indoors. They certainly would have been included in advertising, medicine shows, traveling independent performers, bars and other public performance spaces.
Sheet music would have been the mp3 player of the day. To be historically accurate there were some black folks selling songs and jokes on the down low to white performers. There were some who snuck on the stage violating state law against blacks and white mixing.
Minstrel shows were entertainment productions with a long lasting cultural impact. The stereotypes, ignorance and prejudice transferred from theater, film, radio, television and current new media.
Next up: My Understanding 21st Century Political Minstrel Videos
Minstrel 101 Resources
Bones: his anecdotes and goaks [by] G.W. Moore, the original Christy minstrel published 1870 located at the HathiTrust Digital Library.
American Minstrel Show Collection with brief history of structure of minstrel shows by Princeton University Library Rare and Special Collections Department.
Lift Every Voice - Music In American Life Albert H. Small Special Collections Library at the University of Virginia.
You have to look at the American minstrel heritage to get a better understanding. This is a look at the structure of the performances.
It was a free for all until a structured theatrical format was created. Many of the sources that I read cite E.P. Christy's The Christy Minstrels as the first group that developed the framework of the performances.
One of the performers, G.W. Moore, wrote a book about his theatrical experiences, knowledge of the Ethiopian people and some of the routines of the day. The book is called Bones: his anecdotes and goaks [by] G.W. Moore, the original Christy Minstrel. I accessed the book at the Hathi Trust Digital Library. The book is in the public domain.
I'll let Mr. Moore help you get acclimated with the language of the performance and his opinion on the linguistical skills of the black population:
The black population of the United States, are quiteImagine that you are in a dark theater. The curtain goes up and you are transported to the 1800s.
different from the white, in the way they pronounce the
English language, and also in their actions. I have seldom
heard a negro say yes or no direct; for instance, if you ask a
darkey to have a glass of brandy, (and he wanted it) he
would say, " Pass it 'long," "Han em ober," or "Tote dat
dis wa," but not " yes." Again, should he not want the
brandy, he would say, "Ho's yu torkin tu ? dun did kum
fulin yor time roun dis chile wid dat stuff," bwdt seldom "no."
Processional Entrance
The performers enter and present themselves to the audience, usually by music and dance. They are arraigned in a semi-circle facing the audience. Mr. Moore elucidates:
As far as I have been able to judge, I think that all the Ethiopian race are full of music. I knew a darkey who was Boots at the
Eagle Hotel, Buffalo, every time he used to sit down to his
meals, and before eating, he would sing—
Dar's music in de frien pan,
Dar's music in de kittel,
Dar's music in de nife an fork,
Wen I'm gwine to ete de wittel.
Brandi wil be brandi,
Anihow yu mix it;
Nigger wil be nigger,
Anihow yu fix it.
Basically you have white men in costume, black face make-up and wigs that are controlled by Mr. Interlocutor.
Mr. Interlocutor:
The Interlocutor was the medium/interpreter that communicated with the performers. Most of the time the interlocutor was also in black face make-up but not always. In this segment of the show the Interlocutor would set up the jokes of the day, songs and jabs. There would be two men, Mr. Tambo on the left and Mr. Bones on the right would respond to the questions using stereotyped expressions to float the joke.
From our text of the day comes an example of a routine that Mr. Tambo and Mr. Bones might share with the audience:
A HEAVY BLOW.
Sam. Sa, Bones, did yu here de news ? "We had de gratest blo doun our wa.
Bones. "Wat a kurry kane ?
S. Yes, wun ob dem kurricanes kum doun, and jus blow eberyting in de vilage hi, lo, Jack, an de game, it blow ebery house up, didn't lebe wun, blow ebery house up but
mine.
B. But yors ! how wus it yure house wusnt blone up ?
S. We had a heaby morgage on it, dat kep it doun.
B. Oh, we had wun ob dem in our vilage.
S. Wat, a blo ?
B. No, we had a firei
S. Afire?
B. Yes, red hot; jus kum in de vilage in de nite, an burn ebery house doun; den it kum in mi house, went up in de sellar, doun in de garret, all ober de furnitur, an neber
spilt a ting.
S. (astonished) Neber spilt a ting ?
B. No, we sabe eberyting in de house but de pianner.
S. Whi coodn't yu sabe de pianner.
B. Bekase de engines coodn't pla on de pianner.
Olio or Specialty Acts
Next, the Interlocutor introduced specialty acts that had longer skits, dance numbers or songs or a combination. This is and example by Cotton and Chick Watts:
The specialty act could be a parody of a play, an extended dance number or what ever the talent could provide on that particular night. Often included in the specialty act was a "stump" speech by a political character who mangled proper English.
The Afterpiece:
This could be a riff on a opera, the musical joy and rapture of being on a southern plantation or an extended walk-around.
According to Mr. Moore, Blacks are a fearful sort of being. I don't want to invoke his wrath at being quoted out of context so I'm going to make sure he has his final say:
I think I have explained enough about the blacks, that
you can appreciate the stories and eccentricities I shall
introduce; and I wish it to be distinctly understood,
that, in all things I may bring forward, no offence is meant
towards those who may happen to be of a different colour to
myself; as I have travelled in many parts of the globe, I beg
most respectfully to state, that I never look upon a man from
what place he comes from, but from the place he is worthy
of, believing He who made the white, also made the black,
and that they will stand the same chance as myself in the
world to come; therefore, all that I introduce will be for
your amusement, and trust the same will meet with your
approbation.
Social Media 1800s Style
I have been using the theater a visual example but minstrel performances were not restricted to just indoors. They certainly would have been included in advertising, medicine shows, traveling independent performers, bars and other public performance spaces.
Sheet music would have been the mp3 player of the day. To be historically accurate there were some black folks selling songs and jokes on the down low to white performers. There were some who snuck on the stage violating state law against blacks and white mixing.
Minstrel shows were entertainment productions with a long lasting cultural impact. The stereotypes, ignorance and prejudice transferred from theater, film, radio, television and current new media.
Next up: My Understanding 21st Century Political Minstrel Videos
Minstrel 101 Resources
Bones: his anecdotes and goaks [by] G.W. Moore, the original Christy minstrel published 1870 located at the HathiTrust Digital Library.
American Minstrel Show Collection with brief history of structure of minstrel shows by Princeton University Library Rare and Special Collections Department.
Lift Every Voice - Music In American Life Albert H. Small Special Collections Library at the University of Virginia.
June Gloom 2011
It is the middle of June Gloom. It happens every year. It is depressing for those of us that need sunlight.
People that revel in the overcast clouds and morning drizzle are happy. You can tell. They are the ones not complaining about the lack of sun.
Me? I'm miserable. Ok, maybe sun deprived. Same thing. When I am walking around I try to look at the surroundings. What has changed? Is it their any more?
The above photo is the Pasadena Museum of Art. The outside of the museum may have something to do with the current exhibition of California Graffiti art on display until September 4, 2011. The museum also has jazz performances on the roof during the summer so it is a great place to check out.
If you have issues with sunlight and heat, go now. Those that like it toasty, give it another three weeks.
People that revel in the overcast clouds and morning drizzle are happy. You can tell. They are the ones not complaining about the lack of sun.
Me? I'm miserable. Ok, maybe sun deprived. Same thing. When I am walking around I try to look at the surroundings. What has changed? Is it their any more?
The above photo is the Pasadena Museum of Art. The outside of the museum may have something to do with the current exhibition of California Graffiti art on display until September 4, 2011. The museum also has jazz performances on the roof during the summer so it is a great place to check out.
If you have issues with sunlight and heat, go now. Those that like it toasty, give it another three weeks.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
The Minstrel Show - History In a Nutshell
This is by necessity a conflated history of the theatrical minstrel show. The short version is that since the meeting of Africans and Europeans on American soil there has been minstrel performances and shows.
I'm starting in the 1900s but it goes back much further in time. This is where the tangles of history get complicated. In order for white folks to create theatrical minstrel shows you had to have black people, Christianity and spirituals.
There were former slaves that wanted to convert to Christianity. There were other freed men and women that were strongly encouraged or given no faith based choice in the matter. According to the New York Public Library Performing Desk Reference, the freed slaves looked at churches or religious groups that were similar to their African music practices.
Despite heavy segregation, there was a cross pollination of African and American/British spiritual music influences. Those influence moved from the sacred to the secular.
You also had the performances of the Fisk Jubilee Singers who traveled the world singing and raising money to support Fisk University. Their performances was another introduction to African American performers and music. These performers were talented, professional and presented the highest caliber of musicianship.
Yet, they didn't fit the stereotypical image of black people. According to the Fisk Jubilee Singers web site:
Thomas Rice put burnt cork on his face and started performing his version of the song. It was a hit and the song becomes an American standard.
Imitation is the sincerest form of making a dollar and other white performers jumped on the minstrel black face cash wagon. Soon almost any white performer with a lick of skill was in black face make-up and traveling the country performing.
Putting on a minstrel show was inexpensive, you didn't need a lot of props and you literally could borrow, appropriate and source your material from freeman performers. In addition, white performers could draw upon their own stereotypical views of what they thought they knew about black people.
Make no mistake, in the context of the time minstrel shows were very popular with both white and black audiences. Rich folks went to the opera, broke folks went to the minstrel shows.
Make that white broke folks. Africans and African Americans were not permitted to perform or be in attendance at a theatrical performance. Unless the theater had a separate performance for the non-white population they would have seen minstrel shows as part of carnivals, medicine shows or traveling troops of performers.
So in essence you had white performers appropriating content or inspiration from black performers and adding an overlay of stereotypical images to perform before a white audience.
Like I said, this is complicated. Ok, next up Minstrel 101 for sure.
Resources for Minstrel History
George Mason University Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media Minstrel Show
History of the original Fisk Jubilee Singers
Library of Congress Minstrel Poster Collection - Al "G" Field
Musicals1o1.com page on Minstrel performances
The New York Public Library Performance Art Desk Reference - The Birth of American Popular Music Pages 239 - 242 and the NYPL On-line search collection for Minstrel Shows
I'm starting in the 1900s but it goes back much further in time. This is where the tangles of history get complicated. In order for white folks to create theatrical minstrel shows you had to have black people, Christianity and spirituals.
There were former slaves that wanted to convert to Christianity. There were other freed men and women that were strongly encouraged or given no faith based choice in the matter. According to the New York Public Library Performing Desk Reference, the freed slaves looked at churches or religious groups that were similar to their African music practices.
Despite heavy segregation, there was a cross pollination of African and American/British spiritual music influences. Those influence moved from the sacred to the secular.
You also had the performances of the Fisk Jubilee Singers who traveled the world singing and raising money to support Fisk University. Their performances was another introduction to African American performers and music. These performers were talented, professional and presented the highest caliber of musicianship.
Yet, they didn't fit the stereotypical image of black people. According to the Fisk Jubilee Singers web site:
The first concerts were in small towns. Surprise, curiosity and some hostility were the early audience response to these young black singers who did not perform in the traditional “minstrel fashion.”However, white performers were paying attention. About 1820 or so, a white performer named Thomas "Daddy" Rice observed a black street singer or a black stable hand (could have been the same person, it isn't clear from my readings) singing a song called "Jim Crow."
Thomas Rice put burnt cork on his face and started performing his version of the song. It was a hit and the song becomes an American standard.
Imitation is the sincerest form of making a dollar and other white performers jumped on the minstrel black face cash wagon. Soon almost any white performer with a lick of skill was in black face make-up and traveling the country performing.
Putting on a minstrel show was inexpensive, you didn't need a lot of props and you literally could borrow, appropriate and source your material from freeman performers. In addition, white performers could draw upon their own stereotypical views of what they thought they knew about black people.
Make no mistake, in the context of the time minstrel shows were very popular with both white and black audiences. Rich folks went to the opera, broke folks went to the minstrel shows.
Make that white broke folks. Africans and African Americans were not permitted to perform or be in attendance at a theatrical performance. Unless the theater had a separate performance for the non-white population they would have seen minstrel shows as part of carnivals, medicine shows or traveling troops of performers.
So in essence you had white performers appropriating content or inspiration from black performers and adding an overlay of stereotypical images to perform before a white audience.
Like I said, this is complicated. Ok, next up Minstrel 101 for sure.
Resources for Minstrel History
George Mason University Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media Minstrel Show History of the original Fisk Jubilee Singers
Library of Congress Minstrel Poster Collection - Al "G" Field
Musicals1o1.com page on Minstrel performances
The New York Public Library Performance Art Desk Reference - The Birth of American Popular Music Pages 239 - 242 and the NYPL On-line search collection for Minstrel Shows
Friday, June 17, 2011
The Minstrel Show or I've Seen This Before?
I only have a surface understanding of the minstrel show. In the late 1960s and 1970s I was raised during a time of black power, affirmation and determination.
I knew about vaudeville. I knew about white performers in black face. It was a history I could read then walk away. It was gone. There were other things to learn about.
So I thought.
Some of you have no idea of what I am talking about. This is a clip with Slim Williams, performing in black face make-up, his mayoral political stump speech: (2017 update - guess ole Slim took it down. Plunking down a corking photo instead.)
I have been getting mighty steamed up by the constant flow of stupidity, mendacity and flat out hate on hate political expression. It is politics mixed with sexism, racism and the damn near avocation of gender repression in order to fix the economy.
Why I am seeing this inane fear based rhetoric again and again? Something familiar but cloaked in time.
I think I can show that there are contemporary 2011 examples of this old theatrical art form. Or hate speech. Institutionalized power plays at being powerless in a safe fantasy world. Stage craft.
Call it whatever you feel comfortable with but understand that genesis of the minstrel show was based on observation and exaggeration of Africans and African Americans.
It is a theatrical form of bondage and domination where the oppressor gets to play at being a smart happy submissive. Not that I know anything about bondage and domination except for that workshop I sat in on a few years ago by accident.
Very informative. Honest, it really was a good workshop about power and control issues. There is an element of that in the structure of the minstrel show.
I want to look at modern political and entertainment videos that communicate power and control messages. Before I can do that I need to share the reason for doing these posts and the structure of minstrel performances.
This is a difficult exploration. This can be painful and not the ways you might think. My goal is to point out the performance style that is being applied to contemporary videos and by political operatives.
You might not want to come down this path for dozens of really good reasons. That is okay. I guess I'm trying to give a blanket trigger alert but it is impossible.
One more thing. This is not about white people bashing. There are black folks and other types of minstrel shows masked as advertisements and music videos. I saw a young black woman in a wig bathed in infrared light who performed a sexual jig with her amplified white lips.
A straight up minstrel performance. She isn't the only modern performer doing 21st century race based American minstrel performances.
There is a web site that I've been hanging around for a few days. Ken Padgett's Black-Face.com where I've been reading about the origin and history of these types of performances. There is also a YouTube channel that has scenes from a 1951 film called "Yes, Sir Mr. Bones" that showcased some of the white and black performers.
I have been researching other sources as well from a theatrical and sociological perspective. In the next post, Minstrel 101.
I knew about vaudeville. I knew about white performers in black face. It was a history I could read then walk away. It was gone. There were other things to learn about.
So I thought.
Some of you have no idea of what I am talking about. This is a clip with Slim Williams, performing in black face make-up, his mayoral political stump speech: (2017 update - guess ole Slim took it down. Plunking down a corking photo instead.)
Have I Lost My Flipping Mind?
No.I have been getting mighty steamed up by the constant flow of stupidity, mendacity and flat out hate on hate political expression. It is politics mixed with sexism, racism and the damn near avocation of gender repression in order to fix the economy.
Why I am seeing this inane fear based rhetoric again and again? Something familiar but cloaked in time.
I think I can show that there are contemporary 2011 examples of this old theatrical art form. Or hate speech. Institutionalized power plays at being powerless in a safe fantasy world. Stage craft.
Call it whatever you feel comfortable with but understand that genesis of the minstrel show was based on observation and exaggeration of Africans and African Americans.
It is a theatrical form of bondage and domination where the oppressor gets to play at being a smart happy submissive. Not that I know anything about bondage and domination except for that workshop I sat in on a few years ago by accident.
Very informative. Honest, it really was a good workshop about power and control issues. There is an element of that in the structure of the minstrel show.
I want to look at modern political and entertainment videos that communicate power and control messages. Before I can do that I need to share the reason for doing these posts and the structure of minstrel performances.
This is a difficult exploration. This can be painful and not the ways you might think. My goal is to point out the performance style that is being applied to contemporary videos and by political operatives.
You might not want to come down this path for dozens of really good reasons. That is okay. I guess I'm trying to give a blanket trigger alert but it is impossible.
One more thing. This is not about white people bashing. There are black folks and other types of minstrel shows masked as advertisements and music videos. I saw a young black woman in a wig bathed in infrared light who performed a sexual jig with her amplified white lips.
A straight up minstrel performance. She isn't the only modern performer doing 21st century race based American minstrel performances.
Research Starting Points:
There is a web site that I've been hanging around for a few days. Ken Padgett's Black-Face.com where I've been reading about the origin and history of these types of performances. There is also a YouTube channel that has scenes from a 1951 film called "Yes, Sir Mr. Bones" that showcased some of the white and black performers.
I have been researching other sources as well from a theatrical and sociological perspective. In the next post, Minstrel 101.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
My Inner Child Required This Purchase
I was born with the frugal gene. I come from a long line of women who can indeed stretch a dollar or two. Yes, I have weaknesses but books are more a necessity than an expense.
My point is that I don't spend willing on clothing. Cameras? Yes. Books? Of course. Clothing? Meh.
I'm minding my own business as I am procrastinating up a storm when I see this photo of the t-shirt.
You gotta understand. I had no choice. In the name of Doctors #4, #7, #8 and #9 I had to do it. I can't get to view the tenth or eleventh Dr. Who shows because I don't freaking live in the UK or have access.
My t-shirts arrived today. Yes, I got two. One to sleep in and one as a valuable heirloom.
Geek and Nerd girls unite! May the sonic lipstick or screwdriver be with you.
My point is that I don't spend willing on clothing. Cameras? Yes. Books? Of course. Clothing? Meh.
I'm minding my own business as I am procrastinating up a storm when I see this photo of the t-shirt.
You gotta understand. I had no choice. In the name of Doctors #4, #7, #8 and #9 I had to do it. I can't get to view the tenth or eleventh Dr. Who shows because I don't freaking live in the UK or have access.
Yo, BBC - how is that subscription smartphone app coming along? You and me can do cash business. We don't need no stinking cable operator to hook up.
I don't have an iPad but if you could make it work on multiple Android phones or soon to be Windows OS tables I think this could be a wise investment on your part. Beeb, just let me know which way to go and we can work out the details later.
My t-shirts arrived today. Yes, I got two. One to sleep in and one as a valuable heirloom.
Geek and Nerd girls unite! May the sonic lipstick or screwdriver be with you.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Where The Heck Have I Been?
I've been down in the dumps. Not a fun place to visit and you don't want to live there. There are legions of people who will tell you that you should fight your way out, just do it.
Move forward and seize the day. Kind of like pull yourself up from your bootstraps. My bootstraps are stressed. I need new boots. My feet ache. Metaphorically speaking.
The phrase loving kindness. popped into my head. I need to apply it to myself. So I have.
I need to have a time out except I can't take one. So I've pulled back a bit. I have given myself permission to only post two things a day. With planning I can contribute to other blogs that I've promised to kick in a word or two.
As for the Stoop, I've been shameful and working on reconnecting. The gurus say my blog should have a focus. I say that my blog is what I need it to be at the time.
It evolves. So do I. I'll try to do a better job of having stuff in the pipe to tide me over when the brain goes on strike.
I am trying to plot out fun time, however I define it. Fun time does not include Samy's camera, that is an obsession and I can only go to the store once every three months or so. This is not hard. I just have to read the ad in the newspaper so that I can confirm to myself that there is no reason for me to be in the neighborhood.
There are a bunch of staycation activities to keep me engage until I can slip out of town.
Anything else? I have one more poet in the video pipeline and a couple of street performances. I'll see what I can do but there is that inner hatter critic that I have to sedate first.
Oh, yeah. I am diddling with the design of the blog. Things are in flux and may change. Or not.
Move forward and seize the day. Kind of like pull yourself up from your bootstraps. My bootstraps are stressed. I need new boots. My feet ache. Metaphorically speaking.
The phrase loving kindness. popped into my head. I need to apply it to myself. So I have.
I need to have a time out except I can't take one. So I've pulled back a bit. I have given myself permission to only post two things a day. With planning I can contribute to other blogs that I've promised to kick in a word or two.
As for the Stoop, I've been shameful and working on reconnecting. The gurus say my blog should have a focus. I say that my blog is what I need it to be at the time.
It evolves. So do I. I'll try to do a better job of having stuff in the pipe to tide me over when the brain goes on strike.
I am trying to plot out fun time, however I define it. Fun time does not include Samy's camera, that is an obsession and I can only go to the store once every three months or so. This is not hard. I just have to read the ad in the newspaper so that I can confirm to myself that there is no reason for me to be in the neighborhood.
There are a bunch of staycation activities to keep me engage until I can slip out of town.
Anything else? I have one more poet in the video pipeline and a couple of street performances. I'll see what I can do but there is that inner hatter critic that I have to sedate first.
Oh, yeah. I am diddling with the design of the blog. Things are in flux and may change. Or not.
Friday, June 03, 2011
I've Never Been to Me on the Finally Friday Freakout
I'm still searching for an adventure to juice my imagination. I've become a drone. I was gong to take a cooking class just to experience taking a day long cooking class. It was cancelled.
I just missed out on a photographic workshop in New Mexico. It was happening this weekend. Couldn't do it on short notice. Ah me. Unlike the lyrics of this song, I need to find a bit of paradise so I can get my bearings.
This is Charlene singing her hit, "I've Never Been to Me."
I've made mistakes this week and survived them. Took naps when I needed. Finally faced up to the fact that concepts like organization and planning are not dirty words. I've never been to this part of me that is spending time fighting information and task overload.
I've never wanted to be so organized it would take the spontaneity out of life. I use to be able to hold everything I do in my head. That is past tense. Or just tension cuz I can't do that anymore.
There are reasons why you need to write things down and then make sure you read the list. What got me moving toward being more willing to accept organization skills was iTunes.
I was looking for a podcast to subscribe to and I cam across Merlin Mann's 43 Folders.
Took a listen. Let me forewarn you that Merlin sometimes uses the full breath of the English language. The ancestors would say he "can be a little salty."
This means that he has the potential to cuss up a storm. Sometimes. Only when he needs to get you to focus. Or he is ticked off.
Rooting around the podcast archives there is good stuff about creativity, procrastination and making changes that may or may not involve tools. Merline also calls B.S. if the tool becomes more important than the task.
I like his videos even more than the podcasts. Dude take it to the edge and bring it home more of the time. You should view his presentation at Webstock.
Dang. So yes, go visit yourself and then if you have time check out some of Merlin's videos or podcasts.
One more thing. I now understand that Merlin is a really famous Internet person. Some are gonna say "Duh, where have you been?" "Why didn't you know?" or "For real?"
I didn't. I was not in a time or mental place that I would have listen to a podcast on organization and creativity. Creativity yes, organization, no.
When I was ready I found the right person at the right time.
I just missed out on a photographic workshop in New Mexico. It was happening this weekend. Couldn't do it on short notice. Ah me. Unlike the lyrics of this song, I need to find a bit of paradise so I can get my bearings.
This is Charlene singing her hit, "I've Never Been to Me."
I've made mistakes this week and survived them. Took naps when I needed. Finally faced up to the fact that concepts like organization and planning are not dirty words. I've never been to this part of me that is spending time fighting information and task overload.
I've never wanted to be so organized it would take the spontaneity out of life. I use to be able to hold everything I do in my head. That is past tense. Or just tension cuz I can't do that anymore.
There are reasons why you need to write things down and then make sure you read the list. What got me moving toward being more willing to accept organization skills was iTunes.
I was looking for a podcast to subscribe to and I cam across Merlin Mann's 43 Folders.
Took a listen. Let me forewarn you that Merlin sometimes uses the full breath of the English language. The ancestors would say he "can be a little salty."
This means that he has the potential to cuss up a storm. Sometimes. Only when he needs to get you to focus. Or he is ticked off.
Rooting around the podcast archives there is good stuff about creativity, procrastination and making changes that may or may not involve tools. Merline also calls B.S. if the tool becomes more important than the task.
I like his videos even more than the podcasts. Dude take it to the edge and bring it home more of the time. You should view his presentation at Webstock.
Dang. So yes, go visit yourself and then if you have time check out some of Merlin's videos or podcasts.
One more thing. I now understand that Merlin is a really famous Internet person. Some are gonna say "Duh, where have you been?" "Why didn't you know?" or "For real?"
I didn't. I was not in a time or mental place that I would have listen to a podcast on organization and creativity. Creativity yes, organization, no.
When I was ready I found the right person at the right time.
Wednesday, June 01, 2011
I Need A Road Trip or Something
I'm thinking that I need to go some place else. Do something different. I don't necessarily want to take a typical vacation.
I don't want to jump bungee of a bridge either.
I like the idea of a learning retreat. Then again I like the idea of going to a total new city and taking a photography or video workshop. Maybe to New Mexico or Washington State.
I don't know.
I do know that re-creation is important. I'm almost but not quite burned out.
There are a lot of "I" in the above sentence. This is a good thing. I'm usually thinking of what others require of me. What do I have to do to honor my obligations?
The obligations are wearing me down. I've been burnt out before and it takes way too long to recover.
I speak from experience. It is much better to not let it get to that point.
I don't want to jump bungee of a bridge either.
I like the idea of a learning retreat. Then again I like the idea of going to a total new city and taking a photography or video workshop. Maybe to New Mexico or Washington State.
I don't know.
I do know that re-creation is important. I'm almost but not quite burned out.
There are a lot of "I" in the above sentence. This is a good thing. I'm usually thinking of what others require of me. What do I have to do to honor my obligations?
The obligations are wearing me down. I've been burnt out before and it takes way too long to recover.
I speak from experience. It is much better to not let it get to that point.
Friday, May 27, 2011
In Memory of Mr. Gil Scott-Heron
I'm tired. I'm tired of the willful ignorance that is romping around as political discussions. On this day one of the great men of poetry and music has pass to the other side. I speak of Mr. Gil Scott-Heron.
I saw the man perform many years ago. I don't know much more to say. I did a tweet. I wrote 480 words in Facebook.
But my heart wants to write a book and nobody reads anymore, so I am told. This is a poem from the (currently) last album Where Did the Night Go?
I can tell you that one of the first things I did when I got my hands on the Internet was to look for him. No joke. He had been quiet for too long and I was trying to catch up. I wasn't alone.
Eventually the silent collective of those of us caring about GSH found out he was in England. Having some turbulence over there with the chemicals. I had to adjust that the man who made it clear to leave the stuff alone was juiced and volatile.
This is The Bottle
It took about 10 years for the BBC interview video to surface on the web. I could see he had been roughed up by his addictions. Gil was still inside but not the same. Still, the silent collective couldn't let him go. We sent invisible good wishes and petitions up on high on his behalf.
These past two years were very encouraging. I didn't care if he was doing covers of blues songs or small snips of poetry. The man was working and staying focus. As much as he could. Maybe the next album would light into the soul like a B-Movie
When folks do a tribute page they want other people to know that this person is important. You should know why we honor this conflicted but talented man. He wasn't perfect. Dang sure no angel.
Scott-Heron made it hard to be a fan.
But for a moment we gather and understood what it was and what it could be in terms of storytelling, poetry, performance and musicianship.
I'm about to crash. I need to sleep. Or be sad. Maybe both.
I saw the man perform many years ago. I don't know much more to say. I did a tweet. I wrote 480 words in Facebook.
But my heart wants to write a book and nobody reads anymore, so I am told. This is a poem from the (currently) last album Where Did the Night Go?
I can tell you that one of the first things I did when I got my hands on the Internet was to look for him. No joke. He had been quiet for too long and I was trying to catch up. I wasn't alone.
Eventually the silent collective of those of us caring about GSH found out he was in England. Having some turbulence over there with the chemicals. I had to adjust that the man who made it clear to leave the stuff alone was juiced and volatile.
This is The Bottle
It took about 10 years for the BBC interview video to surface on the web. I could see he had been roughed up by his addictions. Gil was still inside but not the same. Still, the silent collective couldn't let him go. We sent invisible good wishes and petitions up on high on his behalf.
These past two years were very encouraging. I didn't care if he was doing covers of blues songs or small snips of poetry. The man was working and staying focus. As much as he could. Maybe the next album would light into the soul like a B-Movie
When folks do a tribute page they want other people to know that this person is important. You should know why we honor this conflicted but talented man. He wasn't perfect. Dang sure no angel.
Scott-Heron made it hard to be a fan.
But for a moment we gather and understood what it was and what it could be in terms of storytelling, poetry, performance and musicianship.
I'm about to crash. I need to sleep. Or be sad. Maybe both.
Zorro Est Arrive on the Finally Friday Freakout
Once upon a time there was a video jukebox called a Scopitone. It was placed in bars, upper level clubs and places where people got to see the performers of the day do their thing while knocking back a Martini.
I can't do the whole history justice but I highly recommend a visit to the Scopitones blog. There are videos from France, Europe and a few Americans you might recall like Lou Rawls, Della Reese and Brook Benton.
I want to introduce you to a gentleman by the name of Henri Salvador. Henri was a well respected jazz performer and vocalist. He was also a clown in the best sense of the word. I can't speak a lick of French but for this video you don't need to.
We need some fun after the past two weeks. I think you are gonna like this.
Sound familiar? This is not a cover of the song "Along Came Jones." This is the original that inspired the American version of the song.
I got one more for you. Tout ça c'est pas grave which translates to It's All Okay.
I wish the heck I paid more attention in French class but I think I get the gist of it. Some of his videos are pure uncured ham; others are just strange without a translation or cultural background to get the joke.
Mr. Salvador appeared in a couple of French movies in the 1940s and 1950s. Looks like he had a television show too. I have to stress that he wasn't just a prankster; he seems to have the kind of career that allowed him to have the flexibility to try new things and not lock him into one format.
In any case, I blame him for my new Scopitone habit.
I can't do the whole history justice but I highly recommend a visit to the Scopitones blog. There are videos from France, Europe and a few Americans you might recall like Lou Rawls, Della Reese and Brook Benton.
I want to introduce you to a gentleman by the name of Henri Salvador. Henri was a well respected jazz performer and vocalist. He was also a clown in the best sense of the word. I can't speak a lick of French but for this video you don't need to.
We need some fun after the past two weeks. I think you are gonna like this.
Sound familiar? This is not a cover of the song "Along Came Jones." This is the original that inspired the American version of the song.
I got one more for you. Tout ça c'est pas grave which translates to It's All Okay.
I wish the heck I paid more attention in French class but I think I get the gist of it. Some of his videos are pure uncured ham; others are just strange without a translation or cultural background to get the joke.
Mr. Salvador appeared in a couple of French movies in the 1940s and 1950s. Looks like he had a television show too. I have to stress that he wasn't just a prankster; he seems to have the kind of career that allowed him to have the flexibility to try new things and not lock him into one format.
In any case, I blame him for my new Scopitone habit.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
I'm Still Here Thinking That You're Not Gone
Yep. I didn't make the cut. Apparently nobody else did either so I'm kinda sad about that. Really.
There was a whole bunch of people I had hoped that would be removed from the planet in a holding place until it could be explained to them that the concept of Agape or universal love was the goal and not the ranking of "I'm more holy than you."
Come to think of it, if members of that noxious Westboro Baptist Church gets to go to heaven then I don't think I want to go.
Speaking of not going, this is a video I recorded with Rick Hodge who has a book called 2011 Our Destiny Has Arrived.
Folks, no worries until December 12, 2012. That is 12/12/12 aka the Age of the Fifth Sun.
Part 2
I heard a son call his father to check in on him.
"You still here Pop?, yeah, me too."
I think the rest of us want to say that you can't escape life through false prophets who profit on fear. Spirit doesn't operate that way.
Even if you are an Atheist one thing is clear, either you live your life or your don't. It is a choice and praying for your spiritual removal en mass I think violates that freedom of spiritual choice thing.
In other words, I don't think you can make Spirit/God/Jesus do anything. And if we could why would we so willing to commission other people's souls to damnation? Why would you follow a being that tells you to do that?
Last word on the (non) rapture. A special shout out has got to the RaptureHelpDesk. Best dang use of Twitter for humor that I have ever seen. I look forward to October 21, 2011 cuz it is going to be hard to top these tweets. Cracked me up.
Part 3
Yesterday I paid $4.50 for maybe a scoop and a half of Gelato. It was Stratachoco... something but it was good. Dark chocolate laced into vanilla ice cream. This is counter to my normally frugal ways but I had seen the store for years and never went inside.
I liked it.
I am going to try to make it another eight years before I go back to that place. I will not pay $5 for a gallon of ice cream but I have to admit this stuff was tasty.
I should get around to making my bucket list so I can put luxury ice cream on it and then cross it off.
Well, this is just to check in. I'm trying to write another post, edit video, do laundry and possibly dye my hair. I guess this is justifiable procrastination. So much to do and see.
Not enough time.
Never enough time.
There was a whole bunch of people I had hoped that would be removed from the planet in a holding place until it could be explained to them that the concept of Agape or universal love was the goal and not the ranking of "I'm more holy than you."
Come to think of it, if members of that noxious Westboro Baptist Church gets to go to heaven then I don't think I want to go.
Speaking of not going, this is a video I recorded with Rick Hodge who has a book called 2011 Our Destiny Has Arrived.
Folks, no worries until December 12, 2012. That is 12/12/12 aka the Age of the Fifth Sun.
Part 2
I heard a son call his father to check in on him.
"You still here Pop?, yeah, me too."
I think the rest of us want to say that you can't escape life through false prophets who profit on fear. Spirit doesn't operate that way.
Even if you are an Atheist one thing is clear, either you live your life or your don't. It is a choice and praying for your spiritual removal en mass I think violates that freedom of spiritual choice thing.
In other words, I don't think you can make Spirit/God/Jesus do anything. And if we could why would we so willing to commission other people's souls to damnation? Why would you follow a being that tells you to do that?
Last word on the (non) rapture. A special shout out has got to the RaptureHelpDesk. Best dang use of Twitter for humor that I have ever seen. I look forward to October 21, 2011 cuz it is going to be hard to top these tweets. Cracked me up.
Part 3
Yesterday I paid $4.50 for maybe a scoop and a half of Gelato. It was Stratachoco... something but it was good. Dark chocolate laced into vanilla ice cream. This is counter to my normally frugal ways but I had seen the store for years and never went inside.
I liked it.
I am going to try to make it another eight years before I go back to that place. I will not pay $5 for a gallon of ice cream but I have to admit this stuff was tasty.
I should get around to making my bucket list so I can put luxury ice cream on it and then cross it off.
Well, this is just to check in. I'm trying to write another post, edit video, do laundry and possibly dye my hair. I guess this is justifiable procrastination. So much to do and see.
Not enough time.
Never enough time.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Creep on the Finally Friday Freakout
So he creep, yeah he kept it on down low... Well, how could I not? I have spent days with my fellow salt miners trying to wrap my head around two men, prominent richer than rich men get themselves into so much trouble.
It makes no sense. My saline crew members have evaluated the Creepenator's actions and behaviors to new analytical powers I did not know they possessed. We talked about it so much that we are taking a vow of silence so that we don't talk about it any more.
Cuz really, we'd rather not have certain images in our heads. And with the Rapture/Judgement day coming up we got stuff to do like go to the Red Bull Soapbox Derby or Silverlake Jubilee, which has nothing to do with anything spiritual unless fifty food trucks, a bunch of musicians and a plethora of art activities put you in a higher plane of being.
So hopefully this is the last of it. Let TLC get your attention but remember to creep outside of matrimony is a dang reprehensible action no matter what you station of life is or how much dough you have in the flow.
I present the above reminder to those of you who are thinking about taking a dip into somebody's else hip that is on gold band lockdown.
Don't do it.
The other guy? My fellow miners are content that he went from a $3,000 a night hotel to Riker's Island in New York City. We think the accomodations at Riker's will get his attention that long before this accusation there might have been behaviors that, in hindsight, might have lead him to his new position in life.
Go on and fool with the elementals if you want to. Those forces are patient. Their timing is impeccable. The ultimate booyah. I'm gonna hush up now cuz they don't like finger pointing either.
We send our love and support to a woman who is being stalked by Franco/American media and her life, no matter the truth, will never be the same.
Courage.
It makes no sense. My saline crew members have evaluated the Creepenator's actions and behaviors to new analytical powers I did not know they possessed. We talked about it so much that we are taking a vow of silence so that we don't talk about it any more.
Cuz really, we'd rather not have certain images in our heads. And with the Rapture/Judgement day coming up we got stuff to do like go to the Red Bull Soapbox Derby or Silverlake Jubilee, which has nothing to do with anything spiritual unless fifty food trucks, a bunch of musicians and a plethora of art activities put you in a higher plane of being.
So hopefully this is the last of it. Let TLC get your attention but remember to creep outside of matrimony is a dang reprehensible action no matter what you station of life is or how much dough you have in the flow.
I present the above reminder to those of you who are thinking about taking a dip into somebody's else hip that is on gold band lockdown.
Don't do it.
The other guy? My fellow miners are content that he went from a $3,000 a night hotel to Riker's Island in New York City. We think the accomodations at Riker's will get his attention that long before this accusation there might have been behaviors that, in hindsight, might have lead him to his new position in life.
Go on and fool with the elementals if you want to. Those forces are patient. Their timing is impeccable. The ultimate booyah. I'm gonna hush up now cuz they don't like finger pointing either.
We send our love and support to a woman who is being stalked by Franco/American media and her life, no matter the truth, will never be the same.
Courage.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Brief Moment with Andy Behrman Author of Electro-Boy
After the past few days I could be very happy curled up with some Justice League of America cartoons and leave you fool adults to yourselves. I want to write about moving forward and doing positive things and yet I get sucked into Ahnold-land and Anglo-Franco confusion about the "Perp Walk."
Well, the only thing I can do is to share what I've seen these past few weeks. The first Mental Health Day in Pasadena has come and gone but I do have some video of a few of the participants that were nice enough to speak with me.
Andy Behrman is an author who has spent some time dealing with the high and lows of mental illness. He doesn't have access to the media like a certain actor but he does have a story to tell about living in a manic state.
Yes, California can make you crazy but I'm thinking that isn't what he means. This video was records at the first Mental Health Day in Pasadena 2011.
Well, the only thing I can do is to share what I've seen these past few weeks. The first Mental Health Day in Pasadena has come and gone but I do have some video of a few of the participants that were nice enough to speak with me.
Andy Behrman is an author who has spent some time dealing with the high and lows of mental illness. He doesn't have access to the media like a certain actor but he does have a story to tell about living in a manic state.
Yes, California can make you crazy but I'm thinking that isn't what he means. This video was records at the first Mental Health Day in Pasadena 2011.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Counting Down the Days Paying Attention
I listen to a lot of podcasts like The American History Guys. One thing I learned from the fellas is that you respect the people who had to make decisions in a certain space and time.
I can however step back and look at people's behaviors, billboards and more importantly how some folks will behave on May 22, 2011.
You can step back and evaluate it from your time frame. You can dig in and try to put a context to what the heck was going on to make folks so nutso crazy (my words, not the History guys) and you can see both sides and understand that the historical picture is complex.
If you have been around me in real space you know I've been keeping track of the end-timers. I got word on three separate dates, for example May 21, 2011, October 21, 2011 and December 12, 2012. I'll add more as time goes on.
Or not.
Now let me be clear. I cannot not nor will not disrespect a person's belief system. If you believe that the end really is here then ok, I think you have more important stuff to do than read this post.
I can however step back and look at people's behaviors, billboards and more importantly how some folks will behave on May 22, 2011.
It has been trippy. People putting bible tracks in my face. I must look like a class-A sinner cuz I get that a lot. The guy walking through Pasadena carrying a really big cross. The up tick in pride of knowing that you are the chosen and I am not.
The selling of everything you own and your home? Oh, my. That is some serious commitment that might be a bit uncomfortable to sleep with on the 23rd.
I mean, the whole conceptual thing is one big dang gummed wow. I'll tell you one thing; it does bust up a good chunk of writer's block. If you can't get a story or poem out of this then lay down the pen and walk away.
So I have to say that I am on high investigative alert. This is my first end-time so I do want to try and document properly. I'm counting this one as a practice because I have two other dates and I'm sure a bunch more will pop up for 2012.
The camcorder is charged up. I have got paper, pen and a spare camera for back-up. I think I'm ready. I'm set either way. I've got relatives in both places.
No worries here.
No worries here.
Sunday, May 08, 2011
Javon Johnson at the USC Stage L.A. Times Festival of Books 2011
I'm walking around the festival doing some people watching when I hear a voice. I follow my instincts and discover Javon Johnson.
This is a tribute poem Javon spoke about his grandmother and needing her strength to guide him in these most interesting times.
Doing a bit of quick searching about Javon I learn that he is a Postdoctoral Fellow teaching classes at the University of Southern California. I can't find a blog or web site for him as yet.
He has appeared on Def Poetry Jam and other media projects. You can watch an interview of him at the USC Trojan Vision channel.
This is a tribute poem Javon spoke about his grandmother and needing her strength to guide him in these most interesting times.
Doing a bit of quick searching about Javon I learn that he is a Postdoctoral Fellow teaching classes at the University of Southern California. I can't find a blog or web site for him as yet.
He has appeared on Def Poetry Jam and other media projects. You can watch an interview of him at the USC Trojan Vision channel.
Grace Krilanovich at the Skylight Books Booth
Grace Krilanovich is one of the people I pointed a lens at during the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. What happened was that I just got on the USC campus and I was overwhelmed by the number of people.
There were parents and babes in strollers. There young women welded to communication devices looking for other friends whose faces were stuck in communication devices. The map challenged and impaired were trying to figure where they were and where they wanted to go.
Then there was the Ben and Jerry Ice Creme Truck. Couldn't get near it. Well, I could but choice not to do so. I was trying to show some kind of restraint.
Grace was kind enough to speak to me about her book The Orange Eats Creeps. I'm a plucky duck but I have no technique for interviewing folks. I'm learning as I go.
Other Thoughts
I kind feel sorry for authors that aren't famous. They need to promote their book. Some writers, not all, want to communicate with other people.
I know this for a fact because some of the authors that I approached (without showing my camcorder) looked at me with a tinge of hostility or disappointment that I was not the kind of reader they envisioned.
I pivot and walk away.
It is hard. I know. Many authors spend time writing, dealing with publication issues and survival. You want the book to be published, talked about and generate compensation for your hard work.
Many writers and authors ain't gronking this social media connection aspect. I am talking about the other authors who's tables I avoided, not about Grace. She was very kind.
If you are finishing writing a book and you intended to sell that book you might want to practice your people and conversation skills. If you are going to spend good money for a booth at this kind of event and you have no flyers, bookmarks or other promotions items to share with potential readers you are in trouble.
If you haven't promoted your book via Twitter or made connections to like minded blogs and web sites why are you at a book festival? You book cannot exist in isolation. It needs to find the communities that want to embrace what you have to say.
Somebody has to say this. If folks look at your booth and there is nothing there but you looking sour and your book we are going to turn elsewhere.
Real people and our wallets will go where we are wanted.
Videoblogging Addendum
Yes. I'm a little late for Videoblogging 2011. I was over-booked. Plus I was truly bummed out about the spamination of the term videoblogging in Twitter. The few of us that tried found out that affiliate marketers, content farmers and diversion maggots poisoned communication by lacing the joint with get rich quick offers. One day there was a bunch of it and the next day gone. Or another content farm gets its minions to pollute the other side of the lake.
I've said what I've needed at my other blog but I hate this part of humanity that sees something good and has to sh*t on it in order to make a profit.
Moving on.
There were parents and babes in strollers. There young women welded to communication devices looking for other friends whose faces were stuck in communication devices. The map challenged and impaired were trying to figure where they were and where they wanted to go.
Then there was the Ben and Jerry Ice Creme Truck. Couldn't get near it. Well, I could but choice not to do so. I was trying to show some kind of restraint.
Grace was kind enough to speak to me about her book The Orange Eats Creeps. I'm a plucky duck but I have no technique for interviewing folks. I'm learning as I go.
Other Thoughts
I kind feel sorry for authors that aren't famous. They need to promote their book. Some writers, not all, want to communicate with other people.
I know this for a fact because some of the authors that I approached (without showing my camcorder) looked at me with a tinge of hostility or disappointment that I was not the kind of reader they envisioned.
I pivot and walk away.
It is hard. I know. Many authors spend time writing, dealing with publication issues and survival. You want the book to be published, talked about and generate compensation for your hard work.
Many writers and authors ain't gronking this social media connection aspect. I am talking about the other authors who's tables I avoided, not about Grace. She was very kind.
If you are finishing writing a book and you intended to sell that book you might want to practice your people and conversation skills. If you are going to spend good money for a booth at this kind of event and you have no flyers, bookmarks or other promotions items to share with potential readers you are in trouble.
If you haven't promoted your book via Twitter or made connections to like minded blogs and web sites why are you at a book festival? You book cannot exist in isolation. It needs to find the communities that want to embrace what you have to say.
Somebody has to say this. If folks look at your booth and there is nothing there but you looking sour and your book we are going to turn elsewhere.
Real people and our wallets will go where we are wanted.
Videoblogging Addendum
Yes. I'm a little late for Videoblogging 2011. I was over-booked. Plus I was truly bummed out about the spamination of the term videoblogging in Twitter. The few of us that tried found out that affiliate marketers, content farmers and diversion maggots poisoned communication by lacing the joint with get rich quick offers. One day there was a bunch of it and the next day gone. Or another content farm gets its minions to pollute the other side of the lake.
I've said what I've needed at my other blog but I hate this part of humanity that sees something good and has to sh*t on it in order to make a profit.
Moving on.
Monday, May 02, 2011
Day Late and A Dollar Short - Videoblogging Week Day 2
Yep. I scrabbled something up. I have stuff but stuff takes time and I don't have it. I have to be okay with that concept. I can't have and don't want the 27 hour day. I'm sleep deprived as it is.
But I do want to put in my two cents about libraries and not just because I invested educational time and effort. We are still humans. We do need contact with other humans that doesn't require an electronic interface.
Don't get me wrong, I have truly benefited from technology. I have been able to prove many a gatekeeper that they were wrong, I can do it.
We still need the verbal in-person communications. We need to see other people that are different from ourselves. We...
Dang. I just heard in my head the voice of Captain Kirk. I don't know why; I'm a Spock girl.
Actually I do respect actor William Shatner because that man is a case study in survival. However life comes to him that is how he takes it. Typecast, breaks the casts, re-invents himself time and again. His career is like the symbol for infinity. I like Kirk but I respect the endurance and talent of William Shatner.
Where was I? Oh, heck. I forgot. I need my nappy time. Well, the video will explain all or not a lick. I gotta wake up early so dig y'all later.
But I do want to put in my two cents about libraries and not just because I invested educational time and effort. We are still humans. We do need contact with other humans that doesn't require an electronic interface.
Don't get me wrong, I have truly benefited from technology. I have been able to prove many a gatekeeper that they were wrong, I can do it.
We still need the verbal in-person communications. We need to see other people that are different from ourselves. We...
Dang. I just heard in my head the voice of Captain Kirk. I don't know why; I'm a Spock girl.
Actually I do respect actor William Shatner because that man is a case study in survival. However life comes to him that is how he takes it. Typecast, breaks the casts, re-invents himself time and again. His career is like the symbol for infinity. I like Kirk but I respect the endurance and talent of William Shatner.
Where was I? Oh, heck. I forgot. I need my nappy time. Well, the video will explain all or not a lick. I gotta wake up early so dig y'all later.
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