40 years after Altamont, rock music's darkest day - San Jose Mercury News:
"It was supposed to be 'Woodstock West' — a free concert that would draw hundreds of thousands of fans, feature some of the biggest names in rock and solidify the still-blossoming Flower Power movement.
The Altamont Speedway Free Festival was also envisioned as the most famous music event in Bay Area history. It became just that, but for all the wrong reasons.
'It was just a big mess,' says Rock Scully, the longtime manager of the Grateful Dead and one of the primary organizers of the festival.
About 300,000 fans turned out on Dec. 6, 1969, to the racetrack outside of Livermore to see the Rolling Stones, Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane and others. What they found was a venue ill-equipped to handle such a large crowd and a scene that devolved into a violent antithesis of the peaceful gathering in Woodstock 3½ months earlier.
By the time the night was over, four people were dead — two from hit-and-run accidents, one from drowning in an irrigation ditch and, most notoriously, one from repeated stab wounds at the hands of a Hells Angels member during a confrontation in front of the music stage."
Sphere: Related Content
Sunday, November 29, 2009
At This School, It’s Marijuana in Every Class - NYTimes.com
At This School, It’s Marijuana in Every Class - NYTimes.com: "
At most colleges, marijuana is very much an extracurricular matter. But at Med Grow Cannabis College, marijuana is the curriculum: the history, the horticulture and the legal how-to’s of Michigan’s new medical marijuana program.
“This state needs jobs, and we think medical marijuana can stimulate the state economy with hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars,” said Nick Tennant, the 24-year-old founder of the college, which is actually a burgeoning business (no baccalaureates here) operating from a few bare-bones rooms in a Detroit suburb.
The six-week, $485 primer on medical marijuana is a cross between an agricultural extension class covering the growing cycle, nutrients and light requirements (“It’s harvest time when half the trichomes have turned amber and half are white”) and a gathering of serious potheads, sharing stories of their best highs (“Smoke that and you are ... medicated!”)." Sphere: Related Content
At most colleges, marijuana is very much an extracurricular matter. But at Med Grow Cannabis College, marijuana is the curriculum: the history, the horticulture and the legal how-to’s of Michigan’s new medical marijuana program.
“This state needs jobs, and we think medical marijuana can stimulate the state economy with hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars,” said Nick Tennant, the 24-year-old founder of the college, which is actually a burgeoning business (no baccalaureates here) operating from a few bare-bones rooms in a Detroit suburb.
The six-week, $485 primer on medical marijuana is a cross between an agricultural extension class covering the growing cycle, nutrients and light requirements (“It’s harvest time when half the trichomes have turned amber and half are white”) and a gathering of serious potheads, sharing stories of their best highs (“Smoke that and you are ... medicated!”)." Sphere: Related Content
FALLBROOK: 'Mother Earth' medical marijuana dispensary joins Chamber
FALLBROOK: 'Mother Earth' medical marijuana dispensary joins Chamber:
"The Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce has an unlikely new member ---- a licensed medical marijuana dispensary.
Bob Riedel, co-founder of Mother Earth's Alternative Healing Cooperative Inc., said last week he joined the chamber for the same reasons other members join: It's a good way to get involved in the community and to network. The co-op has already signed up as one of the sponsors for Fallbrook's Dec. 5 Christmas parade, for example.
'We wanted to get involved with the community and to let people know who we are,' Riedel said of his decision to apply for chamber membership. 'We have an actual retail license. We are completely by the book.'" Sphere: Related Content
"The Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce has an unlikely new member ---- a licensed medical marijuana dispensary.
Bob Riedel, co-founder of Mother Earth's Alternative Healing Cooperative Inc., said last week he joined the chamber for the same reasons other members join: It's a good way to get involved in the community and to network. The co-op has already signed up as one of the sponsors for Fallbrook's Dec. 5 Christmas parade, for example.
'We wanted to get involved with the community and to let people know who we are,' Riedel said of his decision to apply for chamber membership. 'We have an actual retail license. We are completely by the book.'" Sphere: Related Content
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Growers operated pot operation next to LAPD station for about eight months | L.A. NOW | Los Angeles Times
Growers operated pot operation next to LAPD station for about eight months | L.A. NOW | Los Angeles Times:
"For about the last eight months, several suspects operated a sophisticated marijuana operation in a warehouse just 25 feet from the Los Angeles Police Department's Topanga Station in Canoga Park, police said tonight.
Three men were taken into custody earlier today after officers served a search warrant on the warehouse in the 8400 block of Canoga Avenue.
Growers had built three rooms in the building -- one for seedlings, another for medium-sized plants and one where harvesting was apparently conducted, police said. The lights were controlled so they wouldn't overheat, watering systems were automated and oxygen levels were supplemented by carbon dioxide tanks, according to police.
"It was very sophisticated," said LAPD Officer Karen Raynor.
She said the growers used insulation material to seal cracks in the building. But about a week ago, officers in the station's parking lot noticed something out of the ordinary.
"They happened to catch a whiff of it," Raynor said." Sphere: Related Content
"For about the last eight months, several suspects operated a sophisticated marijuana operation in a warehouse just 25 feet from the Los Angeles Police Department's Topanga Station in Canoga Park, police said tonight.
Three men were taken into custody earlier today after officers served a search warrant on the warehouse in the 8400 block of Canoga Avenue.
Growers had built three rooms in the building -- one for seedlings, another for medium-sized plants and one where harvesting was apparently conducted, police said. The lights were controlled so they wouldn't overheat, watering systems were automated and oxygen levels were supplemented by carbon dioxide tanks, according to police.
"It was very sophisticated," said LAPD Officer Karen Raynor.
She said the growers used insulation material to seal cracks in the building. But about a week ago, officers in the station's parking lot noticed something out of the ordinary.
"They happened to catch a whiff of it," Raynor said." Sphere: Related Content
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Medeski Martin And Wood talk Radiolarians and jam bands | Music | Interview | The A.V. Club Milwaukee
Medeski Martin And Wood talk Radiolarians and jam bands | Music | Interview | The A.V. Club Milwaukee:
"You can call Medeski Martin And Wood a jam, jazz, or funk band—just don't call them stingy. On Nov. 24, MMW is releasing Radiolarians: The Evolutionary Set, which compiles the previously released Radiolarians I, II and III along with bonus tracks, an unreleased 70-minute live album, a double vinyl LP set consisting of highlights from the three Radiolarians albums, a DVD (directed by Martin, who moonlights as a visual artist and filmmaker), and a 10-track remix disc featuring Dan The Automator, DJ Logic, and Scott Harding. Named after a single-celled organism with an intricate exoskeleton, the Radiolarians series was purportedly the band's way of subverting the music industry cycle of creating an album and then touring behind it. MMW is touring in support of the box set, though, and will visit The Rave/Eagles Club Friday. In advance of the show Billy Martin talked about Radiolarians and why he's not crazy about MMW being labeled a jam band." Sphere: Related Content
"You can call Medeski Martin And Wood a jam, jazz, or funk band—just don't call them stingy. On Nov. 24, MMW is releasing Radiolarians: The Evolutionary Set, which compiles the previously released Radiolarians I, II and III along with bonus tracks, an unreleased 70-minute live album, a double vinyl LP set consisting of highlights from the three Radiolarians albums, a DVD (directed by Martin, who moonlights as a visual artist and filmmaker), and a 10-track remix disc featuring Dan The Automator, DJ Logic, and Scott Harding. Named after a single-celled organism with an intricate exoskeleton, the Radiolarians series was purportedly the band's way of subverting the music industry cycle of creating an album and then touring behind it. MMW is touring in support of the box set, though, and will visit The Rave/Eagles Club Friday. In advance of the show Billy Martin talked about Radiolarians and why he's not crazy about MMW being labeled a jam band." Sphere: Related Content
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Daily Times - Leading News Resource of Pakistan - UN Day on Tolerance: ‘Respect others, have peace’
Daily Times - Leading News Resource of Pakistan - UN Day on Tolerance: ‘Respect others, have peace’:
"ISLAMABAD: United Nations (UN) International Day for Tolerance was observed on Monday with the aim to educate people about the need for tolerance in society and help them understand negative effects of intolerance.
The International Day for Tolerance is a lesson for people to learn respecting and recognising rights and beliefs of others. It is also a time of reflection and debate on the negative effects of intolerance.
Live discussions and debates take place across the world on this day, focusing how various forms of injustice, oppression, racism and discrimination have a negative impact on society." Sphere: Related Content
"ISLAMABAD: United Nations (UN) International Day for Tolerance was observed on Monday with the aim to educate people about the need for tolerance in society and help them understand negative effects of intolerance.
The International Day for Tolerance is a lesson for people to learn respecting and recognising rights and beliefs of others. It is also a time of reflection and debate on the negative effects of intolerance.
Live discussions and debates take place across the world on this day, focusing how various forms of injustice, oppression, racism and discrimination have a negative impact on society." Sphere: Related Content
Meditation can cut the risk of heart attacks by up to 47%, a new study shows | Mail Online
Meditation can cut the risk of heart attacks by up to 47%, a new study shows | Mail Online:
"A relaxation technique beloved by 1960s hippies can have a beneficial effect on heart disease and stress, a study has shown.
Transcendental meditation techniques that were all the rage during the Summer of Love can halve the rate of heart attacks and strokes in patients with cardiovascular disease." Sphere: Related Content
"A relaxation technique beloved by 1960s hippies can have a beneficial effect on heart disease and stress, a study has shown.
Transcendental meditation techniques that were all the rage during the Summer of Love can halve the rate of heart attacks and strokes in patients with cardiovascular disease." Sphere: Related Content
Radio Taiwan International
Radio Taiwan International:
"Today in History
On this day in 1938, Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann first synthesized the psychedelic drug LSD at the Sandoz Laboratories in Basel, Switzerland."javascript:void(0) Sphere: Related Content
"Today in History
On this day in 1938, Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann first synthesized the psychedelic drug LSD at the Sandoz Laboratories in Basel, Switzerland."javascript:void(0) Sphere: Related Content
Monday, November 16, 2009
NorthJersey.com: The visible and obscured Man Ray
NorthJersey.com: The visible and obscured Man Ray:
"Man Ray poses an interesting challenge for an institution like the Jewish Museum: how to frame an exhibit about a Jewish artist who, throughout his career, denied his Jewishness?
Few people know that the famous avant-garde artist and photographer was born Michael Emmanuel Radnitzky to Russian Jewish immigrants. Ray, who spent most of his adult life in Paris, cast aside not only his Jewish identity, but also much of his American one, disappearing almost entirely into the role of a European dadaist and surrealist.
Rather than sidestepping a seemingly uncomfortable issue, the Jewish Museum has put it front and center, titling the show 'Alias Man Ray: The Art of Reinvention' and making Ray's enigmatic, contradictory persona its focus.
Few artists have been so simultaneously narcissistic and self-effacing. His self-obsession comes across in all the self-portraits he did in different media — from photographic to sculptural to abstract to conceptual. If there's a signature image to this show, it's his 1933 'Autoportrait,' a wooden box containing a bronze cast of his face cushioned by crumpled newsprint. He looks out defiantly as if enduring the indignity of popular opinion." Sphere: Related Content
"Man Ray poses an interesting challenge for an institution like the Jewish Museum: how to frame an exhibit about a Jewish artist who, throughout his career, denied his Jewishness?
Few people know that the famous avant-garde artist and photographer was born Michael Emmanuel Radnitzky to Russian Jewish immigrants. Ray, who spent most of his adult life in Paris, cast aside not only his Jewish identity, but also much of his American one, disappearing almost entirely into the role of a European dadaist and surrealist.
Rather than sidestepping a seemingly uncomfortable issue, the Jewish Museum has put it front and center, titling the show 'Alias Man Ray: The Art of Reinvention' and making Ray's enigmatic, contradictory persona its focus.
Few artists have been so simultaneously narcissistic and self-effacing. His self-obsession comes across in all the self-portraits he did in different media — from photographic to sculptural to abstract to conceptual. If there's a signature image to this show, it's his 1933 'Autoportrait,' a wooden box containing a bronze cast of his face cushioned by crumpled newsprint. He looks out defiantly as if enduring the indignity of popular opinion." Sphere: Related Content
Iowans Turning To Marijuana For Ailments - wcco.com
Iowans Turning To Marijuana For Ailments - wcco.com:
"CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) ― Some Iowans acknowledge they are not waiting for a state board's recommendation whether to legalize marijuana for medicinal purposes.
They are already smoking marijuana up to ease whatever ails them.
'It allows me to get up every day and function as a mother,' said Lisa Jackson, 43, of rural Crawfordsville, who has the long-term pain syndrome fibromyalgia." Sphere: Related Content
"CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) ― Some Iowans acknowledge they are not waiting for a state board's recommendation whether to legalize marijuana for medicinal purposes.
They are already smoking marijuana up to ease whatever ails them.
'It allows me to get up every day and function as a mother,' said Lisa Jackson, 43, of rural Crawfordsville, who has the long-term pain syndrome fibromyalgia." Sphere: Related Content
The man who brought the '60s to town: As owner of hippie hot spot The Barn, Leon Tabory planted a flag for the counterculture in SV - Santa Cruz Sentinel
The man who brought the '60s to town: As owner of hippie hot spot The Barn, Leon Tabory planted a flag for the counterculture in SV - Santa Cruz Sentinel:
"SCOTTS VALLEY — Despite its reputation as a natural wildlife preserve for 1960s-style hippies and similarly free-spirited lifestyle rebels, Santa Cruz County was once, in fact, a quiet, conservative, decidedly un-hip place.
If anyone were ever to draw up a list of those most responsible for turning Santa Cruz from the latter to the former, among the top five names would certainly be Leon Tabory.
Tabory, who died in September a week before turning 84, will be remembered at a memorial service on Sunday for a life that reads like a grand 20th century novel. But in the cultural history of the county, Tabory stands, for good or ill, as a pioneer in establishing the '60s counterculture in this area. He brought in the DayGlo colors where once had been only red, white and blue." Sphere: Related Content
"SCOTTS VALLEY — Despite its reputation as a natural wildlife preserve for 1960s-style hippies and similarly free-spirited lifestyle rebels, Santa Cruz County was once, in fact, a quiet, conservative, decidedly un-hip place.
If anyone were ever to draw up a list of those most responsible for turning Santa Cruz from the latter to the former, among the top five names would certainly be Leon Tabory.
Tabory, who died in September a week before turning 84, will be remembered at a memorial service on Sunday for a life that reads like a grand 20th century novel. But in the cultural history of the county, Tabory stands, for good or ill, as a pioneer in establishing the '60s counterculture in this area. He brought in the DayGlo colors where once had been only red, white and blue." Sphere: Related Content
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Lafayette patient credits marijuana for her sight - Boulder Daily Camera
Lafayette patient credits marijuana for her sight - Boulder Daily Camera:
"Cheryl Crosby believes she would be blind today if it weren't for marijuana.
The 70-year-old Lafayette resident was diagnosed with glaucoma in 1994. Despite taking two medications on a daily basis and having two surgeries, the pressure in her eyes -- an indication of fluid build-up -- continued to be higher than recommended.
She knew about the research that showed marijuana could slow the progression of glaucoma, an incurable eye disease that damages the optic nerve and eventually leads to blindness.
Her ophthamologist did an experiment, measuring the pressure in her eyes before and after she smoked marijuana. The pressure was measurably lower after she smoked.
The lower the pressure in the eyes, the more slowly the disease progresses." Sphere: Related Content
"Cheryl Crosby believes she would be blind today if it weren't for marijuana.
The 70-year-old Lafayette resident was diagnosed with glaucoma in 1994. Despite taking two medications on a daily basis and having two surgeries, the pressure in her eyes -- an indication of fluid build-up -- continued to be higher than recommended.
She knew about the research that showed marijuana could slow the progression of glaucoma, an incurable eye disease that damages the optic nerve and eventually leads to blindness.
Her ophthamologist did an experiment, measuring the pressure in her eyes before and after she smoked marijuana. The pressure was measurably lower after she smoked.
The lower the pressure in the eyes, the more slowly the disease progresses." Sphere: Related Content
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Jam Band Rocks Fox Theater - Entertainment News Story - KTVU San Francisco
Jam Band Rocks Fox Theater - Entertainment News Story - KTVU San Francisco:
"Widespread Panic
One of the many neo-hippie jam bands which inherited the road-warrior mantle left behind by the Grateful Dead, Georgia-based outfit Widespread Panic established a devout grass-roots following on the strength of constant touring and a loose, rootsy brand of Southern rock informed by jazz and blues textures. The group's origins dated to 1982, when vocalist John Bell and guitarist Mike Houser first began playing together while attending college in Athens, Georgia. The line-up gradually filled out and Widespread Panic was officially born.
The band built up its regional following for several years before finally releasing their energetic debut LP 'Space Wrangler' in 1988 on the tiny Landslide label. After several years of relentless touring, they signed to major label Capricorn, which issued the group's eponymously titled sophomore effort in 1991. A mainstay on the early '90s H.O.R.D.E. tours that cemented the jam-band phenomenon, the group greatly expanded their fan base to more mainstream rock fans.
In June 2002, Widespread Panic returned to the road for their annual summer tour of the States, but within a month, founding member and lead guitarist Michael Houser had to bow out. Houser was battling cancer and returned home to Athens, GA to rest while guitarist George McConnell stepped in to finish the tour. In August of that summer, Houser succumbed to complications from pancreatic cancer at the age of 40.
The band soldiered on in accordance with Houser's wishes and was inspired to release its strongest effort yet, 'Ball,' the following year. Widespread Panic remain one of the most entertaining improv-heavy rock bands on the scene, as these three shows at the Fox Theater in Oakland will demonstrate." Sphere: Related Content
"Widespread Panic
One of the many neo-hippie jam bands which inherited the road-warrior mantle left behind by the Grateful Dead, Georgia-based outfit Widespread Panic established a devout grass-roots following on the strength of constant touring and a loose, rootsy brand of Southern rock informed by jazz and blues textures. The group's origins dated to 1982, when vocalist John Bell and guitarist Mike Houser first began playing together while attending college in Athens, Georgia. The line-up gradually filled out and Widespread Panic was officially born.
The band built up its regional following for several years before finally releasing their energetic debut LP 'Space Wrangler' in 1988 on the tiny Landslide label. After several years of relentless touring, they signed to major label Capricorn, which issued the group's eponymously titled sophomore effort in 1991. A mainstay on the early '90s H.O.R.D.E. tours that cemented the jam-band phenomenon, the group greatly expanded their fan base to more mainstream rock fans.
In June 2002, Widespread Panic returned to the road for their annual summer tour of the States, but within a month, founding member and lead guitarist Michael Houser had to bow out. Houser was battling cancer and returned home to Athens, GA to rest while guitarist George McConnell stepped in to finish the tour. In August of that summer, Houser succumbed to complications from pancreatic cancer at the age of 40.
The band soldiered on in accordance with Houser's wishes and was inspired to release its strongest effort yet, 'Ball,' the following year. Widespread Panic remain one of the most entertaining improv-heavy rock bands on the scene, as these three shows at the Fox Theater in Oakland will demonstrate." Sphere: Related Content
GreenCine | product main - Mondo Mod / The Hippie Revolt (1967)
GreenCine | product main - Mondo Mod / The Hippie Revolt (1967):
"This documentary is an exploitation film aimed at further alarming middle-class Americans about hippies. No real insight is given into the reasons hippies adopted the alternative lifestyle, as the camera focuses on enclaves in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and a rural commune dubbed Strawberry Fields. Psychedelic dance rituals, drug use, body painting, and incoherent babbling of the hippies sensationalize instead of educate as to the reasons so much of the youth of the world is involved in the counterculture. The visit to the commune could have been revealing, but the round table philosophical discussion only adds to the confusion and offers no illumination. The political, economic, and social relevance of the movement remains unexplained. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide
Special Features:
* Audio Commentary by 'Mr. Sixties' Johnny Legend and Hollywood Book and Poster Co.'s Eric Caidin!
* Original Theatrical Trailers!
* Surprise Alternate Footage from MONDO MOD Short Subject #1: Pot Party Playgirls!
* Surprise Alternate Footage from MONDO MOD Short Subject #2: Hot Hippy Hips!
* Acidhead Short Subject #1: Beyond LSD!
* Acidhead Short Subject #2: Psychedelic Hippie Love-In
* Gallery of Drive-In Exploitation Art!" Sphere: Related Content
"This documentary is an exploitation film aimed at further alarming middle-class Americans about hippies. No real insight is given into the reasons hippies adopted the alternative lifestyle, as the camera focuses on enclaves in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and a rural commune dubbed Strawberry Fields. Psychedelic dance rituals, drug use, body painting, and incoherent babbling of the hippies sensationalize instead of educate as to the reasons so much of the youth of the world is involved in the counterculture. The visit to the commune could have been revealing, but the round table philosophical discussion only adds to the confusion and offers no illumination. The political, economic, and social relevance of the movement remains unexplained. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide
Special Features:
* Audio Commentary by 'Mr. Sixties' Johnny Legend and Hollywood Book and Poster Co.'s Eric Caidin!
* Original Theatrical Trailers!
* Surprise Alternate Footage from MONDO MOD Short Subject #1: Pot Party Playgirls!
* Surprise Alternate Footage from MONDO MOD Short Subject #2: Hot Hippy Hips!
* Acidhead Short Subject #1: Beyond LSD!
* Acidhead Short Subject #2: Psychedelic Hippie Love-In
* Gallery of Drive-In Exploitation Art!" Sphere: Related Content
Granddaughter writes history of Nepenthe
Granddaughter writes history of Nepenthe:
"As the October moon rose over the Big Sur coast, a belly dancer with gold Iris wings twirled with the dancing ghosts of parties past at Nepenthe restaurant.
The release of 'My Nepenthe' is celebrated at the restaur...The release of 'My Nepenthe' is celebrated at the restaur...The release of 'My Nepenthe' is celebrated at the restaur... View More Images
There was a big reason to celebrate.
After six decades of nurturing artists, writers and singers, someone had finally written the story of the fabled restaurant's magical past.
That someone is an expert - Romney 'Nani' Steele, granddaughter of Bill and Lolly Fassett, creators of Nepenthe in 1949. 'My Nepenthe' details Steele's childhood growing up under her grandmother's wing at the iconic restaurant, where her aunt Dorcas belly danced for literary crowds that included writer Henry Miller, actress Kim Novak and singer Joan Baez.
At her Oct. 24 book-release party, Steele watched her 16-year-old daughter, Nicoya, continue the belly dancing tradition for generations of family members who were quick to claim the book as the quintessential tapestry of the bohemian happening that was, and in some ways still is, Nepenthe.
'Nepenthe was at the center of Big Sur - if not was Big Sur to many people,' Steele said between bites of salad on the deck overlooking the Pacific. 'Nepenthe acted as a stage bringing writers, poets and musicians to speak and perform. Growing up there, the world came to us.'" Sphere: Related Content
"As the October moon rose over the Big Sur coast, a belly dancer with gold Iris wings twirled with the dancing ghosts of parties past at Nepenthe restaurant.
The release of 'My Nepenthe' is celebrated at the restaur...The release of 'My Nepenthe' is celebrated at the restaur...The release of 'My Nepenthe' is celebrated at the restaur... View More Images
There was a big reason to celebrate.
After six decades of nurturing artists, writers and singers, someone had finally written the story of the fabled restaurant's magical past.
That someone is an expert - Romney 'Nani' Steele, granddaughter of Bill and Lolly Fassett, creators of Nepenthe in 1949. 'My Nepenthe' details Steele's childhood growing up under her grandmother's wing at the iconic restaurant, where her aunt Dorcas belly danced for literary crowds that included writer Henry Miller, actress Kim Novak and singer Joan Baez.
At her Oct. 24 book-release party, Steele watched her 16-year-old daughter, Nicoya, continue the belly dancing tradition for generations of family members who were quick to claim the book as the quintessential tapestry of the bohemian happening that was, and in some ways still is, Nepenthe.
'Nepenthe was at the center of Big Sur - if not was Big Sur to many people,' Steele said between bites of salad on the deck overlooking the Pacific. 'Nepenthe acted as a stage bringing writers, poets and musicians to speak and perform. Growing up there, the world came to us.'" Sphere: Related Content
The American Medical Association Reconsiders Marijuana. Will the Justice Department Follow? - The Human Condition Blog - Newsweek.com
The American Medical Association Reconsiders Marijuana. Will the Justice Department Follow? - The Human Condition Blog - Newsweek.com:
"More than 100 million Americans have smoked pot. Thirteen states have medical marijuana laws on the books, and a dozen more are considering legislation. Studies have shown that the substance can stimulate appetite, ease muscle spasms and numb pain.
Yet since 1970, when Richard Nixon signed the Controlled Substance Act into law, the time-slowing green plant known as marijuana has been a Schedule 1 controlled substance: classified alongside drugs like heroin and PCP—and deemed more harmful than cocaine, meth, and Ketamine. Pot advocates call that reality the “Schedule I Lie” —referring to the drug’s federal classification as the most potent of drugs, considered, by law, to have “no accepted medical use.”
The idea that a few tokes every now and then is more harmful than the recreational use of dog tranquilizer seems a bit, well, bogus, considering its mainstream acceptance. Barack Obama has openly admitted to smoking pot; Michael Phelps has tried it (and still managed to bring home eight gold medals); and earlier this year, attorney general Eric Holder discouraged U.S. attorneys from prosecuting retailers in medical marijuana states. There are pot TV shows and cities (like Oakland) that are now taxing the drug’s medicinal use to bring in extra revenue." Sphere: Related Content
"More than 100 million Americans have smoked pot. Thirteen states have medical marijuana laws on the books, and a dozen more are considering legislation. Studies have shown that the substance can stimulate appetite, ease muscle spasms and numb pain.
Yet since 1970, when Richard Nixon signed the Controlled Substance Act into law, the time-slowing green plant known as marijuana has been a Schedule 1 controlled substance: classified alongside drugs like heroin and PCP—and deemed more harmful than cocaine, meth, and Ketamine. Pot advocates call that reality the “Schedule I Lie” —referring to the drug’s federal classification as the most potent of drugs, considered, by law, to have “no accepted medical use.”
The idea that a few tokes every now and then is more harmful than the recreational use of dog tranquilizer seems a bit, well, bogus, considering its mainstream acceptance. Barack Obama has openly admitted to smoking pot; Michael Phelps has tried it (and still managed to bring home eight gold medals); and earlier this year, attorney general Eric Holder discouraged U.S. attorneys from prosecuting retailers in medical marijuana states. There are pot TV shows and cities (like Oakland) that are now taxing the drug’s medicinal use to bring in extra revenue." Sphere: Related Content
First U.S. marijuana cafe opens in Portland | U.S. | Reuters
First U.S. marijuana cafe opens in Portland | U.S. | Reuters: "By Dan Cook
PORTLAND, Oregon (Reuters) - The United States' first marijuana cafe opened on Friday, posing an early test of the Obama administration's move to relax policing of medical use of the drug.
The Cannabis Cafe in Portland, Oregon, is the first to give certified medical marijuana users a place to get hold of the drug and smoke it -- as long as they are out of public view -- despite a federal ban.
'This club represents personal freedom, finally, for our members,' said Madeline Martinez, Oregon's executive director of NORML, a group pushing for marijuana legalization." Sphere: Related Content
PORTLAND, Oregon (Reuters) - The United States' first marijuana cafe opened on Friday, posing an early test of the Obama administration's move to relax policing of medical use of the drug.
The Cannabis Cafe in Portland, Oregon, is the first to give certified medical marijuana users a place to get hold of the drug and smoke it -- as long as they are out of public view -- despite a federal ban.
'This club represents personal freedom, finally, for our members,' said Madeline Martinez, Oregon's executive director of NORML, a group pushing for marijuana legalization." Sphere: Related Content
Public Access Lives! (On DVD): One Of 'The Threee Geniuses' Talks The Re-Death Of Psychedelia - Los Angeles Music - West Coast Sound
Public Access Lives! (On DVD): One Of 'The Threee Geniuses' Talks The Re-Death Of Psychedelia - Los Angeles Music - West Coast Sound:
"Taking LSD over seven times may or may not make you legally insane (if the myth were true, some of us here at West Coast Sound might have just missed the loony bin), but we can assure you, watching the psycho-delic circus known as The Threee Geniuses as many times is likely to drive you nuts, at least temporarily.
The visually demented Los Angeles public access cable TV show -which celebrates the release of a new Best Of DVD, 'The Re-Death of Psychedelia,' this Sunday with an all-star in-the-flesh musical freak-fest at the Silent Movie Theatre- was seemingly created for the sole purpose of pushing the boundaries of taste, logic and FCC laws. It was conceived, shot, mixed and edited on the spot, in 'real-time,' so anything could and often did happen." Sphere: Related Content
"Taking LSD over seven times may or may not make you legally insane (if the myth were true, some of us here at West Coast Sound might have just missed the loony bin), but we can assure you, watching the psycho-delic circus known as The Threee Geniuses as many times is likely to drive you nuts, at least temporarily.
The visually demented Los Angeles public access cable TV show -which celebrates the release of a new Best Of DVD, 'The Re-Death of Psychedelia,' this Sunday with an all-star in-the-flesh musical freak-fest at the Silent Movie Theatre- was seemingly created for the sole purpose of pushing the boundaries of taste, logic and FCC laws. It was conceived, shot, mixed and edited on the spot, in 'real-time,' so anything could and often did happen." Sphere: Related Content
The Prisoner: An All-Star Appreciation | Underwire | Wired.com
The Prisoner: An All-Star Appreciation | Underwire | Wired.com:
"Patrick McGoohan’s stunning spy-fi series The Prisoner only lasted 17 episodes before sadly disappearing in 1969. But its revolutionary mix of geopolitics, sci-fi and psychedelia has influenced not just television, but also music, comics, film and more.
It even made a deep impression on the most influential band of all time.
“Before Magical Mystery Tour, the Beatles were going to do another full movie like Help, and it was all going to be based on The Prisoner,” Dhani Harrison, son of Beatles guitarist George Harrison, told Wired.com in October, before his own Prisoner-inspired band thenewno2 kicked off its inaugural North American tour. “They were going to be in a movie written and directed by Patrick McGoohan in the same vein as The Prisoner, because they thought it was one of the best series ever. They were so into his psychedelic weirdness.”
Unfortunately, the Beatles project ultimately fell through. But not before McGoohan inspired the Fab Four to do something that they never did again. “What came of it was the [Prisoner] episode ‘Fall Out’ featuring ‘All You Need Is Love,’” Harrison said. It was the only time a Beatles song was licensed to a TV show." Sphere: Related Content
"Patrick McGoohan’s stunning spy-fi series The Prisoner only lasted 17 episodes before sadly disappearing in 1969. But its revolutionary mix of geopolitics, sci-fi and psychedelia has influenced not just television, but also music, comics, film and more.
It even made a deep impression on the most influential band of all time.
“Before Magical Mystery Tour, the Beatles were going to do another full movie like Help, and it was all going to be based on The Prisoner,” Dhani Harrison, son of Beatles guitarist George Harrison, told Wired.com in October, before his own Prisoner-inspired band thenewno2 kicked off its inaugural North American tour. “They were going to be in a movie written and directed by Patrick McGoohan in the same vein as The Prisoner, because they thought it was one of the best series ever. They were so into his psychedelic weirdness.”
Unfortunately, the Beatles project ultimately fell through. But not before McGoohan inspired the Fab Four to do something that they never did again. “What came of it was the [Prisoner] episode ‘Fall Out’ featuring ‘All You Need Is Love,’” Harrison said. It was the only time a Beatles song was licensed to a TV show." Sphere: Related Content
Lennon, Manson and me: the psychedelic cinema of Alejandro Jodorowsky | Film | The Guardian
Lennon, Manson and me: the psychedelic cinema of Alejandro Jodorowsky | Film | The Guardian:
"Eyebrows, hopes and ceremonially lit bongs were all raised earlier this year with the news that Alejandro Jodorowsky was finally making another movie. The high priest of head-trip cinema, Jodorowsky blew the collective mind of the counter-culture with a handful of supremely odd movies in the 1970s, such as El Topo and The Holy Mountain, but despite continual promises and rumours, Jodorowsky's long-awaited return never seemed to materialise. In the meantime, his work has been seized upon by a new generation of hipsters desperately seeking out-there inspiration, as we shall see. This year, though, at the Cannes film festival, Jodorowsky announced he had raised the cash for his next movie. It would be called King Shot, and it would be a metaphysical western set in a desert casino, featuring a man the size of King Kong and Marilyn Manson as a 300-year-old pope." Sphere: Related Content
"Eyebrows, hopes and ceremonially lit bongs were all raised earlier this year with the news that Alejandro Jodorowsky was finally making another movie. The high priest of head-trip cinema, Jodorowsky blew the collective mind of the counter-culture with a handful of supremely odd movies in the 1970s, such as El Topo and The Holy Mountain, but despite continual promises and rumours, Jodorowsky's long-awaited return never seemed to materialise. In the meantime, his work has been seized upon by a new generation of hipsters desperately seeking out-there inspiration, as we shall see. This year, though, at the Cannes film festival, Jodorowsky announced he had raised the cash for his next movie. It would be called King Shot, and it would be a metaphysical western set in a desert casino, featuring a man the size of King Kong and Marilyn Manson as a 300-year-old pope." Sphere: Related Content
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
A New Era for U.S. Drug Policy? - CBS News
A New Era for U.S. Drug Policy? - CBS News:
"As the founder and executive director of the Drug Policy Alliance, Nadelmann has long advocated for the liberalization of U.S. drug laws -- specifically, making marijuana legal, regulated and taxed and ending criminal penalties on the possession and use of all other drugs.
For most of that time the Alliance has been relegated to the fringe of serious policy discussions, a space long occupied - or so the stereotype goes - by radical libertarians and readers of the marijuana enthusiast magazine High Times.
But things are changing. The last few months are 'the first time I've ever felt that the wind is at my back and not in my face,' Nadelmann said. 'There's a tremendous amount of momentum across the board.'" Sphere: Related Content
"As the founder and executive director of the Drug Policy Alliance, Nadelmann has long advocated for the liberalization of U.S. drug laws -- specifically, making marijuana legal, regulated and taxed and ending criminal penalties on the possession and use of all other drugs.
For most of that time the Alliance has been relegated to the fringe of serious policy discussions, a space long occupied - or so the stereotype goes - by radical libertarians and readers of the marijuana enthusiast magazine High Times.
But things are changing. The last few months are 'the first time I've ever felt that the wind is at my back and not in my face,' Nadelmann said. 'There's a tremendous amount of momentum across the board.'" Sphere: Related Content
The psychedelic seaslugs that outshine their garden cousins | Mail Online
The psychedelic seaslugs that outshine their garden cousins | Mail Online:
"The incredible images were taken by researcher and photographer Thomas Vignaud, who was diving off the coast of southern France.
The 23 year old said: 'Most of the nudibranchs have totally incredible colours - like underwater living jewels designed by an artist.
'There are several thousand known species but we're far from finding the real total. The vivid colours are, like for other animals, used to warn any potential predator, 'I'm not good to eat'." Sphere: Related Content
"The incredible images were taken by researcher and photographer Thomas Vignaud, who was diving off the coast of southern France.
The 23 year old said: 'Most of the nudibranchs have totally incredible colours - like underwater living jewels designed by an artist.
'There are several thousand known species but we're far from finding the real total. The vivid colours are, like for other animals, used to warn any potential predator, 'I'm not good to eat'." Sphere: Related Content
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Music & nightlife | The birth of 'Grunge,' in photos by Michael Lavine | Seattle Times Newspaper
Music & nightlife | The birth of 'Grunge,' in photos by Michael Lavine | Seattle Times Newspaper:
"Despite its title, 'Grunge,' Michael Lavine's newest book of photographs, is not meant as a definitive history of Seattle's most infamous musical movement. When Lavine arrived in Seattle in 1982 and started shooting the punks, mods and Goths hanging out on the Ave in the U District, he wasn't trying to encapsulate a scene. When he moved to New York in 1985 and became the go-to studio photographer for the Sub Pop record label, he didn't believe his work was exhaustive. Even now, his book raises more questions than answers.
'It was punk until somebody decided to call it grunge. It really was. It wasn't grunge to us at the time,' Lavine says, laughing. 'That was one reason we named (the book) that, just to make people think about the word in a different way.'" Sphere: Related Content
"Despite its title, 'Grunge,' Michael Lavine's newest book of photographs, is not meant as a definitive history of Seattle's most infamous musical movement. When Lavine arrived in Seattle in 1982 and started shooting the punks, mods and Goths hanging out on the Ave in the U District, he wasn't trying to encapsulate a scene. When he moved to New York in 1985 and became the go-to studio photographer for the Sub Pop record label, he didn't believe his work was exhaustive. Even now, his book raises more questions than answers.
'It was punk until somebody decided to call it grunge. It really was. It wasn't grunge to us at the time,' Lavine says, laughing. 'That was one reason we named (the book) that, just to make people think about the word in a different way.'" Sphere: Related Content
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Rock snobs, rejoice! Wolfgang's Vault, the Ft. Knox of classic concerts | Brand X | Los Angeles Times
Rock snobs, rejoice! Wolfgang's Vault, the Ft. Knox of classic concerts | Brand X | Los Angeles Times:
"If you call yourself a music fan and you've not taken a pilgrimage over to Wolfgang's Vault, then make a move, stat, hippie! The sprawling website is a veritable treasure trove of classic rock concerts, many from the archive of the late, great San Francisco-based concert impresario Bill Graham (real name: Wolfgang Grajonca). It's the Ft. Knox of live music.
Graham began recording rock shows at his Winterland, Fillmore West and Filmore East show palaces and stored the tapes in the basement of his Bill Graham Presents offices. These 2,500 hours formed the basis of the Vault's collection, but the archives of the 'King Biscuit Flower Hour' radio show, the Dawson Sound collection, the Ash Grove (a L.A. 60s folk club, now known as the Improv) archive, the Newport Jazz archives and tapes from the Record Plant have been added in recent years. Meticulous restoration work is done on the well-preserved, but aging, material by an army of recording engineers who will even resort to slow baking the tapes for several days so they can be played just one time and captured digitally.
From the acid rock of the Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane and Jimi Hendrix on to the punkier sounds of the Sex Pistols, the Clash and beyond ('80s New Wave groups like Culture Club, Duran Duran and ABC are represented too), much of the 3,500 concerts on Wolfgang's Vault stream free for members (it costs nothing to sign up, but you do have to register to listen) and the audio quality is top-notch. Additionally Wolgang's Vault boasts a streaming radio station and an online store with what is probably the single best source of rock and roll memorabilia on the Internet. New concerts are added weekly. There's even a Wolfgang's Vault iPhone app for listening concerts on the go, which was named the best app of 2009 by Macworld.
www.wolfgangsvault.com
-- Richard Metzger" Sphere: Related Content
"If you call yourself a music fan and you've not taken a pilgrimage over to Wolfgang's Vault, then make a move, stat, hippie! The sprawling website is a veritable treasure trove of classic rock concerts, many from the archive of the late, great San Francisco-based concert impresario Bill Graham (real name: Wolfgang Grajonca). It's the Ft. Knox of live music.
Graham began recording rock shows at his Winterland, Fillmore West and Filmore East show palaces and stored the tapes in the basement of his Bill Graham Presents offices. These 2,500 hours formed the basis of the Vault's collection, but the archives of the 'King Biscuit Flower Hour' radio show, the Dawson Sound collection, the Ash Grove (a L.A. 60s folk club, now known as the Improv) archive, the Newport Jazz archives and tapes from the Record Plant have been added in recent years. Meticulous restoration work is done on the well-preserved, but aging, material by an army of recording engineers who will even resort to slow baking the tapes for several days so they can be played just one time and captured digitally.
From the acid rock of the Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane and Jimi Hendrix on to the punkier sounds of the Sex Pistols, the Clash and beyond ('80s New Wave groups like Culture Club, Duran Duran and ABC are represented too), much of the 3,500 concerts on Wolfgang's Vault stream free for members (it costs nothing to sign up, but you do have to register to listen) and the audio quality is top-notch. Additionally Wolgang's Vault boasts a streaming radio station and an online store with what is probably the single best source of rock and roll memorabilia on the Internet. New concerts are added weekly. There's even a Wolfgang's Vault iPhone app for listening concerts on the go, which was named the best app of 2009 by Macworld.
www.wolfgangsvault.com
-- Richard Metzger" Sphere: Related Content
COMMUNITY VOICES: Rock out to help the world - Fall River, MA - The Herald News
COMMUNITY VOICES: Rock out to help the world - Fall River, MA - The Herald News: "
Although nothing takes the place of volunteering and face-to-face connections, here are some suggestions on how to incorporate a social agenda into your life by rock n’ rolling and munching! Some of the everyday things you do can have an impact on the world.
The list of socially conscious music groups continues to grow daily. Want to go to concert? Want to buy a new CD? Let your seat or CD also help you repair world.
— The Boss. Bruce Springsteen donates a portion of his profits to local food banks and often asks concert goers to bring canned food as part of the cost of admission. The food is distributed to local food pantries.
— The Grateful Dead. One of the most organized rock n’ roll charitable efforts, The Rex Foundation donates a portion of Grateful Dead profits to a plethora of service organizations working on issues such as the environment, homelessness, literacy, child welfare and peace efforts.
— Willie Nelson. Farm Aid, live mega-shows run yearly, raises money for independent farms that are in danger of being gobbled up by the Agra business.
— Phish uses a portion of its profits to support many social actions projects including environmental causes in the Lake Champlain region of Vermont, the birthplace of the band.
— Rapper Ludacris and The Ludacris Foundation team up with Greyhound and The National Runaway Switchboard to help runaways find their way home. Ludacris and Mary J. Blige’s song Runaway Love is featured in a televised public service announcement encouraging runaways to go home.
Who doesn’t enjoy a dish of ice cream on occasion? Make your munching matter. Ben & Jerry’s ice cream company is well known for its commitment to social causes, Ben & Jerry’s produces a number of tasty and socially responsible flavors.
— Some of the profits from Heath Bar Crunch go to “The Campaign for New Priorities,” an organization dedicated to advancing peace through education and an end to poverty." Sphere: Related Content
Although nothing takes the place of volunteering and face-to-face connections, here are some suggestions on how to incorporate a social agenda into your life by rock n’ rolling and munching! Some of the everyday things you do can have an impact on the world.
The list of socially conscious music groups continues to grow daily. Want to go to concert? Want to buy a new CD? Let your seat or CD also help you repair world.
— The Boss. Bruce Springsteen donates a portion of his profits to local food banks and often asks concert goers to bring canned food as part of the cost of admission. The food is distributed to local food pantries.
— The Grateful Dead. One of the most organized rock n’ roll charitable efforts, The Rex Foundation donates a portion of Grateful Dead profits to a plethora of service organizations working on issues such as the environment, homelessness, literacy, child welfare and peace efforts.
— Willie Nelson. Farm Aid, live mega-shows run yearly, raises money for independent farms that are in danger of being gobbled up by the Agra business.
— Phish uses a portion of its profits to support many social actions projects including environmental causes in the Lake Champlain region of Vermont, the birthplace of the band.
— Rapper Ludacris and The Ludacris Foundation team up with Greyhound and The National Runaway Switchboard to help runaways find their way home. Ludacris and Mary J. Blige’s song Runaway Love is featured in a televised public service announcement encouraging runaways to go home.
Who doesn’t enjoy a dish of ice cream on occasion? Make your munching matter. Ben & Jerry’s ice cream company is well known for its commitment to social causes, Ben & Jerry’s produces a number of tasty and socially responsible flavors.
— Some of the profits from Heath Bar Crunch go to “The Campaign for New Priorities,” an organization dedicated to advancing peace through education and an end to poverty." Sphere: Related Content
Sacramento Press / Cinco de Alchemist: A Celebration of Transformation
Sacramento Press / Cinco de Alchemist: A Celebration of Transformation:
"Alchemist CDC was founded in 2004 by Wendy Carter, Lisa Nelson and Chris Aguirre to promote equitable community development in Sacramento. The nonprofit group believes that the overall health of the region depends on the health of urban centers, and they are currently focused on serving the Alkali Flats and Mansion Flats neighborhoods of downtown Sacramento.
In 2007, Alchemist CDC and the Sacramento Mutual Housing Association began the city’s first urban farm stand at J. Neely Johnson Park in Alkali Flats. In 2009, they began a farm stand at McClatchy Park in the Oak Park neighborhood. The farm stands operate from May through October." Sphere: Related Content
"Alchemist CDC was founded in 2004 by Wendy Carter, Lisa Nelson and Chris Aguirre to promote equitable community development in Sacramento. The nonprofit group believes that the overall health of the region depends on the health of urban centers, and they are currently focused on serving the Alkali Flats and Mansion Flats neighborhoods of downtown Sacramento.
In 2007, Alchemist CDC and the Sacramento Mutual Housing Association began the city’s first urban farm stand at J. Neely Johnson Park in Alkali Flats. In 2009, they began a farm stand at McClatchy Park in the Oak Park neighborhood. The farm stands operate from May through October." Sphere: Related Content
411mania.com: Music - Jam Central Station 11.07.09: Robert Randolph and the Family Band
411mania.com: Music - Jam Central Station 11.07.09: Robert Randolph and the Family Band:
"Steel guitar virtuoso Robert Randolph and his Family Band's rise to prominence didn't come from the typical schedule of incessant recording and touring that most jam bands follow. Robert Randolph, for all of his talent, wasn't even aware of guitar greats like Buddy Guy or Muddy Waters as a teenager. His entire musical knowledge came from his church, a House of God church in New Jersey. Raised as the son of both a minister and a deacon, most of Randolph's early life was spent in the church. However, for Randolph, church music didn't mean organs and old ladies in the choir. Although it's a small denomination, the House of God churches had a musical tradition for Randolph to latch onto, a tradition known as Sacred Steel.
The pedal steel guitar, which is the lynchpin of Sacred Steel music, rose to prominence in House of God churches in the 30's. The black Pentecostal churches of this time couldn't afford costly organs, and the pedal steel guitar was introduced as a replacement instrument. While the instrument itself had been used primarily in Hawaiian and country music, the way that the House of God churches used it bore little resemblance to those other traditions. The energy that this instrument produced was much closer to the high-energy services of the Pentecostal churches, and was quickly accepted as part of their worship. This type of music seldom left the church, however. True to the name 'Sacred Steel,' church elders believed that the only appropriate place for this sacred music was in the church. Those who didn't frown on playing the music outside of the church still believed that the primary purpose for the music should be evangelism. Few recordings were made of Sacred Steel playing, and only a handful of practitioners played outside of church events.
Sacred Steel was 'discovered' in 1992 by Florida musicologist Robert Stone. He began recording the music in the churches. In 1995, he put out the first widely released recording of Sacred Steel music, Sacred Steel: Traditional Sacred African-American Steel Guitar Music in Florida. Stone's recordings of Sacred Steel music struck a chord not only with lovers of gospel and church music, but many guitar music aficionados across the globe.
About the time Stone was 'discovering' Sacred Steel music, a Robert Randolph was growing up in urban New Jersey. Randolph didn't just grow up in the church; he also grew up on the streets. He often skipped school and he dealt drugs for a short time. He maintained his relationship with his church, however, and began drumming in the youth choir. The shooting death of a close friend that brought Randolph seriously back into the church, and he left behind the street side of his life for good. He was given a steel guitar, and, at 17, he began playing in earnest. It was at this time that a friend gave him a Stevie Ray Vaughn tape." Sphere: Related Content
"Steel guitar virtuoso Robert Randolph and his Family Band's rise to prominence didn't come from the typical schedule of incessant recording and touring that most jam bands follow. Robert Randolph, for all of his talent, wasn't even aware of guitar greats like Buddy Guy or Muddy Waters as a teenager. His entire musical knowledge came from his church, a House of God church in New Jersey. Raised as the son of both a minister and a deacon, most of Randolph's early life was spent in the church. However, for Randolph, church music didn't mean organs and old ladies in the choir. Although it's a small denomination, the House of God churches had a musical tradition for Randolph to latch onto, a tradition known as Sacred Steel.
The pedal steel guitar, which is the lynchpin of Sacred Steel music, rose to prominence in House of God churches in the 30's. The black Pentecostal churches of this time couldn't afford costly organs, and the pedal steel guitar was introduced as a replacement instrument. While the instrument itself had been used primarily in Hawaiian and country music, the way that the House of God churches used it bore little resemblance to those other traditions. The energy that this instrument produced was much closer to the high-energy services of the Pentecostal churches, and was quickly accepted as part of their worship. This type of music seldom left the church, however. True to the name 'Sacred Steel,' church elders believed that the only appropriate place for this sacred music was in the church. Those who didn't frown on playing the music outside of the church still believed that the primary purpose for the music should be evangelism. Few recordings were made of Sacred Steel playing, and only a handful of practitioners played outside of church events.
Sacred Steel was 'discovered' in 1992 by Florida musicologist Robert Stone. He began recording the music in the churches. In 1995, he put out the first widely released recording of Sacred Steel music, Sacred Steel: Traditional Sacred African-American Steel Guitar Music in Florida. Stone's recordings of Sacred Steel music struck a chord not only with lovers of gospel and church music, but many guitar music aficionados across the globe.
About the time Stone was 'discovering' Sacred Steel music, a Robert Randolph was growing up in urban New Jersey. Randolph didn't just grow up in the church; he also grew up on the streets. He often skipped school and he dealt drugs for a short time. He maintained his relationship with his church, however, and began drumming in the youth choir. The shooting death of a close friend that brought Randolph seriously back into the church, and he left behind the street side of his life for good. He was given a steel guitar, and, at 17, he began playing in earnest. It was at this time that a friend gave him a Stevie Ray Vaughn tape." Sphere: Related Content
Friday, November 6, 2009
Building With Whole Trees - NYTimes.com
Building With Whole Trees - NYTimes.com:
"According to research by the Forest Products Laboratory in Madison, run by the USDA, a whole, unmilled tree can support 50 percent more weight than the largest piece of lumber milled from the same tree. So Mr. Gundersen uses small-diameter trees as rafters and framing in his airy structures, and big trees felled by wind, disease or insects as powerful columns and curving beams.
Taking small trees from a crowded stand in the forest is much like thinning carrots in a row: the remaining plants get more light, air and nutrients. Carrots grow longer and straighter; trees get bigger and healthier.
And when the trees are left whole, they sequester carbon. “For every ton of wood, a ton and a half of carbon dioxide is locked up,” he said, whereas producing a ton of steel releases two to five tons of carbon. So the more whole wood is used in place of steel, the less carbon is pumped into the air.
These passive solar structures also need very little or no supplemental heat.
Tom Spaulding, the executive director of Angelic Organics Learning Center, near Rockford, Ill., northwest of Chicago, knows about this because he commissioned Mr. Gundersen to build a 1,600-square-foot training center in 2003. He said: “In the middle of winter, on a 20-below day, we’re in shorts, with the windows and doors open. And we don’t burn a bit of petroleum.”" Sphere: Related Content
"According to research by the Forest Products Laboratory in Madison, run by the USDA, a whole, unmilled tree can support 50 percent more weight than the largest piece of lumber milled from the same tree. So Mr. Gundersen uses small-diameter trees as rafters and framing in his airy structures, and big trees felled by wind, disease or insects as powerful columns and curving beams.
Taking small trees from a crowded stand in the forest is much like thinning carrots in a row: the remaining plants get more light, air and nutrients. Carrots grow longer and straighter; trees get bigger and healthier.
And when the trees are left whole, they sequester carbon. “For every ton of wood, a ton and a half of carbon dioxide is locked up,” he said, whereas producing a ton of steel releases two to five tons of carbon. So the more whole wood is used in place of steel, the less carbon is pumped into the air.
These passive solar structures also need very little or no supplemental heat.
Tom Spaulding, the executive director of Angelic Organics Learning Center, near Rockford, Ill., northwest of Chicago, knows about this because he commissioned Mr. Gundersen to build a 1,600-square-foot training center in 2003. He said: “In the middle of winter, on a 20-below day, we’re in shorts, with the windows and doors open. And we don’t burn a bit of petroleum.”" Sphere: Related Content
Rock Candy: Last Night: The Meat Puppets
Rock Candy: Last Night: The Meat Puppets:
"Once upon a time, two blue-blooded, musically gifted brothers from Arizona started a band. This was during the hardcore heyday of the early ‘80s, and though the winds were blowing strongly in the direction of harder-faster-louder, the siblings had an abiding love of such punk anathema as Neil Young and the Grateful Dead.
In short order, the Meat Puppets signed to the label SST and released a slew of albums — at least two of which are masterpieces — which combined the theretofore-disparate sounds of punk, country and psychedelia." Sphere: Related Content
"Once upon a time, two blue-blooded, musically gifted brothers from Arizona started a band. This was during the hardcore heyday of the early ‘80s, and though the winds were blowing strongly in the direction of harder-faster-louder, the siblings had an abiding love of such punk anathema as Neil Young and the Grateful Dead.
In short order, the Meat Puppets signed to the label SST and released a slew of albums — at least two of which are masterpieces — which combined the theretofore-disparate sounds of punk, country and psychedelia." Sphere: Related Content
XTC: The Complete And Utter Dukes - XTC News @ antiMusic.com
XTC: The Complete And Utter Dukes - XTC News @ antiMusic.com:
"(Howlin' Wuelf) The Complete And Utter Dukes is a special LIMITED edition release of XTC's pseudonymous output as 'The Dukes of Stratosphear' being released domestically November 30 on XTC mainman Andy Partridge's Ape House label, distributed by ADA.
This LIMITED EDITION purple cloth-covered box set completes even the completist's collection with everything the Dukes ever recorded presented in a variety of formats.
This includes the vinyl versions of 25 O'Clock and Psonic Psunspot are faithful to the original in their content and were remastered especially for these vinyl pressings. Both come in gatefold sleeves and newly designed inner bags. There's also a 7 inch single featuring Andy Partridge's 'Tin Toy Clockwork Train,' a track written for a psychedelic Euro Star ad campaign and Colin Moulding's demo of 'The Affiliated.'
You also get both 25 O'Clock and Psonic Psunspot are on separate CDs, again, having been completely remastered from the original analogue tapes, with generous bonus material and packaged in hardback books." Sphere: Related Content
"(Howlin' Wuelf) The Complete And Utter Dukes is a special LIMITED edition release of XTC's pseudonymous output as 'The Dukes of Stratosphear' being released domestically November 30 on XTC mainman Andy Partridge's Ape House label, distributed by ADA.
This LIMITED EDITION purple cloth-covered box set completes even the completist's collection with everything the Dukes ever recorded presented in a variety of formats.
This includes the vinyl versions of 25 O'Clock and Psonic Psunspot are faithful to the original in their content and were remastered especially for these vinyl pressings. Both come in gatefold sleeves and newly designed inner bags. There's also a 7 inch single featuring Andy Partridge's 'Tin Toy Clockwork Train,' a track written for a psychedelic Euro Star ad campaign and Colin Moulding's demo of 'The Affiliated.'
You also get both 25 O'Clock and Psonic Psunspot are on separate CDs, again, having been completely remastered from the original analogue tapes, with generous bonus material and packaged in hardback books." Sphere: Related Content
wbur.org » NPR
wbur.org » NPR:
"I don't think there has ever been a comedy as freakishly, surreally psychosexual as Jared Hess's Gentlemen Broncos. It's the story of a teenager who writes unpublished Dune-like sci-fi novels called Yeast Wars in which the hero has his gonads stolen and faces off in a rocky desert against laser-blasting mammaries.
The kid, Benjamin, played by Michael Angarano, is clearly sublimating like mad to relieve his sexual discomfort. But often Hess cuts to his fantasies — scenes from his novels enacted onscreen — and they're so visionary and intense that they hurtle past Freud. They have a Jung-like mythical dimension. His protagonist, Bronco, played by Sam Rockwell, is part cowboy, part Flash Gordon. His battles are gloriously tacky and psychedelic. He rides robotic deer and dodges Cyclops and pursues a jelly jar with his pilfered private parts. These fantasies lift the movie into a realm both lofty and madcap. The down-to-earth realm is loco in a different way." Sphere: Related Content
"I don't think there has ever been a comedy as freakishly, surreally psychosexual as Jared Hess's Gentlemen Broncos. It's the story of a teenager who writes unpublished Dune-like sci-fi novels called Yeast Wars in which the hero has his gonads stolen and faces off in a rocky desert against laser-blasting mammaries.
The kid, Benjamin, played by Michael Angarano, is clearly sublimating like mad to relieve his sexual discomfort. But often Hess cuts to his fantasies — scenes from his novels enacted onscreen — and they're so visionary and intense that they hurtle past Freud. They have a Jung-like mythical dimension. His protagonist, Bronco, played by Sam Rockwell, is part cowboy, part Flash Gordon. His battles are gloriously tacky and psychedelic. He rides robotic deer and dodges Cyclops and pursues a jelly jar with his pilfered private parts. These fantasies lift the movie into a realm both lofty and madcap. The down-to-earth realm is loco in a different way." Sphere: Related Content
Thursday, November 5, 2009
The Associated Press: Maine becomes 5th state to allow pot dispensaries
The Associated Press: Maine becomes 5th state to allow pot dispensaries:
"PORTLAND, Maine — Voters approved a referendum making Maine the fifth state to allow retail pot dispensaries, but medical marijuana advocates say it won't become like California, where hundreds of marijuana shops have popped up and come under critical scrutiny.
California, Colorado, New Mexico and Rhode Island allow for places where medical marijuana patients can legally buy pot. Maine voters gave their approval Tuesday, 59 percent to 41 percent." Sphere: Related Content
"PORTLAND, Maine — Voters approved a referendum making Maine the fifth state to allow retail pot dispensaries, but medical marijuana advocates say it won't become like California, where hundreds of marijuana shops have popped up and come under critical scrutiny.
California, Colorado, New Mexico and Rhode Island allow for places where medical marijuana patients can legally buy pot. Maine voters gave their approval Tuesday, 59 percent to 41 percent." Sphere: Related Content
Syd Barrett Photo Auction - 4 Nov 2009 | Clash Music Latest Breaking Music News
Syd Barrett Photo Auction - 4 Nov 2009 | Clash Music Latest Breaking Music News:
A series of images capturing the decline of psychedelic icon Syd Barrett are set to be sold at a special auction.
"'Barrett' and 'The Madcap Laughs' have now become celebrated works, adorned with the classic photography of Mick Rock.
The photographer shot Syd Barrett in his London flat, capturing the tragic songwriter in the midst of his illness. Set to vanish from the London society for ever shortly afterwards, Mick Rock's images have become almost as well known as Barrett's music.
Now fans can own three photos taken at those sessions. Mick Rock is selling the images as part of the music sale at Phillips de Pury in London on November 21st." Sphere: Related Content
A series of images capturing the decline of psychedelic icon Syd Barrett are set to be sold at a special auction.
"'Barrett' and 'The Madcap Laughs' have now become celebrated works, adorned with the classic photography of Mick Rock.
The photographer shot Syd Barrett in his London flat, capturing the tragic songwriter in the midst of his illness. Set to vanish from the London society for ever shortly afterwards, Mick Rock's images have become almost as well known as Barrett's music.
Now fans can own three photos taken at those sessions. Mick Rock is selling the images as part of the music sale at Phillips de Pury in London on November 21st." Sphere: Related Content
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Stephen Schlesinger: Obama Gets Good Grades at the United Nations
Stephen Schlesinger: Obama Gets Good Grades at the United Nations:
"Barack Obama promised throughout his presidential campaign to reengage with the United Nations. And he has. He's compiled an extraordinary list of accomplishments already at the UN building. Let's begin with his decision to appoint a new ambassador, Susan Rice, who actually believes in the UN and has made her commitment clear. Next, his early meeting with Ban Ki Moon at the White House in his seventh week of his presidency, which demonstrated in a public way Obama's determination to link America up again with the UN.
Then his early decision to pay up our annual dues and peacekeeping arrears, estimated to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars, and to switch our payment schedules to coincide with the UN's own budgetary calendar rather than our Congressional one; his choice to increase American military and civilian support to UN peacekeeping missions; his willingness to rejoin the Human Rights Council; his public declaration to recommit the US to ending climate change; his renewal of US funding support for family planning programs and reproductive health services at the UN's Population Fund; his desire to strengthen American backing of UNICEF and UNESCO; his endorsement of such UN inspired treaties as the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; his backing of the UN General Assembly statement opposing violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation; his public citing of the ICC and the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women; his push for a pact to end the production of fissile nuclear materials and his pledge for a vigorous US participation in the 2010 UN review conference on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty; his support of the UN's Millennium Development goals; his desire to reform the UN Security Council, including possibly adding more countries to its roster; and his support to complete the UN's internal reforms, the Peacebuilding Commission, the Democracy Fund, management changes and the new Responsibility to Protect provision (in the Security Council). All of this represents a 180 degree change of course from the George W. Bush years." Sphere: Related Content
"Barack Obama promised throughout his presidential campaign to reengage with the United Nations. And he has. He's compiled an extraordinary list of accomplishments already at the UN building. Let's begin with his decision to appoint a new ambassador, Susan Rice, who actually believes in the UN and has made her commitment clear. Next, his early meeting with Ban Ki Moon at the White House in his seventh week of his presidency, which demonstrated in a public way Obama's determination to link America up again with the UN.
Then his early decision to pay up our annual dues and peacekeeping arrears, estimated to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars, and to switch our payment schedules to coincide with the UN's own budgetary calendar rather than our Congressional one; his choice to increase American military and civilian support to UN peacekeeping missions; his willingness to rejoin the Human Rights Council; his public declaration to recommit the US to ending climate change; his renewal of US funding support for family planning programs and reproductive health services at the UN's Population Fund; his desire to strengthen American backing of UNICEF and UNESCO; his endorsement of such UN inspired treaties as the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; his backing of the UN General Assembly statement opposing violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation; his public citing of the ICC and the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women; his push for a pact to end the production of fissile nuclear materials and his pledge for a vigorous US participation in the 2010 UN review conference on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty; his support of the UN's Millennium Development goals; his desire to reform the UN Security Council, including possibly adding more countries to its roster; and his support to complete the UN's internal reforms, the Peacebuilding Commission, the Democracy Fund, management changes and the new Responsibility to Protect provision (in the Security Council). All of this represents a 180 degree change of course from the George W. Bush years." Sphere: Related Content
Breckenridge votes to decriminalize marijuana possession - KDVR
Breckenridge votes to decriminalize marijuana possession - KDVR
DENVER (AP) — The ski town of Breckenridge has voted overwhelmingly to decriminalize marijuana possession.
Early returns Tuesday night showed the proposal winning with 72 percent of the vote. Breckenridge is poised to clear adults over 21 to have up to 1 ounce of marijuana. Sphere: Related Content
DENVER (AP) — The ski town of Breckenridge has voted overwhelmingly to decriminalize marijuana possession.
Early returns Tuesday night showed the proposal winning with 72 percent of the vote. Breckenridge is poised to clear adults over 21 to have up to 1 ounce of marijuana. Sphere: Related Content
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
UFOs, Orgasms and the Occult: The Tucson Connection - Paranormal Old Pueblo
UFOs, Orgasms and the Occult: The Tucson Connection - Paranormal Old Pueblo:
"Before Wilhelm Reich, an occultist from England named Aleister Crowley also dabbled in the powers orgasmic energy. Crowley called it “Sex Magick.”
Both Wilhelm Reich and Aleister Crowley believed that suppression of sex was at the root of all evil and violence in the world.
Each individual has an absolute right to satisfy his sexual instinct as is physiologically proper for him. The one injunction is to treat all such acts as sacraments. One should not eat as the brutes, but in order to enable one to do one’s will. The same applies to sex. We must use every faculty to further the one object of our existence. – Aleister Crowley in the “Book of the Law”
Crowley believed that the energies built up and released during the sex act was capable of being used for magic. Crowley emphasized sex as a supreme magical power. There was more than this belief in the application of sexual energies that bound these men together. Their link came in the form of a man named Israel Regardie." Sphere: Related Content
"Before Wilhelm Reich, an occultist from England named Aleister Crowley also dabbled in the powers orgasmic energy. Crowley called it “Sex Magick.”
Both Wilhelm Reich and Aleister Crowley believed that suppression of sex was at the root of all evil and violence in the world.
Each individual has an absolute right to satisfy his sexual instinct as is physiologically proper for him. The one injunction is to treat all such acts as sacraments. One should not eat as the brutes, but in order to enable one to do one’s will. The same applies to sex. We must use every faculty to further the one object of our existence. – Aleister Crowley in the “Book of the Law”
Crowley believed that the energies built up and released during the sex act was capable of being used for magic. Crowley emphasized sex as a supreme magical power. There was more than this belief in the application of sexual energies that bound these men together. Their link came in the form of a man named Israel Regardie." Sphere: Related Content
AFP: Jewish-Muslim music fest is lesson in tolerance
AFP: Jewish-Muslim music fest is lesson in tolerance:
"The opening concert at the three-day fest improbably featured an 80-year-old singer-rabbi, Haim Louk, backed by a Moroccan band who drew thunderous applause from the audience -- people of all ages and social class, women wearing headscarves and others in western gear, tourists, foreigners, Jews and Arabs."
"'When people can sing and play together on stage in Hebrew and in Arabic, it is beyond symbolic, it is real. It is about reconciliation,' he said.
'And when you see the standing ovation that a Moroccan Muslim public gave a Moroccan Jewish artist, you see maybe they could pay attention elsewhere.'" Sphere: Related Content
"The opening concert at the three-day fest improbably featured an 80-year-old singer-rabbi, Haim Louk, backed by a Moroccan band who drew thunderous applause from the audience -- people of all ages and social class, women wearing headscarves and others in western gear, tourists, foreigners, Jews and Arabs."
"'When people can sing and play together on stage in Hebrew and in Arabic, it is beyond symbolic, it is real. It is about reconciliation,' he said.
'And when you see the standing ovation that a Moroccan Muslim public gave a Moroccan Jewish artist, you see maybe they could pay attention elsewhere.'" Sphere: Related Content
JerryFest Music Festival - What The Community is All About.
JerryFest Music Festival - What The Community is All About.:
"Traveling through the hilltops of Pennsylvania, you approach the small town of Kempton with an understanding that life here is different than that of the suburbs NJ. Antique shops with furniture that has more history than time itself and traffic lights that really serve no direct need. This truly is a setting that a music festival was meant to be born from, the countryside. As we had arrived and we were about to realize what community really was meant to be, Jerry Fest." Sphere: Related Content
"Traveling through the hilltops of Pennsylvania, you approach the small town of Kempton with an understanding that life here is different than that of the suburbs NJ. Antique shops with furniture that has more history than time itself and traffic lights that really serve no direct need. This truly is a setting that a music festival was meant to be born from, the countryside. As we had arrived and we were about to realize what community really was meant to be, Jerry Fest." Sphere: Related Content
Monsters of Folk: Making hits without the hype | csmonitor.com
Monsters of Folk: Making hits without the hype | csmonitor.com:
"The Traveling Wilburys, the late 1980s supergroup that featured Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Tom Petty, and Jeff Lynne of ELO, set the blueprint for chummy band projects whose sum often happened to be as good, if not better, than their equal parts.
While it's an old concept that might seem passé in this age of iTunes and Rock Band video games, Monsters of Folk are giving it new life. The four-member group – which features solo songwriter-performer M. Ward, Jim James of My Morning Jacket, and Conor Oberst and Mike Mogis of Bright Eyes – represents the kind of project that often falls through the cracks these days because nothing about it – the music or the marketing – conforms to what is considered necessary to sell records.
And yet, because all four members are not household names, the project is also a reflection of artistic resilience. The group's self-titled album, released in September, and a North American tour, with dates through mid-November, are endeavors that together reflect an old-fashioned approach to making music that is more homespun and more about the total experience than selling a hit single. At the same time, their album hit No. 15 on the Billboard charts and No. 3 on Top Independent Albums." Sphere: Related Content
"The Traveling Wilburys, the late 1980s supergroup that featured Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Tom Petty, and Jeff Lynne of ELO, set the blueprint for chummy band projects whose sum often happened to be as good, if not better, than their equal parts.
While it's an old concept that might seem passé in this age of iTunes and Rock Band video games, Monsters of Folk are giving it new life. The four-member group – which features solo songwriter-performer M. Ward, Jim James of My Morning Jacket, and Conor Oberst and Mike Mogis of Bright Eyes – represents the kind of project that often falls through the cracks these days because nothing about it – the music or the marketing – conforms to what is considered necessary to sell records.
And yet, because all four members are not household names, the project is also a reflection of artistic resilience. The group's self-titled album, released in September, and a North American tour, with dates through mid-November, are endeavors that together reflect an old-fashioned approach to making music that is more homespun and more about the total experience than selling a hit single. At the same time, their album hit No. 15 on the Billboard charts and No. 3 on Top Independent Albums." Sphere: Related Content
Never Get Out Of The Boat!: Grateful Dead (Advance Listen)
Never Get Out Of The Boat!: Grateful Dead (Advance Listen):
"ADVANCE LISTEN:
Road Trips, Vol. 3 No. 1
Oakland 12/28/79
Click HERE for a pop up player
Here's a version of 'Sugaree' from a new live Dead release from 1979. Road Trips, Vol. 3 No. 1 is a full show, 2CD set that comes with a bonus CD (for those that pre-order) culled from a show at the same venue two nights later. Release date is Nov. 10." Sphere: Related Content
"ADVANCE LISTEN:
Road Trips, Vol. 3 No. 1
Oakland 12/28/79
Click HERE for a pop up player
Here's a version of 'Sugaree' from a new live Dead release from 1979. Road Trips, Vol. 3 No. 1 is a full show, 2CD set that comes with a bonus CD (for those that pre-order) culled from a show at the same venue two nights later. Release date is Nov. 10." Sphere: Related Content
The Daily Athenaeum - Jam bands perform at 123 tonight
The Daily Athenaeum - Jam bands perform at 123 tonight:
"123 Pleasant Street is set to host a pair of jam bands tonight when The Bridge and Cornmeal take the stage at the downtown venue beginning at 9 p.m. Tickets are $12.
Based out of Chicago, progressive bluegrass group Cornmeal will be making its first appearance in Morgantown for tonight’s show, but the group is familiar with West Virginia and the area’s diverse music." Sphere: Related Content
"123 Pleasant Street is set to host a pair of jam bands tonight when The Bridge and Cornmeal take the stage at the downtown venue beginning at 9 p.m. Tickets are $12.
Based out of Chicago, progressive bluegrass group Cornmeal will be making its first appearance in Morgantown for tonight’s show, but the group is familiar with West Virginia and the area’s diverse music." Sphere: Related Content
Like...Dreamsville: Battle Of The Venice Beach Beatniks.
Like...Dreamsville: Battle Of The Venice Beach Beatniks.:
"An interesting article about some in-fighting amongst the Venice Beach beatniks who frequented The Gas House. From the April 1960 issue of Modern Man. Makes mention of the Miss Beatnik Contest." Sphere: Related Content
"An interesting article about some in-fighting amongst the Venice Beach beatniks who frequented The Gas House. From the April 1960 issue of Modern Man. Makes mention of the Miss Beatnik Contest." Sphere: Related Content
Sacramento Press / Group behind 'urban farm stand' to celebrate fifth year
Sacramento Press / Group behind 'urban farm stand' to celebrate fifth year:
"A local non-profit organization that purveys fresh produce in some of the city’s underserved neighborhoods is hosting a celebration this Thursday Nov.7, marking their fifth anniversary serving the community.
Alchemist Community Development Corporation is the group behind the “urban farm stand” idea – selling fresh, farmer’s market-style fruits and vegetables in areas like Alkali Flat and Oak Park. The event, which is open to the public, will be held at the Beatnik Studios near the city’s Tower district and will include live music and food from some of Sacramento’s top restaurants." Sphere: Related Content
"A local non-profit organization that purveys fresh produce in some of the city’s underserved neighborhoods is hosting a celebration this Thursday Nov.7, marking their fifth anniversary serving the community.
Alchemist Community Development Corporation is the group behind the “urban farm stand” idea – selling fresh, farmer’s market-style fruits and vegetables in areas like Alkali Flat and Oak Park. The event, which is open to the public, will be held at the Beatnik Studios near the city’s Tower district and will include live music and food from some of Sacramento’s top restaurants." Sphere: Related Content
Organization in need of school supplies - KVIA.com El Paso, Las Cruces - Weather, News, Sports -
Organization in need of school supplies - KVIA.com El Paso, Las Cruces - Weather, News, Sports -: "EL PASO, TX --
Preparing children to learn in a classroom setting starts at home.
That is the belief of organizers behind Americorps' HIPPY program. HIPPY stands for Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters.
In order to further that belief, organizers conduct home visits with hundreds of families participating in the program. They take with them school supplies to give to the 3 and 4 year old children, who will hopefully use them to help prepare them for preschool and kindergarten.
But in order to hand out the glue sticks, crayons, and scissors, organizers need to have them on hand. Unfortunately, the supplies are running low." Sphere: Related Content
Preparing children to learn in a classroom setting starts at home.
That is the belief of organizers behind Americorps' HIPPY program. HIPPY stands for Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters.
In order to further that belief, organizers conduct home visits with hundreds of families participating in the program. They take with them school supplies to give to the 3 and 4 year old children, who will hopefully use them to help prepare them for preschool and kindergarten.
But in order to hand out the glue sticks, crayons, and scissors, organizers need to have them on hand. Unfortunately, the supplies are running low." Sphere: Related Content
Turn It Up: Dhani Harrison: The son of Beatle George describes how he learned to embrace the music and Thenewno2
Turn It Up: Dhani Harrison: The son of Beatle George describes how he learned to embrace the music and Thenewno2
"There was a bit of disconnect between the sleepy debut album by Dhani Harrison’s band Thenewno2, “You are Here” (Vagrant), and the galvanizing performance the band put on last summer at Lollapalooza in Grant Park. The album was slow-moving and introspective, tinged by psychedelic textures and electro rhythms, while Harrison’s vocals suggested the unhurried cadences of his late father, the Beatles’ George Harrison. At Grant Park, however, the sound morphed into a forceful, Technicolor swirl that rocked beneath the noon-day sun." Sphere: Related Content
"There was a bit of disconnect between the sleepy debut album by Dhani Harrison’s band Thenewno2, “You are Here” (Vagrant), and the galvanizing performance the band put on last summer at Lollapalooza in Grant Park. The album was slow-moving and introspective, tinged by psychedelic textures and electro rhythms, while Harrison’s vocals suggested the unhurried cadences of his late father, the Beatles’ George Harrison. At Grant Park, however, the sound morphed into a forceful, Technicolor swirl that rocked beneath the noon-day sun." Sphere: Related Content
Photo: Flaming Lips received a streaker surprise during Voodoo Fest show | Voodoo Music Fest - - NOLA.com
Photo: Flaming Lips received a streaker surprise during Voodoo Fest show | Voodoo Music Fest - - NOLA.com:
"Striking visuals are an essential element of a Flaming Lips show. But their visuals are rarely as eye-popping as the apparition that crashed the Playstation/Billboard.com Stage during the Lips’ Sunday night set: A stark naked woman.
She emerged from the two dozen fan club members recruited to dance on stage in what was either white mice, abominable snowmen or polar bear costumes. Something about the moment and music – specifically “Silver Trembling Hands,” with its line about “when she gets high” -- compelled her to take it off and bum-rush Lips frontman Wayne Coyne. He rolled with it until a member of the band’s crew finally corralled her and ushered her away."
"If the Butthole Surfers represent the dark side of a psychedelic experience – they screen such stomach-churning videos as up-close eyeball surgery – the Flaming Lips are a much happier trip. They deployed dozens of orange and yellow beach balls, clouds of confetti and the aforementioned dancing critters." Sphere: Related Content
"Striking visuals are an essential element of a Flaming Lips show. But their visuals are rarely as eye-popping as the apparition that crashed the Playstation/Billboard.com Stage during the Lips’ Sunday night set: A stark naked woman.
She emerged from the two dozen fan club members recruited to dance on stage in what was either white mice, abominable snowmen or polar bear costumes. Something about the moment and music – specifically “Silver Trembling Hands,” with its line about “when she gets high” -- compelled her to take it off and bum-rush Lips frontman Wayne Coyne. He rolled with it until a member of the band’s crew finally corralled her and ushered her away."
"If the Butthole Surfers represent the dark side of a psychedelic experience – they screen such stomach-churning videos as up-close eyeball surgery – the Flaming Lips are a much happier trip. They deployed dozens of orange and yellow beach balls, clouds of confetti and the aforementioned dancing critters." Sphere: Related Content
Monday, November 2, 2009
Radio Business Report/Television Business Report - Voice of the Broadcasting Industry
Radio Business Report/Television Business Report - Voice of the Broadcasting Industry:
"Audience members are uncovering new independent online stations every day. They find one and then look for more. Now read on and begin to formulate your business internet plan.
Clear Channel's Randall Mays is out. Google gets with Lala and MySpace Music to match consumers with songs. Wells Fargo radio analyst, Marci Ryvicker, predicts radio will lose more jobs. If you work in the radio industry - online or off - this is not the time to be wondering what to do next. That decision should have been made. Now you should be planning your next move.
The big companies are in such disarray that the major topic at each is survival. Across all traditional media, not just in the radio industry, the 'big boys' are plagued by out-of-control costs, severely-depressed revenues, and a general feeling that they are in the middle of a swarm of internet gnats - with no repellent in sight.
The Wall Street Journal has an excellent article which outlines the problem with media today. The title says it all: On the Web, Amateurs Rivaling Professionals.'
What's unsaid is 'the web' is becoming such an intuitive part of everyone's life that making a major imprint there is worth more than owning 1,000 radio stations." Sphere: Related Content
"Audience members are uncovering new independent online stations every day. They find one and then look for more. Now read on and begin to formulate your business internet plan.
Clear Channel's Randall Mays is out. Google gets with Lala and MySpace Music to match consumers with songs. Wells Fargo radio analyst, Marci Ryvicker, predicts radio will lose more jobs. If you work in the radio industry - online or off - this is not the time to be wondering what to do next. That decision should have been made. Now you should be planning your next move.
The big companies are in such disarray that the major topic at each is survival. Across all traditional media, not just in the radio industry, the 'big boys' are plagued by out-of-control costs, severely-depressed revenues, and a general feeling that they are in the middle of a swarm of internet gnats - with no repellent in sight.
The Wall Street Journal has an excellent article which outlines the problem with media today. The title says it all: On the Web, Amateurs Rivaling Professionals.'
What's unsaid is 'the web' is becoming such an intuitive part of everyone's life that making a major imprint there is worth more than owning 1,000 radio stations." Sphere: Related Content
CaribWorldNews.com - Global Caribbean Daily Newswire
CaribWorldNews.com - Global Caribbean Daily Newswire:
"United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, has congratulated United States President Barack Obama for lifting the travel ban to the U.S. for people living with HIV.
Obama`s announcement late last week overturns a policy that had been in place since 1987, and it came as he signed the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009, which has provided treatment and support services to people living with HIV since 1990. Obama made the announcement in signing an extension of the the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Act, which provides for education, prevention and treatment programs for U.S. HIV patients. He said his administration will publish a final rule today, Nov. 2, that eliminates the travel ban effective just after the first of 2010.
`I urge all other countries with such restrictions to take steps to remove them at the earliest,` Ban, who has made removing the stigma and discrimination faced by those living with HIV a personal issue, said.
Almost 60 nations impose some form of travel restrictions on people with HIV." Sphere: Related Content
"United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, has congratulated United States President Barack Obama for lifting the travel ban to the U.S. for people living with HIV.
Obama`s announcement late last week overturns a policy that had been in place since 1987, and it came as he signed the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009, which has provided treatment and support services to people living with HIV since 1990. Obama made the announcement in signing an extension of the the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Act, which provides for education, prevention and treatment programs for U.S. HIV patients. He said his administration will publish a final rule today, Nov. 2, that eliminates the travel ban effective just after the first of 2010.
`I urge all other countries with such restrictions to take steps to remove them at the earliest,` Ban, who has made removing the stigma and discrimination faced by those living with HIV a personal issue, said.
Almost 60 nations impose some form of travel restrictions on people with HIV." Sphere: Related Content
POLL: Illegal Downloaders Buy the Most Music
POLL: Illegal Downloaders Buy the Most Music:
"The UK’s Independent newspaper picks up on a curious study today: people who download music illegally also buy more music legally, according to a poll’s results. The study comes as the UK plans a controversial “three strikes and you’re out” rule that would disconnect copyright infringers from the Internet – it’s set to become law in April 2010."
SEE ALSO: Study: File sharers spend more money on music
I know that many, especially those associated with making money out of music, feel that pirates who share files should be made to walk the plank to the rhythm of Fiona Apple's "Criminal."
However, a survey commissioned by the professional cogitators at Demos in the U.K., suggests that just because one might download illegally, it doesn't mean one never spends money on music.
Indeed, according to the Independent, this survey, performed by the omeletteheads at Ipsos MORI, showed that those who share files spend 75 percent more on music than those who have allegedly clean hands.
Another omelettehead, Mark Mulligan of Forrester Research, told the Independent that those who share files are simply more interested in music.
He added: "They use file sharing as a discovery mechanism. We have a generation of young people who don't have any concept of music as a paid-for commodity." Sphere: Related Content
"The UK’s Independent newspaper picks up on a curious study today: people who download music illegally also buy more music legally, according to a poll’s results. The study comes as the UK plans a controversial “three strikes and you’re out” rule that would disconnect copyright infringers from the Internet – it’s set to become law in April 2010."
SEE ALSO: Study: File sharers spend more money on music
I know that many, especially those associated with making money out of music, feel that pirates who share files should be made to walk the plank to the rhythm of Fiona Apple's "Criminal."
However, a survey commissioned by the professional cogitators at Demos in the U.K., suggests that just because one might download illegally, it doesn't mean one never spends money on music.
Indeed, according to the Independent, this survey, performed by the omeletteheads at Ipsos MORI, showed that those who share files spend 75 percent more on music than those who have allegedly clean hands.
Another omelettehead, Mark Mulligan of Forrester Research, told the Independent that those who share files are simply more interested in music.
He added: "They use file sharing as a discovery mechanism. We have a generation of young people who don't have any concept of music as a paid-for commodity." Sphere: Related Content
The Bear Creek Music & Art Festival « Musical Stew Daily
The Bear Creek Music & Art Festival « Musical Stew Daily: "
Legends of Funk Join Galactic, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Perpetual Groove, Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk, Steve Kimock, The New Mastersounds, Papa Mali, Toubab Krewe, Lotus & more than 40 more bands
Three generations of funk are set to converge at this year’s Bear Creek Music & Art Festival Nov.13-15 at the beautiful Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, voted “Florida’s Best Live Music Venue” by readers of Florida Monthly Magazine earlier this year." Sphere: Related Content
Legends of Funk Join Galactic, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Perpetual Groove, Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk, Steve Kimock, The New Mastersounds, Papa Mali, Toubab Krewe, Lotus & more than 40 more bands
Three generations of funk are set to converge at this year’s Bear Creek Music & Art Festival Nov.13-15 at the beautiful Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, voted “Florida’s Best Live Music Venue” by readers of Florida Monthly Magazine earlier this year." Sphere: Related Content
Witch School Leaves Rossville For Salem, Mass - Chicagoist
Witch School Leaves Rossville For Salem, Mass - Chicagoist:
"The past two years that the Witch School has operated in the city of Rossville, about 125 miles south of Chicago near the Indiana border, haven't been without constant protests from nearby Christian groups, going so far as to sprinkle the wheels of their cars with holy water and drive around town to ward off witches. This weekend, the Christian groups demands will finally be met as the Witch School is moving to a more occult-friendly city: Salem, Mass, the site of the notorious witchcraft trials over three centuries ago." Sphere: Related Content
"The past two years that the Witch School has operated in the city of Rossville, about 125 miles south of Chicago near the Indiana border, haven't been without constant protests from nearby Christian groups, going so far as to sprinkle the wheels of their cars with holy water and drive around town to ward off witches. This weekend, the Christian groups demands will finally be met as the Witch School is moving to a more occult-friendly city: Salem, Mass, the site of the notorious witchcraft trials over three centuries ago." Sphere: Related Content
Liverpool Daily Post.co.uk - Features & Entertainment - The Beatles - Beatles News - Beatles housemate is all art
Liverpool Daily Post.co.uk - Features & Entertainment - The Beatles - Beatles News - Beatles housemate is all art:
"IMAGES of work by the man who painted Paul McCartney’s psychedelic Magic Piano have been put on display in a Liverpool bar.
Dudley Edwards, who has created murals for some of Britain’s most famous musicians, is exhibiting his art as part of Liverpool Music Week.
The show, at 3345 Parr Street, includes photographs that have not been on display for four decades.
Edwards said: “Musicians and artists in London at the time all knew each other. It wasn’t unusual that I should know the Beatles.
“It was an exciting time because young people all wanted to do their own thing.”
A member of pioneering pop art collective BEV, Edwards helped paint the brightly coloured shop fronts on Carnaby Street and Kings Road that became synonymous with 1960s Swinging London.
He also decorated the psychedelic Buick that appeared on the cover of the Kinks album Sunny Afternoon as well as a Cobra sports car for Guinness heir Tara Browne, who would later die in a car crash." Sphere: Related Content
"IMAGES of work by the man who painted Paul McCartney’s psychedelic Magic Piano have been put on display in a Liverpool bar.
Dudley Edwards, who has created murals for some of Britain’s most famous musicians, is exhibiting his art as part of Liverpool Music Week.
The show, at 3345 Parr Street, includes photographs that have not been on display for four decades.
Edwards said: “Musicians and artists in London at the time all knew each other. It wasn’t unusual that I should know the Beatles.
“It was an exciting time because young people all wanted to do their own thing.”
A member of pioneering pop art collective BEV, Edwards helped paint the brightly coloured shop fronts on Carnaby Street and Kings Road that became synonymous with 1960s Swinging London.
He also decorated the psychedelic Buick that appeared on the cover of the Kinks album Sunny Afternoon as well as a Cobra sports car for Guinness heir Tara Browne, who would later die in a car crash." Sphere: Related Content
It was the worst drug problem I ever had | Caitlin Moran - Times Online
It was the worst drug problem I ever had | Caitlin Moran - Times Online:
"A report last week claimed that a growing number of people are taking LSD and other psychedelic drugs — such as Ecstasy — to help with a range of problems including anorexia nervosa, cluster headaches and chronic anxiety attacks. Dr John Halpern, a psychiatrist at Harvard Medical School, found that, of 53 people with cluster headaches, “almost all” obtained relief when taking either LSD or psilocybin, otherwise known as magic mushrooms.
Over in Switzerland, meanwhile, there is an experiment going on where people with a terminal condition are given LSD, along with psychotherapy, to cope with the profound anxiety brought on by impending death. While many of us might conclude instantly that the very last thing someone coming to terms with their own impending drop into the grave needs is wigging the hell out on a load of dappy-tabs, it seems that we are being overly cautious on the matter.
“If you handle LSD with care, it isn’t any more dangerous than other therapies,” says Dr Peter Gasser, the psychiatrist leading the trial." Sphere: Related Content
"A report last week claimed that a growing number of people are taking LSD and other psychedelic drugs — such as Ecstasy — to help with a range of problems including anorexia nervosa, cluster headaches and chronic anxiety attacks. Dr John Halpern, a psychiatrist at Harvard Medical School, found that, of 53 people with cluster headaches, “almost all” obtained relief when taking either LSD or psilocybin, otherwise known as magic mushrooms.
Over in Switzerland, meanwhile, there is an experiment going on where people with a terminal condition are given LSD, along with psychotherapy, to cope with the profound anxiety brought on by impending death. While many of us might conclude instantly that the very last thing someone coming to terms with their own impending drop into the grave needs is wigging the hell out on a load of dappy-tabs, it seems that we are being overly cautious on the matter.
“If you handle LSD with care, it isn’t any more dangerous than other therapies,” says Dr Peter Gasser, the psychiatrist leading the trial." Sphere: Related Content
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