Here's a story I did last spring on a man who might be (have been) DB Cooper. Since they found a parachute the other day that might be his, I thought I should post this again.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
New LivePDX.com Music Blog
News & Gossip: Sometimes Girls Rock! And Sometimes They Don't
While listening to "Give the Drummer Some More," from the new Greyboy Allstars album....
I have been putting off writing anything about the movie Girls Rock! I was thinking I'd just shut up about it, but it's been on my mind. I have not seen the film and have no plans to.
Don't get me wrong, I think the idea of a music camp for girls is a good one for all the obvious reasons, but in 2003 I did a TV story for OPB's Oregon Art Beat on the first camp. And I got my butt kicked because of it.
I had the nerve to actually show some of the girls failing. Like the movie, I'm told, I followed several girls through a day at the camp. I showed the teaching, the camaraderie of collaboration, the discovery that they could make music, etc. All the good stuff. I came back to shoot the performances at the end of the week. A couple of the girls I had followed were not bad, but a charming duo who I had shown writing songs together had been joined by two others who could not play at all.
As a result, the two we had followed were thrown off and were just awful. A painful moment, but a real one. I understand there are such moments of failure in the movie. All in all, my story was very positive, mostly triumphant even, but in this one case, not so much. I felt fine about the story.
A couple of weeks after it aired, I was walking downtown and heard a female voice calling my name. It was an adult from the camp. I thought she was going to tell me she liked the piece, since it was so positive. Instead she began to berate me because I had shown failure and how showing that failure could have damaged these girls.
I told her that I've always learned more from failure, especially in public, than from success. She didn't want to hear about that.
Then the following year, I called Misty McElroy, the founder of the camp (who later "resigned"), to offer her any publicity she might need from Art Beat. She snarled and told me where I could shove my offer. She was still pissed over my story.
More damage is done by adults sugar coating what's out in the real world, than by telling little Tiffany or Jason that they suck as musicians and probably should try something else. I had to learn it the hard way and the lesson stuck. It's a hard world, an even harder business, and you might as well learn it at the beginning. Part of "empowerment" is learning how to fail. When I have taught broadcasting, I always took a day of class to teach people what to do when they get fired. It's inevitable, so you might as well learn what to do.
Let the church say amen.
THIS JUST IN: Patrcick Lamb's wife Amy Maxwell reports that Patrick was in a "really bad car accident (Tuesday). He was hit by a dump truck, and is lucky to be alive. He is currently in the hospital at Emmanuel. He is scheduled to have an MRI (Wednesday) and get the final results on his other tests. So far everything is looking great."
Full details to follow.
Now back to regularly scheduled programming....
You won't find a better start to a Ron Steen jam than the one that will happen on Monday, March 31 at Produce Row. David Friesen's pianist Greg Goebel and Pink Martini's bassist Phil Baker will form the trio that starts the jam with Ron. Baker wrote "Cante e Danse," for Pink Martini's Hey Eugene! It's one of the prettiest tunes ever written.
Speaking of the Greyboy Allstars, that song is stuck in my head. Stop! Hold it right there. Give the drummer some more because the drummer ain't had none in a long time/he ain't had none in a long time/the drummer ain't had none in a long time. It goes on to name all of the band members. Guess none of them ain't had none in a long time. They're going to be at the Roseland on Friday, March 28.
Last blog I mentioned that trumpeter Ingrid Jensen was in town. Her set with Alan Jones and Dave Speranza to'e the roof off Jimmy Mak's last Monday.
Sorry I missed Jen Folker and Solovox at The Crown Room last Friday. Missing Jen anytime is a damned shame.
While listening to "Give the Drummer Some More," from the new Greyboy Allstars album....
I have been putting off writing anything about the movie Girls Rock! I was thinking I'd just shut up about it, but it's been on my mind. I have not seen the film and have no plans to.
Don't get me wrong, I think the idea of a music camp for girls is a good one for all the obvious reasons, but in 2003 I did a TV story for OPB's Oregon Art Beat on the first camp. And I got my butt kicked because of it.
I had the nerve to actually show some of the girls failing. Like the movie, I'm told, I followed several girls through a day at the camp. I showed the teaching, the camaraderie of collaboration, the discovery that they could make music, etc. All the good stuff. I came back to shoot the performances at the end of the week. A couple of the girls I had followed were not bad, but a charming duo who I had shown writing songs together had been joined by two others who could not play at all.
As a result, the two we had followed were thrown off and were just awful. A painful moment, but a real one. I understand there are such moments of failure in the movie. All in all, my story was very positive, mostly triumphant even, but in this one case, not so much. I felt fine about the story.
A couple of weeks after it aired, I was walking downtown and heard a female voice calling my name. It was an adult from the camp. I thought she was going to tell me she liked the piece, since it was so positive. Instead she began to berate me because I had shown failure and how showing that failure could have damaged these girls.
I told her that I've always learned more from failure, especially in public, than from success. She didn't want to hear about that.
Then the following year, I called Misty McElroy, the founder of the camp (who later "resigned"), to offer her any publicity she might need from Art Beat. She snarled and told me where I could shove my offer. She was still pissed over my story.
More damage is done by adults sugar coating what's out in the real world, than by telling little Tiffany or Jason that they suck as musicians and probably should try something else. I had to learn it the hard way and the lesson stuck. It's a hard world, an even harder business, and you might as well learn it at the beginning. Part of "empowerment" is learning how to fail. When I have taught broadcasting, I always took a day of class to teach people what to do when they get fired. It's inevitable, so you might as well learn what to do.
Let the church say amen.
THIS JUST IN: Patrcick Lamb's wife Amy Maxwell reports that Patrick was in a "really bad car accident (Tuesday). He was hit by a dump truck, and is lucky to be alive. He is currently in the hospital at Emmanuel. He is scheduled to have an MRI (Wednesday) and get the final results on his other tests. So far everything is looking great."
Full details to follow.
Now back to regularly scheduled programming....
You won't find a better start to a Ron Steen jam than the one that will happen on Monday, March 31 at Produce Row. David Friesen's pianist Greg Goebel and Pink Martini's bassist Phil Baker will form the trio that starts the jam with Ron. Baker wrote "Cante e Danse," for Pink Martini's Hey Eugene! It's one of the prettiest tunes ever written.
Speaking of the Greyboy Allstars, that song is stuck in my head. Stop! Hold it right there. Give the drummer some more because the drummer ain't had none in a long time/he ain't had none in a long time/the drummer ain't had none in a long time. It goes on to name all of the band members. Guess none of them ain't had none in a long time. They're going to be at the Roseland on Friday, March 28.
Last blog I mentioned that trumpeter Ingrid Jensen was in town. Her set with Alan Jones and Dave Speranza to'e the roof off Jimmy Mak's last Monday.
Sorry I missed Jen Folker and Solovox at The Crown Room last Friday. Missing Jen anytime is a damned shame.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Sen. Clinton's Own Religous Cult: Includes Brownback, Santorum
Given Sen. Clinton's remarks today concerning Sen. Obama's choice of pastor, it's about time the cult of religious fanatics to which she belongs got wider notice. In September of last year Mother Jones ran this piece about The Fellowship, a group to which she belongs and which includes right wing fanatics such as former Sen. Santorum and noted bigot Sen Brownback.
It's time she stepped down. She has done nothing but embarrass herself and the Democratic Party, driving deep divisions that may cost the election and result in a disaster unlike we have yet to imagine.
The ruling class, having profited hugely from their puppet, the current President, has totally bought off Sen. McCain. He wants to cut their taxes further, continue their war, continue policies that will never reverse climate change and leave us with even less health care then before.
Sen. Clinton is part of the same crowd. She is not to be believed. Use the word, "dissemble " or "disingenuous," if you will, but let's call it what it really is. She's a liar, most recently about her trip to Bosnia.
Read that Mother Jones article carefully and then send it out to all your friends, especially the Clinton supporters. It's shocking. She has no right to criticize Obama, her fellow cultists have done more damage to this country than any lone African-American preacher could ever dream of, even if he wanted to.
She is not a progressive, she isn't even a liberal. She's more of the same, and prays alongside religious lunatics.
Sen. Obama doesn't have to project what it would be like to run against a Republican, he's running against one from his own party.
this also appears on huffingtonpost.com
It's time she stepped down. She has done nothing but embarrass herself and the Democratic Party, driving deep divisions that may cost the election and result in a disaster unlike we have yet to imagine.
The ruling class, having profited hugely from their puppet, the current President, has totally bought off Sen. McCain. He wants to cut their taxes further, continue their war, continue policies that will never reverse climate change and leave us with even less health care then before.
Sen. Clinton is part of the same crowd. She is not to be believed. Use the word, "dissemble " or "disingenuous," if you will, but let's call it what it really is. She's a liar, most recently about her trip to Bosnia.
Read that Mother Jones article carefully and then send it out to all your friends, especially the Clinton supporters. It's shocking. She has no right to criticize Obama, her fellow cultists have done more damage to this country than any lone African-American preacher could ever dream of, even if he wanted to.
She is not a progressive, she isn't even a liberal. She's more of the same, and prays alongside religious lunatics.
Sen. Obama doesn't have to project what it would be like to run against a Republican, he's running against one from his own party.
this also appears on huffingtonpost.com
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
LivePDX.com music blog for this week
While wondering, after interviewing Bettye LaVette, why I am still such a fool when a woman calls me, "baby," but knowing that all men are:
Noah Mickens, who I have called "the impresario of the avant-garde" in Portland is out of a job again. Rotture/Branx/Hippodrome owner Mike Wolfson relieved Noah of his duties, or as Noah put it, "fired me." You may remember that Noah was at Someday Lounge at its birth, got it off the ground, booked all the acts and was the face of the place. He got the gate there, too.
Not sure what the deal was at Rotture, but he did wonders for it. I know that Noah will find another way to bring the most exciting and dangerous music, musicians and performers to whatever place he ends up next.
When I ran into him at the anti-war march last Saturday he was a part of the troupe surrounding Tuvan throat singer Soriah, who performed a ritual of some sort. I don't pretend or need to understand it in order to appreciate it. He says he'll still be putting on shows, but not at one venue only. Good idea.
Rachel Taylor Brown's CD release gig on Saturday, April 5 at Mississippi Studios
should be quite an event. The album half hours with the lower creatures is spectacular, crossing genres and my brain up.
She wrote me, "i'm delighted to say that in addition to your kind spinning on kmhd,
"creatures" has been getting radio play [truthfully, this whole process makes me very nervous and near-vomitous, but so far, so good (knock on wood)]
"the band and i are covering all the very many cruel parts from the cd by ourselves. the show should be interesting and exciting because someone's head will explode...
p.s...fyi, i started recording the next album (saints & superheroes) a coupla weeks ago."
Of course, I'll be on the air and will miss the gig. I miss a lot of gigs.
Dropped into Falcon Recording Studios
other day while Terry Robb was putting the finishing producer touches on Karen Rohr's new album. It's not blues, or Americana. It's not singer-songwriter either. It rocks with surprisingly disarming and very direct personal lyrics. The twist to the whole thing is that there are no guitars and what sounds like a guitar (and will fool you) is her electric mandolin. It works. She is the daughter of George Kindler who played with David Bromberg and Steve Kindler who played with John McLaughlin, Jan Hammer and Jeff Beck is her uncle.
Sixteen year-old phenom Mac Potts just got a new nine-foot Baldwin grand and a Hammond and has begun recording a new album. He is playing with special guests at Hudson's on Sunday nights. Reggie Houston sat in last Sunday.
I want to check out Polka Madre y la Comezon on Tuesday, March 25 at Someday Lounge. They tell me the band "has surprised its audiences with the originality of its compositions and the energy, sarcasm and humor of its live shows. After two and a half years since its conception in Mexico City, Polka Madres principle influences lie in Jewish music and the old sounds of Gypsy and Eastern European cultures."
I'm there.
Jazz trumpeter Ingrid JensenT Jensen was in town this week meeting with trumpet manufacturing maestro David Monette to get the mouthpiece just right before she takes possession of one of his musical works of art. People come from all over the world to Monette's. She played at Jimmy Mak's
Jimmy Mak's on Monday with drummer Alan Jones.
One odd thing I found out about Bettye LaVette during my radio interview with her last week was that before they got married she told her latest husband that she does not sing around the house. He didn't believe her but he does now. I asked her how she persevered all these years, just coming into her own after over forty years singing. She said, "I quit every day."
Look for the Tugboat brewpub to become more active booking some of the best jazz musicians in town after the fall of Jax and Blue Monk.
Noah Mickens, who I have called "the impresario of the avant-garde" in Portland is out of a job again. Rotture/Branx/Hippodrome owner Mike Wolfson relieved Noah of his duties, or as Noah put it, "fired me." You may remember that Noah was at Someday Lounge at its birth, got it off the ground, booked all the acts and was the face of the place. He got the gate there, too.
Not sure what the deal was at Rotture, but he did wonders for it. I know that Noah will find another way to bring the most exciting and dangerous music, musicians and performers to whatever place he ends up next.
When I ran into him at the anti-war march last Saturday he was a part of the troupe surrounding Tuvan throat singer Soriah, who performed a ritual of some sort. I don't pretend or need to understand it in order to appreciate it. He says he'll still be putting on shows, but not at one venue only. Good idea.
Rachel Taylor Brown's CD release gig on Saturday, April 5 at Mississippi Studios
should be quite an event. The album half hours with the lower creatures is spectacular, crossing genres and my brain up.
She wrote me, "i'm delighted to say that in addition to your kind spinning on kmhd,
"creatures" has been getting radio play [truthfully, this whole process makes me very nervous and near-vomitous, but so far, so good (knock on wood)]
"the band and i are covering all the very many cruel parts from the cd by ourselves. the show should be interesting and exciting because someone's head will explode...
p.s...fyi, i started recording the next album (saints & superheroes) a coupla weeks ago."
Of course, I'll be on the air and will miss the gig. I miss a lot of gigs.
Dropped into Falcon Recording Studios
other day while Terry Robb was putting the finishing producer touches on Karen Rohr's new album. It's not blues, or Americana. It's not singer-songwriter either. It rocks with surprisingly disarming and very direct personal lyrics. The twist to the whole thing is that there are no guitars and what sounds like a guitar (and will fool you) is her electric mandolin. It works. She is the daughter of George Kindler who played with David Bromberg and Steve Kindler who played with John McLaughlin, Jan Hammer and Jeff Beck is her uncle.
Sixteen year-old phenom Mac Potts just got a new nine-foot Baldwin grand and a Hammond and has begun recording a new album. He is playing with special guests at Hudson's on Sunday nights. Reggie Houston sat in last Sunday.
I want to check out Polka Madre y la Comezon on Tuesday, March 25 at Someday Lounge. They tell me the band "has surprised its audiences with the originality of its compositions and the energy, sarcasm and humor of its live shows. After two and a half years since its conception in Mexico City, Polka Madres principle influences lie in Jewish music and the old sounds of Gypsy and Eastern European cultures."
I'm there.
Jazz trumpeter Ingrid JensenT Jensen was in town this week meeting with trumpet manufacturing maestro David Monette to get the mouthpiece just right before she takes possession of one of his musical works of art. People come from all over the world to Monette's. She played at Jimmy Mak's
Jimmy Mak's on Monday with drummer Alan Jones.
One odd thing I found out about Bettye LaVette during my radio interview with her last week was that before they got married she told her latest husband that she does not sing around the house. He didn't believe her but he does now. I asked her how she persevered all these years, just coming into her own after over forty years singing. She said, "I quit every day."
Look for the Tugboat brewpub to become more active booking some of the best jazz musicians in town after the fall of Jax and Blue Monk.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Debunking That Fraudulent Obama Email You Got
Here is the best point-by-poing debunking of that fraudulent email on Obama that has been circulating for months.
Find it here.
Find it here.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Clinton Nomination Nightmare
I had a nightmare about what happens if Clinton gets the nomination.
I can recall all of it.
On election day, the Hillary/Bill haters on the right and in the middle don't vote for her.
The black folks who have watched Barack Obama viciously attacked? They stay home.
The progressives, having watched Clinton win using Republican tactics and not forgiving her for voting for the war and destroying the hope Obama brought? They stay home.
Having been disgusted by every aspect of Clinton's campaign, I stay home.
The result? Hillary Clinton gets John McCain elected President.
Another generation of young voters has had it proven to them that participation is futile.
McCain inherits the mess that Bush has wrought, takes the blame and is too old to run again.
Clinton becomes a discredited, vilified and despised creature.
Obama is elected President in 2012 but it's too late.
In the meantime, millions of us suffer the economic ruin Bush has wrought and McCain has continued. Remember, he doesn't really understand economics, so the same Republican leadership continues to rule.
Global warming goes unchecked. Millions suffer from lack of health care.
My nightmare might have been from something I ate but I'm glad my Oregon Primary in May will count.
this also appears on huffingtonpost.com
I can recall all of it.
On election day, the Hillary/Bill haters on the right and in the middle don't vote for her.
The black folks who have watched Barack Obama viciously attacked? They stay home.
The progressives, having watched Clinton win using Republican tactics and not forgiving her for voting for the war and destroying the hope Obama brought? They stay home.
Having been disgusted by every aspect of Clinton's campaign, I stay home.
The result? Hillary Clinton gets John McCain elected President.
Another generation of young voters has had it proven to them that participation is futile.
McCain inherits the mess that Bush has wrought, takes the blame and is too old to run again.
Clinton becomes a discredited, vilified and despised creature.
Obama is elected President in 2012 but it's too late.
In the meantime, millions of us suffer the economic ruin Bush has wrought and McCain has continued. Remember, he doesn't really understand economics, so the same Republican leadership continues to rule.
Global warming goes unchecked. Millions suffer from lack of health care.
My nightmare might have been from something I ate but I'm glad my Oregon Primary in May will count.
this also appears on huffingtonpost.com
This week's LivePDX.com Music Blog.
Tue, 03/11
by Tom D'Antoni
While realizing Obama can't use "Yes We Can" as his campaign song, no matter how perfect it is, because nobody under 35 knows it....
March Fourth's fifth anniversary at the Crystal Ballroom was packed and rocking. They deserve every good thing they get. They're not sitting still. More members are writing new tunes, many with international flavor. It's always a pleasure to hear them start up "Space Hole," one of their (my) long-time favorites. As usual, spectacular costume/outfits on the women and NW drab on the men.
Picture this: At the Knitting Factory in L.A. last week, the Blind Boys of Alabama, touring behind their album Down In New Orleans, were joined onstage by PRINCE! Reports are he played guitar and keys as Jimmy Carter (their singer, not the ex-President) took his "blind walk of faith" thru the crowd.
I sat with Spanish guitarist Pere Soto and saxophonist David Valdez between sets in Pine Street Bistro the other night. I'm doing a preview for the Oregonian of their March 29th gig at Jimmy Mak's, so I better shut up. Their album Oasis comes out at the end of the month. Soto is getting a lot of work during his stay in Portland. He's playing with tap dancing saxophonist Shoehorn at Jimmy Mak's this Friday, March 14. His band is called Shoehorn's Hatband Circtet and includes Skip Elliott Bowman on bass, Dan Gaynor on piano, Ward Griffiths on drums.
Portland's Tuvan throat-singer, cab driver and avant-good guy Soriah will be a part of the anti-war protest on Saturday in the North Park Blocks. I'd pay to see him in that. One look at this and you'll know why:
What band doesn't play publicly nearly enough? John Nastos' E4. John is on reeds, Drew Shoals on drums, Damien Erskine on bass and Clay Giberson on keys. There are so many young jazz ensembles around town right now and so few venues. Every time I see Drew, I wonder if it will be the last time before he leaves town for fame and fortune. Not that I've heard anything about his leaving. It's just that this town may not be able to hold him. He's that good. Of course, Nastos and many others have come back to Portland after being in New York, not because they failed, but just because they'd rather live here.
Pianist Ben Darwish was in the house and sat in.
Very happy to see Nann Alleman surfacing this Saturday night at the Mission Theater in Miz Kitty's Parlouras part of Spigot with harmonica player David Lipkind (who claims to have jammed with William Burroughs). For some reason, all of the people who hold the indie boys up as poets seem to ignore Nann, who can write wrings awround those guys. For my money, nobody writes better lyrics in this town. She always astonishes.
The Barons In Trees CD release and "Arts Collaboration" gig at Someday Lounge on Wednesday, March 19, will include these activities: "an artist paints, a clown with antics, dancers imbue physical texture, all the while the collaborations are being captured in video and projected real time." The Barons are all over the place in absorbing influences. Vagabond Opera and March Fourth's Lesley Kernochan will be there, too.
Now I can't get Yes We Can (the song) out of my head.
by Tom D'Antoni
While realizing Obama can't use "Yes We Can" as his campaign song, no matter how perfect it is, because nobody under 35 knows it....
March Fourth's fifth anniversary at the Crystal Ballroom was packed and rocking. They deserve every good thing they get. They're not sitting still. More members are writing new tunes, many with international flavor. It's always a pleasure to hear them start up "Space Hole," one of their (my) long-time favorites. As usual, spectacular costume/outfits on the women and NW drab on the men.
Picture this: At the Knitting Factory in L.A. last week, the Blind Boys of Alabama, touring behind their album Down In New Orleans, were joined onstage by PRINCE! Reports are he played guitar and keys as Jimmy Carter (their singer, not the ex-President) took his "blind walk of faith" thru the crowd.
I sat with Spanish guitarist Pere Soto and saxophonist David Valdez between sets in Pine Street Bistro the other night. I'm doing a preview for the Oregonian of their March 29th gig at Jimmy Mak's, so I better shut up. Their album Oasis comes out at the end of the month. Soto is getting a lot of work during his stay in Portland. He's playing with tap dancing saxophonist Shoehorn at Jimmy Mak's this Friday, March 14. His band is called Shoehorn's Hatband Circtet and includes Skip Elliott Bowman on bass, Dan Gaynor on piano, Ward Griffiths on drums.
Portland's Tuvan throat-singer, cab driver and avant-good guy Soriah will be a part of the anti-war protest on Saturday in the North Park Blocks. I'd pay to see him in that. One look at this and you'll know why:
What band doesn't play publicly nearly enough? John Nastos' E4. John is on reeds, Drew Shoals on drums, Damien Erskine on bass and Clay Giberson on keys. There are so many young jazz ensembles around town right now and so few venues. Every time I see Drew, I wonder if it will be the last time before he leaves town for fame and fortune. Not that I've heard anything about his leaving. It's just that this town may not be able to hold him. He's that good. Of course, Nastos and many others have come back to Portland after being in New York, not because they failed, but just because they'd rather live here.
Pianist Ben Darwish was in the house and sat in.
Very happy to see Nann Alleman surfacing this Saturday night at the Mission Theater in Miz Kitty's Parlouras part of Spigot with harmonica player David Lipkind (who claims to have jammed with William Burroughs). For some reason, all of the people who hold the indie boys up as poets seem to ignore Nann, who can write wrings awround those guys. For my money, nobody writes better lyrics in this town. She always astonishes.
The Barons In Trees CD release and "Arts Collaboration" gig at Someday Lounge on Wednesday, March 19, will include these activities: "an artist paints, a clown with antics, dancers imbue physical texture, all the while the collaborations are being captured in video and projected real time." The Barons are all over the place in absorbing influences. Vagabond Opera and March Fourth's Lesley Kernochan will be there, too.
Now I can't get Yes We Can (the song) out of my head.
Sun Ra Speaks
"Some call me Mr. Ra. Others call me Mr. Ree. You can call me Mister Mystery."
part1
part 2
part1
part 2
Friday, March 07, 2008
Note to Network News Operations: There's War In South America
Here are a couple of headlines you might have missed.
U.S. Bombs Somalia
War Breaking Out In South America
You may have also missed seeing much about them on TV news. That's because the networks and news channels know nothing but the Presidential election. Why? Because there's conflict…drama…name calling…and it's like a movie that has us guessing at the thrilling conclusion.
There's no conflict in war. No drama. Is that right? They don't speak English and there are no stars, no people who are household names, even Chavez.
They can't look knowledgeable, can't primp, give good lines and smirk about war.
While Chris Matthews gets wood over fat Pennsylvania politicians in pissing contests, other things are happening in the world.
Did you know that Bush is trying to get the U.S. involved in another oil war? Greg Palast does and wrote about it here.
And Somalia? Where's that again?
I haven't seen anything about these issues on THIS site, either.
Even Olbermann could take time off from the endless Bill O'Reilly jabs (that shark has jumped over itself) and do a story about what's going on in South America.
I don't pretend to know much about it. There hasn't been very much on it in the news lately.
I'm writing this at 2:30pm on the West Coast. On the East Coast I guess the news has ended till Monday. Oh wait, the Wyoming Primary is getting an hour on each network.
Is 2 minutes 30 seconds on a new oil war in South America too much to ask?
first appeared on huffingtonpost.com
U.S. Bombs Somalia
War Breaking Out In South America
You may have also missed seeing much about them on TV news. That's because the networks and news channels know nothing but the Presidential election. Why? Because there's conflict…drama…name calling…and it's like a movie that has us guessing at the thrilling conclusion.
There's no conflict in war. No drama. Is that right? They don't speak English and there are no stars, no people who are household names, even Chavez.
They can't look knowledgeable, can't primp, give good lines and smirk about war.
While Chris Matthews gets wood over fat Pennsylvania politicians in pissing contests, other things are happening in the world.
Did you know that Bush is trying to get the U.S. involved in another oil war? Greg Palast does and wrote about it here.
And Somalia? Where's that again?
I haven't seen anything about these issues on THIS site, either.
Even Olbermann could take time off from the endless Bill O'Reilly jabs (that shark has jumped over itself) and do a story about what's going on in South America.
I don't pretend to know much about it. There hasn't been very much on it in the news lately.
I'm writing this at 2:30pm on the West Coast. On the East Coast I guess the news has ended till Monday. Oh wait, the Wyoming Primary is getting an hour on each network.
Is 2 minutes 30 seconds on a new oil war in South America too much to ask?
first appeared on huffingtonpost.com
Monday, March 03, 2008
New LivePDX Music Blog
Patrick Goes on the Lamb in NOLA, Those Wacky Russians at it Again, Indie Rears Its Defiant Head
While trying to find a way to eliminate the phrase "going forward" from the English language:
Saxophonist/vocalist/band leader Patrick Lamb is taking some of the NW Ray Charles Tribute band to New Orleans for a show at Harrah's March 13-15. The Lamb camp reports, "We are taking 8 vocalists: Olivia Warfield, Duffy Bishop, Andy Stokes, Lee Garrett, Keeshawn Jones and Gretchen Mitchell. Some can't make it. i.e. Norman Sylvester who had hip surgery and we are using a whole band from New Orleans. Patrick is going there to play with Bobby Caldwell. We sent charts a month ago, so they can prep for the show."
It's a damned shame that Harrah's wouldn't increase the budget so that Reggie Houston could go back to his birthplace and play on this gig. He'll be doing some playing at this year's Jazzfest.
They're working to get the whole band booked with three symphonies (not all at the same time).
Jimmy Mak's was sold out for the Lamb/Jeff Lorber show recently. They had Damien Erskine on bass, Reinhold Melz on drums and Marlon McClain on guitar. You can watch some of it below:
Lamb has a lot more videos up here.
File this away: How's this for an inspired collaboration? It hasn't happened yet, but Mary Flower wants Courtney von Drehle to play accordion on the new album she's recording in June.
Sixteen year old keyboardist/saxophonist/anythingelsehepicksup Mac Potts is in a new band Roots Revival Blues. It's another one of those "kid" blues bands that have come out of nowhere and seem to be everywhere. The others in the band are TJ Moor (guitar, vocals, harmonica) and Taylor Eaton (bass) Sam Low (drums).
The total age of the band (5 of them) is 59.
Last year when Mac went to Jazzfest in New Orleans, he got to jam with Harry Conick, Jr. Wonder who he'll sit in with this year?
The ever controversial Portland band The Slants. The headline of their media release reads, "THE SLANTS REJECT CHANCE AT MILLION DOLLAR RECORDING CONTRACT; TURN DOWN BODOG BATTLE-OF-THE-BANDS AND REALITY TV SHOW, REFUSING TO SIGN CONTRACT." (caps theirs)
They said it was too binding. And non-negotiable. Bass player Simon Young is quoted saying, "It is my hope that there aren't band desperate for the publicity that they are willing to gamble their futures for a chance to win a million dollar recording contract. If anyone continues, they better have a pretty good lawyer and a whole lot of luck. We've enjoyed the ride and meeting new bands, but as soon as I saw that contract it was like red flags all over. We're done."
They're still touring with their current album "Slanted Eyes, Slanted Hearts."
Those wild Russians are up to it again. Their current excuse to party and get you drunk is as follows:
"Each year on March 8th, millions of women and men celebrate International Women's Day all around the world (from Alaska to Zambia). It is an official holiday in many countries including Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Russia and Vietnam. Traditionally it is a holiday of men (and sometimes women) honoring their mothers, wives, girlfriends, colleagues, etc with flowers, small gifts and extra attention. The time has come to start celebrating it in the best city to live and party in - Portland, Oregon!
So we decided to start the tradition by throwing a Grand Ball in honor of all our favorite women. For that we got the Fez Ballroom to open it's doors on March 8, Saturday at 9 pm for the Ball.
There will be fresh spring flowers for every girl, love songs from different countries, dances, prizes and surprises. For this wonderful occasion the performers are preparing a very special program. Don't miss Chervona, the local Russian gypsy street band, they've promised to steal your heart with their brand new program "Chervona Amore".
I love those guys.
While trying to find a way to eliminate the phrase "going forward" from the English language:
Saxophonist/vocalist/band leader Patrick Lamb is taking some of the NW Ray Charles Tribute band to New Orleans for a show at Harrah's March 13-15. The Lamb camp reports, "We are taking 8 vocalists: Olivia Warfield, Duffy Bishop, Andy Stokes, Lee Garrett, Keeshawn Jones and Gretchen Mitchell. Some can't make it. i.e. Norman Sylvester who had hip surgery and we are using a whole band from New Orleans. Patrick is going there to play with Bobby Caldwell. We sent charts a month ago, so they can prep for the show."
It's a damned shame that Harrah's wouldn't increase the budget so that Reggie Houston could go back to his birthplace and play on this gig. He'll be doing some playing at this year's Jazzfest.
They're working to get the whole band booked with three symphonies (not all at the same time).
Jimmy Mak's was sold out for the Lamb/Jeff Lorber show recently. They had Damien Erskine on bass, Reinhold Melz on drums and Marlon McClain on guitar. You can watch some of it below:
Lamb has a lot more videos up here.
File this away: How's this for an inspired collaboration? It hasn't happened yet, but Mary Flower wants Courtney von Drehle to play accordion on the new album she's recording in June.
Sixteen year old keyboardist/saxophonist/anythingelsehepicksup Mac Potts is in a new band Roots Revival Blues. It's another one of those "kid" blues bands that have come out of nowhere and seem to be everywhere. The others in the band are TJ Moor (guitar, vocals, harmonica) and Taylor Eaton (bass) Sam Low (drums).
The total age of the band (5 of them) is 59.
Last year when Mac went to Jazzfest in New Orleans, he got to jam with Harry Conick, Jr. Wonder who he'll sit in with this year?
The ever controversial Portland band The Slants. The headline of their media release reads, "THE SLANTS REJECT CHANCE AT MILLION DOLLAR RECORDING CONTRACT; TURN DOWN BODOG BATTLE-OF-THE-BANDS AND REALITY TV SHOW, REFUSING TO SIGN CONTRACT." (caps theirs)
They said it was too binding. And non-negotiable. Bass player Simon Young is quoted saying, "It is my hope that there aren't band desperate for the publicity that they are willing to gamble their futures for a chance to win a million dollar recording contract. If anyone continues, they better have a pretty good lawyer and a whole lot of luck. We've enjoyed the ride and meeting new bands, but as soon as I saw that contract it was like red flags all over. We're done."
They're still touring with their current album "Slanted Eyes, Slanted Hearts."
Those wild Russians are up to it again. Their current excuse to party and get you drunk is as follows:
"Each year on March 8th, millions of women and men celebrate International Women's Day all around the world (from Alaska to Zambia). It is an official holiday in many countries including Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Russia and Vietnam. Traditionally it is a holiday of men (and sometimes women) honoring their mothers, wives, girlfriends, colleagues, etc with flowers, small gifts and extra attention. The time has come to start celebrating it in the best city to live and party in - Portland, Oregon!
So we decided to start the tradition by throwing a Grand Ball in honor of all our favorite women. For that we got the Fez Ballroom to open it's doors on March 8, Saturday at 9 pm for the Ball.
There will be fresh spring flowers for every girl, love songs from different countries, dances, prizes and surprises. For this wonderful occasion the performers are preparing a very special program. Don't miss Chervona, the local Russian gypsy street band, they've promised to steal your heart with their brand new program "Chervona Amore".
I love those guys.
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Tom to Hillary, Shut the Fuck Up
It may be true that an untidy cat box could beat sad sack John McCain this year.
But.
Senator Clinton, please shut up.
Every charge you angrily hurl at Barack Obama gives the Republicans a talking point.
On yesterday's Sixty Minutes, you crossed an unforgivable line:
"You don't believe that Senator Obama's a Muslim?" Steve Kroft asked her.
"Of course not. I mean, that, you know, there is no basis for that. I take him on the basis of what he says. And, you know, there isn't any reason to doubt that," she replied.
"You said you'd take Senator Obama at his word that he's not…a Muslim. You don't believe that he's…," Kroft said.
"No. No, there is nothing to base that on. As far as I know," she said.
As far as I KNOW? What if the situation was reversed?
"Sen Obama, What about those smears that Hillary Clinton is a lesbian who likes to skinny dip with her Iranian `assistant...' and 'gal pal.' What do you think about those rumors?"
"She is a heterosexual happily married to former President Bill Clinton, as far as I know," Obama responds.
Who are you, Senator Clinton?
You are doing exactly what the Republicans do when they campaign.
But.
Senator Clinton, please shut up.
Every charge you angrily hurl at Barack Obama gives the Republicans a talking point.
On yesterday's Sixty Minutes, you crossed an unforgivable line:
"You don't believe that Senator Obama's a Muslim?" Steve Kroft asked her.
"Of course not. I mean, that, you know, there is no basis for that. I take him on the basis of what he says. And, you know, there isn't any reason to doubt that," she replied.
"You said you'd take Senator Obama at his word that he's not…a Muslim. You don't believe that he's…," Kroft said.
"No. No, there is nothing to base that on. As far as I know," she said.
As far as I KNOW? What if the situation was reversed?
"Sen Obama, What about those smears that Hillary Clinton is a lesbian who likes to skinny dip with her Iranian `assistant...' and 'gal pal.' What do you think about those rumors?"
"She is a heterosexual happily married to former President Bill Clinton, as far as I know," Obama responds.
Who are you, Senator Clinton?
You are doing exactly what the Republicans do when they campaign.
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