Great Day For US Soccer Fans

Clint Dempsey and the New US Soccer kit

     It was a big day for international soccer, as nations from Europe continue Euro 2012 Qualifying and many other nations held friendlies.
We decided to look a little closer to home, however.
     First, we took in the match between Philadelphia Union and Vancouver Whitecaps at PPL Park in Chester. The 1st half was pretty tame, yet somehow, Philadelphia picked up 3 yellow cards in the first 34 minutes. It was Eric Hassli's yellow in the 27th minute that proved key, however. The Vancouver forward earned a second in the 59th minute, and Whitecaps were down a man in their first road game. Philadelphia controlled play for the last half hour, but the winner from Carlos Ruiz in the 77th minute looked offside. The atmosphere at PPL Park was certainly impressive, as were Union, who earned a second clean sheet in as many games, and are 2-0.
     Just up the I95 corridor, the atmosphere seemed to be the main attraction in a friendly featuring the United States and Argentina, with well over 75,000 in attendance. The futbol proved equally thrilling, though, and both sides played fantastic in a 1-1 draw. Argentina were world-class in the 1st half, and the US held firm for 42 minutes, until Cambiasso gave the visitors the lead. After halftime, the US came out of the locker room much more aggressive, and enjoyed more possession as a result. The last half hour was fairly even when Juan Agudelo, of New York Red Bull, netted a rebound from a free kick at the 59th minute. Overall, the US team looked great against a side that has defeated Spain and Brazil since last year's World Cup. And the new red kits aren't bad, either.

NHL Heating Up

     Most of the sports media is focused on the NFL labor dispute or NCAA March Madness, but on this blog, we like to take a look at pop culture that has a little more international appeal. While there are many cosmopolitan leagues in the United States, perhaps no employs more foreign born players than the National Hockey League.
     The NHL is nearing the end of the regular season, and the games are getting more important. At the top of the standing in the Western Conference are the Vancouver Canucks. In the East, the Philadelphia Flyers are in first place, and they face the second place Washington Capitals tonight. Capitals forward and Superstar Alex Ovechkin is out for about a week.
     At the bottom of the playoff race in the East, there are about 5 teams battling for the last playoff spot, currently held by the Buffalo Sabres. In the West, the script is a bit different. There are about 5 teams battling for 3 playoff spots, including defending Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks.
     Leading the scoring race is Tampa Bay forward Steven Stamkos, who is from Canada, with 43 goals. Vancouver center Henrik Sedin (of Sweden) leads all players in assist, with 68.
     Headlining NHL news this week is the suspension of Pittsburgh Penguins forward Matt Cooke, who was suspended for as many as 16 games for his elbow against New York Ranger Ryan McDonagh.
     Most teams have under 10 games left, with the final regular season games on April 10th.

Donate For Japan

     International news has, of course, been dominated by the tragedies in Japan. One of the biggest earthquakes on record created a deadly tsunami, which damaged nuclear power plants and released radioactive materials into the atmosphere. Donations can be made at the Red Cross.

Barcelona and Tottenham Advance

     It's a big couple of weeks for futbol fans. Tuesday marks the beginning of the MLS season, with Seattle Sounders hosting LA Galaxy. Also on Tuesday, Manchester United will host Marseille in the Round of 16 in the UEFA Champions League. Last week was the first round of second leg games in the Champions League, and the two English clubs involved experienced very different results.
     On Tuesday, it was Arsenal traveling to Barcelona. Arsenal had won the first leg in London, 2-1, and there was much anticipation about the return leg. The match was tight in the first half, with Barcelona enjoying the majority of possession. In added time, Lionel Messi drew Barcelona level with a great individual effort. Barca continued to control the ball in the second half, but an own goal by Sergio Busquets in the 53rd minute put Arsenal ahead, even though they had not attempted a shot. Only 3 minutes later, Arsenal's Robin Van Persie was given a dubious second yellow for kicking the ball away after he was ruled offsides. Still, Arsenal looked like going through. Xavi scored in the 69th minute, however, and then Messi again in the 71st, and Barcelona were well on there way to the Quarterfinals.
     Alternatively, Tottenham Hotspur had won their first leg game on the road to AC Milan, 1-0. Milan also enjoyed possession, 63% by the end of the match, but both teams failed to score, and Tottenham are though.
     Elsewhere in Europe, Schalke 04 defeated Valencia 3-1 at home, after a 1-1 draw in Spain two weeks ago. Shakhtar Donetsk routed AS Roma 3-0 in Ukraine, winning 6-2 on aggregate and advanced as well.
     Unlike Arsenal and Tottenham, Man United and Chelsea will both be favored in thier Champions League matches this week, facing Marseille and Copenhagen, respectively. Also gunning for the Quarterfinals will be Real Madrid, who host Lyon with the sides even at 1-1, and Bayern Munich, who lead Inter Milan 1-0 after the clubs met in Italy.

Libya; Fly or No Fly?

     When protest in Tunisia and Egypt managed to topple autocratic regimes that had been in power for decades, their was much hand-wringing in the West about the influence of radical political Islam. Now that these uprisings have spread to Libya, their is much hand-wringing in the West that the protesters might actually fail.
     The protesters had taken over the eastern half of Libya. In fact, the protest have devolved into all out civil war. Today, loyalist of Ghaddafi routed rebels in the strategic oil port of Ras Lanuf. Also, France became the first country to recognize the rebel government, based in Benghazi.
     However, the continued push of government forces to the east means that that government of the rebels may not last much longer. This has led Western governments to discuss a "no-fly zone."
     No-Fly Zones have an attractive history. First, one was used in the civil war in Yugoslavia. The airspace over Serbia was closed to all but NATO aircraft. Air defenses were removed, and eventually strategic targets, such as bridges, were destroyed as well. In Iraq, northern air space, in the Kurdish area, was controlled to stop Hussien from bombing civilians.
     The question remains, what would happen in Libya if Western powers controlled the skies in order to level the playing field. It depends on who is seen as being responsible for the no-fly zone. France and the United Kingdom are on board. China and Russia are against the idea. Positive signs coming from the Arab League suggest that they could be on board. The United States is still debating the idea. Ghaddafi has already tried to paint the rebels as being backed, alternatively, by the United States and Al-Qeada. If the uprising fails, the stain of Western influence on grassroots movements may deter Arab rebels for a generation to come. If it succeeds, the new government may never overcome the suspicion of being a Western puppet.

Prometheus Bound To Rock

     Political art is sacrosanct in the United States, an extension of our 1st Amendment rights, but America did not invent protest songs or allegory. Perhaps, the first great civilization to popularize political fiction was the Greeks, with their legendary stories of gods and men. Now, a modern multicultural play based on the idea of self-sacrifice has hit the stage in Boston.
     The story of Prometheus is familiar story in Greek mythology. Prometheus steals fire from the gods and gives it to man. His punishment for this transgression is to be chained to a giant rock for all eternity. Well, playwright Steven Sater saw Prometheus as the first political prisoner of conscience, and he has decided to re-tell the story with a 21st century spin.
     Sater hired Armenian musician, and lead singer for metal band System of a Down, Serj Tankian to compose the score. System is known for their aggressive sound and political lyrics. Tankian tackles all kinds of genres in this project, from rock and jazz, to choral melodies with strings and piano. "It’s quite schizophrenic actually, but it’s done in such a smooth way, and it fits the story so perfectly," says Tankian.
     The result if Prometheus Bound. The creators have dedicated their play to Amnesty International, and have promised to donate a portion of the proceeds to the organization that supports political prisoners. Prometheus Bound runs through April 2nd.

Assault on NPR

     Yesterday, National Public Radio came under increasing scrutiny, as Ron Schiller, who runs the fundraising operation, was caught on video saying that NPR would be better off if federal funding was cut off. Today, NPR CEO Vivian Schiller was forced out by the board, saying that her tumultuous tenor had compromised NPR's long term operating ability. Last year, Schiller fired commentator Juan Williams after he appeared on Fox News saying that persons in Muslim dress made him nervous.
     Ron Schiller, who had previously announced that he was leaving the network, was videotaped by Project Veritas, a conservative outfit run by James O'Keefe. O'Keefe was behind the ACORN controversy that erupted in 2009. That video caused congress to end funding for ACORN, though eventually, those videos were determined to be heavily edited, and ACORN was not found to have no wrongdoing. Equal suspicion should be aimed at Veritas' latest effort.
     While Schiller's comments are no doubt puzzling, the political effect of the video is not. NPR was already under attack by Congressional Republicans, who are looking to cut federal spending anywhere possible, and Schiller has given them the perfect excuse to do so. It's easy to depict NPR as a bastion of liberalism, but they are the last news outfit in America doing real journalism. O'Keefe, on the other hand, does not practice journalism (and neither do we). This hatchet job is no more than propaganda, just as it was so when Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker was prank called by a morning radio show pretending to be billionaire David Koch. If NPR is cut off from federal funds, it is doubtful that it would cause it's demise. Large philanthropy organisations, and millions of taxpaying Americans, will cover the loss, hopefully with a minimum number of loss stations, but it will be a blow to public discourse to lose the one news organisation that is still trusted on both sides of the isle.

Best Picture

     This week we decided to review another Oscar loser for our DVD Reviewsday. The Social Network was originally tagged for best picture winner, but was overtaken by The King's Speech. Honestly, we felt this was dubious, and decided to check out "the facebook movie" for a review.
     The Social Network is the latest film by director David Fincher, who also directed classic thrillers such as Alien 3, Se7en, Fight Club, and Zodiac. While Social Network is not a thriller, it is shot and edited like one, giving the movie a brisk pace, especially for such a solitary subject. It is strange to think of social networking as a solitary activity, but it is something that we often do alone.
     Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg is a lonely figure in the film. He creates his first great project after a fight with a girl, while drunk. FaceMash uses stolen pictures of Harvard undergrads to rank women based on sexual attractiveness. This gets him noticed, mainly by the Winklevoss twins, who offer to hire Zuckerberg to create a dating site using only Harvard email accounts. Instead, Zuckerberg uses their idea of exclusivity to create a social network, The Facebook, with start-up money from his friend Eduardo Saverin. The Winklevoss's and Saverin would both go on to sue Zuckerberg, and the depositions serve as the plot vehicle for the film.
     Seriously, the story of facebook has enough deception and intrigue to make it a fine film on it's own, but it's the position that facebook itself holds within our global society that makes this movie a must-see. Facebook allows users from all over the world to express their thoughts and desires. Facebook connects people from across cultures, and brings down regimes. Last month, an Egyptian family named their newborn baby Facebook.
     So, bravo to the Academy. While we haven't had a chance to review The Kings Speech yet, we're sure that the acting, costumes, writing, and editing are all really great, but it's the relevancy of The Social Network that merits best picture. It is a study of the characters behind an innovation no less important than the printing press.

Major League Labor Dispute

     As protest sweep across the Middle East, back home in America, there is strife of a different kind. The poor economy has created a smaller pie for everyone, and now there is a fierce battle ongoing over wages, hours, and the very existence of the union.
     We are, of course, talking about the National Football League. The NFL has seen a major jump in popularity over the last decade, and has become the most popular sport in the United States. With the recession, however, even this venerable institution has seen its income shrink, and now, owners and players are disputing how to divide up a mere $9 billion in annual assets.
     The owners wish to slice about 15 percent off of the salary cap, in order to invest the savings back into stadiums and promotion, in order to grow the game in the long haul. Players, on the other hand, are the ones putting their bodies on the line, and say that they are the ones responsible for the popularity the game enjoys. Also, the average NFL career is only 3 seasons, so although players can make millions of dollars, most careers are painfully short. Finally, the owners want to scrap 2 pre-season games in favor of two regular season games. This would create more revenue for the league, but unless these are passed on to the players, they have little incentive to add weeks to an already long season.
     This is an interesting dispute in light of other labor negotiations that are ongoing in the United States. It could be argued that the success of Players Associations, especially those of the NFL and Major League Baseball, are a contributing factor in the popular decline of unions overall. Often, players have been seen as greedy, and the result of such high salaries have been higher ticket prices and much grumbling from fans. Here, however, average workers will recognize the actions of the owners as eerily familiar; lower wages, longer hours, and fewer workplace rights.

Who Hearts Huckabee?

     Oftentimes, appearing in our Sunday Talking Heads segment is usually not a compliment. Other times, we use this space to try and take a new look at a well known politician or pundit. Unfortunately for Mike Huckabee, this weeks segment is the former.
     First, earlier in the week, Huckabee unleashed his (not-to-well thought-out) opinions on President Obama. Huckabee said that Obama "grew up in Kenya," which is just factually wrong, and that "he probably grew up hearing that the British were a bunch of imperialist."
     There was a saying, "The sun never sets on the British Empire." It used to be an accepted fact that, yes, the British were imperialist. Isn't that why the Americans decided to throw them out of "the colonies(!)"? Is it just a reflex of the right to excuse colonialism as to not shine a light on the actions of the United States?
     Then, later in the week, Huckabee sounded off about Oscar-winner Natalie Portman. Portman had met her fiance, Benjamin Millipied, on the set of "Black Swan." She is currently expecting her first child with him. But Huckabee, again armed with a questionable set of facts, called Portman's pregnancy "troubling," and that it will "glorify" single motherhood.
     Again, Portman is not a single mother. While it's true that she is not married, the father is present and will be involved in her child's life. Also important is the fact that Portman has the means to care for her child, with or without the support of the biological father. Finally, it is not Natalie Portman's job, as a Hollywood actress, to set an example for young women, nor is it Huckabee place to make judgements about the sex lives of private citizens.
     All of this is worrisome because of the position that Huckabee holds within the Republican right. He was the winner of the Iowa Caucuses in 2008, and indeed, he is currently leading the polls for the 2012 Republican Presidential Primary. Also, he has a weekly show on the conservative propaganda machine that is Fox News. After Sarah Palin, he may be the most recognizable national Republican in the United States. At one point, he was thought of as somewhat of a moderate, dismissing "birther" claims, and being respectful to those who disagreed with him. While it's true that xenophobia and chastity have always played well with the right, only time will tell if Mike Huckabee's new-found brand of conservatism will win over enough Tea Party voters and Libertarians to win a chance to face President Obama in what should be an exciting contest.

Carolina Chocolate Drops Redefine Folk

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     Last month, the Carolina Chocolate Drops won a Grammy for Best Traditional Folk Album, for their 2010 release Genuine Negro Jig. So when they appeared at the Theater of Living Arts, we went to check them out!
     The Drops are Don Flemons, who plays banjo, guitar, jug, and snare, and Rhiannon Giddens on banjo and fiddle. Recently joined are beat boxer Adam Matta and Hubby Jenkins. The original members met at the Black Bango Gathering of 2005 in North Carolina. Their songbook consist mostly of covers from 19th century America, with some re-workings of modern hits.
     The crowd at the TLA was pretty dense, especially for a traditional folk band, and their enthusiasm was evident early. At the start of the first song, the majority of the crowd began stomping the floor to the beat of the song. This continued though out the majority of the night, with added hand claps when appropriate. Perhaps the most unexpected moment came about halfway through. In an a capella performance, Rhiannon sang an up-tempo traditional Irish jig, while Adam performed some pretty impressive beat box vocals. The result was a dance song that could cause any Daft Punk fan get down. Equally awesome, but very much expected, was the cover of Blu Cantrell's "Hit 'Em Up Style."
     When most people think of traditional folk bands, they think of older men in white beards. The Drops, however, are African-Americans in their late 20's or early 30's. While it's probably true that one would have to have a basic appreciation for old time music, CCD bring a very modern take on these songs. Modern folk has crept into popular music recently, certainly in the area of indie music, and the Drops have taken this aesthetic much further. Anyone who enjoys musicians who know how to play their instruments will want to check out the Carolina Chocolate Drops.

Is Speech Too Free?

     It has been a big week for free speech, both in the United States and across the pond.
     First, in the United States. Many people have heard of the tiny church from Topeka, Kansas, known as Westboro Baptist because of their favorite slogan, "God Hates Fags." They believe that American men and women are dying overseas because of our tolerance of homosexuals. When they protested the funeral of a fallen soldier, Matthew Snyder, Snyder's family decided to sue for intentional infliction of emotional distress. This week, the case ended in the Supreme Court, which ruled 8-1 in favor of Westboro Baptist.
     Contrast this with the case of John Galliano, the famous fashion designer. Galliano was videotaped in a Paris bar having an altercation with some Parisians. "I love Hitler." Galliano said. "If it were up to me, you would be dead. Your mothers and fathers, gassed." So-called Hate Speech is illegal in France, as well as many other European countries and Canada. Galliano faces up to 6 months in prison plus thousands in fines.
     Who has it right? Should all speech, even speech which any sane person would call vile, be protected? Freedom of speech is protected in the 1st Amendment of the United States Constitution. It is the basis from which all other rights sprout. All speech deserves it's place in the free market of ideas. It was not so long ago that few people would have disagreed with the notion that God hates homosexuals, but attitudes have changed, thanks to ideas that were considered vile at the time.
     What about the venue for Westboro's protest? Picketing a soldier's funeral may sound extreme, but there may come a time when such actions are needed, when a nation's foreign policy has strayed so far from the desires of the population that any measures seem appropriate.

Budget Solutions Available

     Yesterday, Congress passed a two week spending bill, meant to avert a government shutdown. The bill will cut spending, in that two week period, by $4 billion. House leadership has proposed a bill that would cut annual spending by $61 billion. The new Republican House, filled with Tea Party Freshmen, had campaigned on $100 billion dollars in cuts, and, truthfully, this bill will not satisfy them. The problem is, that the House bill is unsatisfactory to the Democratic controlled Senate. So, Congress is dead-locked over the budget, and a shutdown looms for the first time since Newt Gingrich was Speaker.
     Will a two week extension be long enough to get a deal done? It looks doubtful, but thanks to the Government Accountability Office, perhaps there is a way out. A study by the GAO has found that dozens of programs overlap in their missions. There are 47 job training programs, 80 programs to help disadvantage adults with their transportation needs, 82 programs for teacher improvement, and 52 programs for entrepreneurial efforts. These programs could be consolidated, eliminating administrative cost while not reducing services. To be sure, these measures will not balance the budget. The sacred cows of defense, Medicare and Social Security must be dealt with for the United States to get its fiscal situation in order. Will Congressional leadership deal with these issues, or are their efforts focused on short-term fixes on the back of the middle class.
    

No Exit For Art Superstar

     Sunday, of course, was the Academy Awards, and while most people were debating the merits of "The King's Speech" versus "The Social Network," many others were wondering what would happen if Banksy won an Oscar. Banksy, who is perhaps the most famous graffiti artist in the world, was nominated for his documentary "Exit Through the Gift Shop." The only problem being, however, that nobody actually knows what Banksy looks like.
     "Exit" is basically about filmmaker Thierry Guetta, who began filming street artist like Space Invader and Shepard Fairy. Guetta followed these street artist around in the middle of the night, filming then painting sidewalks, buildings, and other public spaces, telling them that he was making a documentary about graffiti art. Then, he met Banksy, and quickly earned his trust.
     Banksy had planned to place a blow-up doll, dressed in an orange jumpsuit and black hood, chained to a ride at Disney World, as a comment on abuse at Guantanamo Bay. Guetta would film the act and the public's reaction. Guetta, however, was picked up by park security and questioned for 4 hours. He was not water-boarded, but he did not tell them he knew who did the artwork.
     Soon, Banksy became the biggest artist in the world, street or otherwise. He was now having full-on art shows, in a gallery. Street art had taken off, and it was time for Guetta's documentary to hit theaters, Banksy told him. So Guetta spent 6 months editing thousands of hours of footage. Then, he showed it to Banksy.
     "I was in that position, where someone shows you there work, and you realize that it's shit." Banksy says. "I started to wonder if (Guetta) was a filmmaker or just someone with mental problems."
     So Banksy sent Guetta home, telling him to go make some art, and keeping the tapes for himself. This is when the switch happens. The film stops being about street art and starts being about Guetta himself. Guetta goes crazy, creating thousands of pieces, and renting a huge venue for his show. Soon, he is on the front page of LA Weekly, and thousands line up for the opening of his show, which stays open for two months.
     Some have wondered if the movie is not a documentary, but a hoax. This is an easy assumption to make, especially on the heels of the Joaquin Phoenix film "I'm Still Here." Ultimately, this seems doubtful. Either way, however, the film works as a commentary on celebrity (we still don't know what Banksy looks like) and art, itself (does Guetta really have any talent?). Banksy, and many other artist who appear in the film, have spent years curating an image and a message. Often in anonymity, always in a grey area of legality, and usually with no monetary compensation, only for Guetta to arrive, stand on their shoulders, and make millions. He recently did an album cover for Madonna.

Gas Prices A National Security Issue

     As protest sweep across the Middle East and northern Africa, many have voiced concern over perceived "instability" in the region. While such concerns are of little importance when compared to the freedoms of long repressed peoples, that instability has born its first fruit.
     Libya is a major exporter of crude oil to Europe and the United States, but is ruled by dictator Mohammar Ghaddfi, who has been in power since 1969. When protesters started demanding that Ghaddfi step down, the dictator responded with maximum force, and now the country is locked in civil war.
     Now, Americans are feeling the pain at the pump. Gas prices have risen to a national average of $3.38 a gallon, up 19 cents over the previous week, and 68 cents over the same week last year. The price of oil barrels has leveled out at around $100, mostly because Saudi Arabia has promised to raise production.
     In truth, the United States has been supporting dictators in the Middle East for decades, mostly over the price of oil. Now that those rulers are losing power, there is a range of issues that Americans will have to contend. While much of the chatter has been over national security, and if these new Arab governments will embrace Islamic radicals, the United States is threatened with a larger security issue, our energy Independence.

Blues' European Dream

     Sunday marked the Final of the English League Cup, which saw favorites Arsenal taking on Birmingham City.
     Birmingham took the lead in the 28th minute off a header from Nikola Zigic. Arsenal star Robin Van Persie scored the equalizer 11 minutes later. The score remained level, and it seemed that the clubs were headed for extra time. Then, in the 90th minute, Arsenal keeper Wojciech Sczcesny spilled the ball right into the path of Obafemi Martins, who buried the winner.
Arsenal continue their quest for a major trophy, the most recent coming in the 2005 FA Cup Final. They currently sit 2nd in the Premier League, 4 points behind Manchester United. They play Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, March 8th.
     Birmingham, on the other hand, have won their first trophy since the 1963 League Cup, and have qualified for next season's Europa League. They may be one of few teams to compete in Europe while playing outside of the top flight. Birmingham are currently 16th in the League, only 2 points out of the relegation zone.

End Of The Road

     Last week, Detroit rock band The White Stripes, announced they were officially done recording and touring together. The Stripes broke through in 2001 with the release of their third album, White Blood Cells, which included the single "Fell in Love with a Girl." They went on to release six studio albums, including 2007 Icky Thump. We were lucky enough to catch them live twice, most recently at Bonnaroo in 2007, and decided to review Under Great White Northern Lights. Lights is a concert documentary film which follows the band on their first, and last, tour of Canada in the summer of 2007. It first premiered at the Toronto Film Festival in September of 2009.
     The tour wasn't the usual trip across Canada, where bands play two or three shows at major venues. Instead, the White Stripes play shows at bowling alleys and elementary schools at small towns all over Canada, including the northern territories. They also play free shows, some announced only minutes in advance, in town squares, on public buses, and at a senior center. Virtually all of the hits are performed, as well as deep tracks, such as "We Are Going To Be Friends," and covers, the best of which is Dolly Parton's "Jolean."
     The film includes performance videos plus behind the scenes footage of Jack and Meg. Longtime fans are already familiar with the relationship between the two, who are ex-husband and wife. Meg is quiet, even painfully shy at times. In contrast, Jack is extroverted, forcing conversations with perfect strangers and cracking jokes, often at Meg's expense. It is this dynamic which has fueled speculation about the reasons behind the break-up of the band. Were there tensions between the two that drove Meg to call it quits? The last scene of the film, a behind the scenes performance of "Blue Moon," raises more questions than the film answers.
     For fans of rock docs, Under Great White Northern Lights is an unconventional look at an unconventional band. For fans of the White Stripes, Lights provides a look at the contentious partnership between Jack and Meg, plus some great tunes from a band at the top of their game. Thankfully, the film offers the chance to experience the Stripes live for thousands of fans who will never have the opportunity. The live CD of the same name is highly recommended for all garage rock fans.

Girl Talk Can Throw A Party

     This Monday, we took a trip to Baltimore to check out electro artist Girl Talk at Rams Head Live, which is a terrific venue just blocks away from the inner harbor. Girl Talk is one of the most innovative and controversial artist in music today. On first listen, its not hard to see why.
     Girl Talk, aka Gregg Gillis, uses samples from popular songs of the last 50 years to create party anthems that present some of your favorite songs in a new context. On his albums, it may be Lil Mama rapping over Metallica riffs. On stage, however, he drops samples from left field to constantly keep the audience guessing, like Wu-Tang Clan over Radiohead's "Creep."
     The controversial part, for sure, is the flagrant disregard of copyright law. Of course, he is not the first artist to sample. Sampling started over 30 years ago, when early rappers began looping disco beats and dropping rhymes. Several years ago, DJ Danger Mouse lifted vocals from Jay-Z's Black Album, and put them over melodies from the Beatles White Album to create The Grey Album. It was generally greeted with critical acclaim, and Jay-Z has even given the album his blessing, despite not receiving any royalties. Girl Talk says that he is using an exception under the fair use doctrine of copyright law, which, conveniently, is one of the most confusing and ill-defined areas of law. What is really going on, though, could be that Gillis samples songs that everybody knows, and artist that are more successful than he.
     For a better understanding of his position, and the problems with copyright law in the 21st century, there is the documentary film Good Copy Bad Copy.
     The concert was fun for all. If you like classic rock, you were immediately satisfied, as the intro to the first song was from "War Pigs" by Black Sabbath. He sampled 60's soul, and 90's alternative, and even used Kelly Clarkson's "Since U Been Gone." It has been some time since Girl Talk first played Baltimore, and his shows have gotten bigger and better. Balloons, confetti and a giant video screen added to the sense of chaos and pandemonium. Girl Talk is highly recommended for anyone who likes dance music, and probably most that don't. Hearing unexpected clips of old favs juxtaposed against different genres will give you a new appreciation for those songs, and probably others you didn't know you liked.
     Lastly, we would be remiss not to mention the opening band. Penguin Prison are a NYC based electro band, combining 80's style new wave and more contemporary indie funk. The result was a pleasant surprise, and got the whole crowd ready to dance. Penguin Prison are a new band, but one with a huge potential upside. Opening for Girl Talk will certainly provide them with a ton of new fans.
     So, if you ever have a chance to see Girl Talk, go for it. Keep an eye on Penguin Prison. And find any reason to visit Baltimore's Inner Harbor and see a great band at Rams Head!

From Terhan To Tunis

     Followers of this blog will remember the summer of 2009 when we reported on the Iranian uprising, and how social media, namely Twitter, had been influential in spreading the message of dissent. Youtube videos of protesters being beaten, or worse, were all over cable news. While many predicted the end of the Iranian theocracy, it never came to pass. Instead, the authorities crack down hard, and little has been changed in the months following.
     Then came the protest this month in Tunisia. For some time now, discontent has been rising in Tunisia. Prime Minister Ben Ali, who has been in power since 1987, had always been an authoritarian leader, but the national economy was growing. GDP tripled under his administration. Yet, northern Africa, and much of the Arab world, was changing. Unfortunately for Ben Ali, Tunisian youths were getting mobile phones and creating facebook accounts just at a time when employment was slowing. They were seeing the modern world, but were left with only despair. Then a young, unemployed Tunisian named Mohamid Bouazizi set himself on fire after he was slapped by a police officer for selling fruit along the road. As the protest grew, fueled by groups created on facebook, Ben Ali came under increasing pressure. On January 15th, he was declared "absent" by the Supreme Court, and fled to exile in Saudi Arabia.
     Comparisons to the "green revolution" in Iran are probably unavoidable, with one big distinction. These protest were successful. It remains to be seen what kind of government Tunisia will create, but it seems everyone knows (or thinks they do) the politics of these protesters. First of all, their politics are not religious. They are based on freedom of expression and creating opportunities for all. From the western viewpoint, this seems positive. Now, protest are spreading to Egypt, and the government has blocked Twitter. Acts of self-immolation have taken place in Algeria. There are unconfirmed reports of protest in Yemen. Today, Iraqi citizens attacked police after a car bomb killed dozens. This could be the beginning of true self-government in the Islamic world.
     We should not get our hopes to grand, however. The West, Europe and the United States, have been colonizing Africa and the Middle East for centuries, and this will not be quickly forgotten. While human rights watchers will be pleased at new democratic governments, these new voters may not be eager to follow directions.
   

Obama On Target

     The Constitution demands that the President address Congress on a regular basis to discuss the state of our union. Today was Obama's second such address.
     Many talked of the mess that President Obama was in after the mid-term election. Obama himself called it a shellacking. Since the election, however, he has managed to strike a deal with Republicans on tax cuts, and signed legislation ending the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. His speech he gave after the assassination attempt on Gabrielle Giffords was an overwhelming success, and his approval ratings have returned to 51%. This state of the union was seen as a key moment for Obama to keep his momemtum rolling.
     So, how did he do? Obama's theme was "Winning the Future." He spoke of the innovation that America is famous for, and called on the country to keep striving ahead in the 21st century. To this aim, he called for education reform, citing his "Race to the Top" program. He called on elected officials to give teachers proper respect, but also demanded accountability. For this educated work force to truly thrive in the United States, we need the infrastructure to support it. We are being outspent by China, Russia, and Europe, and our infrastructure is crumbling. It is vital for American business that they have reliable communication and transportation.
     It wasn't all progressive utopia, though. The President spoke of the corporate tax rate, filled with loopholes, yet among the highest rates on earth. This system guarantees that big corporations can avoid paying taxes all together, while most small business suffer under oppressive tax rates. Tax reform has been a goal of conservatives and progressives for a long time, but too many interest groups have a stake for any progress to be made. Obama has placed the issue on the agenda, and he has proved effective at forming unlikely political coalitions.
     Of course, any policy matter that one could think of was addressed in some way. From energy to healthcare to foreign wars, Obama took positions designed to gain support from moderates and business leaders without alienating his base. Did he accomplish this? It's hard to say. Many liberals don't want the President to compromise with the center-right, and to them, this speech with be just another disappointment by Obama. Given the new political landscape in Washington, however, he may not have much choice.
     Obama has always been an effective communicator. In fact, he probably should do it more. He has tried his best to govern as a progressive, and probably has turned off some of those who voted for him in 2008. In the next two years, he will no doubt drift to the center. This will be great for his re-election campaign. While many consider him too cool, he is best when he appears to be the grown-up. Defend his base, and find common ground with fiscal conservatives, and he will sail to a second term. Then we'll see what kind of liberal he really is!

Olbermann And Out

     As many have mentioned, Friday, January 21st, was the last episode of Countdown with Kieth Olbermann. Olbermann had been an MSNBC host since 2004.
     The drama started in November. Olbermann was suspended for four days from MSNBC for making political donations to democratic candidates, including Gabrielle Giffords and failed Senate candidate Jack Conway. Reports were that Olbermann had planned to go on ABC's Good Morning America to discuss the situation, but was threatened with being fired. Olbermann has a colorful history with his superiors, from his very public exit from ESPN, to his employment by Rupert Murdoch, and previous battles with MSNBC management. Although everyone involved at MSNBC is keeping very tight-lipped over his departure, he is said to have received a generous severance and will not be able to appear on television for some months.
     Olbermann gained many liberal fans during the Bush years when he became one of few to oppose the Iraq war. He has managed to alienate some over partisan rhetoric. He supported Barack Obama during the Democratic primary for president, and angered many supporters of Hillary Clinton. It appears he may have made a similar mistake in his support for individual candidates, at least in the eyes of his bosses at MSNBC. While political commentators certainly have the right to support certain candidates over others, perhaps they are better suited to stick to discussing individual issues. Political candidates come with all kinds of strengths and positions that one should consider carefully, and some viewers may assume things about the host that are not true.
     With that being said, we can discuss the next phase of Olbermann's career. Many are already soliciting him for public service. Olbermann is certainly passionate and educated about the issues. There can be no doubt about where he stands or what he brings to the table. In fact, many of his positions may be good for the United States and middle-class Americans, but having Olbermann as a politician may not be a good idea. He is known for his heated political rhetoric, at a time when everyone else is talking about toning it down. He has made dozens of "Special Comments," many about fellow Democrats that would inevitably be his colleagues.
     Lawrence O'Donnell is set to replace Olbermann at 8pm on MSNBC. O'Donnell is a veteran of Washington and Hollywood, having been a contributor to The West Wing. For a more personal look at Kieth Olbermann.

No Impact Man

     This week for Reviewsday, we looked at the 2009 documentary "No Impact Man." Colin Beaven and his family attempt to spend one year living in New York City while making no negative impact on the environment.
     Beaven in a non-fiction writer who vowed to turn his political beliefs into practical actions for reducing carbon emissions and pollution. First, his family gave up all carbon emitting transportation, including subways and planes, and shopping for anything new. They also gave up restaurants and packaged foods in order to reduce the amount of trash they produced. After a series of steps that included giving up toilet paper and the refrigerator, they turned off their power completely. Oftentimes during the film, Beaven expresses doubts about the project, and worries about the perception of him among other environmentalist.
     While it is true that Beaven's methods are extreme, he is making a point. By giving up just about everything, Beaven shows what practices are easy and practical, and which ones are more difficult. His family also enjoys, somewhat unexpectedly, a new connection with nature. His daughter chases lightning bugs through a community garden, and his wife enjoys a vacation to a farm upstate.
     While many people are politically active, few people make sacrifices that bring their lives in line with their beliefs. Liberals may complain about the wars fought for crude oil, but how many start taking the bus? Although we tell ourselves that we are doing our part, it is important to remember that we could always do more.

King's Legacy Liberal, Complex

     Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the United States, and this would have been King's 82nd birthday. King used non-violent protest to bring about civil rights for minorities in the United States. His biggest mentor in the United States was Bayard Rustin. Rustin was a homosexual Quaker and had been inspired by Mahatma Ghandi. When King traveled to India in 1959, he said Ghandi "embodied in his life certain universal principles that are inherent in the structure of the universe, and these principles are as inescapable as the law of gravitation."
     King made his name during the Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1955, but is best remembered for his "I Have A Dream" speech, much of which was improvised. The speech took place in 1963 during the March on Washington. Although the March is remembered as an inspiration for all Americans, including blacks, at the time it was much more controversial. King acquiesced to pressure from President Kennedy to tone down his remarks, lest they effect the passage of the Civil Rights Bill, and Malcolm X, a far more militant civil rights advocate, called it the "Farce on Washington." In the end, King's speech struck the perfect tone, and helped pass the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
     Here is when King's positions become a little more controversial, and his legacy more complicated. In 1965, King voiced his opposition to the Vietnam War, arguing that the military occupation was steering money away from helping poor people. "A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual death." In 1968, King started the Poor People's Campaign. The campaign sought to bring attention to the plight of all under-served Americans, regardless of race. This lead to a backlash from civil right leaders, Malcolm X and even Baynard Rustin. King envisioned a "multiracial army of the poor" marching on Washington. He even supported certain reparations, but not only to African-Americans. "It should benefit the disadvantaged of all races," he said, claiming that it would alleviate social ills such as violence, divorce, and drug use. The Poor People's March on Washington did take place, but not until after Kings assassination. The protesters constructed a tent city on the national mall, called Resurrection City.
     As a nation, we have come a long way on issues of race. We have an African-American president, and dozens of elected African-American Representatives, including King's friend John Lewis (D-GA). On issues of militarism and poverty, however, we still have far to go. The United States continues to spend billions on military occupations in Asia, and the gap between rich and poor is still growing. As a nation, we need to recognize Martin Luther King for all of his positions and achievements, and not just cherry-pick the ones that fit into our convenient narrative about America as a land of opportunity. Precisely because African-Americans have come so far, we need to remember King as he was, and continue to fight for what he believed in, improvement in the lives of all Americans, regardless of race, peace and nonviolence, and the end of American colonialism.
    

Real Maher Still Politcally Incorrect

     Once again it is time for our Sunday Shows feature, but this week we are taking a look at a show that actually comes on Friday night. "Real Time with Bill Maher" is entering its ninth season on HBO, and is possibly the best weekly political show on television. Maher has usually been labeled as a libertarian, especially when he hosted "Politically Incorrect", but recently drifted more into progressivism. To be fair, however, he tries to have at least one conservative on per week, and this is what creates such a good show. Rarely on television can we see such vibrant political debate.
     The opening guest this week was President Obama's financial advisor Elizabeth Warren. Warren is a staunch defender of the middle class, and was instrumental in the formation of the new Financial Consumer Protection Agency. Her nomination to run that agency was blocked in congress, however. She downplayed that situation on friday, and insisted that she could be equally, if not more, effective in creating the new agency and being its biggest advocate.
     The panel included democratic stratigest James Carville, GOP stratigest Mike Murphy, and actor Martin Short. Topics included efforts to repeal the healthcare bill, and the growing division between rich and poor. Of course all of America is talking about "the tone," and Maher promised to do his part, changing his segment "New Rules" to "Gentle Reminders."
     So while we still encourage everyone to watch the Sunday Shows on the free channels, keep in mind that HBO is a great destination for political junkies. They show great documentaries, including thier recent original documentary about Hurricane Katrina, "God Willing And Creek Don't Rise," and have worthwhile series such as "True Blood," "Big Love," and "The Ricky Gervais Show." While it may seem ridiculous to pay for one channel, HBO serves up some of the best films and shows on television. Or as they would have it, "It's not TV, It's HBO."

History And Deception

     While in the United States, one football tournament has the attention of sports fans focused on the gridiron and rooting their teams on to the Super Bowl, a football tournament of a different kind is taking place in the United Kingdom. The Football Association Cup, or FA Cup, originally kicked off in 1871 and is the oldest trophy in professional sports. The third round kicked off last weekend.
     The FA Cup is a single elimination tournament open to all teams in England and a select number of teams in Wales. There are 14 rounds, and every team in the top six tiers of English football are automatically entered. This arrangement means that small, semi-professional clubs have a chance to play, and maybe defeat, some of the biggest clubs in world football.
     The best example of a giant-killing in the third round this year comes from League Two side Stevenage. Stevenage play in the fourth tier of English football, and are currently 85th in the overall table. They hosted Newcastle United, who are currently the 9th best team in England, and were able to come away with a 3-1 victory.
     The biggest game on the docket, however, was Manchester United versus Liverpool. United and Liverpool are first and second in terms of English Championships. Both play in the northwest of England, and are bitter rivals. Although Manchester United sit atop the table while Liverpool are 13th, we know that league position is meaningless in the FA Cup. The match attracted even more attention when Liverpool sacked their latest manager in favor of Kenny Dalglish, who was a legendary player at Liverpool in the 1970s and 80s.
     The match did not live up to its potential. In the first minutes, referee Howard Webb awarded United forward Dmitar Berbatov a penalty, on what was clearly a dive. United scored and were up 1-0. Then, still in the first half, Webb sent off Liverpool captain Steven Gerard for a sliding tackle on Micheal Carrick. Manchester United have been grinding out wins all season, and the final hour was comfortable for them.
     Howard Webb is considered one of the best referees in the game. He officiated the 2010 World Cup Final, and was roundly criticised from both sides, which probably means he did a good job. This was not his best performance, though, and in a match that was televised around the world, that is a shame. Most of the blame should not go to Webb, however. Diving has become an enormous problem in the game, and both poor calls were aided by player simulation. In the heat of battle, it is asking too much of referees to determine what is a dive and what is a foul in the moment. FIFA needs to step up, and use video replay to hand out punishments (suspensions) to players who try to deceive the officials.

Militant Evangelicalism

     In the United States, the military is held in very high regard. As we have discussed recently on this blog, Americans have a very complex relationship with war and violence. Yet our military is made of recruits from all walks of American life, and this can cause friction when minorities wish to have their voices heard within this community. We saw this most recently with the debate over the "don't ask, don't tell", and now we are seeing this friction in the field of religious freedom.
     The Army has started issuing annual "spiritual fitness" exams. All troops not deployed in a war zone are required to complete the questionnaire that ask if they would agree with such statements as "I often find comfort in religion or spiritual beliefs", "I believe there is a purpose in my life", and asking how often they attend religious services.
     It is true that the military is facing serious problems with PTSD and suicide. Facing these problems is not only the right thing to do, it is vital to the national security of the United States. However, here the Armed Services have addressed the problem clumsily, and in a way that exposes their conservative (gop) bias. Close observers will remember the incident at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs in which cadets who did not believe in evangelical christianity faced discrimination. This newest incident is more proof of the links between evangelicalism, militarism, and colonialism in this country. Unbeknown to even most Americans, this love of god before country has America sliding headfirst into wars in Asia for almost a century, and bankrupting itself in the process.

Haitian Hellhole

     Today marks the first anniversary of the Haitian earthquake. The quake, which hit the poorest country in the western hemisphere, killed 316,00 people, and the situation has not improved in the year that has passed.
     Haiti was not a first world nation before the earthquake, and that has only made its impact all the more severe. The quake destroyed thousands of homes, and clearing that rubble has barely begun. Land ownership records are rare in poor societies, and many Haitians have abandoned their homes, or are simply squatting in whatever shelter they can find. Of course, thousands still live in tent cities and are relying on the help of international aid organizations.
     Those organizations are also providing food and water, which is bottled outside the country and shipped in. Although it is an island, Haiti has a high degree of water insecurity, and virtually all water sanitation has stopped. This has lead into another great crisis, the cholera epidemic.
Cholera is a water born illness. It causes vomiting and diarrhea, and the patient will die from dehydration. It can kill in as little as two days, and has already claimed 3,651 lives. Most western societies are no longer affected by cholera because of improved sanitation, but in Haiti, cholera risk becoming endemic the their society.
    All of this means that Haitians require the help of the international community for the foreseeable future. The question remains, however, if Haiti is able to help itself. In November, Haitians went to the polls to elect an new government, but the voting was marred by scandal. The current president, Rene Preval, supports candidate Jude Celstin, who is scheduled to face challenger Mirlande Manigat in a runoff next month, but the Organization of American States has accused Celstin's supporters of vote fraud, and asked him to step down in favor of Michel Martelly. Both Celstin and Preval have rejected this request. With the results of the election in doubt, its hard to see how Haiti can achieve the political will to begin solving their mounting problems.
     When the earthquake happened last January, the world saw one of the biggest outpourings of philanthropy ever, but sadly, most of that money has gone to waste or is sitting idle and unspent. So many are right to ask if anymore should be given, and it is a hard question to answer. Yet as citizens of the richest nation on the planet, it is our duty to help our neighbor, but the American government, and indeed the world, need to get serious about helping the people of Haiti while being sure to hold their leaders accountable. It is the question for 21st century diplomacy, how do we encourage leaders to live up to their responsibility to the world community without punishing those citizens that we are trying to liberate, er, help?

Alternative Lifestyle

Unfortunately, Arizona has been the center for much political controversy lately. So for our DVD Reviewsday, we took a look at the more pleasant side of Arizona.
Most people know Maynard James Keenan from his work as frontman for alternative band Tool, and his solo project A Perfect Circle and Pusifer. Few would suspect, however, that the reclusive star would become have an interest in wine making, but the 2009 documentary Blood Into Wine, offers a rare view of a unique artist and entrepreneur.
Keenan moved to rural Arizona in the 1990s to escape the celebrity culture of Los Angeles. He soon partnered with winemaker Eric Glomski to form Arizona Stronghold Vineyards. Keenan also operates his own winery, Caduceus.
Together, Glomski and Keenan consider themselves pioneers of Arizona wine making, and the film shows just how little attention Arizona receives in the wine world. They describe the process of choosing grapes that best fit the climate of Arizona, and show the lengthy process of growing and trimming vines. The times of standing in a barrel and stomping grapes with your bare feet is long gone, and Clomski and Keenan invest millions in huge machines that ferment and bottle the wine. Yet it takes seven years for Keenan to bring his first bottle to completion, which he names after his mother, Judith.
Overall, the movie is enjoyable, and Keenan comes off likable, if somewhat aloof. Once he laughs at Patton Oswalt, but otherwise, hardly smiles the entire film. For fans of Tool, though, these will be miraculous insights. For fans of wine, the movie offers a glimpse of the hard work mostly seen only by residents of the world's wine capitals. For fans of documentaries, Blood Into Wine offers 99 minutes of passionate people bringing you into a world that few people truly understand.

Tragic Rhetoric?

Today should be our first column spotlighting the Sunday talk shows, but all the shows have focused on the tragedy that took place yesterday in Arizona. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords was holding a public event at a Tuscon Safeway when 22 year old Jarod Lee Loughner shot her in the head, injured 19 others, and killed 6. Police are still searching for a possible accomplice.

Although the suspect is obviously unstable, no motive was clear from the outset. Several prominent officials have blamed the tone of the political debate in Washington as a contributing factor. Arizona has been a hot bed for controversy. It has been the center of the debate over immigration, and President Obama remains unpopular.

We should, however, be careful not to blame Sarah Palin and Glenn Beck. It is true that Palin "targeted" Giffords district, going so far as to put cross-hairs over a map of Arizona, but the only person responsible for Mr. Loughner's actions are Mr. Loughner.

This country has a complicated history with political violence, we were created from a war of revolution, and that is part of our national identity. From Lincoln and Kennedy to John Brown and Tim McViegh, when we see the government acting in ways in which we disapprove, violence (and violent imagery) seems an all to easy answer. So when we see violence against elected officials, it becomes easy to blame the rhetoric.

Major League Movements

It's our first Soccer Saturday column, and we are focusing on the game at home. January is prime time for player movement in Major League Soccer, so we decided to update you on the biggest winter transfers.
This season, like many recent ones, there will be new teams in MLS, both from the northwest. The Portland Timbers best player appear to be in goal, with Troy Perkins likely wearing the Number One. Vancouver, however, looks to have a better side, at least for this first season. They have many players with MLS experience, including goalkeeper Joe Cannon and midfielder Shea Salinas. Defender Jay DeMerit, most recently of English club Watford, has already been named captain.
Of course, there are players going the other way across the Atlantic. Forward Robbie Findley, who started for the United States in the 2010 World Cup, moved from Real Salt Lake to Nottingham Forrest.
There are still several weeks left in the January transfer window, which closes at the end of the month. There have been many rumors of more Americans leaving MLS to play in Europe. Most notably Landon Donovan, who was on loan to Everton this time last year, but LA Galaxy have insisted that he is staying Stateside to rest. Donovan's teammate in Los Angeles, David Beckham, has also been pegged for a move back to the Premier League. While Manchester United would be the obvious choice, Tottenham, and several other clubs, have been mentioned as possible destinations.
No matter what happens in the transfer market, TWYII will be here to update the comings and going every Saturday in January.

New Years at the Bordello

New Year's Eve is a time for most of us to reflect on what has just passed and look forward to what will come in the new year. For some of us, its a time to party. In a way, no band is better for both pastimes than Gogol Bordello. When they played the 9:30 Club in Washington, DC this new year's eve, TWY2 went to check it out.
The evening started with a blazing set by Washington DC natives Trouble Funk. They brought their style of 80s funk to the 9:30 stage and did a great job getting the crowd pumped for authentic Gypsy Punk, maybe a little too excited. Before the main act even got to the stage, concert-goers were already drinking heavy. When Gogol came on, the crowd went crazy, as usual. The normal energetic but friendly vibe at GB shows gave way to crazy dances and a few threats of physical violence. The band, however, was in great form. Starting out with oldies like "Not a Crime" and "Wonderlust King," Gogol quickly got the mosh pits going. Then the set list got heavy on songs from their new CD, which by our count was one of the best of 2010. "Trans-Continental Hustle," "Immigraniada," and "Break the Spell" show that the collective have only gotten tighter. Then came the miraculous "American Wedding" which was done a capella. "Start Wearing Purple" was given a long intro, which included the title of the song sung in the native languages of the band members, Russian, Spanish, and Chinese just to name a few. The encore included a cover of Johnny Cash's "Ghost Riders," and the closing medley which is one of the best parts of any GB show.
Gogol Bordello has been around for over a decade, and are still gaining in popularity. Frontman Eugene Hutz brings his manic guitar playing and revolutionary lyrics to a sound that blends traditional eastern European klezmer music with western punk. The new CD is produced by Rick Rubin, and with stints at festivals such as Bonnaroo and Coachella, the legend of the live shows has continued to grow. They have been touring the world for years, and if they come to a town near you, be sure to check them out!

Feels Like The First Time

The 112th Congress convenes today, and much has been made about the partisanship in Washington. You don't have to look much farther than the incoming and outgoing Speakers of the House to prove the point. Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat from San Fransisco, has been a champion of liberal causes and a strong ally of President Obama. Incoming Speaker John Boehner is from Ohio. He grew up working in the family business, and was a member of the First Republican Revolution in 1994. Both are viewed with suspicion, if not outright hatred, by the rank-and-file of the opposition parties.
The newly elected speaker, however, has seen his party's numbers grow by 62, and the Tea Party wave that earned him his seat expects big results. The House has already scheduled a vote to repeal Obamacare. The bill is expected to pass in the House, but is D.O.A. in the Senate, where Democrates still maintain control. Of course, the bill would never be signed by the President, so the vote is little more than symbolism. Where Republicans are more likely to make gains, it involves attacking certain provision within the healthcare law, such as the individual mandate. Some Democrates, including the White House, have been making signals that they are open to such ideas.
Republicans won by crying foul over Democrates spending, and they will be cutting everywhere they see fit. This will truly be the test of Boehner political skill. Previous Republican majorities have promised to cut spending before, but when they were given control of the purse strings, they spent money on pet projects and cut taxes, leading to the biggest deficits in history. In spring, Congress will have to pass a bill to raise the ceiling on the national debt. If they do not, the United States will default on our financial obligations and potentially ruin our credit and our economy. However, Tea Party activist will not tolerate more debt. Can Boehner corral his party and do what is right by the American economy, or will ideology trump practicality?
In the past, politicians from both parties have come to Washington promising big change, and instead, Washington changed them. That's an old line, but with a lot of truth. Although often times that change is for the worse, it doesn't have to be so. Circumstances change and the art of the possible becomes more important. Bill Clinton had big ideas about government working for the people, but when Congress went to the Republicans he fought to improve government programs rather than expand them. The Republicans now in control of the House have ideas about how government can "get out of the way," but they will find many constituents who want government to have a role in their lives. Staying true to their ideology while making government work efficiently for everyday Americans will be their biggest challenge.

American (Re)Fugee

These are tough times in America. It has recently been reported that the current unemployment rate, which has been hovering around 9.5% for a couple years now, is the highest that it has been, for a prolonged period of time, than at any time since the 1930s. With this in mind, we decided to examine the lives of those most affected by hard times, the homeless.

In his 2007 film Skid Row, Pras, formerly of the hip hop group The Fugees, lives as a homeless man for over a week. He arrives on Skid Row in Los Angeles, home to over 10,000 homeless individuals, with 9 dollars and a tent. He avails himself of the services of the local mission, panhandles for spare change, witnesses various kinds of drug use, and tries not to get killed. For security reasons, hidden cameras are used throughout most of the film. On several occasions, however, Pras' new neighbors suspect that they are being filmed or followed. In once instance, Pras strikes up a conversation with a police officer, and becomes paranoid about others thinking he is a snitch.

The film does a great job of shining a light on the plight of the homeless without making judgements or generalizations. However, it does give some insight into the mindset that causes one to move onto Skid Row, and the factors that keep them there. Often it starts with joblessness. Then factors such as isolation, mental illness, and substance abuse converge to limit individuals of their options. Once one has come to live in this state, those factors feel even greater. As the film points out, homelessness can offer a kind of solace all its own. A homeless person can come to define themselves that way, and they often see it as a choice that they have made. Even when presented with opportunities, fear, addiction, or anger can make homelessness seem like the only viable option.
Of course, there are no easy answers, and this film does not pretend otherwise. Yet, it is apparent that the homeless need our attention. Ironically, Skid Row provides a community, away from the judgement and prejudices of the outside world. The majority, the people who have a bed and don't beg for food money, need to offer our community to those that society has forgotten. So next time a stranger ask you for spare change, and you think to yourself, "What is he really going to buy with this?", be sure to give whatever you can. Your conscience will be all the better for it. And who knows? He might just be an international recording artist.

To contact the Prasperity Project or for more information on Homelessness

Mission Statement

Welcome! I am T. W. Young II and this is my New Politics & Culture Blog. With traditional print media dying a slow death, citizen journalist are becoming much more influential in determining how we see the world. Bloggers are able to react first to local news and bring it to the world. With this in mind, I want to throw my bait into the water and see if I get any bites. Of course, we'll be following all the happenings in Washington, DC, but also keeping up on the latest trends in music and movies. There are several features that we will use to keep up with all the news.
First, Tuesdays will be DVD Reviewsday Tuesdays. Every Tuesday, I'll be reviewing the newest and most interesting political documentaries, and trying to connect them to the issues of the day. Sundays are known for the Sunday Talk Shows, where all the news makers make news. TWYII will keep you informed, because you probably have a life. Finally, Saturdays are for football. No, not the NCAA. Saturdays are Soccer Saturdays. Soccer is the world's game, and this blog will examine how soccer reflects the trend of globalization and the United States' role in it.
Watch this space! We hope to update everyday, and hope to cover ALL topics. So not matter what your interest, keep an eye on us. If you have any ideas, or want our opinion on something, write us. Or maybe you just want to call us a bunch of communist! Either way.