South Side Star

Foreclosure Crisis: Chicago Stands Back From 'Katrina' Sans Water

2008-10-08T19:45:00.016-06:00

Want an example of true leadership with a conscious? I'm proud to say that you (and your city's decision-makers) should look right at Chicago and the surprising cease of foreclosures our county sheriff took today.

Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart deserves applause for deciding enough is enough in Chicago's foreclosure mess. Dart took a stand for "Joe Sixpack," halting his team from executing what I understand are ALL foreclosures in Chicagoland's Cook County.

The problem? Tom Dart's sheriffs were running into far too many ugly situations when showing up to evict innocent renters. People who'd paid their monthly rent -- but had not been told by the building owners they needed to start packing -- were being tossed on the streets. Countless decent, hard-working and totally unaware people -- and even elderly, seriously ill renters -- were shockingly being forced from their homes... out of the blue... when they'd paid their landlords every dime owed.

Thus, Sheriff Dart made an unprecedented decision: (Almost) all evictions are over for now. At least until the mortage-holding banks provide the Sheriff's Department affidavids proving that everyone affected by a building's foreclosure has been duly notified.

People won't be caught off guard now; they'll receive a proper grace period in which to make other living arrangements.

I'm sure that Tom Dart's heart went out to the sea of people who may have come home from work and found their every belonging sitting on the sidewalk. Already picked over by two-legged leeches, no doubt.

Of course, there's also the unspoken probability that Dart saw something of an uprising starting to occur among his foot soldier deputies... It's my guess he couldn't keep putting his deputy sheriffs on the firing line, trying to enforce 11th-hour evictions among the innocent... Removing the wrong people's belongings "out of nowhere" can lead to confrontations with deadly consequences, for sure.

So open your eyes. There's a nationwide version of Hurricane Katrina going on, just without the water.

Please speak up and out. As quiet as it may be kept, this exodus of the angry is likely happening in your neighborhood, too.

Saying Grace (Jones, That Is)

2008-10-08T08:08:00.006-06:00

Troubled world economy aside, if you've ever said a little prayer for a return to the funkier side of life, get this: Grace Jones is the cover girl for the new issue of Dazed & Confused. That's right. Strange' is baaaack and in living color.

We'll be able to revel in devilish Grace's latest art photography -- or nudish glamour photography, really -- in the British magazine's November 2008 issue (out October 9). A true Renaissance woman, the art, film, music and fashion icon is photographed by Chris Cunningham. You may know him as the auteur behind Madonna, Madonna's "Frozen" video...

Yes, I typed Madonna twice, referencing a favorite Robin Williams line in "The Bird Cage."

In any case, great to see Grace in the limelight. Just check out this video of Grace Jones performing in full regalia with the late Luciano Pavoratti:

For more, check these Grace Jones links, including her own absolutely stunning website:

~ The World of Grace Jones (The living legend's own impeccable web site)

~ Grace Jones Performs at Meltdown (BBC report, June 2008)

Presidential Debate - Town Hall Bullies, Brats and Bawlers

2008-10-08T03:43:00.008-06:00

On deadline with a writing job, I wasn't able to pay real attention to last night's Town Hall presidential debate. But being of the auditory language modality, as I've learned through writing ebooks on hypnosis, "that one" musical line by Barack Obama stood out for me: Bomb, bomb, bomb Iran.
[video]

Who knew John McCain was a lost Beach Boys, the lyricist behind a killer remix of the classic tune "Barbara Ann?"

Hey, but that's just me... Apparently, a certain zinger by McCain stood out, too. Says Seth Walls of Huffington Post about Senator McCain's "That one" jab:

During a discussion about energy, McCain punctuates a contrast with Obama by referring to him as "that one," while once again not looking in his opponent's direction (merely jabbing a finger across his chest). That's not going to win McCain any Miss Congeniality points. Nor will it reassure any voters who believe McCain is improperly trying to capitalize on Obama's "otherness."

Not very presidential on McCain's part. His momma should spank his little butt. If she won't, looks like American voters will. Perhaps this is why Huffington Post is running this blaring, breaking news headline:

Fox, CNN, CBS Reaction Groups: Obama Wins

Pundit Links:

~ That One (video) (Seth Colter Walls, Huffington Post)

~ Mud Pies for "That One" (Maureen Dowd, New York Times)

~ Town Hall Debate: Punch, Counterpunch (Eugene Robinson, Washington Post)

Absolutely Fabulous - Fox Bringing Original Cast to America

2008-10-07T12:54:00.011-06:00

[video]

Stop the '08 election and step aside Simon Cowell... According to Variety, Fox is bringing sexy back: Absolutely Fabulous is coming to America, anew! Hello Edina and Patsy; hello fashion-forward fag hags; hello psychedelic drugs, kinky sex, and rolicking rock 'n roll.

What's most excellent is that both stellar actors from the original Ab Fab -- Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley -- apparently are set to reprise their roles here, debuting 2009. Equally on target is that Jennifer (Eddy) Saunders will executive produce the new, U.S. version of Ab Fab along with Christine Zander of "Saturday Night Live" and Ian Moffet of the BBC.

Several American television series have tried to imitate Absolutely Fabulous, a BBC TV series with a huge and intense cult following. And as one of them, I've enjoyed each short-lived stab at it. But, as they say: Ain't nothing like the real thing, baby. So grab your bong, drop a 'lude and get the party started, Fox.

This almost makes me less disgusted with the politics over at Fox.

I repeat: almost, sweetie dahling!

Links:
~ Absolutely Fabulous [BBC]

~ Absolutely Fabulous [Wiki]

Biden Condolences | McCain Keating Five Video

2008-10-06T16:48:00.014-06:00

Sending heartfelt condolences to vice-presidential candidate Joe Biden and his lovely wife, Jill. Jill Biden lost her mother, Bonny Jean Jacobs, yesterday after a long illness. This New York Times article tells more about the loss of Senator Biden's mother-in-law.

Meanwhile every Obama-ite's good cyberpal, David Plouffe, who heads communications for the Obama campaign, just emailed this message and video. It's about McCain and his involvement in the Keating Five savings and loan scandal:

Dear Viqi,

John McCain wants you to forget about his role in our country's last major financial crisis and costly bailout: the savings and loan crisis of the late '80s and early '90s. But voters deserve to know that the failed philosophy and culture of corruption that created the savings and loan crisis then are alive in the current crisis -- and in John McCain's plans for our economic future. We just released a short documentary about John McCain's role in that financial crisis -- watch it now and share it with your friends:

Voters should know the facts about John McCain's poor judgment -- judgment that has twice placed him on the wrong side of history.

Please forward this email to everyone you know.

Thanks,

David

There ya' go, Dave. No fave is too great for my neighbor, Senator Barack Obama, the next president of the United States. He continues to do all of Chicago, but particularly our cool community of Hyde Park, proud.

Links:

PS -- Here's a link to the landing site for this Obama video, "Keating Economics: John McCain and The Making Of a Financial Crisis." On the site, you can get new Obama news, email the video to your friends, and more.

~ Is John McCain a Crook [Slate in Feb. 2000]

~ Keating 5 or Keating Five [Wiki]

Sarah Palin - One Child Left Behind

2008-10-05T23:48:00.005-06:00

Of course, Maureen Dowd of the New York Times would also have her say about Sarah Palin's dubious way with words. Don't miss Dowd doing duty in this hot op-ed piece,

Sarah’s Pompom Palaver:

Talking at the debate about how she would “positively affect the impacts” of the climate change for which she’s loath to acknowledge human culpability, (Palin) did a dizzying verbal loop-de-loop: “With the impacts of climate change, what we can do about that, as governor, I was the first governor to form a climate change subcabinet to start dealing with the impacts.” That was, miraculously, richer with content than an answer she gave Katie Couric: “You know, there are man’s activities that can be contributed to the issues that we’re dealing with now, with these impacts.”

At another point, she channeled Alicia Silverstone debating in “Clueless,” asserting, “Nuclear weaponry, of course, would be the be-all, end-all of just too many people in too many parts of our planet.” (Mostly the end-all.)

Honestly, I'm so astonished by the nonsensical words of Sarah Palin that I may just dig up the entire vice-presidential debate transcript and post it here soon. No child left behind, eh? Well, this here darn tootin' governor here seems to be proof there that for some, being left behind can have its rewards on your impacts.

Annie Get Your Gun - The Sarah Palin Remix

2008-10-05T03:47:00.017-06:00

Following the Sarah Palin - Joe Biden debate, I wrote a commentary voicing my suspicion that Governor Palin, a Pentecostal, seemed in some sort of rambling, Stepford Wife trance the first half of the debate. Really, if you look a little into hypnosis, you'll discover there are numerous types of trances, so it is quite possible. So much of our everyday lives can be affected by a hypnotic state. They manifest as "highway hypnosis," not being able to get an advertising jingle out of your head, an inability to quit smoking, feeling lifted while dancing, and other common events.

Well, two top New York Times columnists -- Frank Rich and Gail Collins -- also wrote about Sarah Palin's peculiar ramblings during the debate. They don't go as far as I have in wondering if she was in some sort of trance, but their way with summarizing her warbly words is wholly entertaining.

Talking In Points by Gail Collins had me laughing out loud. This Palin debate quote Collins cites is absolutely priceless:

She appeared to agree with Dick Cheney’s manic theory that the vice president is a member of both the executive and legislative branches, although it’s hard to tell since she began her answer this way: “Well, our founding fathers were very wise there in allowing through the Constitution much flexibility there in the office of the vice president. And we will do what is best for the American people in tapping into that position and ushering in an agenda that is supportive and cooperative with the president’s agenda in that position.”

Say whuuut?! Not only does Palin envision becoming the new gangsta, gun-toting Dick in a dress, working her own separate agenda, she can barely put two sentences together to say it.

Frank Rich, in Pitbull Palin Mauls McCain, takes a bite out of the surreal Republican scene this way:

The standard take has it that she’s either speaking utter ignorant gibberish (as to Couric) or reciting highly polished, campaign-written sound bites that she’s memorized (as at the convention and the debate). But there’s a steady unnerving undertone to Palin’s utterances, a consistent message of hubristic self-confidence and hyper-ambition. She wants to be president, she thinks she can be president, she thinks she will be president. And perhaps soon. She often sounds like someone who sees herself as half-a-heartbeat away from the presidency.

If Mr. Rich's observation is correct about Palin all but feeling the Oval Office leather warming her hot sexy Sarah Palin photos in stilettos buns (per the Google searches that are driving tons of traffic to this post, tell Katie bar the door and Annie get your gun. This new sheriff coming to town is utterly out of this world.

Links:

~ Annie Oakley, legendary sharpshooter and first American female superstar [Wiki]

~ Origin of the saying Katie bar the door [World Wide Words]

~ Sarah Palin Childhood Photos 20-image Gallery [Guardian UK]

Sarah Palin Debate: Out of Body, Out of Nowhere

2008-10-03T07:11:00.020-06:00

I applaud Sarah Palin for "showing up and showing out" in her big debate with Joe Biden. Leading up to the vice presidential debate, I wondered if there could be a surreal moment when Sarah Palin shockingly exited the stage early, stage left -- fed up with this challenge.

Luckily, that didn't happen. But there was plenty more going on with Sarah Palin on that stage that has my head spinning post-debate.

I am hard-pressed to recall any politian who so assaulted my senses. For me, it was a problem of body language and nervous ticks. Now, I'm no expert on body language, but here's a recap of my Sarah Palin experience during the debate...

Warning, I'm about to pick a bunch of nits here. If you love Sarah Palin, reading this will tick you the heck off, doggnit.

-- Palin casually greeting Biden with "Hey, can I call you 'Joe'" was cute. But little did I know that casual tone would punctuate the entire debate. Now doggonit. Darn right. You betcha. Similarly, whole letters were missin' from the end of many of her words. After eight years of George Bush "mispronunciating" words, must we now brace ourselves to hear the "g" being clipped off so many of 'em? I mean, how low on the verbal chain can the office of POTUS go?

-- Political pundits are fascinated by the number of times Joe Biden said John McCain versus Palin's less frequent mentions of Obama. I, however, am more intrigued with the number of times Palin said the word also... and also... but also... Was this just a nervous tick, how she was coached to bridge subjects, or a sign of something else? Go count 'em... you decide.

-- Now onto more serious matters. A media pundit last night was quick to credit Palin for not looking like a "moose in the headlights." Well, perhaps I was the only person who picked up on something eerily similar. Most of the time when Governor Palin spoke, it felt like I was watching a Stepford Wife talk: She seemed hypnotized... the entire first half of the debate. Staring (almost) straight into the camera and just this side of rambling, as if in a trance. Reading a mile a minute from a Teleprompter located inside her forehead.

-- Thus, I must confess: I believe Governor Palin was having some type of out-of-body experience. To be clear, I am not mocking this possibility. Truth is, the human mind is an awesome thing; it's designed for survival, by whatever means necessary. You see, for my money, that possible out-of-body experience later was somewhat confirmed...

-- Near the end of the debate, Governor Palin squeezed her eyes peculiarly hard when she said the word blessed. Palin is Pentecostal after all, and Pentecostals are proud of speaking in tongues. So who knows? Maybe someone really did take the wheel to get her through the most intense 90 minutes of her life. The way Palin shut her eyes on blessed seemed deeply prayerful. Like maybe she was thanking Him. Or Her. For amazingly getting her through this.

I haven't addressed other observations -- and I have many. But suffice it to say that I appeciated this about Sarah Palin: She outright acknowledged the questions she wouldn't be answering. Because she couldn't answer them.

It would have been far worse had she tried (again, as with Katie Couric) to bluff her way through stuff she clearly hadn't been rehearsed on. That would have been insulting, as if the American public is too dumb to see she didn't have a clue. So, Palin demonstrated integrity in showing that not even God could whisper the answer to what would warrant pulling the nuclear trigger.

Oh wait, Palin did actually try to answer that one...

Likewise, Palin's former pastor, Tim McGraw, and a fellow parishioner, told CNN this:

Like many Pentecostal churches, some members speak in tongues, although he says he's never seen Palin do so. Church member Caroline Spangler told CNN, "When the spirit comes on you, you utter things that nobody else can understand ... only God can understand what is coming out of our mouths."

Links:

~ What Is Channeling (or Channelling)?

~ Speaking In Tongues

~ The Fight or Flight Response

Obama Waffles and Other Tasteless Politics

2008-09-20T07:13:00.015-06:00

What's race got to do with it, the presidential election? This enlightening essay titled White Privilege, White Entitlement says it all.

In his contrast of the perceptions of every controversy that's swirled around Barack Obama versus those around Sarah Palin, writer Tim Wise presents a compelling examination of racial double standards. Or better still, racial double think.

Here's a shocking sample of Wise's keen insights:

White privilege is when you can call yourself a "fuckin’ redneck," like Bristol Palin’s boyfriend does, and talk about how if anyone messes with you, you'll "kick their fuckin' ass," and talk about how you like to "shoot shit" for fun, and still be viewed as a responsible, all-American boy (and a great son-in-law to be) rather than a thug.

White privilege is when you can attend four different colleges in six years like Sarah Palin did (one of which you basically failed out of, then returned to after making up some coursework at a community college), and no one questions your intelligence or commitment to achievement. Whereas a person of color who did this would be viewed as unfit for college, and probably someone who only got in in the first place because of affirmative action...
Still not convinced that race matters (most?) in this presidential election? Well, perhaps you're hungry for more evidence. Get a taste of the Obama Waffles that are selling like hot cakes. The makers of this offensive play on the old Aunt Jemima pancakes has the audacity to boast this: "Our first product–Obama Waffles–is proudly made in the U.S.A."

I sure wish they didn't claim bragging rights for having manufactured this in the U.S. For more insight into this ill-conceived product and the Republican "family values" groups that helped promote it, check this AP story.

To be fair and balanced, Fox-ish radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh has published his sly views of how the Obama campaign itself is guilty of stoking the flames of racism.

In an opinion piece Limbaugh recent wrote for the Wall Street Journal, Limbaugh lambasts Obama for a "racist" ad targeting Hispanic voters. The Obama includes a sound bite from Rush Limbaugh's own mouth.

Crying foul, Limbaugh wrote this:

Here's the relevant part of the Spanish-language television commercial Mr. Obama is running in Hispanic communities: "They want us to forget the insults we've put up with . . . the intolerance. . . they made us feel marginalized in this country we love so much."

Then the commercial flashes two quotes from me (saying): ". . . stupid and unskilled Mexicans" and "You shut your mouth or you get out!"

Mr. Limbaugh doesn't deny making this inflammatory statement. He just takes issue with his quote allegedly being taken out of context. Of course, when Limbaugh's piece explains exactly what he said on-air about "stupid and unskilled Mexicans," it was far worse than the ad Obama conveyed.

I ask you, who's "waffling" now?

Sarah Palin Photos - Madame Veep Bringing Sexy Back

2008-09-05T10:58:00.015-06:00

News Flash: And we naively thought none of the Republican women could out "hot" Condoleeza Rice wearing those killer dominatrix boots. But we didn't know of sexy Sarah Palin, shown here in death-defying stiletto heels, short black leather mini skirt, and a revealing silk blouse unbuttoned down to there. Blue blouse, blue states, and a woman to be watched by a newly blue Cindy McCain.

It doesn't appear that Sarah Palin's daughter, Bristol, has taken fashion cues from her vice hot mommie, though. Bristol isn't dressed for love, just war. Here, she just doesn't seem to be the same demure mother-to-be seen at the Republican Convention.

According to Wired:

Of course, since relatively few of the electorate knew who Sarah Palin was before last Friday, it makes sense that the top search term for Palin was simply the vice presidential candidate's name. But ... other popular searches for Sarah Palin are with keywords: "hot photos," "Sarah Palin Bikini Photos," "Sarah Palin Nude," and "Sarah Palin Naked."

It's a good thing that women now have the right to vote. Otherwise, men would vote Sarah Palin, star of the "hot photo," right into the Oval Office - stilettos and all... just in time to engineer more of the lucrative oil partnership deals she's known to strike, which according to the New York Times, are cleverly disguised as oil company tax increases.

Links:

-- Palin's Record on Race a Blank Sheet (San Franciso Chronicle)

-- Who Is Sarah Palin (Squidoo)

-- Sarah Palin Picture Gallery (Pop Crunch)

-- Holy Limbaugh - Rush Turns to Mush Over Sarah Palin (L.A. Times)

-- Palin's Lawyer Questions 2 Witnesses (Yahoo! News)

Dr. King to Obama - Dream of Setting the Melting Pot On Fire

2008-08-28T07:21:00.025-06:00

On August 28, 1963, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his resounding "I Have a Dream" speech at the Lincoln Memorial, inspiring the nation to think about and act on racial inequality. Tonight at the Democratic National Convention, a young man sired by an African named Obama will officially accept his party's nomination for President of the United States of America.

The timing of Obama's ascent, culminating with his acceptance speech tonight, seems beyond uncanny. But something more uncanny than the timing exists. Underlying Dr. King's now famous words was the intent of shining a spotlight on the poor treatment of African Americans. But within his message, Dr. King also said this:

"...many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny. And they have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom."

In other words, Dr. King predicted the disconcerting circumstances in which many non-black Americans are surprised to find themselves today.

The American middle class feels increasingly threatened by the dissipation of jobs that pay a decent wage, a highly discriminating health care system, a shrinkage of what the U.S. dollar affords, a dazzling domino-style collapse of homeownership due to foreclosures, and other forces that are crippling the American psyche...

Three years ago, almost to the day, too, Hurricane Katrina blew into New Orleans, causing mass devastation unlike anything we've witnessed in America. What a startling eye-opener that was, that an entire major city could go under -- dead bodies floating everywhere -- and the governments who've promised us protections in return for tax dollars would skip beat after beat to help people survive.

The sea of panicked faces we watched struggle through Katrina overwhelmingly were black. But those being sucked down by a Katrina-like economy and war today are not. They are white, Hispanic -- you name it. And still, there seems to be no "life preserver" available to toss.

Dr. King warned 45 years ago today that Americans would sink or swim together. Well, look at where so many of us are today: drowning in anxiety. Many minorities have waded these treacherous waters for a very long time - historically, in fact. Sadly, too many others are getting to know this lonely, overwhelming feeling, too.

As has been repeated at the Democratic National Convention, America cannot afford four more years of the same. Yes, it is awesome that an African American will accept the nomination tonight. This is a wonderful aspect of Dr. King's dream come true.

But let's not miss the message beyond the symbolizm: Poor treatment for one is evidence that it can happen to all. That poor treatment is manifesting in every area, from how our veterans are treated to how affairs to how people's paychecks are being pilfered as oil profits.

Today marks the beginning of the fight - the fight to protect the American quality of life. God bless America: Let our great melting pot catch afire tonight.

Links:

Witnesses to Dr. King's Dream See a New Hope (New York Times)

I Have A Dream (full text of speech by Martin Luther King Jr.)

Dr. King - Key Resources and Links (Arlington Library)

Obama: Biden His Time?

2008-08-22T22:04:00.010-06:00

Major news trackers suspect that Senator Barack Obama in the next hours will announce Delaware Senator Joe Biden as his running mate. Like the rest of Obama's supporters, I await his big veep announcement email (predicted to drop on Saturday morning), so I can only hope the rumors are true.

I've been a huge Joe Biden fan for many years. In fact, I hoped long ago -- well before he even ran unsuccessfully -- that Biden would run for president. In the absence of that, the possibility of his serving as Obama's vice president sounds like a winning strategy for national restoration. A restoration of faith in our government, the perception of caring, and more appropriate kinds of international involvement.

Joe Biden is one politically astute dude, and to be sure, he is about changing the status quo. I've known of his leadership since my days in college in Philadelphia, a city that borders parts of Delaware. But Biden really began to stand out as a man I respected when I watched his interviews on the old Imus In the Morning Show, before its controversial demise on MSNBC.

Joe Biden was a frequent guest on the Imus show. He could always be counted on not to mince words about his concerns and suspicions pertaining to goings-on in the White House, Iraq, and Afghanistan. When Biden had ill-feelings about how our troops and their families were being dealt with or Halliburton's favor, he spoke up. I don't know of a more stand-up politician in America today.

When Joe Biden was a contender for the presidential nomination that apparently is Obama's, there was too much made about a comment he made about Obama. Biden basically was saying What's not to love about Obama? He's (sic) articulate, clean and good-looking.

Oh, those were real fighting words!

If it's true that Senator Obama has chosen Senator Biden as his running mate, I feel more hopeful than ever that America will get back on a healthy track. Because with these two together, I foresee a lot of Good Cop, Bad Cop in our future. As far as I can tell, Biden is about the best attack dog in American politics and his foreign policy credentials probably are unrivaled.

Biden's extremely well-informed and knows where the bones are buried. If any high crimes have been committed, it may well all come out if Joe Biden's given half a chance. Let us hope he doesn't go Pelosi on us.

Way to go, Joe. I hope major congratulations are in order for you. Hey, you're articulate, clean, and good-looking, too!

Links:

Field Narrows for Obama's Running Mate (New York Times)

Profile: Joseph R. Biden, Jr. (New York Times)

Hoping It's Biden (Columnist David Brooks, New York Times)

Isaac Hayes Tribute in Memphis at Stax

2008-08-20T14:59:00.012-06:00

Like many authentic old school music fans, I am stunned by the recent death of Isaac Hayes. The loss of Isaac Hayes looms so large, it's difficult to express who he represented in the 1970s and 1980s soul music pantheon...

I don't mean from a commercial, number of copies-sold stand point, either. I'm talking about the REAL mark that Black Moses made, hot buttering our hearts and seducing our souls:

...That sensitive, all-true-man voice that hypnotized a people back in the day... The blue lights in the basesment slow jam moments where an Isaac Hayes jam taught us the joys and pain of romance. And informed us of how to express sweet puppy love.

And at the same time, legendarily introduced a fresh and lushly orchestrated sound in black music. And kept it real...

"By the Time I Get to Phoenix" (Glenn Campbell song that Isaac stunningly
reinvented)
"Never Can Say Good-bye" (Jackson Five song that Isaac knocked
to Mars)
"Love's So Doggone Good"
"Walk On By"
"Do Your Thang"
"Good Love 69969"
Even the well-sampled "Blind Alley" by The Emotions?!

Gotta love the many hip-hop producers who've sampled music by Isaac Hayes over the decades. But only those of us of a certain age probably feel this loss in our bones. If you were there, you don't need my mere words. You know...

Isaac Hayes. The gifted truth and soul of a nation. R.I.P. Black Moses. Hot Buttered Soul forever...

Links:
* Isaac Hayes Tribute in Memphis at Stax (New York Times)

* iReporters Remember Isaac Hayes as 'Electrifying' (CNN)

* 10 Classic Hip-hop Songs That Sampled Isaac Hayes (Rap.About.com)

Rachelle Farrell, Fertile Ground, Lady of Rage at African Festival of The Arts

2008-08-20T12:00:00.011-06:00

If you're in Chicago this Labor Day weekend, don't miss the African Festival of the Arts. Now the largest of all annual neighborhood summer festivals in Chicagoland, this year's African Festival boasts a music and concert lineup that's jam packed with top-shelf entertainment. The cultural arts, entertainment and ethnic cuisine action starts on Friday, August 29 and continues thru Monday, September 1, 2008.

First and foremost will be the impeccable vocal and piano phenomenon Rachelle Farrell. If you're a fan of Rachelle and have never seen her live, do not miss her concert at the African Festival. Rachelle Farrell hits the Dee Parmer stage on Sunday, August 31 at 7:45 p.m.

Rachelle's music style defies true genre labeling. I first learned of this brilliant musician back in Philadelphia, the area she's originally from. In her early days, Rachelle performed as a jazz vocalist at cozy venues like the old Khyber Pub on infamously exciting South Street. But Rachelle's soulful repertoire also ventures into R&B, gospel and even folk-twinged music.

I enjoyed meeting Rachelle and her brother, Russell, on the Tom Joyner Cruise some years ago, and hung out a while with them. They are the coolest. Amazingly, Russell has the same exceptional vocal gift as his sister. He joined her on-stage to sing Will Downing's part in the duet "Nothing Has Ever Felt" and seriously blew everyone away! Clearly, the gift is in the Farrell genes.

Also performing at the African Festival, leading up to Rachelle Farrell in concert will be jazz great Mulgrew Miller at 4:30 p.m.

Two popular neo-soul acts are part of this year's African Festival as well. Fertile Ground performs on the World Music stage on opening day, Friday, August 29. And on Saturday, August 30, the French neo-soul duo Les Nubians gets under way at 6:15 p.m.

If you're a hip-hop music lover, the African Festival offers an awesome lineup for you, too. Special Ed, Lady of Rage and Big Daddy Kane all perfom live throughout the day and evening of Saturday, August 30. Keith Murray and Nice and Smooth are gracing the Hip-Hop Stage on Sunday, August 31. And last but not least, Black Sheep, Rhymefest and Brand Nubian do their killer old school-inspired thing on Monday, September 1.

For more about the 2008 African Festival of the Arts, check these links:

African Festival of the Arts

Mulgrew Miller [Wiki]

Rachelle Farrell [Wiki]

Bernie Mac Memorial - K-lawwwd, We'll Always Love You

2008-08-16T06:31:00.016-06:00

Today here on Chicago's South Side, thousands of people are expected to attend a public memorial for comedian, actor and Chicago favorite son Bernie Mac. Born Bernard Jeffrey McCullough 50 years ago, Bernie transitioned this world last Saturday. Today, his friends and fans everywhere celebrate his homegoing, appreciating the powerfully healing laughter he gave the world over the years.

Schedule for noon today, the memorial for Bernie Mac takes place at the 10,000-seat House of Hope church (752 East 114th Street). Fellow funnyman D. L. Hughley will speak at the service. Mac's TV family cast members from The Bernie Mac Show will attend and so apparently will many Hollywood friends from the big and small screens. Mayor Richard Daley also plans to attend.

Bernie's many acting successes included having his own Fox television series "The Bernie Mac Show," which taped from 2001 - 2006 and remains strong on the rerun circuit. He also had starring roles in blockbuster films such as "Ocean's Eleven," "Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle," and "Transformers."

But Bernie forever emblazoned himself in my heart when he played that throwed-off reverend in the zany Ice Cube produced movie "Friday." K-lawwwd!!

While it was complications from pnemonia that Bernie could not surmount, he had suffered with sarcoidosis since 1983. A friend who also has suffered with the disease -- which she says "moves around" in the body -- wonders if the medications that Mac and so many others take to manage "sarcoid" left his body unable to fight the pnemonia when it emerged.

Among the many celebrities who're clearly shaken up by Bernie's demise is talk show giant Larry King. Last night's Larry King Live show was dedicated to Bernie Mac, with his fellow Kings of Comedy tour cohorts fondly remembering The Mac Man. Comedians Steve Harvey, Cedric the Entertainer and D. L. Hughley were among's King's guests. Ashton Kutcher also was on the show and simply seemed stunned by the loss of his friend and movie co-star.

Larry King mentioned the family's request that condolences be sent as contributions to: The Bernie Mac Foundation for Sarcoidosis, 40 E. 9th St., Suite 601, Chicago, IL 60605.

R.I.P., Bernard McCullough. You fought the good fight. You sure done good!

Links:
My Student, Bernie Mac (Chicago Tribune)

Bernie Mac - The Final Hours (RushPRNews)

Sarcoidosis Signs and Symptoms (National Heart Lung & Blood Institute)

Nancy Pelosi - Throwing the Book at Her

2008-08-15T17:35:00.004-06:00

I happened to catch a little of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on "The View" recently, promoting her book, “Know Your Power: A Message to America’s Daughters.” I wasn't able to give the interview my full attention. Really, my interest started to wane fairly early in the chat, for some reason.

It took reading this New York Times article to realize why: The Why-Haven't-You-Impeached-the-President Tour.

Nancy Pelosi joins Senator Hillary Clinton on the heartbreak bandwagon. Just when they had real opportunities to take a stand -- to press for truth about how and why the U.S. landed in Iraq -- they folded. Lots of tough talk in the beginning. But when the rubber really hit the road, they stood down.

Neither powerful woman, of course, would risk going the way of former Georgia Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney. Her leadership in posing tough questions to the Bush Administration about the September 11 attacks led Republicans to gang-up on her and oust her; they "cross-voted" as Democrats against her in an election.

Many Democrat leaders clammed up and let McKinney take the bullet, to put it mildly. McKinney is now running for U.S. president as the candidate on the Green Party ticket. She's also involved in a plethora of leadership activities, among them prison reform and hip-hop activism.

Somehow I suspect that when the dust settles, Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice will be the only political power puff still standing in a way:

She's the only of these prominent lady politians who has not ruffled any friendly feathers.

Like her or not, Dr. Rice has been consistent. We had no special expectations of her to challenge the status quo. Sadly, Madame Secretary has not disappointed.

From Vogue to Flickr, Black Models are Beautiful

2008-08-13T13:31:00.012-06:00

About once a month I talk to my highly-entertaining, fashion-guru friend, Cheryl, in Philadelphia. She's always got a hot link I need to look at. Today's link from Cheryl is awesome! It's the Italian Vogue - July issue, which is dedicated to fashion models of African descent.

Jezebel.com gives an excellent blow-by-blow photo essay of the stunning glamour photography and fashion shots. It's hot, sexy, edgy stuff, as only Italian fashion photography gives it.

Every top black model is spotlighted. From Alek Wek, Naomi Campbell and Tyra Banks to Iman, Liya Kebede and Lily Taylor -- you name her, she's in there. This includes Toccara, who's captured magnificently in a car trunk!

The only black models photography that's possibly hotter is that on Flickr, in the Second Life groups. My, those Second Life virtual girls do get exotic.

But so does photographer extraordinairre Steven Meisel [wiki], who shot most of the girls for Italian Vogue's "black girls" issue. The photo essay at Jezebel.com does mention, however, that none of the advertisements surrounding the Meisel editorial feature black models.

Italian Vogue compiled this special, 100-page editorial in July as a "statement against discrimination in the fashion world." It's not news that plenty still exists, but it's kind of Vogue to acknowledged it in such an attention-grabbing way. Not much will likely change in the industry because it, but Italian Vogue has benefitted nicely from the controversy and publicity.

For a compelling perspective on the barriers faced by most black fashion models, don't miss this New York Times piece.

Bilal and Jill Scott in Concert

2008-07-28T10:39:00.009-06:00

Two rare neo soul music gifts -- Jill Scott and Bilal -- will both hit the concert stage tomorrow at Chicago's Northerly Island outdoor pavilion. This means that Friday, August 8, 2008 could make Chicago lakeside history. This day may go down as one on which die-hard neo soul lovers witnessed Jill Scott and Bilal Sayeed Oliver rock Lake Michigan so intensely, we'll experience a soul music tsunami!

Many neo soul lovers have seen Jill Scott live before and know the unabashed power of her beautiful personality and vocal ability. Jill, of course, also did a "Jennifer Hudson," doing a stellar job with an acting role in Tyler Perry's hit film Why Did I Get Married? (An award Jill might have deserved over J.H. in a more fair, less Holly-hyped world.)

But if you've never experienced Bilal in concert, get ready and get SET. The man behind the 2001 hit "Soul Sista," Bilal in concert is spectacular. His one and only officially released CD -- 1st Born Second -- remains one of my all-time favorites. He offers today what made so many love fresh moody funk-rockers such as Sly Stone, Prince, and perhaps even Gil Scott Heron.

Classically trained with the coolest falsetto voice, avant garde Bilal has a cult following that won't give up on him - despite his record label challenges with Interscope. In concert, he is known to sandwich an aria between cult album cuts he may have recorded with the likes of Jay-Z, Common, Erykah Badu, Talib Kweli, or Dr. Dre.

Stellar talents they both are, Jill Scott and Bilal. Both are natives of my beloved former city of Philadelphia. Much like their hip-hop brethern The Roots, these two Philadelphia artists are icons in the neo-soul movement. Almost every one of these revered artists graduated the acclaimed Philadelphia High School for Creative & Performing Arts.

Enjoy some vintage video footage of the dynamic duo who're touring together and turning out places left and right:

If you're interested in concert tickets, the rest of the Bilal & Jill Scott tour schedule includes:

Aug 7 2008
8:00P
starlight Theatre
Kansas City, Missouri

Aug 8 2008
8:00P
Charter One
Chicago, Illinois

Aug 15 2008
8:00P
Highline Ballroom
New York, New York

Aug 26 2008
8:00P
Yoshis San Francisco
San Francisco

Aug 27 2008
8:00P
Yoshis San Francisco
San Francisco

Aug 28 2008
8:00P
Yoshis San Francisco
San Francisco, California

Be there -- somewhere -- or be square. (Philly repreSENT!)

Links:
Bilal's MySpace

Bilal Wiki

Who Is Jill Scott?

Jill's MySpace

Obama In Afghanistan - Cultural Exchange

2008-07-20T09:29:00.003-06:00

With presidential hopeful Senator Barack Obama making a stop in Afghanistan the first in his whirlwind world tour, now seems a good time for us to a take closer look, too.

Since Osama bin Laden, the man who allegedly knocked down America's beloved Twin Towers (World Trade Center), is believed by many to still be holed up in Afghanistan's treacherously mountainous border with Pakistan, today we join Senator Obama in taking a closer look at this complex society.

According to the Christian Science Monitor, a recent "brazen and deadly attack on a US-Afghan outpost in an area near the Pakistani border is raising new concerns that foreign fighters bent on fighting the West are retraining their sights from Iraq to Afghanistan and Pakistan."

Still, it's not all about al Quaeda in Afghanistan [wiki]. It's nation that remains trapped between the ideology and opportunities of both east and west.

1. National Geographic - Afghan Heroin

2. Promoting Perfume, Not Poppies, in Afghanistan

3. Afghan Tae Kwon Do Champ Aims for Olympic Glory

For reports of Obama's trip to Afghanistan, follow these links:

PBS Frontline reported in 2006 on The Return of the Taliban

Ex CIA bin laden hunter on why U.S. cannot find bin Laden

MichaelMoore.com on Obama's Afghanistan tour

"Obama Girl" Times Two - Obama Children Video

2008-07-12T03:32:00.009-06:00

If you're new to the South Side Star, you may not know how proud I am that Senator Barack Obama and family live in my neighborhood, the historic Hyde Park community in Chicago.

So I was delighted to catch this enchanting TV interview yesterday starring "my neighbor's" absolutely adorable daughters...

Daddy had an afro, indeed! lol I didn't even think children the generation of 10-year-old Malia and 7-year-old Sasha knew what the heck an afro was!

frobama button at CafePress

Witch Doctors Make Suburban House Calls

2008-07-01T04:06:00.012-06:00

You just never know what's going on in your neighbor's home. For instance, consider the situation surrounding Edward Bachner IV of Lake of the Hills, Illinois.

A mild-mannered financial planner and co-owner of a small technology company in a Chicago suburb, Bachner was swooped down on yesterday morning by the FBI. They'd been alerted that Bachner recently purchased a mega amount of tetrodotoxin, the deadly poison derived from pufferfish.

Bachner is alleged to have had enough tetrodotoxin in his home to kill 100 people.

This is another one of those news stories that specially grabs my imagination. I'm intrigued by this because I once did some lightweight research on tetrodotoxin, or TTX. My exploration into tetrodoxin revolved around a suspense novel I was writing, which had elements of Haitian vodou or voodoo in it.

Many believe that tetrodotoxin is among the secret ingredients that's used to turn people into zombies. Although people who make zombies would never admit it... We're to believe it's their mystical will and access to the Gods alone that cause sudden paralysis and then often death.

It was Harvard doctoral candidate Wade Davis who stumbled upon the secret use of TTX by sorcerers in Haiti. Wade Davis then wrote a famously trippy book-turned-movie about it, both titled The Serpent and the Rainbow.

TTX does its damage by blocking the sodium channels in the muscle and nerve cells. (Yes, it's true: The body must have some sodium or it will perish, which I recently learned through an aunt's illness.) This is probably why voodoo practitioners believe that administering salt will cure a zombie.

So to all those who were within reach of Edward Bachner, this might be a good time to stock up on top-of-the-line salt. Not that cheap, brand X salt, either. Buy the most expensive salt you can find. Morton's or die.

And if you come anywhere close to a zombie this summer, I hope it's only one like this:

Zombie cocktail

1 oz. Apricot Brandy
1 oz. light or puerto-rican rum
1 oz. dark or jamaican rum
1 oz. lemon juice
1 oz. lime juice
dashes of grenadine and orange juice
1 oz. dark Rum

In a cocktail shaker, mix light & dark rums and brandy. Add lemon and lime juice and dashes grenadine. Shake well and strain into a higball glass filled with ice. Fill glass with orange juice leaving room to float 1 oz of 151. Garnish with cherry, orange slice, pinapple wedge.

Taste of Chicago - Chaka Khan, Stevie Wonder, Fantasia, Joss Stone

2008-06-27T08:20:00.012-06:00

Here's a hearty shout out to the City of Chicago for creating an awesome 2008 Taste of Chicago concert lineup. Of course, the Taste of Chicago starts today, Friday, June 27, with a powerhouse soul concert starring the legendarily funky Chaka Khan and neo soul super nova Angie Stone.

A true South Side Star, Chaka Khan grew up here in Chicago and started her stunning musical career in the very neighborhood from whence I write: historic Hyde Park. Chaka attended high school with my good friend's mother. In fact, my friend's mom says she and Chaka were very close back in those days and were in a girl group together. But I think my friend's mom is a little... ummm displeased with how the girl she knew as Yvette Stevens bussed it to Hollywood without her. Oh well... I doubt that Mrs. W. will be hitting the Taste tonight to see her old pal. (The woman actually glares at me hatefully whenever I mention how big a fan of Chaka I am.)

On Saturday, June 28, the indescrible Stevie Wonder takes the stage... and probably won't leave... I've noticed over the years that Stevie runs things wherever he performs. He doesn't seem to care about union labor laws. He always surprises the stage workers and producers by launching one more song... and then another. But we love it, Stevie. He's probably one of the few artists that really has 99 more hits worth staying on and on and on to hear! His are encores that never cease.

And hey! Tuesday, July 1, that young British old soul diva Joss Stone takes the stage at the Taste of Chicago. I hope she kicks her shoes off and runs around barefoot at the Taste, as I've noticed her do in concert on TV. When Joss Stone does this, it's as if she's channeling Tina Marie and Janice Joplin all at once, with a hint of Patti LaBelle (sans shoes).

And then, be still my heart -- Fantasia Barino, the American Idol superstar and instant New Queen of Soul graces the Taste of Chicago. I must confess: Fantasia is the one and only American Idol contestant I've ever called in to vote for. I'll always wish I'd visited New York City to catch her starring in The Color Purple on Broadway. But hopefully when Fantasia does the Taste on Wednesday, July 3, she'll bless the audience with that riveting song from the play that always makes her (and everyone else) start crying:

For more 2008 Taste of Chicago news, check these links:

Headliners at Taste of Chicago Lineup

Chicago Reader gives complete music schedule

Chicago Tribune profiles both soul music legends delivering the double-whammy weekend: Chaka Khan on Friday and Stevie Wonder on Saturday

Oz Never Did Give Nothing to The Tin Man

2008-06-24T17:45:00.007-06:00

The Original Tin Man
Who's a popping, locking amazing street performerIn downtown Chicago is a TRIP!Of all his intriguing tricks and dance moves, the coolest was catching him walk into Walgreen's. With much-needed help for all his props.Warm it up, Tin Man. It MUST be summer in Chicago!

More digital photography of Chicago | http://flickr.com/photos/urbanislands

Return to Forever Concert - Jazz Fusion Bliss

2008-06-23T05:41:00.014-06:00

Wow: Return to Forever in concert in Chicago last Friday night (June 20, 2008). I thought I'd never see this impeccable progressive jazz quartet together again live. But there they were, on-stage at the faboulous Chicago Theater: the legendary Stanley Clark, Al DiMeola, Lenny White, and Chick Corea.

It was a huge night for Return to Forever fans... We're still pinching ourselves: RTF was HERE!!! Live. Every last one of them!

Four gifted musicians, each a jazz innovator, together they're masterful aural art. RTF are the original uncanny, long-lost lovers; they keep popping in and out of their fans' lives... They've flirted and teased fans for 25 years, which is the last time they put out an album together.

So RTF let us have it. We're all still smoking the post-coital cigarette...

For their legion of die-hard 1970s jazz fusion fans, everything's forever fresh and forever genius in Return to Forever land. For ever-ever!

Check out RTF in this vintage clip of Romantic Warrior, from their 1976 signature album.

We're all still applauding, still in a standing "O" in our hearts and minds. If you can, see them in New York at United Palace on August 8th. If I could, I'd fly to NYC just to experience Return to Forever again.

God continue to bless our beloved drummer Lenny White, lead guitarist Al DiMeola, keyboardist Chick Corea, and bassist Stanley Clark. You guys all look so hot and healthy, too!

Links:
Chicago Return to Forever Concert Photos / Backstage & On-stage

ChickCorea.com

AllAboutJazz.com - Return to Forever concert review